Snivellus

15

Snape's eyebrows turned inwards. 'And why would you want to know about Mr Malfoy, Darah?'

'I just want to know about his family... and last year on the train, you asked me to 'not get too involved' or whatever.' She mocked using air quotes.

'Well of course you would want to know about Mr Malfoy but I have nothing to say.' Snape said to her plainly.

'Ok sure.' She said quickly and not at all convinced. 'You favour him in class, you-' she began to label but Professor McGonagall burst in the room at that moment.

She looked between Darah and Snape quickly. 'Sorry am I interrupting?'

'No, not at all.' Snape said simply and smiled at McGonagall.

'Well Headmaster Dumbledore would like to see you in his office along with me and the others.' She told him. 'Weasley and Potter have been sighted by some muggles.' She explained slightly ferociously.

Darah glanced at her father and looked back at McGonagall.

'I'm sorry Miss Lucie but you must head back to your common room, you should be in bed.' Professor McGonagall said sternly.

'But-.' Darah pleaded.

'I am your head of house Miss Lucie, do not go against what Professor McGonagall is saying.' Snape instructed her.

Darah sighed reluctantly and snatched her books back off the desk and strode out of the room.

Although she did not intend of going back to the common room. She waited behind a statue that was stood tall next to the entrance to the dungeons.

Finally she heard footsteps that belonged to Snape and McGonagall. They rushed straight by her followed along with their angered mutterings.

Darah got up and followed them along the corridor, she silently sneaked behind until they reached the headmasters office.

'Sherbet lemon.' Professor McGonagall said sharply. The gargoyle entrance shifted and both the teachers moved through.

Darah tried to creep up behind them but the gargoyle closed too quick.
'I want to go to Dumbledore's office!' She said defiantly.

'Password.' The gargoyle huffed.

'Sherbet lemon.' Darah said shrugging. How stupid could this gargoyle be? Darah thought, McGonagall literally said the password less than a minute ago.

The gargoyle shifted again to reveal a large spiral staircase spinning upwards. She made her way up swiftly and quietly.

It lead straight into Dumbledore's office where Snape, McGonagall, Filch, Dumbledore, Harry and Ron were all stood.

Darah went to go hide behind one of the tables, out of sight but within earshot.

'You were seen by no less than seven muggles.' Snape read the Daily Profit out loud.
'You have risked the exposure of our world and done great damage to the willow tree which has stood for longer than you have been alive.' He criticised angrily.

Ron and Harry looked taken a back.
'Honestly Professor, I think it did more damage to us.' Ron spoke back timidly.

'Silence!' Snape roared. 'I ought to expel you.'

Then Professor Dumbledore spoke up. 'That won't be necessary, Severus.'

Both Harry and Ron turned towards him in confusion.

'But headmaster-' began Snape.

'The two of you will be punished of course you cannot get away lightly but we will not expel you this time.' Dumbledore said calmly but sternly.

Harry and Ron looked at each other and back at Dumbledore and then Snape.

'Now off to bed.' He instructed.

Professor McGonagall lead them out of the room, closely followed by Filch who was huffing along with Mrs Norris in his arms.

'Headmaster this is absurd.' Snape started. 'They were sighted by muggles.'

'Nothing a confundus charm can't fix.' Dumbledore smiled.

Snape retained his annoyed expression but said no more and headed out of the office.

Dumbledore stood there for a minute and smiled. 'And you too Miss Lucie.' He looked over in Darah's direction.

Darah looked up confused wondering if she should show herself or not. Dumbledore kept turning his head exactly at the spot she was crouched at.

Eventually she decided to stand up. 'But how did you?-' She tried to comprehend how Dumbledore could have possibly known she was there and who she was.

'Ah, see that is the art of being a headmaster, Miss Lucie.' He spoke intelligently.

Darah thought for a minute. 'Sir, can I ask you a question?' She hesitated.

Dumbledore looked down from his glasses at her. 'There is a time and place for questions like yours, Miss Lucie... the answer is yes though.' He winked briefly at her.

Darah stood there confused. 'How do you know what I was going to ask Professor?'

'Ah. A wizards secrets are never revealed.' He smiled. 'Now would you say it's time to get some rest? It's getting late.' He glanced at the grand clock behind him.

'Yes, Sir.' She hurried and made her way to the exit. She hesitated again and turned back around where Dumbledore was stood yet he seemed to have vanished.