~ Chapter Thirteen ~
Standing before the Headmaster was one of the last things Ciaran wanted to be doing that day. He'd already been through so much what with preparing the cabinet and ruining the man's reputation further. It had been a trying day for him and the Slytherin's. All he wanted to do was collapse within his father's quarters and relax. He wanted to sit down and hear his father's quill scratch at numerous essays marking them with red. Obviously that was too much to ask for when concerning this man.
Ciaran felt his eyebrow twitch in annoyance much likes his father's.
Why was this man always harassing him? He hadn't done anything as Ciaran. In fact he'd been one of the best students Hogwarts had seen in a while almost on par with his grandfather. If anything the man should be pleased with him and leave him be. But no the Headmaster continuously sought him out. It was very annoying but he had to put up with it until the Death Eaters could infiltrate Hogwarts and kill the man. That would be a joyous day in Ciaran's world however there was only one problem with that, the cabinet.
For his own sanity, he really needed to finish fixing that blasted cabinet as soon as possible.
Whatever, currently what he needed to do was address his main problem… that being the old codger blocking his path.
"Yes Headmaster, is there something I can help you with?" Ciaran enquired politely, turning to face the man properly.
As it was, his father would probably already be informed of this meeting and would be rushing to intercept them at any moment. No Slytherin desired to be left alone with the Muggle-loving Headmaster for any length of time so they looked out for their own. The fact that he was also the heir to the Dark Lord helped to speed things along.
Merlin, would he be in trouble if his grandfather found out about these continuous small meetings between them. He was likely to forbid Ciaran from walking anywhere alone ever again… even at home. As it was he had only just managed to escape the last set of eyes he had trained on himself "for his own safety". He could take care of himself regardless of what everyone else believed. Ciaran was just never given a chance to. His overprotective relatives were smothering him yet again.
Ciaran kept his attention on the Headmaster as he began to speak.
"There were actually several items I would like to discuss with you, my boy. However these items are rather private so perhaps we could move towards my office and continue speaking there." The Headmaster said jovially.
This could only go from bad to worse. Ciaran remembered that tone of voice from when he was Harry Potter. It was the same tone of voice he often used when his plans went his way. The Headmaster was obviously pleased with finally tracking him down while he was alone. What was it that he had to speak so desperately to him about?
"I'm afraid, Headmaster, that I was just on my way to visit my father and if I don't turn up at the correct time then he will send the other Slytherin's to locate me or even him. You wouldn't want a group of Slytherin's knocking at your door, bothering you when this is obviously very important, would you?" he replied.
Of course this was only a distraction to keep the man talking for a while longer. Ciaran could hear his father's thoughts being directed towards him. They were practically screaming at him though his father knew Occlumency. It didn't make any difference. His father was thinking solely on one topic and that one topic, him, was far easier to hear than a hundred smaller subject's at once. The much feared Potions Professor would be here in moments and he would be saved.
"I'm sure that it wouldn't be too much trouble, dear boy. This should only be brief. Shall we head up to my office now-"
"Ciaran, where have you been?" the dark voice reached him, effectively cutting of the Headmaster.
Ciaran didn't even need to turn to his father to realize his father was really irritated. He'd obviously heard how the Headmaster kept addressing him and wasn't all too pleased with it. Not many people would be. The word 'boy' was something that no one in their teens, let alone adulthood, enjoyed being called. Yet the Headmaster did anyway just to annoy people. Severus would never accept that.
"Forgive me father," Ciaran said. "The Headmaster had something of terrible importance to speak to me with. It would probably be helpful if you were there as well since you are my guardian. I wouldn't like it if I were in trouble, after all."
Oh, he had played that well, Ciaran thought. The Headmaster looked as if he were caught between a rock and a hard place. Of course that was exactly where he was.
Dumbledore wouldn't have wanted to discuss anything of importance with the father or guardian present with them. That was what made it so simple for him to manipulate Harry Potter. Potter didn't have any parents and the only guardians he had were magic-hating muggles. That was definitely an easy combination for the man to manipulate.
Ciaran however was different. He had a father who cared for him and a grandfather who would look after him should his father die. Between the pair of them, though restricting as they were, he was protected from Dumbledore's manipulations and the Order of the Phoenix. With them by his side, he wouldn't ever have to worry about being used by the Light. They would protect him.
"Indeed," his father sneered. "Is there a reason, Headmaster, that you are attempting to get Ciaran on his own for a talk?"
Dumbledore, to his credit, didn't stutter or allow his mask of joy to fall from his face. He kept calm before Severus and his scowl. The Headmaster was one of the few that could manage that. Not many could when faced with the Snape scowl.
"Why Severus, we've already discussed this. Certainly you haven't already forgotten? I was simply going to enquire about young Ciaran's thoughts on his choice for this war. It is a big deal after all and I have to make sure my students have an open and equal opportunity to choose for themselves."
Severus scowled. "Oh, I remember quite clearly. I also remember telling you that you wouldn't use my son in your campaign. He will not be a part of your schemes."
"Why don't we ask young Ciaran what he believes to be the best course of action?" Dumbledore said.
Ciaran couldn't help but look a little lost as both adults turned to him. They were arguing over his decision in this war. But hadn't he already made it most clear? He was in Slytherin with a Death Eater father and surrounded by future Death Eater friends. If anything he was being far too obvious. There must have been something more to Dumbledore's plans than him simply choosing a side.
'You are to join the Dark Lord and be marked at Yule. Do not speak anything else.'
His father's thoughts were strong inside his mind. They were obviously telling him what to say in response to the Headmaster's questions. Ciaran trusted his father inexplicitly, so when he answered Dumbledore he didn't even glance at Severus.
"I've already decided to join the Dark Lord along with my friends. We all are to be marked during the Yule holidays, Headmaster."
Ciaran withheld a smirk as Dumbledore's face turned sour. It was obvious that wasn't the answer he had been hoping for and could only wonder what his father had been speaking about with the Headmaster. Maybe he could con his father into telling him later this evening during their usual afternoon chats.
"Yes, I have heard of that unfortunate decision." The Headmaster continued. "I was actually hoping to propose something else to you as a result of that."
This was unbelievable. Ciaran couldn't understand what Dumbledore was attempting to put forward. There really wasn't much else he could do when he was within the ranks of the Death Eaters. What more could that man want? Unless…
"I will not spy for you." Ciaran said scowling.
That was the only other thing left that he could think of. Spying, like his father, for Dumbledore was out of the question. His father might be able to get away with playing spy for both sides and being loyal to one but he wasn't one of them. Not only that but he rather doubt his grandfather would allow such a thing to occur under his watch considering who he was. Dumbledore was out of luck with this one and by the looks of it he still wasn't going to give up.
"Surely it wouldn't be that bad. You could easily learn everything you need to know from your father who would be more than willing to-"
"I will not teach my son anything to aid in this attempt to secure another spy. We have already discussed this Headmaster and my position remains the same. Ciaran will never be a spy for you. I will not allow him to place himself in such a dangerous position." Severus snarled.
There was no way he was going to put up with this. His son was not going to endanger his life for the sake of Dumbledore's little army. If Dumbledore desired more cannon fodder then he could go and use his own little drones and not his son.
Ciaran could only agree. Becoming a spy as complicated as his father wasn't something that he ever desired to do. Not only was it ridiculous to keep up with everything but he needed to keep his emotions under control. That was something he had problems with. Controlling his emotions was something he didn't really care to think of since he had more trouble controlling the thoughts he heard from people every day. Spying was simply not something he could ever do.
With his father's words, Dumbledore appeared to back down on the spying front but Ciaran could feel that another topic was coming up that he wanted nothing to do about. If there was one thing that could be said about the Headmaster it was that he was very persistent.
"Severus, a young man such as Ciaran can't constantly be surrounded by Death Eaters for the entire holidays. Allow him to spend some time with the Weasley's. It would be good for him to be around children of a more appropriate background wouldn't you say?" Dumbledore enquired.
Ciaran gritted his teeth as Dumbledore spoke. This man was attempting to sway him to the Light side without even considering him or his thoughts on the matter. Now this discussion was beginning to get out of hand and he had to put a stop to it.
"Headmaster, why would I desire to spend my holidays without my family? Holidays are meant to be spent with friends and family not with a group of strangers. I don't even speak to the few Weasley's at Hogwarts. What makes you think I would enjoy spending time with them when I could be spending it surrounded by those that love me?" Ciaran snarled.
He was not going to be spending the only time he got to relax with the Weasley brood. It would be terrible and horrifying for him. They would attempt to sway his thoughts on the war even if he had the Dark Mark. Then if that didn't work they would probably start using more force. That was something that he wasn't going to allow and he knew his father would agree.
"Indeed Headmaster, I believe my son has answered all of your questions and I agree with his decision. Ciaran will be spending the Yule holidays with those that care for him. After all, this will be his first Yule without his mother. Spending it around strangers won't do him any good." Severus spoke firmly.
There wouldn't be anyone brave enough to change his mind when he was this firm. However the Headmaster obviously wasn't as smart as he likely to portray.
"Severus, it would be healthy for him-"
"Enough Headmaster, you will not proceed to question my son any further. He will not be yours to manipulate. You may have gotten away with it with Harry Potter but you will not with my son. From this moment onwards Headmaster you won't go near my son unless he has a Slytherin escort and if you attempt to sway his decisions you will deal with his grandfather." Severus said, putting his foot down on the matter entirely.
The magic in the hall felt Severus' words and moved to take effect. It wasn't as good as a vow taken willingly, but if the Headmaster attempted to circumvent his father's wishes on this matter then the magic that had reacted would cause some unpleasant reactions for the man. Nothing damaging… well except for perhaps his pride and ego but that had already taken a nose dive.
Dumbledore, thankfully, appeared to deflate before the Potions Master. There was no way he could get past that.
"Very well Severus, you have my word. Ciaran shall not be approached by me in the future unless he has a Slytherin escort."
Severus nodded his head and wrapping an arm around his son, turned to leave. There was after all no reason to remain in the vicinity with the Headmaster if everything was solved. If they did remain, he would only find some other reason to continue to speak to Severus and Ciaran. More inane ramblings from that man was not something they could currently stand more of.
Once away from the man, Severus scowled but kept a tight grip on his son. What had his child been thinking? To wander around on his own was simply asking for one of the Order members to rain down on him with their views. He could have been forced to do something that would displease the Dark Lord. Then everyone loyal to the Dark Lord at Hogwarts would have been punished including his son.
"You should not be wandering around alone, Ciaran." He scolded.
Ciaran glowered silently. All he had desired to do was spend a small amount of time by himself. The guards were starting to irritate him. It was getting to the point that he couldn't even walk from the Common Room to his father's rooms without someone either walking with him or tailing him the entire way and back. He was followed everywhere and had no time to relax by himself and that was all he wanted.
"I understand father but I wanted to spend some time on my own. I hardly turn around without someone accompanying me. It's just been getting too much for me to handle." Ciaran apologized.
"Regardless, you should know better than that. If your grandfather discovers you have been wandering around without an escort and having impromptu meetings with the Headmaster, he will not be pleased. He may even go as far as to pull you out of Hogwarts all together. Then what will you do?"
He knew that it would eventually get to that point. His grandfather was simply that protective of his only heir. If that occurred then Draco would be screwed. He wouldn't be able to get in and work on the cabinet anymore because of its location. Then he would have to face the Dark Lord by himself and explain his failure. Severe punishment would follow. Ciaran would never allow that to happen to his friend.
"Of course father. I promise I won't do anything unnecessary to cause harm against myself. But can we make sure that my guards are at least people I know so I won't be tempted to run off. I also want to have at least some time to myself. There is nothing worse than having to spend time around people constantly when I prefer to be on my own. It gives me a headache."
Severus flinched. Being subtly reminded that his son was pained to hear other's thoughts wasn't something that was meant to come from this conversation.
It wasn't that he forgot about his son's condition. No, that wasn't the problem. He just wasn't paying enough attention to his son's mental health as well as his physical health. With everything he had believed that his son could easily hide his feelings and thoughts on the tailing. Yet when he had to constantly hear other peoples' thoughts it was harder to keep everything contained. It was a wonder that Ciaran hadn't flipped out or attacked someone in desperation to keep his own mind healthy and quiet.
"Forgive me. I should have thought of that before we began this entire situation. Your grandfather and I overlooked your ability in our plans. We believed that this ability didn't pain you as much as Weasley had explained. Obviously it is more difficult to control yourself when you have everyone's thoughts in your head. We'll have to find a way to make you happy with this situation as well."
Silence followed that. In all of his years knowing his father (even as Harry), he'd never heard Severus give to an argument that easily. Sure against Dumbledore, Severus put up a little resistance and then gave into the request but he'd never simply folded that swiftly. It was kind of surprising in a way to see.
However Ciaran wasn't going to even mention this to his father. He'd received what he had desired so he didn't really want to begin an argument where he could potentially lose everything he had gained. That would just be foolish.
When arriving at Severus' rooms, his father simply gave the portrait guarding the doors a nod before it opened. What the password was, Ciaran had no clue. His father had never told anyone. Every time he arrived at his father's door, he had to knock. It was very annoying but there was nothing he could do about it. Even when his father walked up to the door he didn't use the password, the portrait simply knew it was him. It was entirely confusing.
Ciaran immediately went to his favourite sofa as his father collapsed on his armchair. He could tell that his father was just building up to a major discussion. The talk might not necessarily be anything about him being in trouble but he was cautious nonetheless.
"Ciaran, do you know what the Headmaster's plans are?" his father asked.
It was obviously a question that was going to be answered further by his father but he felt it necessary to answer in any case. He couldn't know for sure around his father.
"No father, I'm not aware of what Dumbledore has planned. As far as I was concerned that wasn't anything to do with me any longer since I'm not his saviour. However the previous encounter with him leads me to believe otherwise currently."
Severus sighed. Occasionally, he wished that his son would pay closer attention to his surroundings than he normally did. At least then he wouldn't have to worry about informing him of the numerous plots surrounding him.
"For the past few months, Dumbledore has been pressing me to allow you to do numerous feats for the Order of the Phoenix." He informed his son.
Ciaran wasn't all that shocked. He'd known that Dumbledore was always scheming 'for the Greater Good' but this was beginning to get ridiculous. No son of a Death Eater, even a Death Eater spy, would agree to something like that. It would simply be suicidal to go against the Dark Lord in such a manner. Like Regulus Black, they would be killed without mercy.
"At first," Severus continued. "He wanted you to take the place of Harry Potter. You would have had to walk around both the school and the Ministry posing as Potter so not to cause the people any alarm. As it is I'm not sure how Dumbledore has kept the people's fear of losing Harry Potter away from the media. He's not been seen for a while now. Eventually they are bound to begin questioning his disappearance and Dumbledore won't be able to hold them back."
Ciaran was shocked. "That was why Dumbledore needed me. Even though I'm not him anymore, I still look similar enough to him that I could easily have placed a glamour and walked around as Harry Potter to fool everyone."
Everything made sense at least now. Yet there was obviously more as Ciaran watched his father shake his head in disagreement. He'd thought he had everything figured out but obviously not if his father disagreed. How much more had Dumbledore planned for him?
"That was only the beginning. When I informed him that you were in no way going to parade around as that pretentious brat he questioned further."
"So you told him that I was to be marked the next coming holidays and join the Dark Lord's ranks." Ciaran said, slowly piecing everything together.
It made sense. That way he would be protected from the pressure of Dumbledore and his numerous plots. However by the talk they had just had with the Headmaster, it obviously still wasn't enough for the man.
"Indeed, yet that didn't deter him either. He desperately wanted another spy within the Dark Lord's ranks. The only problem was no one was willing to risk their lives for that cause. Besides he already had a spy in the Inner Circle, he wanted another spy to be placed elsewhere. That way he could gain more information. A spy within the younger generations would be something easily missed amongst the others. The fact that you were my son and could learn from me was just an added bonus."
Being a spy would never have been allowed by his grandfather even if his father had agreed. Ciaran knew that they wouldn't allow him to needlessly risk his life. He was only aiding Draco because the entire thing was to be top secret. Not even his father knew of their full plans yet. If anything he would only be informed of what he was meant to be doing and that was all, little to no risk for Ciaran there.
Taking on the role of a spy however came with many risks that he wasn't even willing to contemplate. That being said, what would Dumbledore need another spy for? Wasn't one of them enough for the information that they were receiving.
"For what purpose would he need another spy" Ciaran asked.
His father just leaned further back into his seat and summoned a glass and his firewhiskey. The Potions Master must have been incredibly tired for him to do so in the presence of his son. After his own father, Severus had promised not to drink within the sight of anyone he cared terribly about to avoid certain incidences that could occur. Ciaran felt miserable for the overworked man.
"He is obsessed with his search for Harry Potter." Severus revealed to his son.
That didn't surprise Ciaran at all. Dumbledore's entire plan revolved around Harry James Potter. It was almost as if the man couldn't do anything without his Golden Boy by his side. The fact that Dumbledore couldn't concentrate past that was telling however. It meant that the Headmaster had developed a plan for the Dark Lord's defeat that could only be carried out by Harry Potter. Anyone else would be useless in that case.
By becoming Ciaran Snape he had effectively destroyed the only possibility the Light had to win this war. It was rather daunting but pleasing at the same time.
"If his only focus is on Harry Potter then what is happening to the other war efforts?" Ciaran questioned.
"Dumbledore's side is attempting to keep everything together. While the man himself is doing everything to search for Harry Potter, the other Order members are actually paying attention to everything else." His father answered.
"They are attempting to recruit as many people as possible with Dumbledore's name and the fear of the Dark Lord in many people's minds. However that isn't working too well. Not many people desire to choose between the sides if it places their families in danger. Not many people want to risk it. At the time the only people who are in the Order are those from the previous group and their children. It isn't much of a threat to the Death Eaters at this time."
Ciaran hadn't known even half of the people within the Order to begin with. So the fact his father believed the Order wasn't as large as the Death Eaters was rather surprising. Yet as Harry, he had never been allowed to participate in any of the full group meetings so he'd never been able to grasp the entire situation that well. The Light had always kept him in the Dark and now he was there permanently.
"What of the different creatures out there? I know that some of them have joined Grandfather. Shouldn't some of them have joined Dumbledore as well?"
Ciaran was positive that would have been one of the directions that the Order would have taken as they were doing the exact same thing, successfully mind you. The Dark Lord had already recruited numerous creatures to his side.
Severus however sighed deeply, looking relaxed after his first mouthful of firewhiskey.
"They may have been attempting to recruit some of the creatures but none of them will listen." He explained. "The Order is linked to the Ministry whether they like it or not. That fact alone makes it difficult to recruit any creature. The Ministry despises creatures or creature inheritances. Most creatures are feared and hated because of this. Creatures of any kind won't fight for a side when there is no certainty that they will be allowed to return to normal wizarding standards of life. They won't risk their lives for a possibility."
"The Dark Lord however can guarantee what they want because he wants to rebuild the Ministry." Ciaran finished.
Severus nodded his head and took a sip of his drink careful not to allow it to cloud his judgement.
Truthfully, that was just common sense to Ciaran. If one person could make a difference and the other could only say it was a possibility if they won, he knew which he would take. Dumbledore and the Order really didn't stand a chance with that kind of reasoning.
"Basically, Dumbledore doesn't have any plans other than locating Harry Potter. He doesn't have many followers. The Ministry has seen to that and alienated outside help." Ciaran summed up.
Dumbledore was quite literally screwed over. He had nothing but the few members that were loyal to him. This war was going to be an easy win for the Dark Lord and his followers.
"Does Grandfather know all of this?"
Severus raised an eyebrow. "Where did you believe the information came from?"
Ciaran laughed. Of course his grandfather would be on top of everything Dumbledore was planning. The man was an absolute genius after all. He would have thought of everything concerning his enemy before he made a single move towards taking him down. There was just one problem with this little plan.
"You do realize that Dumbledore will attempt to locate another child to use as the Boy-Who-Lived when he discovers that Harry Potter isn't going to return to him alive, right?" Ciaran questioned.
"Believe me, my child, your grandfather has used all of his resources to analyse what the old man will do when Harry Potter never returns alive. There isn't another child for him to really use after all of this. Neville really isn't the type to be heroic. Dumbledore won't even consider him." Severus said chuckling.
"What about me?"
Severus gaze narrowed slightly as it usually did when he was taking in more information.
"Well, I was still born at the end of July and as far as he is aware both my parents are loyal to the Light. Why wouldn't he think of me?" Ciaran stated.
It made sense really. As far as Dumbledore was aware, Severus was loyal to the cause. Then there was his mother. His mother hadn't been mentioned in any context to do with the Dark Lord. For all Dumbledore could know, she defied her own father and turned her back on the dark life. Thrice defied could be easily defined as such. At least that would be how Dumbledore would piece everything together.
Severus frowned. What his son had said was true. There was the small possibility that he would attempt to make Ciaran his new Chosen One. However as long as he was around to protect his son's rights, that wouldn't happen. His son would be kept safe.
"Don't worry about that anymore Ciaran. Your grandfather and I shall be on top of everything. Simply continue with your task and don't think on anything outside of that and your school work." Severus recommended.
Ciaran nodded. He should leave items he didn't want to touch to his family. His grandfather and father would take care of him. What he needed to do was finish fixing the cabinet. Focus. He needed to focus on what was truly important.
"Of course father." He agreed.
"Now I do believe that you should return to your common room for the evening. Concentrate on your studies."
Ciaran realized that this was his father's way of telling him to leave to avoid any mishap caused by his slight intoxication. He knew that his father would never become like his own yet he didn't tell him that. Severus would only deny it like he would do if anyone mentioned the Dursley's abuse on him. It was no different.
"Of course father. Make sure you get plenty of sleep. You have a first year class tomorrow morning."
Severus grunted his acknowledgment as Ciaran let himself out.
Walking back to the common room was nice since he was no longer followed by numerous shadows. He knew that his father would make sure that at least one Slytherin he knew was with him at all times. But until then he would enjoy the peace that this small disruption gave him.
Upon entering the common room, he was greeted with people saying hello. He replied vaguely to everyone before continuing to his room hoping Draco was there.
"Ciaran, I was wondering where you had gotten to. The time spent with your father went longer than usual." Draco said, jumping off his bed as he entered.
He merely smiled in reply.
"I'm fine Draco. However I was thinking about our project. We should probably check on it once before we leave for the Yule holidays. That way we have an accurate assessment of not only the cabinet but also the area around it and how many people we can fit in there."
"We would also have to figure out a better way for them all to get out of the Chamber." Draco said.
Ciaran nodded allowing Draco to pull him onto a bed who it belonged to didn't really matter.
"Draco?" Ciaran questioned.
"Shush, just let me lie here with you for a while. I haven't had you to myself for a long time now."
Ciaran smiled into Draco's shoulder as they rested before dinner. The next few weeks would be rather hectic but they would easily get though it with the help of each other.
So here's another chapter~ Hope you enjoy and thank you for all the reviews!
~MidnightEmber