I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I've enjoyed writing it. Dr. Hunter is not one to be underestimated.
Cheers, DN
He took her tray to the table at the next bed for Will to retrieve later, his heart beating wildly. She was awake and seemed to have her senses and abilities back. She seemed weak, but now there was hope. Another dose or two of antidote and she might be fully back to herself. He had a chance, but he must begin as soon as possible to woo her, to apologize, to plead, with no delay. The sun was beginning to rise on the morning and he had classes and his appointment with Winder and Alexander later in the day. But he had no worries about what the Ministry might try, for Morgan was getting better. Then he heard a sudden movement, her feet hitting the floor, the sound of her wand scraping the surface of the table as she took it.
His plan began to fall apart.
He turned. "Morgan, no!" Her wand was pointed at him, her face stormy and determined. His hand moved towards his own wand in defense. Sparks tumbled from the end of her wand as he did so.
"Don't ever raise your wand at me again, Snape," she hissed in fury. "I won't show mercy like last time." His mind raced, knowing what a mess he was in now. He wanted her recovery more than anything, but must it be today of all days? Now he wished she had spent just one more day unconscious.
He relaxed his hand and drew it further away from his wand. "Will!" he called out.
"Calling for backup, Snape? From a house elf?" she sneered, none of the quivering weakness left in her voice now.
Will appeared, then paled at the sight that met him. He placed both hands in the air to show he had no wand. "Y-y-y-es, Headmaster?" he stammered, not taking his eyes off Hunter's wand for an instant.
"Get me Arboreus Hobble now, no excuses."
Will did not reply, but took off at a run as fast as his legs would go out of the room.
"Your lawyer, Snape? That's novel, but useless. I'll be going now, and I'd advise you not to impede me further," she said coolly, her wand held steady in his direction.
"You can't leave, Morgan," Snape said urgently.
"So now I am your captive, instead of Ethinian's. I'm not sure that's an improvement," she spat.
"You are not my captive, Morgan. The Minister of Magical Education will be here shortly, if he's not already here, to launch an investigation. You'll be obliged to testify. You can't Apparate from the school and they will have already put out notice to all PortKey and Floo Network operators to ban you from leaving." He regarded her with wary confusion, his wand hand ready should he need it. This wasn't going well. Will walked in again, as pale and nervous as before, hanging closely by Snape's robes.
"They are all here, Headmaster," he said, then retreated quickly.
"Professor Hunter, you must come with me to my office immediately. I'll explain on the way."
She eyed him coldly, then slowly lowered and pocketed her wand. He approached with caution. He took her elbow and steered her quickly down the hall. There was so much he needed to say, and so little time on the walk between the infirmary and his office. The first glow of the sunrise was beginning to light the windows in the otherwise dark corridor. He slowed his pace, hoping to gain a little more time as his mind raced and his thoughts tumbled upon one another. "A message intended for you was accidentally misdirected to me." He handed her the scroll, which she read. She rolled it up and pocketed it. "I need to talk to you about that later, Morgan," he said, continuing to hold her elbow and guide her down the hall.
She shook off his hand with a sharp jerk of her arm, stopped, and rounded on him. "I have no interest in talking about this," she said forcefully. "This is my private business, intercepted, or 'misdirected,' as you say. And I'll thank you to unhand me. Your word is enough, Headmaster." She resumed her rapid pace towards his office, leaving him to follow behind.
Both were nearly out of breath as they approached the gargoyle. This was his last chance to warn her, to prepare her for what was about to happen. "Dr. Hunter," he started. "Please wait for a moment." He was relieved when she actually did so, despite the glare that accompanied this. But the gargoyle had already stepped aside, knowing better than to slow down this Headmaster when he was in this kind of mood. Before he could say more, she stepped into the anteroom and mounted the spiral staircase, taking two or three at a time despite her short legs.
Once they reached the large round room, he barely glanced in greeting to the pudgy, boyish man sitting there, nor Bina, who was near her writing desk, still looking sleepy. "Arboreus, good of you to come. Dr. Hunter, you'll recall Arboreus Hobble, my advocate. Hobble, my colleague, Dr. Morgan Hunter." Hobble stuck out a hand towards Hunter, but Snape shoved the large parchment scroll into it. "Read that," he said shortly.
It didn't take long. A worried look came over his face, his brow furrowed. "Who's the witness? Her?" he said rapidly, gesturing at Hunter.
"Yes," Snape replied.
"Where is the Scorpion Venom now?"
"Unknown."
"So there was Scorpion Venom in the school."
"Yes."
"This puts you in a rather delicate position, Severus."
"I know. That's why I called you," Snape said. "My 'delicate position' is precisely what I pay you to maintain."
Hobble gave a nervous laugh. "I'll do my best, but there's very little time to prepare…"
At that moment, there was a knock at the door, which was opened before Snape could move or speak. He felt a tumble in his stomach and was grateful there was nothing yet in it. A horrified Bina stood aside as Parse Winder strode in purposefully, taking inventory of those in the room, extending a hand to Snape first. Snape returned the gesture with no enthusiasm. Hypatia Alexander followed. At her entrance, Hunter noted a change in his demeanor. Snape took her hand enthusiastically and held it for much too long. Alexander sized up Snape hungrily, in full view of her boss and everyone else in the room. Snape smirked as she grinned.
"Severus, Severus," the wizard chortled, attempting to divert attention away from their handshake. "Good to see you, old man, but under such...unfortunate circumstances." He had clearly continued his physical training, his former paunch now vanished fully and his shoulders stretching the contours of his robes.
"Minister Winder," said Snape with no emotion. He released Alexander's hand. Winder worked his way around the room, shaking hands with Hobble and Hunter.
"Arboreus Hobble, how's practice? And Mrs. Hobble, how is she? And little ones hobbling around?" Winder said jovially, slapping Hobble on the shoulder. Hobble righted himself, shaking his head. "Well, just keep trying, old man, just keep trying! Haha." He then turned to Hunter.
"And the brilliant, talented, underutilized Dr. Morgan Hunter," he said, taking her hand in both of his and raising to his lips. "So good to see you again. Your talk at the Ministry, inspiring, I tell you." He released her hand and turned back to face Snape and Hobble again. "This one has all the wizards wanting to study Potions, no doubt! Haha. Well," he said, the mood changing instantly. "Let's get down to the unpleasant business at hand, shall we?"
Snape snapped his fingers and three additional chairs appeared, in addition to the velvet armchair that was traditionally opposite his desk, which Hobble had already taken, having been the first to arrive. Hunter sat on the conjured overstuffed purple wing chair, Alexander on a blood-red leather club chair, leaving the wooden ladder backed chair for Winder, who sat down as though it were the most comfortable chair imaginable, his powerful frame audibly straining the wood. Bina took her place at the small writing desk to Snape's right. Winder opened a well-worn brown leather satchel and withdrew a parchment scroll.
"Alright then, Professor Snape. Just a few questions to clear some things up for the Ministry. Firstly, let me make note that you are on probation, Professor Snape, stemming from your sentencing on charges of being a Death Eater, Unlawful Use of Magic, etc., etc. I'm sure we are all familiar with the long list," he noted, glancing at Hunter.
"Charges of which he was acquitted," Hobble interjected, leaning towards Winder. "Be sure that gets written, Bina. He was acquitted by the Wizengamot. The charges for which he is serving his probation are minor charges." He leaned back, but remained on alert, ready to respond.
Hunter looked at Snape. "For how long does his probation last?" she asked, turning to Winder.
He looked at her and smiled. "Fifty years. Only about forty-nine now, though. Under the conditions of the agreement, he is to remain here at Hogwarts except on school business that requires him to be elsewhere, at which time he must be escorted by another member of the staff. Likewise, any income or assets earned during this time which exceed basic needs are to be confiscated by the Ministry." Here he turned back to Snape, sneering. "But as the public records have shown, Professor Snape has no known assets of any kind and is paid a pittance here at the school." At this, Snape met Winder's sneer with a dismissive smile and a shrug.
"Let's move on," Winder said, unrolling the scroll a bit further. "During your probation, last fall, there was a report of, shall we say, an inappropriate relationship with a student, Janiss Alden."
"He was framed, that was conclusively proven by the student's own statement," Hobble spat out. "That is irrelevant and should be removed from your records. He was the unwilling target of a student's misplaced affections, nothing more."
Winder crossed his legs and sat back as much as was possible as the tall straight back of his chair squeaked its disapproval. "Misplaced, I should say so," he said smoothly, returning Snape's icy glare. "But were that to be seen as part of a...pattern, the incident might need to be re-examined, I suppose," he said, not breaking from Snape's eyes.
Snape seethed inside. The whole situation was volatile enough already. Scorpion Venom was a problem in itself, but one that he could deal with. If Pansy Parkinson had decided to leak her poorly doctored picture, he would have a bigger problem. Winder only wanted a reason to indict him and put him on trial, and he would find one if he were motivated enough, even if he had to utilize a photo that was clearly faked. Shacklebolt had probably done all he could for him. He stole a look at Hunter, who regarded him coolly. He was losing her. She'd survived, and he was already losing her. Before the Scorpion Venom incident, she had been distant, but now she was clearly set against him. Now he knew why. He had a rival. Parse Winder was luring her away. And who could blame her? Parse was young, vigorous, ambitious, already highly-placed in the Ministry. She would have incredible influence over the direction of Potions education if she were to marry him, perhaps embarking on a world-wide fact-finding tour of the Magical schools of the world. Not to mention combining her considerable fortune with his. Or she might choose the thin, pale, poor schoolmaster, with no future other than fifty years of misery, locked away in the north of Scotland. How delightful for her to have all this described in detail now, when things had already been going so poorly. Why had she drawn her wand at him? He had been devoted to her, staying by her bedside as she healed, teaching her classes. He had filled her room with flowers, made a Potion of forgiveness. And now, when she seemed to regard him with distrust and suspicion, this mess of a day. He tried to dismiss the images of his future without her, a nearly unbearable though. Stick to your plan, he told himself. What else can you do? Just keep going.
"I can't imagine what you are trying to imply, but I suggest you address the reason you are here today, Minister," Snape said threateningly, his eyes narrowed.
Winder smiled broadly. "Of course, let's discuss the unlicenced Scorpion Venom, shall we?" He sat up and read from his scroll. "Was there unlicensed Scorpion Venom being held here at Hogwarts' School?"
"I have no idea if it was licensed or not," Snape replied.
"No idea? Let's establish this fact. Was there Scorpion Venom at the school, licensed or otherwise?"
"Yes."
"How did it get here?" At this, Hunter looked pale and cleared her throat. She had brought it with her from Sedona, then lied about its being appropriately documented with the Ministry here. She was embarrassed by her deception, but even more dismayed about what this could mean for Snape. Would he lose his job and be jailed for her poor judgement? It seemed like a small paperwork error at the time, and she'd put it out of her mind immediately after their discussion about it, never to follow up on getting it registered. Her nerves rattled at the thought of the bringing down of Severus Snape by the Ministry due to her unlicensed Scorpion Venom. One could triumph over the Dark Lord, but not the bureaucrats. She distrusted him, wanted to escape, but had no desire to see his career destroyed. Before she could speak, Snape interrupted.
"I believe it was left here from the previous Potions Master, Horace Slughorn. I would have to check some very old records to see if it was licensed, or if he obtained it before the Ministry decreed a license be required for such things. That was many years ago, it may take a while, but I am happy to ask one of the house elves to begin searching Professor Slughorn's archives."
"Why would I believe that this was old venom and not simply your own supply being blamed on poor old Horace, who is not even here to confirm or deny?"
Snape gestured towards Hunter, who put her hands to her throat in shock, her mouth hanging open. He was going to turn her in now, reveal her stupidity. First he'd protected her, now he was going to betray her? She prepared herself for the revelation. "She's living proof, Winder, LIVING PROOF. If it had been even only ten years old, she'd have died on the spot in an alley in Hogsmeade."
Hunter sat in stunned silence. Where was Snape going with this? It was her venom and he knew it. He was protecting her, but to what end? He was Bound to another, had no need of her next year, and now thought she was in some kind of relationship with Parse, thanks to the mis-directed owl post. And whatever was going on with Hypatia Alexander. Why bother to protect her like this, when he could simply lay the truth at her feet and be rid of her so easily?
"Dr. Hunter, are you able to recall the incident? How much venom did Ethinian Ames use?" Snape's tone was as kindly to her as it had been short with Winder.
Hunter settled herself, and brought her hands back down to her lap, where she clenched them, trying to control them. "It came directly from a stock vial. My lips went numb almost immediately. He poured in as much as he could before I lost consciousness and fell," she said, her voice shaking, remembering seeing Snape and Trelawney there, believing it was the end, wishing it WAS the end. "And yet, I lived."
"She lived, Minister, as you can clearly see. There is no known antidote for Scorpion Venom, as you well know, though Potions wasn't your best subject, as I recall. More of a Charms man, I think, when you weren't catching Bludgers with your head. Parse was one of the best Beaters Hufflepuff House ever had, really knew how to take one for the team," Snape said with malicious charm.
Winder looked over at him with an air of confusion. "Were we at school at the same time, Professor? I don't recall you. What House were you?"
"I was a year behind you, old man," Snape retorted. "Slytherin, of course."
"Of course, Hypatia's house," said Winder, clearly not recalling. "Back to the Scorpion Venom. No known antidote, she took a strong dose, and yet here she is."
"Which proves that the venom must have been at least 20 years old, possibly older. Slughorn hasn't worked here in nearly 16 years, so it could be much older. Who knows?" Snape said.
"Indeed, who knows?" Winder jotted down notes. "It is required that ingredients for magical potions be inventoried yearly if not more frequently and that they be kept in a secure location, with physical and magical protections. Was this not done in your labs, Professor Snape?"
Hunter thought about how many times every last vial or jar in Snape's lab had been catalogued and organized. At least weekly, by unhappy students serving detention with the difficult and exacting professor. She had no doubt that Severus would have checked their work down to the period, comma, and space, looking for the smallest justification to keep them there longer or for another session.
"I have my more talented students assist me in taking inventories of my stores nearly every month, as I find this a very useful exercise for the higher-performing Potions students who volunteer for additional study with me. Not only do they learn the full breadth of substances, but they learn to keep order using the Ministry-required forms. I have the last three years' worth of them here," he said, pointing the six-inch tall stack of parchments on his desk. "No Scorpion Venom nor unidentified substances to be found. If Slughorn left it behind, I'm sure he put it his locked and charmed cabinet. Being not as handy with breaking charms as some others, I had no idea how to release it. Given the age and questionable quality of its contents, no need to."
Hobble sat back silently, having nothing to offer. Hunter looked on, admiring how nearly all of what Severus was saying was true, except for the small fact that it was her Scorpion Venom. And that he'd known about it, asked her about it, and that's she'd lied. But if she confessed, she wasn't even sure what the consequences would be for her. Snape was on probation, so this was very serious for him. But for her, as a foreigner? Unknown. Sacking from her teaching position, at the very least. A fine, perhaps even imprisonment? Snape had fifty years' probation on what were characterized as "minor" charges. What would this land her?
"This is all very convenient, Headmaster, but where's the proof? The evidence? How can you prove it was Slughorn's?"
Hobble spoke. "He doesn't have to, Minister. This isn't a trial. As I understand it, you are here to see if the case should proceed further. I see no evidence of wrongdoing here and there are perfectly reasonable explanations for everything, most strongly the fact that Dr. Morgan Hunter is still alive. Whatever she may have been poisoned with, it certainly wasn't a fully effective Scorpion Venom. So, it was either some other substance not noted on this investigation, or it was VERY old and ineffective Scorpion Venom, from before the time that either of these good teachers were even here. Either way, it is clear that this investigation need not proceed further." Hobble sat back with a determined, confident look that aged his boyish face by at least a decade. He now looked to be nearly in his twenties.
Winder sat still for a few moments, considering his options. "Alright, agreed. The Scorpion Venom charges may not proceed. I'll need to do some more investigating of your records before I close that out, however. But I do have a few more questions for you, Headmaster. As I mentioned earlier, one of the conditions of your sentencing was that you surrender your fortune. In records preceding your trial, you were noted to have amassed a sizable amount of gold, a personal library of considerable size and value, several unique magical objects and instruments, and at least one property, at Spinner's End," he said, noting each on the large scroll as he read them.
"Yes," was Snape's only reply.
"And yet at your trial, all of these had vanished leaving you unable to even pay your own advocate for his able counsel. How do you explain this? No witnesses could describe your ever living lavishly or spending on others. In fact, many recalled your being the last person who'd buy a round at the pub."
"Given the few times I ever went out carousing with friends, I would say that is likely to be an accurate characterization of me, Minister," Snape said smugly.
"Where did it all go, Snape. Where are you hiding it?" Winder asked roughly.
"So, at last we arrive at the real reason you are here," Snape said languidly, easing back in his chair and fingering a quill distractedly. "The Scorpion Venom, the incident with Miss Ames, just a nice official cover story for you to continue to pry. I couldn't have imagined that the Ministry would take such interest in a misplaced Potion ingredient as to send its top talent and his most… able... deputy here to get to the bottom of it." Snape eyed Alexander with a gaze not unlike the one she'd given him earlier. This one, Winder noted with a set jaw. "I take it there is a finder's fee?" Snape's gaze returned to the Minister, eyebrows raised. "How large a piece of the action would come to you for shaking the tree, Parse?"
"That is no matter, Professor. I am here on behalf of the Ministry, many of whom feel cheated," he said defensively, his color rising in his neck.
"Because they hoped to enrich themselves before an official accounting was done, to extort it from me in exchange for a lighter sentence."
"That is a strong accusation, Snape, one that is not appropriate. I ask you again, where is it? If I need to, I can compel your advocate to testify," he said, drawing his wand and pointing it threateningly at Hobble. He drew up his Dragon Hide satchel across his chest, which made for rather substantial protection.
Hunter drew her own wand, ready to defend the shaking advocate should she need to. "Minister Winder, I don't know what your protocol is in Britain, but drawing your wand to conduct Ministry business is not called for," she said sharply. Why wasn't Snape reacting, she wondered, and what was going on between him and the Deputy Minister? "Put your wand away."
Winder turned sharply to look at her, a mix of anger and then embarrassment, and pocketed his wand slowly and reluctantly.
"Now that I can see how very serious you are, Mr. Winder, I admit defeat." Snape placed his hands open on his desk, while Winder's eyes grew wide with greed. "Mr. Hobble would be delighted to give you all of the details of my fortunes." Snape leaned back in his chair, his hands clasped behind his head. "Go ahead, Arboreus. Everything."
Hobble opened his case and tugged out a file stuffed with parchments. "Are you sure, Professor Snape? Everything?"
"Everything."
Winder appeared to be on the verge of salivating, being the first to know the truth about the Snape fortune. Alexander and Snape exchanged yet another round of desirous looks, no effort made to be subtle. Despite his attention to the advocate, Winder raised an eyebrow at Alexander, who glared at him until he turned away
Hobble began. "On June 12th of the preceding year, one Severus Snape donated the following to Hogwarts' School of Witchcraft and Wizardry:
540,692 Galleons; 203,394 sickles, and 46 knuts (held at Gringotts Bank)
His personal library consisting of 2584 volumes, located at both his home at Spinner's End and within his personal quarters at Hogwarts
13 magical devices, including a Sneak-o-Scope, a map, 3 wands, and 8 other assorted devices of lesser value
A property at 5 Spinner's End. The property and its furnishings were sold in August by the school, in the amount of 150,000 Galleons, which was then remitted to Hogwarts."
Winder's face evolved into a dawning dismay. "You gave it all to the school," said Winder, mouth agape with disbelief. "Your entire fortune." Hunter nearly laughed at the perfect look of smugness on Snape's face.
Hobble continued, drawing out another sheet of parchment. "According to the notes of the Hogwarts Board of Advisors, the cash was transferred and used to fund the repair of the damage to the school and grounds incurred in the war; the books were to be added to the school library, most to the Restricted Section; the magical devices are now part of the inventory within the Headmaster's office in perpetuity; and the property was sold with the proceeds being held in trust as a scholarship fund for the children of the less wealthy wizards and witches."
Snape, still lying back, looked at the portrait of Dumbledore, who may have winked, but certainly was smiling broadly.
So this one small thing was true, thought Hunter. He really was a poor schoolmaster, as he'd claimed. He really couldn't afford to be away from the school, both due to his probation and the cost of travel. Her mind whirred with activity. But he was Bound to Trelawney, clearly had something going on with Hypatia Alexander, and might also be involved in some way with Celeste Sinistra. These truths did not absolve him of these infidelities in her mind.
"His salary as agreed to by the Board, amounts to about 10,000 galleons per year, well below the threshold set by the ministry for confiscating anything above 20,000 galleons. The Board agreed to provide Headmaster Snape with room and board at no additional charge, as well as clothing appropriate to a person in his position."
"So you see, Mr. Winder, I don't even own the clothes on my back, nor the shoes on my feet. I agreed to keep only my wand and a small amount of pocket money, should I find myself in need of some small item the school doesn't already provide."
Hunter thought about the flowers in her room, the Potion. It was all he could give her, perhaps more than he could afford. And the reason why he wore the same suit of clothing, every day.
Winder leaned in again, pointing a finger to the desk. "That took place last summer. Those funds would have run out months ago. How do you explain all the new building and remodeling that has been going on lately, Headmaster? Where did those fund come from? You had the gall to send McGonagall to pester the Ministry for funds in the fall, once that money ran out, and yet it is clear that new projects are starting up. Where is the money coming from?" Winder barked, shaking a finger at Snape.
"Anonymous donor," Hobble said.
"Anonymous, bah!" spat Winder. "Who would that be, some of your old Death-eater friends, Snape? Don't forget, I can make Hobble testify if I need to."
Winder's gesture in his direction was enough to cause Hobble to shrink back, though Winder hadn't drawn his wand again. "I don't know. The donor was anonymous. We only got a notice from Gringotts, and you know as well as I do you can't impel goblins to speak if they've agreed to secrecy. It's the law and its their nature. I wouldn't want to try to force a goblin to break something said in confidence. I value my life."
"And you, Snape," Winder said menacingly. "The Ministry still possesses a fine stock of Veritaserum, proven effective for numerous defendants in their war crimes trials. It would be a lovely irony to compel the great Severus Snape to speak using one of his own potions."
Hunter had heard enough. She drew in her breath and stood in rage. "No, Parse, it was me. I am the anonymous donor."
Snape snapped back up from his reclining position and nearly fell from his chair. "You? Why?" he said, amazed at what he was hearing. This certainly added a new wrinkle.
Hunter turned to him and spoke bitterly. "Because my money made me a target. I wanted Ethinian to leave me alone. If I had nothing, then to him I would be nothing. That's why he was so furious. At first, he only wanted to be sure I didn't marry anyone and lock up my fortune, so he had Janiss throw herself at you to try to make me doubt you. To be sure he was successful, he threatened you and told lies about me in the papers, hoping you'd lose interest. I knew what he was after, so I got rid of the money myself, without needing any Binding to occur to lock it away from him. Once he found out the money was gone, he was in such a rage he tried to kill me with the venom. Having nothing, I cease to be a target. I am too poor now to be of interest to anyone."
Snape sat and stared at her unabashedly. He had played right into the hands of a second-rate wizard, possibly losing this witch forever. Harry's words echoed in his ears. His own worst enemy. He was penniless. So was she. She was the anonymous donor. She had more motivation than ever to seek someone with better prospects. And clearly she regarded him as a threat. It was all coming apart at the seams, even worse than before.
"Oh, my dear Professor Hunter." Winder stood now, pacing the room. "How you've been used. It really is a disgrace how you've treated her, Severus, an utter disgrace. Once the papers get a hold of this story, you'll be completely destroyed." Snape gripped the edge of his desk, and cast a dark look towards Alexander.
"And Hypatia, you, too, my dear. You'll be going down with him."
Every head in the room snapped to Parse Winder, who reached into his briefcase and brought forth a stack of crumpled and half-charred parchments.
"You didn't think I knew, did you, Hypatia? As though I don't read every correspondence that comes into or leaves my office." Her eyes, far from showing fear or dread, dilated with excitement. Hunter looked at Snape. His face was one of fear and embarrassment. Parse began to read, mockery and derision in every word.
"Hypatia, my love, will you accept my offer as a Potions Teacher here at Hogwarts? I will meet all your demands. I can convert Slughorn's old classroom on the fifth floor for you so you don't need to teach in the dungeons. You'll have your own apartments in the southeast corner, overlooking the Quidditch pitch. And as for your personal needs, I can assure you I'll make ample time to meet them."
"Stop, Parse, please." It was Hypatia, desperation in her voice.
"But there's more." He withdrew a second parchment. "Dearest Hypatia, It pains me more than you know when Morgan talks about her visit to the Ministry. How I ache to come with her, to be with you, if only for a few short hours. Continue to push Parse to court Morgan. It will only take mild encouragement for her to see how useful he could be to her career. And he'll need a new deputy soon, won't he?" Winder turned to Alexander. "Hypatia, how could you be so disloyal?" He drew closer to her, putting a hand to her cheek as she closed her eyes. "You don't even know what it means to be loyal to anyone but yourself, do you? To think, you placed your loyalty with Snape, of all people. Because he is just like you, just like a Slytherin. His words are worthless, Hypatia. They always have been. Lies for the Death Eaters, lies for Dumbledore, lies for the Wizengamot. Lies for Dr. Hunter and for you."
Yet another two-faced maneuver, Hunter thought disgustedly. While she had rattled on about her visit to the Ministry, he was just listening for news of Hypatia. And she had thought he just wanted to know how things went for her. All the while, he was courting Hypatia during the weekly visits from the Ministry.
He pulled another parchment from the stack, as Alexander looked on, her eyes bright, her breath ragged. "This one is my favorite, by far. Hypatia, my guide, (look at how manipulated you with every word) Your last letter has left me angry and confused. Why aren't things proceeding with Winder and Hunter? Don't tell me you still have feelings for him. He may have the strength you need in a partner, but he lacks the brain. I have both in good measure as you know and will use them both for your benefit and pleasure. Pledge to me, as I've asked you."
Alexander closed her eyes and hung her head. She spoke quietly, more quietly than Hunter imagined she was capable of. "Parse, how could you?"
Winder drew himself up to his full height, his chest expanding visibly with each breath. "How could I, Hypatia? How could I?!" he roared. "How could you?! With this man, this skinny, pale, dungeon-dweller? A poor schoolmaster who'd rather spend time in a stuffy, dusty library than outside flying in the sun, which is where you belong. He has nothing for you, Hypatia. Nothing. Nothing now and nothing for the next 50 years. You've known that all along. And yet you'd choose him over me."
Alexander looked deeply into his eyes. "You rejected me, Parse, remember?"
His eyes met hers. "I didn't reject you, I just needed time." She continued to search his face, her breathing still labored.
"Hypatia, no." Snape's voice was ragged. "Don't listen to him. He couldn't handle you, couldn't handle your strength. I can."
Winder rounded on Snape. "You sleazy little schemer. She nearly believed you. And the Great Morgan Hunter, as well. Two excellent, intelligent witches, caught in your web."
Snape looked away from Winder to Hypatia, his eyes wild. "Hypatia, I've offered you everything you asked for."
She looked at him longingly, then to Hunter. "What has he offered to you, Dr. Hunter?" Her voice cracked with pain.
Hunter's eyes were not clouded with tears of sadness, but of rage. "He's been beside my bed every day while I recovered, showering me with flowers and Potions, but has made no promises." Alexander smiled gleefully, her eyes on Snape. Hunter plunged ahead. "Before I was poisoned, I witnessed his Binding to Trelawney. He's married now."
Both Snape and Alexander choked at this revelation. "Morgan, no!" he cried out, rising from his seat. Alexander also stood, defiance covering her face. "Hypatia, no!" he howled. "This isn't true, I am not Bound. Arboreus, confirm that."
Hobble, who had been sitting in stunned silence, gave a curt nod.
Winder continued. "Professor Hunter, Snape has nothing to offer you in your time of need. He has deceived you at every turn. You have nothing. He already has your fortune without a marriage to you, and he has your heart, with nothing to give in return."
"He has no such thing," she said hotly, drawing herself up to her full height and turning away from him, her arms crossed.
"Hypatia," Snape repeated desperately, drawing his wand. "Winder, I challenge you to a duel. The victor will win Hypatia."
Winder did not hesitate. "I accept." He drew his wand also.
Alexander stood between the two men, her hands out to stop them. "No," she said.
"Hypatia, my love, what more must I do to show you my strength?" Snape's wand hand shook.
"Oh, you two can duel, all right. The prize is not winning me, but only the opportunity to pursue me unimpeded by the other. I'm not some object the two of you can barter."
Winder stood back. "Where shall we duel? The Quidditch pitch?"
"There's a dueling arena in the north wing," Snape noted.
"Afraid of being outside, I see," Winder chided.
"Not at all," Snape retorted. "Outside, then." He narrowed his eyes at Winder. "Dueling is considerably different from Quidditch. It takes brains, as well as brawn. You may come up short in that area."
Winder returned the frosty gaze. "It won't be long until everyone will know just who the better man is, Snape."
Snape said nothing, but pocketed his wand and led the way to the Quidditch pitch at full stride, his robes billowing behind him like sails.