A/N: So like, I lied and didn't write anything yesterday. But that was only because I was so. Freaking. Tired. Like on a CELLULAR level. Kudos if you got that reference. Here. Have the next chapter. -proceeds to throw it at the faces of all my readers-

Chapter 2: The Only Real Hope I Have

Severus's eyebrows rose, a chill running down his spine. Was it happening already? He had not expected the Dark Lord to begin his attacks quite so soon. He'd have to keep a better eye on what was going on at Hogwarts. As of late, he'd been waiting for a return letter from Albus, dictating to him exactly what his next move should be. But alas, he had yet to receive one and had no idea as to Albus's whereabouts, or how he could further contact him.

"Finnigan, you said?" He asked, slowly calming himself down. Harry knew very little about his role as a double agent, apart from the fact that it was a job Dumbledore had assigned him to. And Severus was quite sure he didn't want Harry knowing any more than that.

"Umbridge or..someone left a note saying he'd been expelled. But his trunk and his wand and everything is still up in the Dormitories," Harry explained, sounding about as worried as Severus was, though the older man was taking great care not to show it.

"I will look into it, Mister Potter," he replied quietly, turning his attention back to his Potion.

"Wait...that's it? Seamus has gone missing and you're just going to stand around working on your bloody potion?" Harry's tone had quickly changed to one of anger, and Severus sighed. Dratted boy, making him feel sorry for him.

"I don't know whether it has occurred to you how excruciatingly difficult it is to be a double agent. What are you expecting of me, Mister Potter? To go running into the Headmistress's office demanding just where in the world Seamus Finnigan is? Besides. Neither of us know whether she even had anything to do with this in the first place." Though of course, Severus knew that was a lie. Dolores Umbridge had everything to do with this. But that wasn't for Harry to know.

"That's a lie and you know it. She's been awful since we all first got here," Harry grumbled, glaring at Severus as if he'd done him some personal wrong. Which, quite honestly, Severus very well might have. "Look, the last time two students went missing, one ended up dead and I nearly died along with him. You could at least pretend like you care."

Dratted boy. Severus sighed, rubbing his temples before finally looking up from his work once more. Why was it then whenever Harry became upset or angry, it physically hurt to be the cause of that distress? Why? Severus had never particularly cared before this year. So why was this entire thing becoming a lot more frequent? Why did he feel like telling Harry that he would do anything, anything at all, if it meant the boy would stop being cross with him. Why?

"Contrary to popular belief, I am not heartless. And I meant what I said. I'll look into it," was what he eventually managed to get out. It was the kindest thing he could say without managing to sound like a blubbering school girl.

Harry let out a long sigh. "Right...right I'm sorry. I'm acting ridiculous," he shook his head, giving Severus a nod. "I should head back to the Dormitories now. Wouldn't want anyone coming into your office and getting the wrong impression." Now why had he said that? Harry mentally kicked himself, unable to keep the blush off his face as he stared down at his feet for a second or two before turning and practically hurrying out of the room with a rushed, "Bye Professor!"

What he failed to notice was the soft tint of pink coloring Severus's own cheeks as he resolutely turned back to his potion. Dratted boy.

HPHPHP

"You called, my Lord?" Severus asked, giving the Dark Lord a respectful nod as he entered the dark room, mark still twinging painfully.

"I did, Severus. How is our puppet doing?" The Dark Lord asked, a slight smirk gracing his features as Severus responded.

"Umbridge is performing her duties well enough. She's managed to take control of the entire school, at your request. And I believe the first of the attacks has already occurred."

"Ah yes. Who better to infiltrate the entire school than the Hogwarts students themselves?" The Dark Lord let out a little laugh, slowly making his way over to a corner, which Severus's eyes drifted to. He was careful not to react as he recognized the familiar boy that the Dark Lord approached. "I'm sure you'll remember this one, Severus?" He yanked the boy off the ground, practically dragging him over to an unblinking Severus.

"Ah yes," Severus replied with his usual monotone voice. "I believe his name is Seamus Finnigan, if I recall correctly. Has he been place under the Imperius Curse already?" He asked, noticing the boy was unrestrained.

"Yes. And he's been quite quiet ever since. I have also made efforts to Obliviate some of his more...important memories. His Death Eater ceremony will be quite a nice one, don't you think Severus?" There was another chilling laugh from the man, and Severus gave a simple nod.

"Quite, My Lord."

"Very well Severus. Let's see what information he's willing to give us tonight," The Dark Lord leaned against the wall, pulling his wand out and pointing it straight at Seamus.

"Crucio."

A/N: So that was fun! Hope you enjoyed and I'll see you all tomorrow.