Enchanted Parchment

Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape hold several private conversations using their pieces of enchanted parchment.

I think that sometimes, things are easier to write down, rather than say face to face. Starting on the first day of Harry Potter's first year, these notes follow Severus and Albus as they argue, make up, debate the war, and finally, as one loses the other. Canon (except for Sev/Lily. Sorry! One day, maybe, if AR changes my mind in the upcoming film!)

Severus? Are you busy?

I am preparing for my next Potions lesson, Headmaster. How may I serve?

I was wondering if you had completed your protection measure for the Philosopher's Stone, that was all. I am rather intrigued to know what you have concocted in that fine mind of yours.

I have finished, yes. It is a test of logic.

But of course. With you, what else would it be? Would it test even me?

I would not dare to say so.

A good answer. Do you have everything you need for this term? Remember to let me know if you need any ingredients; a friend of mine in Diagon Alley has promised me a discount on those rare ingredients you are always talking about.

Thank you, Headmaster.

I assume you are prepared for your first First Year class tomorrow?

Is this a pathetically veiled attempt to find out how I am feeling about teaching the oh-so-famous Harry Potter?

My boy, you never fail to see through my cunning plans. It is. I just thought, considering the glares you were sending my way in the staffroom yesterday, I would ask how you were feeling.

That was about your appointment of Professor Quirrell as the Defence teacher. There is something peculiar about him, moreso than usual, this year. Where was he over the summer?

Oh, you noticed too? I am glad it is not just me. He was in Albania, I believe.

Albania.

Is that important?

No. As for Harry Potter, I am interested to see if my suspicions are correct.

And they are?

That he will be arrogant and useless at Potions.

He has his mother's blood too, Severus, and she was adept enough at Potions…

Only when I was assisting her. She could follow instructions, but Potions also requires subtle creativity, and a willingness to go beyond the norm.

Which is why you are so talented at it. I am sure that Harry will prove you wrong, my dear boy. Promise me that you will at least give him a chance?

If he shows any aptitude, I shall be surprised.

And impressed?

Not necessarily. Anyone can open a book.

I see you will not be swayed on this matter, so allow me to change the subject. What did you do on your holidays?

I was studying.

I did not see you?

At home.

You returned to Spinners' End?

The house is empty now after my father died. I had to attend to some matters.

Did you inherit anything?

The house.

I see. You did not tell me your father had died.

He threw himself off a bridge in July.

Really? That's…unfortunate.

Indeed. The people who saw him before said he was blind raving drunk. No change to usual, then. He is reunited with my mother now, so it is no matter to me.

Still, he was your father, Severus. Did you allow yourself some time to grieve?

Grieving was never my intention. Why should I grieve for him?

Because he was your father?

Headmaster, you, of all people, are aware of my feelings toward my father. Yes, he loved my mother, and yes he tried to provide for us. Unfortunately, his relationship with alcohol was far more important than his relationship with my mother and I. I also hasten to remind you that his favourite term of endearment for me was 'freak'. I have not considered him a 'father' for nearly fifteen years. Thus, I was not sad when he died. I was not happy, for I do not wish death on anyone, but it is not the life-changing event that one would expect it to be.

I understand. Well. I am sorry for your loss, but relieved that there is another demon exorcised from your closet, my dear.

Thank you.

You mentioned that you were studying? Was it anything in particular?

Severus? Did I say something that has offended you?

No, I was simply stacking some books. I was studying an improvement to a potion.

Are you going to enlighten me as to which one?

No. Not until I have completed my research.

Why, do you believe I may steal your ideas?

Absolutely.

Make sure you come to dinner, Severus. I expect to see you at every meal time this year.

You say that at the start of every year.

Ah, but you have no excuse this time. I shall leave you to stack your books, my boy.