Only A Boy

The Red of Dusk

"Well, this places us in a difficult situation, does it not Severus?"

The headmaster glanced up at the Potions Master, something dark dimming his bright blue eyes. His jaw clenched in reply and gave his employer a stiff nod. A difficult situation indeed – and perhaps that was putting it too mildly. True, it was a feeling, a suspicion that could merely be wild speculation but Severus Snape knew better. And if Dumbledore shared his same sentiments then he was certain.

Quirrell was in league with the Dark Lord.

How, neither of them really knew. But Dumbledore thought it likely that the professor had encountered the wizard while on his year sabbatical – the imbecilic Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher had ignored all caution against going into the forest of Albania. But, there was no way to prove that Quirrell was really in cahoots with him. At the moment, the only real thing they had to go on was the startling change in Quirrell's behaviour and a few half-heard conversations with thin air and neither were compelling evidence. But that didn't change the fact that there was someone possibly dangerous within Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

And Snape knew Dumbledore detested the very thought.

"We don't know anything for certain yet," Snape said, his tone clearly in disagreement with his own words. He was too wired to continue sitting. He got to his feet and clenched the back of his chair, looking down at Dumbledore who now brought his hands together in a steeple. "But it might be a prudent idea to keep a close eye on that blasted stone – it was a brilliant idea to bring one of the only objects in the world that could return the Dark Lord to his former glory into a school full of children."

Dumbledore sighed and shook his head. "No, the stone is safest in my possession. Lord Voldemort wouldn't dare take it from under my nose."

Snape raised his eyebrow. "Well, it seems that Quirrell just might."

"Yes, you've done a wonderful job keeping tabs on him so far, Severus – thank you." Dumbledore got to his feet now, that same darkness still muting the usual glimmer of his eyes. It sent a chill through Snape, that look of old power. Dumbledore paused on the edge of his desk. "It seems necessary to reactivate you as a double-agent, we need more evidence if we hope to bring this to the Wizengamot."

It was with difficulty that Snape kept himself from snarling. He had known this moment would come, even if he had hoped it never would. But, there were a few aspects to the assignment to brighten its prospect. Namely taunting Quirrell. "As necessity demands it," Snape said with a stiff nod.

Dumbledore nodded. "See if you can get him to confide in you, and do all you can to make sure he does not succeed in his aims. But, it might be prudent that you do not let him know that you are blocking him. And, try to find out how Quirrell is in contact with him, I'm sure Lord Voldemort will be keeping a close eye."

Snape nodded again, his clench on the chair growing tighter. The Dark Lord must be desperate to use such a pathetic man, though Snape had to remind himself not to underestimate his quarry. Though he was a squirrel, he had known him during his years as the muggle studies professor and he knew Quirrell was at least somewhat intelligent.

"With any luck—" Dumbledore cut off mid-sentence as someone knocked with quick urgent hands. He glanced toward Snape – who was now turning to look at the door. There was another urgent bang on the door. "Come in," the headmaster said and Madam Hooch strode into the office looking somewhat pale and flustered.

It wasn't a look Snape saw often.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," she said in her gruff voice, which made her sound like she wasn't really all that sorry. "But, there was an incident at the Gryffindor and Slytherin flying lesson that demands both your attention."