"Severus, I…" Draco began, a look of defeat on his face.

The sound of voices and footsteps echoed in the hallway, and Snape raised a hand in irritation to interrupt him.

"Not now. You're both coming with me. Now," he said as he pushed the two boys in the opposite direction of the voices.

The two teenagers didn't have to be urged any further, and headed for the stairway, the Potions master on their heels. As relief stole over him bit by bit, Harry cast a quick sideways glance at Draco.

The Slytherin didn't seem all that sure of himself, and Harry thought he could see his slender hands shaking slightly. That seemed fair enough under the circumstances, he thought with a slight smile. The world was upside down: Snape defending him, and Malfoy, the king of Slytherin, fearful of the wrath of his head of house! Oh yes, this was definitely fun.

Or at least it would've been if Harry hadn't got himself into this mess by wandering about on his own, disobeying Snape the way he had. His smile disappeared. The professor's obvious anger wasn't only directed at Draco, after all.

Lost in his thoughts, he jumped when a figure suddenly appeared from a hidden doorway in front of them. An instant later, Harry sighed: no, he had nothing to fear from this apparition.

"My boys, I'm glad to see you," Dumbledore said softly. "Severus, I assume everything's all right?"

"I'm taking Misters Malfoy and Potter to my rooms for a little discussion. If you have no objections, of course," he added.

"Certainly not. You'll inform me of what comes out of this meeting, won't you?"

"Of course. Any word on our unwanted guest?" Snape asked.

"I'm afraid not; he was able to get away and Disapparate quickly without us being able to track him," Dumbledore replied apologetically.

"I hope I'll be able to give you more information in a few moments," Severus said with a pointed look at Draco, who paled a bit more still, if that were possible.

"Good, I'll wait for your news," Dumbledore agreed as he stepped back to let them pass. The head of Slytherin nodded, taking the teenagers by their shoulders again and then continued them on their way.

The Slytherin dungeons had never seemed so reassuring to Harry, and it was clear that Darco, for his part, was more apprehensive with each step that brought them closer to Snape's rooms.

Seeing his reaction when they stepped across the threshold into the Potions master's rooms, it was clear he was familiar with the place, and Harry felt a twinge of jealousy. Hadn't Malfoy called Snape 'Severus' just a few minutes before?

The professor pointed them to the sitting room, and the two boys each took an armchair as far away from each other as possible. A few moments later, two glasses drifted toward them to sit on the low table, and a heavy silence fell.

"Mr. Malfoy," Snape drawled, "explain to me, then, what good reason you had for being precisely in that place at that moment, right in the middle of an attack, when your presence was required in Transfigurations, at the other end of the castle?"

Draco fidgeted nervously and ran a hand through his hair. "Listen, Severus, it's not what you think," he started.

Severus? Harry thought. Malfoy was permitted to call his Man In Black 'Severus'? But surely Snape was going to put him in his place.

"For now, Draco, I believe you're guilty of attempted murder in the middle of Hogwarts, at the very least," Severus replied icily, putting Harry's illusions to rest. Yes, Snape and Draco were on a first name basis. It was absolutely revolting.

But that probably wasn't the most important thing just now.

"I…nothing happened, all right, and I saved Potter; it's not as if I tried to cast an Avada Kedavra at him!" the Slytherin defended himself.

"Indeed, I didn't expect your courage to extend as far as that fantasy. Letting a murderer into Hogwarts, on the other hand…" Severus said.

Draco practically folded in on himself, and Harry knew that Snape had hit the mark.

"The Room of Requirement!" Harry cried. "He was in the Room of Requirement, right before Loki attacked me!"

"Is this true, Mr. Malfoy?" Snape asked, the use of his last name painting a satisfied smile on Harry's face.

There ensued a long silence.

"I see," Snape said slowly. "It will be Veritaserum, then. Take the glass in front of you, Draco."

"No!" the boy exclaimed. "That's illegal."

"Illegal? No, not in the sort of inquiry conducted by Aurors. And if that's what needs to be done, let's call the Ministry immediately, then. Attempted murder in the school, against the person of Harry Potter…that wouldn't even mean Azkaban. I suspect the Dementors would come personally to the Ministry to execute the sentence on the spot."

Opposite him, Draco seemed ready to sick up, his face twisted.

"Severus, you can't do that to me…"

"Really? And yet, in a recent letter it seemed to me that our respective positions were made clear."

"I…you shouldn't have come back; I don't have a choice, Severus; he's not giving me a choice."

Wordlessly, he bared his left forearm, exposing the Mark. Harry couldn’t hold back a shudder, but Snape didn't show the slightest emotion. In fact, he seemed rather bored.

"Very pretty tattoo, Draco. I'm sure you were very proud to receive it."

"Oh, no need to be so arrogant; you have the same thing in the very same place, so far as I know!" Malfoy hissed between his teeth. "And you know very well what this means…I don't have a choice!" His voice was almost begging this time.

"I'd rather understand," Severus said mercilessly, "what could push a sixteen-year-old to wish for the death of one of his peers?"

As if he doesn't know, Harry thought with a bit of resentment. As if he hadn't wished for James's death at that same age.

"It's got nothing to do with him," Draco replied scornfully. "It's what he stands for. He must not stand in the Dark Lord's way…" he stopped, swallowing hard. Clearly, the switch in his former mentor's allegiance was a difficult reality for the boy.

"So, you acknowledge trying to kill Harry," Snape went on, his voice hard.

"I…all right, all right, I'm the one who brought Loki in. But I'm also the one who fixed it so Potter fell into that trap, so that nutter couldn't have him! He was going to kill him, Severus, in a matter of seconds. Potter didn't have a chance, and I'm the one who saved him from it!" Draco exclaimed vehemently.

The disgust Harry saw on Severus' face reassured him as much as it made Draco blanch. But there was something else in the professor's expression, like an echo…Dumbledore, Harry suddenly remembered. It was the same expression that Dumbledore had worn when Snape had presented himself to him, begging him to save Lily. History was repeating itself, Harry thought, but did Draco possess the inner strength and convictions that had allowed Snape to redeem himself? In more ways than one, Harry doubted it. And clearly, Snape doubted it as well.

"Saving him after having put him in danger of death? Nice try, Draco, but I doubt that will be enough in front of a jury," the professor replied.

At these words, Draco dropped his head into his hands, his eyes fixed on the floor. At that moment, there was no longer anything aristocratic in his bearing.

"I didn't want to do it. I don't want…I don't know. I don't know, Severus. But I didn't let him die."

This time, the Potions master seemed to soften, and uncrossed his arms to come and sit in an armchair. "Let start at the beginning," he sighed. "Who ordered you to bring Loki into Hogwarts?"

"My father," Draco answered, defeated. "On orders from the Dark Lord. He told me it was the only way for him to redeem himself."

"Redeem himself?" Severus asked.

"After what happened in the cemetery at Godric's Hollow, all the Death Eaters who'd been there were…severely punished," he explained. "For failing at their duty. A dozen Death Eaters, and the wards, and it'd only taken a single person to ruin it," he said disgustedly, shaking his head. "He was crazed, Severus, mad with fury. I don't know what happened afterward, I only know he disappeared into the wilds, withdrew to someplace safe. But Father's position is difficult, both at the Ministry because of the kidnapping, and with the Dark Lord because of the escape. It was a bloody disaster," the boy sighed.

His little speech plunged Harry deep into thought. Draco was right: Lucius had kidnapped him, right from the middle of the Ministry. So how was it that the wizard wasn't in prison yet?

"Lucius claimed to have acted under Imperius," Snape explained to him before he could ask the question. "But given the circumstances, even his most faithful supporters within the Ministry can't defend him without seeming like perfect morons."

"There's not a soul alive who was fooled, not even the Niffler on guard duty," Draco hissed. "And now, the Dark Lord's threatening to destroy all we have left…and Severus, I don't have any choice; he'll kill us all."

Snape took a deep breath as he sat back comfortably in his chair. "You don't have a choice, but yet you saved Harry at the last moment, as you pointed out. Why this change of heart?"

"I don't want to be a murderer," Draco huffed. "And I don't want to end up in Azkaban; I saw what Bellatrix was like when she got out, and I don't know what she was like before, but it's certainly not a ringing endorsement."

"No, indeed," Severus said thoughtfully.

Harry could sense that the professor was slightly amused, and particularly focused on something. Clearly it was a serious moment. Had Draco made Snape think of himself at that same age? It was likely, but Harry hoped with all of his heart that this wasn't the case, because Snape would be greatly mistaken. Draco wasn't anything like he had been; he was a pretentious little aristocrat, and much too spoiled, a teenager who'd never had to face his responsibilities, who was now discovering the truth about things and the cause he defended. In all of that, there was nothing that could make him like Snape.

"Draco, do you know where Voldemort is right now?" Severus asked.

"No," the boy replied quickly, "and even if I knew…" He stopped, glancing quickly at his glass. "Our family is no longer in the Dark Lord's favor. I doubt that even Lucius knows."

"Draco," Snape said, clearly annoyed, "you're going to have to choose sides eventually. You cannot allow yourself to play them both. Do you realize the situation you've put yourself in?"

"All too well," Draco murmured without looking at him.

"Let's begin again," Severus sighed. "How did you get Loki inside Hogwarts?"

"Like Potter said, through the Room of Requirement. There's a tunnel that leads to Hogsmeade. We had a meeting time set up."

"And how did you know that Harry would be there?"

"I didn't know," Draco confessed. "I was just supposed to get this…Loki in. He was to take care of Potter, or…whatever else he'd find."

"Meaning?" Snape asked icily.

"I don't exactly know," Malfoy said, avoiding his eyes.

"Draco, answer me. Who else?" His tone of voice didn't leave much room for negotiation, and Draco took a deep breath and finally looked up.

"You. He was supposed to kill Potter first, and then you afterward. Dumbledore was also an option, or as a last resort, any Gryffindor or Hufflepuff," he admitted.

"I see," Snape said, lost in thought. "So, I've a certain value in the marketplace, people to put on my list. What else, Draco?"

"You don't think that's enough?" the boy asked bitterly.

Snape studied him for a moment, his eyes searching the boy's, until the teenager finally lowered his own.

"What do you plan to do now?" Snape asked neutrally.

"I should be asking you that instead," the boy ground out. "Are you going to call the Aurors?"

"That depends on you, I suppose," the Potions master replied. "You first carried out Voldemort's orders before changing your mind and saving his worst enemy. At the least your loyalty seems shaky, a thing that I can perfectly understand. I suppose the reality of being a Death Eater never seemed so concrete to you before, did it?"

"That's an understatement," Draco breathed out.

"And the winds of defeat blow…a true Malfoy always knows on which side to put himself," Snape went on smoothly.

"It's not a matter of defeat, Snape!" Draco exclaimed. "The Dark Lord is powerful; this isn't a setback that'll change anything! He'll end up taking him…"

"You're convinced of that?" Severus asked.

"Of course," the boy replied. But even Harry could sense the doubt in his voice.

"Perhaps he doesn't know?" Harry almost whispered at Severus, still loud enough for Malfoy to hear him.

The professor shot him an irritated look before turning back to the other teenager. "Draco, what do you know about why Voldemort is lying low recently?"

"Lying low?" the boy scoffed. "That's just a joke. He's simply planning his next move, away from his usual Death Eaters. I told you, he really wasn't happy about what happened at the cemetery."

"Really?" Severus insisted. "And you've seen him since that fateful night?"

Draco shrugged. "No, and neither has practically anyone else."

"And it didn't occur to you that there was perhaps a reason for that?" Snape asked ironically. It was Draco's turn to look at him in annoyance.

"A Death Eater isn't supposed to ask that sort of question," he said.

"And that's what you are? A Death Eater?" Snape asked softly.

Harry held his breath, and Draco jumped from his chair.

"What's the point of these stupid questions? Obviously I am one—you saw it yourself!" he protested.

"It's not a dead-end, Draco," Severus answered, still maintaining his calm demeanor.

"Not a dead-end? Do you think you're free because you betrayed the Dark Lord? No one escapes him, Severus. There's no way out!"

"And yet, here you are, doing all you can to disobey your master and thwart his plans…the way you saved Harry at the last moment, Draco? What were you after, if it wasn't a way out?"

"I didn't…wait, you know very well it's the only real solution!" Malfoy went on, increasingly nervous with each sentence.

"No, I don't know it," Snape replied. "I'm even convinced of the contrary."

"Not everyone is able to be a traitor," the boy hissed.

Harry felt Severus stiffen immediately. The remark had hit home.

"Whatever I've done," Severus finally said, "I've always done from the strength of my convictions. And whatever you decide today, Draco Malfoy, you're going to have ponder it. How did Loki react when he saw Harry get away from him?"

"Badly," the boy said, making a face. "I tried to convince him that I'd done it to make his task easier. Don't know if he takes me for an imbecile or a traitor. I think he was leaning toward the first when he left."

"Left?" Severus repeated.

"He went back through the Room of Requirement, the same way he got in. I didn't go with him; he'd taken his other form…was too fast for me," Draco admitted.

"And so he probably headed right back to whomever he'll have to give an account, if not Voldemort himself," Snape concluded.

"I don't know," Draco said. "Maybe Loki is the Dark Lord's favorite new toy, but I doubt he reports to just anyone. He's not like the others…he's a…savage."

For a moment, Severus stared off into space, tapping his cheek with a finger. A silent but attentive spectator, Harry could sense the professor's curiosity. And instant later, though, Severus shook himself from his trance and turned to his Slytherin student once again.

"Is he Marked?" he asked. Draco hesitated for an instant before replying.

"No, I told you, he's different. Independent. That's not really it, but I can't find the right word. He seems indifferent to everything, he always has this sort of smile that chills me to the bone; he's not really a Death Eater, more like a mercenary, but he does a great deal for the cause."

"And for what reason?"

"I don't know," Malfoy replied as he shook his head. "But in any case, I want him for an enemy just about as much as I want Greyback for one. He's…terrifying. And he's not afraid of anything, not even the master."

"Here we have the most interesting genetic enigma in years," Snape murmured, as if to himself, then casually asked after an instant, "So, what is your plan, Draco?"

The Slytherin straightened, defying his head of house with his eyes. But no response was forthcoming, and a small, cynical smile appeared on Severus' face.

"Ah well, Mr. Malfoy, let's consider your possible career choices for a moment. In truth, the options are rather limited. A first possibility, of course, is returning to Malfoy Manor and telling Lucius that your mission failed, and how so. No doubt Loki will have got there ahead of you anyway. It remains to be seen if Malfoy Senior will be as gullible as the timber wolf…and curiously, I doubt it."

In front of him, Draco swallowed hard but didn't look down.

"So, Lucius will be left with the choice of supporting his son or selling him to Voldemort," Snape continued mercilessly. "Hmmm. A situation that I definitely wouldn't want to face. Which do you think he'll choose, Draco?"

"Don't be stupid," the boy said between his teeth. "He won't sell me out."

"Indeed, probably not," Severus agreed. "Which leaves the option of being disgraced in front of his master. An equally unenviable position in these times."

"He'll find a way," Draco said. "He always finds one."

"Perhaps," the professor answered, "or perhaps not. However, there remains another option, and I've the distinct impression, Draco, that it's the one you've already chosen."

This time, the teenager couldn't bear the eyes of his questioner.

"You could ally yourself to the side of the Light, and quit the Death Eater ranks," Snape said softly. "You can't be a part of them, Draco, you know this as well as I. The dregs of power that Voldemort holds out to them are only an illusion—bait—out of proportion to what you give up. You are not a hero, you're only a slave in the service of a madman; you're no longer a part of the Malfoy line, you're a pawn. A commodity."

At his words, Draco's face contorted with fury, and he leapt to his feet, wand in his hand, pointing it at the Potions master. Although Snape made no motion to stop him, it only took a second for Shadow, on the other hand, to jump to the low table and force himself between the two wizards, growling in the boy's direction.

Surprised, Draco dropped his guard, his eyes riveted on the cat.

Shadow felt a hand on his back, and the fur that had stood up on end relaxed, pacified.

"It's all right, Harry," Snape said gently.

With a backwards glance for his Man In Black, Shadow reluctantly stood down from his stance and went back to the chair, where he transformed as Malfoy watched, his lips pressed together.

"Draco, give me your wand," Severus continued.

The boy turned his head, but didn't make any move to obey.

"You know that I'm right," the professor went on. "And you know he won't win this war."

"How long…" Draco began hesitantly. "How long have you been betraying our side?"

"Since the Potters' deaths," Snape replied calmly. But Harry could feel the wave of sadness that washed through the wizard with this pronouncement. Lily's death…

"And all that time, you were spying for Dumbledore? You knew…you knew…and you didn't do anything to stop me?" the boy said, his jaw clenched.

With this, Harry was sure he saw his hand tremble. And when he turned toward Severus, he could see the regret and guilt in his eyes.

"It was impossible, Draco," he said. "I knew you would've reported me to your father, and my situation was too delicate to take that risk."

"You preferred to risk letting me become one of them…and like you said, a slave! This Mark…he…I belong to him!"

Severus sighed and shook his head. "You made your choices, Draco. But today you made another one; you can change everything. It's now or never, and you've already taken a huge step forward. I know how difficult it is to renounce one's choices, but listen to your conscience, Draco. It's already pointed you in the right direction."

"I don't want to become a spy, Severus; I'm not like you. I could never do it," Malfoy replied nervously as he sat again. "It's not that I'm not a good Occlumens, but it's about my mother and father! And Dumbledore will never believe me anyway. He already wouldn't have believed me before, but now with this Mark on my arm…"

"It so happens that I bear the same one, as you correctly pointed out," Snape said. "And it's not a matter of convincing the Headmaster. After all, it's Harry's life you put in danger today; it's for him to decide if you deserve another chance or not."

Draco started, as if he'd only just now remembered Harry's presence. With the two Slytherins staring at him, Harry fidgeted uncomfortably. His eyes sought out Malfoy's, trying to decipher the boy's intentions.

The gray eyes didn't try to look away, but Harry only read resignation there, a hint of fear and despair, and the very clear impression of being trapped like a rat.

Draco wasn't really trying to champion a cause, he realized. He wanted to be safe, out of danger, far from the realities he'd discovered in the life of a Death Eater.

It wasn't that hard to feel pity for Draco just then, and he could sense that Severus didn't want to let him go back to his master. But this was Malfoy, Draco Malfoy, he whom everyone smiled upon, and who wouldn't have lifted his little finger to help Harry, had the situation been reversed. And besides…

"What was in it, that letter?" he asked slowly. "Severus mentioned a letter earlier."

Draco turned a panicked expression to the Potions master.

"It was a warning, Severus! For you. If Father had known I'd sent it, I would've had serious problems," he pleaded.

"So why take the risk, Draco?" Snape asked.

"So you wouldn't come back! To protect you!"

"And?" Severus insisted.

The boy flushed and looked away.

"There's something else, isn't there?" the professor continued. "We must know everything, Draco; there's no other solution."

"If I tell you, I'm dead," Malfoy whispered.

"Not if we protect you. It's your last chance, Draco. You can't do an about-face now."

"There's a reason why Father didn't send me to Durmstrang this year," the boy said in a low voice. "The Dark Lord entrusted me with a mission at Hogwarts." He stopped, before beginning again frantically, "You have to protect me. I can't go back there after having revealed all this.!"

"First finish what you have to say," Harry threatened. Something told him that he wasn't going to like what he was about to hear at all.

"I…I have to prove myself. Spy. Help…all that I can. But especially, I have to bring him someone's head…" Draco said nervously.

"Mine?" the Gryffindor asked.

"No. That'd be a bonus, but the Dark Lord doesn't expect me to manage that."

"Who, then?" Harry insisted.

Draco stared studiously at the low table. "Severus."

Silence settled over the room, at last broken by the Potions master.

"That's rather logical," he said impassively, "a traitor, but only recently, close to Harry Potter, and a man you've always known. A good choice, all things considered."

"How could you think he'd let you get away like that?" Draco exploded. "Of course you had to come back, right into the middle of the Slytherins! And with him!" he said with a gesture toward Harry.

"And you," Harry interrupted, his voice low and full of fury, "how could you think you could come here, try to kill Severus and hope to get away with it? How?"

Draco shot him a hesitant look, before speaking again. "You've no idea how it is, Potter! I wasn't given a choice, it was that or die, and watch my family die! I tried to warn him, that's why I sent that letter! You've no idea of the risks I took by doing it, not to mention saving your skin earlier!"

Harry clenched his teeth, trying to contain his fury. The dirty little snake…and to think he'd been here, all this time, his only goal to kill Severus! And he was here now, trying to secure his absolution, and Snape was sitting there, not saying anything, as if all of it wasn't important. It seemed to Harry that all of a sudden the air had just become charged with electricity, and the glasses on the table began to shake, rattling in chorus with the chandelier and a crystal carafe.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Severus rise and come to him, before placing a hand on his forehead, ruffling his hair.

"That's enough, Harry," the Potions master's calm voice told him. "Get a hold of yourself. Everything's fine."

"No, everything's not fine!" he boy cried. "He's sending assassins after you! Even here, at Hogwarts!"

"As for killing," Snape said sarcastically, "Voldemort would've certainly been able to find someone more formidable than Draco Malfoy. I doubt he expects him to succeed. It was more of a test…and of having a spy in place."

"You still think of Malfoy like he's a choirboy!" Harry protested. "Don't you have enough proof? He's a Death Eater! And that wasn't just some whim that came over him either; he's always wanted it—it's what he is!"

"I doubt that Mr. Malfoy himself knows what he is," Snape replied gently. "But I'm very aware of Draco's shortcomings. No one is perfect, Harry, but everyone deserves a second chance at some point."

Harry shook his head, refusing to look the Potions master in the eye. It was Draco who broke the silence and went to stand near Harry, a determined look on his face.

"If I go back there now, they'll kill me," he said hoarsely. "Is that what you want, Potter?"

"You'll find a way around it, like you always do," Harry said without looking at him.

Draco hissed from between his teeth, and Severus took Harry by the shoulders and forced him to look at him.

"Perhaps he would, but certainly not without being punished first," he said. "Do you really want to live with that image, Harry? And that's not even the most important thing here. Draco took the first step to change and join us, to leave Voldemort. Whether you believe it or not, that takes a great deal of courage. Do you really want me to send him back to his master, make him a full-fledged Death Eater, and then one day perhaps find him in your path? Is that truly a good strategy?"

Put like that, Harry supposed not. And as much as he might hate Draco, even he didn't deserve to be sent back to Voldemort. There was no doubt that he'd wanted to become a Death Eater at one time, but people changed.

Harry stared for a moment at Snape's serene face. Yes, people changed.

He turned to Draco, trying to keep his face impenetrable as well. He certainly had a long way to go before he managed to do it as well as Snape, though.

"The other day in Moaning Myrtle's toilet, what were you doing?"

Severus scrutinized them both questioningly, but Harry didn't say more. Draco, on the other hand, flushed furiously.

"I'd just come from meeting Loki. There was a problem, and he blamed me. Someone summoned him and he left without me having the chance to get him in," he reluctantly explained.

"Summoned him? How?" Severus asked.

"There was someone with him—I don't know who. Probably someone who'd hidden near the Shrieking Shack, but I was too busy trying to stay alive to pay attention."

"And despite everything, you went back to let him in?" Snape said slowly.

Draco shook his head. "I told you, I don't have a choice. He's got my parents."

"Which doesn't leave us many alternatives," the professor admitted.

"Honestly, I couldn't care less what happens to Lucius," Harry muttered with a shudder. "But if we want Draco to be safe, then maybe it'd be better to claim he's a prisoner, that he's being blamed for helping Loki."

"That's a reasonable idea," Snape said, nodding. Confusedly, Harry sensed the Potions master's relief, and knew he'd made the right choice. The one Severus wanted, anyway.

"I can't stay a prisoner forever," protested Draco, who seemed nevertheless to relax. "Father will try to claim me, to have the Ministry step in."

"But he carries little weight there just now, and I assume he'll quickly understand your situation," Severus agreed. "Honestly, I doubt he'll put much at all into acquiring you, once he will have understood. Your life would be in too much danger."

The young Slytherin swallowed hard. "He's probably going to disown me."

"Probably, yes," Severus admitted. "But only for the sake of appearance. Whatever Lucius Malfoy might be…he loves you deeply. As soon as he has the opportunity, he'll come for you."

"Pardon me, but I've never had much of a feeling that Lucius is the sort to do things halfway," Harry protested, the pictures of Malfoy Manor and the cemetery still too fresh in his memory.

Snape nodded. "Lucius is the perfect Death Eater, but his family comes first," he explained. "Besides, I suspect he won't be completely displeased with this little twist in the situation."

From a few steps away, Draco groaned. "A strategy like none other. Very Slytherin. But you're probably right, Severus," he said, his face brightening.

"I'm not sure I understand," Harry said distrustfully.

"Having their only son on our side, the Mafoy family is placing its pawns in both camps. Whoever turns out the victor, they'll have an argument to plead for their return to favor, whichever party that might be," Snape explained.

"That's disgusting," Harry said slowly, on the verge of being sick. "Totally disgusting. Where's the proof that this isn't exactly what this little snake wants? He cares about as much for our cause as for his first broom!"

"To be perfectly honest, I doubt Draco had sufficient nerve for this little scenario," Severus replied. Behind him, Draco snorted scornfully, but didn't deny it.

Harry shook his head in disgust. "I suppose it's the best option for now," he said.

"Probably."

Holding back a grimace, the Gryffindor turned to his rival. "It'd be better for you if this isn't another one of your little schemes, Malfoy."

"It isn't. I'm trapped, Potter, even you should be able to see that," Draco ground out.

"That'll be enough for the moment. We're going to settle this in the Headmaster's office. Harry, you're coming with us," Snape said, pointing toward the door.

"Can't we go through the Floo?" Draco asked nervously.

"No. The students are in the hallways at this time of day; this little walk will be an excellent display of the current situation."

"Oh, I see. So far as being a prisoner, obviously," Draco said through his teeth.

"Yes, that's the general idea," Severus replied. "And now, your wand."

Draco started, his hand going reflexively to rest on his wand, but without drawing it.

"No, you can't ask me that!"

"It's the first condition, Draco. Give me your wand immediately," Snape said calmly.

"You didn't think we were going to let you stroll through Hogwarts armed, when you yourself admitted you were here to kill Severus, "Harry hissed, feeling his anger mounting again.

"That's enough, Harry," the professor said sternly. "Draco, now."

There was a second of silence during which Harry wondered if the Slytherin was going to change his mind in the end and try to flee, but Draco slowly took his wand and held it out to Snape.

"That's a wise decision, Draco," the professor said as he placed it inside his robes. Harry heard the relief in his words.

Severus took a step back to let them pass, and Draco moved forward, his face drawn. Before he was able to reach the door, though, Harry was beside him and pulled him back by his sleeve.

"Just one wrong look at Severus, Malfoy, and I'll make you regret it," the Gryffindor hissed. "You've no idea how much."

Before the boy was able to retort back, Harry'd stepped out of his way and headed for Snape. An instant later, a black cat with slightly bristled fur jumped to the Potions master's shoulder.

The wizard shot him a dark, reproachful look, but didn't say a word as they moved toward the corridor, with Malfoy in front of them, under the threat of his head of house's obsidian wand.

The hallways were definitely in use at this hour, and Harry quickly decided that having been pursued by an enraged wolf was a small price to pay for the sight. Head held high, Draco passed through the midst of the Slytherins without batting an eye or looking back once, all under the piercing and sometimes mocking stares of his friends. True to their reputation, the Slytherins did nothing to spare their fallen icon…a few jeers and hisses could be heard, and Shadow's sharp ears caught a few little, fervent remarks. "Really deserved it…not a moment too soon…traitor…not so proud anymore…just like his father…imbecile…Death Eater…"

But his satisfaction quickly faded as he noted that most of the hateful looks weren't directed at Malfoy, but towards him and Snape, who continued on his way impassively.

The trip along the upper floors, though, was more boisterous. The rumor seemed to have rapidly spread, and students from all houses had gathered to watch the spectacle. And Malfoy was clearly not any more popular with the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws than he was with the Gryffindors, Harry noticed. The farther they walked, the further the rumor spread, the louder the jeering became, and Snape was soon forced to level some menacing looks, here and there, to quell the general hubbub.

Shadow gloated from atop his shoulder. At least until a spell streaked out of the crowd, narrowly missing Draco, who jumped to the side as his hand instinctively went for his wand.

Snape swore and cast a Protego around himself and Malfoy, who'd stepped in close to him, while the students surrounding them fervently looked for the guilty party. Without waiting, Severus pushed Draco by the shoulder.

"Whoever attempted that will have to answer to me, you can be sure of it," Snape hissed as he eyed the group of students. "And now, disperse! You're not at a parade! Any idiots that I catch still lingering in the corridor in ten seconds will have to do an essay on the properties of manticore eyes in Evisceration Potion!"

There was a dull murmuring amongst the students, and all of them started for the nearest exit. At least, almost all of them.

"There're no manticore eyes in Evisceration Potion, Professor," a voice said calmly.

"Miss Granger," Snape growled, "are you volunteering yourself?"

"There's no Evisceration Potion either," the girl went on.

"There very well could be one in the very near future if you're not gone in the next instant!" Snape replied as he started off again. Atop his shoulder, the cat shot a look full of sympathy at his friend.

"Professor, can I help you?" Hermione finally decided to ask. "Do you want me to take Harry somewhere else? Or me to escort you?"

"Merlin, might I know what could lead you to believe I need an escort?" Snape asked, clearly irritated.

"I don't exactly know," Hermione answered honestly. "But a wolf was spotted in Hogwarts a few minutes ago, and I ran across Professor Lupin and he seemed beside himself. If Hogwarts is under attack again, I think Harry'd be the first target, and you seem to already have your hands full. Without meaning any offence, Professor."

"I'm in complete control of the situation, Miss Granger, and no, Hogwarts was not under attack. Or not any longer, at least. As for Professor Lupin, I don't see what else you might expect of a werewolf. Mood swings are part of its personality."

The girl tensed her jaw, but didn't move. "Whichever, Professor, with your permission…"

"With my permission, you're going to return to your common room," Snape said ironically, ignoring the sharp claws digging through his robes. "And without delay, if you don't want me to take points from your house."

Hermione's lips thinned to a white line. "As you wish, Professor. I only hope Professor Lupin will find Loki. He's very busy looking for him right now."

Snape let out an annoyed sigh. "Very well, Miss Granger, make yourself useful and go find the werewolf on duty. Tell him to come up to the Headmaster's office straight away. I wonder why that imbecile isn't there already anyway…incapable of following orders, like always."

The girl stiffened, but nodded. "Harry, are you all right?"

The black cat blinked, his head cocked to the side in what signaled his best smile. Hermione smiled back at him, before finally deciding to go on her way. She disappeared at the end of the hallway, two sets of annoyed Slytherin eyes watching her.

"That girl really has to learn to mind her own business," Draco muttered.

"That's for certain," Severus replied. "But that wasn't Miss Granger's intent. No matter, let's move on; it's senseless to linger in the corridors. Your fans seem to have gone, Mr. Malfoy."

Without a word, the boy started off again, the disgust clear on his face, and Snape could've sworn he heard the cat on his shoulder titter a laugh.

The rest of their trip was without incident, and the three wizards entered the Headmaster's office; he was solemnly waiting for them in front of the fireplace.

"Well, well," he said when Draco Malfoy went to stand in front of him, slightly dragging his feet. "Here we have a matter that goes beyond house affiliations, don't we, Severus?"

"Considering that attempted murder is part of it, yes," the head of Slytherin answered.

"Oh, really? Mr. Malfoy?"

"That's not it at all; I wasn't trying to kill anyone," Draco protested. "And I'd like you to remember that I saved Potter, once and for all!"

"This promises to be interesting," Dumbledore replied calmly. "If you'll sit down, young man?"

Assuming a dignified expression, Draco gracefully took a seat in the nearest armchair. At his side, Snape crossed his arms over his chest and remained standing, to Shadow's great delight, giving him a front row seat for the show.

It took Draco only a few minutes to give an account of the incident, and for Severus to explain the arrangement in question. But to Harry's surprise, the Headmaster didn't seem particularly happy with the idea.

"Really, Severus, I don't know if that's reasonable," he said slowly.

"Reasonable?" Snape repeated icily. "You'd prefer to send Draco back to the Dark Lord?"

"I didn't say that," Dumbledore said with a conciliatory gesture. "But your idea of making Mr. Malfoy stay at Hogwarts seems, at the least, risky. After all, he's just confessed to having sent a wolf to kill one of his classmates."

"And what do you recommend?" Snape ground out.

"The crime is serious; it seems that expulsion would be the least of measures to be taken in these circumstances, even though it's obviously out of the question to send young Draco back to his master…or in this case, to his parents."

"Oh really?" Severus said, his voice suddenly much too calm. Shadow felt his heart begin to beat faster. There was something terribly bitter and heated about the sudden anger that'd filled the Man In Black. "Ah well, it seems this case has already occurred in the annals of Hogwarts, and under your rule, Headmaster. A student sent by another to certain death in a wolf's den—does that remind you of something?"

It seemed to Shadow that the Headmaster started, his shoulders stiff all of a sudden.

"Severus, this is something entirely different, and in the case you're citing, the tragedy was averted by someone close to the troublemaker."

"Draco also avoided tragedy by saving Harry at the last moment," Snape said smoothly. "As for myself, I see quite a bit of similarity between the two matters. If my memory serves me, none of the guilty parties in that first case were expelled from Hogwarts."

Shadow gave a start. So that was it…Dumbledore's unhappy eyes, the spark of challenge in Snape's. Severus was using his own history to save Draco.

"There is nevertheless a difference," the Headmaster said at last. "The Mark, Severus. Mr. Malfoy, if I've understood correctly, bears it."

"He's not the only one in this case," Snape retorted. "And once again, I believe a comparison would be very interesting. Or would it just be a question of houses? That a head of house would favor his own seems relatively justifiable, but what of the Headmaster of the school, Albus? Aren't you supposed to treat them all impartially?"

"Severus," Dumbledore warned, "your insinuations are inappropriate and unfounded. All the students of this school are treated in like manner, regardless of their house. This is a serious matter, putting one or more students' lives in danger, a deliberate and premeditated attack!"

Snape didn't answer, and contented himself with staring at the Headmaster, his eyes full of challenge and the hint of a smile on his face. Several seconds passed, the two professors eyeing each other while their students held their breaths.

It was Dumbledore who lowered his eyes first, and then sighed.

"What exactly do you think should be done next, Professor? You're in agreement with me, though, that Mr. Malfoy's actions cannot go unpunished."

"Insofar that he cannot return to his Slytherin friends, no," Severus admitted, clearly satisfied with his small victory. Shadow could sense that he was mollified now, and also calmer. After all, the victory probably wasn't as small as all that, he thought.

"I suggest that Draco stay in the dungeons as a prisoner for now," Snape continued. "Under the competent guard of Mr. Filch, as well as the other heads of house."

At his words, Draco started and shot Snape a look of desperation.

"The dungeons, Severus?" Dumbledore asked, surprised. "They've not held a permanent resident for a very long time; they're certainly habitable, but I doubt they'll serve as a healthy long-term environment."

"A week," Snape cut in. "That way we'll have time to handle both the Ministry and the Malfoy family, and decide what steps to take next."

"Severus, this is a joke. I'm not staying in that despicable cave for a week!" Draco cried out indignantly, after having carefully kept his tongue during the deliberations.

"Must I remind you, Mr. Malfoy, that you tried to have a student killed?" Snape asked coldly. "Have you forgotten my little welcome speech on this matter? No? That's what I hoped. Now you're going to face the consequences, whether you like them or not. And whatever you might think of Slytherin solidarity, never forget the fundamental rule: the interests of the one cease where the interests of the others begin. A valuable lesson, believe me, and that's only the beginning."

Draco's glance hovered for an instant between the professor's black eyes and the mirthful green ones of the cat. The surprise and betrayal were clear on his face, and Shadow felt a gentle warmth fill him. Severus had defended Draco, yes, but he was still going to make him pay for his attack against him.

Standing beside them, Dumbledore sighed. "I suppose that all that's left for me to do is to owl the Malfoy family. Lucius will want to take his son, of course."

"And the Ministry must be called," Snape finished. "Which is inevitable in this case. As for…"

The door to the office was thrown open, and the four wizards turned to watch a disheveled Lupin come in, out of breath and clearly crazed with worry.

"Is he here? Did you find him?" he quickly asked.

"Perhaps it'd be best to summon Argus before continuing this conversation," Snape suggested.

"A wise idea," Dumbledore agreed as he motioned for Remus to sit, before heading for the Floo. A moment later, Argus Filch stepped into the office, seeming gleeful.

"Where is he? Where is he? Ahhhh!" he said when he spotted Malfoy, then rubbed his hands together. "Come here, you! To the dungeon, my boy, Uncle Argus is going to keep an eye on you, oh how I am!"

Draco got up slowly, not without one last desperate look toward his head of house. But Snape was unmoved, and the boy, who seemed to have shrunk a good five inches, followed the caretaker to the Floo.

Filch stepped in after him with a low laugh, obviously happy, and the green flames closed around them, leaving a huge silence in the office.

It was predictable that Remus would be the one to break it.

"Do you have any news?" he asked urgently, his hands nervously twisting in his threadbare jacket.

Snape shot him a scornful look, putting another step between the two of them.

"I'm sorry, Remus," Dumbledore said gently, "I'm afraid that Loki left immediately after being discovered."

"But it's possible that he…well, I followed his tracks, his scent, and it was very strong in several places."

"Draco Malfoy allowed him to enter and leave through the Room of Requirement," the Headmaster explained, "but he's had over an hour to flee."

"Merlin," the werewolf sighed, then turned his eyes to Shadow. "Harry, are you all right? He didn't hurt you, did he?"

The growl from Snape's throat cut short any answer. "You perfect little imbecile! I thought you were supposed to control that animal! I thought this sort of attack was to never happen again."

"See here, Severus, be reasonable," Dumbledore began. But the two wizards ignored him, and Remus staggered to his feet.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't have time, I didn't know he was still getting ready to… Oh, Merlin, I beg your forgiveness, Harry; I assure you I'll do all I can to stop him. The next time he's here…"

"The next time!" Snape bellowed, his rage painting red spots on his cheeks. "If that beast ever sets foot in Hogwarts again, or comes within ten feet of Harry, I'll kill him before he has the chance to open his mouth."

With these words, Shadow jumped to the ground and transformed.

"No, Severus, please!" he begged. "I could've defended myself earlier when he jumped at me, but I didn't want to risk hurting him; Remus has to have a chance."

But the boy quickly realized that this hadn't been a good thing to say. If Snape had been furious before, it was nothing compared to the waves of rage he felt rolling off the Potions master.

Severus turned his black eyes to Remus, who seemed paralyzed.

"Did you hear that, you complete halfwit? Here's what your fine sentiments have done! Splendid strategy, this criminal sentimentalism that almost cost my son's life!" he shouted.

The four wizards jumped at his words, Snape included. His anger seemed to lessen, but only for a moment.

"I will not allow it, Albus," Severus said as he turned to Dumbledore. "I don't give a damn about all your plans and pretty little family theories. You've all lost your minds. If I come across Loki again, the last thing he'll see will be a flash of green."

"Severus, I beg you, give him a chance!" Remus implored him. "I know I can change him!"

"A chance?" Snape growled. "A chance to kill Harry. This comedy's gone on long enough; I've not changed my mind about wolves and werewolves since when I was a student here. Albus, you've entrusted me with Harry's protection, so take responsibility for it!" Then, as Dumbledore was about to answer, Snape raised his left arm and clapped his hand on his covered forearm. "There's a reason I bear this Mark. Don't mistake me for your lapdog, Headmaster. Never."

Dumbledore's mouth closed, and he nodded, his eyes glittering.

"Remus, my boy, perhaps it'd be best if we talk this over later."

"But you're the one who had me come!" the professor protested.

"No, it was I," Snape replied coldly. "To avoid attracting the entire school's attention to the wolf that attacked us, and your relationship to him. Miss Granger was intelligent enough to come find me and alert me of your suspicious behavior."

"That's entirely unfounded!" Remus defended himself, but Dumbledore didn't try to support him this time. It appeared that Severus was the master of this scene, and Harry all of the sudden felt proud. Without warning, he changed into the cat again and jumped to the Man In Black's shoulder.

Remus moved forward awkwardly. "Harry, I can't tell you how sorry I am. I'd really like to talk to you when you have time. Don't hesitate to come and see me; I can assure you, you'll be safe. I'll explain anything you'd like to know." He took a deep breath and turned then to Snape, who was watching him, his arms crossed, his eyes colder than ever. "Severus, you have my apologies for what Loki's done. I'll do everything within my power to make sure it doesn't happen again; I hope you know that."

Severus nodded almost imperceptibly, and Remus withdrew to the door.

"Keep me informed if you get any news. I'll be in my rooms, at your disposal."

Just then, the werewolf seemed so unhappy that Shadow was tempted to jump down to comfort him. But Snape's foul mood had only just started to resolve, and this probably wasn't the time to provoke him in that way. Remus began to leave, Dumbledore walking with him as he spoke to him in a low voice, and Harry thought it was the first time he saw a resemblance between Remus and Draco Malfoy: how absolutely pathetic they both looked as they left the office.

Dumbledore didn't waste any time in returning to them, and Shadow thought he saw a measure of apprehension in the Headmaster's face. He quickly understood why when Snape let loose his anger again.

"Albus, could you explain for me how such an enormous breach in the school's security could've been overlooked?" he thundered.

"Severus, my boy, you realize that this entrance is one of those secrets of Hogwarts that was practically impossible to know," the Headmaster ventured appealingly.

"But as Headmaster, you knew about it!"

"I'm afraid not," Dumbledore sighed. "If you take my place one day, you'll learn that Hogwarts' Headmaster's manual is at best abbreviated, and makes mention only of the secret passages discovered by previous headmasters. I was the first to be astonished to learn of the existence of this tunnel, and I don't know how Mr. Malfoy could've known it."

Severus began to pace back and forth, the cat balancing precariously from his perch on his shoulder.

"Hagrid, it's definitely Hagrid. I would've gladly accused a Marauder, but I presume that even Lupin isn't stupid enough to give his son the means to kill."

"Severus, we know nothing on this matter, so it's useless to throw theories into the air," Dumbledore said. But nothing seemed to be able to placate the Potions master.

"Useless? The school doesn't keep anyone in or out! How am I supposed to let Harry and the other students come and go freely if this killer can enter at any time?" he shouted.

"The tunnel will be sealed off this evening, I'll see to it; the elves are already taking care of the problem. The school is well-guarded, Severus, you know this. Harry must keep up his guard, but the risk remains minimal, outside of those students who'd like to attack him."

In particular the Slytherins, Harry thought. He could sense Snape simmering with rage, but he paused before answering.

"Tomorrow, I'll undertake a tour of the school with the other heads of house. We'll look for each and every weakness, each little potential threat, and we'll try to fix them," he announced morosely.

"I'm certain your colleagues will be happy to accompany you," Dumbledore agreed. "However, that will have to wait a day or two. There's a matter concerning the Dursley estate that's been put off a good while, and now we must examine it, I’m afraid. The Ministry contacted me today; it's become an urgent affair."

Shadow stiffened at the name. The Dursleys…the house! He'd completely forgotten it.

Snape's reassuring hand came up to rub his side, and Shadow shook himself, waiting for the rest of it.

"Harry will have to go there tomorrow, if possible, to decide what he wants to keep, and do with the house. With an escort, of course," Dumbledore said.

The cat quickly lifted a paw and tapped Snape's head enthusiastically. The Headmaster, who'd previously been as serious and somber as the circumstances required, suddenly seemed to have great difficulty in holding back the urge to laugh.

"I think everyone's understood," Snape said as he made a face. "That's enough, Harry. I'll go."

Satisfied, the cat settled down again.

"So, tomorrow morning, then, if possible," Dumbledore agreed with a small sigh. "And Harry, perhaps you should visit Madam Pomfrey to check that you're not injured?"

Shadow answered with a serious meow and an emphatic shake of his head. Not now. He wasn't hurt, and he didn't want to leave his Man In Black. Dumbledore and the others could say all they wanted; the memory of a huge white wolf chasing him through the corridors to rip him to shreds was still much too fresh.

"Harry will come with me for now, and we'll see afterward if that will be necessary," Snape cut in. Since when was he so authoritative? Shadow wondered. But for the moment, he had no objection to it. "By the way, is there any news on the paperwork?" the professor asked the Headmaster.

"It's being processed," Albus replied. "I was waiting for your go-ahead."

"You'll have it this evening," Snape said with a nod, leaving a particularly frustrated Shadow, who didn't understand. A sharp meow at Severus' ear brought him into line. "That's enough, dirty beast. Hold on securely, we're going down to our rooms and I don't want any foolishness in the corridors."

Severus definitely wasn't in a good mood, thought the cat…and yet, he himself was the one who'd almost got eaten.

"Me-o-ow!"

"I'm very seriously considering buying a muzzle."

"MEOOOOOW!"

"All right, all right, very well, anything you want, but spare my eardrums. Calm down, Harry, we're going back to the dungeon to discuss our outing for tomorrow, and you'll be free to do as you like. Albus, I only ask you to give me this weekend to take care of my class preparations, after which I'll be resuming my post."

"Are you sure that's advisable, my boy?" Dumbledore asked with a frown.

"My magic is at an adequate level; there's no reason for me to delay my return any longer. I'll arrange to train Harry in the evenings and during free periods. And what's more," he smiled thinly," you wouldn't want to deprive my students of my presence any longer?"

Dumbledore laughed softly, then nodded.

"As you like, Severus, of course. But if you judge your work with Harry more important, you shouldn't hesitate."

"Harry will gain more from attending class normally, as much as is possible, than remaining isolated. Being alone isn't good for him, as today's misadventure has proved," Snape replied.

Shadow pretended a sudden interest in Fawkes, his tail casually beating out a tempo. All right, maybe he'd strayed a bit out of the boundary limits…but hey, he couldn't stay shut up in the tower all his life, though.

"In that case, I'll await your message this evening," Dumbledore said. "For now, I’m going to assure that order has been restored and that safety is optimal inside the castle."

"A wise decision," Snape said ironically. The Headmaster's eyes sparked with something that was neither pleasure nor humor, but Snape didn't take notice of it and headed for the door, Shadow on his shoulder.

The door slammed behind them, and the wizard stiffly walked down the staircase. If there were one thing of which Shadow was sure just then, it was that Snape was particularly satisfied, a satisfaction that left a strange taste in his mouth. Pictures of the Headmaster's office flashed through his mind: a slightly different office, a slightly younger Dumbledore, and Snape as a teenager seething with rage and impotence. That day, Severus had left that room with a sense of bitter defeat and profound injustice, a wound that had only now just been healed, Harry realized. In a way, Snape had just settled the score, and Dumbledore had no doubt understood.

They'd hardly had time to take a few steps into the corridor when they met McGonagall striding for the office, seeming distracted. Her face relaxed, though, when she noticed the professor and the cat still perched on his shoulder.

"Severus! Is everything all right?" she earnestly asked.

"No one's dead or injured, if that's your question," the wizard replied with ill-humor.

"Thank Merlin," McGonagall sighed. "The target was indeed your…cat?"

"Whom else?" Snape gritted out.

"I don't understand—and yet we took every possible precaution."

"Well, that wasn't enough. I suggest we examine the weaknesses that might be present in the castle, tomorrow or the day after at the latest. This sort of attack cannot be tolerated!"

"Did I understand that one of your students is implicated in today's attack?" the witch went on.

"Indeed," Severus admitted. "He's being well-guarded in the depths of the dungeons as we speak. And since we're on the subject of accounting for houses, I'd be grateful if you would muzzle your werewolf on duty; it's unacceptable for this sort of attack to happen again."

"Severus, I know you disapprove of Remus' presence in the castle, but you must be reasonable; we need him, especially now. It's time to put the rivalries of youth aside."

"Disapprove?" Severus roared, his anger getting the best of him again. "I don't disapprove of it, I condemn it, and we once again have proof that a werewolf in the school is only a source of trouble and danger for students! But since this one seems to have marked his territory in yours, then see to having him sterilized. That should solve half of the problem."

Without waiting for a reply, the professor turned on heel, under McGonagall's outraged eyes, and took off for the dungeons, his black robes swirling dangerously around him. The few students still milling in the corridors wasted no time in fleeing, knowing only too well the threat of a furious Snape.

But the Potions master's menacing aura, also known under the name of 'vampire of the dungeons', had no effect at all on Sybill Trelawney, who rushed at a run to meet Snape, her eyes wide.

"I saw it! I saw it! I warned you, Mr. Potter, a great misfortune, the Grim!" she exclaimed ecstatically to the cat.

"Sybill, I'm certain I heard one of your crystal balls calling you," Snape said dryly without stopping.

"Severus, you don't understand! The Great Dog is after him! He must absolutely be protected from the yellow shadows lying in wait for him! A purification, immediately, before the great misfortune strikes! I saw it, I saw it in the tea leaves, the fight between the wolf and the cat, hostile brothers, two lost and found destinies that—"

"And it would've inconvenienced you to alert someone, by chance the Headmaster, that your valuable talents had found a use for the first time in thirty years of service?" Snape lashed out as he slightly quickened his pace.

"You're nothing but an uneducated heretic and completely impervious to the subtle art of divination!" Trelawney shrieked. "Don't you see that this boy has an exceptional and tragic fate awaiting him? I've predicted it, the shadows that—"

"Sybill," Severus interrupted as he stopped in his tracks, "make yourself useful and ask your crystal balls, tea leaves and other sundry artifacts which open door the Great Grim will knock on next time. I'd like a precise location, as well as the hour and date. And, of course, how to counter the shadow in question."

"Well, that's impossible," the woman stammered as she tripped on her robes. "Divination is an art of interpretation, not a train schedule! I can only put forth…foresee…"

"Ah, well, in that case, start by methodically going through your bloody tower in search of all possible entrances and exits, and keep your distance from my cat if you don't want yourself to be the victim of a cruel potions-related fate!" Snape barked out as he went on his way again, leaving his colleague terrified and her mouth hanging wide open.

From Snape's shoulder, Shadow shot her his best feline, mysterious look, jubilant on the inside. Trelawney's predictions during third year had almost cost him his relationship with Sirius, Grim in spite of himself, and his irritation at hearing this nonsense again had been close to Snape's.

It was with relief that they finally entered their rooms, without having come across another target for Snape's wrath.

Without hesitation, Shadow jumped to the floor and transformed.

"Merlin, I never want to leave here again," Harry sighed as he fell onto the settee. "This day's been totally mad. First Loki and that attack, and then Malfoy…do you really think he's sincere? That he'll actually change sides?" he asked.

"Draco only wants to save his skin and his life," Severus replied as he set two glasses on the low table. "He's not cut out to be a Death Eater, as opposed to his father. Lucius should've known that a long time ago. But I suppose he hardly had a choice. Anyway, it's up to us to ensure that he sincerely joins our side from here on out. You made a good choice, Harry; I'm proud of you. I suspect it wasn't an easy decision."

Harry made a face. "Yeah, well, I didn't have much of a choice either, not really. I can't say I'm really taken with the idea, but I wasn't going to let him go back to training camp for young Voldemorts."

Snape nodded as he relaxed into his chair. "Whatever comes next won't be easy for Draco. He'll need to be closely watched, and encouraged."

"When he's left out of his dungeon, you mean," Harry said with a big smile.

Snape allowed himself a slight smile. "I suspected that detail would please you. Once again, it was necessary. Slytherin or not, it's unacceptable for me to let one of my students attack you and come out of it unscathed. Harry, my speech at the beginning of the year was completely sincere, I hope you realize that."

"Yeah, now I do," Harry answered, felling a soft warmth fill him. "I confess I was a bit afraid, you know, with Malfoy being your favorite. But yeah, I suppose I feel better about it now."

"I've known Draco since his birth," Severus agreed. "He was a very intelligent little boy, but he's always been temperamental and much too proud for his own good. The result of his upbringing, obviously. Unfortunately, I've never had much influence over him. Making him obey was often a downright challenge."

Once again, Harry grimaced. "About that, Severus, I'm sorry. For going out without an escort, I mean. I know you'd forbidden me to do it, I just…" He shrugged. "I don't have a worthwhile reason, actually."

"No, you just wanted to take a walk through the castle when it suited you," Snape sighed, "and I certainly can't scold you for that. I allowed you to walk about on your own more than once recently, Harry. I wasn't fond of you feeling permanently in danger inside Hogwarts. Clearly a mistake, but one I intend to quickly remedy. Until further notice, always stay with your friends or an adult, even in your common room or dormitory. Sirius Black managed to get in there, after all."

"You mean…I can go on sleeping there if I want?" Harry asked, who wanted nothing more than that.

"I can hardly stop you," the professor replied. "And it doesn't seem foolish to me; I presume McGonagall will be well on her guard now, in any case."

"Most likely," Harry admitted. "But…would it bother you if I sleep here tonight?"

The little flash of pleasure in the professor's eyes did not escape the boy's notice. He felt doubly happy for having asked.

"You can stay here as much as you like, Harry, you know that very well. The Headmaster has no objection."

"Maybe this is idiotic, but I'll feel safer," the boy confessed. "I'll go get my things after supper. I'll have to tell Ron and Hermione what happened, though. They'll be crosser than ever with me. But afterward…"

He smiled.

"I'll be home."