Shadow and Light {Severus Snape x OC}

Chapter 11

Alice returned by Apparating, then had to cross through the school to reach her quarters. It was bitterly cold that night, and in the rush of events, she hadn't thought to bring anything warm. Once inside the castle, the air was milder, but Alice suspected she'd curse that trek through the chill if she ended up falling ill because of it.

She walked quickly, wishing only for the comfort of her bed. But fate had other plans, and she eventually crossed paths with Dolores Umbridge.

"McGarden... Alice."

"Umbridge... Dolores." It seemed the fatigue and adrenaline from the past hours hadn't yet left Alice's body; she was determined to rid herself of her colleague by any means possible—and as quickly as possible.

"Strange things seem to be happening tonight, I hear," Umbridge began with a sly smile.

"I hadn't heard of new gosts appearing on the school grounds," Alice replied, her tone sharp.

"That's not what I meant, Miss, and you know it..." Umbridge paused, her narrow eyes fixed on Alice. "Do you happen to know anything about the disappearance of the Weasley children and Harry Potter?"

"They've disappeared?" Alice feigned surprise.

"Yes, Miss. You should really be aware of what's happening..." replied Umbridge in a syrupy voice. "I've recently learned you're the godmother of young Potter..."

Alice raised an eyebrow. "No, to be honest, I was out visiting my aunt, *Laissemoi Tranquil*. So I really have no idea what might be going on here... Sorry."

"Oh, that's quite a shame. I'd hoped you might assist your former Ministry colleagues in solving this mystery..." Umbridge insisted, her smile fading slightly.

Alice sighed with feigned exhaustion, emphasizing her weariness. "Forgive me, but ever since the accident, I'm no longer who I used to be. I'm now so weak and... not very attentive..." She adopted a vulnerable expression, her tone deliberately conveying a wave of fatigue. "I don't think I'd be much help to you..."

"I still have a few questions for you, Miss..." Umbridge began, but Alice didn't let her finish. She'd already turned and resumed her path, bidding the woman farewell with a simple wave.

"My frail body needs rest. Good night, Dolores."

"And you told me you didn't want any trouble with the Ministry?" Snape remarked, raising an eyebrow.

"I wasn't about to spin a web of lies," Alice replied, an ironic smile tugging at her lips. "I'd rather play the fool for Umbridge..."

It was the following afternoon, and Alice had joined Severus in his office to recount what had happened the night before, as well as the news they'd received that morning. Arthur Weasley's life was no longer in danger, but he would need intensive care and a lengthy recovery. News that the Weasley family had greeted with immense relief.

"And you should have seen Black's face when I intervened!" Alice exclaimed with a burst of laughter. "He looked like he was about to say, 'It's none of your business!'... Honestly, the nerve!"

"I'd rather not imagine his face," Snape replied, sorting through papers on his desk with a detached expression. "But you should be careful with that woman. The Ministry is more than capable of flipping its stance; if you become suspect, they won't hesitate to investigate. They've already managed to find out you're connected to Potter."

"It wasn't exactly a secret," Alice shrugged. "I'd mentioned it at work back then. As long as they don't dig deeper..."

"And what if they do dig deeper?" Snape interrupted, his gaze becoming sharper.