Shadow and Light {Severus Snape x OC}

Chapter 11

Alice returned by Apparating and then had to cross the school to reach her quarters. It was quite cold that evening, and in the rush of events, she hadn't grabbed anything warm. Once inside the castle, the air was gentler, but she knew she'd be cursing that chilly walk if it ended up making her sick.

She walked at a brisk pace, wishing for nothing more than to reach the comfort of her bed. But fate had other plans, and she ended up crossing paths with Dolores Umbridge.

"McGarden... Alice."

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

"Strange things are happening tonight, I hear," Umbridge remarked with a smirk.

"I hadn't heard about new ghosts hauting the school," Alice replied, with a sharp edge to her voice.

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

"They've disappeared?" Alice feigned surprise.

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

Alice raised an eyebrow. "No, to be honest, I was off visiting my aunt Fichemoi Lapaix, so I haven't the faintest idea of what could be going on here... Sorry."

"Oh, that's such a pity, I was hoping you might help your former colleagues at the Ministry solve this mystery..." Umbridge insisted, her smile fading slightly.

Alice sighed with exaggerated weariness, emphasizing her exhausted look. "Forgive me, but since the accident, I'm not who I once was. I'm now so weak and... not very attentive..." She put on a vulnerable air, her tone conveying a hint of exhaustion. "I really don't think I'll be of any help to you..."

"I still have a few questions for you, Miss..." Umbridge began, but Alice didn't give her a chance to finish. She had already turned and was on her way, giving a simple wave in farewell.

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

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

"I didn't feel like spinning a web of lies," Alice replied, an ironic smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "I'd rather come across as an idiot to Umbridge..."

It was the following afternoon, and Alice had joined Severus in his office to recount the events as well as the news she'd received that morning. Arthur Weasley's life was no longer in danger, but he would need intensive care and a long recovery. The Weasley family had received this news with immense relief.

"And you should've seen Black's face when I stepped in!" Alice exclaimed. "He looked like he was saying, 'This is none of your business!'... Honestly!"

"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 turning on you; if you become suspicious, they won't hesitate to investigate. They've already managed to find out you're connected to Potter."

"That wasn't exactly a secret," Alice shrugged. "I'd already mentioned it back when I worked there. As long as they don't dig any deeper..."

"And if they do dig deeper?" Snape interrupted, his gaze growing more intense.