Bent

A-N - Wow...I thought my muse was exhausted with the story; I had effectively written myself into a corner..but now...I think my muse has something to say. Enjoy.





The Order of the Phoenix was completely assembled in Dumbledore's quarters by the time Severus returned. He could tell by the grim look on Moody's face, and the stricken look of Arthur and Molly Weasley that they had already been informed of how grave a situation it truly was. The only people not in attendance were Ron, Harry, and Hermione.



Severus did not say a word, nor truly look anyone in the face as he stalked over to the liquor cabinet to pour a snifter of fire whiskey.


Albus cleared his throat, "It seems, that if we are to save the life of Percival Weasley, we are to give Harry Potter to Voldemort. In either case, more than likely someone is going to die." Molly shook as she clenched her hands together. Arthur put a comforting arm around his distraught wife.



"Is there no other way?" he asked softly, trying his best to think rationally. Albus shook his hand.



"What I don't understand is how Percy first got captured by the Death Eaters, and we are just now finding out about it," Moody said, casting an accusing look towards Severus. Moody had been very vehement in his distrust of Severus from the beginning. Severus's eyes narrowed as he set his snifter of whiskey down, his hand twitching towards his wand.



"If you have something to say, Moody, then by all means, just come out and say it," He purred softly, as his dark eyes flashed with anger. Moody snorted and took a threatening step towards Snape.



"I think you have been keeping information from us, and that you enjoy watching other people suffer!" Moody shouted as he thumped his walking stick onto the floor. Severus's wand was out in a flash,along with Moody's.



"Enough!" Albus bellowed, causing everyone in the room to jump. "Put the wands away...NOW!" he roared, his normally serene face crimson with anger. "This is not going to solve the problem at hand!"



"Perhaps....shouldn't we be talking to Harry about all of this?" Minerva said. "I mean...shouldn't he be privy to the knowledge that we are thinking of delivering him to that...that monster?"



"If you turn 'Arry over to He Who Must Not Be Named, then he's as good as dead!" Hagrid exclaimed.



"And if we don't deliver him, then Percy will...will," Molly covered her face with her hands and started to sob. "Oh what are we going to do?" she cried out, looking to Dumbledore for reassurance.



Dumbledore stood, looking into his fireplace while stroking his beard with one hand. "I don't know," He said finally, turning back to face the Order.



Severus was at a loss; never had Albus Dumbledore not had a plan (whether it be hair brained or not) when it came down to it. "I...agree with Minerva; we should bring Potter...and Weasley, and...H..Granger in here to discuss this together." Minerva flashed a confused look at Severus. 'Did he almost call Ms. Granger by her first name?', she thought to herself. Mentally, Snape was kicking himself for that SECOND slip-up.



The rest of the Order started to argue amongst themselves, some being for the children knowing, others against it (of course). Albus sat at his desk, still contemplating what to do for a moment. "Enough......summon them," he said, sighing. "They must know that is going on...."







A-N- man, i love the cliffhangers...:)