Chapter 15

Sarah followed Severus up the spiral staircase that led up to the headmistress's office. He paused outside and turned to her for a moment.

"Albus is a good friend of mine, and it would have been foolhardy for me to have kept the true nature of... the development of your powers from him," he said tactfully. "I hope you do not feel I've betrayed your confidence by doing this. It was only so we could devise a way of providing your education without having to compromise your position at the school and your life in the Muggle world." And your feelings for me, he thought hopefully.

Sarah felt a rush of affection for Severus for being so honest and noble.

"It's fine," she replied. "I'm sure people don't usually develop wizarding magic overnight without causing suspicion."

He swung the door open and allowed Sarah to enter ahead of him. She walked in slowly, looking around as she did so. She noticed delicate silver instruments placed over every available surface and many books in a cabinet to one side. The desk and chair that dominated the room were quite imposing, as were the array of moving portraits that covered the walls.

"It appears we may be early," said Sarah politely, not unreasonably expecting a person to be waiting for them.

"The person I want you to meet is already here." He strode forwards towards the painting of Dumbledore, who leaned forward keenly in his frame.

"Albus, this is Sarah Shaw, the Wiccan whom we are to educate next term. Sarah, this is Albus Dumbledore, ex-headmaster of Hogwarts and a very old friend of mine."

"Pleased to meet you," said Sarah graciously, feeling silly for a moment for addressing a painting.

Albus peered at her over his half-moon spectacles, blue eyes glittering with pleasure. "And it's absolutely rapturous to meet you, Miss Shaw. Severus failed to mention what a beautiful creature you are."

Sarah blushed and looked down. Severus glared hard at Albus and shook his head, making a cut-throat gesture with one hand. Albus seemed to take on board the meaning of this and cleared his throat before continuing.

"Well, Miss Shaw, Severus has enlightened me as to the development of your magical ability. You'll be pleased to know that transference of magical power, although rare, is not unheard of." He smiled, noticing she looked down coyly.

"So what do you make of our humble school?" he asked genially, changing the subject swiftly to avoid any further embarrassment.

"It's incredible! The Great Hall is breathtaking, and the view from the Astronomy Tower is just gorgeous." She smiled back up at Albus, who looked very pleased. Severus slipped into the headmistress's chair, watching her closely.

"I've never tired of that particular view myself. Well, maybe once," he frowned, and looked over at Severus with mock-reproach. Severus scowled back at his attempt at humour over his death.

"I trust Severus has mentioned to you about the range of subjects we teach here, and our proposal that you join us on a part-time basis in order not to jeopardise your existing vocation?"

"Yes, sir, and I think that's an excellent idea. I'm not sure I would be able to cope with more than five subjects, and I think it may be odd for me to study full-time surrounded by students much younger than myself. Lessons on Saturday would be perfect, that's if it's acceptable to the other teachers."

"Wonderful. It will mean one extra lesson a week for the teachers in question, hardly a massive effort. Severus will cover the basics of each subject with you over the summer, so you'll be able to make a more informed decision as to what subjects you wish to pursue when term starts. Severus will also help you buy any equipment or books that you need." She smiled at him gratefully and he gave her a small smile in return.

"Well, if you're happy with that arrangement, all that remains is to notify the headmistress. Severus, would you mind writing to Minerva and let her know of our discussions?"

Severus nodded, pulling a fresh piece of parchment towards him on the desk and began scratching away with a quill.

"Will the headmistress need to know the exact details of my new-found magical ability?" Sarah asked quietly. Severus looked up.

Albus chuckled. "No, I think we can stretch the truth a little for Minerva's sake. We will say that you were involved in a magical rite that somehow transferred magical ability to you. We'll just not mention what the rite was, or who that rite was with." He winked. Severus shifted uncomfortably and continued scratching away at the parchment.

Sarah looked relieved. "When will I get to meet the headmistress?" she asked curiously.

"Minerva will want to assess your progress at some point before term starts. However, with a recommendation from Severus, I'm sure she will see nothing untoward in what we've proposed for your education."

There was a pause as Severus signed the parchment with a flourish and then began to roll it up before sealing it with the wax seal of the Hogwarts crest.

"Severus, perhaps you would like to go to the owlery and post Minerva's letter whilst Sarah and I have a little chat?" Albus said pointedly.

Severus looked at him suspiciously for a moment before rising. "I will see you shortly," he murmured, glancing at Sarah swiftly before sweeping out of the room clutching the parchment and closing the door on his departure.

Albus noticed the little smile Sarah had given him on his way out.

"I can see you are very fond of Severus," he began, the tips of his fingers pressed together characteristically.

"Oh, um, well, I'm not taking his lessons, and he made it quite clear yesterday that he was a professor here..." she answered with embarrassment, fiddling with her clutch bag.

Albus chuckled. "That wasn't an accusation, Sarah," he said gently. "I'm glad you feel that way about him. Not many people do, sadly." He looked down at her and smiled kindly.

"Severus is a very complex man. He's had an uncommonly difficult life, with very little love or light to help him through. But he is a good man."

She nodded, waiting for him to continue.

"I am sure he hasn't mentioned any details to you about the war yet, has he?"

Sarah's brow furrowed. "He mentioned a war being fought over someone who was born on the same day as Lughnasadh. But that was all."

"That's as I thought. Severus is also a private man. I will not divulge his secrets here, but suffice to say, he played a crucial part in recent events on the side of good during the war. The war nearly killed him and pushed him to the limits of his nerve, daring and valour. It is certain to say we could not have won the war without him."

Sarah's face looked awestruck.

"I only tell you these things so you can see why this would affect his behaviour. If he is a little rude, or prickly, or unpleasant, or obnoxious, which I know Severus can be, I ask of you to offer him patience. Because, underneath that frosty exterior, there is an incredibly brave man: a man who deserves happiness and love, and a man who has, regrettably, experienced far too little of either during his life." He smiled at her again over his glasses, and she smiled back nervously.

"You'd do well to let him come to you in his own time, about matters regarding the war, or his background, or anything remotely personal. Your patience will be rewarded. I've waited so long to see Severus find happiness and I truly hope he finds it with you."

Sarah looked away. She felt deeply confused. Surely Albus is getting the wrong end of the stick here? Severus made it clear last night where I stand. What can he have said to make Albus think otherwise?

"You've had rather a lot to take in over the past couple of days, haven't you?" he asked sympathetically, noticing her look of confusion.

"It's been... intense," she replied truthfully. "But I don't regret what happened between Severus and I in the slightest. I feel so lucky to have this magical ability; I almost can't believe it's real." Her eyes began to fill with tears with the feeling of being overwhelmed.

"Of course, my dear, it is overwhelming. It's a natural reaction; many Muggle-borns feel that way. For you, it's all the more stranger, given the exceptional circumstances surrounding your powers."

She wiped her eyes delicately with one finger, careful not to smudge her make-up.

"A good place to start to learn more about our world would be to read Hogwarts: A Revised History. It will tell you all about the school, and it's now been updated to include details about the war. You'll find out more of the era Severus lived through. In fact, I think I can see a copy on that shelf over there. Can you see it?"

Sarah walked towards the shelf.

"Bound in red leather, forth shelf up."

"Got it!" She grabbed the thick, heavy book.

"Take that one with you for now, but make sure you get your own copy when you go to Flourish & Blott's. It will prove invaluable in helping to make sense of this place." He smiled once more.

"Thank you, Mr. Dumbledore," she smiled back gratefully.

"Please, call me Albus," he twinkled in response.

Just then, the door open and Severus returned.

"Ah, Severus, I was just telling Sarah to take Minerva's copy of Hogwarts: A Revised History to study."

Severus raised an eyebrow and then held out his hand to Sarah to give him the book. As she passed it to him, she saw him remove his wand from his frock coat.

Placing it on the desk, he aimed his wand and muttered, "Reducio." The book shrank until it could fit into his palm and he handed it back to her with a smile. She grinned at him in admiration and popped the book inside her silver clutch.

"I'll let you know when Minerva has replied to my owl," he said to the portrait. "Sarah and I will continue our little tour of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade now, unless you have anything further you would like to discuss?"

"Not at all, everything seems to be in order," he replied, blue eyes glittering with mischief. "Be sure to take Sarah to Madam Puddifoot's when you go to Hogsmeade, won't you, Severus? I'm sure she would enjoy it."

Severus scowled as he held open the door for Sarah to walk through as they said their goodbyes.

"Goodbye, Albus," he hissed finally, and Albus chuckled heartily as he slammed the door behind him.