Pawned by Skylar Kay Nash

It was getting late. I decided it was time for bed. I knew I wasn't done fixing the watch for Potter, but I am certain by my next damned potions lesson with Gryffindor, I would be. I went to sleep.

"I am sorry Severus, but someone bought the watch years ago. Not long after you sold it actually." Borgin told me.

"Who?" I asked hopefully, thinking he could buy it from them.

"Dolores Umbridge." Borgin told me. My heart sank. By now, she had probably made some cock and bull story about the watch, how it was a valuable heirloom from some famous pureblood wizard.

I woke from his dream. I remembered trying to trace the watch, but all I knew was that it was stolen from Umbridge by Mundungus, who sold it at the boars head. The trail went cold from there, and I never found it.

But I know where it is now. I knew I had to get it back. I dressed and left my chamber. I had decided to visit the head master.

Albus dumbledore was at his desk. The painting of Phineas Nigellus. "I believe Severus will be here in a few moments."

"You called for him?" Asked Nigellus, confused. Though he had been awake for much time, All he'd seen Albus do was snack on some lemon drops. He never sent an owl, or used the floo. He never summoned anyone.

"Oh no. But I know Severus. He is troubled. Harry Potter has found the watch Severus's mother gave him when he came of age. At the time, he'd had to sell it, but he went back to buy it back, and it was gone. I daresay Harry found it in a muggle shop." Dumbledore mused.

"Oh drama. Not again." Nigellus groaned. The door opened, and I walked in. "You called it." Nigellus said, and he left his portrait. I froze. He called it? Does that mean....

"You knew I was coming?" I asked. Dumbledore nodded.

"Then, you must know why." Once again, Dumbledore nodded.

"Holiday Blancmange, Severus?" Offered Dumbledore. I struggled internally. I really wanted to accept. I hadn't had any in a while, as no one made it in hogsmeade anymore, but I knew I couldn't allow myself to be distracted.

"No thank you professor." I replied. Albus smiled. "I will have it sent to your room." He said gently.

I relaxed and took a seat opposite the headmaster. He watched me carefully.

"I know you want the watch back. But, any attempts to steal it from Potter would be against the rules. Be smart about this Severus. And know spelling him." He added, as I began to debate which Spell would work best. At that, I felt hopeless. I knew potter would never give it to me.

Still, I sighed, and left. As promised, the Holiday Blancmange was waiting for me in my room. I couldn't resist much longer.