“beyond wandpoint” 013 by gingerbred
Mar. 19th, 2019 07:10 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
beyondwandpoint“11 07-08f Fri - Sat - Dumbledore's Decision”
...in which Albus in an absolute Arse and then finally goes to bed.
Albus
Originally Published: 2017-11-16 on AO3
Chapter: 013
Pairing: Hermione Granger / Severus Snape
Rating: Mature
Warnings: Major Character Death, Rape/Non-Con
The bonding doesn't need to happen now, but it needs to happen before someone astute recognises the key to destroying his spy irrevocably and makes use of it. Albus suspects Bellatrix is at the core of these problems. On the other hand, were it to happen now, it increases the risk to his Potions Master physically, as he desperately needs time to recover. Albus is reasonably certain that Tom currently has no desire to see Severus dead. He thinks he can trust to that. And if Severus is in his weakened state, he's less likely to kick up an effective fuss against this scheme. Albus has no doubt he can get the man to consent to it eventually, but whether that will happen before the opposition breaks him...
And were his spy's life in great peril now, and could Miss Granger be convinced that this arrangement is primarily for her benefit... What Albus knows of the young woman would indicate that she is likely to quickly become Severus' staunchest ally. Indeed, guilt would help her stand by him, no matter how difficult he's inclined to make it, and realistically an honest assessment needs to admit he's likely to make it extremely difficult. But feelings of guilt should prove easy enough to arrange. They're already present. And should she stand by him unwaveringly, in response, perhaps she could succeed in gaining his trust. Albus expects that will prove more challenging.
He's encouraged by the young woman's recognition and acknowledgment of some of Severus actions and his willingness to sacrifice. She's actually grateful. With luck, she might not fight this all too much. Severus, naturally, will rely too heavily on her refusal. That in turn creates opportunities Albus won't hesitate to make use of. If Severus can be manoeuvred to agree if she does... Her responses to Albus' questions demonstrated to him not just how close to his limits the Potions Master is, but that she sees him, at least in part, for who he is. And appreciates what she sees.
That is... extraordinary.
There's respect. Even some admiration. There are things she likes about him. That's so singular as to quite probably place her firmly in a minority of one.
Additionally, the behaviour Miss Granger has routinely tolerated from both Harry and Mr. Weasley, while still counting them as her closest friends, would indicate she has a high threshold for abuse. Or a fundamentally faulty understanding of the normal dynamics of friendships. Probably both. That, coupled with extremely low expectations, most likely related to self esteem issues as an awkward Muggle-born, all accompanied by an almost unhealthy degree of loyalty. Yes... She's practically perfect for this plan. Albus almost feels guilty for exploiting that. He might, even, did he not consider this so... necessary.
With some amusement, it occurs to him that that is something she and Severus have in common. Very low expectations of and correlating demands on their friends. In fact, they seem to have inherently flawed definitions of what friendship entails. While both being more than willing to offer more, they regularly settle without complaint for far less.
Perhaps they could bond over it... He wonders if he's just being mean. But it could be a good thing for them. Not that it matters to him much if it is.
The only question will be how to enable this to happen without jeopardising her friendship to Harry. Albus has some ideas. They will take time. But then this tactic might just provide them all with the time they need for those ideas to come to fruition.
He's now reasonably certain, without Severus, Albus himself falls, and without Miss Granger, Harry won't make it to the battle. Not that it would matter, because he wouldn't succeed anyway, as Severus wouldn't have sorted the Invincibility Potion. And Albus firmly believes Severus and Miss Granger are at risk. So obviously this is all frightfully necessary.
There's a slim possibility that he's trying to convince himself that the witch is at such risk because he needs to use her for this scheme of his. If so, he's done such a thorough job that he no longer recognises that fact.
More difficult than convincing the young woman will be wrangling the Professor's tendencies to distrust and push away all and sundry. Some of that is a inclination towards self-flagellation. But Albus expects that should be reducing the more Severus is very concretely and harshly punished by others. At some point, the man should hit bottom and decline such treatment. Or at least see the sense in no longer adding to the problems. Indeed, it's conceivable someone could teach him the wisdom of that before it gets that far. Were he only able to trust that person.
And that, of course, is the second factor in his self-imposed isolation. A fundamental lack of trust in those around him. It's not unjustified. Quite the contrary. But it can be disadvantageous. Particularly now in his vulnerable state. Albus thinks he has an idea how to solve that, too.
Indeed, his plan is coming together nicely. At least in his own thoughts.
Minerva won't be pleased. That much is clear. But then she doesn't need to be. She'll blame Severus; she always does. That might even be expedient, providing more cover for the man. And perhaps Miss Granger can offer sufficient support to counterbalance that. Albus suspects she'll be inclined to try. He only needs to see to it that the Potions Master accepts that support...
The members of the Order won't be pleased. They certainly don't need to be. That, too, might work to their advantage, given that Severus' days as a spy per se are numbered. In the next phase of the operation, the less he is liked (can he be liked any less?), the fewer doubts as to the reasons for his actions, the better. The safer, even, for the man in question. It's practically a boon.
Severus won't be pleased. But then he doesn't need to be either. If anything, it might add to the growing resentment that will enable him to cast the Avada when the time comes. And all while providing him with a replacement confidante when Albus is no longer... available for that purpose.
Clearly this is the best option.
Firmly resolved to present his plan to Miss Granger in the morning, the Headmaster retires for what little is left of the night. He has much research and a fair bit of lobbying to do tomorrow.
A/N:
Thank you for your patience. We now return you to your regularly scheduled SS/HG.