The Fox In A Snake Pit! Story 3

Mischivious

Jade observed as he scanned the room for Percy, who had previously reprimanded others for their chatter. Percy was just a few steps away from Jade, Draco, Daphne, and Blaise, who were feigning sleep as they heard Dumbledore's footsteps drawing nearer. 

"Is there any sign of him, Professor?" Percy whispered. 

"No. Everything all right here?" Dumbledore's voice was calm but firm, his gaze sweeping over the sea of sleeping students. 

Percy assured him, "Everything is under control, sir." 

"Good. There's no point in moving the students now. However, I've found a temporary guardian for the Gryffindor portrait hole. You'll all be able to move back in tomorrow." Dumbledore's words were met with a mix of relief and anticipation. 

"And the Fat Lady, sir?" Percy asked, his curiosity peeking through his exhaustion. 

"She's currently hiding in a map of Argyllshire on the second floor. It seems she denied Black entry since he didn't have the password, prompting him to attack. She's quite distressed at the moment, but once she has settled down, I will ask Mr. Filch to help her return," Dumbledore assured him, his expression a blend of concern and amusement. 

Jade could hear the door to the Great Hall creak open once more, accompanied by the sound of approaching footsteps. 

"Headmaster?" It was Snape's voice. She remained perfectly still, her senses heightened as she listened closely. "The entire third floor has been thoroughly examined; he's not there. And Filch has checked the dungeons... there's nothing there either." 

"What about the Astronomy Tower? Have you searched Professor Trelawney's room or the Owlery?" Dumbledore inquired with a hint of urgency in his tone. 

"All searched." Snape's response was curt. "My guess is he's found some other hiding place, or perhaps he's already left the castle." 

"Very well, Severus. I wasn't anticipating Black to stay for long," Dumbledore sighed heavily. "Keep the students here until dawn, then allow them to return to their common rooms." 

"Do you have any theory as to how he got in, Professor?" asked Snape, his voice tight with tension. 

Jade lifted her head slightly from her arms to better hear. 

"I have several theories, Severus, each one as improbable as the last." Dumbledore's voice was thoughtful. "But I dare not speak them aloud here." 

Jade opened her eyes a fraction and squinted at where they stood.

Dumbledore's back was to her, but she could see Percy's face, rapt with attention, and Snape's profile, which looked angry. 

"Do you recall our discussion, Headmaster, just before... um... the beginning of the term?" Snape asked, barely parting his lips, deliberately trying to exclude Percy from their conversation. 

"I do, Severus," Dumbledore said, and there was something of a warning in his voice. 

"It seems... almost impossible... that Black could have entered the school without inside help. I expressed my concern when you were appointed..." Snape's voice trailed off. 

Dumbledore asserted, "I highly doubt that anyone in this castle would have assisted Black in gaining entry," his tone making it abundantly clear that the topic was no longer up for discussion, leading Snape to hold his tongue. "I need to go down to the Dementors," he continued. "I promised I would notify them once our search was complete."