Flames of Betrayal

CHAPTER SEVEN

Several days later found the two young men sitting in the den reading. The days had been good for Harry. His health had continued to improve and he had filled out some, thanks to the potions and the food that Dobby had forced Harry to eat.

Harry put down the book he was reading. He sighed and looked around the room. He noticed Ron was snickering over an article he was reading in Quidditch Weekly. Harry shook his head in amusement then sighed again.

Ron looked over at him and frowned, concerned. "You alright there, Harry?"

"I'm bored," he said.

Ron looked at Harry warily. He knew what happened when Harry got bored. Bad things happened, well bad for him. Ron still shuddered at the time Harry decided he wanted to bungle, no bungee jump from Gryffindor tower. The detentions they had gotten hadn't been worth the terror of watching his best friend jump with nothing but a rope holding onto him. It had proven something he had always known -- Muggles were crazy.

"No, whatever you're thinking, no! There will no flinging yourself off the castle tower, there will be no trying to ride the unicorns, and there will be no forcing a love potion on Mrs. Norris so that she would fall in love with Fang. I still have that scar, thank you very much. There will be no painting Snape's office pink with yellow polka dots just because you liked some song and you wanted to see if you could. Snape terrorized us for weeks over that because you couldn't stop grinning. He knew it was you. You couldn't even lie to him without grinning," Ron said to a pouting Harry.

"But, Ron," Harry whined, amusement dancing in his eyes.

"No!" Ron exclaimed. "As your caretaker I am putting my foot down on this." He gave Harry a stern look and Harry sighed mournfully.

The messy-haired man was quiet for a few minutes. "How about," he started, but Ron interrupted him.

"No," he snapped.

"But you didn't let me finish what I was going to say," Harry pouted, his eyes wide with mock hurt.

"I don't care, no," Ron said sternly.

Harry looked at Ron intently then sighed sadly. "You've become your mother, Ron."

Ron's eyes opened wide, his expression shocked. "What in the hell do you mean by that?"

Harry's chin quivered, and his eyes filled with sadness. "You never let me have any fun. You don't even listen to me," he sniffed despondently, his expression hurt.

Ron opened his mouth then closed it. He hated the comparison to his soon to be ex-mother. He watched the sad expression on his best friend and caved. Damn it! So much for being strong. "All right Harry, what to you want to do?" he asked, resigned to his fate.

Harry perked up instantly and smiled brightly at him. "How about we go to Gringotts and check out my finances?" he inquired. "I want to know why Dumbledore was using my money. If we use what we find against him, then we could keep him off our backs for a while. I don't believe that it will deter him for long, but something is better than nothing," he mused thoughtfully.

Harry noticed Ron was shifting around in his chair nervously, and he stared at his friend curiously. "What's wrong, Ron?"

Ron looked at him quickly, and then looked away. He cleared his throat nervously and ran his fingers through his bright red hair. "I, um... left a note for Dumbledore when we escaped from Hogwarts."

"Really? What did it say?" Harry asked, wondering what was making his friend so nervous.

Ron straightened and looked at Harry. "It wasn't much."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Ron," he said, exasperated, "tell me."

Ron stood up and reached into the pocket of his robe pulling out a parchment. He walked over to Harry and handed it to him. "I kept a copy because I figured you'd want to read it."

"And you carry it around with you?" Harry asked as he grabbed the note.

Ron shrugged. "I never knew when I was going to tell you about the letter I left with Winky. I figured you would want to read it instead of having me tell you. It loses something when I tell it," he replied.

Harry looked at him, amused, and unrolled the parchment and began to read. When he was done, he looked up at his nervous friend and began to snicker. He burst into outright when he saw the sheepish look on Ron's face. Harry held his sides, not able to breathe from laughing so hard. After a few minutes, he calmed down and shook his head. "Oh, Ron, that was great! I never knew you were so Slytherin."

Ron gaped at him, outraged. "I'm not Slytherin," he exclaimed heatedly.

Harry continued to chuckle. "Maybe not, but you're showing definite signs of Slytherin behavior. Cunning, deviousness, hints of power. You, my friend, are definitely becoming Slytherin," he explained.

Ron continued to look at his friend, but this time with a thoughtful expression. Harry was right. He had been devious and cunning by sending Dumbledore that note. He decided that way he had been treated over the last nineteen months were the cause for this change. He had been a Gryffindor through and through, and even though he'd had sneaky thoughts, he buried them. When he realized that Gryffindors were nothing more than backstabbing sycophants, he began to listen to that small voice in the back of his head. Now he no longer ignored it. If it made him a little more Slytherin, well, so be it.

"You know, you're right, Harry. I do have some Slytherin qualities, and if it keeps you safe then I'm alright with it," he stated. Ron looking over at his friend, his expression fierce. "Nothing will stop me from protecting you, not even the thought of being Slytherin."

Harry gave Ron an affectionate smile. "I know, Ron. I feel the same way." He watched as Ron blushed with pleasure. "Now, about the note, have you really done everything you said you did?"

Ron snorted, amused. "Hardly. I haven't had the time."

Harry grinned at Ron wickedly. "Oh, Merlin, Ron, this note isn't even true, but Dumbledore won't do anything because he doesn't know and he can't take a chance on losing his reputation or his magic." Harry thought for a few seconds before glancing at Ron slyly. "Well, my friend, I say we make it true. We need to go to Gringotts and look over my finances. I'm sure we can find the proof we need to blackmail Dumbledore until the time comes that I decide to let the public know about our beloved Headmaster," Harry said with a sneer.

"You're going to give the Ministry the evidence?" Ron asked curiously.

Harry nodded. "Eventually. Dumbledore is going to pay for his manipulations, even if it's that last thing I do in this world. Until then, we need a way to keep him quiet and out of our way. I still need to develop my powers then..."

Ron interrupted Harry and asked, "Develop your powers? What do you mean by that?"

He paused mid-sentence and frowned at Ron thoughtfully. "Oh, that's right. I haven't had time to tell you. While I was in Azkaban, I went through my magical inheritance. My power has increased a lot. I feel the magic buzzing through my body. I found out that I can do wandless magic. I practiced it to pass the time in Azkaban. I also spontaneously transformed into my animagus form while I was there. Not that it really did me any good in Azkaban. It helped a little when it came to the Dementor spell, but that's all."

"Bloody hell, Harry. You can do magic in Azkaban?" Ron asked, his expression awed.

Harry looked at Ron, confused. "Yeah, so what? It's not as if I could do it all the time. I was very tired after I practiced. I did notice that it got easier the longer I practiced, but it was still hard."

"SO WHAT?!" Ron yelled excitedly. "Harry, there are magic suppression wards surrounding Azkaban. You're not supposed to be able to do magic in Azkaban, period, wandless or otherwise. No wonder you were so tired. You circumvented the wards. Merlin, Harry, do you know what this means?" Ron asked.

Harry looked at his friend, confused, still not able to understand why Ron was so excited. Obviously, the wards weren't very good at suppressing magic. "No, Ron, tell me. What does this mean?"

"You're powerful. I bet you are even more powerful than Dumbledore or You Know Who. They can't do magic in Azkaban," Ron explained.

"What do you mean Voldemort can't do magic in Azkaban?" Harry asked. "He used it when he got Malfoy and his other followers out."

Ron shook his head. "Only after he brought down the wards. There are no records of any witch or wizard ever being able to use magic in Azkaban. Don't you understand, 'the power he knows not', this could be it," the redhead said with some excitement.

Harry looked at Ron and arched an eyebrow in disbelief. "I thought you believed that the prophecy was crap."

Ron looked at Harry sheepishly. "I could be wrong," he admitted.

Harry snickered then looked thoughtful. He looked at the table next to his chair and grabbed his teacup, waving his hand and nearly dropped it when it transfigured into a mouse on the first try. He gaped at the mouse, disbelief written on his face.

"Harry, what's wrong?" Ron asked.

Harry glanced up at Ron, his eyes wide. "In Azkaban, this would have taken at least ten to twelve tries before being transfigured. Now though, I barely got the thought out before it transfigured. Merlin, Ron, I have power." Harry looked down at the mouse, awed. His head snapped suddenly and he gave Ron a wicked smile. "I have power, Ron; lots of power. I'm more powerful than Voldemort and when the time comes, I'll be able to take care of him. Not only that, but I have more power than Dumbledore. Do you know what that means?"

Ron thought for a second before smirking. "Dumbledore is going down."

Harry chuckled wickedly. "Oh yeah," he said with excitement.

"Wicked," Ron breathed then paused. He glanced at Harry warily and asked, "You're not going to kill him are you?"

Harry rolled his eyes. "Fine, ruin my wicked moment. No, Ron, I'm not going to kill him. I'm just going to take him out of his position of power. His time has come and gone. He needs to answer for everything he's done for this stupid war with Voldemort. If he manipulated me, left me with abusive relatives, and stole my money, then what else has he done to others?"

"Damn, Harry. He could have been doing this for years," Ron remarked.

"Yeah. I wonder if he has something on Snape," Harry mused thoughtfully.

Ron opened his mouth to insult the Potions Master then closed it quickly. He looked thoughtful for a moment before replying, "That would explain why he told us to leave. Maybe he has personal knowledge of Dumbledore's manipulation."

Harry nodded. "We'll have to ask him when he comes for tea at the end of the week. I did promise him I would invite him. Crap, I need to invite him. I need an owl," Harry said.

"What about Hedwig?" Ron asked.

Harry shook his head. "Too well known," he explained.

"Have Dobby take it. He can get inside of Hogwarts without being seen. He is a house-elf after all," Ron mentioned.

"Good idea, Ron. Dobby," Harry called out.

The house-elf appeared in front of Harry. "Yes, Harry Potter? What may Dobby do for you?" he asked.

Harry gazed at him with surprise. Dobby was wearing actual clothes. In fact, he was wearing a uniform. The tunic was made of a scarlet cloth and it had a high neck collar, which was made of green velvet. The cuffs were also made of green velvet and had gold gryphons embroidered on them. There were golden buttons lining the front and it looked crisp and clean. Dobby was also wearing tightly fitted black pants with patented leather black boots that went up to mid-calf. He was standing straight and gazed at Harry fearlessly. Harry noticed that the yellow glow that surrounded Dobby was stronger and it had more white scattered throughout it. This wasn't the old Dobby. This house-elf was proud and free. Harry smiled at him with delight.

"I like the uniform, Dobby. It's good to see you wearing smart looking clothes," Harry said.

Dobby beamed up at Harry. "Dobby likes the castle. Dobby is surrounded by other free house-elves, who wear clothes and have their own rooms. They are paid every week and allowed to have children without their master's permission," the house-elf replied excitedly.

Harry looked at him, shocked. "You needed permission to have children?'

Dobby nodded his head sadly and explained, "Yes. Master Malfoy didn't want to have too many house-elves. Only the most obedient could have children." Dobby's ears drooped down and he had tears in his large eyes. "Dobby was never good enough. Dobby could never have children. Dobby asked evil Master every year for thirty years, but Master's always said no. Dobby always wanted children. Evil Wizard Malfoy got tired of Dobby's request and killed Dobby's mate, Emmy. Dobby stopped asking after that," he stated mournfully.

Harry looked over at Ron, horrified by what he had heard. He noticed that Ron looked angry and his face turned red. He shook his head at Ron and the redhead nodded in understanding. He would have to wait until Dobby left before yelling.

Harry got out of his chair and knelt down next to Dobby. The house-elf looked at him surprise. Harry smiled. "You're free now, Dobby. Free to do whatever you want. You can stay here, find a new mate, have children, get paid, wear clothes, and live the life of a free elf. You no longer have to answer to anyone. If you want, you can also leave and travel around the world, see the sights. I want you to be happy, Dobby. You're my friend and I'm angry about what Malfoy did to you. I picked you as my secret keeper because I trust you to keep my secrets. You have always been there for me and if I can ever repay that then let me know and I will do what I can."

Dobby looked at him, tears in his eyes. "Harry Potter is a good wizard. Harry Potter saved Dobby from a life of pain and slavery. Harry Potter has already done everything that Dobby has ever wanted. Dobby will never betray Harry Potter's trust. Harry Potter is Dobby's friend."

Harry smiled at the house-elf gently. "And Dobby is Harry Potter's friend."

Dobby smiled brightly and leaned forward, giving Harry Potter a hug. He pulled back and looked over at Ron. "Wheezy is also Dobby's friend. Wheezy takes care of Harry Potter. Wheezy is a true friend of Harry Potter's."

"Indeed I am, Dobby," Ron remarked with a smile.

Dobby looked back at Harry and asked, "What may Dobby do for Harry Potter?"

"I need some parchment, a quill, and some ink. I have a letter to write. Can you still get into Hogwarts without being seen?" Harry asked, his mind racing with thoughts.

Dobby nodded his head vigorously. "Hogwarts ignores house-elves. Wards do not stop house-elves from leaving or entering Hogwarts."

"I wonder if You Know Who knows that," Ron pondered thoughtfully.

"Probably, but to him it would be like sending a dog to do a human's job, no offense, Dobby. I can't see Voldemort even lowering himself to talk to the house-elves let alone sending them out to do a job," Harry said.

"True," Ron replied.

Harry looked back at Dobby. "Once I write my later, I want you to take it to Professor Snape at Hogwarts," he requested. "Make sure no one sees you. It's a secret and I don't want Dumbledore to know that I have written Snape."

Dobby looked at him strangely and asked, "Harry Potter is writing Professor Snape? Why? Professor Snape hates Harry Potter."

"True, but sometimes there are more things going on with a person than you can see. Remember, Professor Snape let us leave Hogwarts without raising any alarms. I did promise him I would have him over to tea. Snape may be many things, but he is honorable, in his own way. I think I might enjoy getting to know Snape this time around; the snarky, greasy haired git." Harry heard Ron snickering in the background.

Dobby nodded in understanding. "Dobby will get your things now." He disappeared and Harry turned and looked at Ron. "As much as I hate to admit it, Granger had the right of it when she started that S.P.E.W. crap. I never realized how bad it could be for a house-elf. Maybe when I take over the Wizarding World, I'll free all the house-elves," he mused thoughtfully.

Ron looked at Harry with a startled expression. "You're going to take over the Wizarding World?" he asked.

Harry grinned at Ron wickedly. "Sure, why not? I'm bored," he said with mischievously.

Ron groaned and rolled his eyes. "Merlin, Harry, I thought you were serious."

Harry laughed at his best friend's antics. "I may have power, but trust me, running the Wizarding World is the last thing I want to do. However, I could be that dark, mysterious figure behind all the momentous changes that occurs in the Wizarding World. No one will ever have to know that Harry Potter is in charge," Harry said as he thought on the idea for a few minutes. "Nah, too much work. You know how lazy I am. Maybe I can take over the Wizarding World and you can run it."

Ron laughed at Harry and said, "Sure, we can have Quidditch matches every day and no homework ever. Instead of three meals a day at Hogwarts, any student can have access to the kitchens. There would be no Potions classes ever and Divination would be banned from the Wizarding World forever."

Harry started to laugh and bounced in his chair with excitement. "Yeah, and bungee jumping would be the new Hogwarts sport."

Ron shuddered in horror and exclaimed, "Hell no!"

Harry laughed at Ron's horrified expression. He remembered that when he had jumped off the Gryffindor Tower, Ron had screamed like a girl. He shook his head affectionately at his friend.

Dobby appeared in front of him and gave him the requested items. Harry thanked him, got up, and settled at the table to write out the note. When he finished it, he rolled it up and cast a spell on it so that no one but Snape could read it. He gave it to Dobby. "Wait and see if he will respond." Dobby nodded, and then disappeared.

Harry looked over at Ron with a hopeful expression and asked, "So, Gringotts?"

Ron sighed with resignation. "Gringotts," he echoed.

Harry waited for Ron to get out of the chair before walking out of the room.

--0---0---0---0--

Professor Snape was grading the second years' papers. He muttered with disgust at the pathetic answer one student had given him. He hated teaching. If he could, he would leave Hogwarts, but he had nowhere to go and he was bound to Dumbledore. He sighed, leaned back, and rubbed his head wearily.

He was happy that at least two people had escaped Dumbledore's control. The Headmaster had not been in a good mood since he found out that Weasley had left Hogwarts with Harry and Dobby in tow. Dumbledore had informed the teachers that Ron, Harry and Dobby had all left Hogwarts, but he never mentioned why. He had overheard a house-elf comment about the temper tantrum the Headmaster had thrown in his office. Snape smirked at the thought of unflappable Headmaster throwing his things and breaking them in a fit of rage.

He knew that the Headmaster had a temper. Not many did, but Snape had seen it once before when the Headmaster had found out Sirius Black had escaped Azkaban. Snape didn't understand why he had raged about Black's escape, but after the reading Ron's note this morning, he was beginning to get an idea.

Dumbledore had been stealing money from Potter for years and Weasley had found out. He had closed the accounts and now Dumbledore could no longer get at the money. The Potions Master couldn't understand why the Headmaster needed the money. The Dumbledore family was rich beyond thought. The family had more money than the Malfoys. Snape shook his head; maybe I should nose around and see what I can find out.

Snape was startled out of his thoughts by a house-elf appearing before him. He glanced at the house-elf in surprise. He had never seen a less subservient house-elf; one that was actually wearing clothes.

Looking at the house-elf curiously he asked, "Can I help you?"

"I is Dobby. Dobby is Harry Potter's house-elf. Dobby is bringing Professor Snape a note from Harry Potter." He walked over to Snape and held out a parchment. "Dobby is to wait for a response."

Snape took the parchment from the strange house-elf and opened it.

Acerbus,

As promised, I'm inviting you over for tea. If you agree, then I'll send you a portkey on Saturday at 11:00. The portkey will take you to a safe place and you'll be met by my house-elf, who will take you to my home.

My house-elf will know if you're being followed, or if there's a tracking spell on you, which he will remove.

I'm trusting you Acerbus, don't let me down.

Sincerely,

Bolt

Snape snorted at the name Potter had given him. Dark indeed, he mused. He picked up his quill and wrote his response.

Bolt,

Dark indeed. I understand your concerns. You have not misplaced your trust in me.

I will see you on Saturday.

Acerbus

He put down his quill and rolled up the parchment. He got up and stepped around the desk. He began to give the note to the house-elf when he pulled it back. Dobby looked at him curiously.

"I was wondering if you could answer a question for me," Snape asked.

"Depending on Professor Snape's question. Dobby will not betray Harry Potter," Dobby replied sternly.

Snape waved away the comment. "No, nothing like that. I just wanted to know if Potter was taking his potions. Is he feeling better?" he asked gruffly.

Dobby nodded his head vigorously. "Dobby or Wheezy makes sure that Harry Potter takes his potions. Harry Potter grumbles, but takes them. Harry Potter is doing better."

Snape gave the note to Dobby and said, "Good, good."

He watched as Dobby hid the note in his pocket and looked back up at Snape. "Professor Snape will not try to hurt Harry Potter will he?"

Snape shook his head in denial. "No, I am not going to hurt him or Weasley either."

"Wheezy not like that name. Wheezy is getting a new name," Dobby said.

Snape arched his eyebrow and asked, "Would you happen to know what that name is? Can you tell me?"

Dobby looked at him intently for a second before saying, "Harry Potter has given him the name of Black."

Snape snorted, amused. Oh, there are going to be some pissed off people when they find out. He heard a noise from the outside of his office and cursed. He grabbed a vial of Phoenix Tears that had been sitting on his desk and gave it to Dobby. "Play along," he hissed softly.

Dobby nodded in understanding and suddenly looked fearful. He began to quiver and Snape took a moment to admire the acting job of the house-elf. He would have to ask Potter about this strange house-elf.

He heard the door open softly and he leaned over the fearful house-elf. "Tell me where they are, or else I will make what Malfoy did to you seem like child's play. Tell me where Weasley and Potter are!" he roared.

Dobby began to wail frightfully. "Dobby cannot say. Dobby gave his word. Wheezy wanted Dobby to steal Phoenix Tears. Dobby not knows why," the blubbering house-elf cried.

"Severus, what's going on here?" Dumbledore asked with an edge to his voice.

Severus glanced at the Headmaster and sneered. "I caught this house-elf going through my potions ingredients. He had a vial of Phoenix Tears in his hands when I found him. When I questioned him, he told me his name was Dobby. Isn't that the house-elf who left with Potter and Weasley?" Snape asked.

The Headmaster looked enraged at Weasley's name, but quickly wiped the expression off his face. Snape smirked internally, who would have ever thought that he would respect a Weasley, but the boy had done something no one else had. He had outsmarted the Headmaster. It gave Snape all kinds of pleasure just thinking about it.

"Yes, he is. Have you found anything out?" Dumbledore asked, glaring at Dobby.

Snape shook his head and look at the house-elf with disgust. "This pathetic creature won't tell me a thing. Only that Weasley wanted the Phoenix Tears. I don't know what use it would be to him since he can't brew a potion to save his life." Actually, Weasley had improved in Potions quite a lot in his last year. He had been shocked when Weasley had actually passed his OWLS with a high enough grade to get into his NEWT class. With all that had happened, Weasley had thrown himself into his studies and passed the class, his grade slightly lower the Grangers and Malfoys.

The Headmaster stalked over to the quivering house-elf. "Tell me where Harry and Ron are," he demanded coldly.

The house-elf flinched and back away from the powerful figure. "Dobby not knows, Dobby can't tell you, Dobby..." Dobby said, cringing in fright.

Dumbledore cut off the quivering elf and said, "Dobby will receive the same fate as his previous mate if he doesn't tell me what I want to know. Now tell me where they are."

The house-elf stopped backing up and looked down at the floor. The Headmaster looked at him in satisfaction; he knew that bringing up Dobby's dead mate would get him what he wanted.

Snape looked the small house-elf in hidden sympathy. He knew what was likely to have happened to Dobby's mate. Many wizards had no qualms about separating or even killing mated house-elves. It was just a sad fact of the Wizarding World.

"Now, Dobby if you would be so kind..." Dumbledore started only to be interrupted.

Dobby straightened up and looked at the Headmaster in the eye. "No! Dobby will not tell you a thing, Headmaster. You have no rights over me any more. Dobby is not your house-elf," Dobby growled and Snape stared at the house-elf, shocked. What the hell just happened? This was not typical house-elf behavior.

The Headmaster stared at him, bewildered. He hadn't expected that. Every wizard knew that the house-elves were subservient and forced to serve. Even the free house-elves were too downtrodden to be anything other than submissive.

Dumbledore growled. "I will not tolerate this behavior from a house-elf. You will tell me what I want to know, or you will suffer the consequences." The Headmaster pulled out his wand and threw a cutting curse at the house-elf.

The house-elf stood there calmly, watching as the curse got closer. As it neared Dobby, a bright light surrounded the house-elf and the curse bounced off, flying towards the Headmaster. The old wizard ducked to dodge the curse and glanced at the house-elf, shock written on his face. That wasn't supposed to happen.

Dobby walked over to the Headmaster and snapped his fingers. Dumbledore flew across the room and slammed into the wall, an invisible force holding him there. Dobby looked at him, and to Snape's amazement, Dobby smirked.

"Dobby is a free elf. Dobby has given Wheezy and Harry Potter an oath of protection. Dobby's magic grows and Dobby doesn't need stupid stick for it to work. Dobby dislikes the Headmaster. The Headmaster tried to trick Wheezy and Harry Potter. Dobby protects them. Dobby is saying that if Headmaster tries to hurt them again, the Headmaster will be nothing but a greasy spot on the ground when Dobby is done with him," the small house-elf growled. "Dobby is leaving now and Dobby will be sure to tell Wheezy all about the Headmaster's treachery." With another snap, the Headmaster's head slammed against the wall and he was knocked unconscious. Dobby looked at the still figure, satisfied.

Dobby turned and looked at the fascinated and shocked Potions Master. "Dobby enjoyed that."

Snape stared at the house-elf, then looked over at Dumbledore. "Yes, I can see that. You could've left at any time, why did you stay? Why did you pretend?" he asked curiously.

Dobby grinned ferally. "Dobby wanted to make a point," he replied. The small house-elf looked over at the unconscious Headmaster and smirked. "Point made." Turning back to Snape, he said, "Dobby will be keeping the Phoenix Tears. Dumbly would be suspicious if they were still here." He gave the stunned man a wink then disappeared.

The room was quiet. Snape stared at the spot where the house-elf had stood, unable to comprehend what he had witnessed. The spell that had been holding the unconscious Headmaster dissolved and he fell to the floor.

Snape smirked, relishing the sight, before sighing. He walked over to the Dumbledore, pulled out his wand, and pointed it at the old wizard. "Ennervate," he muttered.

Dumbledore came to and looked are dazedly before remembering what had happened. He sat up, his eyes cold, his expression furious. Snape leaned down to help him up, but Dumbledore shook off his hands, got up off the floor.

"Where did he go?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes snapping with rage.

"I tried to Stupefy him, but he disappeared as soon as he knocked you out. I was unable to get a tracking spell on him. I'm sorry," Snape replied meekly.

Dumbledore sneered at him. "Incompetent fool," he spat. He took a deep breath and his rage calmed somewhat. He glared at Snape. "I have had it," he growled. "I will not be out smarted by two boys and a pathetic house-elf. You will find out where they are Snape, or I will have your ass thrown in Azkaban so fast your head will spin. Don't forget that I own you. It's about time you start earning your keep."

The Headmaster gave him one last glare and stomped out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Snape stared at the wall, shaken. He knew that his life was over. He would not betray Potter or Weasley. He would do whatever he could to make sure that two young men stayed out of Dumbledore's clutches, even if it meant his life. At least I would be dying for something, he thought wearily. I need a drink.

--0---0---0---0--

acerbus a -um [bitter]. Hence, of sounds, [harsh]; of looks, [dark, gloomy]; of speech or writing, [bitter]; of events, etc., [painful, severe]; of persons, [morose]; from the notion of unripeness, [premature]. Adv. acerbe, [bitterly, harshly]. LATIN