A new beginning

Party of three

Blue, tired eyes met black ones for a few seconds. It was a stare that Snape had gotten to know too well. The man was at one point the only solace he could find in his teenage years, and to see such sadness directed his way was, to say the least, unnerving. He felt intimidated enough to have to force himself to swallow in order to gain enough courage to defend his actions.

"Headmaster" was all he managed before having to swallow again, and even then it almost sounded like a plea. The blue eyes lingered on his for about a second more before moving on to the expecting emerald ones.

"I was under the impression," started the Headmaster, "that Mr. Weasley will be serving an evening detention with Mr. Filch." No one dared make a sound as the heaviness in the air changed nature. Expectation was now clearly mingled in the air as well. The blue eyes bore once again into the black pits. "Is he not, Severus?"

Straightening up Snape answered with a sharp nod of his head, "Mr. Weasley is serving detention with Mr. Filch tomorrow evening, yes." As he opened his mouth to continue, the Headmaster held up a hand in order to stall any further explanation, his eyes lingering a few seconds again before moving back to Harry's.

"Harry" continued Dumbledore, "it would seem as though you will be serving a different kind of sentence, are you not?"

"Ye..yes," began Harry, "but Professor, I..."

"I" interrupted Snape; his voice was raised again, compelling every set of eyes to turn to him. "I took up the task of personally overlooking his punishment, as I believe he was the instigator behind both Weasley's and his escapade, and no other member of our faculty would be very much inclined to provide the appropriate consequences for his actions."

Harry could not help the small snort that escaped his mouth at the last bit of Snape's 'explanation'. Appropriate consequences, right! Snape would most definitely not be able to do anything deemed proper or fitting to the, minor, infraction he had committed. Snape was sure to chop him up and preserve him along the many items found in the vials around him.

His snort was clearly not missed by the other occupants of the room, as Harry found himself the sole interest of both adults. Snape was glaring at him with obvious annoyance while Dumbledore's stare was one of curiosity, and perhaps something akin to concern, and yet not quite.

"Harry", said Dumbledore once again after a while of staring at said child, "do you feel alright?"

"Huh?" was all that Harry was able to muster after being caught off guard by the Headmaster's question, however, whether Dumbledore heard him or not, was not clear, as he simply continued as if nothing had been said.

"You look quite pale", exclaimed the Headmaster, turning his attention once again to the only other adult in the room. "Does he not Professor Snape? I believe we may have a sick child on our hands. Or perhaps it was simply the shock of being, taken, down to the dungeons..."

"Headmaster" cut in Snape as Dumbledore continued to muse on the reasoning behind Harry's apparent paleness. "I truly hope you did not come in here simply to comment on the state Mr. Potter may be found in." Snape's fingers made their way to the bridge of his nose as he let out a sharp exhale. "Whatever it is you wish to discuss..."

"Can be discussed later" said Dumbledore. "You are clearly occupied at the moment"

"Yes. I am" answered Snape "Nonetheless, you were well aware of who was currently joining me in my office, and yet felt it necessary to come join the party. I cannot help but think that whatever you wish to discuss with me must be of great importance. Furthermore, Potter has been given instructions as to what is expected out of him, and it would do him well to follow them through. Now, if you please..." Snape finished while extending his hand towards the only other door in the small office.

With one last look towards Harry, both Snape and Dumbledore closed the heavy wooden door, leaving Harry surrounded by the strange flasks and the cold air of the office.