Seven

A New Headmaster

Over the next few days the Dark Lord's coup at the Ministry of Magic resulted in many varied and drastic changes of policy.

Harry Potter's face was splashed across the front page of the Daily Prophet, wanted for questioning about the death of Albus Dumbledore.

Severus hoped that Potter had managed to find a safe haven somewhere, musing that the boy was again indebted to the Granger girl for her forward-planning skills, superior intellect and talent.

He still held the opinion that Potter was a mediocre wizard, but he could not deny the importance of the boy in relation to the prophecy. Severus merely hoped that Lily's son had gained sufficient knowledge from his private lessons with Dumbledore before the Headmaster's death.

Now, Severus had to trust in the former Headmaster's judgment and attempt to help Potter from afar.

Contessa had not made any progress in finding goblins willing to make a copy of Gryffindor's sword and was exploring wizard-made alternatives and, as it stood, there was no way for Severus to procure the original sword.

It was becoming increasingly important for Severus to win the Headmastership, in order to be in the best position to assist Potter, and deliver his promise to Dumbledore. When the Dark Lord summoned Severus to discuss the next steps at Hogwarts, Severus knew he had to give his best performance to secure the promotion.

Kneeling at the feet of the Dark Lord in the opulent drawing room of Malfoy Manor, Severus awaited his master's instruction with a degree of tension.

"Arise, faithful servant," the Dark Lord hissed softly.

Severus stood respectfully as the Dark Lord sat down in an armchair next to the fireplace.

The inclement weather had continued for a few days, and the lack of sunlight outside gave the room a cold and murky feel. The Dark Lord raised his wand and lit a fire in the hearth, beckoning Severus to sit in the armchair opposite.

The fragrant aroma of burning pinewood rose through the air as Severus sat quietly, waiting for the Dark Lord to speak.

"I shall be abroad for a while," the Dark Lord began. "I must try to discover the reason why my wand failed me again in the presence of Harry Potter."

"Yes, my Lord."

"The Ministry is under my control with my people in place. I must now turn my thoughts to Hogwarts."

Severus waited in silence, his heart beating steadily in his chest.

"I have established the Muggle-Born Registration Commission, and they will oversee the student list for September. All students of Hogwarts will require Blood Status to enter. We will weed out all the Muggle-born witches and wizards ahead of the start of term." The Dark Lord paused for thought.

Severus felt a hollow form in his stomach; he had known this was coming, but that didn't stop the wave of revulsion. Had the Dark Lord come to power earlier, Lily Evans would have been one of those expelled and hunted down.

Outwardly, Severus's composure was calm and mask-like. He nodded his head in agreement.

"So, Severus, tell me what you would do if you were to be placed in charge of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?"

Severus contemplated the question carefully.

"I would be inclined to preserve the school's traditions and values, and retain the current teaching staff, my Lord. This would be in line with your strategy to control the Ministry of Magic, whilst maintaining an outward charade that nothing has in fact changed." Severus's voice was smooth and steady as he continued, "I believe the illusion of the smallest amount of change will allay public opinion, ensuring a seamless transition for the students of the school."

The Dark Lord considered his reply. "And you believe the teaching staff would accept you as Headmaster, knowing of your involvement in the death of Albus Dumbledore?"

"I do, my Lord."

"And how can you be assured of their loyalty? How can you be certain they will not undermine you and lead the Hogwarts students in a rebellion against you?"

"I believe the staff to be intelligent enough to know what is good for them, in the long run," Severus replied confidently. "I also have a useful tool to ensure their compliance to my regime."

The Dark Lord returned Severus's steadfast gaze with a hint of surprise. "Elaborate," he instructed.

Severus took a deep breath. "Contessa Marchbanks, my Lord."

The Dark Lord looked bemused. "How is she going to ensure their loyalty?"

"Marchbanks was due to join the Hogwarts staff in September, my Lord. Dumbledore recruited her to assist Horace Slughorn in his teaching of Potions."

The Dark Lord showed his first signs of interest. "And you are hoping she can remain your plaything when you return to Hogwarts?"

Severus paused; the Dark Lord had misinterpreted the subtle implication.

"That is part of it, my Lord. Marchbanks has certainly bestowed me a captivating summer so far." Severus inclined his head towards the Dark Lord in gratitude. "However, she will be of much more use to me at Hogwarts, where she will act as a spy amongst the teaching staff."

The Dark Lord raised his hairless eyebrows in recognition.

"Marchbanks will work alongside the teachers, who believe she is loyal to the Order of the Phoenix. She will secretly furnish me with information on illicit or disloyal activities." Severus felt his trump card had been well played, and he awaited the Dark Lord's response.

"I can see the potential, Severus. She could prove a valuable asset." The Dark Lord nodded his head with comprehension.

"Marchbanks will also have an interface with the students, who will see her as a friend rather than a superior. The intelligence she can provide will be of significant value," Severus said with conviction. "I believe it would place me in the strongest position to control the school and root out disloyalty."

The Dark Lord was silent for a while as he assessed the implications.

"And when would you propose to be named the new Headmaster?" The Dark Lord asked.

Severus felt the tide turning in his favour. "At the beginning of the school year, my Lord. There will be no time for those loyal to Dumbledore to react to the news. By then, attendance at the school will be compulsory."

The game seemed to have been won. The Dark Lord arose suddenly to his feet. Severus stood deferentially and awaited his decision.

The Dark Lord extended his white snake-like arm. Severus sank to his knees reverently and kissed the proffered hand. In the silence that followed he remained kneeling before the Dark Lord.

"Congratulations, Severus," the Dark Lord said softly. "You are the newly-appointed Headmaster of Hogwarts."

"Thank you, my Lord." Severus stood and bowed to his master. "It is my pleasure to be of service."

A thin smile played out on the Dark Lord's lips.

"May I begin recruiting for the vacant teaching posts in Muggle Studies and Defence Against the Dark Arts?" Severus asked respectfully.

"There is no need," the Dark Lord replied. "I shall appoint Amycus and Alecto Carrow to the Dark Arts and Muggle Studies respectively. Both subjects are in need of an overhaul, and I want my people involved."

Severus's heart sank in disappointment. The news was not, however, unexpected.

"As you wish, my Lord."

The Dark Lord glided out of the room, leaving Severus standing alone with his misgivings.

---

The First Glimpse

During the week following the appointment of the new Headmaster, Severus called at Squirrel's Leap every couple of days to confer with Dumbledore's portrait.

Contessa sensed that Severus was busy; his visits were brief and to the point, and she had not imposed unwanted conversation upon him.

At home late one evening, Contessa was sitting on her sofa, dressed in a vest-top and shorts, ready for bed. Curled up in a blanket, she was reading an old Potions book by candlelight. Her new job was due to start in a few weeks' time, and she was refreshing her memory ahead of her return to Hogwarts.

Fawkes soared in from outside and landed heavily on his perch. The phoenix was now fully grown, about the size of a swan, and he looked rather large and out of place in her tiny living room.

A crack of Apparition sounded, causing Contessa to jump in her seat. The wind chime tinkled. She looked at the clock, tutting at the lateness of the hour. As Contessa rose from her seat, Severus knocked and let himself in.

Wearing his customary black robes, Severus looked slightly surprised to see Contessa dressed in her nightclothes. Standing facing each other, their awkwardness grew in intensity.

Severus's hand twitched on the door handle as the chill of the night air rushed in. Contessa shivered and subconsciously wrapped her arms around herself. They both began speaking at the same moment.

"To what do I owe..." Contessa began.

"My apologies," Severus said curtly.

Nervous laughter followed as they looked away from each other. Severus closed the door.

"I'll go and change," Contessa offered, hurrying upstairs.

She returned moments later, wearing a set of rather crumpled robes, and saw Severus sitting in the armchair, leaning forward on his elbows with his hands clasped together.

The formality of his posture sent a ripple of trepidation through Contessa.

As she sat down on the sofa, Severus looked at her. His cold, dark eyes appeared pensive in the candlelight. Contessa leaned towards him anxiously, sensing his sombre mood. Now that he was here, he seemed reluctant to speak.

Severus eventually retrieved something from inside his robes. After turning it over in his hands a few times, he passed the item to Contessa. She felt cool metal in her hands and looked down to see a tarnished silver chain. It was a Saint Christopher pendant.

Her heart leapt to her throat as she read the inscription on the back. Contessa swallowed hard, attempting to control the tears forming in her eyes. She looked back at Severus in shock.

"Where did you find this?" she asked.

Severus looked down at his hands again and took a moment to answer. "Buried at the side of a Muggle railway track; a Niffler found it for me."

Contessa breathed in anxiously. "This was Alex's."

Severus nodded once.

"You found his body?"

Severus made eye contact again, his expression grim. "Yes."

Contessa felt as though she had been punched hard in the stomach. Tears streamed down her face and she wept quietly, almost forgetting Severus was there.

He fidgeted nervously, seeming to regret being present at such a personal moment. However, he did not leave.

Contessa heard a flap of wings, and the warm weight of Fawkes landed on her knee, warbling softly.

With the phoenix's song to soothe her, the familiar feeling of grief was joined by a new emotion – an ache of relief and gratitude. Finally, she knew what had been keeping Severus occupied during his stay at her home, and throughout the summer.

The phoenix lingered for a while as they sat in silence; Contessa's laboured breathing was the only sound. Contessa noticed Fawkes looking at Severus expectantly. Severus peered back at him with exasperation.

Fawkes issued a melodic whirp and hopped onto the coffee table. With a graceful beat of his wings, he rose into the air and flew out of the window into the garden.

Severus looked troubled and exposed. He fumbled in his pocket and offered out a handkerchief. Contessa accepted it gratefully and dried her eyes and nose.

Turning the hanky over in her hands, she said quietly, "Thank you, Severus."

His composure became rigid, as if unaccustomed to accepting gratitude.

"You didn't need to do this," Contessa said sadly.

Severus's expression changed to one of confusion. His eyes met hers uncertainly, as though asking a question.

"We were to help one another... Dumbledore expected me to help you." Whilst Severus's voice was perfunctory, his puzzlement was obvious.

Contessa stifled a laugh as she watched his emotions playing out on his face.

"But you've already helped me, Severus. You gave me confirmation of Alex's death. I didn't expect anything more."

Severus opened his mouth to speak and closed it again, mystified. Contessa could see the cogs turning in his head as he realised his debt had already been paid.

His lips pursed and his hands dropped to his sides in defeat. "I had no idea."

Contessa smiled forlornly and started to get up. "I need a drink."

Severus touched her hand lightly, signalling her to remain seated on the sofa. He walked into the kitchen, returning with a bottle of Firewhisky and two glasses, and sat down next to her, pouring out two large measures.

Contessa took a glass and downed the liquid in one gulp. Red hot flames hit the back of her throat, and she coughed a little. Placing the glass back down on the table, she looked at Severus again.

His eyebrows arched, but he held back further comment, pouring more Firewhisky into her empty glass. Picking up his own, he offered his in toast, and Contessa and Severus clinked their drinks together before taking another sip.

Severus relaxed back into the cushions, his face as inscrutable as ever. Contessa wondered fleetingly how long he would stay with her; she really didn't want to be on her own just at the moment. She leaned back into the sofa with a heavy sigh.

---

Contessa awoke several hours later with a stiff back and a tingling shoulder.

Her head banged in protest as she opened her eyes, and she felt a parched dryness in the back of her throat. Turning her head slightly, her cheek brushed against a black cotton shirt, and she became aware of another sensation: Severus's chest rising and falling underneath. She was covered in a blanket and leaning into his arm.

Comprehension dawned quickly, and she tried to move her head without disturbing him, but his eyes snapped open with a start. Severus looked down at her with surprise, momentarily discomposed. He quickly realised where he was and rubbed his forehead, wincing slightly.

Contessa sat up and stretched, feeling embarrassed that she had forced Severus to spend an uncomfortable night on the sofa. She saw the empty bottle of Firewhisky on the table and understood the cause of their respective hangovers. Contessa stood up slowly, and the room spun before her eyes. Severus started to get up but she held her hand out to stop him.

"Stay there," she croaked.

Moments later she was shuffling back into the living room with a small, cobalt blue potion bottle and a large jug of water.

Severus sighed in relief as she handed him the tiny bottle and he placed two drops of the potion onto his tongue. Closing his eyes and flicking his head back, some colour returned to his pallid face and the redness in his eyes disappeared.

"Thank you," he said, offering the bottle back to Contessa.

She poured him a large glass of water, and then medicated herself, sitting down sheepishly on the sofa.

"I'm sorry I put you through such an uncomfortable night," she said awkwardly.

Severus shook his head. "No apology necessary."

Contessa smiled a little, and continued to drink copious amounts of water. Gradually, sobriety and clarity pervaded her mind and body.

"I'll give the location of Alex's body to the police," she said steadily.

Severus looked at her quizzically. "The Muggle police?"

"Yes," said Contessa. "Alex was Muggle-born. His parents will want a proper funeral."

Severus's eyes widened in surprise and understanding. Contessa wondered fleetingly about Severus's views regarding Muggle-borns. Then a thought struck her – had Alex been alive today, he would have been on the run.

"I'll be going, then," Severus said, after finishing his second glass of water. He rose to his feet.

Contessa remained seated, but reached out to touch his hand. Severus gave her a sidelong glance, as if unsure what she expected from him.

"Thank you for all you've done, Severus," Contessa said gently.

He paused and looked down at the floor for a long moment. His hand brushed hers as he turned to leave, walking resolutely to the door.

Standing with his fingers grasping the door handle, he turned around to look at Contessa. Their eyes met briefly before he looked away.

In a low, quiet voice, Severus said, "I lost someone too."

She made eye contact with him again and saw sadness in Severus's dark eyes.

Contessa's heart leapt with realisation; he had given her the first glimpse into his soul. She nodded her head in respectful understanding.

Severus turned the door handle and swept out into the bright glare of the morning sunshine.

---

Asphodelus Albus

"I need your grace

To remind me

To find my own"

'Chasing Cars', Snow Patrol

Over the next two weeks the cause of Alex's death was not revealed by post-mortem. An inquest was opened and adjourned, allowing the family to bury his body.

Severus had been prepared to perform Memory and Confundus Charms on the Muggle police and coroner to expedite the burial of Contessa's fiancé, but in the end it had not proved necessary.

Contessa kept herself busy with funeral arrangements, and Severus called in to the cottage every couple of days or so on the premise of conferring with Dumbledore's portrait. The real reason for his visits was denied even to himself, but he continued to check that she was alright, subconsciously repaying the kindness she had shown him.

The day before the funeral, Severus was at Squirrel's Leap discussing strategy with the portrait. Term time was only a week away, and he and Contessa would soon be packing their trunks for Hogwarts.

"I know from my Hogwarts portrait that the teachers have been informed of your appointment as Headmaster," Dumbledore told Severus. "The Ministry have used the Tongue-Tying Curse to keep the news under wraps until the first of September."

"I can imagine Minerva's response," Severus said acerbically.

"Probably quite correctly," Dumbledore replied. "I tried to calm her down, but she was furious."

"I hope she doesn't booby-trap the Headteacher's office," said Severus.

"No; she was removed from the room, and the password has been changed. The office awaits your arrival in a few days."

Severus nodded in acknowledgment.

"There is the other matter, of Fawkes," Dumbledore said lightly.

The phoenix looked up from its perch and warbled a few low notes.

Severus and Contessa looked around at the bird with dawning realisation.

"Once you are both at Hogwarts, he will have to find a new home," Dumbledore said.

Contessa moaned quietly and went over to the phoenix, stroking its plumage gently. Fawkes rubbed his head dolefully against her hand.

Severus felt a flurry of sadness, which he quickly brought under control. There was no way they could take Fawkes with them to Hogwarts; that much was certain.

"Where will he go?" Contessa asked forlornly.

"Now he's fully grown he'll choose a new home. I expect he'll head off for Egypt, after spending all those years in the Highlands," Dumbledore said, watching Contessa stroke the bird.

Contessa turned to face the former Headmaster with a confused expression. "Egypt?"

Severus was unable to restrain himself, and laughed with incredulity.

Contessa shot him a piercing look in return.

"Phoenixes originate from Egypt, Contessa," he said, with as much patience as he could muster. "You really didn't pay attention in Care of Magical Creatures, did you?"

The hurt in her eyes stirred an unexpected feeling of regret in Severus. He hadn't intended to offend her, in view of her current fragility, but his sarcasm was as inexorable as ever. He bit down on the inside of his mouth in response.

"Apparently not," Contessa answered sullenly.

After a few moments of silence, Severus felt it was time to leave. He approached the perch and Contessa moved away to stand by the door. Severus stroked the phoenix gently on the side of the head; his feathers felt strangely hot to the touch. Fawkes crowed his goodbye.

Contessa smiled sadly and went outside. Dumbledore looked pointedly at Severus as he left the cottage.

On his way out Severus met Contessa on the garden path; she seemed to be waiting to speak to him in private. Severus prepared himself for an admonition.

"Severus," she said softly. "The funeral is tomorrow afternoon." The tone of her voice did not suggest a reprimand.

"I know," he said, feeling reprieved.

Contessa made eye contact for the first time, and Severus felt the pull of her sadness somewhere in his chest.

"Come with me to the funeral," she said. "Please."

Severus was taken aback, and took a moment to respond. "I thought it was a Muggle funeral?"

"It is," she replied. "But, I... Could you come?"

Severus gave the matter some consideration. The feeling of relief was now replaced by discomfort, but nevertheless he felt compelled to assist her.

"It would have to be under a Disillusionment Charm," he answered pragmatically.

Contessa nodded her head in agreement. "You could be my official Death Eater tail – there are bound to be others there. Remus and Dora are coming along with several other witches and wizards, all in Muggle clothing of course."

Phrased that way, Severus noted the request seemed reasonable. "I'll be at the cottage tomorrow afternoon. We can leave together."

"Thank you," she said gratefully, turning back towards the house.

---

The funeral took place in a Muggle town a few miles east of Contessa's home. It was a burial in the large grounds of a church.

Severus watched from afar, under the shade of an old sycamore tree, concealed by a Disillusionment Charm.

The funeral party was large, and he saw a number of familiar faces, each closely monitored by several Ministry officials. Severus wondered how many more Death Eaters were hidden, watching their charges for signs of sedition.

As Severus observed the group of people huddled around the grave, he was reminded of the last funeral he had attended, sixteen years ago. He had skulked in the shadows on that occasion too, not wanting it known that he was in love with Lily Potter.

Severus had spent most of his life hiding it ever since.

Indeed, he had become so proficient at concealment, he had sometimes thought his guilt, hurt and loss had disappeared. But they had not. The emotions resurfaced every time he looked at Harry Potter, and he was reminded of Lily's union with the man he despised.

So long had he hidden his feelings from the world, he doubted he would ever open up. Such was his deep sense of shame. Who could possibly understand or forgive him for his actions, when he couldn't even forgive himself?

Severus waited patiently as the funeral party dispersed. Eventually, Contessa stood by the graveside alone, save for the company of an older man and woman, whom Severus assumed to be Alex's parents.

He watched them comfort and hug Contessa as they prepared to depart. They seemed to be suggesting that she come with them, but Contessa remained alone beside the mound of earth. The couple left reluctantly.

Dark clouds were rolling in as Severus watched Contessa's stoic outline. He couldn't tear his eyes away from her.

With the first spots of rain, Severus looked around cautiously then lifted the Disillusionment Charm. He approached Contessa quietly and stood close by her side, his arm touching hers.

No words were spoken.

Contessa continued to stare down at the grave, transfixed. The raindrops became increasingly persistent, but she appeared not to notice.

Severus withdrew his wand, careful to obscure it from the view of passing Muggles.

With a flick of his wand he conjured a single white asphodel lily.

Bending over the mound of earth, he laid the flower gently down upon it.

When he looked back, Contessa seemed to be aware of his presence for the first time. Her eyes were red and brimming with tears.

Severus offered his arm to her.

The rain was falling heavily as Contessa curled her hand around his elbow. Together, they walked slowly away from the grave.

---

Solitaire

On the evening before Contessa was due to move to Hogwarts and take up her position of Potions Assistant, she decided to pay Severus a visit at Spinner's End.

She Apparated onto the cobbled street underneath the silvery moonlight and made her way to Severus's home at the top of the terrace.

When she knocked on his door there was no reply.

Contessa pondered outside for a moment, wondering if the conversation she needed to have with Severus could wait until they were at Hogwarts.

Upon reaching her decision, she reluctantly started to undo the enchantments around his house in the order which Severus had shown her on her first trip to Spinner's End. This was the first time she'd visited when Severus was not at home, and she felt some trepidation at crossing the threshold into his private sanctum.

Letting herself in to the tiny front room, she lit the candelabra in the ceiling and stood for a moment, contemplating her surroundings. Contessa was inquisitive enough to want to walk around the house and see what lay beyond the boundaries of the ground floor, but she also sensed the impropriety of such an exploration.

Peeking through the open door to the stairs, she mentally reprimanded herself and turned back into the front room. Contessa selected a Potions book from Severus's substantial selection and settled down on the threadbare sofa, prepared to wait as long as necessary for his return.

Hours later, Contessa placed the book on the small coffee table and got up to select another volume. She noticed a vast array of Dark Arts books and a number of titles which appeared foreign and rather specialist. Severus was obviously a man who liked innovation, and she found herself drawn in to his world of experimental magic.

Placing a new book down on the coffee table, Contessa padded into the kitchen and started to make a cup of tea.

She didn't hear the front door creaking open or the sound of footsteps towards the kitchen doorway. When Contessa walked back into the front room, she noticed the lights had gone out.

Reaching for her wand to cast a Lumos Charm, she found herself slammed against the wall of books. Her wand and her cup of tea dropped from her grasp as she felt a firm hand tightening its grip around her neck.

Gasping for air, she looked into the darkness, attempting to make out the features of the black cloaked figure bearing down upon her.

"Severus...?" Contessa wheezed, feeling light-headed and starting to see stars in her vision.

The vice around her throat instantly loosened, and the candelabra re-lit itself.

Severus stood before her, his wand pointing at the ceiling light. He looked tired and irritated.

Contessa's hand went to her neck, massaging her throat. She was confused by Severus's demeanour as he considered her with growing impatience.

With a small growl of annoyance, Severus raised his wand and pressed it lightly against Contessa's neck. He uttered a brief incantation, and the pain and bruising around her throat vanished.

Severus stepped away, and noticed the books on the table and the cup on the floor.

"I see you have made yourself at home," he said coldly.

Contessa cleared her throat. "Yes, I... err... thought it better to wait for you here..." Her voice trailed off as she noticed the pool of spilt tea on the faded carpet. She picked up her wand to clear up the mess.

"Allow me," Severus said sleekly, raising his wand.

He cleaned the carpet with a charm and left the room to prepare two fresh cups of tea.

Contessa sat down again on the sofa and waited. Flicking through the second book on the table, she found she was unable to read. Adrenaline still pumped through her veins, and she felt distinctly unwelcome in Severus's home. She placed the book back down on the table.

When he reappeared at the doorway, she locked eyes with him and asked boldly, "Do you always greet visitors with such hostility?"

Severus's eyebrows rose in response, and a smirk played out on his lips.

Eventually, he answered, "You are the first to have unrestricted access to my home... I'm not accustomed to unexpected company."

Contessa realised that, during the time Severus had spent away from Squirrel's Leap, he had been reacquainted with his usual solitude. Her arrival had broken into that private world.

She smiled sympathetically. "I know how that feels."

Severus turned back into the kitchen, returning moments later with two mugs of tea. He set them down on the table and sat down, looking pale and distant under the flickering candlelight. Severus looked at the two books she had selected from his library.

"An interesting selection; I take it you've been here a while."

"Oh, I hope you don't mind, you have a fascinating collection of books," Contessa replied in an apologetic tone. "To be honest, I didn't realise how late it was."

Severus leaned back into the armchair, appearing to assess the necessity of providing an explanation. "I was at the Ministry, being interviewed for the Daily Prophet. The article on the Headmastership is to be run in a few days, to coincide with the start of the academic year."

He looked back at her with weary eyes, impatient for her to reveal the reason for her presence in his home.

"I leave for Hogwarts tomorrow," Contessa began. "I wanted to speak to you beforehand."

Severus took a sip from his mug, and gestured for her to continue.

"First of all, my Gran has not had any luck finding goblins willing to make a replica of the sword of Gryffindor. She is now arranging for a wizard-made copy, which she thinks will take around a month to procure."

Severus nodded. "That will have to suffice."

"It's the best we can do, I'm afraid," Contessa replied.

Perturbed by Severus's lack of interest in the conversation, Contessa sat quietly for a while, feeling uncomfortable in his presence once again.

During the month spent living alone, Severus's need for companionship appeared to have vanished. He had retreated into himself. Contessa felt as though they had stepped back in time.

She looked up again and made eye contact. Severus looked back at her indifferently.

"How will it work between us when we get to Hogwarts?" Contessa asked faintly.

Severus gave her an appraising look, realising the need for her visit. He paused to consider his response.

"Once I'm in post I shall hold a staff meeting, after which I'll summon certain individuals to the Headmaster's office. I shall call on you last of all, so you may report your initial findings."

"How am I to gain access to you if I need to speak to you?"

Severus contemplated his answer, swirling the remnants of his tea around in the bottom of his mug.

"I can give you the password, but you will draw attention to yourself if you use the door to the Headmaster's office too frequently," he said thoughtfully. "I shall set up a secret Floo connection from your quarters to my office, to grant you access without being seen."

Contessa nodded her acceptance. "I shall make sure you are alone in your office before arriving."

Severus placed his empty mug down on the table. Contessa took the hint and finished her tea quickly.

"May I borrow these books? They might come in useful," she asked tentatively.

"Certainly," Severus replied. "You may help yourself whenever you like; you know how to let yourself in."

"Thank you."

Contessa stood up, placing the books under her arm. Severus got up to open the door for her.

"Fawkes left this afternoon," Contessa said, hesitating by the door.

Severus's expression softened. "I take it he won't be back?"

"Dumbledore says not."

"And what of the portrait?" Severus asked.

"I'm giving it to my Gran. We should be able to liaise with her through Dumbledore's other portrait at Hogwarts; she'll let you know when the sword is ready for collection."

"That seems sensible," Severus said.

Contessa watched his tired features for a moment. The next time they saw each other, their relationship would be very different. She felt anxious about how their connection would alter as a result.

"I'll see you at Hogwarts, then," Contessa said despondently.

"You will."

---

Contessa Apparated outside the castle grounds the following morning, and Hagrid met her at the gates to escort her into the school. He greeted her with a bone-crushing pat on the back and an ear-splitting smile.

"Great ter have yeh with us, Tess." Hagrid beamed as they walked across the grounds towards the castle. Contessa's levitated luggage followed them in close convoy.

Contessa smiled back warmly. She'd always liked Hagrid.

"It's good to be here," she replied.

"I s'pose yeh know who they put in charge, then?" Hagrid whispered under his breath.

Contessa nodded grimly in response. And so her new role began in earnest.

"Figured yeh wouldn't be too pleased," Hagrid said with sympathy. "Not really who yeh'd've hoped for, is he?"

Contessa shook her head. "Not exactly."

As they neared the front door to the school, Hagrid stopped walking and turned to face Contessa. His serious expression was evident through his long, wild beard and bushy eyebrows.

"I 'ope he don't give yeh a hard time, what with yeh past and all."

Contessa smiled inwardly. "I'll be fine, Hagrid. I can take care of myself."

"Aye, that yeh can," he replied with a grin.

Inside the castle entrance they were met by Minerva McGonagall. Dressed in resplendent tartan, she appeared to be putting on a brave face in front of the other teachers. She stepped forward with a tight smile.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts, Tess. Horace is going to be delighted to see you," Minerva said as she shook Contessa's hand.

"And I, him," Contessa replied. "It's been a long time, actually."

Hagrid said his goodbye and departed for the gamekeeper's cottage.

Contessa followed Minerva down the stairs to the dungeon, her trunk in tow. As they reached the bottom steps, Contessa had a sneaking suspicion about what was to follow.

"You've been allocated Snape's old quarters in the dungeon," Minerva said stiffly, turning to face Contessa at the bottom of the stairs.

"Oh, you're kidding me," Contessa replied dubiously.

"I'm afraid not, dear. The decision was not made by me," Minerva said in a clipped voice. But then her expression seemed to soften. "However, it's logical for you to reside in close proximity to the Potions classroom."

Contessa swallowed Minerva's reasoning stoically, trying not to show her disapproval. The thought of living in the dark enclosure of the dungeons made her queasy; she craved daylight and natural open spaces. Contessa had loved her time in the Ravenclaw Tower with its beautiful panoramic views of the Great Lake and Highlands.

Minerva opened the door to Severus's old quarters, and they entered together, levitating Contessa's trunk onto the cold stone floor of the living area.

The house-elves had been into the quarters since Contessa had packed away Severus's belongings. The place was clean and tidy, but felt spartan and unwelcoming. Contessa was struck by the marked contrast between her pretty countryside cottage and the oppression of the dungeon. She realised, for the first time, how out of place Severus must have felt when he first arrived at Squirrel's Leap.

"I'm sure you'll fix it up in no time at all," Minerva said, with an attempt at cheerfulness.

Contessa smiled in return. Looking around the quarters, she suddenly felt the urge to leave the décor mostly as she found it. There was something freeing about Severus's uncluttered and minimalist approach. It seemed that living in these surroundings might help her empathise with Severus and give her insight into his character. In some ways it was an extension of her unconditional vow.

"I'll be fine here, Minerva. Thank you."

The women closed the door on Contessa's new quarters and walked down the corridor towards the Potions classroom.

"Horace arrived yesterday," Minerva explained. "I broke the news of your appointment to him this morning."

"How did he take it?" Contessa asked nervously.

"You're about to find out," Minerva said with a hint of mischief, turning the door handle, and leading Contessa into the classroom.

Contessa's heart leapt as she saw Horace Slughorn, adorned in flamboyant purple robes, standing over a steaming cauldron. He stirred carefully and muttered to himself under his breath as he worked.

As Contessa approached she could smell the unmistakeable aroma of jasmine. Inquisitively, she approached the cauldron to get a better look at its contents.

Horace looked up to see his former pupil, muttered a charm to pause the potion's development, and flung his arms around Contessa.

"Tess, my dear girl!" he chuckled affectionately. "How splendid it is to see you again!"

Contessa laughed her greeting into his ear as he continued to hug her enthusiastically.

"It's lovely to see you too, Horace."

The Professor pulled back and held her at arm's length, studying her closely. "My, my, you're looking very well indeed," Horace said with a grin. "Beautiful as ever."

Contessa blushed a little and laughed in return. "You old charmer."

"Less of the old, if you don't mind," he said genially. "I'm thrilled to have you here with me – couldn't believe my luck when Minerva told me this morning."

Minerva smiled kindly. "You have Albus to thank for that."

"Indeed I do, and what a gentleman he was," Horace said with a trace of sadness. "You and I will make a formidable team, Tess."

"I hope so," Contessa replied. "I'm so glad to be here with you after all you've done for me over the years."

Horace shrugged it off. "You were always destined to go far, my girl. Now, let's see if I can't train you up to replace me when I take my second retirement."

Contessa found that thought very amusing. She walked over to the bubbling cauldron and caught a whiff of fresh coffee and baking bread.

"Is this Amortentia?" Contessa asked eagerly.

"Yes, for my sixth years," Slughorn replied.

"I'll leave you to it, shall I?" Minerva said as she made her way to the door.

Horace and Contessa looked back at Minerva and smiled, settling down for a day's potion-making and reminiscing.

---

Wet Behind the Ears

Severus arrived at Hogwarts just after dusk and was met at the main gate by Argus Filch. The caretaker bowed deferentially and wished him good evening.

Mrs Norris appeared at Severus's feet, and her yellow orb-like eyes stared at him, reflecting eerily in the lamplight. The cat had learned long ago to keep her distance, discovering that straying too close to the Potions master would earn unwarranted contact with the leather of his booted foot.

Severus followed Filch up the path to the castle by the flickering light of the lamp, with Mrs Norris padding silently behind.

When they entered through the main door, Severus was not at all surprised to find there was no welcoming party. Filch had either neglected to tell the staff of his expected arrival time, or the teachers had simply decided not to show up. Either way, it served Severus's purposes well enough.

At the entrance to the Headmaster's office, Filch muttered the password 'Magic is Might' at the stone gargoyle. The wall slid open to reveal the moving spiral stone staircase within.

Severus stepped onto the stairway and gestured Filch to follow. Mrs Norris looked at them hopefully but Severus gave the cat a stern glance, making it clear she was not to follow. Together the two men ascended to the door of the Dumbledore's old office.

One hand on the brass doorknob, Severus paused for a moment, slightly queasy with anticipation.

As Severus had not planned on becoming Headmaster of Hogwarts, he couldn't help but wonder if he really had what it took to run the school. Coupled with memories of what had transpired between himself and Dumbledore in this very room, he felt nervous and apprehensive.

Filch shifted on his feet a few steps below him, waking Severus from his reverie. Bringing his thoughts quickly under control, Severus locked his uneasiness away. He took a deep breath as he turned the doorknob.

Inside, Dumbledore's office looked the same as always. The previous Headmaster's belongings still occupied the room; his assortment of silver instruments whirred and buzzed in the corner, and Fawkes' perch stood proud at the side of the desk.

The only difference was the addition of Dumbledore's portrait. The former Headmaster smiled back at Severus from his frame behind the desk. The other portraits smiled, bowed or nodded their welcome quietly.

Filch stood by the door with his hands behind his back, looking like a shabby old butler.

"Mr Filch, have the house-elves remove Professor Dumbledore's possessions by the morning," Severus said tightly.

"As you wish, Headmaster," Filch rasped.

"I shall be changing the password forthwith, and holding a meeting tomorrow morning for the staff. Are all the teachers in residence?"

"Professors Carrow are due to arrive later this evening. Everyone else is here," the caretaker said in a business-like manner.

"Very good. Thank you, Mr Filch, your co-operation is appreciated," Severus said in dismissal, expecting the old man to turn and leave. "Is there anything else?" Severus asked with a hint of impatience.

"I am to show you to your new quarters, Headmaster."

"My new quarters?" Severus said, taken off guard.

"The Headmaster's personal quarters are adjacent to this office. I have to show you inside before you can take up residence," Filch said, bemused.

Severus's stomach swooped in realisation. "I think I would prefer my old quarters in the dungeon," he said discordantly.

Filch started to look uncomfortable. "My apologies, Headmaster, but your old quarters have been allocated to Madam Marchbanks."

"On whose authorisation?"

"The Ministry of Magic, sir. It was expected you'd use the traditional Headmaster's rooms..." Filch's voice drifted off into awkward silence.

Severus swallowed his initial indignation and chastised himself for showing reluctance. Whilst he might not feel he deserved the Headmastership, it was essential he gave off an air of confidence and self-belief.

"Very well," Severus said curtly.

Filch led him up the stairs to the landing of the minstrel's gallery and slid a book entitled Knitting with Kneazle-fur by Harriet Harcup halfway off the shelf.

The bookcase slid to one side, revealing a solid oak door. Filch beckoned Severus to enter.

Once inside the Headmaster's quarters, Severus was relieved to see the house-elves had prepared the rooms and removed Dumbledore's old belongings.

The quarters were large in size and grand in decoration. The ceiling was very high indeed, and shimmering tapestries adorned the stone walls. Two large windows at the opposite end of the room were fitted with elaborate stained glass, with cosy window seats snuggling beneath.

On the wall opposite the door there was an imposing fireplace, with a gigantic mirror resting on the mantel. Its frame was golden, bejewelled with an ornamental fretwork of blue and green dragonflies.

A large rug of scarlet and gold, the colours of Fawkes' plumage, covered the centre of the floor. Two outsized antique sofas faced each other in the middle of the room in front of the fireplace.

An exuberant chandelier hung from the centre of the ceiling, refracting prisms around the room.

It really couldn't have been further from Severus's old dungeon quarters. Severus had never before lived in such a grand open space, and he felt incongruous merely standing within it.

Filch shuffled uneasily at the door to the quarters. "I'll have your trunk brought up immediately, Professor."

Severus nodded his thanks.

"Would you care for food, Headmaster? I can instruct the house-elves to bring supper."

"That will not be necessary, Mr Filch," Severus said.

"Very good, sir." Filch bowed, closing the door as he departed.

Severus stood for a while, taking in his new surroundings.

He seriously doubted he would ever feel hungry again.

---

The staff meeting the following morning proved uneventful.

Despite the general atmosphere of disdain from the majority of the staff, most seemed appeased by Severus's intention to uphold the traditional values and structure of the school.

Unsurprisingly, Filch was the most committed of all the staff. He clearly relished a new era of discipline at Hogwarts. However, if the two new teachers were given free reign, Severus suspected the caretaker would get more than he bargained for.

The introduction of the Carrows caused an expected ripple of discontent amongst the teachers. However, nobody spoke out, and it appeared the staff did in fact know what was good for them.

Severus noticed Contessa standing behind Filius Flitwick, her old Head of House. Horace Slughorn was also at her side. She threw Severus a scowl every time he made eye contact.

Severus was secretly pleased that she was entering into her role with such gusto. It was true that their shared history of animosity gave Contessa a useful veil to hide behind. No one would believe she was Severus's spy, given her past hatred of him. Contessa was the perfect mole.

Severus selected several members of staff to speak to personally after the meeting.

He met these people in the Headmaster's office, which had now been emptied of Dumbledore's belongings. Severus did not replace them with any of his own possessions; he felt enough of an impostor already.

The last member of staff to arrive was Contessa. Severus stood up from behind his desk to greet her, offering her a seat across the table.

Contessa sat down, looking around the office. She made eye contact with several portraits, before smiling at Dumbledore's frame behind Severus.

"I'd forgotten how beautiful this office was," she said as she relaxed into her chair.

Severus bristled at her obvious comfort in a room where he felt so distinctly out of place. "Yes, well, you spent enough time in it when you were a student."

Contessa recoiled in her seat. "That's a little unfair, Severus."

Severus looked at her pointedly. "You should call me Professor or Headmaster."

Contessa blinked, clearly stunned and surprised. Her brow furrowed. "You're serious?"

"It would be problematic if you slipped up in the presence of students or teachers," Severus replied. The rationale seemed obvious to him.

Contessa's eyebrows rose, and she bit back a retort. "Yes, Headmaster," she said mulishly.

There was a moment's silence as Severus wondered why she would object to using his formal title. As far as he was concerned, it would keep things neat and orderly, with less room for error.

Then, from a portrait to Severus's left, a woman's voice piped up. "Tess won't let you down, Severus. She is a Marchbanks, after all," said Magda McDougall, Hogwarts Headmistress from 1365 to 1371. The witch was short in stature, with a square jaw-line, and long dark brown hair falling in ringlets around her face.

From the opposite side of the office, Phineas Nigellus Black made a scoffing sound. "Good grief woman, this is only the beginning; Severus's spy is wet behind the ears! She'll never cope with the demands; she lacks the necessary cunning of a Slytherin!"

Magda's chin rose in indignation. Severus held up his hand to silence the portraits and noticed Contessa covering a smirk with her hand. He shot her an incisive look, silently demanding an explanation.

Contessa stifled a chuckle. "Magda is a distant relative, a Marchbanks by birth. Obviously I never knew her, but..."

Severus shook his head in disbelief. "You are related to a former Headmistress?"

Contessa nodded with amusement.

Severus rolled his eyes sardonically. He didn't know why he was surprised.

After a short pause, Severus said, "I have set up a two-way Floo connection between this office and my old dungeon quarters. I take it you have settled in?" His voice held a trace of bitterness.

"You could say that," she replied, sitting back in her seat, looking uncomfortable.

Severus was baffled by her change of composure. "I'd been hoping to retain them for my use, but the Ministry had other ideas."

Contessa's eyes narrowed. "It wasn't you who allocated me those quarters?"

"No."

"Oh," Contessa said, taken aback.

Severus hesitated briefly. "I'm rather out of place in the Headmaster's quarters; I shouldn't be there."

Contessa returned his gaze, her expression softening. "You feel you don't deserve them."

Severus nodded uncomfortably. "But I must keep up appearances."

He opened the desk drawer and pulled out a roll of parchment.

"This is a list of potion ingredients to be segregated and moved into my personal stores," said Severus, handing the parchment to Contessa.

Contessa perused the scroll, looking increasingly perplexed.

"Why?" she asked. "I'll need at least one of these ingredients per week!"

"You must come to me for authorisation to use them."

Contessa looked at him incredulously. "Every time?"

"Every time," Severus replied.

"But that's absurd; I'll be constantly knocking on your door!"

"Indeed. You now have a reason for visiting the Headmaster's office on a regular basis," Severus explained. "It will also show the others that I do not trust you."

Contessa made a noise of comprehension.

"You may wish to lead people to believe that I'm making your life very difficult," he suggested.

"Just like the old days?" Contessa asked wryly.

"Yes," Severus said with a smirk.

Contessa sighed. "Alright."

"What do you have to report?"

Contessa looked at him begrudgingly. "Most of the teachers believe you killed Dumbledore to impress He Who Must Not Be Named and to take the Headmastership. However, they also realise they need to conform a little in order to keep their jobs. Their main reason for being here is to protect the students from you and the Carrows."

The irony in the latter sentence was not missed by Severus. "Will they play along?"

"For now. McGonagall is still fuming, but she's keeping a lid on it at the moment."

"Good," Severus said, relieved. He stood and walked to the door with Contessa.

Behind them, Magda McDougall gloated loudly, "See, I told you, Phineas! Ravenclaws always rise to the occasion!"

Phineas Nigellus Black sneered as Contessa left the room.

---

Sword of Gryffindor

Contessa's first two weeks in her new job passed by fairly uneventfully.

The teachers at Hogwarts were playing largely by the rules, with occasional mutterings whilst the Carrows were not around.

Although she hadn't spent much time with the students so far, she had bumped into Augusta Longbottom's grandson, who seemed pleased to see her again. Contessa had also nodded a hello to Ginny Weasley across the Great Hall a couple of times, but she didn't know Arthur's younger children particularly well.

Severus remained distant. She had only seen him briefly on a handful of occasions. As she had little to report, and he was busy establishing himself as Headmaster, Contessa had looked to others for company and friendship.

Horace Slughorn had been helpful in introducing her to the teachers she did not know already, and Aurora Sinistra had joined her atop the Astronomy Tower for stargazing on cloudless evenings.

Contessa had the distinct impression that Horace would not be reforming the Slug Club. She didn't understand exactly why but had ascertained it was something to do with a problem in the previous academic year.

The word in the corridors was that the Carrows had vastly altered the curriculum for Muggle Studies and Defence Against the Dark Arts. It seemed some students had already started to rebel. Contessa suspected the ringleaders would be members of Dumbledore's Army, and she fervently hoped that Neville would keep his nose clean.

At the beginning of the third week of term, Contessa was in the Potions office in the dungeons, marking homework for Slughorn's fourth years. It was early evening and beginning to get dark outside.

A brisk knock on the door caused Contessa to jump.

"Come in," she called loudly.

The office door opened to reveal Neville Longbottom, looking rather awkward and nervous. His eyes searched the room for other inhabitants. Upon seeing they were alone, he made eye contact again.

"Good evening, Neville. How nice to see you."

Neville gave a shaky smile but continued to stand at the doorway uncertainly.

"Please, do come in," Contessa said warmly.

A flash of red hair appeared at the door, and an arm extended to push Neville firmly into the room, closing the door behind him.

"How are you?" Contessa asked, pretending not to notice and offering him a seat.

"Fine, thanks," Neville said tightly. "Can't stop, though."

"What can I do for you?"

Neville shifted on the spot. "I'm in trouble, Madam Marchbanks. I got detention from the Carrows. I'm supposed to be at the Headmaster's office, but I, err... forgot the password."

"Oh, I see," Contessa said understandingly. Neville's memory had never been particularly good.

"Can you tell me what it is? Only, I'll be in worse trouble from Snape."

"Professor Snape, Neville."

"Yeah, right, sorry... Professor Snape," Neville said begrudgingly.

"The password is Hellebore."

"Right, thanks," Neville said hastily. He bolted for the door.

Contessa watched as Neville left the room and saw the same flash of red hair. Her curiosity was piqued.

Walking to the door and peering out into the corridor, she saw Ginny Weasley hurrying towards the stairs with Neville in pursuit. They ran up the steps out of the dungeon together.

Perplexed by what had transpired, Contessa wondered if Ginny also had reason to see the Headmaster. It was strange that both of them had forgotten the password.

As she watched them climb the stairs, she saw Alecto Carrow coming down the stairs, looking suspiciously at Neville and Ginny. The squat and stocky witch saw Contessa at her doorway, and shot her an almost identical wary look.

Contessa waited until Alecto had disappeared out of sight, before casting a Disillusionment Charm and heading up the stairs out of the dungeons.

Panting a little at the top of the stairs, she caught a glimpse of Ginny's red hair as the girl rounded the corner leading to the Headmaster's office.

Contessa ran to follow them, narrowly avoiding stepping on Mrs Norris, who spat at her as she passed. Cats were very good at picking up concealed witches and wizards, and the caretaker's pet was no exception.

Luckily the cat did not follow, and she soon closed the distance on her quarry. Shrouded invisibly, Contessa watched Ginny and Neville reach their destination, meeting Luna Lovegood outside Severus's office. The blonde girl appeared to be keeping watch.

Lurking in the shadows, Contessa crept silently towards them, hearing their discussion of the fact that Snape was still inside his office.

The three students decided to position themselves behind the suits of armour outside the entrance.

Within a few minutes, Severus appeared at the sliding stone door and walked briskly away, the door snapping shut behind him.

Contessa stifled a groan. The trio were poised to perform mutiny.

Feeling torn about whether or not to intervene, she watched as the three members of Dumbledore's Army extricated themselves from their hiding places and uttered the password to the Headmaster's office.

The stone gargoyle dipped its head in acceptance and the door slid open once more.

Contessa watched Neville, Ginny and Luna ascend the stairs with their wands at the ready.

Her decision made, Contessa ran back down the corridor, tearing past the occasional member of staff and student, trying to catch up with Severus.

Eventually, she found him on his way to the staff room, and tugged forcefully on his arm.

Severus jerked, pulled out his wand, and looked around cautiously. Contessa realised with a jolt that she was still under the Disillusionment Charm.

"Severus, it's me!" she whispered.

Severus's eyebrows rose in surprise, then he looked guardedly around the corridor.

"In here," he said quietly, nodding towards the door on the left.

Inside the classroom, Contessa lifted the Disillusionment Charm. She was surprised to see Severus glaring at her.

"You should call me Headmaster," Severus said waspishly.

"For goodness sake, Severus, there's no time for that nonsense!" Contessa exclaimed breathlessly. "It's Neville, Ginny and Luna! They've broken into your office..."

Severus looked at her sharply, opened the door and disappeared down the hallway, leaving her alone in the classroom.

---

Contessa returned to the Potions office, not knowing what else to do. She was concerned about the three students in the Headmaster's office and annoyed with Severus for chastising her. She was only trying to help him, but the urgency of the situation had caused his first name to slip from her tongue. Contessa couldn't see the point of semantics when it got in the way of doing her job.

A quarter of an hour later, the door to the office was forced open by Amycus Carrow.

He walked lazily into the room, followed by his sister Alecto, and the door closed quietly behind them. Amycus stood over Contessa's desk, and his lopsided leer sent a chill down Contessa's spine.

"Professors Carrow, how may I help you?" Contessa said, with as much politeness as she could muster.

"Yeh can start by answerin' some questions," Amycus said nastily.

Contessa's danger sense prickled on the back of her neck; the Carrows didn't know she was the Headmaster's spy.

"Go ahead, I have nothing to hide," Contessa said, instantly regretting the implication that she might entertain hiding something. She was going to have to get better at her double agent role, and quickly.

"Did yeh give Neville Longbottom the password to Snape's office?" Amycus drawled. His piggy eyes watched her closely.

Contessa's stomach swooped to the floor. "What is this about?"

"Ha! As if you don't know!" Alecto pushed in front of her brother, her voice a hiss of delight.

Contessa shook her head to convey her confusion.

Amycus leaned towards Contessa for emphasis. "Let me spell it out to yeh then, Madam Marchbanks." The inflection on the title of Madam was said with the utmost disdain. "Longbottom, Weasley and Lovegood have just bin caught breakin' in to the Headmaster's office, attemptin' to steal the sword of Gryffindor."

Contessa's breath caught in her throat. "You're kidding," she said, with a genuine hint of incredulity.

"Why would we make a joke about this?" Alecto sneered. "Answer the question. Did yeh give Longbottom the password?"

Contessa paused. Her answer would have to be truthful. "I did."

"See!" spat Alecto. "I told yeh she was in on it!"

"Now wait just a minute, I had nothing to do with the attempted robbery! Neville told me you had sent him to Professor Snape, and he had forgotten the password," Contessa said with impatience.

"A likely story," Alecto leered.

"It's the truth," Contessa said stoically.

"We'll see about that," Alecto said with relish, raising her wand at Contessa.

"Don't even think about hurting me; you have no authority over me," Contessa said calmly, rising to her feet. Inwardly she cringed, fearing what was about to come.

"Oh, I wasn't plannin' on using Crucio on you just yet," Alecto said dangerously. The stocky witch gestured towards Amycus.

In an instant, Amycus was at Contessa's back, gripping her arms forcefully behind her. Contessa's heart leapt to her throat. Panicking, she grasped her hand and closed her eyes, praying that Severus still wore the Tiger's Eye ring around his neck. The ring went cold on her little finger.

After a few moments, his sister spat, "Look at me, Marchbanks!"

Contessa opened her eyes, hoping against hope that Severus had felt the ring go cool and would know what to do.

Contessa's gaze met the bulging eyes of the Death Eater in front of her with as much resilience as she could summon. The squat witch raised her wand, pointing it directly at Contessa.

"Legilimens!"

Contessa felt the insidious presence of Alecto Carrow ripping through her memories.

The witch was obviously unskilled in Legilimency; her aim was untrained. Contessa pushed the memory of the conversation with Neville to the front of her mind, repeating the scene over and over until she was sure the Death Eater had seen it.

With the force of a whip, Alecto withdrew from her mind, leaving Contessa reeling. The inquisition of an inadequate Legilimens left her head pounding ferociously.

"Well?" asked Amycus impatiently.

"I saw her conversation with Longbottom. She seems to be tellin' the truth," Alecto said resentfully.

Amycus loosened his grip. As he did so, Contessa felt the ring on her little finger turn cool once more. Severus had found her.

"Wait, there's somethin' else that don't make sense," Alecto said slowly.

The grip on Contessa's arms tightened. She started to panic again, not knowing how quickly Severus would arrive in the dungeons.

"She's hidin' somethin', I'm sure of it," Alecto said with conviction.

"What do yeh mean?" Amycus asked his sister.

"There's somethin' suspicious about this woman. Why's she here? How come she's been allowed to take up her post with her history in the Order? It don't make sense."

Contessa felt a block of ice land heavily in her stomach. She only had a moment to decide what to do. Alecto raised her wand again.

"Legilimens!"

The Death Eater tore into Contessa's mind once again, with the presence of a bull in a china shop. Pain crackled through her head as the clumsy Legilimens rifled through her memories, searching for a clue.

Contessa forced herself to calm down and relive a memory: the one given to her months ago, in anticipation of the Dark Lord's inquisition. In order for Alecto to see the memory properly, Contessa would have to submit to the false memory completely, and experience it in slow motion, in the hope that the inept Death Eater would comprehend it...

Standing in the living room at Squirrel's Leap, Severus's pincer-like grip wrapped itself around her arm, forcing her to face him. Her body collided with his, but he did not release her.

"Let go of me!" she demanded, struggling in his arms.

"It will be better for you if you do not fight," Severus said softly, his voice almost a purr. Contessa felt herself shiver inside her own memory.

As her body relaxed into its fate, Contessa felt the air around them take on a prickle of electricity.

Severus inclined his head, very slowly, towards hers. Contessa could feel his warm breath on her lips as she looked into his deep, dark eyes. She noticed the tenderness held within, and a sense of longing, for the very first time. She held her breath, just as before, but this time with a flurry of butterflies in her stomach.

His nose almost touched hers as he turned, his long hair brushing against her cheek sensuously. Contessa felt a quiver descend her spine.

"Close your eyes," Severus said in a sultry voice.

Contessa responded, not because it was an instruction, but because she was succumbing to the seduction, seeing and feeling it in a totally different way.

Severus's breath was warm on her neck for a few moments, and then gone. With a shudder, Contessa realised the memory needed to end, and she reluctantly released herself from its thrall.

The Potions office came into view again as the Death Eater withdrew from her mind. Contessa's head felt as though it had been tightened in a vice, and throbbed sickeningly.

The short, dumpy figure of Alecto Carrow laughed salaciously.

"Well, I never would've guessed," she drawled.

"Guessed what?" said Amycus gruffly, still holding Contessa's arms tightly behind her.

At that moment, the door to the office flung open. Contessa looked past Alecto, to see Severus striding into the room purposefully. Locking eyes with Contessa, he quickly assessed the situation, and Contessa's insides swam with relief.

Alecto turned to face him with a grin on her face. "Snape, you old dog!"

Severus looked back at the woman with an air of intolerance. "I beg your pardon?"

Alecto laughed, but stopped when she saw the look on Severus's face. "Good on yeh, Snape, that's what I say," she said with a wheezy giggle. "Headmaster's privilege and all."

Contessa watched his expression change, and he looked back at Contessa for verification. She nodded slightly in return. Severus blinked.

"Release her, Amycus," Severus instructed.

Contessa felt him let go of her arms, and she walked away, as calmly as possible, towards the door.

"What's goin' on?" Amycus asked Alecto.

"Snape's got himself a concubine, Amycus," she said, looking Contessa up and down with enjoyment.

Contessa felt nausea in response to the woman's supposition, mixed with unfamiliar warmth towards Severus.

When Severus looked back at Contessa to see her reaction, she felt a desire that had not been there before. Blushing in bewilderment, she looked away from him, fervently wishing she could leave.

"Marchbanks is more than that, Alecto. She is also a spy," Severus said coldly.

As she heard Severus explain, Contessa felt a ripple of consternation. She hadn't felt like a concubine when she relived that memory. Contessa had felt something altogether different: unmistakeable attraction.

Now, looking at the imposing bat-like profile of the Headmaster, Contessa was overcome with confusion and alarm. What in Merlin's name was happening to her?

Severus must have picked up on her discomfort. He turned to her and said succinctly, "Go to my office and await my return."

Contessa bowed to him, fighting back conflicting instincts. Leaving the office, she sprinted up the stairs, her heart pounding in her chest.

She did not go to the Headmaster's office. Instead Contessa continued to run up several flights of stairs until she reached the highest point in the castle. Queasy with exertion, she flung herself through the door to the Astronomy Tower.

Bracing herself against the chill, she stepped out into the night, hoping the fresh air would give her some clarity and perspective.

Contessa could still sense Severus's warm breath on her neck.

She was haunted by his bottomless eyes moving in close, his lips close enough to kiss.

The memory refused to be ignored.

Its persistence took Contessa completely by surprise.

She found herself wanting the memory to be extended. She yearned to see it end differently and to have the chance to be in that situation once more.

But, at the same time, Contessa knew she could not risk a romantic relationship with this man; there was too much at stake.

As she moved towards the edge of the ramparts, the cold wind whipped around her, freezing her hands and face.

Lost in memory, she contemplated the dark and murky depths of the drop beneath her.

---

The Astronomy Tower

When Severus returned to the Headmaster's office, he found it was empty. Gryffindor's sword lay across his desk where he had left it, and there was no sign of Contessa having returned as requested.

Severus looked around the room at the Headteachers' portraits, hoping one of them could offer an explanation, but they all peered back at him quizzically. He turned to Dumbledore's portrait and met his piercing blue eyes with a sense of disquiet.

"Contessa was supposed to meet me here," Severus muttered.

Phineas Nigellus Black offered his inference immediately. "I knew she couldn't be trusted."

"Oh, do be quiet, Phineas," Magda McDougall cut in.

Phineas scoffed audibly.

Severus held up his hand intolerantly, and the portraits fell silent.

"What happened?" Dumbledore asked.

"The Carrows found out she gave Neville the password to the office," Severus replied.

Phineas apparently couldn't contain his glee. "I told you so!"

Severus turned to face the former Slytherin Headmaster, feeling his patience wearing thin. "Contessa was tricked into supplying the password," he said; the tone of his voice did not invite further criticism. "The Carrows now know she is my spy. They also believe her to be my paramour."

"What?" spat Magda. "That's ridiculous!"

Severus prickled with indignation. The former Headmistress's implied opinion of his unsuitability reopened an old wound. If others believed it impossible for him to be Contessa's lover, they must view him as undesirable and reprehensible; a man unworthy of affection. It was not the first time such a judgment had been cast.

However, he and Contessa would now need to keep up appearances in front of the Carrows, regardless of the charade's plausibility. Inwardly, he hoped she would be an adequate actress for the role.

Severus knew he could find enough qualities in the woman to play his part in the pretence. Contessa was a talented witch, intelligent, spirited and lively. In some ways she reminded him of somebody else.

But Contessa was not Lily. Severus would not allow himself to feel attracted to another woman; that would be a betrayal. It was important, now more than ever, to remain focused on the job at hand. He must do everything in his power to protect Potter and bring down the Dark Lord. He owed it to himself, and to Lily.

Shutting down his bitterness and resentment towards Magda and her judgment of him, Severus reminded himself of the vow Contessa had taken. Although her loyalty had been acquired by coercion, he at least knew he could trust her. She had taken an oath guaranteeing it.

Severus turned to face Magda McDougall with a look of tested patience. "As ridiculous as it may seem, the masquerade is necessary to protect Contessa from the Carrows."

Magda opened her mouth and promptly closed it again, appearing to have thought twice about her response. Her portrait sniffed slightly.

Severus continued, addressing all of the Headteacher portraits. "Alecto and Amycus have agreed to keep the knowledge of our relationship secret so that Contessa may continue to spy on the teaching staff."

That seemed to silence the remaining dissent, and Severus turned to face Dumbledore again. "Did she return here at all?"

"No," Dumbledore replied with concern.

Severus looked around the office fretfully, trying to work out where Contessa could have gone, and why.

Clenching his hands at his sides, he felt the unfamiliar presence of metal against his little finger. Severus looked at the Tiger's Eye ring on his hand. He had forgotten to take it off in his haste to respond to Contessa's cry for help.

Reaching out, Severus grasped his hand and closed his eyes. The ring turned cold on his finger, and his vision turned to one of darkness. He could feel the wind ripping around him, freezing his body.

Looking through Contessa's eyes, he could make out the shadowy depths of the long drop from the ramparts of the Astronomy Tower.

Severus's stomach swooped with fear. Opening his eyes, he walked briskly across the room and picked up his heavy travelling cloak. He flung the garment around his shoulders and ran out of the office and down the stairs.

---

As Severus climbed the spiral staircase to the top of the Astronomy Tower, he felt an increasing sense of foreboding.

Upon entering the chambers at the top of the tower, he realised this was the first time he had been back to this part of the castle since the fateful battle at the end of June. Back then, Severus had pushed his way past the fighting, and ascended the final flight of stairs to find Dumbledore on the other side of the door, pleading for his help.

After that night everything changed. Severus lost the one person he had trusted and the one person who believed in him.

Severus had since avoided returning to the Astronomy Tower. He needed no reminder of the events which had taken place there; he had relived the scene many times in his frequent nightmares.

Reaching the top of the stairway, Severus felt sick with anxiety and trepidation. He wished Contessa had not chosen here, of all places, to run to.

His hand rested on the door handle for a moment as he willed himself to open it, forcing him to confront the demons of the past. He was not accustomed to meeting these things head-on, preferring to block such unwanted memories.

Gritting his teeth and stamping down hard on his emotions, Severus flung the door open and stepped into the cold night air. As he passed through the doorway, his memory replayed the single flash of green light and Dumbledore's limp, rag-doll body being thrown over the edge of the tower.

Ground to the spot, Severus found he was unable to move, frozen in time.

As his vision refocused, he saw Contessa standing next to the ramparts at the opposite end. She looked back at him fearfully, her eyes drawn to the light at the doorway. Severus bolstered himself and closed the door, plunging them into the darkness of the wind-swept tower.

Severus and Contessa spent a long moment looking at each other from across the ramparts. She seemed to be shaken and unsure, shivering violently in the biting wind. Severus wondered what her reasons were for coming up here, so obviously unprepared for the conditions. Her eyes were wide, and she had the appearance of a startled deer.

Realising he was going to have to cross the tower, Severus bit down and clenched his jaw, then started to walk towards her trembling form.

Contessa began to back away. Severus increased his pace, feeling a wave of concern; she was moving dangerously close to the edge of the wall.

When Severus reached her, he removed his cloak and wrapped it forcefully around Contessa, simultaneously pulling her away from the ramparts and the long drop below.

"Come inside," he instructed her calmly.

Contessa shook her head, shivering as she grabbed the cloak and pulled it tightly around her body.

The length of the material drowned her petite frame, causing her to appear much younger and very afraid.

"What's the matter?" Severus asked.

Contessa looked at him briefly and then turned to face the night sky.

"What happened?" Severus persisted. "Did they hurt you?"

She shook her head quickly. "No," she said miserably.

Silence followed. Contessa's eyes traced the constellations partially visible in the cloudy skies.

Gathering herself up, Contessa turned to face him. "Alecto performed Legilimency on me," she said shakily. "I had to show her that memory you gave me at Squirrel's Leap... I had to relive all the detail, so she could grasp it."

Severus nodded, pleased that Contessa had been quick-witted and skilful enough for Alecto to fully comprehend the memory.

He waited for Contessa to continue, and her eyes searched his for a moment. She flinched and looked away. "The memory has spooked me a bit."

Severus felt a hard pit forming in his chest as he contemplated the implications. It seemed Contessa found him every bit as repugnant as Magda had suggested. He watched Contessa's face closely for confirmation, and saw embarrassment playing out on her features.

It was a stinging rebuff, and one he had experienced before. Severus tightened up his internal defences in response. They would have to play along together, no matter how they felt about it.

"The Carrows fell for the fallacious relationship, and believe we are lovers," Severus said, his voice was uncharacteristically hoarse.

Contessa's brow furrowed and tears formed fleetingly in her eyes. "Did I do the right thing, showing her that memory?"

"I believe so," Severus replied. "Now, at the very least, they should leave you alone."

Severus wondered if Contessa's angst had been about her decision to show the Carrows the false memory.

"What happened to the sword of Gryffindor?" Contessa asked.

"It is safe inside my office. However, we shall need that replica sooner than planned."

Contessa seemed to regain some of her composure. "I'm sure Gran can get the copy of the sword delivered earlier than scheduled."

"I shall ask Dumbledore to converse with Griselda to arrange it," Severus said. "I don't want to give Dumbledore's Army any further cause to break in to my office."

Severus watched her for a moment, noticing her lack of eye contact and uneasy demeanour. Evidently she felt uncomfortable with the new situation they found themselves in.

He held his arm out, silently inviting her to leave the tower for the warmth of the castle inside.

Hesitantly, Contessa stepped in front of him and set off towards the door, trying not to trip up over his long black cloak.

---

Just an Illusion

Contessa spent the following day in turmoil.

She found herself distracted by her conflicting feelings, and her concentration had been broken so many times that she had abandoned her first two attempts at making Deflating Draught for Horace Slughorn's Potions class. Contessa had drifted off several times, and forgotten to add the necessary ingredients or had not stirred the cauldron at the specified intervals.

The false memory from Squirrel's Leap continued to haunt her, and she frequently slipped into daydreams, fantasising that the seduction was real.

The events on the Astronomy Tower also replayed in her mind. Contessa had not intended for Severus to locate her whereabouts, but in her haste to escape from the dungeon, she had forgotten about the ring she wore. The icy night wind had frozen her hands, numbing all sensation, so she had not felt the ring turn cold on her finger.

And so, Severus had found her. He had come to her immediately, but his reticence at the doorway to the tower seemed to suggest he had not known what to do. Contessa knew he was unaccustomed to acts of kindness, but she could still feel his hands holding her firmly as he wrapped his cloak around her, pulling her away from the parapets.

She had hoped this gesture was one of affection, but when she looked into his cold, dark eyes, it was plain to see her feelings for him were not returned. Worse than that, Contessa thought she had read distaste in his features.

Contessa felt certain that the attraction was completely one-sided. As such, she had no idea what she was going to do or say when she next saw Severus.

She was due to hand in her weekly potions requisition, and Contessa found herself making excuses not to go to the Headmaster's office; the awkwardness of the situation was impossible. She feared being in the same room as Severus, but also experienced a strong desire to see him again. The two things simply did not fit together.

Later that afternoon, Contessa found a note pushed under the door to her quarters. She let herself in to the gloomy room and lit the candles with a Lumos Charm.

Contessa settled down on the dark green leather of the Chesterfield sofa, pausing as she looked around at Severus's former quarters. Since moving in, she had not changed them much, and the room had retained its cold and formal air.

The stone walls had a greenish hue, as though lichen grew on them, although there were no such organisms present in the rock. As a result, the walls seemed to glow when candlelight reflected upon them. Contessa found the luminescent effect strangely comforting.

A large fireplace dominated the room, conspicuous in size, with an iron grate which had been bewitched with a Replenishment Charm. Contessa realised that she never needed to add wood to the fire, and on one night when she had fallen asleep on the sofa, she had awoken in the middle of the night with the fire still burning, keeping her warm in her slumber.

The furniture in Severus's quarters was comfortable and functional but lacking in flair or design. There was an air of practicality about the quarters but it also had a feel of solace and security.

Contessa always felt she was completely alone in the rooms, undisturbed and peaceful. She was unsure why, as the quarters were nothing like her countryside cottage. It was a surprise to her that she had settled into the dungeon quarters with such ease.

Looking down at the parchment envelope in her hands, she flipped it over to see the Headmaster's stamp embossed in a red wax seal.

Simultaneously, her heart leapt to her throat, and her stomach dropped to the floor.

Madam Marchbanks,

I request your attendance at the Headmaster's

office at 9 o'clock this evening. Please prepare

your weekly potions requisition in advance.

Professor Snape

---

Contessa pushed herself to go to the Great Hall for dinner that evening but found that her appetite had vanished.

She spent most of her time avoiding eye contact with Severus and spent the meal deflecting comments from Poppy Pomfrey, who was concerned that Contessa looked 'peaky' and clearly wasn't eating enough.

By the time nine o'clock arrived, Contessa was sitting in her quarters again, seriously considering running for the hills.

Ten minutes passed in silence as she sat fidgeting fretfully with her wand. So far, she had produced a flock of canaries which fluttered around the room, singing loudly and performing acrobatics from the candle-lit chandelier. With a snap another canary popped into existence and hopped onto the arm of the sofa, scrutinizing the agitated witch warily.

Contessa wondered vaguely if she could get away with not responding to the invitation, but she doubted it. Severus was not the sort of man who tolerated disobedience.

Bracing herself, Contessa got up and prepared to leave, but at that moment the fire in the hearth turned green. With a crackle of flame and hiss of ash, Severus stepped out of her fireplace and into the quarters.

Contessa took a step back, and the canaries vanished with a pop.

Severus towered before her, his bat-like form bearing down on her, silencing her thoughts. His features were, as ever, inscrutable.

Contessa swallowed nervously and stood straighter in an attempt to redress the balance. Severus surveyed her with a familiar look of disdain.

"You are late," he said curtly.

Contessa felt a nauseating mixture of old contempt for her old Potions master and an inexplicable attraction to his form and presence. She reacted by taking another step back, swaying slightly.

"I'm sorry," she replied uncertainly. "I was... delayed."

Severus's eyebrows arched in response. "So, I see," he said, glancing around the empty room, and looking pointedly at the yellow canary feathers landing softly on the rug-covered floor.

Contessa cleared her throat, squirming at the absurdity of the situation. She was going to have to pull herself together, and fast.

Severus held his hand out to her, commanding her to join him next to the fireplace. Contessa placed her hand in his and he led her through the Floo connection and into the Headmaster's office.

The Headteachers' portraits all turned around to look at the unlikely pair as they arrived. Many of the portraits bore looks of mild amusement. Dumbledore, however, appeared solemn and concerned. He nodded towards Contessa as she took the seat opposite the Headmaster's desk.

Severus sat down on the other side and contemplated Contessa austerely. She wished the ground would open up and swallow her as a giddying mixture of power and attraction crashed over her like a wave. Befuddled, she remained speechless.

"We find ourselves in a delicate situation," Severus began formally, and Contessa noticed him twitch with discomfort.

A leaden weight landed hard in her stomach as Contessa interpreted his discomfiture as aversion. It seemed clear he did not return her feelings. The realisation rendered her unable to speak.

"We now have an appearance to maintain in front of the Carrows," Severus continued.

Contessa's mouth turned dry in response, horrified at the possibilities which might now be expected of her.

Severus looked at her, clearly hoping she would speak and ease some of his misery, but Contessa had frozen, unable to offer him any relief from the difficult and embarrassing conversation ahead.

Her thoughts spiralled at the many varied ways they could keep up the pretence of a relationship for the sake of appearances. She wasn't sure she was capable of pretending, whilst all the while harbouring unrequited feelings for Severus.

He watched her closely with a strained expression, but Severus's unease was nothing compared to how Contessa was feeling.

Severus cleared his throat awkwardly. "I propose we meet twice a week for supper in my quarters," he said tensely. "You can give me your report on the teaching staff at this time." Severus paused and sat back in his seat, apparently wishing he was somewhere else. "The Carrows will be aware of this arrangement and have been sworn to secrecy about our... relationship."

Contessa relaxed somewhat, relieved she would not be required to be physically demonstrative in front of the Carrows. Their relationship would be just an illusion. "That seems acceptable," she croaked, her mouth still dry.

Severus exhaled, releasing some of his tension. The conversation had obviously pained him, although for wholly different reasons. Contessa wondered fleetingly if she would be expected to use the formal title of Headmaster whilst alone with Severus in his quarters. The thought made her shudder.

Contessa cleared her throat and straightened in her chair. "What news of the replica sword of Gryffindor?" she asked, changing the subject in an attempt to reclaim normality.

Dumbledore cut into the conversation, causing Contessa to jump slightly. She had almost forgotten that they were being overheard.

"Griselda informs me she will have the sword finished to an acceptable standard and delivered to Hogwarts tomorrow. The replica won't be perfect but should be sufficient," the former Headmaster said.

Severus then addressed Contessa. "I shall ask the Carrows to deliver the fake sword to Gringotts in the belief that it is the original sword. It will be done during daylight hours in front of witnesses. It would be helpful if you could ensure that Dumbledore's Army believes that the sword of Gryffindor no longer resides in the Headmaster's office. It should prevent further attempts at robbery."

"Certainly," Contessa replied. "I'll tell Neville when the sword has been removed from the school. Has he been told of his punishment?"

"He and the others will be assisting Hagrid in the Forbidden Forest for the next week. The punishment is one of Dumbledore's old favourites for the most severe incursions and should send out a strong message to the other students."

Contessa nodded, feeling relieved that she herself had never warranted such a detention in her time at Hogwarts. She had obviously not misbehaved as much as she had thought.

"Is that all for now?" she asked steadily, hoping she could leave the office and the confusing emotions it had roused in her.

"There is just the small matter of your potions requisition, and then you may leave," Severus said huskily.

"Oh, of course," Contessa said, scrabbling inside her robes for the small roll of parchment. She held it out to him, and he took it from her, quickly signing the list without looking at it, and handing it back to her promptly.

"Thank you, Headmaster," she said, feeling self-conscious as she rolled the parchment up and tucked it away.

Severus stood up and escorted her back to the fireplace.

"Good night," he said decorously, as they glanced at each other in front of the crackling fire.

Contessa nodded and stepped through the Floo connection without another word.

---

Author's note: Asphodelus albus is the Latin name for the white asphodel lily.