When All is Lost One is Found

Chapter 31: New Term Distance

When All is Lost, One is Found

Author: Rinoaebastel

Chapter 31: New Term Distance

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and gain no profit from this fanfiction other than writing practice. Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling.

AN: This story may contain scenes taken from the Harry Potter movies and books, but it's not exact dialogue, just rewording of dialogue or omission. It is not marked.

September 1996

The scorching feeling around his hand persisted. No matter how many times he put his skin under cold water, or how many chilling charms he used, the fire persisted. He could almost see the bonding lines that circled his skin, anticipating his death.

Every day that passed added another piece of complexity to his life. To his mission. And this unbreakable bond was just another thing that increased his chances of dying. Though he once didn't care when he died, now he wanted to live long enough to watch the Dark Lord fall. Not just in death, but in pride.

Dumbledore walked in circles in front of his desk as he waited for the old man to digest the information he'd just given him. He could see that the blackness of the old man's hand had spread above his wrist in the past week.

That curse made him feel useless. He wanted to give him more time. He wanted his mentor to live.

"Show me your hand, Severus."

He followed his order.

The man tapped his hand with the wand, and three slim flaming cords appeared.

It seemed like people loved to choose his destiny for him. He missed having a little control in his life, but at least with the students coming he could change his role for a few hours each day.

The old man put his wand away and the lines faded.

"It is indeed an unbreakable vow. I'm not sure how Voldemort will react to this." The wizard looked at him with worried blue eyes.

"He won't be thrilled."

"Hum... maybe it's a plan to make sure you die with Draco."

"No, Narcissa wasn't faking. I will deal with it as always." He realized he spoke more as if he were going for a light walk than if he were going to be tortured.

"It's a serious thing when you have to be tortured, Severus."

"I'm used to it." Temporary pain didn't matter, and the Dark Lord wouldn't kill him yet. Not while he was still a useful tool.

Silence filled the room and the old man started to walk in circles again.

"At least this came at the appropriate time. It seems like these events are showing our destiny." He frowned at his words. "You will need to kill me, saving your life and the soul of the boy."

His lips twisted. He didn't want to think about it because it would torment the rest of his existence. A mercy kill. He had to think about it in that way.

He wanted to take back his agreement, but knew this was the only option. The damn old fool was right and he hated it.

Dumbledore sat down. "We should end this conversation now, but I want to talk to you tomorrow. You will need to follow Malfoy's movements and try to discover his plans."

"I will try, but he doesn't trust me anymore because of his father's fall in the circle."

"Do what you can, Severus. I trust you."

/-/-/-/-/-/

The hall was crowded, hot, and loud. The children and the young adults were hugging, joking, and sitting at their tables. The rest of the teachers were in the same position as him, sitting at the table and waiting patiently.

This year there would be changes.

He began tracing the rim of the cup with his finger, wishing the time would pass faster. This event was always tedious. He always felt drained after being in an environment of hyperactive children. At least the food was good. For once, he actually had an appetite.

Not paying much attention, the first year students entered the Great Hall following Minerva. Like each year, the sorting ceremony started, and name after name, all the new years were sorted in their houses. There were new kids to teach, but no one looked very promising. It was frustrating to teach people who didn't appreciate the knowledge.

Then, Dumbledore rose from his seat when the event finished and the crowd stopped its irritating cheers and howls.

He looked up.

"Welcome to Hogwarts to students new and old." He spoke with the same gentle voice that he always used. He saw some of the tenser students relax. "We have a new addition with us this year. I want you to greet Professor Slughorn. He will teach potions to all courses." A murmur started to fill the room, and he couldn't help but smirk in anticipation. "And Professor Snape will teach this year's Defense against Dark Arts."

"What? No!"

He moved his eyes to the person who spoke and wanted to gloat at the kid's irritation. At least he'd get some enjoyment tormenting the arrogant brat and his . . . When he looked in that direction, Potter only had the Weasley ignoramus at his side. Where was the know-it-all?

He recalled the events of the last year. Was she all right? Had the Dark Lord gone after her? An irrational worry suppressed his joy, and he started to search the Gryffindor table. They could not lose her as a student. She was too intelligent. He searched each student, trying to find her. His back tensed.

It was then that he saw her presence in a corner. Her eyes were fixed on her plate and her brown untamed curls covered half of her face, quite more unruly than usual. She was hiding, trying to pass unseen and staying far away from her, what seemed to be, former friends.

Did this have something to do with that event at the infirmary when she was hit with the curse?

His scowl deepened and he tried to study her from a distance without it being noticeable. He could try to use legilimency, but he was sure she would notice his entrance into her brain.

She looked at him as if she felt his gaze. She held no fear or anger. Just sadness.

He was startled when she smiled at him, a small one but it was a smile nonetheless.

"In addition to teaching Defense of the Dark Arts, Professor Snape will also be teaching an advanced potions course. It's a gift for our most brilliant students. This optional course will replace regular potion classes for those who chose to take it. The list to enroll will be on the dungeon's classroom door.

He felt the despair and tension around the room. From almost everyone but her. Her eyes were still on him but now the smile was wider and there was a twinkle in her eyes that rivaled Dumbledore's twinkle. He knew he'd have at least one student.

He moved his eyes back to Dumbledore just as he finished his speech.

This year was going to be strange.

AN: Mmmm Morphing stories :P Hope you liked it and later I will post another chapter.