The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend

Chapter 14: Nightcap

Occurs on the night of June 25th around 9:30 in the quarters of Minerva McGonagall, Hogwarts’ School of Witchcraft and Wizardary
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“More cordial or perhaps some brandy, dear?,” offers Professor McGonagall.

“Yes brandy, please,” accepts Hermione.

Finally Ginny looks at Hermione and blurts out, “Are you going to accept Ron’s proposal?”

Stunned Hermione, gathers herself and replies, “Yes. I just wanted to get a few things like the WAR settled first.”

“Congratulations are in order my dear. You will be quite happy together,” smiles Professor McGonagall.

“Yea, if I can survive my in-laws,” mutters Hermione as she sips her brandy.

“So, tell us about Professor Dumbledore and Snape,” asks Ginny pointedly.

“Well, once Professor Dumbledore went to Hogwarts himself. Do you know which how he was sorted?” explains Professor McGonagall.

“Gryfinndor,” answers Ginny and Hermione.

“Slytherin,” responds Luna.

“Why do you say Slytherin, Luna,” inquires Professor McGonagall.

“Well, Professor Dumbledore was very ambitious and cunning even if did hide it well, “ admits Luna.

“Luna, is correct. Professor Dumbledore was a Slytherin.”

“Tell us about Narcissa, Lily and Snape,” begs Ginny. She looks at Hermione’s reaction as says, “What! You know you’re curious, too!”

“Frankly, I don’t know much,” admits the headmistress. “All three were very private about their interactions and their experiments. It was like a club that no one else could join. When the Black family found out about their “association” at the end of Narcissa’s sixth year they removed her from Hogwarts and sent her to Beauxbatons. However, I suspect that did not stop any of them from seeing each other. They were very devoted friends,” she finishes.

“Sounds like us,” confesses Hermione.

“What do you think was the exact nature of Snape’s relationship with Harry’s mum,” asks Ginny.

“I don’t know. I am fairly certain Lily was completely faithful to James. But I believe those Pensieves will answer some questions. I would like to read that letter addressed to Harry first. In case it contains something I will have to explain since I have been doing a lot of that lately,” concludes Professor McGonagall.

Luna finally and quietly asks, “What of Professor Snape and his relationship with Professor Dumbledore? I mean it is the elephant in the room, so to speak,” she finishes.

The headmistress begins, ”Albus Dumbledore married a young lady by the name of Matilda Prince. Soon after that they had a daughter named Eileen. Matilda and Albus loved each other, but had issues residing under the same roof. They separated, but did not divorce. Matilda went back to her maiden name and passed it on to her daughter. Albus was teaching at Hogwarts and he did not want the appearance of favoritism. Eileen was a gifted child. Albus tutored her privately and unobtrusively. Her mother spoiled her. I would say she had a rather happy childhood,” concludes Professor McGonagall

“There is a BUT to this story I sense,” imputs Luna.

“Yes, Matilda remarried a pureblood gentleman but the name of De Courcy Stamfordis. The marriage produced a son, Severus’ half uncle, Haddon, Haddon was one of Lord Voldermort’s more discreet supporters,” continues the Headmistress.

“I bet he was the man attacking Professor Snape as a child and his mother…,” finishes Hermione.

“You are jumping ahead my dear, and yes, you are correct,” admonishes Professor McGonagall gently. “During Eileen’s years at Hogwarts she met a young and very talented muggle wizard by the name of Tobias Snape. After Hogwarts they married and Tobias began his apprenticeship with Nicholas Flamel. Eileen worked with in private research since she had the financial backing. Her talents in transfiguration and charms were amazing. By all accounts their marriage was happy. Severus was born six years later. When Severus was a year old, Tobias was found murdered in Knockturn Alley. Eileen died not long after that. Haddon initially took Severus into his house since Matilda was already dead. After three months when Severus was three Albus went and collected him. He had heard rumors about how Severus was being treated by Haddon. Severus was a targeted recruit for Lord Voldermort from the time he was born. Albus never discussed the state he found Severus on the day he retrieved him from Haddon’s home, but Severus has resided at Hogwarts most of his life. In truth he was wonderful child to be around. Albus kept him in his rooms and I have never seen either of them happier. It was a wonderful time,” smiles the Headmistress as she remembers happier times.

“Why did Severus change if he was so happy with Professor Dumbledore?” asks Ginny.

“Sirus Black. I know that you have everything from Remus Lupin and Sirus’ perspective, but they knew nothing of Severus. In fact James Potter and Sirus Black did not even notice him until he was sorted into Slytherin. I bet if he had been in their own house they would have paid him very little attention. Sirus Black came from…no let me put this way. The Black family has welded magic in the foulest ways a wizard can for centuries. The Blacks hate muggles. At first I and even Albus were afraid Sirus would be just like his family, and in many ways he was unfortunately for Severus. But, Sirus was willing to consider the possibility to muggles were not to be destroyed even though he and James Potter were regularly picking on Severus who was part muggle. I wanted to point this out to Sirus, but Severus begged me not to do it. He told me that Sirus would tell everyone in Slytherin and it would cause problems for him. Trust me Sirus and James Potter started issues with Severus first not the other way around,” muses Professor McGonagall.

“Did they realize he was two year younger,” questions Hermione.

“I doubt it. James and Sirus didn’t notice those sorts of things. I am certain Lily did. Albus taught Severus several defensive spells to deal with them. He also counseled Sirus about his behavior. But the damage was done. Sirus needed the attention and discipline Albus could provide, but Severus needed him too. However, both boys hated each other on sight and over time both boys thought Albus favored the other, I suspect. Albus was in a sense brought to heel by two children, and a fine mess it was, too,” says Professor McGonagall.

“As Severus grew he and Narcissa would associate with Lucius Malfoy who was two year ahead. Albus didn’t approve. He didn’t think Lucius was good for Severus self-esteem. Albus had the portraits spying on them constantly. Lucius is what one would call a “poor little rich boy”. His father was literally never there and his mother showered him with inconsistent attention at best. Sadly, Lucius now acts like his father. Then he was quiet, watchful, and very aware who Severus was,” points our Professor McGonagall.

“You mean Lucius Malfoy had no problem associating with a muggle born,” retorts Hermione.

“He tried to get Lily to marry him. She refused of course. I always wondered how Lucius would have turned out if she had married him,” muses the Headmistress.

“You are assuming she could change him. You can’t change people. They have to make those sort of changes, one can only influence,” points our Luna.

“Well, Lily seemed to be a very good influence on people,” asserts Professor McGonagall.

“I would love to talk to Lily,” finishes Hermione as she continues to sip her brandy.