Snivellus

57

Snape took Darah to a room on the one of the lower levels, it was quiet with only the clicks of people using magic to type on typewriters.

Snape had a long conversation with a man she knew to be Kingsley Shaklebolt. Snape didn't let her hear what they were discussing so she sat twiddling her thumbs. It was getting late now and she would not make it in time for the sorting ceremony or feast, she frowned at the thought because she really wanted to see Moody in the flesh and perhaps ask him some questions.

'Come, Darah.' Snape said after ten minutes. She got up rapidly, practically chasing after Snape who had already walked a fair distance ahead.

'What did you talk about?' She asked her father curiously as she finally caught up to him.

'Business.' Snape shrugged.

'What kind of business?' She pushed.

'Business, business.'

She huffed, knowing Snape would not tell her.

Finally they made it back to the fire places, throwing down the floo powder and calling to go to Hogwarts.

They arrived in Snape's empty office and they quickly walked down the hall to the Slytherin common room. It was now night time, past curfew.

They stopped just outside the dungeon door and Snape brought Darah into an unexpected hug. 'Don't get into trouble and stay away from Malfoy.' He whispered jokingly but still somewhat serious.

'Oh my goodness. What in the merlin is going on here-' a Scottish voice blinked from the corner of the hall.

The two pulled away and Snape instructed Darah to go to bed as she wore a shocked look upon her face.
She hesitated but headed inside the room.

'Care to explain to me, Severus?' McGonagall put her hands on her hips and wore a stern look which looked slightly ridiculous with the long pyjamas she was wearing.

Snape looked around discreetly to check if anyone was there. 'Her name is Darah Snape.'

McGonagall's eyes widened in surprise and relief fell over her face. 'So is she..?'

Snape nodded, knowing what she meant.

'Oh my goodness.' She put her hand to her mouth and began to itch her chin. 'And I presume Albus knows?'

'Of course. He's the one that insisted on her coming here.'

'Surely he knew it would be a danger?'

'He said it'd be more dangerous if she weren't to come. Same with Potter.'

'Mmh, I suppose.' She paused, taking it all in. 'That must be why she is so very talented at the art of potions.'

Snape grinned to himself. 'Obviously.'

'Well, Severus, it appears we need a catch up, perhaps over some tea or something.' She joked, huffing.

'Perhaps.'

'Well. Goodnight.'

***

Darah tiptoed into the common room, presuming Snape would either make up a lie or tell McGonagall the truth. Every step she took up the cold stone stairs felt as loud as anything, everything felt like it was watching her, and not just the portraits.

She was about to push the door open to the bedroom when a creak came from beside her.

Draco stood, blurry-eyed, his eyebrows raised questioningly.