1984, Hideout.
Hogwarts was quiet that day. when everyone had found out about the sudden departure of professor lenoir, it had been a shock for all. But as time does not wait for anyone, people are all replaceable. Students were busy with their school work and had stopped wondering for the reason of resignement of their muggle studies professor.
Everything had seemed to go back to normal. Professor Dumbledore was announcing the dates for the final exams at dinner before everyone went on with their dinner and chatting in teh Great Hall. Things were changing, yet Hogwarts remained strong and safe for the wizarding youth to attend. Professors were being extra strict towards their students, judging the exams coming were not a time to fool around. But the adults were secretly feeling the uneasiness around. Agnes Lenoir being gone so suddenly and the headmaster not wanting to tell anyone about why she had left was adding tension to the school staff. What had happened?
Professors Snape had become the shadow of himself, only portraying his worst character full of disdain and anger towards his students. He would test them each class and give harshful comments to anyone who showed any type of hesitation during potion class. His popularity had reached such a low level some first years were found crying before the beginning of their class.
***
September 3rd, 1984
A new school year had started. Students were happy to see each other after a summer apart, and the professors were eager to begin their program with a new class. Everyone was now a grade higher and were more or less excited to learn new magic tricks and get more responsibility in various subjects. Hogwarts had also welcomed a new muggle studies professor: Quirinus Quirrell, a strange looking man who seemed pretty clumsy and students were already inventing jokes about him.
- professor ! professor dumbledore ! Called out Minerva Mcgonagall at the headmaster after breakfast, before he left the great hall.
The old man turned around.
- Yes, What is it? he asked, his eyes still looking a bit sleepy from the night.
- I need to discuss private matters with you, would now be a bad time?
- Oh, no, no, Let's step into my office first, and you can explain it all to me.
The long path to the headmaster's office led them to discuss various lighthearted topics before they'd finally reach the room. There, Dumbledore recited the password before entering and saluted his old friend, a gorgeous phoenix bird who seemed to have waited for him to come back.
- Now, speak, Minerva. What is it you wanted to tell me?
- I have funded worries about our previous muggle studies professor, Agnes Lenoir. I hvae never asked you about her sudden departure last term, and have assumed she had found a new path for herself, although I was concerned she left during the aacademic year with no notice. Thought it was quite irresponsable, to say the least. But i have written to her over the summer, to try and understand where she had been headed so urgently. Perhaps a family matter, I thought? But my owls were all returned to me, they seemed to had never reached her.
The headmaster was looking down at the pile of papers stacked on his desk, not looking right at Minerva. He frowned his eyebrows, waiting for her to continue.
- I was in London last July, and tried to visit the Lenoirs, as Agnes had invited me to do so when I would be present in the capital city. But her own father, sir Lenoir, told me he had no idea of her whereabouts and had not been able to reach her since she'd left Hogwarts. That's when I really started to worry. As you are the only person who seemed to know more than all of us gathered, I came to ask you for more details. what happened to Agnes, Albus?
Minerva looked half worried, half determined. As if she was eager to hear the truth, yet scared it might be bad news. Dumbledore looked up, taking off his round glasses and walked around his desk to come a bit closer to his colleague.
- He will be back, Minerva.
- He? who ?
- You know Who. He will be back sooner or later.
- What ? how is it possible ?
- He will find a way, if he hasn't already.
Minerva's face looked horrified. She put a hand on her heart, trying to prepare for the rest of the news.
- Agnes was... pretty much linked to that matter. Although I cannot tell you the details of it, you must know that she was targeted by death eaters. A few of them, we don't know how many, are still living free out there. They believe that Agnes is the key to 'resurrecting' the body of you know who. And Agnes being here at Hogwarts was endangering everyone, especially the students.
Minerva grabbed a chair to sit down, trying to swallow the news. She took a deep breath.
- Where is she now?
Dumbledore broke the eye contact to look back at the window, sighing.
- Do you know where she is, Albus? insisted Minerva.
- I told her I could find a hiding place for her to be safe, but you know how she was, she wanted to lessen the burden on me.
- She is left alone to fight again them! You should have protected her more than that.
Minerva looked angry and disappointed in both the headmaster and herself. How could she have been doubtful of her colleague when she was going through so much at the time? She had left Hogwarts to protect them all. She felt terrible.
Dumbledore stayed silent, still looking by the window, where the view gave a large sight on the forbidden forest, where the sun was now rising from behind the trees.
***
Months passed and autumn was now letting place for winter to set in. Days were getting colder and students were all wearing thick uniform coats and double layers of socks. Owls were sleeping close to each other to keep each other warm and the meals served each day were mostly hot soup and season vegetables. The first Quidditch game had just happened and Hufflepuff were in first place. Professor Snape had been seen talking with the headmaster more often than usual, and some thought he was being reprimanded for his unfair behavior towards certain houses, favoring Slytherin who he was the head teacher of.
- Any news? the headmaster asked as he closed his office door after Snape had just stepped in.
- I have reached out to all the drifters from Hogsmade and nearby villages. Even went to London to check on a few... acquaintances, to get more info. No one has seen nor heard of her in months. Severus explained calmly, walking in a circle in the office.
- I see. Thank you for your cooperation, Severus. Answered albus, seemingly disappointed not to have news about the topic.
A moment of silence occured between the two. Snape sighed before taking the courage of asking one question.
- Do you think, she's alright? He said, his voice cracking a bit.
- I am not sure you're allowed to be the one who worries for her, are you, Severus?
- I-...
- I am sure you have not forgotten WHY Agnes has found herself in this situation, have you?
Dumbledore had slightly raised his voice, betraying a sense of anger. Snape look down, clenching his jaw. Of course he knew. How could he forget he was the one who had betrayed her? Who had put her in such grave danger.
- She is alive. Said Dumbledore simply without looking at him, walking back to his desk.
Snape nodded and left the room, going back instantly to his cold and dull expression.