Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Secretly Slytherin	By : Veresna Category: Harry Potter > General > General Views: 12269 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 2
- 3
- 4
Chapter 3: Step Two: Stir in a Long Staff Meeting
Professor Flitwick took a final glance in the mirror as he smoothed down the fabric of his fine dress robes. It was hardly usual to wear such frippery to the monthly staff meeting, but he, Pomfrey and Vector had all agreed that they might as well do their best to impress upon the other teachers the earnestness of their request.
He had just adjusted his wizard’s cap to a slightly less jaunty angle when he was surprised to hear a timid knock upon the door of his room.
"Come in!" he called.
To his surprise, he saw Helena Harrison’s head pop shyly around the door.
"I hope I’m not disturbing you?" She had asked the question even before she fully realized how formally he was dressed. He saw her eyes widen slightly as she took in the sight of him dressed in his finest robes.
"No, no, not at all my dear. You know my door is always open," he assured you. "However," he continued, glancing back down at his fine silk frock, "I can’t stay very long as I was just about to leave for a staff meeting."
"Oh," she replied, and stepped completely into the room. "Do you always "dress up" for them?" she asked in surprise.
"Oh, no, no, it’s just a rather…..special meeting tonight."
She nodded rather uncomprehendingly, but made no further comment.
The tiny wizard looked up at her, a small frown wrinkling his own brow. "And I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I swear that you look a little different tonight too, Miss Harrison?"
"Oh, yes," she laughed self-consciously and pointed at the direction of the top of her head. "I had a bit of a makeover today."
"Ah, yes, that’s what it is," he replied.
She had been wearing bangs lately, but suddenly her front hair was long and sleek enough to be pulled all the way to the back of her head. Luckily, he had no reason to question her further about it. After all, witches were always changing their hairstyles at the drop of a hat.
"Anyway," she said, laughing and shaking her head as she brought her thoughts back to the reason for her visit, "A bit of debate has broken out in the Common Room regarding the origin of the ‘Accio’ curse. And since Madam Pince has the library closed tonight I was wondering if by chance I could possibly look through some of your books?"
Madam Pince would also be attending the staff meeting, thus necessitating the closing of the library for the evening.
"Of course, my dear. Help yourself," replied the kindly wizard, pointing towards his bookshelf. "But, I think I had better be on my way."
"Have a good meeting," she called over her shoulder as she went to stand in front of the case.
She leaned forward and ran her finger along the spines of the books as if perusing their titles. In actuality, she was watching every one of Professor Flitwick’s moves.
The tiny man walked over to a table that was sitting quite close to his roaring fireplace, opened up a small silver box that stood on top of it and reached in to grab a small amount of the powder contained within it. Closing the box, he threw the powder into the flames and shouted, "The Staff Room." He stepped into the flames and disappeared.
To be on the safe side, Helena continued to stand in front of the bookcase for several more minutes Just in case Flitwick had forgotten something and would return to retrieve it. Satisfied after a few moments that he was not going to immediately return, she randomly pulled out a few books and then stuffed them back into their places. Just to make it appear as if she had actually gone through them.
She tapped her fingers against her arms impatiently. Better give it a few minutes longer, just to ensure that Snape had also made his way into the room for the meeting.
Then she strode over to the fireplace, opened the silver box and took some of the floo powder into her own hands. Screwing up her courage she shouted, "Professor Snape’s Office" and stepped into the flames.
She held her elbows tightly against her at first and then belatedly tried to work her arms up above her head. The thought had occurred to her that Snape was hardly the type to allow easy access to his rooms. And part of her sincerely feared that she would be flying headfirst into a booby trap. On the other hand, another part of her was equally convinced that Dumbledore would demand that the heads of the houses have easy access to each other through the floo network. She heard a whooshing sound and held her breath, hoping her luck would hold. At the very least, she sincerely prayed that he was not in the office at the moment. For she had no wish for him to see her come flying out of his fireplace unto the floor of his office. Or, to hear him laugh in derision as she thumped ineffectually against the bricks of his flue.
*****
She would have been relieved to know that, at that very moment, Professor Snape was walking through the door of the Staff Room. He was the last to arrive, as usual, and as he strode over to take his customary seat he noted with an audible sniff that Flitwick, Pomfrey and Vector were all wearing dress robes. They were sitting close together at one side of the table, their heads close together as they gathered for one last conference before the meeting began.
The only one to acknowledge his presence with a cheerful ‘Good Evening, Severus’ was Dumbledore, of course. The rest of the staff either ignored him or grunted a greeting to him that was as forced and sullen as his own to them.
After a few moments, Dumbledore tapped his wand gently against the top of the table and called for order. Professor McGonagall adjusted her glasses and prepared to read out the agenda. Madam Pince stood with her quill poised to take notes on the proceedings.
"Let me begin by informing you that Lucius Malfoy has again addressed the board of directors with his concern that Headmaster Dumbledore should be removed from his office," began the head of Gryffindor. "And he has again demanded that it be put to a vote."
A general murmur of disgust and anger arose from around the table. Snape remained immobile, his face betraying nothing but a general boredom and displeasure at having to attend the meeting to begin with.
"He has been voted down. Again."
Wands tapped down upon the table in a show of approbation and a few "Huzzahs" even arose from the group members.
"However," she continued, her thin lips drawn back in a grim, humorless line, "they did not choose to report to us the exact vote, or how the individual members of the board voted."
Another angry buzz broke out.
"That’s outrageous, Albus!" murmured Flitwick.
Hagrid nodded his large, hairy head in furious agreement. "The cowards! You have the right to know who’s fer you and who’s aganst you!"
"Now, now, Hagrid," murmured the good Headmaster with good humor. "As long as they have not called for my dismissal, they are perfectly within their rights to keep it a secret vote. And we mustn’t jump to the conclusion that those who wish to see me removed from office are all supporters of the Dark Lord. After all, many very good and decent people lost their trust in me the day that Cedric Diggory died." He sighed and for a moment the twinkle in his eye was extinguished and he looked every bit of his considerable age.
"But," he continued, with difficulty pulling himself together and forcing a brave smile unto his lips, "we can take heart in the fact that Mr. Malfoy will be unable to bring up this issue again until next year. Unless, of course, there is another serious incident at Hogwarts."
He refused to dwell on this possibility, however, and turned back to Professor McGonagall.
"Next item, Minerva?"
The next item was also one of the standard issues to come up at a Staff Meeting at least once a year. And that was Filch’s request that the Weasley twins be summarily expelled from Hogwarts.
Snape closed his eyes and drowned out the voices as the drama played out in its usual way. Filch would bring a piece of parchment several feet long, detailing all the pranks the twin redheads had pulled during the short time school had been in session and exactly which prohibited items he had already confiscated from them. After which time Professor McGonagall would get on her high horse and defend them as merely innocents with high spirits.
Snape could never help the expression of utter disbelief that always played upon his face while listening to her self-hypocrisy on that subject. If those maniacs had been in any other house, Minerva would have been the first to insist upon their immediate and irrevocable dismissal.
Of course, the debate would drone on for an interminable length of time, after which Dumbledore would state his opinion, once again, that the Weasleys had not done anything to justify their expulsion at the moment. But, they would be closely watched in the future. Except that this year, he could also add the additional piece of wisdom that, since they were in their final year, they would soon be leaving anyway.
So, at the end of this useless twenty to thirty minutes of discussion, Dumbledore would be smiling benignly, Filch and McGonagall would be red-faced and indignant, and everyone else would be staring at the floor, wall or table in utter boredom.
Snape’s eyes wandered idly from one to another of his colleague’s faces, and found himself unaccountably wondering why so many of his male counterparts wore beards and whether or not women really found them attractive. His musings on this curious topic was abruptly and happily interrupted by Dumbledore’s voice asking Minerva what the next item on the agenda was.
Snape gave a quick look down on his watch and saw that this time they had actually managed to finish up the discussion in only fifteen minutes. He sighed and waved his wand over his cup. Instantly, it filled itself with a strong, black and fragrant infusion of tea, and he sipped at it gratefully as the next few items on the agenda were discussed.
Arrangements for the annual Halloween celebration were finalized and Dumbledore announced that he was in favor of continuing the tradition of the Yule Ball again this year. This final pronouncement was greeted by groans from most of the staff, although a few of them were as enthusiastic about the idea as the headmaster was.
For a moment, Snape’s thoughts wandered again and he scowled as he remembered prowling through the rose bushes last year, blasting the flowers into bits as he scared the horny young witches and wizards out of them. Then he found an image forming before his eyes. He imagined himself pushing through a large tangle of branches and coming across Helena and Thurston clinging tightly to one another. Her dress was open and Thurston’s strong young hands were massaging her large breasts as she gasped and struggled to wrap her legs around his waist. For a supremely satisfying moment, he pictured himself pointing his wand straight at the young wizard’s bearded, stupidly handsome face and blasting it into a dozen bloody pieces as Helena screamed in horror. Suddenly, he became aware that Dumbledore was addressing him.
"I’m sorry, Albus, what did you say?" he asked, frowning at his own inattention.
"I was just wondering if you would like to continue your role as a ‘chaperone’ this year for the ball."
Snape smiled grimly. "Gladly." He took a large gulp of his strong, black tea and willed himself back to paying attention to the meeting.
"Very well, then. I believe there is one more topic to be discussed?"
McGonagall nodded grimly. "Yes, Headmaster. Poppy, would you care to begin the discussion?"
Madam Pomfrey nodded and cleared her throat. "I am sure that most of you are aware that one of our Ravenclaw seventh-years, Helena Harrison has indicated a strong desire to begin studying at the University in the Mediwitch program. Since she scored exceptionally high marks on her ‘OWLS’, I have no doubt that she will score very well on her ‘NEWTS’ as well. In fact, I have been informed by the directors that she is virtually assured of a space at the University. However, the directors are rather reluctant to consider her as a direct inductee into the Mediwitch program without a considerable show of support from her professors here at Hogwarts. Before I open the floor to discussion, let me just say that she is a remarkably intelligent, skilled and dedicated young lady, and has been the most helpful assistant in the Hospital Wing that it has ever been my pleasure to take on."
She crossed her hands in front of her and looked around the table at the other members of the faculty.
"Well, of course, she is a member of my house and I can not pretend to be completely unprejudiced," began Flitwick. "But I wholeheartedly agree with Poppy’s assessment of this young lady’s abilities."
"She is a very intelligent young lady and very powerful witch," conceded McGonagall. "But, when one is looking at an exceptional candidate to promote so quickly to the Mediwitch program, it’s rather traditional that the witch or wizard in question demonstrate their leadership ability by serving as a Prefect at least, if not indeed Head Boy or Girl? And Miss Harrison has never assumed that responsibility has she?"
"Not because she hasn’t been nominated," argued Flitwick, indignantly. "She has been nominated to be a Prefect for the past three years. But she has always come to me and very graciously declined the honor, telling me that she prefers to spend her time and talents helping out in other ways-"
"Such as tutoring in Arithmancy!" interjected Professor Vector. "And I myself confess that she has taken some of the most unpromising students I have ever seen under her wing and managed to invest in them a keen interest and desire to succeed in the subject, even if they have little natural ability in it. I admit that my only regret about supporting her in her quest to be a Mediwitch is my devout belief that she would also be a wonderful teacher."
"And, after all, Minerva," added Snape laconically, "Not all students are so thirsty for fame and glory as Miss Granger and Mr. Potter, who are always so eager to thrust themselves forward into the limelight."
The rest of the faculty held their breath for a moment. Hermione Granger was already a prefect and would no doubt be Head Girl during her own senior year at Hogwarts. Though everyone was fairly used to Snape’s constant belittling of Potter, they doubted that McGonagall would let that shot at Hermione go unanswered.
Indeed, the good Professor’s lips drew back tightly and her cheeks reddened. But she managed to draw in a quick breath and compose herself before replying.
"Well, Severus, if you are bound and determined to compare the young ladies, you must be honest enough to admit that you have never given Miss Granger a detention. And in the past week, you have bestowed that honor not only once, but twice upon Miss Harrison." She smiled sweetly, her honeyed words dripping with hidden malice.
Flitwick’s whiskers twitched angrily for a few moments. It was difficult to say if he was angrier with Snape for giving her the detentions, or at McGonagall for revealing them right at this juncture.
"Ah, yes, Minerva I did. But, I’m afraid I did so out of…..desperation."
More than a few surprised eyes whipped around to regard the Potion’s Master’s figure with a great deal of interest at this statement.
"You see, she has been partnering with her roommate, Angelique Carver. And I am sure that most of the faculty would agree in my assessment of Miss Carver-while she is not without a modicum of gray matter, she very seldom troubles to use it. Miss Harrison was determined to remain loyally by her side, even to her own detriment-rather a ‘Gryffindor’ thing to do, wouldn’t you say so, Minerva?"
Professor McGonagall’s only reply was an angry snort.
"I finally saw that the only way to impress upon her the seriousness of her situation was to give her two detentions. At the end of the first one, I will honestly say that she was quite upset." Snape smiled slightly. "But, in the end, she seemed to realize that it was best to do as I wished. And I have no doubt that she will be doing everything in her power to please me from now until the end of the year." The dark-haired man’s smile widened for a brief moment before he returned to his habitual scowling expression.
He turned his attention to the head of Ravenclaw and continued, in a slightly bored tone. "And let me go on record, Professor Flitwick, as saying that if I could erase the detentions from her record, I would certainly do so." He returned his attention to his cup of tea.
"Thank you, Severus, that is certainly kind of you," sputtered the tiny wizard in amazement. Although he might have wished for a more enthusiastic tone in his voice, no one at the table had ever heard Snape voice support of any kind for a non-Slytherin student.
Except for promoting Cedric Diggory against Harry Potter during last years Triwizard Championship, of course.
Flitwick was hardly the only surprised teacher at the table, of course. A stunned silence fell upon the group as a whole that was finally broken by the thin, wheezy voice of Professor Binns.
"Well, I would just like to state that the young lady in question has always done admirably on her tests and papers in my class." The ghostly professor adjusted his glasses across his transparent nose and continued, "In fact, she spends the entire time in class taking the most enthusiastic notes."
For a moment, Snape broke into a coughing fit as his tea apparently went down "the wrong pipe".
Madam Hooch thumped him enthusiastically upon the back until the fit subsided. "Well, all I can say is that she always showed a fair amount of talent for flying and I was always slightly disappointed she didn’t at least try out for a spot on the Quidditch field."
"Yes, that was a shame, considering how good a player her father was," added Professor Sprout, with feeling.
Snape gazed at her in amazement for a moment. He had never even seen Sprout attend a Quidditch match, much less evince any knowledge of its players.
"Yes, yes, Herbert Harrison was quite an excellent Keeper, if memory serves me correctly," added Dumbledore.
"And a ladies man," added McGonagall, dryly.
Sprout laughed. "Oh, yes, he was quite handsome. And such a flirt." She giggled.
"Yes," agreed McGonagall, with no enthusiasm.
"Now," said Dumbledore, wrinkling his forehead as he struggled to remember, "Who was her mother?"
"Elizabeth Ettington," offered Flitwick. "Also a Ravenclaw."
"Ah, yes!" exclaimed Dumbledore. "I remember now. Very sweet young lady, always trying her best."
But accomplishing little, added Snape to himself, if Helena’s description is to be believed.
"But, we are discussing Helena," the Headmaster reminded them cheerfully. "Does anyone else wish to make a comment."
"Professor Dumbledore, Sir?"
"Yes, Hagrid."
"I would just like to state that she is always up in the owlrey, helping out the little flyers up there. Bringing them special treats, cleanin’ out the straw, why I’ve even seen her tendin’ to the young ‘uns as tenderly as their own mamas would do." Tears were threatening to pour out of the gentle giant's eyes as he spoke. He paused and wiped at his eyes with the back of his hand and took out his huge handkerchief. He held it to his nose, and a loud honk soon resounded across the table.
"Well," continued Dumbledore, "may I say that, having personally reviewed the young lady’s record, I can see no reason to deny giving her my full support in this matter. And, after all," his twinkle was now fully restored, "Any Ravenclaw that Professor Snape would regret giving a detention to will certainly be capable of handling the formidable curriculum that awaits her in Mediwitch School."
*** I sincerely hope that you don’t find out just what that crafty little witch is capable of, Albus, thought Snape. ***
"Let’s take a vote then, shall we? All those in favor of signing an written endorsement of the young lady, please indicate your support now."
Again, wands were tapped spiritedly against the tabletop. Even Professor McGonagall joined in this time, although a cynic might have noted that she did so just about as enthusiastically as Snape clapped for Gryffindor winning the house cup. Snape’s face was determinedly blank as he tapped faintly against the wood with his own wand.
"I believe the motion is carried with an overwhelming majority," Dumbledore said to Madam Pomfrey. "If you will please write up the statement, I think all of us will put our signatures to it and when it is signed I will place the official Hogwarts seal upon it."
Pomfrey, Flitwick and Vector all beamed happily.
"Now, if there is no further business?" Dumbledore hesitated, but heard no reply. "I proclaim this meeting adjourned."
Snape drained the last bit of tea from his cup and pushed back his chair to rise from the table.
"A moment of your time, Severus?"
"Of course, Headmaster." Snape fell back into his chair.
Dumbledore waited for the rest of the faculty to leave and for the door to close behind them before he spoke again.
"You’re looking better, Severus, I was worried about you."
"Indeed, Albus?"
"Yes, you seemed very upset after your last meeting with Voldemort, and I was afraid there was something you weren’t telling me."
"Yes." Snape hesitated for a moment. "I was afraid that I was going to have to perform a rather disagreeable task, but fate has managed to arrange things in such a way that I was able to find an acceptable alternative."
Dumbledore nodded his head, and if he found the vagueness of the man’s answer reassuring or alarming, he gave no sign.
"I trust you, as always, to come to me whenever I can be of help to you, Severus."
"Thank you, Headmaster. I will."
*****
Snape slowly made his way back down to the dungeon. He chose a purposely circuitous route through the winding halls and staircases of the school hoping, as always, to catch Potter or some other mischievous student roaming the halls past curfew. To his utter disappointment, he was unable to find a single one.
He finally gave up on his quest and directed his steps towards the direction of his office. He had a large stack of papers on his desk waiting to be graded, and he intended to finish that task before retiring to his bed for the night.
As he approached the doorway he noted that there appeared to be a bright stream of light underneath it. Snape knew that the room had been dark when he left it, and his eyes narrowed suspiciously. Clutching his wand in his right hand, he silently made his way across the last few yards of hallway and murmured the words that would release the sealing spell upon the door. A second later, he had burst into the room, wand raised and prepared to do battle with whatever was hiding within it.
To his surprise, he found that he had been looking in the wrong place for curfew-defying students. For Helena was sitting in one his chairs, her feet propped up on his desk, one of his books in her lap, and a glass of his finest sherry clasped in her hand.
- 2
- 3
- 4
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Secretly Slytherin