Almost a Decade Later

Severus made his way to Dumbledore’s office, not too happy with the interruption in his potion brewing. Dumbledore sometimes briefed his staff separately before the start of term, but it always seemed to come at the most inconvenient of times.

Reaching the gargoyle that lead up to Dumbledore’s office, he said, ”Chocolate frogs,” and ascended the stairs. The old man’s preoccupation with candy was strange and disturbing at times, but he supposed that the man’s idiosyncrasies were part of what made him what he was. He was, after all, one of the strongest wizards he knew.

“Come in, Severus,” Dumbledore called through the door when he knocked.

“You wanted to see me, Headmaster?” Severus asked as he entered the room.

“Please, Severus, sit down. Lemon drop?” he offered, holding the tin out to him as he took the offered chair.

“No, thank you.”

The older man studied him through his half-moon spectacles for a few moments before he said anything. Severus wished that he would get on with the reason for the meeting, but he knew from experience that Dumbledore wasn’t someone to be rushed.

Finally, the silence was broken. “Do you recall, Severus, a conversation that we had not quite ten years ago?”

He knew what conversation that he was talking about. Even though almost a decade had passed, it felt as if it was yesterday.

“I recall that conversation.” Severus kept his voice even and tried not to show any emotion.

“Harry Potter is coming to Hogwarts this year. I have reason to believe that there is cause for concern.”

The Headmaster said nothing more about why he was concerned, and Severus didn’t press him. He knew that the Dark Lord was gone, but for the sake of Lily, he would look after her son. Even if there was no logical reason for Professor Dumbledore to worry, he would make Harry Potter’s safety a priority.

“Very well. I will make certain that no harm comes to the boy.”

“Thank you, Severus,” he said and then dismissed him with a nod of his head.

Severus left the office and began the long journey back down to the dungeon.

For Lily, I’m doing this for Lily, he reminded himself.