The Enemy of my Enemy

The Gates to Hell

"Miss Green, a word?"

Teddie looked up from her homework as Professor Snape stood behind the three seated leather sofa, she glanced around the room, noting how many people had turned to observe the interaction.

"Sure," Teddie said, standing. She turned to her friends, offered them a small smile, and followed Professor Snape out of the common room.

"Professor Dumbledore is waiting for you in the Entrance Hall," said Professor Snape. "He says that you are to accompany him tonight on his evening stroll."

Teddie raised a curious eyebrow. Granted, she could remember Dumbledore saying that she and Harry could go with him when he found a Horcrux, but surely, he had not managed to find one so soon.

"Do I want to know what this midnight stroll is about?" Professor Snape asked.

Teddie hesitated. She trusted Snape more than most adults in her life, and she hated lying to him; but Professor Dumbledore had been specific about the people she could talk to about these 'strolls' as he wanted to call them.

"Miss Green?" Professor Snape asked, raising a questionable eyebrow.

"Last time I spoke to him," said Teddie, trying to keep her voice as even as possible, "he said that we would talk soon about my progress this year as Junior Charms assistant, and my future as a Charms undergraduate at Magic University. To be honest, I did not think he would be calling for me so soon, especially with a few weeks left."

"Mhm. Indeed," said Snape, thoughtfully. "I thought, at the very least, a meeting of this sort would include the Headmaster, your Head of House, and the Professor of your chosen profession."

Teddie licked her lips. She had not been as convincing as she believed. "Then, I don't know," she said. "I'm sure if it was super important, Professor Dumbledore would've told you."

"It has to be super important if he has requested you, Miss Green."

"What do you want me to say?" Teddie asked.

"The truth!"

"I don't know the truth!" Teddie cried, stopping short and staring up at her Head of House. "Dumbledore wants to see me, for what reasons, I don't know."

Professor Snape sighed and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I apologize, Miss Green, I didn't intend to lose my temper with you. You are quite right, however, whatever Dumbledore wants with you must be important that he is calling you out of the common room after hours."

Teddie sighed, nodding numbly.

They had reached the staircase that would lead them to the Entrance Hall. Snape stopped and turned back to Teddie, blocking her path.

"What are you doing? Teddie asked, stunned.

"I just want you to know," said Snape. "Whatever happens tonight, none of it was your fault."

Teddie furrowed her brow. "Professor -" she started.

Professor Snape squeezed her shoulder and then urged her up the stone steps and into the Entrance Hall. Dumbledore and Harry were standing by the great Oak doors, and both looked around when they arrived.

"Ah, thank you, Severus," said Dumbledore, graciously.

Teddie looked up at Snape, his last words playing over and over inside her head. What was going to happen tonight? And why would she think it would be her fault?

"I'll take it from here, Severus," said Dumbledore. "We will see you in a few hours."

Teddie felt Snape's hand tighten on her shoulder. His long, bony fingers digging into her shoulder blade; before he released her and allowed her to walk the short distance from the dungeon door to the front doors.