Minerva called for an Order meeting two weeks after Albus' little incident, so once again Severus Apparated to Grimmauld Place. Term would start in another week and he had almost finished his lesson planning. After some discussions with Minerva he had agreed to switch to teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts for the year and she would use whatever influence she had to bring Slughorn back for Potions. It wasn't ideal but it was as good as it would get since Albus hadn't managed to hire a new Defence teacher. Everyone assumed the DADA post was what he really wanted instead of Potions, but that was simply not true. The students needed to be prepared for what was coming but in an ideal world he wouldn't teach anything at all.

It had taken a fair amount of planning to get their strategy nailed down and to get Minerva to try to not think like a Gryffindor for once. They needed to tell the right story without giving anything actually important away, especially not to those like Mad-Eye and the Weasley twins who were sharper than they ought to be. Severus suspected the two Weasleys actually literally finished each other's thoughts, and thus ran their neurons across two brains rather than one. Then there were some like Dedalus Diggle and Mundungus who should have been kicked out a long time ago, and then Molly Weasley whose main contribution was to complain about the dangers for her poor boys and ensure they all ate too much, although Severus would not discount her in an actual duel. She'd kept all those boys alive up until their Hogwarts years, after all. Kingsley, Hestia and Tonks were also not stupid, but luckily they already had Kingsley on their side which would make the rest more prone to follow.

Lupin would be there too, and Black of course. Severus had made sure to shower before the meeting and then spent time in his lab brewing Blood-Replenishing potion which gave off a rather unpleasant scent of burnt blood. Severus had learned not to underestimate the werewolf's nose and didn't want him to make any connections between himself and Hermione.

Severus took a deep breath and entered the old house, beelining for the kitchen where they would meet. Molly was already there preparing tea and something sweet for them to eat during the meeting. Bill Weasley and Hestia Jones were already seated.

Black was even more annoying now that he was free. He sauntered in, glowered at Severus and started bragging to Molly about his latest escapades at the Ministry. Apparently he was planning to go back to work as an Auror. Severus snorted which Black of course heard, but before he could get started on the insults Minerva and Lupin arrived with Kingsley, Mad-Eye and Tonks not far behind. The Weasley twins and Arthur were next to arrive.

Minerva took the seat Albus usually used, to the consternation of everyone else. Kingsley sat next to her, and Severus ended up standing near the fireplace where he usually resided during meetings.

"Everyone, thank you for coming," Minerva began. "As you can see Albus is not with us today and we have much to discuss."

Severus and Hermione had tried to predict everyone's reactions when Minerva broke the news of Albus' misfortune. Lupin would be the first to actually react, and would be casting unsubtle glances Severus' way which would in turn trigger Black and Mad-Eye. Molly would start wailing, Tonks and the twins would make stupid jokes when they thought no one heard, and Minerva or Kingsley would need to cast at least one Silencing spell to get the rest of the message out.

It didn't take long for the meeting to descend into pure chaos, just as he had expected. Severus often wondered what the Dark Lord would say if he saw the status of his opposition. How could this disorganised bunch of people take on the Death Eaters? It was futile right from the start. Or at least it had been, before a certain demon made herself known. He felt the corner of his lip turn up into a smirk. The Dark Lord wouldn't have a clue what hit him, and they had already begun.

"Why aren't you more concerned, eh, Snape?" Moody snarled, rounding on him. "Why are you smiling, ey? Did you have something to do with it? On the order of your real master?"

Severus raised an eyebrow at the irate Auror. "Albus sent for me but the curse was already too widespread at that point, not even Fawkes could help him. Perhaps he should have sent for you instead?"

Moody turned a dark red and seemed about to explode.

"Alastor." Minerva's voice cut sharply through whatever the old Auror would have wanted to say. "Nothing could be done for Albus that wasn't done already. If you wish to see him you are welcome up to Hogwarts as long as you are discreet about it. Let me know in advance and I'll open the Floo for you. Now we must discuss what we do with the Order."

The old ex-Auror grumbled but quieted, his face still a deep red. Severus wondered, not for the first time, if the old coot had a sweet spot for Minerva, one Scot to another. She was the only one aside from Albus and maybe Kingsley whom he seemed to respect.

In the end it was decided that Minerva and Kingsley would be in charge of the Order, much like the three of them had planned, and Minerva immediately asked for reports. Severus yawned and refilled his tea.

The reports were not of much interest. The Aurors were struggling, the Ministry was slowly being transformed into a Death Eater club and the Prophet was printing nothing but lies. There were rumours of increased surveillance on Muggle-borns, the Death Eater raids were increasingly daring and were also being reported in the Muggle news. Kingsley reported that they had found Dolohov in a Muggle area where none had thought to look for a magical fugitive, and that the wizard was way beyond redemption by the time he was found. The Dark Lord had not yet mentioned Dolohov's disappearance in Severus' presence, and he wasn't sure how to interpret that.

There wasn't much more to say and Minerva soon dismissed everyone. Mad-Eye stayed behind, demonstratively, but Kingsley also lingered while the rest of the Order left the kitchen, some for the Floo in the entrance hall and some for the upper floors. Severus left as soon as the path cleared.

On the way out Severus was waylaid by Bill Weasley, of all people. Severus followed the eldest Weasley sibling to the library and waited while Bill warded the room thoroughly. Some of the wards were new to him and seemed specifically designed against Bill's own brothers.

"Yes?"

Bill scratched the back of his head. "Severus. There's more to this than what Minerva said, right?"

Severus merely raised an eyebrow in response.

"Right. Obviously. But the Headmaster was cursed, first? That wasn't the demon's doing?"

"As Minerva mentioned. Yes."

Bill nodded slowly. "What do you know about the curse?"

Severus frowned and went over the events again. "It was a ring, as I mentioned. Rather elaborate, looked fairly old. The stone was oddly set, as if it was a later addition. Albus never wears jewellery so I have no clue why he put it on, he should have had more sense than that. I didn't notice any compulsion curses on it which would have drawn him in and he should have been able to withstand most such curses. His finger had gone black and it was spreading fast even with my attempts at a counter. He was frothing at the mouth, cramping, in severe pain and I am certain the curse would have killed him in a few hours if left unchecked."

Bill stroked his beard, frowning. "Odd. I've seen a fair few lethal curses but for someone like the Headmaster they should be easy to spot. And as you say, he was of a strong mind."

Severus nodded. It was strange indeed.

"Just one thing. Do you think we still stand a chance against You-Know-Who? Even without Albus?"

Severus pondered the question. It was a legitimate one, now with their almighty leader for all intents and purposes gone. "Yes. I do."

Bill's face lit up in a smile. "Oh. Good. I don't need any details, I just wanted to know what you think."

"It is a fair question."

Bill nodded at him and headed for the Floo. "Let me know if I can be of any use. I mean it."

He inclined his head in response. "Thank you."

~ x ~ xx ~ oo ~ xx ~ x ~

Hermione wasn't at Spinner's End when he returned and it made the house feel small and shabby. Shabbier. As if her presence had turned the dreary place from a literal roof-over-his-head to something resembling a home. In a fit of restless energy he magically repaired a cupboard in the kitchen, repainted the walls a light grey, fixed the utensils drawer that always got stuck halfway out and Scourgified the whole room an extra time. It didn't exactly help, but it was something at least.

~ x ~ xx ~ oo ~ xx ~ x ~

The Heads of Houses met up in Minerva's office the afternoon before Hogwarts would open its gates once more for the students. Both of them had been away visiting family and were almost bouncing with pent-up energy. After some discussions Minerva had voted for telling Pomona and Filius most of the truth, which Severus had accepted. Over some tea and shortbread they were told that Albus had had a run-in with a demon who had extracted vengeance after some earlier transgressions, and was now stuck in his own mind with nothing but memories for company. After having visited Albus both of them were rather pale and agreed easily to Minerva's and Severus' plans.

Severus shouldn't have been surprised it was Pomona who had the most practical solution.

"I can provide some magical hemp for Albus," she said. "I got a plant from a student in the seventies and have kept it in my private greenhouse since then. I think it could work to keep him calm."

Severus snorted. "Keep him drugged? Well, why not."

"Very well." Minerva frowned, lips pursed. "If you think it best. Please coordinate with Poppy though, we will not involve St Mungo's."

~ x ~ xx ~ oo ~ xx ~ x ~

The Welcome Feast was odder than usual, but only a few of them knew the reason why. Kingsley was there in the background along with a few other Aurors including Tonks. The Auror was responsible for the Headmaster's speech, using an Imperius that had required a strong Befuddlement Draught to take hold. Albus was mentally strong even in his incapacitated state.

Severus looked around. Slughorn was back for Potions, but as expected one condition for his return was that he wouldn't brew for the hospital wing. Severus felt his lip pull up in a sneer. It was a wonder he had managed to get as far as he had in Potions with such a teacher, or rather he had taught himself by reading all he could find in the Library and by taking commissions from his schoolmates for various potions ranging from simple boil salves and Calming Draught to love potions and a few even worse ones.

Severus would stay in his quarters despite them being attached to the Potions office, but would shift to the Defence classroom and office. Slughorn would stay in one of the empty teacher quarters on the second floor. Severus had ensured he still had his lab space and ingredient storage without anyone interfering, Slughorn could set up his own lab by his new quarters if he so wished.

The new crop of children were tiny as usual, staring at everything and everyone with wide eyes. Severus eyed his new batch critically. Some unruly boys, a few timid girls, one or two who glowered sullenly at everyone else and two who appeared to be falling asleep on their feet. Luckily his prefects knew how to handle it, even the two new fifth-year Prefects, and they were soon herding the small group down to the dungeons where Severus joined them a few minutes later for a House meeting like he always did. He held meetings monthly, barring exams and Quidditch games, and it seemed to work to make sure his snakes were on their best behaviour in public.

After ensuring all was well in the Slytherin dorms Severus headed up to the teacher's lounge for a staff meeting, taking his usual place to the left of where Albus usually sat. It was a good position, it allowed him to see all of the room while Albus would find it easier to focus on Minerva on his other side, or on others who were seated more in his direct line of sight. Plus it annoyed Aurora and Charity who seemed to think he chose the spot because it was so close to the Headmaster.

Minerva took the seat Albus usually held, and Filius filled in where she normally sat.

"Albus is ill," Minerva said without preamble. "He will show up occasionally in the Great Hall but not for most day-to-day activities. I expect you will all continue as we have been, so far. I will take over the administrative tasks with the assistance of Filius and Pomona."

Severus zoned out. Minerva barrelled past all the questions and concerns and simply ran Albus' usual start-of-term meeting in about two-thirds the usual time, setting the evening patrol schedule and the Hogsmeade weekends. Severus had tried to get out of them by complaining about his higher workload now with new classes and still having to do the brewing for Poppy, but to no avail. At least Minerva had reduced his patrolling hours with a vague reference to the other demands on his time, giving more hours to the non-Head of House staff instead.

~ x ~ xx ~ oo ~ xx ~ x ~

Later that evening there was a knock on his door. Severus was relieved to see Hermione standing there, now looking every bit a student which was a bit disconcerting. With everything going on he hadn't seen her since just after the Dolohov raid. He gestured for her to enter and went to put a kettle on in the small kitchenette while Hermione inspected his bookshelves.

She settled on the couch once the tea was ready while he took the armchair. He didn't have many personal items in his quarters, mainly books. Some of the furniture had been provided by the elves once the Castle had decided that it liked him enough.

"I really need a reason to see you, I won't be able to make excuses to head to the dungeons all year and it's out of character to assign me detentions with you."

Severus had thought about it too. Although Albus was less of an issue now they still couldn't just have her pop in whenever she felt like it. Someone would be bound to notice, eventually.

"How about that Apprenticeship in Potions? Mind you, it would be a proper Apprenticeship with a proper contract, demon or not. Would you be interested?"

Her ears perked. "An Apprenticeship contract? A real one?"

Something warmed inside him. The demon liked contracts. He felt a smile coming on.

"You'd be the most well-educated demon this side of Hades, I think. We'd have you take the Potions NEWT early and perhaps Defence as well to get it out of the way, and if there are any other subjects you'd like to skip. Now that I'm not teaching Potions I guess you have to help me grade Defence essays, but then we have the brewing for Poppy to manage. It would free up some of my time and give us a reason to meet regularly, plus you could sit at the Head table if you wish for meals. You would still stay in the dorms until you've taken the NEWTs but after that we can see about a room for you near mine."

She bit her lip, a hint of fang showing. "And how long is a typical Apprenticeship?"

Severus shrugged. "Usually at least three years but it depends on what you want to do with it. Our situation is not exactly normal now so if you aren't interested or if you want to withdraw later I would not hold it against you or our other Contract. Meanwhile I would expect you to behave and perform as a typical Apprentice when in public, however."

She was practically bouncing in her seat. "Let me see the contract first, but yes I'd like that."

"I could never have guessed," Severus said drily. "I will draft one for you to peruse and cross-reference to your heart's content. I need to brew a batch of Pepper-up for Poppy, would you care to join me?"

She followed immediately. His labs had an entrance from his personal quarters, through a short corridor. Unlike the classroom it was well lit, with stainless steel benches, two vent hoods above the brewing stations, knife racks, shelves for potion vials, cauldrons and cutting boards, and a separate ingredient storage off to the side.

"This place suits you," Hermione said, nudging him with an elbow.

He nodded at her, oddly pleased that she approved. "I'll key you in to the wards here too in case you want to set up your own experiments. I need you to keep track of ingredients though so we know when anything runs out. I have my own stores for my research although anything brewed for Poppy or for teaching is supplied by Hogwarts funds."

They spent the evening brewing for Poppy and managed at least a few weeks' worth of Pepper-Up and Calming Draught. Once the Quidditch season started there would be more need for healing potions of various kinds, such as Skele-gro and other potions for muscle injuries, but beginning of term was a bit calmer.

~ x ~ xx ~ oo ~ xx ~ x ~

Severus exhaled slowly through his nose and closed his eyes. It was the first Friday evening after term started. He had just finished dinner in the Great Hall, with Albus notably absent, and was about to go visit the Dark Lord again. He needed to get ahead of any and all rumours. Kingsley had done a good job with the Imperius during the Welcoming Feast but someone was bound to notice the Headmaster was not himself, and it was better if the news came from him.

All thoughts and feelings related to Hermione Granger and Albus were pushed deep down behind his shields. He now believed he'd spent his summer reading, participating in Death Eater activities, and later on preparing to take on the Defence position instead of teaching Potions. He left a few details from Order meetings, including his completely real amusement at their utter disorganisation and lack of proper leadership, and a few meetings with Albus that had in reality happened earlier during the spring.

He closed his eyes, cleared his mind again, and put his wand on the Dark Mark.

Ten minutes later he felt the pull of a Summons, and it was almost — almost — a relief to follow it.

They were in Malfoy Manor, in a study that had once belonged to Abraxas Malfoy if Severus wasn't mistaken. The room was dark and rather gloomy with some quite ugly paintings of landscapes and a stormy sea in Baroque-style golden frames, a leather Chesterfield sofa and a dark wood table with scorch marks from hexes.

The Dark Lord stood in front of the large fireplace, hands behind his back. Unfortunately the effect he'd been going for was completely undermined by his current skeletal appearance and the way the fancy, ornate robes hung draped over his thin frame. Back in the days, during the height of the First war and also before then, he had been a devilishly handsome man no one could claim to be unaffected by.

Severus bowed low in front of the man. "My Lord."

"You have news?"

"I do. My Lord, the Headmaster is ill. It was clear during the welcome speech that he was not himself. I expect the Order will want to hide it as far as possible, but you should see much less of Albus Dumbledore from now on."

The Dark Lord immediately snapped his fingers at him to get him to rise. With the grace of someone who owned the place he immediately entered Severus' mind and looked for proof. Severus had already readied the Welcoming Feast, showing a slightly confused Headmaster who lost the plot a few times during his speech.

He supplied the memory of Minerva's Head of House meeting next, making it appear as if he received the information at the same time as the others but keeping Minerva's disapproval of Pomona's suggestion of drugging him.

The Dark Lord withdrew from his mind and Severus suppressed a wince.

"Demons you say. Interesting. I didn't think Hogwarts esteemed Headmaster would sink so low as to dabble with demons. It never pays off, you know. They always win."

Severus bowed his head. "As you say, my Lord. I cannot say I have much experience with their ilk."

The Dark Lord smiled. It didn't work.

"Yes, you were always sensible, unlike Dolohov. You heard what happened to him? He tried to Summon something and failed, so they ate him. Barely left enough to identify him. Congratulations on your new post by the way. Defence Against the Dark Arts. How fitting."

"As you say. It is good to get the children used to the darker side of magic."

The Dark Lord snorted in amusement, and then assessed Severus again. "I think you have more news."

Severus took a deep breath. "Yes, one more thing, my Lord. I'm also thinking of taking on the Granger girl as Apprentice."

"Isn't that Potter's friend?"

Severus nodded and waited for the older wizard to process the information. It was time to set the bait.

"And what does the old man in the tower think of that?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh, he already forbade me from doing it."

The Dark Lord smiled again. "Is that so? You would go against both your Masters to claim her?"

Severus shrugged. "It seems like a good step for us, my Lord. If I gain her trust, and she's close to Potter…" He trailed off, letting the other man fill in the blanks himself.

The Dark Lord hummed in response and seemed to be thinking it over. Severus kept his mind still, trying to refrain from analysing anything. It wouldn't matter anyway. Either he got out of this room alive, or he didn't. He would not think of what a certain demon would have to say about it if he didn't. The thought came and went, sinking deep into the lake in his mind.

"Very well. Do it, but make sure you gain something from it. I expect Lucius will be annoyed you choose her over his son."

"Naturally, my Lord."

He came up closer and put a bony hand on Severus' shoulder.

"You have a creative mind, don't you, Severus. Always one to find new opportunities. Make sure you don't get too creative though. Mistakes can be costly, you know this."

"Certainly, my Lord. I live to serve."

"See that you do so you may continue to do so."

Severus bowed his head and backed out of the room, refusing to let the relief he felt over still being able to do so surface. He'd be a perfect little minion until he was back behind his wards at Hogwarts, with Hermione by his side. There was still too much opportunity for everything to go wrong if he wasn't careful.