The Last Sanguimagus

"There's a passageway on the fourth floor that we could use," whispered Harry as they left Myrtle's bathroom.

"Let's go," said Hermione determinedly.

The mirror slid aside to let them enter. Hermione cast an Anti-Eavesdropping Charm after the mirror glided back into place so that no one could accidentally overhear their conversation.

Ron looked pale. "Who would've thought there'd be another monster down there? One wasn't enough?"

"That's if Tanner is telling the truth," said Hermione.

"But she had Basilisk blood all over her robes," said Harry. "Besides, why would she lie about it?"

"If she is working for Voldemort, then she'd have every reason to want a Basilisk to be down there, so that he could return to the school at some future point and control it," said Hermione impatiently.

"Then why'd she kill it?" asked Ron.

"We don't know that she killed it. Perhaps she was drawing some of the Basilisk's power," mused Hermione. "She's a blood witch. She might have needed its blood for some spell. And she sealed the entrance...remember what she said? So that no one could get in, or out."

"Look, I think that's rubbish," said Ron. "You're just upset because she made you promise not to research something."

Hermione turned pink. "That's not true--"

"Look, the bell is going to ring soon for dinner," said Harry. "The whole reason we went to Myrtle's bathroom was to hear what you both had to say."

Hermione nodded. "You're right. Ginny saw Snape taking a cauldron down Tanner's corridor."

"That's your news?" asked Ron in disbelief. "That's what you were so chuffed about?"

Hermione looked distinctly angry. "It's very interesting, and if your brain wasn't so full of Quidditch manoeuvres you'd see how important it is--"

Trying to defuse the situation, Harry cut in. "Why is it important, Hermione?"

"He's delivering a potion to Tanner!" she said exasperatedly. "That's who he was brewing that potion for...the really complicated one! We need to find out what it's for."

"Did Ginny see Snape give it to Tanner?" asked Harry.

"Well--no, actually."

"How do we know it was for Tanner? It could have been for Firenze," he added.

"Look, it makes sense," she said. "Both of them are into the Dark Arts..."

"You think they're plotting together?" asked Harry. "Why?"

"I don't know yet," she said. "Maybe Snape is trying to draw her out so that he can expose her and turn her in...I want to get a sample of that potion."

"You're going to get us expelled!" said Ron, horrified.

"I don't think that's a good idea," said Harry uneasily. "Snape would be all too happy to see us thrown out...and Tanner...she seems fairly no-nonsense as well."

There was silence for a moment. "Ron, what were you saying about Fred and George?" said Hermione, changing the subject abruptly.

"Er...they joined the Order, and Mum gave them both a good rollicking for that...They say things are starting to happen, little things...no Dark Marks in the air or anything like that yet, but they say it's coming. And they're in touch with everyone who's left Hogwarts...you know...DA people. They're ready for a meeting over Christmas break."

"Sounds great," said Harry.

Ron checked his watch. "Let's get to dinner." Hermione ended the Anti-Eavesdropping Charm and they emerged from the passageway.

***

Severus had little appetite. Tomorrow's business weighed heavily on him. Even Aurora left him alone, knowing better than to attempt conversation when he was in this sort of mood.

Knowing there was a staff meeting that night did not improve his mood. Honestly, he'd rather sleep than listen to another Silas monologue. He gave up on his meal and instead took another sip of wine and stared out into the Great Hall.

He watched as Nott's son approached the Head Table and, surprisingly enough, went to speak with Filius. Severus wanted to cast the eavesdropping spell, but Aurora was watching him out of the corner of her eye, so he decided against it. Nott returned to his seat, to an open look of curiosity from Draco. Now that was interesting.

Ah, the Slytherins he watched over...they never stopped surprising him. He smirked. Little snakes, all of them.

***

As they left the Great Hall and moved into the entrance hall, Hermione nudged Harry. He looked in the same direction she was and noticed Malfoy huddled with Crabbe, Goyle, and Nott. Nott seemed to be arguing with Malfoy about something. Harry shrugged.

"I wonder what they're up to," said Hermione.

"Something rotten," said Ron grimly.

***

"Now, I know that you're eager to retire for the evening," said Minerva, "but there are still two more orders of business to discuss. First of all, the Headmaster will be absent for most of the day tomorrow, away on business at the Ministry."

Severus wasn't paying the strictest attention. As a matter of fact his mind was drifting off somewhere investigating the addition of Re'em blood to Strengthening Solution...but Minerva's words brought him soundly back to the staff meeting. The Headmaster will be gone tomorrow. A seed of worry began to grow in his thoughts. If there was some pressing news, some urgent matter brooked at the Death Eater meeting, he might not be able to reach the Headmaster. The Ministry had very serious magical controls surrounding it, after all. It was also worrisome that they were understaffed for tomorrow. Nearly everyone had some prior engagement that would take them away from the school.

"My last point of business," said Minerva crisply, "is to thank Filius for voluntarily cancelling his Charms presentation in London to stay and escort the children to Hogsmeade tomorrow. It was very generous of him, and we are in his debt. It is heartwarming to see a professor help out in a time of need." She shot Sarah a meaningful glance. "Silas, as this is your first trip to Hogsmeade, I would like to speak with you before you leave. There are some regular tricks the children try to play on the chaperones...Oh, and I must mention that we are already planning the Halloween Feast. If you have something special to contribute, then please contact Pomona or myself. Thank you for attending."

The teachers stood up and began to leave. Severus watched as Sarah stood up slowly. He knew that a few of the others were watching clandestinely. No doubt the rumors were flying around Hogwarts. He grimaced and strode out of the staffroom.

There were students everywhere, roaming the halls, excitedly whispering to each other and making plans for the Hogsmeade visit tomorrow. His grimace turned into a scowl.