Draco's Tongue

Disclaimer: This story is based on the Harry Potter book series by the brilliant J. K. Rowling. It was written strictly for fun; no profit has been made in the writing or sharing of this story.

As always, I'd like to extend my deepest thanks to my two wonderful betas, JENGEORGE and NervousAboutAngels, for their diligent proofreading and suggestions. They really helped to improve my story.

AN: Since Book 7 contained very little of Severus Snape, I have had quite a bit of fun filling in the pieces of his life that last year. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please, please, let me know what you think. I highly value your reviews.

Chapter 17

"Draco's Tongue, the Truth Revealed,

Potion Master's Lair Concealed"

Severus Apparated onto the grounds of the old Riddle house where he noticed several rooms lit from the inside. He walked around to the back of the house, tapped his wand on a spot in the thick ivy that covered the wall, and a door swung open. The instant he entered the cavernous kitchen, he became extremely uncomfortable. The atmosphere in the room was almost festive! He had never felt anything more positive than subdued apprehension in this house. It seemed most unusual to find a party atmosphere. He immediately became suspicious of the situation. Even though the only wizard that Voldemort had ever feared was now out of the way, Voldemort must have had an ulterior motive for throwing a party. He probably thought the alcohol would loosen people's lips and let unintended secrets out into the open.

"There's the man of the hour!" hollered Amycus jovially, raising a glass of Firewhiskey at Severus as he entered the room.

"Congratulations, Severus," squeaked Wormtail excitedly, also raising a glass. "Care for a snort?"

Severus ignored him and glanced around the room. Alecto was chatting with Bellatrix. They both acknowledged Severus' presence with a respectful nod, which he returned.

Just then, Lord Voldemort himself floated into the room, Nagini slithering behind him. Voldemort was grinning with glee. Was it possible? Even the snake looked happy!

"My Lord," Severus knelt down and kissed the hem of his robes.

"Welcome, my greasy friend! You are to be commended – and rewarded!" the Dark Lord exclaimed with sincerity. "Although from what Amycus tells me, Dumbledore was sickly and wandless. Not exactly a challenge, eh?"

"Not like that Kaolin girl, huh, Professor?" came a familiar voice from behind him. Severus turned on his heel to see Draco strutting in through a side door, the big blond Death Eater in his wake. His eyes grew intense with anger – the last thing he wanted was to remind Lord Voldemort of Sienna.

Draco returned his menacing glare with an amused mock grimace. "What's the matter, Professor," he snickered, "bit of an embarrassment for you?"

Severus knew that Draco would be angry and resentful because Severus had finally done what Draco was supposed to do. Perhaps this was his way of getting revenge. Whatever the reason, however, the damage was done, because Voldemort's curiosity was piqued.

"Kaolin girl?" he hissed. "Do tell me what happened, Severus."

"I used her in a demonstration for the class, your Lordship. I'm ashamed to say... she got the better of me."

"Why didn't I see this in your memories, Severus?" Voldemort's tone became a touch menacing.

"I suppose..." Severus searched for a convincing cover, knowing that to outright lie would lead to detection. His answer had to be carefully crafted and at least partially true. "...I subconsciously buried that particular memory because I wanted to forget it."

"Why is that, Severus?" Voldemort approached him, scrutinizing his every movement, every breath, every word.

"As Draco just mentioned," Severus admitted honestly, "it was... embarrassing."

"Show me what happened. I want to see for myself."

Their eyes met unblinkingly. He obediently brought up the memory in question. At least, thought Severus, it ended with the absolute certainty that they now hated each other.

"Interesting, interesting," pondered Voldemort. "She does indeed seem to be a formidable adversary." He paused for a moment, apparently deep in thought. "I wonder, Severus, just how many more memories you have hidden from me over the years, out of... embarrassment... I wonder."

A deathly silence filled the room. What should have been a victorious evening for Severus, for once with no worries in the presence of the Dark Lord, had suddenly become one of terror. He had just killed Dumbledore. What else would he possibly have to do to prove his loyalty?

"I hide no secrets from you, my Lord," Severus lied, consciously forcing his heart rate to slow.

"Do you take me for a fool?" sneered Voldemort. "Of course you hide secrets from me. We ALL have our nasty little secrets that we tuck away deep inside." Severus was afraid to show relief. He had a feeling this statement was made just to set him up for a fall, and he knew better than to take the bait. He stood like a stone statue, silent and unflinching, as his gaze never left those glowing red, snake-like eyes. This apparently impressed the Dark Lord enough that he looked away and began stalking the room like a predator. Severus watched with inner relief as everyone else in the room shifted uncomfortably.

"I could extract them, of course, but most of it is emotional drivel that wouldn't interest me in the least. So why should I waste my time?" A few moments passed as the crowd began to relax a bit, but not for long. "Just remember that I can extract them if I so desire, and if you do not fully cooperate... Well, let's just say, I hope St. Mungo's has a bed for you on their long-term ward." He started to laugh maniacally as the Death Eaters looked at each other, suspicion mixed with fear on their faces. Perhaps, thought Severus, Draco wasn't the only one who couldn't keep his mouth shut about a comrade.

"So, who wants to tell me their version of the night's momentous events?" asked Voldemort cheerfully.

Amycus was happy to elaborate. As the story was told, the room began to liven up again. They each took turns talking excitedly, sometimes all at once, about how Draco had gotten them all in through the vanishing cabinet right under Dumbledore's nose; how Draco had even disarmed Dumbledore by the time they had all arrived on the tower. The atmosphere became jovial again. Draco even seemed to be enjoying himself, his arrogance returning, despite the fact that he had not actually been the one to do in Dumbledore. He did get them into the castle after all. He did play a very important role.

Severus stood silently, forcing a smile and a nod when someone made reference to him. But he was subdued with worry about Sienna. He knew the Dark Lord wasn't finished yet where she was concerned.

The outside door opened and in walked Fenrir Greyback. Everyone stopped talking and looked at him. It wasn't a full moon, and they all knew that with Voldemort there he would surely behave himself. But he was mistrusted just the same, and with good reason.

"About time you showed up," said Amycus. "What took you so long?"

"Don't you worry about it!" snapped Fenrir, who smelled of sweat and blood. He licked his lips and wiped his chin on his dirty sleeve as he eyed Draco's injured leg. It reminded him that he barely got a taste of Bill Weasley earlier. Then he turned to Voldemort and knelt down to kiss his robes. "Your Lordship."

"Don't touch me, you filthy beast!" hissed Voldemort as he took a step back.

Fenrir had to make a conscious effort not to look angry with Voldemort for his rude comment as he stood and walked over to the counter. He shoved Wormtail aside and poured himself a Firewhiskey. "You know, little Draco there couldn't bring himself to kill the old man," he informed Voldemort. "If you'd like, I could take care of him for you... Master." He licked his lips again, eyeing Draco with heavy desire. "Delicious," he whispered, breathing through his yellow, pointed teeth. The smile that spread across his face sent chills up Severus' spine. Draco looked downright horror-stricken.

Voldemort looked at Draco as if sizing him up for a casket. Of course, there wouldn't be anything left to bury if Fenrir had his way. He clucked his tongue and Draco's expression turned to panic. Severus wondered if he might have thought of bursting through the door and trying to Disapparate. But where would he go? There was no hiding from Lord Voldemort. Draco was already beginning to learn that there were terrors much worse than the Cruciatus Curse.

Voldemort could read him like a book. "Oh, don't worry, Draco. Although Fenrir is right, you did leave the killing up to Severus, you still came in quite useful tonight. Yes, without you and your Vanishing Cabinet, Draco, I fear Severus may not have been able to manage it." Then Voldemort turned back to the werewolf. "So sorry, my blood-thirsty friend, but as long as I deem him of some value, you'll have to find your tasty morsels elsewhere."

Draco let out a sigh of relief. Severus simply shook his head. He knew from experience that that was a mistake.

Sure enough, with the sound of Draco's sigh, Voldemort's attention returned to him. "But you did disappoint me, Draco. And I simply cannot let a disappointment of such magnitude go unpunished... Crucio!" Voldemort thrust his wand point-blank into Draco's chest. The sudden move took everyone but Severus by surprise. They all tried to contain their pained looks. Draco was barely of age, still so young, so much to learn. Severus had a feeling that everyone in the room, with the obvious exception of Voldemort and Greyback, actually felt sorry for him as he fell to the ground screaming in agony, a pain Severus knew all too well.

After only a few seconds, though seemingly much longer, Voldemort lifted the curse. Bellatrix bent down and helped Draco up. What a naïve fool, thought Severus. The boy had no idea of the life he was in for – the shadow of a life – full of hate, deception, back-stabbing, fear... a never-ending vicious cycle serving a Master with insatiable desires. Perhaps, Severus thought hopefully, before Draco sank too deeply into the quicksand that was Voldemort, he could be turned to the side of good.

Eventually, everyone grew tired as the stories wore thin. Severus asked to be excused, but Voldemort took him aside instead. Severus was informed that Voldemort's new headquarters would be Malfoy Manor and that Severus could make plans to be the new Headmaster of Hogwarts! But until this was accomplished, he would hide out at Spinner's End. Voldemort had already put concealment charms around the place so that the Order members couldn't find it. He would be safe there for the time being.

His fears of being a wanted man were quelled as he learned of the Dark Lord's many spies already in place at the Ministry, as well as half the staff of the Daily Prophet who were under the Imperious Curse. Harry Potter would be isolated from the Wizarding World at his aunt and uncle's house until the end of July. He was the only one who knew the truth, besides the other Death Eaters who were on the tower that night. It would be easy to implicate him and exonerate Severus. Once the Ministry of Magic fell under Voldemort's control, the puppet regime could announce Severus' new position as Headmaster and the Carrows as new teachers.

"In the mean time, work on finding out when the Order will try to move Potter. Somehow, I don't think it will happen on his birthday. That would be too obvious."

"Yes, my Lord. In spite of what has happened, I believe I can extract the needed information from Mundungus Fletcher, one of the less resistant Order members. I know where he likes to lurk. A few drops of Veritaserum in his mead, and he will tell me anything I want to know."

"Excellent. You should be able to get back into Hogwarts by the end of next week. I expect the information about Potter by our next meeting, which should happen shortly afterward."

Severus gave a curt nod.

He was finally allowed to leave.

As he headed out the door to Spinner's End, he began to contemplate the future. Hogwarts Headmaster... He had promised Dumbledore to do all in his power to protect its students, and this new position of authority made it infinitely easier to keep that promise in spite of the Carrows joining his staff. He just hoped McGonagall and the others would not resign in protest. He would have to convince them that for the sake of the students they needed to stay.

He was not looking forward to facing McGonagall again. He wished that he could tell her the truth, but at this point he felt she would never believe him anyway. So it was with very mixed feelings that he planned his return to Hogwarts at the end of June.

Headmaster Snape... He had not even dared to dream it; now he was about to live it.

Severus Apparated from the gardens of the old Riddle house to the polluted river's edge at Spinner's End. He slowly and wearily made his way up the side of the bank. As he put some distance between himself and the river, he was grateful to get away from the pungent smell of the contaminated water. He let himself into the house, forced himself upstairs, and flopped down, fully clothed, on the bed. But he couldn't fall asleep. He kept seeing the images in his mind that Dumbledore had sent him just before he died. What was in that horrible potion that he drank? Why was he compelled to drink it? What purpose did it serve? And all those Inferi... What could Voldemort possibly be planning?

When sleep finally overtook him, it was filled with instant replays of the nightmarish events on the tower earlier that night. Severus aimed his wand at Dumbledore, said those horrible words, and just as the curse reached him, he turned into Sienna! It was her body that then floated over the ramparts. "NOOOO!" Severus sat up with a start, panting and sweating. He looked frantically around the room but no one was there. Good, no one had heard the scream. Had he screamed? Or was that just part of the dream? His heart was racing. He had to clear his mind. He couldn't let that happen again.

As he stood up and paced the room, he realized that he felt warm. He was still fully clothed in his usual black garb, and whenever he tried to sleep and became over-heated, he was invariably consumed by nightmares. He went to the bathroom and poured himself a glass of cool water, then drank it down. He returned to the bedroom where he stripped down to his underwear and crawled into bed, only a light cover over him. He then put his head on the pillow and stared up at the ceiling, afraid to close his eyes. But eventually fatigue overtook him and his lids grew heavy.

As he fell once again into a light REM sleep, he started to dream. This time he found himself back at Hogwarts, walking by the Black Lake. It seemed like a replay of Sienna's vision, but where was she? He looked towards the castle and could just make out a figure running towards him, calling his name...

"Severus!" She came closer. "Oh, Severus, I'm so glad I finally found you!"

To Severus' surprise, it was Lily who greeted him, all out of breath. She hugged him and kissed him gently on the lips, then took his hand in hers and led him along the shore.

"Don't get me wrong," he began, a bit confused, "but I don't understand. Why are you here? You always have a good reason when you seek me out in a dream."

"And tonight is no exception."

He stopped walking and turned to look into her sparkling green eyes. "Do you know what has happened? Do you know what I have done?"

"Yes," she smiled. "Don't worry, I've seen Albus. You have no idea of the pain he was in when you released him. He is free of it now, and you are in an ideal situation to protect Harry and help the Order. You did what he asked you to do. You have nothing to feel guilty about."

He nodded. Hearing her say the words lifted an immense weight from his already strained shoulders. "But now I'm worried about Sienna. The Dark Lord has taken an interest in her despite all my efforts. Can you get a message to her? Can you tell her to go into hiding?"

Lily shook her head. The look in her eyes was the same as the last time she came to him, full of infinite wisdom and protection. "Don't worry about Sienna. Our girl can take care of herself."

"Our girl... That's exactly the way Dumbledore referred to her once. It's as if she belongs to both of us."

"All of us," Lily corrected him. "And we belong to her. It will all work out for the best. You'll see. Trust me. Trust Sienna. Don't be afraid."

Severus felt himself drifting into a deeper sleep as Lily and the Black Lake dissolved around him.

*****

The next morning, Severus rose, feeling rested and refreshed. He knew he had a long day ahead of him tracking down Mundungus Fletcher. He showered and dressed and, with tea cup in hand, began to check his potions stocks. Yes, plenty of Polyjuice Potion and Veritaserum on hand. Both would be necessary for what he was about to do. He checked his many hair samples, trying to decide who he wanted to look like while he was at the Leaky Cauldron. Slughorn? No, too heavy. He had no clothes that would fit. Fudge? No, the real Fudge could likely walk through the door at any given moment. Stan Shunpike and Lucius Malfoy were supposed to be in Azkaban, although Severus knew better. Then a thought occurred to him... Right size and shape and Severus could be relatively sure that he would not walk through the door of any London pub any time soon: Aberforth Dumbledore.

He reached up and pulled down the phial with Aberforth's name on it. Then he went back upstairs and changed into clothes suitable for an older wizard that fit with a bit more room than his lean frame required. Back downstairs for a traveling cloak, then he stashed a phial of Polyjuice Potion, the phial containing the hair and, just in case, some Veritaserum in his pockets. He quickly added Muggle money in his left pants pocket and a few Galleons in his right. He had not eaten anything and his stomach was growling, but it would have to wait. As foul as Polyjuice usually tasted, he decided it would be easier on an empty stomach. Even though it was a warm June morning, he pulled the hood of his traveling cloak up over his head and past his face so no one would be able to see who he was. Then he headed out the door.

After making his way to the riverbank, Severus Disapparated to London. Once there, he ducked into an alleyway near the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron and dropped the hair in the phial. It bubbled and steamed, looking like green mud. Severus' face contorted as he let out a sigh.

"Bottoms up!" he whispered to himself and forced the thick goo down.

After suffering the usual discomforts that went along with the transformation, he realized that Aberforth may not have been a great choice after all. Severus had forgotten to take into account his advanced age. His skin felt dry and leathery. He felt his body sagging in places that he never knew could sag. His joints ached, he felt stiff... Every move was an effort. Is this how it feels to get old? Maybe living to be 147 isn't all that it's cracked up to be. But what was done was done, so he made his way in awkward silence to the Leaky Cauldron.

"Oh my word! If it isn't Aberforth Dumbledore!" exclaimed Tom, the barman, as Severus hobbled through the front door. It was early in the day, but a few customers were scattered amongst the tables with tea and crumpets. Several of them looked up briefly. No one else seemed to recognize him, likely because they were much younger.

Severus leaned against the bar and held out a friendly hand to Tom who grasped it warmly.

"How are things at the Hog's Head?" asked Tom.

"Oh, fine. The usual riff raff in and out. You know how it is."

"What brings you to London?"

"Just here to round up Mundungus Fletcher." Severus leaned closer to Tom. "Official Order business," he said in a low voice.

Tom's eyes grew wide. "I haven't seen him lately. Woulda thought he was at your place."

"Not for a day or so," Severus informed him. "Well, thanks anyway. Gotta get back." And with that, Severus turned to leave, but as he looked up, he saw Aberforth's reflection in the mirror behind the bar. Until that moment, he had not realized how much Aberforth looked like Albus. As those glacial blue eyes stared back at him from behind his spectacles, his heart skipped a beat. Aberforth... Of course. Dumbledore's brother. Perhaps he knew the truth. Perhaps he could help.

As soon as he was out of sight in the alley, Severus Apparated back to Spinner's End to give the Polyjuice Potion time to wear off. He ate some much needed breakfast while he waited, then headed back out the door once again. Although he kept his hood well over his head to hide his face, he didn't feel the need for another disguise. Hogsmeade was already crawling with Death Eaters. No one would question his appearance or business there.

Severus found the Hog's Head's doors bolted shut, even though it was well into the early afternoon by the time he got there. He knocked softly on the door. Suddenly, a small clean spot began to form on the window by the door. Severus could see an eye peering out, a sparkling, crystal blue eye. The eye disappeared as the unmistakable sound of chains and bolts being removed reached Severus' ears.

"Why do you bother with Muggle locks when all it takes to open them is a simple "Alohamora?" Severus asked as he stepped quickly into the barely opened door.

"I don't have the talent with protective enchantments my brother had. So I know there's no chance I can ever keep anyone out with a spell. But at least with all this Muggle gear on the door, when they use Alohomora I can hear them coming. It all makes such a racket as it unlocks."

A faint smile flickered across Severus' face.

"Are we quite alone?"

"I think so," said Aberforth. "I have several Death Eaters renting rooms upstairs. But they all left early this morning. I used to open at noon, but I can't stomach those people more than a few hours a day, so now I don't open 'til six p.m."

Severus nodded; he understood just how Aberforth felt.

"I need to speak with you in private."

"I knew you'd come sooner or later." He led Severus upstairs to a sparse room with a few chairs, a small table, and a fireplace. Severus noticed the portrait that hung over the mantle. It was the only decoration in the entire room. The teenage girl's smile was benign and her expression was vacant. But her eyes seemed strangely familiar. Pale grayish green? Or were they blue? And they sparkled like moonlight on water.

Severus threw off the shiver that crept up his back and cast the Muffliato spell on the door, remembering all too well the night he had listened just outside this very door and overheard the prophecy which had cost Lily her life. Then he turned back to Aberforth. "How much did your brother tell you about me?"

"My brother..." Aberforth shook his head slowly as he stared lovingly at the girl's portrait. "He loved his secrets." A long silence followed, as if he were prioritizing his information, deciding what to divulge and what not to, not unlike his older brother would have done.

He finally looked Severus in the eye, and with that same piercing stare that felt almost like a mind probe, he said, "My brother told me that things would not always be as they appeared. He said that you had saved his life on several occasions, and that no matter what happened or how, I should still trust you and help you in any way I could."

Severus' stare was equally piercing as he tentatively asked, "And do you plan to honor his request?"

"I do."

Severus closed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh. "Thank you," he whispered sincerely. "I have an additional request, and I think under the circumstances it would be prudent for you to do so."

"Oh?" Aberforth raised an eyebrow.

"You must tell no one of our accord, and give everyone the impression that you dislike and mistrust me, even other Order members – and especially Harry Potter!"

"Why Potter? Doesn't he know? I thought he and Albus were close."

"They were. But this is necessary. He and everyone else must believe that my loyalties lie with the Dark Lord. It is essential for his ultimate defeat as your brother and I planned it."

"Where does Potter fit into all this?"

Severus' face flushed slightly as he remembered the conversation in the Headmaster's office when he'd found out that Harry must sacrifice himself. He felt a familiar anger well up inside of him, but he kept his cool. "I am not at liberty to say... As you admitted earlier, your brother loved his secrets."

Aberforth let out an angry grunt. "Agreed," he said gruffly.

"It seems that I will soon become the new Headmaster of Hogwarts. There may come a time when the students turn to you for help in some way. I will gladly turn a blind eye to anything you help them with, but for their own sake, if you get wind of any scheme that could cost them their lives, would you please inform me immediately?"

"Sure, Severus. I promised Albus I would try my utmost to protect his students should anything happen to him. Seems he knew his days were numbered."

"He did," admitted Severus. "And I made him a similar promise."

"I take it you two worked out the whole death on the tower scene beforehand?"

Severus simply smiled as he gazed curiously at the girl in the painting.

"I hear you put on quite a show... Well, at least he didn't suffer."

With that statement Severus realized just how in the dark Albus had kept Aberforth about his condition. Didn't suffer? For almost 12 months he had suffered unimaginable pain day and night. But rather than burden Aberforth with this heavy bit of news, Severus remained silent.

"Well, if there's nothing else I can do for you, I better get downstairs. Got a lot to do before I open up."

"Oh, I almost forgot. There is one more thing you might be able to help me with."

"What's that?" asked Aberforth, almost irritated.

"Mundungus Fletcher... Have you seen him lately? Do you know where he is?"

"Not here, not with all the Death Eaters around. But last time I saw him, I overheard him talking about a little town on the east coast. Robin Hood's Bay. You might try looking there."

"Thanks," said Severus, and he swept out the door and down the stairs.

He made his way outside and was just about to Disapparate to Robin Hood's Bay when a sharp pain shot up his left arm. A detour to Malfoy Manor was apparently in order.

Upon arrival he found that he was the only one summoned. A pale, sickly-looking Draco Malfoy met him at the door. Not his usual arrogant self, he kept his head down and barely spoke.

"In here, Professor." Draco's voice was shaky.

"My Lord." Severus knelt to kiss the hem of Voldemort's robes.

"I'll make this quick, Severus. I have much to do. Dolores Umbridge has cleared the paperwork for you to be appointed new Headmaster of Hogwarts. Interesting woman. She was easily persuaded. No torture was necessary, only a promise of promotion when our people take over the Ministry. Here is a letter confirming your appointment. If the other teachers give you any trouble, kill them like you killed Dumbledore."

Severus tried not to appear alarmed. "I don't believe they will give me any trouble, my Lord."

"I'll have the Carrows cleared to join you shortly."

"Yes, my Lord."

"Any news on when the Order plans to move Potter?"

"I was on Fletcher's trail when you summoned me, sir."

"Very well, then. After you move back into Hogwarts Castle and lay down the law with your new staff, you can get back to it. I expect answers, Severus. I'm counting on you. We meet next week."

"Yes, my Lord."

So it was back to Hogsmeade and the long lonely walk down the path to Hogwarts. With confirmation letter in hand, Severus entered the front door. As usual for the summer the ancient castle seemed deserted. The mess from the battle that had taken place the night Severus fled had all been cleaned up and repairs made. If he didn't know better, he would have thought it was all just a bad dream.

As Severus made his way down the hall to the Headmaster's office, Filch came up behind him.

"What are you doing here?" he barked.

Severus turned on his heel and glared with contempt at the frail old man. He said nothing but shoved the letter in Filch's face. He knew he would have to play his role convincingly to the staff. Yes, they all had to hate him.

Filch read the letter and met Severus' intense gaze. "So that's it, is it? Just march back in here like nothing happened?"

"Were you on the tower that night?"

"No, but I heard..."

Severus cut across him. "Then you don't know what happened." He turned back towards the office and walked on in silence.

"Siamese," he said to the gargoyle as he approached. Being an expert with Legilimens could definitely come in handy sometimes. Filch hadn't even realized what he had done.

As the spiral staircase lifted him to the office level, he took a deep breath and steadied himself for the confrontation that he knew was about to take place.

Professor McGonagall looked up from the desk. She was gathering her things together, getting ready to vacate the office. This caught Severus off guard.

"I got the owl from the Ministry just an hour ago. You don't waste any time, do you?" Her look was calm, but her voice was shaking with rage.

"I merely thought it prudent under the circumstances to see if I need to make further staff changes. It seems that the Carrows will be filling the two vacant positions." He stopped and watched Minerva pack. The roughness with which she stored her possessions betrayed her cool exterior. She could have used magic to pack, but somehow, he guessed, it was more satisfying to physically shove the items into the box.

"Two positions? Which two positions? And what makes the Carrows qualified to teach anything?"

"The Ministry seems satisfied with their credentials; therefore, you should be as well. And the first opening should be obvious: Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"And the other?"

"Charity Burbage has resigned. We will need a new Muggle Studies teacher." Severus had to make a conscious effort to steady his gaze. He knew Charity had been abducted by Death Eaters. She was now merely a source of amusement for the Dark Lord. Severus knew that unfortunately, her days were numbered.

"Charity said nothing of resigning when she left for the summer. There must be some mistake. There is no need to replace her with one of your... your..."

"I regret to inform you that she will definitely not be coming back." Inside, Severus felt a touch of nausea. Charity had been an adequate teacher and a good and decent human being. A kinder soul would have been hard to find.

McGonagall's eyes reflected her concerns and suspicions. "How could you?" she asked in disgust.

"I assure you I had nothing to do with it."

"You had everything to do with it! Anyone who sits idly by and lets things happen is just as guilty as the perpetrator, as far as I am concerned." She kept her voice low, but he could hear the contempt loud and clear.

"Are you simply vacating my office, or will you be vacating the school as well?"

"If I resign, who might my replacement be?" Her steel-grey eyes bore into him.

Severus held his head high and raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I don't know... Bellatrix perhaps?" He figured that a little reverse psychology never hurt.

"Then I suppose, for the sake of the students, I'll be staying," she said stiffly.

"Good," said Severus sincerely. "Staff changes require such a mountain of paperwork."

When McGonagall finally got out of his way, he closed the door and immediately changed the password to "Albus." Then he faced the supposedly sleeping portrait.

"I know you have heard every word of the previous conversation... She's gone. You can open your eyes now."

Dumbledore's portrait smiled down on him. "This is a pleasant turn of events."

"I must admit, it makes things a bit easier to be here in this very office." Severus glanced over at the Sword of Gryffindor in its glass case.

They caught each other up on the latest information, and then Dumbledore urged Severus to find Mundungus Fletcher and Confund him into suggesting that the Order use duplicate Harrys as a diversion on the night they relocate Harry to the Weasleys' house at the Burrow. Then Severus sat down in the chair just to see how it "fit" him, but he sprang up almost immediately. "I didn't earn the right to sit here," he scowled. "It doesn't feel right. This should be Minerva's chair."

"It will be, once Voldemort is defeated," Dumbledore offered wisely. "In the mean time, I have no doubt that, under the circumstances, you are the best person for the job."

Severus took small comfort in Dumbledore's statement as he headed back out the door and up to Hogsmeade where he could Apparate to Robin Hood's Bay.

*****

Once on the outskirts of the small coastal town, it wasn't difficult to find Fletcher. There was one lone concealed pub, only detectable by the magical community, "Maid Marion's Mug." Severus pulled the hood of his traveling cloak even farther over his face and slipped through the door. He knew that if Mundungus saw him before Severus found him first, the trip would be in vain, but he needn't have worried. There was Dung leaning into the face of some poor, unsuspecting witch, while trying to sound suave and worldly. She was obviously uncomfortable as she tried to lean back and away from his bad teeth and subsequent goat breath.

With his wand concealed under his cloak, a quick nonverbal Confundus Charm turned Fletcher's eyes glassy and his attention away from the girl. Severus sidled up to his other flank and Fletcher smiled at him. Severus noticed a grateful look from the little witch as she silently slipped away into the crowded, smoky pub.

Severus doubted that any news of his deeds on the tower had reached this sleepy little town. It had not been in the Daily Prophet after all, which only offered news of Dumbledore's death, with suspicions thrown on Potter. He pulled his hood back and nodded at the bartender.

"Another round for my friend here."

"Thanks, Severus," said Dung, smiling benignly.

"Don't mention it."

As the drink was presented, Severus pulled it from Dung's greedy grasp and added three drops of Veritaserum. He knew that Dung would have probably told him the truth anyway, but this way there would be no mistake. He couldn't afford to take chances if he was to stay in good standing with the Dark Lord.

Severus extracted all the information he needed from the very cooperative thief and then proceeded to suggest the duplicate Potters.

*****

In a few days time, Severus had settled into the Headmaster's office and quarters, quite a comfortable step up from his previous space. Headmaster Snape... this was going to take some getting used to.

When his Dark Mark burned again, Severus knew it would be a full blown meeting of Voldemort's council. It didn't pain him to be surrounded by some of the most unsavory characters in the history of the Wizarding World, but to sit at the table and calmly watch as Charity Burbage begged him for help was almost more torture than his soul could bear. But what could he do? The conversation with Dumbledore came to mind from that fateful night when he had learned of Harry Potter's ultimate fate. Dumbledore had asked him how many people he had watched die. Lately, only those whom I could not save. He sat at the right hand of the Dark Lord himself and was surrounded by Death Eaters. To attempt a rescue would only result in both of their deaths. What purpose would that serve? After years of practice, it was shamefully easy to keep an inscrutable exterior, but inside he felt sick... again.

Just as he felt sick the next week when he accidentally cut off some poor Harry look-alike's ear as he and the other Death Eaters raced through the night in pursuit of the many identical Potters. At least the distraction had saved Lupin's life.

His next unwanted chore would be to return to number twelve Grimmauld Place for a thorough search. He figured the sooner he got that over with, the better. They would be expecting him to search the place, so he assumed it would be a waste of time. The Order would have removed anything of real value immediately after they heard the news of what had happened. But he had to try. Voldemort insisted upon it. In their haste to vacate, something of value might have been left behind.

He wondered what sort of protective spells may have been put in place. He thought he was ready for anything... Anything except what he found.