¤It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves.
The love, life, and lies of Cassiopeia Vulpecula Rosier
"The Dark Lord took a particular interest in me I couldn't have escaped his service if I had tried....
...I must apologize, for I...
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On a blustery February morning, well into the second term, I received a letter in the morning post.
While I had been expecting Severus Snape to write to me, the contents of his letter unnerved me immensely.
I require an audience with Dumbledore. The situation is dire. Make it happen.
I hadn't heard so much as a peep from him in weeks. That he would write with such a request was terribly concerning.
I made the trek to the Headmaster's office, determined to see what he thought of it. I couldn't help but wonder if he knew something that I didn't.
"Severus wishes for an audience with you." I said, as I entered his bright office.
"For what reason?" Came his reply, he had taken his attention from his correspondence that was sitting in a messy pile beside him.
"Your guess is as good as mine. He owled me this morning." I stepped forward and handed him the short note.
I watched his eyes move quickly behind his half moon spectacles. He seemed to deliberate on it for a few moments.
"Could this be a trap?" He finally asked, eyebrows raised.
I had wondered the same thing, but it seemed highly unlikely.
"I don't know." I admitted, falling into the chair in front of him, suddenly feeling bone weary. "I never know for sure where his loyalties lie. He is devoted to the Dark Lord, but he holds a deep love for Lily Potter. Even he is unsure who he is more loyal to. I've seen the battle in his mind."
"That is a dangerous line to walk." Dumbledore said as he handed me back the parchment.
"I would think that if it was a trap, I would be privy to some sort of information regarding it."
He nodded slowly, and was quiet for a few moments. He appeared to be deep in thought.
"I will meet him tonight." He finally replied. "Send him word, and arrange a meeting spot."
"Yes, sir." I nodded, and started to leave.
"I don't want to trouble you," Dumbledore's voice rang out from behind me, "but if you are not too swamped tonight I would appreciate your assistance. Your gift is quite useful in discerning truth from lies."
I turned and offered a small smile. "Of course, I am happy to help."
"Thank you, Cassiopeia." Dumbledore sent a nod my way. "Let me know when you hear from him."
That evening was particularly cold. The chill of winter hadn't fully been pushed away yet.
The hilltop was dark, and forlorn. Wind was whistling through the branches of the leafless trees. Everything felt cold and lifeless. Like the very world had been drained of all warmth.
