Drabble: Allied
May. 27th, 2017 10:23 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alisanneTitle: Allied
Author:alisanne
Pairing/Characters: Severus Snape, others
Word Count: 100 x 6
Rating: PG
Challenge: Written for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
snape100/![[insanejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/ij-community.gif)
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snape100's prompt # 692: The Snapely Alphabet of Places - Merfolk town.
This is part Five of my Snape: Horcrux Hunter series (LJ/IJ/DW).
Warning(s): AU.
Beta(s):emynn.
Disclaimer: The characters contained herein are not mine. No money is being made from this fiction, which is presented for entertainment purposes only.
~
Allied
~
Severus entered the Three Broomsticks hesitantly.
“Upstairs,” said Rosmerta. “First door on the right.”
Climbing the stairs, Severus opened the door.
The figure at the window didn’t turn around. “I wasn’t sure I should meet you, Snape. You’ve a bad reputation.”
“Depends on who you ask,” Severus replied.
“True. I only agreed because you picked this place.”
“It’s…neutral.”
“Quite. Did you know Rosmerta even serves Merfolk from Merfolk town?”
“How?”
“There’s a basement well that connects to the lake. But we’re not here to discuss Rosmerta’s clientele, are we?”
“No.”
“Then what?”
Severus sighed. “I need your help, Kingsley.”
~
Kingsley whistled once Severus finished his story. “Incredible.” He frowned. “But why tell me? I’m an Auror.”
Severus nodded. “Because you’re fair. You were the one prefect who didn’t play favours, who never hexed me.”
Kingsley smiled. “I’d no reason to. But as fascinating as this is, I must report—”
“Wait. I’m also telling you because I need a partner. Someone to help me track down Horcruxes that could be hidden anywhere from Timbuktu to Merfolk town. I thought, as a Ravenclaw, you’d be intrigued.”
Kingsley sighed, shaking his head. “Relying on my curiosity, hm? Clever.”
“So…you’ll help?”
“Yes.”
~
Severus handed Kingsley a copy of Regulus’ notes.
“Is this the only copy?” Kingsley asked, flipping through.
“No, I’ve another complete copy back at mine,” Severus said.
Kingsley scanned the notes. “The ones you’ve crossed off have been destroyed?”
“Yes.”
“And he split his soul seven times? No wonder he’s an amoral monster.” Kingsley narrowed his eyes. “Are you sure it’s safe to keep the only other copy at yours?”
“It’s well hidden,” Severus assured him.
“Still.” Kingsley hummed. “You should consider a better hiding place.”
“Like?”
“Somewhere no one will think of.”
Severus nodded. “I may have an idea.”
~
“Well, your idea’s certainly unique,” Kingsley said as they stood on the shore of the Black Lake. “But why am I the one making the request?”
“Because you knew about Rosmerta’s basement well, which makes me think you have contacts in Merfolk town,” replied Severus. “Am I wrong?”
Kingsley sighed. “No. I know several merfolk. And I’ll ask. But if they say no—”
“I’ll think of somewhere else,” Severus promised.
Nodding, Kingsley bent down, touching the top of the water and closing his eyes. After several moments, he stood up. “They’ll allow us passage. How’s your Bubble-Head Charm?”
Severus smiled.
~
Merfolk town was fascinating. As they approached, swimming alongside merfolk, Severus itched to collect plant samples, but something told him they wouldn’t approve.
In the town centre, a crowd of merfolk waited. One wore a crown, and Severus assumed she was the leader.
Kingsley explained their request, and the chief inclined her head when he was done. “Even we have sensed the rising of Dark magic in the world,” she said. “Do you pledge to help keep us safe should need arise?”
Severus nodded. “I do.”
“As do I,” said Kingsley.
The chief smiled. “Then we will secure your secret.”
~
“Thanks,” Severus said once they’d returned to Hogsmeade.
Kingsley nodded. “I shan’t report this, although some information you’ve given me should be shared.” He sighed. “Sirius should know about Regulus, for example.”
Severus scowled. “Fine! As long as you don’t say where you got the information—”
“I won’t, nor will I tell anyone about the incriminating notes we’ve stashed in Merfolk town. Although I think you could reestablish some friendships if certain people knew about your efforts—”
“Certain people?”
“Lily Potter.”
Severus turned away. “She wants nothing to do with me, and the feeling’s mutual.”
“Right.” Kingsley hummed. “Later, Snape.”
~
Continued in Warning Delivered (LJ/IJ/DW).
Author:
alisannePairing/Characters: Severus Snape, others
Word Count: 100 x 6
Rating: PG
Challenge: Written for
snape100/snape100/snape100's prompt # 692: The Snapely Alphabet of Places - Merfolk town. This is part Five of my Snape: Horcrux Hunter series (LJ/IJ/DW).
Warning(s): AU.
Beta(s):
emynn.Disclaimer: The characters contained herein are not mine. No money is being made from this fiction, which is presented for entertainment purposes only.
~
Allied
~
Severus entered the Three Broomsticks hesitantly.
“Upstairs,” said Rosmerta. “First door on the right.”
Climbing the stairs, Severus opened the door.
The figure at the window didn’t turn around. “I wasn’t sure I should meet you, Snape. You’ve a bad reputation.”
“Depends on who you ask,” Severus replied.
“True. I only agreed because you picked this place.”
“It’s…neutral.”
“Quite. Did you know Rosmerta even serves Merfolk from Merfolk town?”
“How?”
“There’s a basement well that connects to the lake. But we’re not here to discuss Rosmerta’s clientele, are we?”
“No.”
“Then what?”
Severus sighed. “I need your help, Kingsley.”
~
Kingsley whistled once Severus finished his story. “Incredible.” He frowned. “But why tell me? I’m an Auror.”
Severus nodded. “Because you’re fair. You were the one prefect who didn’t play favours, who never hexed me.”
Kingsley smiled. “I’d no reason to. But as fascinating as this is, I must report—”
“Wait. I’m also telling you because I need a partner. Someone to help me track down Horcruxes that could be hidden anywhere from Timbuktu to Merfolk town. I thought, as a Ravenclaw, you’d be intrigued.”
Kingsley sighed, shaking his head. “Relying on my curiosity, hm? Clever.”
“So…you’ll help?”
“Yes.”
~
Severus handed Kingsley a copy of Regulus’ notes.
“Is this the only copy?” Kingsley asked, flipping through.
“No, I’ve another complete copy back at mine,” Severus said.
Kingsley scanned the notes. “The ones you’ve crossed off have been destroyed?”
“Yes.”
“And he split his soul seven times? No wonder he’s an amoral monster.” Kingsley narrowed his eyes. “Are you sure it’s safe to keep the only other copy at yours?”
“It’s well hidden,” Severus assured him.
“Still.” Kingsley hummed. “You should consider a better hiding place.”
“Like?”
“Somewhere no one will think of.”
Severus nodded. “I may have an idea.”
~
“Well, your idea’s certainly unique,” Kingsley said as they stood on the shore of the Black Lake. “But why am I the one making the request?”
“Because you knew about Rosmerta’s basement well, which makes me think you have contacts in Merfolk town,” replied Severus. “Am I wrong?”
Kingsley sighed. “No. I know several merfolk. And I’ll ask. But if they say no—”
“I’ll think of somewhere else,” Severus promised.
Nodding, Kingsley bent down, touching the top of the water and closing his eyes. After several moments, he stood up. “They’ll allow us passage. How’s your Bubble-Head Charm?”
Severus smiled.
~
Merfolk town was fascinating. As they approached, swimming alongside merfolk, Severus itched to collect plant samples, but something told him they wouldn’t approve.
In the town centre, a crowd of merfolk waited. One wore a crown, and Severus assumed she was the leader.
Kingsley explained their request, and the chief inclined her head when he was done. “Even we have sensed the rising of Dark magic in the world,” she said. “Do you pledge to help keep us safe should need arise?”
Severus nodded. “I do.”
“As do I,” said Kingsley.
The chief smiled. “Then we will secure your secret.”
~
“Thanks,” Severus said once they’d returned to Hogsmeade.
Kingsley nodded. “I shan’t report this, although some information you’ve given me should be shared.” He sighed. “Sirius should know about Regulus, for example.”
Severus scowled. “Fine! As long as you don’t say where you got the information—”
“I won’t, nor will I tell anyone about the incriminating notes we’ve stashed in Merfolk town. Although I think you could reestablish some friendships if certain people knew about your efforts—”
“Certain people?”
“Lily Potter.”
Severus turned away. “She wants nothing to do with me, and the feeling’s mutual.”
“Right.” Kingsley hummed. “Later, Snape.”
~
Continued in Warning Delivered (LJ/IJ/DW).
no subject
Date: 2017-05-28 12:15 pm (UTC)And I think the idea to hide a secret with the Merfolk is really ingenious. (It's quite telling that Voldemort nver had such a good hiding place for his own secrets/horcruxes. Well, being powerful doesn't make you intelligent, right? :P)
Thank you, dear alisanne! ^^
no subject
Date: 2017-05-29 01:33 am (UTC)Plus, he's trusted by everyone. If and when Severus needs more help, Kingsley being able to vouch for him will come in handy. :)
Voldemort's downfall was hubris. He wasn't that smart, and he didn't know he wasn't that smart. No wonder
HermioneHarry ran circles around him. *g*Thank you for the lovely comment!
no subject
Date: 2017-05-29 07:22 pm (UTC)This line I like above all re Lily, and I hope it is truly meant: Severus turned away. “She wants nothing to do with me, and the feeling’s mutual.”
no subject
Date: 2017-05-29 10:27 pm (UTC)*nods* I thought Kingsley made sense here. He's fair and smart and trustworthy. :)
I think Severus' feelings for Lily are ~complicated. I also think we may see him deal with them eventually.
no subject
Date: 2017-07-24 03:43 am (UTC)Tho' I'm sort of sad that he won't consider a reconciliation with Lily. It might come to nothing, but sometimes just seeing a person again when you're older & some time has passed is helpful....
no subject
Date: 2017-07-24 06:27 pm (UTC)Yes, I thought Kingsley would be honorable and might give him a fair hearing.
As for the merpeople, well, I hadn't seen them involved before, and I figured why not give them a chance to contribute? :)
I think Severus would be up for reconciling with Lily, although he may never say so.
There's a lot of water under that bridge I'm guessing. :(