Chapter 9: Riddle's Request
Severus I
Monday, 8 November 1976
The following POV contains content, close to verbatim, from HBP Chapter 20, "Lord Voldemort's Request"
Defense Against the Dark Arts has gone as well as Severus had expected it would go after the Petrification of Adrian Creevey. Just about everyone who wasn't in Slytherin gave him dirty looks; the only exception to this was Lily and Lupin. The werewolf would glance every now and then before whispering something to Potter and Black, along with something else to McKinnon. Lily, on the other hand, seemed to avoid looking at Severus, preferring to sit silently and take notes from the professor. It didn't seem as though anything was wrong, or at least it didn't seem as though Lily was angry about something.
After class, Severus collected his things and said to Lily, "Wait for a bit."
"What is it?" Lily asked.
"Is everything alright? Aside from what happened with Creevey, obviously."
Lily nodded. "I'm just thinking about Tuney. I'm a little nervous."
"I don't blame you," Severus smirked humorlessly. "I'll be surprised if she doesn't try to banish me on sight."
"She might open the door wearing garlic around her neck and carrying a stake," Lily joked, some warmth returning to her.
Severus smiled back before the words registered. "Wait, does she think I'm a vampire?"
"I might have mentioned it in my letter to Mum and Dad," Lily said, "but I told them it was nonsense. They're just stupid rumors."
Severus couldn't help but groan out loud.
"What? They're not going to cancel the dinner-"
"No," Severus said, stopping her. "No, it's fine. It's just going to be harder to look good for them." Why Lily would even mention something like that was beyond him. "Just don't make a habit of doing that."
"It was just a joke," Lily said defensively. "It's nothing."
Severus shook his head. "Fine. Just a joke. Anyway, I'm going to do my best when we get to London. I might not talk too much, but Petunia might prefer that."
"I think she would be angrier if you didn't say anything," Lily smirked. "She loves to complain about you."
That wasn't as reassuring as Lily had probably meant it to be. "Anyway, I need to prepare for my next class."
"I'll see you in Potions, then," Lily said.
The two of them left the classroom, and Severus made his way to his room to drop off his supplies before heading to the Room of Requirement. Lily would be at lunch, and given that they were serving fish and chips, he doubted she, or anyone, would be up on the seventh floor at this time.
Severus entered the Room and went to the locker containing his workout clothes, or what he assumed were clothes a Muggle would wear while exercising. He started by warming up with calisthenics, doing a few sets of push-ups, sit-ups, and squats before going over to the bar for some pull-ups. Ironically, pull-ups had come easier to him than most other exercises, but that was mostly due to muscle memory. Ever since he found out Lily's parents didn't like him, and after they had installed that damn bell above the door, he'd been forced to climb up the water spout next to Lily's bedroom window. Needless to say, he was good at climbing.
Severus decided to be brave and try some of the weights, a pair of dumbbells. They looked to be about ten pounds, so he started curling them, keeping in mind the posture of the man in the picture he was studying. He soon realized it was relatively easy, although he probably wouldn't use them aside from light self-maintenance.
Severus finished by going over to the massive track the Room had created for him, and he took off. He didn't bother timing himself or counting how many laps he had done; what mattered was that he ran until time was up. After having sprinted at full speed, he slowed to a moderate pace, taking some time to regain some of his breath before sprinting again. He repeated the pattern until he found himself properly exhausted, after which he staggered to the shower and cooled down.
Stepping out and drying, Severus took two nutritive potions from the cupboard in the makeshift kitchen and gulped them down. Normally, these were meant for basic nutritional needs, but he was trying to be as fit as was necessary. If he was going to catch and kill that basilisk, he needed to reach it before it could kill. And while Professor Snape could fly, it would be a bit unwieldy for him to do so inside the castle, at least until Severus moved on to training in some sort of flying obstacle course.
Taking the muscle salve made the previous Saturday, Severus began rubbing it over the sorest parts of his body, granting them elasticity as they took in the nutrients of the potions. He was by no means muscular, but he could feel that this method would be a quick and sure way for him to be physically competent, although he hoped he wouldn't have to rely too much on it.
Severus was out of the Room just ten minutes before it was time for his 'lesson' with Dumbledore. Finding himself in front of the gargoyle, he spoke the password and ascended, arriving just as the clock struck 2:00.
"Good afternoon, Severus," Dumbledore said. "You're right on time. If you would wait just for a few moments." Severus was surprised to see Professor Wigworthy sitting at the table.
"Oh no worries, headmaster," Wigworthy said, waving his hand. "We can finish this discussion after Mr. Snape's lesson." Wigworthy stood and said his farewells before passing Severus. As he did, he patted him on the back and said, "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Have a good day, professor," Severus said back. Very recently, Severus had noticed another odd change in the world; Muggle Studies was on Tuesday, and Herbology was on Wednesday, when it should have been the other way around. It hadn't even occurred to him until he reviewed some of Professor Snape's memories. As he sat down, he said to Dumbledore, "Sir, I've just realized something. Shouldn't Muggle Studies be on Wednesday for sixth-years?"
"Normally, yes," Dumbledore said. "I had to restructure the schedule around Professor Wigworthy's convenience; ironically enough, the change also benefits Professors McGonagall and Sprout."
"But what happened?"
"You, my boy."
"What?"
"When your story reached the papers, the Ministry began reviewing their childcare policies. Professor Wigworthy took an interest in this and requested a change to his schedule, as his appointments with the Muggle Liaison Office are every Wednesday at that time." Dumbledore waved the Pensieve over and set it down on the desk. "In any event, it seems you've had quite an effect on the world as of late."
But now, the memory.
"Yes." Dumbledore took a flask and poured the silvery contents within. "Before we go in, let me give you some context for what you are about to see."
Severus nodded.
"During his time at school, as you know, Voldemort was an outstanding student, receiving top marks in both his O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s, as well as being a Prefect and Head Boy."
"Of course," Severus grumbled.
"I was against him being chosen as Head Boy," Dumbledore said reassuringly.
"That didn't stop you from choosing Potter," Severus shot back quietly.
Dumbledore blinked. "You can't honestly think James is as bad as Voldemort, can you?"
"Don't be ridiculous," Severus replied. "Of course he isn't as bad. James Potter is beloved by his peers, his professors, his headmaster, his parents."
"And he is not prejudiced against Muggle-borns," Dumbledore said, as though to remind Severus of Potter's good qualities.
"He doesn't care about them, either," Severus said. "But that's for another time."
"Yes, let's focus," Dumbledore said, returning to the topic. "Voldemort was brilliant as a student, and the number of careers he could have chosen to pursue were limitless. He could have become Minister for Magic, if he was fond of politics. Out of all the possible careers he could have chosen from, he wished to be a professor at Hogwarts. Headmaster Dippet insisted that he wait a few years, until he was older. And so, instead of working as a professor, he chose to work at Borgin and Burkes."
"Smart," Severus said. "A collector of antiques and other objects of worth."
"Yes," Dumbledore said.
"Merope sold the locket to Burke, didn't she?"
Dumbledore smiled a bit. "Indeed she did. But whether Voldemort knew or not is unknown to me at this time. However, it's possible. Today, we will be viewing the memory of Hokey the house-elf, who was in service to an old witch named Hepzibah Smith."
Severus and Dumbledore leaned into the Pensieve.
The three of them were in a sitting room in front of an immensely fat old lady wearing and elaborate ginger wig and a brilliant pink set of robes that flowed all around her, giving her the look of a melted iced cake. She was looking into a small jeweled mirror and dabbing rouge onto her already scarlet cheeks with a large powder puff, while the tiniest and oldest house-elf Severus had seen, apart from Snarky and Kreacher, laced her fleshy feet into tight satin slippers.
"Hurry up, Hokey!" said Smith imperiously. "He said he'd come at four, it's only a couple of minutes to and he's never been late yet!" She tucked away her powder puff as the house-elf straightened up.
The top of the elf's head barely reached the seat of Smith's chair, and her papery skin hung off her frame just like the crisp line sheet she wore draped like a toga.
"How do I look?" said Smith, turning her fat head to admire the various angles of her face in the mirror.
"Lovely, madam," squeaked Hokey. Severus knew that Hokey was lying, because any living thing with functioning eyes and a brain could tell that Smith was, as charitably as Severus could say, repulsive.
A tinkling doorbell rang and both mistress and elf jumped.
"Quick, quick, he's here, Hokey!" cried Smith and the elf scurried out of the room, which was so crammed with objects that it was difficult to see how anybody could navigate their way across it without knocking over at least a dozen things; there were cabinets full of long lacquered boxes, cases full of gold-embossed books, shelves of orbs and celestial globes, and many flourishing potted plants in brass containers. In fact, the room looked like a cross between a magical antique shop and a conservatory.
The house-elf returned within minutes, followed by a tall young man Severus had no difficulty whatsoever in recognizing as Tom Riddle. He was plainly dressed in a black suit; his hair was a little longer than it had been at school and his cheeks were hollowed, but all of this suited him; he looked more handsome than ever. He picked his way through the cramped room with an air that showed he had visited many times before and bowed low over Smith's fat little hand, brushing it with his lips.
"I brought you flowers," he said quietly, producing a bunch of roses from nowhere.
"You naughty boy, you shouldn't have!" squealed old Smith, though Severus noticed she had an empty vase standing ready on the nearest little table. "You do spoil this old lady, Tom…. Sit down, sit down…. Where's Hokey? Ah…"
The house-elf had come dashing back into the room carrying a tray of little cakes, which she set at her mistress's elbow.
"Help yourself, Tom," said Smith, "I know how you love my cakes. Now, how are you? You look pale. They overworked you at that shop, I've seen it a hundred times…."
Tom smiled mechanically and Smith simpered.
"Reminds me of Pettigrew," Professor Snape muttered. "Maybe a distant relative?"
"Well, what's your excuse for visiting this time?" Smith asked, batting her lashes.
"Mr. Burke would like to make an improved offer for the goblin-made armor," said Tom. "Five hundred Galleons, he feels it is a more than fair-"
"Now, now, not so fast, or I'll think you're only here for my trinkets!" pouted Smith.
"I am ordered here because of them," said Tom quietly. "I am only a poor assistant, madam, who must do as he is told. Mr. Burke wishes me to inquire-"
"Oh, Mr. Burke, phooey!" said Smith, waving a little hand. "I've something to show you that I've never shown Mr. Burke! Can you keep a secret, Tom? Will you promise you won't tell Mr. Burke I've got it? He'd never let me rest if he knew I'd shown it to you, and I'm not selling, not to Burke, not to anyone! But you, Tom, you'll appreciate it for its history, not how many Galleons you can get for it."
"I'd be glad to see anything Miss Hepzibah Smith shows me," said Tom quietly, and Smith gave another girlish giggle.
"I had Hokey bring it out for me…. Hokey, where are you? I want to show Mr. Riddle our finest treasure…. In fact, bring both, while you're at it…."
"Here, madam," squeaked the house-elf, and Severus saw two leather boxes, one on top of the other, moving across the room as if of their own volition, though he knew the tiny elf was holding them over her head as she wended her way between tables, pouffes, and footstools.
"Now," said Smith happily, taking the boxes from the elf, laying them in her lap, and preparing to open the topmost one, "I think you'll like this, Tom…. Oh, if my family knew I was showing you…. They can't wait to get their hands on this!"
She opened the lid. Severus and Professor Snape edged forward a little to get a better view and saw what looked like a small golden cup with two finely wrought handles.
"I wonder whether you know what it is, Tom? Pick it up, have a good look!" whispered Smith, and Tom stretched out a long-fingered hand and lifted the cup by one handle out of its snug silken wrappings. Severus thought he saw a red gleam in his dark eyes. His greedy expression was curiously mirrored on Smith's face, except that her tiny eyes were fixed upon Tom's handsome features.
"A badger," murmured Tom, examining the engraving upon the cup. "Then this was…?"
"Helga Hufflepuff's, as you very well know, you clever boy!" said Smith, leaning forward with a loud creaking of corsets and actually pinching his hollow cheek. "Didn't I tell you I was distantly descended? This has been handed down in the family for years and years. Lovely, isn't it? And all sorts of powers it's supposed to to possess too, but I haven't tested them thoroughly, I just keep it nice and safe here…."
She hooked the cup back off Tom's long forefinger and restored it gently to its box, too intent upon settling it carefully back into position to notice the shadow that crossed Tom's face as the cup was taken away.
"Now then," said Smith happily, "where's Hokey? Oh yes, there you are- take that away now, Hokey."
The elf obediently took the boxed cup, and Smith turned her attention to the much flatter box in her lap.
"I think you'll like this even more, Tom," she whispered. "Lean in a little, dear boy, so you can see…. Of course, Burke knows I've got this one, I bought it from him, and I daresay he'd love to get it back when I'm gone…."
She slid back the fine filigree clasp and flipped open the box. There upon the smooth crimson velvet lay a heavy golden locket.
Tom reached out his hand, without invitation this time, and held it up to the light, staring at it. "Slytherin's mark," he said quietly, as the light played upon an ornate, serpentine S.
"That's right!" said Smith, delighted, apparently, at the sight of Tom gazing at her locket, transfixed. "I had to pay an arm and a leg for it, but I couldn't let it pass, not a real treasure like that, had to have it for my collection. Burke bought it, apparently, from a ragged looking woman who seemed to have stolen it, but had no idea of its true value-"
There was no mistaking it this time: Tom's eyes flashed scarlet at the words, and Severus saw his knuckles whiten on the locket's chain.
"- I daresay Burke paid her a pittance but there you are…. Pretty, isn't it? And again, all kinds of powers attributed to it, though I just keep it nice and safe…."
She reached out to take the locket back. For a moment, Severus thought Tom was not going to let go of it, but then it had slid through his fingers and was back in its red velvet cushion.
"So there you are, Tom, dear, and I hope you enjoyed that!" She looked him full in the face and for the first time, Severus saw her foolish smile falter. "Are you alright, dear?"
"Oh yes," said Tom quietly. "Yes, I'm very well…."
"I thought- but a trick of the light, I suppose-" said Smith, looking unnerved, and Severus guessed that she too had seen the momentary red gleam in Tom's eyes. "Here, Hokey, take these away and lock them up again…. The usual enchantments…"
"Time to leave, Severus," Dumbledore said, and before Severus knew it, the scene vanished.
Severus was once again sitting with Dumbledore in the office, and he started taking note of what he had seen. Smith had not one, but two artifacts directly linked to the founders of the school. "Sir," Severus asked, "what happened after that memory?"
"Hepzibah Smith was found dead two days later," Dumbledore answered, "and Hokey was convicted for her murder via poisoning."
"Like Morfin and the Riddles," Severus said.
"Yes, but not quite. Morfin had a long grudge against the Riddle family, but the same could not be said for Hokey and Hepzibah. Authorities came to the conclusion that, due to old age and confusion, Hokey had accidentally mixed a lethal and uncommon poison into Hepzibah's tea."
"Ah yes, because it's so easy to mix an uncommon poison into one's tea," Severus said dryly.
"In addition," Dumbledore continued, "the locket and cup which you have seen went missing from her home. And funnily enough, a certain assistant at Borgin and Burkes retired and vanished around this time."
"With the murder of Smith-"
"Yes, it is possible that either the locket or the cup became the third horcrux."
Or both.
"I suspect both as well, professor. In total, we may count the diary and ring, along with potentially the locket and cup. However, we have yet to determine where these objects are."
"But if they're horcruxes," Severus said hurriedly, "then that means we know four of them. Sir, the diary was a personal item to him. The ring and locket were tied to his heritage through Slytherin, and the cup was tied to Hufflepuff."
And from what I know, the Dark Lord was very keen on acquiring the Sword of Gryffindor. So much so that panicked when he realized that it wasn't where he had placed it.
"Indeed?" Dumbledore sat back for a moment. "Well, it may be the case that the unknown horcruxes are also tied to the founders of Hogwarts. But the sword wasn't one, correct?"
"Correct," Severus said. "He never had the sword."
"Slytherin, Hufflepuff, probably not Gryffindor… there is Ravenclaw to consider."
"Does Ravenclaw have any artifacts associated with her?" Severus asked.
"I believe she had a diadem, but it has since been lost." Dumbledore took the memory out of the Pensieve and replaced it with another. "There is another memory that I think we should view."
Severus looked into the bowl with uncertainty. "What is it?"
"You recall that Voldemort wished to teach at Hogwarts. This memory takes place ten years after Hepzibah Smith's death." With that, Severus found himself once more leaning in.
Severus realized that he, Dumbledore, and Professor Snape were still in the office. There was Fawkes slumbering happily on his perch, something Severus hadn't bothered registering until recently, and there behind the desk was Dumbledore, who looked very similar, if not identical, to the Dumbledore standing beside Severus. The one difference between the present-day office and this one was that it was snowing in the past; bluish flecks were drifting past the window in the dark and building up on the outside ledge.
The younger Dumbledore seemed to be waiting for something, and sure enough, moments after their arrival, there was a knock on the door and he said, "Enter."
Severus felt his blood run cold. The Dark Lord had entered the room. His features were not those of the handsome Tom Riddle. It was as though his features had been burned and blurred; they were waxy and oddly distorted, and the whites of the eyes now had a permanently bloody look, though the pupils were still the same. He was wearing a long black cloak, and his face was as pale as the snow glistening on his shoulders.
The Dumbledore behind the desk showed no sign of surprise. Evidently this visit had been made by appointment.
"Good evening, Tom," said Dumbledore easily. "Won't you sit down?"
"Thank you," said 'Tom', and he took the seat to which Dumbledore had gestured- the very seat, by the looks of it, that Severus had just vacated in the present. "I heard that you had become headmaster," he said, and his voice was slightly higher and colder than it had been. "A worthy choice."
"I am glad you approve," said Dumbledore, smiling. "May I offer you a drink?"
"That would be welcome," said 'Tom'. "I have come a long way."
Dumbledore stood and swept over to the cabinet where he now kept the Pensieve, but which then was full of bottles. Having handed 'Tom' a goblet of wine and poured one for himself, he returned to the seat behind his desk.
"So, Tom… to what do I owe the pleasure?"
'Tom' did not answer at once, but merely sipped his wine, a surreal sight for Severus to behold. "They do not call me 'Tom' anymore," he said. "These days, I am known as-"
"I know what you are known as," said Dumbledore, smiling pleasantly. "But to me, I'm afraid, you will always be Tom Riddle. It is one of the irritating things about old teachers. I am afraid that they never quite forget their charges' youthful beginnings."
He raised his glass as though toasting 'Tom', whose face remained expressionless. Nevertheless, Severus felt the atmosphere in the room change subtly: Dumbledore's refusal to use 'Tom's chosen name was a refusal to allow 'Tom' to dictate the terms of the meeting, and Severus could tell that 'Tom' took it as such.
"I am surprised you have remained here so long," said 'Tom' after a short pause. "I always wondered why a wizard such as yourself never wished to leave school."
"Well," said Dumbledore, still smiling, "to a wizard such as myself, there can be nothing more important than passing on ancient skills, helping hone young minds. If I remember correctly, you once saw the attraction of teaching too."
"I see it still," said 'Tom'. "I merely wondered why you- who are so often asked for advice by the Ministry, and who have twice, I think, been offered the post of Minister-"
"Three times at the last count, actually," said Dumbledore. "But the Ministry never attracted me as a career. Again, something we have in common, I think."
'Tom' inclined his head, unsmiling, and took another sip of wine. Dumbledore did not break the silence that stretched between them now, but waited, with a look of pleasant expectancy, for 'Tom' to talk first.
"I have returned," he said, after a long while, "later, perhaps, than Professor Dippet expected… but I have returned, nevertheless, to request again what he once told me I was too young to have. I have come to you to ask that you permit me to return to this castle, to teach. I think you must know that I have seen and done much since I left this place. I could show and tell your students things they can gain from no other wizard."
Dumbledore considered 'Tom' over the top of his own goblet for a while before speaking. "Yes, I certainly do know that you have seen and done much since leaving us," he said quietly. "Rumors of your doings have reached your old school, Tom. I should be sorry to believe half of them."
'Tom's expression remained impassive as he said, "Greatness inspires envy, envy engenders spite, spite spawns lies. You must know this, Dumbledore."
"You call it 'greatness', what you have been doing, do you?" asked Dumbledore delicately.
"Certainly," said 'Tom', and his eyes seemed to burn red. "I have experimented; I have pushed the boundaries of magic further, perhaps, than they have ever been pushed-"
"Of some kinds of magic," Dumbledore corrected him quietly. "Of some. Of others, you remain… forgive me… woefully ignorant."
For the first time, 'Tom' smiled. It was a taut leer, an evil thing, more threatening than a look of rage. "The old argument," he said softly. "But nothing I have seen in the world has supported your famous pronouncements that love is more powerful than my kind of magic, Dumbledore."
"Perhaps you have been looking in the wrong places," suggested Dumbledore.
"Well, then, what better place to start my fresh researches than here, at Hogwarts?" said 'Tom'. "Will you let me return? Will you let me share my knowledge with your students? I place myself and my talents at your disposal. I am yours to command."
Dumbledore raised his eyebrows. "And what will become of those whom you command? What will happen to those who call themselves- or so rumor has it- the Death Eaters?"
Severus could tell that 'Tom' had not expected Dumbledore to know this name; he saw 'Tom's eyes flash red again and the slitlike nostrils flare. "My friends," he said, after a moment's pause, "will carry on without me, I am sure."
"I am glad to hear that you consider them friends," said Dumbledore. "I was under the impression that they are more in the order of servants."
"You are mistaken," said 'Tom'.
"Then if I were to go to the Hog's Head tonight, I would not find a group of them- Nott, Rosier, Mulciber, Dolohov- awaiting your return? Devoted friends indeed, to travel this far with you on a snowy night, merely to wish you luck as you attempted to secure a teaching post."
There could be no doubt that Dumbledore's detailed knowledge of those with whom he was travelling was even less welcome to 'Tom'; however, he rallied almost at once. "You are omniscient as ever, Dumbledore."
"Oh no, merely friendly with the local barmen," said Dumbledore lightly. "Now, Tom…" Dumbledore set down his empty glass and drew himself up in his seat, the tips of his fingers together in a very Dumbledore gesture. "Let us speak openly. Why have you come here tonight, surrounded by henchmen, to request a job we both know you do not want?"
'Tom' looked coldly surprised. "A job I do not want? On the contrary, Dumbledore, I want it very much."
"Oh, you want to come back to Hogwarts, but you do not want to teach anymore than you wanted to when you were eighteen. What is it you're after, Tom? Why not try an open request for once?"
'Tom' sneered. "If you do not want to give me a job-"
"Of course I don't," said Dumbledore. "And I don't think for a moment you expected me to. Nevertheless, you came here, you asked, you must have had a purpose."
'Tom' stood up. He looked less like Tom Riddle than ever, his features thick with rage. "This is your final word?"
"It is," said Dumbledore, also standing.
"Then we have nothing more to say to each other."
"No, nothing," said Dumbledore, and a great sadness filled his face. "The time is long gone when I could frighten you with a burning wardrobe and force you to make repayment for your crimes. But I wish I could, Tom… I wish I could…."
With that, 'Tom' had turned away, the door was closing, and he was gone.
Severus found himself back in the present with Dumbledore, leaning back in the chair as the event began sinking in. Why had the Dark Lord wanted to teach at Hogwarts in the first place?
"I am unsure of Lord Voldemort's desire to teach," Dumbledore said, somehow answering Severus's question. "What I can tell you is that ever since that day, there hasn't been a single Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who has lasted for more than one year."
Dark Magic.
"I'm sorry, professor?"
That's why you denied me the position, isn't it? You knew it was cursed.
"And yet, I offered it to you the year I died," Dumbledore said somberly. "Despite my best efforts, I have yet to lift it."
With a curse like this… yes, I think I may know.
"Do you?" Dumbledore looked surprised.
It would be tied directly to the Dark Lord's very life force. Should he die, it will be lifted.
"Easier said than done," Severus said.
Indeed. However, there is something else. For a curse this powerful, there would have to be some sort of condition that has to be met. A binding magical contract of sorts.
"And what that might be?" Dumbledore asked.
… rejection.
"What?"
One possible reason the Dark Lord could have come to you would be for you to reject his application. As the subject matter is the Defense post, it would be targeted by the curse. The only problem is that the Dark Lord would have to remain in proximity to the school at all times for such a powerful curse to remain in effect.
"But he isn't here," Severus said. "Aside from the diary, of… course."
"Severus?"
"Could he have hidden a horcrux in the school?"
Dumbledore's mouth opened slightly. "That might be possible, but we don't know which one."
So the curse might be tied directly to the horcrux hidden within the school. This would make sense.
"Either the locket or cup, I would guess," Severus put forward.
"It might be another one, instead," Dumbledore countered. "For now, we may have a possible location. This will have to be a starting point. But for now, I think we should pause and reflect on what we've learned."
"What am I supposed to do for the next…" Severus looked at the clock. "... one-and-a-half hours?"
"Well," Dumbledore said, "we could still go over your lessons."
Lily I
Class had gone fairly smoothly for Lily, despite the looks Severus received from the other students, barring James and Peter. She could hear a few others in class muttering something about Adrian, but they seemed to go silent whenever Severus looked in their general direction. Marlene had been against Lily sitting with him, but she assured her that Severus wouldn't try anything in class. Of course, that made it sound like she thought Severus was guilty, and a bit of an argument ensued.
Despite what was being said, Severus didn't seem bothered at all, and Lily wasn't sure if that was good or not. All she knew was that he seemed distracted, enough to almost mess up on the timing while following this week's recipe. Well, 'following' wasn't the right word, but the semantics weren't important. What was important was the fact that something was bothering him, and Lily knew he wouldn't tell her what was wrong.
As Slughorn dismissed the class, Lily caught Severus by the arm and said, "Wait for me."
Severus nodded and waited as Lily finished collecting her things. "What is it?"
"I just wanted to walk you back."
"Alright."
As the two of them walked from the Dungeons to the fourth floor, Lily noticed how tired Severus looked. She could see a few red veins out of the corner of his eye, past the long black hair, and he was slightly paler than yesterday. "Is everything alright?"
"I'm fine," Severus said nonchalantly. "Why do you ask?"
"You seem a bit distracted."
"... we're spending the night at Petunia's, yes?"
"It'll be fine," Lily replied. "I didn't think you would be this nervous."
"I'm not nervous," Severus said defensively, and Lily almost smirked. "I'm apprehensive."
"Is that really what has you… apprehensive?"
"... no," Severus answered, catching Lily by surprise. "No, it isn't. It's about what happened to Creevey."
Even now, Severus surprised Lily. He didn't even like Adrian that much. "I know it must be hard. I mean, you found him-"
"That's not what I mean," Severus cut in quietly. "It could've been you."
Despite all evidence pointing to the contrary, Lily felt as though she had stopped in her tracks. Severus was never the type to be this candid about his concerns, unless it was anger directed at James. She knew deep down that Severus considered her to be his best friend, but even then, he hadn't talked like this before. "Sev-"
"I can't think straight, knowing that whatever Petrified Creevey could strike again," Severus continued. "And if it was…."
"What?"
"Promise me you won't walk around alone."
As they stopped outside of Severus's room, Lily took a moment to look at Severus face-to-face. His eyes were glossy, as though he was somewhere deep in his head. "How am I supposed to get back to my room if you don't let me walk alone?"
Severus's eyes darted to hers, and she thought something flickered behind his black eyes before he said, "I'll walk you to the portrait, then."
"Every evening?"
"Unless you can think of someone else."
"Marley."
Severus visibly withdrew, and a dark look flashed across his face for the briefest of moments. "Fine. McKinnon. And make sure MacDonald doesn't walk alone, either."
Lily couldn't help but smile at Severus's concern for Mary. He wasn't calling her by her first name, but Mary had been the same early on. "We won't let anything bad happen-"
"And keep a hand mirror on you," Severus blurted out.
Lily was confused. "What do you mean?"
"Well, just to check around corners," Severus said. "You never know."
"Fine," Lily said. "Do you really think that… whatever did this could strike again?"
Severus nodded. "I think so. Come on, I'll walk you to the portrait."
"I was going to dinner after I dropped you off."
"Then I'll go to dinner as well."
Lily felt her mouth open with surprise, but she quickly shut it again. "You're-"
"Come on," Severus said, and he began leading them down to the Great Hall.
Lily was stunned once again. Severus must have been terrified of whatever had affected Adrian, as if he knew what it was. She didn't think Severus was responsible, at least she was confident that was the case based on what Tom had told her about Hagrid, but the fact remained that Severus somehow knew more than he was letting on, even though he insisted that there wasn't enough evidence to come to a proper conclusion.
Soon enough, Lily found herself in the Great Hall, and Severus said quietly, "Have a good dinner."
"You too," Lily said, equally quietly. She watched Severus walk over to the Slytherin table, and the hall noticeably hushed as soon as he sat down. She saw Mulciber and Avery look over at Severus with equal confusion and wariness, while Rosier and Wilkes looked with a sort of curiosity. Lucinda Talkalot seemed to be happy to see Severus, and she was talking to him about something Lily couldn't hear. And of course, Sirius's brother had glanced over before immediately looking away, a disturbed look on his face.
Lily walked over to where Marlene was sitting, and she helped herself to some bubble and squeak. She soon realized that the people sitting around her were giving her an odd look. She set the serving spoon down and asked, "What is it?"
"Why is Snape sitting in the Great Hall?" Remus asked slowly.
"And why did he come with you?" James asked. He almost looked jealous.
"He's shaken up about what happened to Adrian," Lily explained. "He decided that it wasn't safe to travel alone, so he decided that he's going to walk me to dinner and the portrait."
"I could do that," James offered.
"No," Lily said quickly. "This is good for him. He's been locked away since term started-"
"And look where he's sitting," Marlene said, gesturing to the Slytherin table.
"It's dinner," Mary retorted, a sharpness to her voice. "We have to sit at our own tables."
Admittedly, Lily was a bit taken aback by how Mary's mood had shifted within the past day or so. She said, "He also wants you to walk with someone, Mary."
"Why her?" Peter asked, reaching for some bread before having his hand swatted by Remus. "I-I mean, is he that close to Mary?"
"Close enough," Mary answered. "And if you have something to ask about me, you could ask me directly."
"Is everything alright?" James asked. "You seem a bit… off."
"Nothing," Mary replied, not bothering to look at James. "I just had a bad day."
"What happened?" Marlene asked.
"Nothing," Mary repeated. This time, she took a cob from the table and stood up, walking out of the Great Hall.
"Mary?!" Marlene called after her.
"She hasn't been herself, has she?" Sirius asked. "Ever since she started spending time with Sni-ape."
"Not since Hogsmeade," Marlene said quietly. "Maybe I should-"
"Perhaps she needs some time by herself?" Remus suggested.
"But Snape told us not to let her go off alone," Marlene countered.
"And you're listening to Snape now?" Sirius countered back.
"Padfoot," James said, nudging him. "Let's cool off a bit, mate."
Sirius took a deep breath and a drink of water before saying, "Marley, if you want to go after her-"
Marlene was off the bench and out the door before he finished his sentence.
"I didn't think it got that bad," Remus murmured.
"Marley's still a bit… well, you know how she is," Sirius said. "Although Mary…. Did anything happen between her and Snape during that tutoring session?"
"Not much," Remus said. "Just making some sort of salve that does something to the muscles. After that, I just walked Mary back and went upstairs."
"I thought you were heading back home to visit your dad?" Lily asked.
"I was getting some of my things," Remus said. "As we were running late, Dumbledore offered to Apparate me there directly."
"Oh." Funnily enough, Lily hadn't seen Remus bring anything downstairs when he left the common room later that evening. Then again, she'd been a bit drowsy. She took a bite of the bubble and squeak and said, "Anyway, we should all walk in pairs. Also, Severus suggested we bring hand mirrors with us to look around corners."
"Paranoid as always," James smirked.
"James," Lily scolded.
The smirk vanished from his face. "Sorry. But yeah, we'll keep an eye out. Padfoot?"
"Doubly. Wormtail?"
"Triply. M-"
"Yes, yes," Remus said. "Quadruply."
Lily thought it was a bit cute how they tended to do that whenever they were agreeing on anything. And it was better now that James wasn't bullying Severus, even if Severus still didn't like him. She could finally see what the four were like without having to worry that they would hurt him. James and Sirius, naturally, went back and forth with witty banter, wordplay, and a long debate on brooms versus flying Muggle vehicles. Meanwhile, Peter was listening in, quickly adding something to the conversation with only half of it being acknowledged. As for Remus, he was more focused on filling his stomach; where it all went was a mystery to Lily.
Lily glanced over at Severus and realized that he had been looking over at her, only to quickly look down at his plate. How long had he been watching from over there? Regardless, she had a good idea of how he felt about her sitting here, even though he had chosen to come to the Great Hall for dinner. She didn't want him to think she was doing this for him to see her with James, but that was just how their seating arrangement had ended up. And he seemed to be ignoring his Slytherin friends for the most part, barely responding to what they were saying.
Just a month and a half until they could finally talk on the train.
Mary I
Mary couldn't handle everyone else right now, not when she was in this mood. She'd heard Severus was some sort of Seer from some of the girls in sixth-year Divination, but she didn't think he'd be good enough to predict her bloody period the day before! The salve he'd developed for her was working well enough, but she still felt symptoms other than cramping and bloatedness. The mood swings weren't very pleasant, nor was the fact she was starting to get spotty skin; these things she could go to Severus about. What she couldn't do was talk about her chest being this sore!
"Mary!" It was Marlene, because of course, it had to be Marlene.
Mary wasn't in the mood to stop; she still had to go back to the dorm and find a clean rag, since witches apparently didn't have bloody tampons!
"Mary, let me-"
"What?!" Mary exploded, turning around.
Marlene halted in her tracks in surprise. "Look, I'm sorry if I said something-"
"I just want to go back to my room," Mary cut in.
"What is your problem?!" Marlene had lost her patience, and in any other scenario, Mary would have submitted.
But today wasn't a good day.
"My problem," Mary said back sharply, "is that I'm trying to get back to my room to get a clean rag!"
Whatever Mary had said seemed to shut Marlene up, and with that, she turned and continued on, hurrying up the staircase and past the portrait, up into the girls' third-year dorm and finding a clean rag before setting the cob on the side table, hurrying into the bathroom and swapping them. She didn't even know what to do with the old one. She didn't know any cleaning spells… wait, she did!
Mary pointed her wand at the dirty rag and said, "Scourgify!"
The rag was suddenly covered in some sort of soapy material, which began to spread onto Mary's hand. She moved into the shower and turned it on, standing to the side and rinsing the soap and… material off of the rag and down the drain. She quickly wrung the rag and got out as much water as she could, only to realize that it still had a bit of a reddish color to it. She didn't want to call a house-elf to wash it for her; that would be too embarrassing.
Mary went back out into the bedroom and dried the rag before hiding it away, and she was just about to change into her pajamas when she heard a knock on the door. Her hands balled into fists as she guessed who it could be, but she decided it was better to open the door before it was opened by someone else. She marched over and swung the door open to reveal Marlene.
"I didn't know you were going through that," Marlene said sympathetically. "I have a potion that could-"
"Severus says those sorts of potion cause infertility," Mary interjected coolly. "I've been using a salve to deal with the cramps and bloating."
"A salve? Can I see?"
"... fine." Mary let Marlene in and pulled the salve out, showing her. "He taught me the recipe, so I can practice making this for myself."
"It isn't just girl problems, is it?"
Mary didn't like where Marlene was going with this, but she let her finish her thought.
"I know that I've been… well, let's face it: I've been a bitch. And at first, I… if Sirius is right about the writing on the wall, then I'm just worried that Snape might try to hurt you and Lily."
"Well, he's not," Mary said. "He'd never hurt either one of us."
"How do you know that?"
"How do you know he's as bad as you think he is?"
Marlene looked away for a moment before answering, "Look. At first, I didn't mind him too much. I didn't like him, but he was Lily's friend, so I didn't say anything. But then, he started getting more and more into the Dark Arts, and that's when I noticed how he tended to view Muggle-borns. And when he started spending more time with the other Slytherins in our fourth year, he got more and more into it. And no matter how many times I warned Lily, she kept making excuses for not ending things then and there. At the very least, she could have forced him to choose between her and his other friends."
Mary let the information sink in. What Marlene was saying made some sense, but if Severus really only had Lily as his friend for their first years at Hogwarts, wouldn't it make sense for him to try to make more friends? And from what she knew, Severus hadn't really spent too much time with the other Slytherins until fourth year, around Valentine's Day. But…. "That's not why you hate him."
"What?"
"It started before Valentine's Day," Mary said. "I know because it was before the first card I sent to Reggie. Months before." Before Marlene could speak, Mary continued. "Why then?"
"I-"
"I don't have time for this," Mary said. She didn't care about what Marlene had to say; she just wanted to get ready for bed. "If you're not going to bother being honest about it, then just… don't talk to me."
"That's the mood swing talking-"
"That's me talking!" Mary shot back with a stronger burst of anger. "And I don't want to be friends with a bully!"
Marlene seemed shocked at the word 'bully', and she said defensively, "What are you talking about?! I'm not-"
"It doesn't take a genius to see how you've been treating him," Mary continued, taking a step forward. "You'd have to be an idiot not to! And until you apologize to him, I won't spend any more time with you."
Marlene seemed to pale at what Mary had just said. "Maybe you just need some time to think-"
"I'd had plenty of time to think," Mary said. "I'm not putting up with this anymore. Good night, Marlene."
Marlene's face started turning red. "You're choosing Snape over me?"
"I'm choosing a good friend over a bad one. Good night."
Marlene was the first to break eye contact, just for the briefest of moments, before turning and leaving.
Mary shut the door before sitting on her bed, taking the cob from the Great Hall and biting into it. It was fluffy and bland. She chewed slowly and swallowed before taking another bite, which was a bit more damp and saltier. Her chest felt tight as she ate her dinner, and she was relieved when the cob was finished. Taking her pajamas into the bathroom, she showered and changed clothes before brushing her teeth and coming back out.
Ready for bed, Mary pulled the bed curtains shut, pulled the blanket over her head, and cried.
Lily II
When Lily arrived back at the dorm, she was surprised to find that Marlene had gone to bed, the curtains drawn shut. She didn't know what to make of it other than what was happening between her and Mary. The younger girl was starting to change, and Lily wasn't sure if it was for the better. She appreciated that Mary was willing to befriend Severus, but if it was at the cost of her other relationships, then…. She dismissed the idea. Mary wouldn't forsake all her friends for Severus; that would be unreasonable.
Lily took out the black book and quill and quickly started writing.
Hi Tommy.
Tommy?
You don't like it?
Not really, no.
Sorry, Tom.
Much better. How are you?
I'm still processing the idea of Mr. Hagrid being the one who opened the Chamber. And I don't think that an acromantula could do whatever happened to Adrian.
I've considered all other options….
And?
Before we discuss what sort of creature it could be, do you have any new information?
Severus is terrified. He doesn't want me or Mary to walk alone, and he wants us to carry mirrors at all times to look around corners.
I see. Perhaps you ought to take a drop of liquid luck before you travel the corridors?
That would be a bit of a waste.
Just a thought. What are you planning on doing with it?
I'm not sure.
I may be overstepping, but perhaps you should confirm that the spider isn't responsible.
It's an acromantula.
And yet, when the investigation took place, Hagrid was found responsible.
Maybe he was framed?
… perhaps.
How can we find out?
I'm not sure. Perhaps it's in the Forbidden Forest?
How would you know?
I'm guessing. Where else would it go?
Farther south.
Acromantulae are arboreal creatures that rely on moderately-sized prey for survival, specifically humans. If an acromantula had traveled south and continued hunting, someone would have reported it.
Couldn't we ask Hagrid?
How would you explain that the journal of the boy who caught him red-handed was conversing with you on a regular basis?
Well, what do you suggest?
Drink one-fourth of the Felix Felicis and go out there with me.
Are you mad?!
Where's that Gryffindor courage?
There's a difference between courage and suicide!
Tell that to Godric Gryffindor.
Lily sat back and thought about Tom's suggestion. She couldn't really argue with his logic; it would seem rather suspicious if she approached Mr. Hagrid with such a line of questioning, and since the matter had been covered up, it would raise plenty of more questions. In the worst-case scenario, Tom might be taken away. Drinking a bit of Felix before going into the forest would be the best way to approach this.
Let's say that we do this. How wouldn't I be caught? What if I'm attacked.
You could transfigure something into a dagger for protection. You're still underage, so any spells cast in the forest would be Traced.
Fine. But what if there really is an acromantula.
Remember that you're not alone. Bring me with you, and I can be your eyes and ears. If anything tries to approach from behind, I'll tell you.
Alright. Let's do this.
Lily took the bottle of Felix out from the drawer, unstopped it, and took a shallow drink. She looked and found that she had taken about a fourth of what was there. Putting it back, she felt a newfound sense of confidence, as well as a good idea of how to approach the forest. All she had to do was go on-duty for her rounds, which was obvious, now that she thought of it, and then find a chance to go into the forest. Easy.
Severus II
Tuesday, 9 November 1976
Severus hadn't slept all night. He'd felt the same constricting, coiling sensation enveloping his body, only much, much stronger than before. It was to the point that, even if he tried to break free of it, he didn't have the strength. Professor Snape's support during the ordeal had done very little to ease it, and it had only grown worse when he went to Creature Care. Hagrid had barged into the middle of the lesson and showed Kettleburn the dead cockerel in his gigantic clutches, and it was enough to interrupt their lesson on fwoopers. Whoever was in possession of the diary, or whomever the diary was possessing, was starting to move quickly.
Severus was drawn out of his head as Muggle Studies began, and he had barely noticed that McKinnon had sat down next to him. Normally, she would make a big deal out of sitting down, being as obnoxious and passive aggressive as possible; today was different. Currently, she was more focused on taking out her book and opening it to today's chapter, as if the act required surgical precision.
Severus quickly glanced at her before back at his own book, but it was enough to read what she was feeling. There was some degree of anger and frustration, as well as an unspecified amount of disgust and loathing directed in his direction. But chief among these feelings was grief. Thinking about the difference between last evening and today, it became obvious what the problem was.
MacDonald.
Severus had seen the younger girl storm out of the Great Hall, earning a comment from Avery to Mulciber. Talkalot seemed interested as well, but for less malicious reasons. As for Regulus… well, he'd apparently been on-edge, constantly, ever since Creevey; he wasn't even sure if he'd slept. The point was that McKinnon had followed MacDonald soon after, and neither one had returned to dinner. On the one hand, it was good that MacDonald hadn't gone back to her common room alone. On the other hand, if McKinnon was in such a bad mood, he worried about the sort of mood MacDonald was in.
Muggle Studies went as well as any other day, with Wigworthy calling on Severus for a majority of questions regarding today's subject, which happened to be petrol stations. He was beginning to notice a theme with the class, and he wondered if Wigworthy had a fondness for automobiles prior to writing his book on domestic life. Then again, the professor seemed to be interested in a variety of Muggle subjects.
Eventually, class was dismissed, and Severus packed his belongings and quickly took them to his room before making his way to the Fat Lady's portrait. He wondered when Lily would arrive, as she would normally be done with her patrols right about-
"Severus?"
Severus turned and found Lily walking up the corridor to him. "There you are."
"Is something wrong?"
"You remember how I said I was going to walk you to dinner?"
"Oh. Right, well…. I'm ready when you are."
The two of them went back the way they came as Severus asked, "Do you usually walk back to the dorm alone?"
"Remus and Sirius are talking to Marley," Lily explained. "I think they'll be coming to dinner from where they are."
Severus didn't like hearing any of the three names, but they were better than Potter. "And MacDonald?"
"She's with Slughorn, I think," Lily replied. "Apparently, he noticed how well she had done today. I take it that you had some hand in it?"
Severus nodded. "I did."
"I hope she likes the castle over the holiday," Lily said.
"Is she staying? Even after…?"
"I know you're paranoid, but Dumbledore would be sending students home if he thought there was any real danger."
Severus knew Lily was right, which made him resent Dumbledore's decision-making even more. He couldn't possibly wait for someone else to be attacked, potentially killed, before taking action… but in the end, there was a twisted logic to it. Revealing their hand to the Dark Lord would be catastrophic. "You have the hand-mirror, yes?"
Lily sighed in fake-annoyance. "Yes, I have the mirror." She took it out and waved it in front of his face.
"Good," Severus said, relaxing a bit.
"What about you?"
"I'm always careful, even without a mirror."
"But what if you get petrified?"
"I'm smarter than that."
"And I'm not?"
Severus nearly smacked himself for falling right into that. "That's not what I meant. I'm more cautious by default."
Lily rolled her eyes before saying, "Coming from the boy who doesn't follow Slughorn's instructions."
"I follow better instructions," Severus retorted.
"You follow your instructions."
"That's what I said, yes."
Severus was surprised that he earned a laugh for that, and he turned his head away slightly to hide his smile. "How humble," Lily said sarcastically.
"Humble? Me? Don't let the other Slytherins hear you saying that."
They continued walking in silence for a bit before reaching the Great Hall, and Severus wasn't too surprised to find that Lupin, Black, and McKinnon were waiting for them. Or at least, for Lily.
"Snape," Lupin said blankly.
"Lupin," Severus returned.
"Oh, you're all here!" Severus turned to find MacDonald walking up to them. She was looking rather tired behind her eyes. "Hi, Severus!"
"MacDonald," Severus said, inclining his head in greeting. "Lily tells me you did well in Potions."
"I got the best marks today!" MacDonald said. "But when I told Slughorn you'd been tutoring me, he seemed a bit… I don't know. Put off?"
Severus groaned internally. Slughorn's opinion of him seemed to be in decline. He'd hoped that the Chamber wouldn't interfere with that, but it seemed like it wasn't to be. "That sounds about right."
"I almost told him off," MacDonald said, "but he's the one grading me, so I thought I shouldn't."
"Reasonable," Severus said. "Best not to fall out of favor."
"Are we going in or what?" Black asked. Severus noticed that Black's hand was around McKinnon's waist, and McKinnon looked… conflicted. That was new.
"I don't recall saying you had to wait," Severus replied.
"Oh, my apologies, your highness," Black said mockingly.
"Padfoot," Lupin whispered. "Settle down."
Black shot Lupin a brief look before saying, "Right. Well, James and Peter are waiting, so…." Before he finished, he led McKinnon into the Great Hall.
Severus looked back at MacDonald, only to find her glaring at Black and McKinnon. It seemed that what had transpired had gone fairly poorly for McKinnon, and yet MacDonald, despite the anger, seemed unwell from the ordeal. Severus turned to Lily and said, "You and Lupin can go in. I just need to speak with MacDonald."
"Oh." Lily looked nonplussed. "Alright, then." She and Lupin walked through the doorway as Severus and MacDonald stayed behind.
"What is it?" MacDonald asked.
"How are you feeling?"
"... fine," MacDonald lied sheepishly.
"Is the salve working?"
MacDonald nodded reluctantly.
"And yet…?"
"It doesn't help the mood swings," MacDonald confessed. "And there's other things, but…."
"I can't help you if I don't know the specifics," Severus said.
"Maybe Lily could make me something?"
"Lily doesn't invent potions."
"You don't know that."
"She doesn't deviate from the book," Severus explained. "How could she invent anything without experimentation?"
"... okay, that's fair." MacDonald looked down at her feet before stepping closer and saying quietly, "Do you know how to…?"
"What?"
"... is there anything that can… cause numbing?"
Severus took a second to process the question before realizing what she meant. The beauty of having a voice in his head spared him from having to read articles on the various symptoms associated with… this particular cycle. "Ah," he said finally. "Yes, I can teach you for our next tutoring session. It would be another salve, so you wouldn't be learning anything too foreign."
MacDonald nodded as her face turned red. "And…."
"Yes?"
"How good are you at enchanting things?"
"... this is related?"
"It is," MacDonald answered. "You know how witches and wizards can… Vanish things?"
"I am aware."
"Is there a way to enchant something to Vanish… certain things?"
… is there?
Yes, but you won't like it.
Is it that bad?
For you, yes.
"I… might be able to help," Severus said carefully. "If it's too delicate a conversation-"
"If I wait until the lesson, Remus might come with us," MacDonald explained. "This isn't something I want too many people to hear about."
"Wouldn't Lily be a better option?" Severus asked. "She's the Charms expert."
"I thought about it, but after the argument with Marlene, I think she'd focus on talking to me about it."
"Right. Well… I'll have to see what I can do."
"Thanks." There was a bit of relief in MacDonald's voice, but there was something beneath it, and Severus didn't think it was related to her cycle.
"Before we go and eat," Severus said, "I was wondering if you were staying at the castle over the holiday."
"Why do you ask?"
The second the question came out of MacDonald's mouth, Severus felt something horrible; each syllable was laced with dread. "Considering what happened to Creevey…."
"I'm sure it's fine," MacDonald replied. As fine as she made it sound, Severus knew it wasn't.
"If a similar incident occurs," Severus asked, "would you consider going home instead?"
"... I guess if I didn't have a choice."
"What made you want to stay?"
"I just thought it would be nice to see the castle. Myrtle and I could always wander around." Still, MacDonald was uneasy.
"If there's anything you wish to tell me," Severus said calmly, "don't hesitate."
For the briefest moment, Severus thought MacDonald would say something. But instead, she said, "I'll keep that in mind." With that, she passed by and into the Great Hall.
Severus entered as well and sat at the corner of the table, keeping his eye on Lily and MacDonald from afar. Unfortunately, Lily was speaking with Potter, and she was smiling. Again. Severus looked back down at his plate and collected his thoughts. He needed to focus on the cockerels being killed and what that meant. Well, he knew what it meant, but he didn't know when the next attack would be. But it seemed as though it would be soon.
"Snape."
Severus looked across the table at Talkalot. "Yes?"
"You're staring off into nothing," Talkalot said.
"I was just thinking about alchemy," Severus lied. "I don't know how Dumbledore structures his exams. Or if I have any exams with him in the first place."
"Don't worry about that. I need you to do something."
"What?"
"Can you interpret a dream?"
"... alright." Severus wished he'd dropped Divination.
"This is a bit bizarre, so bear with me. So, it was the same dream with the badger and eagle."
"Right. That one." Out of the dozens of dreams of badgers and eagles Talkalot had recited in class.
"Well, this time, the badger went all stiff and fell over. And so did the eagle. And then a lion showed up… this part's weird, alright?"
"I'm used to it." He wasn't.
"The lion opened its mouth, and then a prince flew out on a broom… I'm not losing you, am I?"
Severus forced himself to answer. "Not at all."
"And that's it."
"... is the badger Creevey?" The table went silent for a moment before the other Slytherins started muttering among themselves. Severus heard the word 'mudblood', but he tuned it out.
"... yeah." Talkalot took a sip from her cup.
"Who's the eagle?" It was no coincidence that the badger, symbolizing Creevey, was petrified. If the badger went stiff, like Creevey, then the eagle might be next.
"... Dirk Cresswell."
Cresswell. Severus glanced around the Great Hall to find Cresswell sitting with the other Ravenclaws. He said, "Well, if we're discussing your love life, it sounds like the prince will win your heart."
"But who is that?"
Severus shrugged. "You're not giving me much to work with, so I can't say. Maybe Potter?" He hoped it was Potter; that would keep him away from Lily.
Talkalot had a look of disappointment on her face. "I hope you're wrong."
"If you don't like my predictions, don't ask."
Dinner continued, and Severus watched as Lily left with McKinnon and the Marauders, presumably heading to their common room. He looked down at his plate and, satisfied, started to do the same-
"Ah, there you are, Severus!"
Severus groaned and turned his head to look at Lockhart. "I prefer 'Snape'."
"Sorry about, Severus," Lockhart said, as though trying to piss Severus off. "So, about exchanging notes…."
"I asked MacDonald, and she's not interested," Severus lied. "And I already have enough on my plate-"
"I heard you were tutoring her," Lockhart continued.
FUCKING-"Yes."
"Do you have enough room for one more student? Although, I must admit that I'm already rather good at the subject. I need a bit of a challenge, if you're up for it."
Severus took a silent, static deep breath. "I charge by the hour." He might as well earn some money. At least this time, he wouldn't be doing other people's schoolwork.
"Negotiable?"
"Three knuts," Severus answered.
"Excellent," Lockhart remarked, beaming. "Well, I'll write to you so we can arrange our schedules." With that, he took his leave.
Severus rubbed his face with his hand as Mulciber asked, "You're tutoring that mudblood?"
Red began to simmer below the surface, but Severus replied calmly, "It's decent money. Better that I have it than her."
"Slughorn's grading her better. Seems like you're awfully invested in her performance. Merlin knows she'd be hopeless without you. She might be using you, you know. Batting her eyelids and getting you to do whatever she wants."
A drop of red slipped over the edge. "Firstly: if I want more money, I have to put in the work. Secondly: how would you know anything about her academic performance? Thirdly, kindly fuck off, Marcus."
There was an unsettling aura that spread across the table as Severus and Mulciber stared each other down. "Is that how it is, Snivellus?"
"Mulciber," Avery hissed. "Just take a deep breath and-"
"I vouched for you, you know," Mulciber said, ignoring Avery. "I put your name forward as Heir of Slytherin."
"And look where that got me," Severus shot back. "Because of you, the entire school thinks I sent Creevey to the Hospital Wing."
A look of confusion appeared on a few people, and Severus noticed that Regulus looked the most confused of all. And this, in turn, confused Severus. Did Regulus really not realize what the diary was capable of?
"You didn't?" Talkalot asked.
Severus didn't bother stopping himself from glaring at her. "You thought I did, and you still bother coming to me about fucking Divination?"
That seemed to shut Talkalot up, and she looked down and silently ate.
Severus looked around at the other Slytherins, who looked back with notable wariness, as he said, "Let's be clear: I have absolutely no interest in wasting my time on sending anyone to Madam Pomfrey, nor do I have anything to do with the message on the wall or the Chamber of Secrets. End of."
"Mulciber," Rosier said calmly, "I believe your behavior is uncalled for, yes?"
"But-" Mulciber stopped as a look passed between them. He looked away as Rosier addressed Severus.
"Charging MacDonald for your lessons is better than giving them for free," Rosier said. "As for Lockhart… well, you know what you're doing."
Severus noticed MacDonald standing and leaving the Great Hall, and he quickly said, "Speaking of which, I need to inform her of the next session. Good evening."
Severus made his way out of the Great Hall and caught up to MacDonald, who had just reached the foot of the staircase. MacDonald turned and said, "Oh, you're done too?"
"You might be receiving a fellow student in our tutoring sessions," Severus said as he joined her up the steps.
"Who?"
"Lockhart."
MacDonald blinked. "... why?"
"He would've kept asking until I agreed. I'm charging him three knuts an hour."
"Does that mean I have to pay as well?"
Severus thought about it for a moment. "To keep a consistent policy, yes."
"That's fine," MacDonald said. "And about the problem I mentioned earlier-"
"I'll work on something and sneak it to you during our next session," Severus said quietly. "I'll include some instructions on how to use it."
"I know how."
"Not with the way the enchantment would work."
MacDonald nodded. "Alright."
"Did the others leave you downstairs on purpose?"
"What do you mean?"
"I explicitly requested for you not to walk around the school alone."
"I said you'd walk me back."
"What if I didn't?"
"You would. You care too much not to."
Those words made Severus feel off. Not in the sense that there was something hidden behind them, or that they inspired some sort of foresight, but that they made him feel uncomfortable for sounding… genuine. "I think you might be mistaken."
"I don't think so," MacDonald retorted. "I think we're friends."
"That's not what I mean," Severus explained. "Don't you think you're a bit too trusting?"
"Maybe," MacDonald replied. "I mean, I trusted Marlene because I thought she was a good person." Her voice trailed off with each word.
A near-foreign sensation formed in Severus's chest. He'd felt it before when viewing Merope in the Pensieve, but it wasn't quite the same. He could connect with Merope on a personal level due to the similarities he had seen between her and his mum. That wasn't what he felt with MacDonald. "I see."
"I'm not speaking with her until she stops treating you poorly," MacDonald said stiffly.
"That explains why she's been acting more… reserved."
MacDonald turned her head a bit. "How so?"
"She didn't act out today at all. Perhaps she was a bit moody, but aside from that, nothing."
MacDonald looked away. "Good," she lied.
"Don't." It was too much.
"What?" MacDonald looked at Severus again.
"Let me make this abundantly clear: I despise McKinnon, almost as much as I despise Potter and his friends."
"Even Remus?"
"Let's stay on-topic. I hate McKinnon, but I know she's important to you."
"But- Severus, you can't tell me you're happy with me being friends with her!"
"Of course, I'm not." Severus stopped as they reached the fourth floor. "Before my friendship with Lily ended, I hated her other friends. Not you, but everyone else. I was frustrated with her, and whenever I tried to point something out about them…." Severus stopped himself, only now realizing what he was saying. "The point I'm making is that, as much as I hated her friends, I had to accept that she had chosen them. And when our friendship ended, I had to come to terms with the fact that she had chosen them over me."
"But you didn't," MacDonald countered. "You wanted to talk to Lily."
"Not originally. She approached me in the Library the day after because she noticed I was having headaches. And when I tried to leave the Hospital Wing without speaking with her, she tried to stop me. After that, I told myself that I had to try."
"What does this have to do with Marlene?"
"I'm not going to force you to choose between myself and McKinnon. And I don't want you to punish yourself for siding with me."
"I'm not punishing-"
"I'm not a fool. I know you care about her, although I can't for the life of me see why."
MacDonald smiled a little, but it vanished soon after. "What do I do?"
"I don't know," Severus admitted. "I'm not very good at these sorts of things."
"How would you want to reconcile with Lily?"
"Lily and I are different. It's… mostly my fault, and it's been building up for a while. Whatever happened between you and McKinnon was sudden, and I'm willing to guess that part of it is related to…."
"To what?"
"Nothing. Don't be too quick about this sort of thing."
"... if you hate Marlene, why do you care?"
The question almost stopped Severus in his tracks. His friendship with MacDonald hadn't lasted for too long, and he was still referring to her by her maiden name. And yet, he found that he cared about her to some degree. It wasn't unlike how he'd become friends with Lily, but he didn't see MacDonald in the same way. She was a friend, but she was also his student, to an extent. Had she not dropped out of Hogwarts, there was a fair chance that Professor Snape might have taught her. Or not. It depended on whether or not she became better with potions.
Finally, Severus said, "You're my friend. As brief as our friendship has been…."
"Oh." MacDonald seemed surprised for a moment before saying, "We should keep heading up. I have a paper for tomorrow."
"Binns?"
MacDonald nodded.
"Right." Severus and MacDonald continued up, reaching the seventh floor and stopping outside the portrait. "Good luck on the essay."
"Good night," MacDonald said.
Severus nodded. "Good night, MacDonald."
MacDonald disappeared through the portrait, and Severus went back to his room. Shutting the door and getting ready for his shower, he began feeling uneasy again.
The basilisk?
No, not yet. Should we prepare?
If we're spotted waiting outside the entrance, we may receive detention for being out of bed. And, in that case, we might be hindered.
Is there really no other way to get there faster?
There's flying.
I can't fly.
I can.
How?
I'll teach you after you shower.
Severus complied and showered and dressed for bed before sitting down. Where do we start?
First, consider the spells one would use to levitate objects.
Either the Levitation or Flying Charm.
Or the Body-Moving Charm.
So one of those three?
No. In the Dark Lord's studies, he found the common link between the various charms involved with levitating and moving objects and living targets through the air. As you know, he gifted me with the knowledge for my service to him.
Is it similar to how we developed the Dangling Jinx?
The principle is identical. In fact, my knowledge on the jinx aided the Dark Lord in learning the technique.
Where do I start?
You will need to combine the principles behind levitation with wandless and wordless magic. I believe that, should you complete this training, you may regain more control over yourself at a faster pace.
Because I will have undergone more intensive magical training?
Precisely. Now, cast the Body-Moving Charm on yourself.
Severus closed his eyes and Occluded from all outside stimulus as he focused on the principle of levitation. Such magic was never a question of lifting from below, but rather pulling from above like marionette strings, using the magic in the air to anchor the target both above and below. To raise the target meant loosening the lower anchor, and to lower the target meant loosening the upper anchor. But with what Professor Snape was saying, more anchors needed to be established. Propelling oneself through the air meant anchoring oneself to the desired location and pulling. But for now, simple levitation would do.
Severus felt the anchors lodge themselves in the ceiling and floor; their pull was weak, but it was there. Something snapped in place, as softly as these snappings had become, and he felt himself slowly, but surely, lift off the ground. It wasn't much, as he found himself an inch off the ground when he looked down, and his loss of focus caused him to sway a bit.
Close your-
Without warning, something wrapped around Severus and squeezed.
Severus gasped as his body seized up, and he strangled the cry from his throat as his muscles began to contract madly beneath the invisible coils. Before he knew it, he was on the ground, hitting his head hard, but not hard enough to lose consciousness. Severus couldn't help but writhe as the pain slithered around him, with most of the pressure on his left arm; the only saving grace was the fact that the hit to the head seemed to dull the pain. If only it hadn't made his efforts in fighting the pain harder.
After some amount of time, the sensation dulled enough for Severus to crawl to his feet. "Snarky!"
Pop. "Yes sir?"
"Prepare Corvisol."
"Of course, sir." Pop.
Severus pulled his pants on, underneath his new nightshirt, and he tied his money pouch to his belt before grabbing his wand and hurrying out the door, keeping his eyes on the stone floor as he made his way to the staircase. He took his mind through each floor below him, only to find that the greatest source of dread came from the dungeons. He hurried down the steps, finding himself on the dungeon floor, before sprinting toward the danger. Before he knew it, he was standing in front of the Potions classroom, the door left open. He rushed in, opening the money pouch, only to find the classroom empty.
Except for a petrified Dirk Cresswell holding a glass beaker.