Chapter Thirteen: January 1977

One month after Christmas, when Severus Snape had turned in an impressive essay, Minerva remembered how she had reason to be concerned about his home life.

So, she cornered Horace in the staff room one evening.

"Did you ever talk to Mr. Snape, Horace?" Minerva asked. "I'm sorry it took me this long to ask."

Horace put his teacup down beside the issue of the Daily Prophet he had been reading. "No matter, Minerva. I did try to talk to the lad. It didn't go very well."

Minerva frowned. "What happened?"

"Well, I decided to talk to him after the holidays. Albus informed me that the boy tried to stay behind, and I thought that was a nice segue." Horace scratched his chin. "Snape simply said that he didn't need anyone getting involved in his life and that professors should only care about their students if they're failing or murdering people in the corridors."

"And no one can accuse Snape of murder," Minerva snorted. "Or failing. I swear, he has become even more dedicated to this studies as of late, which is no small feat."

"It's a wonder what a lack of friends has done for him," Horace agreed. He grimaced. "Wait. That didn't come out how I intended."

"I know what you mean," Minerva said gently. "People tend to change when they lose all they hold dear. Is there anything else that can be done?"

"I can't help Snape if he doesn't let me," Horace reminded her. "I have no actual reason to suspect anything."

"What reason did he give for dropping out of your club?"

"He said that he was busier with NEWT-level classes, and he no longer had the time for it."

"An excuse for which we cannot fault him," she mused. "Well, I appreciate you trying, Horace. I'll try to think of a way to get through to him."

"Better you than me, Minerva," Horace said, shaking his head. "Snape was rather angry when I tried to get him to talk to me."

Minerva nodded sadly as she rose from her chair. "Thank you for telling me, Horace. I'll do my best."

In the middle of the night, a solution popped into her brain, and the next morning, Minerva drafted a note to Lily to come by her office when she was done with her classes for the day.

"Professor McGonagall?" Lily called tentatively as she knocked on the door to Minerva's office. "I received your note."

"Good. Come on in, Lily." She gestured for Lily to sit across from her. "How was your day?"

"It was fine," Lily said. "And yours?"

"Fine, thank you." Minerva noticed Lily looked anxious, so she added, "Really, Lily, why are you so nervous? Surely you didn't become afraid of me over the holidays."

"No, nothing like that!" Lily answered quickly. "You know I love to see you. It's just that I normally know why I'm talking to you. You don't often call me in here—did I do something wrong? Did I muck up my essay?"

"No, your essay was very well-researched, as usual," Minerva said, easily dismissing the girl's concerns. "I asked you here to discuss something more personal in nature."

"What happened?" Lily asked with a groan. She bit her lip and repeated, "Did I do something wrong?"

"Not to my knowledge," Minerva teased. She steeled herself. "I wanted to ask you about Severus Snape."

Instantly, Lily's demeanour changed.

"Why do you want to ask me about him? I haven't seen him outside of classes, if that's what you're wondering. We're no longer friends, Professor." She bit her lip. "And you know exactly why."

"I do know why. You had very good reasons to cut ties with him, and as long as you made the best decision for you, I cannot fault that choice," Minerva told her. "I don't want to ask you about your friendship with Mr. Snape—at least, not in its current state." She sighed. "But before I do, Lily, I need your word that this conversation will stay between us."

"Of course. You can trust me, Professor."

Lily's eyes met their match in Minerva, and Minerva knew the girl was telling the truth.

"Does Mr. Snape have a hard home life?"

"I honestly don't know, Professor," Lily said slowly. "We never spent much time at his house. We always hung out at the park or at my house."

Minerva raised an eyebrow. "Did you never think that odd, Lily?"

"No?" Lily winced. "I mean, it was just normal. We met at the park, so that seemed to be our natural hangout. It was easier. We could avoid Petunia, and he seemed to prefer not being at home." Her eyes widened. "Is he in danger, Professor?"

"I don't know about danger, but I feel like there's something he's not telling us."

"Oh, no. I really hope he's okay, even if he has decided to join those Death Eaters."

"Has he really?" Minerva asked, her tone sharper than she would have liked.

"I think so," Lily said bitterly. She sighed. "Honestly? I don't know. Sev talked to them often enough while we were friends. Sometimes I think the only reason he didn't join earlier was because of me."

"It's not your fault if he joined Voldemort's forces, Lily," Minerva warned. "Do not take that burden upon yourself. You're not to blame."

"I know, and I'm not blaming myself," Lily said evenly. "But even still, it's hard to watch someone you once cared about decide to join forces with those who wish to eradicate your own kind."

Minerva heard so much of Albus in that remark that she almost laughed.

"When it's only a suspicion, betrayal is a constant worry. When it's a fact, it's almost a relief." Minerva smiled. "You are very wise, Lily."

Lily nodded her appreciation. "Thanks, but what are you going to do about Severus?"

"Honestly, Lily, there's not much I can do. He hasn't physically harmed anyone, and he spends all of his time studying. I couldn't very well justify a home visit for a top student." In an uncharacteristic show of frustration in front of a student, Minerva rubbed her temples. "It's a conundrum, I'm afraid. I can sense that he needs help, but I have no proof, and I am very doubtful he would talk to me."

"Is that why you asked me here?" Lily looked carefully at Minerva. "Would you like me to try to speak to him?"

"No." Minerva shook her head vehemently. "Absolutely not. I don't want you to do anything you're uncomfortable with—and truth be told, I'd rather you stay away from him if you can help it. I simply wanted to see if you knew anything about his home life that would give me some insight."

"I can talk to him, you know. I'm probably the only one in the world that he would open up to," Lily said with a shrug. "I'll try if you want me to."

"Lily, no. It's not your job to intervene. I honestly shouldn't have involved you in the first place." Minerva returned both her hands to her temples and released a deep breath. "Please do not engage with a boy who hurt you simply because I wrongfully involved you."

"Professor?" Lily asked, more tentative than Minerva had ever seen her. "He may have hurt me, but I do not want him to be in a bad situation at home. I do not want any harm to come to him. That would make me a bad person, and I like to think I'm not. Besides, he's not asking me for help. I would be doing this to help you."

"Lily, it's not your job to help me."

"I would be helping you to help him," Lily corrected. "Professor, you have helped me so much throughout the last five and a half years. Let me help you."

Minerva paused. "I am not instructing you to do anything. Anything you do is of your own volition. But," she added, smiling, "if you do uncover anything, please let me know."

Lily grinned. "You have my word, Professor."

Lily watched and waited for Severus to appear from the Slytherin common room. If he hadn't changed his habits in the past year, he would shortly be taking a nightly walk alone around the dungeons. Severus was always careful to do it after Prefect patrol so he wouldn't be caught, and Slughorn was the only professor who bothered to wander around the dungeons this late at night.

And Merlin knew Severus could talk circles around Slughorn.

Lily smiled as she watched Severus leave the common room.

"Right on schedule," Lily murmured as she appeared from her hiding spot behind a statue. Raising her voice, she said, "You're still predictable, Severus."

His eyes widened in shock. "What the hell are you doing down here?"

"I wanted to talk to you."

"Did Potter or Black put you up to it?" Severus sneered. "Your new best friends seem like they'd be willing to use you to get to me."

Lily ignored the jab. "No, they didn't send me here. Believe it or not, Sev, but I am capable of making a decision on my own."

"I thought you didn't want to talk to me anymore."

His tone was frosty, but Lily knew him well enough to know that he was pleasantly surprised.

"I didn't," Lily agreed. "But then I heard Lestrange telling everyone in Arithmancy that you tried to skip the Hogwarts Express before Christmas. You wanted to stay here?"

"Yeah, so?" Severus kicked the wall, although there was no real force behind it. "What's your point?"

"That's just not like you," Lily said softly. "I wanted to make sure you were okay."

"You still care?"

"I care enough to make sure you're not doing anything stupid," Lily told him. She crossed her arms. "I also want to make sure there's nothing going on at your house."

Instantly, Severus' jaw tensed.

"Why would you think that?"

"Welllll," Lily said, looking at him like he was an imbecile, "this is the first Christmas where we haven't been friends. You wouldn't have an excuse to leave your house. Then, I started thinking about how I'd never been to your house. I don't even think I've met your parents."

"So you decided to ask questions?"

"Yeah," Lily scoffed unapologetically. "Exactly."

For a moment, Lily thought he wouldn't talk. Then, Severus said so quietly she almost didn't hear him, "My dad beats my mum and me up. It got really bad last summer when I wasn't hanging out with you, and I didn't want a repeat at Christmas."

"Oh, Severus," Lily whispered. "I'm sorry."

"Don't pity me!" he snapped. His eyes flashed in anger. "I don't want pity. That's why I didn't tell anyone."

"Or you just didn't want to seem possible of human weakness."

Severus glared at her. "Your word that you won't tell anyone, Lily?"

"Yes," Lily lied easily. "Thank you for trusting me."

"Thanks. I appreciate the favour."

"Oh, this isn't a favour. Why would I do you any favours, Severus? Why would you think I owe you?" Lily laughed, letting a hint of disdain through. "In what world do I owe you?"

"Then why did you even ask, Evans?"

The use of her surname hurt more than she had expected. Her voice turned cold as she replied, "Because I made the mistake of caring about you. As you know, I'm a pretty smart girl. I won't be making this mistake again."

She turned, and though Severus yelled, "Lily, wait!", she never looked back.

Two days later, after Minerva had taught her sixth-year NEWT students for the first time since talking to Lily, the very girl approached her desk after class.

Minerva noticed that Lily was careful to wait until Snape had already left the classroom.

"Professor?" Lily asked urgently. "Could we talk in your quarters, please?" She leaned in. "You have a spare now, right?"

"Yes, I do. Come, and we'll go and have some tea."

Minerva had barely opened the door to her quarters before Lily had flung herself on the couch.

"That boy is so frustrating!" Lily screamed.

"I take it you talked to Mr. Snape, then?" Minerva sighed and moved to Albus' preferred chair. She snapped her fingers and watched as a tea set appeared. Once she had her hands wrapped around a comforting cup of tea, Minerva asked, "What happened?"

"You were right, Professor," Lily said grimly. "He is as testy as ever. I don't know how we were ever friends."

"Did he hurt you or insult you in some way?"

"No. Severus just annoyed me," Lily said, scoffing. She suddenly flushed. "I'm really sorry for throwing myself on your couch, Professor."

Minerva laughed gently. "It's fine, Lily. You're here often enough."

"I guess that's true." Lily exhaled. She reached for a biscuit and then retracted her hand. "But, Professor? I did discover something."

A sinking feeling started to brew in Minerva's belly. "Oh, no."

"Severus asked me not to tell anyone, but if it concerns his safety, I have to tell you, right? Just like if he were any student I had found out about on my patrol duties?"

"Yes," Minerva encouraged. "If someone is at risk, a staff member should be made aware."

"His dad beats him," Lily whispered. "And his mum. He didn't want to go back at Christmas because it got worse over the summer."

"When he stopped being able to spend so much time with you," Minerva said sagely. "Ah."

"Can you do something about it, Professor?"

"I can certainly try. I don't think he'll confess anything to me, and unless he consents to a physical examination in the Hospital Wing, I can't make him do anything." Minerva sighed wearily. "All we can do is let him know we're here and hope to provide a safe and open space for him."

"Would he prefer talking to someone else?" Lily asked nervously. "What if I told Professor Slughorn?"

"Professor Slughorn has already tried," Minerva replied. She cocked her head. "Wait, why are you asking me that? Does Mr. Snape not like me?"

This time, Lily flushed deeply enough to match her hair. "It's not that, Professor. He knows you're smart and, obviously, the best person we could ever have as our Transfiguration professor."

"That's extremely kind, Lily," Minerva said, a smile on her lips, "but I doubt that's how Mr. Snape feels."

"He thinks you're too partial to James and his friends," Lily admitted. "I hope you know I don't think that! I really like you."

Minerva laughed. "Well, I'm glad to hear that. I will endeavour to ensure I am not at all partial towards Gryffindor house, especially in Mr. Snape's presence. And, if he will not respond well to my intervention, I suppose I will talk to the Headmaster about speaking with Mr. Snape."

Not that that will go any better, Minerva thought.

"Thank you, Professor. I may not be his friend anymore, but I don't want him in danger."

"No, neither do I." Minerva looked mischievously at her student and decided a change of subject was in order. "Lily, when did Mr. Potter become James?"

"Relatively recently," Lily said defensively. "Very, very recently."

"I see," Minerva replied. "Well, I'm glad to see you're all getting along better, at any rate."

"Truthfully, Professor? He's not as bad as I thought."

"That is very good to know. I'm glad he has your approval."

"It's not like that!" Lily protested. "I just think he's actually nice now that I know he isn't always a twit."

"I will always approve of my students demonstrating more character than previously thought possible."

"Yeah, yeah," Lily grumbled, but she had a smile on her face. "I should let you have your free period back. Thank you for listening, Professor."

"Thank you not only for telling me, but for talking to Mr. Snape," Minerva thanked her gently. "I can only imagine how hard that was for you."

Lily stood. "It was hard, perhaps, but not in the way that you might think." She reached out and took a biscuit for the road. "Thanks, Professor."

With that, her student left, and Minerva knew she had to tell Albus.

After dinner, Minerva cornered her husband in his office so that he would know she had to speak to him about Hogwarts business.

His eyes twinkled at her over his desk. "What do you have to speak to me about, Professor McGonagall?"

Minerva simply said, "Severus Snape."

"What about him?"

"A student came to me today with information. Apparently, Snape confessed that he is physically abused when he is at home. I believe that warrants an investigation by senior members of Hogwarts staff, wouldn't you say?"

Albus' eyes narrowed, and he flicked his wrist, instantly covering the portraits occupying his office. "You sent Lily to talk to him."

"I most certainly did not. She went of her own volition."

"And he admitted this to her?"

"Yes." Minerva nodded. "I'm sure you could look at her memory."

"I will take my daughter at her word. I have no need to invade her mind."

"Very well, then. But we do need to do something about Snape's situation."

"He hurt Lily," Albus whispered. "Why are you trying so hard to help him?"

"Because he is a teenager who is not beyond help because he did one bad thing, Albus."

"A horrible thing," Albus reminded her.

"Yes, but Albus, have you considered that he may be who he is because he has been abused his entire life?" Minerva looked at him imploringly. "We can't let him stay at his house, Albus. Not until we have exhausted every opportunity to help him."

Albus let out a long sigh. "No, but Minerva, this is an impossible situation. I can't talk to him without informing him that I know he told Lily. We have no proof."

"We can't do nothing, Albus."

"No, you're right. We cannot. I will talk to him, but I can only intervene if he gives me actual proof, Minerva."

"All I'm asking is that you do your job, Albus," Minerva said neutrally. "It is your job to investigate such an incident. So do it, and do it without your familial ties to Lily clouding your judgment."

"What does that mean?"

"I know you well enough to know that your love of Lily—and your hatred for how Snape treated her—is colouring your analysis of this situation."

Albus knew his wife was right. She usually was.

But Albus always had trouble seeing clearly when it came to love.

"Fine. And, I suppose if Lily wants to help Snape despite their differences, I should do my daughter this favour," Albus said heavily. "When should I speak with him?"

"As quickly as possible, I reckon—we should try to help him soon. There's no sense in drawing it out. You might as well summon him now. I'll wait in my quarters."

"Fantastic," Albus murmured. He waited for Minerva to leave before sending a note to Horace, asking him to send Severus Snape to his office right away.

And then, he waited rather impatiently until he heard a tentative knock on his door.

"Enter," Albus called.

"Professor Slughorn said you asked for me." Severus Snape stood before him, looking caustic and nervous at the same time. "Did I do something wrong, Professor?"

"No, no. Please, come in and have a seat." Albus gestured to the chair across from him.

Snape did as he asked. "Why am I here, Professor?"

"Since your stunt before the holidays, I've been worried about you. I wanted to confirm that nothing is going on that would put you or others in danger."

"In danger?" There was a brief flash of fear across Snape's face. "Why would you think that?"

"You had no desire to return home—and that, from my understanding, is new for you. I simply want to ensure that you are safe when you go home."

"Did Lil—did Evans—tell you something?" Snape spat. His pale face turned red. "Whatever she said is a lie. I told her something to get her off my back. That's all. You don't need to listen to her. She was just being a nosy bitch."

That remark caused something inside Albus to snap.

"Don't insult Miss Evans for daring to care about you!"

Snape's eyes widened. "Why do you care so much about her?"

"I care about all of my students, Mr. Snape," Albus corrected. Albus knew he had to calm down; the student in front of him might have been many things, but Snape certainly wasn't a fool. "I won't stand for such language to be used."

"I can't believe she betrayed me," Snape muttered. "Potter must have his grips in her."

"If you claim she betrayed you, is there something that I should know about?" Albus asked, fighting to keep his voice neutral. "You have another chance to tell me."

"Nothing is going on. I wanted to stay here and study. I would have thought you would encourage that."

Albus sighed inwardly. "I suppose we'll have to do this the hard way, then."

He knew that he shouldn't invade Snape's mind on a whim—Albus knew it wasn't a wise decision. But, Albus also knew there was no way in hell the teenager in front of him would give him any information.

So, for the second time, Albus tried to break through Severus Snape's Occlumency shields.

He managed to view ten seconds of a childhood memory of Snape and Lily before Snape forcibly removed him from his mind.

"Fuck you, Albus Dumbledore!" Snape screamed. To Albus' shock and mild amusement, the boy withdrew his wand from inside his robes. "You can't just go around invading people's minds!"

"Put your wand away, Severus," Albus said calmly. "I'm just trying to ensure your saf—"

Snape interrupted him, yelling, "Expelliarmus!"

Albus managed to wandlessly block the boy's spell, but not before it moved his chair backwards. He sighed, stood, and walked around his desk to try and talk some sense into Snape.

"Mr. Snape, I would encourage you to refrain from casting spells at me. It won't end well for you."

"Why, because I'm so weak?" Snape yelled, and before Albus knew what was happening, he felt Snape's hands on his chest. He pushed Albus back against the desk, and Albus felt his head ricochet off the floor.

"Oh, shit," Snape muttered. "I didn't mean to do that. I didn't...I didn't..."

"You knew very well what you were doing." Albus sat up and ignored the ringing in his head.

"I didn't mean to hurt you...you're bleeding, Headmaster."

"You attacked a teacher, Mr. Snape." Albus stared at the boy, all too aware of the blood dripping down his cheek. "You realize that means I'd be well within my right to expel you?"

Instantly, the boy's demeanour changed from regretful to angry.

"Do your worst, Headmaster," Snape snarled. "I could do far worse than being let out on my own. I'm already smarter than most students who leave this school. What need for NEWTs do I have?"

"My worst?" Albus demanded loudly. He stood and towered over Snape, allowing Snape to see why so many feared him. "My worst, then, is to keep you here. This incident will never be spoken of again. We will not tell anyone. I will allow you to keep your place at Hogwarts, and you will be given the opportunity to complete your sixth and seventh years, and attain your NEWTs in whichever subjects you desire."

"Are you losing your touch, Headmaster?" Snape sneered. "That hardly seems like a punishment."

"Oh, I believe it is," Albus snapped. "You see, you will be stuck here, in these halls, as the place that was once a refuge becomes your prison. You will be forced to sit in class and the Great Hall whilst the girl you love ignores you. You will watch as her friends—your bullies—spend all their time with her. You will be trapped at school when you have no desire to be here. You could choose not to come, of course, but if that's what you decide, then the Board and I will have reason to investigate your home life. And we both know that, if an investigation were to occur, you would be forced back to school—or, at the very least, you'd be forced to see a mind Healer. Keeping you here at school may seem trivial, but it is the best way I can keep you safe."

And if it upsets you in the meantime, even better, Albus thought bitterly.

"I despise you, Dumbledore," Snape bit out. Albus could see his student was nearly crying from frustration. "I don't know why everyone loves you. You're not benevolent. You're mean."

"Perhaps," Albus said coldly. "You'd hardly be the first to say that. But I imagine you'll find this is the only suitable arrangement."

"Thank you for your generosity, Headmaster." Snape turned to leave, but Albus couldn't help himself.

He needed the last word.

"Mr. Snape?" Albus asked pleasantly. "Tell Tom Riddle I say hello—oh, I am sorry. He goes by Lord Voldemort now."

They stared at each other for a few moments before Snape slammed the door.

"Merlin, have mercy," Albus muttered. That had gone worse than even he had expected. Waving a hand, he healed his cheek. He didn't want Minerva ever discovering how horribly that had played out. Sighing, he moved through the tunnel connecting their rooms.

"How did that go?" Minerva asked when he finally made his way to their bed.

"Not well. He admitted nothing, and I could find no memory of abuse." Albus removed his robes and sent them flying away to their place in the cupboard.

Minerva frowned. "I can't imagine he would have lied to Lily."

"Nor can I. But, at any rate, I have nothing I can bring to the Ministry."

"Was he angry?" Minerva asked softly as Albus slipped into bed. She clucked her tongue. "Of course he was. What a silly question."

"He wasn't thrilled," Albus admitted. "He shouted quite a lot. I can't imagine he'll be happy to shake my hand at his graduation."

"So we made the situation worse by meddling?"

"I don't know about worse."

It was definitely worse, Albus knew. But he also knew better than to tell his wife that he had been attacked by a student, and then threatened that same student with certain knowledge of his dealings with Tom Riddle.

"Thank you for trying, Al," Minerva whispered against his chest, and Albus did his best to swallow down the guilt that was threatening to consume him whole.