Dumbledore's usually droll face looked weary and sad. "We have an opportunity now to put a stumbling block in Voldemort's path. If we can prevent him from consolidating his powers, we may make short work of this."

The Headmaster gave a weary smile to the assembly.

"The hour is late. I think we all need some time to digest this information. Minerva, will you send out owls to the Weasleys and the others and update them on this latest news?"

"Right away." When the Transfiguration teacher stood to leave, it seemed a cue to the others to follow suite.

"Severus, please stay a moment," Dumbledore requested softly.

"Yea, stick around for a nightcap," Moody hooted and again slapped the Potions master's back in mock camaraderie. Snape bristled and the hands that gripped his chair trembled with the force of his control, or the after-effects of Bundimun extract.

When the others had left, Dumbledore turned to Snape. "Please, be seated, Severus. May I offer you some hot cocoa?"

Snape's arched eyebrow and the slight curl in the corner of his upper lip revealed his feelings about that offer. Nevertheless, Dumbledore busied himself for several moments over two steaming mugs. He returned to the table with them on a tin tray and presented one to Snape. "Perhaps something a bit stronger?" He said as he pulled a small copper flagon from thin air and poured just a tad of the clear liquid into their drinks. "We both deserve it."

The men sat in silence, sipping from their cups. Whatever it is that Albus keeps up his sleeve is not too bad, Snape thought. What a shame to adulterate it with warm milk and chocolate powder. He glanced up at the Headmaster and found those strong blue eyes studying him intensely. Snape held the gaze for a full half a minute until Dumbledore broke away and went to peer into the flames that crackled in the hearth.

"Severus, you have worked very hard. You put much on the line in our first fight against Voldemort and your dedication has contributed to the rebuilding of our society. And yet, you reap very little reward."

"Perhaps part of my efforts are to redeem certain things from my past."

"Yes, but once you have done the penance, you must allow yourself absolution."

"Have you kept me here to discuss theology, Albus?"

"Indeed no. The choice is yours, Severus. If we can stop Voldemort here at this line in the sand, we may end it once and for all. I'm not a general, though. I will not order you into the fray. I will tell you though that I think your cooperation is essential."

"I don't see how. Don't you think after all this time at Hogwarts my cover is blown?"

"Perhaps not. You are a wild card, Severus. This lifestyle you've imposed upon yourself may work in your favor. You at least maintain cordial relations with the Slytherin parents. It is a place to start."

The Potions master leaned over to cradle his head in his hands, long hair streaming down to his knees. How could he refuse Dumbledore?

"How do you suggest I start?"

"I would think Lucius Malfoy the obvious answer. You and he have a lot in common."

Snape grunted at this, his head snapping up, dark eyes glaring at Dumbledore.

"Hear me out, my friend. Both of you have managed to return to positions of respect in the wizarding community after the fall of Voldemort. From all reports, Malfoy has been welcomed back into the Dark Lord's embrace. Perhaps under his auspices...."

"Under Lucius Malfoy's leathery wing is not a place I ever hoped to be," Snape observed wryly.

"With the news we received tonight, it may be a very effective place for you to be in order to further the dissension in Voldemort's forces."

Snape sighed heavily. "Why wasn't I given the chance to accompany Hagrid instead?"

Dumbledore chuckled at the little joke. It was a good sign that Snape was facing up to the task ahead of him.

"I will of course leave the details to you, Severus, but I think it best that you begin this soon, tomorrow, if possible. Any support you need from anyone here...."

Both men looked up as the door to the office flew open with a bang. Minerva McGonagall stood there, clutching the doorframe.

"Albus," she gasped. "There's trouble at the Burrow!"