They must really want to see me. Adrian realized when he spotted none other than Minerva McGonagall walking around town, thankfully in muggle clothes this time, a couple of days later. He smirked inwardly. The man in the mirror was tanned with short brown hair-no dyeing needed, only sun-an unremarkable nose, straight teeth, no Dark Mark-he'd had it lasered off when the Dark Lord fell- and a cast on his leg. He was very much safe from recognition, even if she was doing stealthy scans for spells on the area. His wand was at home and he had no spells on him, nor had he used any in quite a while.

He was sitting at the edge of the skatepark, watching the aging punks and local children whiz by, when she approached him. Inwardly he groaned. What could she possibly want with him?

"I just wanted to apologize for intruding on you the other day, and thank you for your help in our search."

"Eh, no problem." He kept his eyes on the skatepark, hoping to convey disinterest. "If that hoodlum escaped from jail, I'm happy to help you catch him. Don't think he'd be dumb enough to come back here though, what with how we all know what he did. It'd be a modern-day witchhunt if anyone spied him." He peeked sideways to see her reaction. It was properly horrified. This was like shooting fish in a barrel. Too easy. And her bloody Gryffindor curiosity just made it easier.

"If you don't mind my asking, what is the story with him?"

Oh, this was good. "Well," He began thoughtfully, "It's been a long time, and there are lots of stories. I don't know the truth, because I was off at university. But most of them involve fires or explosions, sometimes poison or a gun, and the boy being there and fleeing the scene with some sort of weapon in his hand and blood all over him. Old Mrs. Evans reckons his father beat him one too many times and he snapped and attacked him with the closest thing to hand, then lit the place on fire to cover it up. That's the most charitable version I've heard." Minerva was looking equal parts thoughtful and alarmed. Adrian paused and looked at her a moment. "If you don't mind my asking, ma'am, why the interest? You don't look like a cop to me."

The tables had turned now, and he delighted in her discomfort as she tried to come up with a muggle-safe answer. "I…was his teacher when he was a child, and he has recently been offered a job at the school as he has always been strong in chemistry and we have an opening. We're having trouble getting hold of him, and I admit that I've taken some interest as he always was a favorite of mine."

Adrian whistled. "Lucky prick, being hunted down for a cushy teaching job. Chemistry you said? Well, if you can't find him, come find me. I'm just finishing my doctorate in chemistry and I'd love to teach. I like children."

She almost squirmed before regaining her composure. "Of course. I will keep you in mind should I be unable to contact Severus." Like hell she would, he knew, thinking him a muggle. Safe and free to enjoy making her feel awkward. (Ha!)

He checked his watch. Mackenzie would be getting out of work soon, so he should be going. "I'm sorry, I need to get going. Good luck with your search." He shook her hand, stood up, and hopped away.

At home that night, his girlfriend finally having left to sleep at her own place for a change, he pulled out parchment and quill and penned as innocent a note as he could think of to his employer.

Dear Albus,

Remind me, what day did you say you wanted us back this year?

Apologies if you have tried to owl me. Certain pranksters among the students have caused me to ward my house against all owls but my own, so you will have to use her if you wish to reach me.

Best wishes and enjoy the rest of your summer,

Severus

He handed the note to his owl and sent her off again. Time to find out why his colleagues were so desperate to find him.

A return note was sitting on his desk in the morning.

Dear Severus,

A week prior to the beginning of term seems sufficient.

We have indeed been trying to reach you. We think that certain people who you have given us information on in the past may be up to something and hoped you could be of assistance. Minerva and I tried to find you at home, but apparently you no longer live in that area, let alone that address. In any case, let me know if you find out anything about those people.

Albus