now posting: omitted — third year severitus fic
"The dementors will be stationed at Hogwarts." Dumbledore's tone was measured. "They'll cover all points of entry."
"Dementors are Ministry instruments. They operate on Ministry priorities. I am not interested in Ministry priorities." Snape remained standing. Intentional. "I am interested in the wards around this castle, which were designed with the assumption that Sirius Black was in Azkaban."
"The castle's existing wards are considerable."
"They are general. I want specific." He crossed to the window. The grounds below were the grounds in August, empty and unhelpful. "He may have access to means the Ministry never registered. The perimeter flags need to be calibrated for concealed and transformed signatures."
"That seems prudent," Dumbledore agreed. It was not agreement. It was the tone Dumbledore used when he intended to let a subordinate feel heard without committing to anything. Snape had been a student here. He recognised it.
"The castle flagged an unfamiliar magical signature on the western approach in July. I updated the perimeter afterward." He turned from the window. "There should not have been any unidentified signature on the western approach."
Dumbledore's face changed. A small movement, too deliberate to ignore.
"You were aware." It was not a question.
"I was aware that the wards had registered an unfamiliar signature," Dumbledore told him. "I was monitoring the situation."
The word landed with the weight Snape intended. "While Sirius Black circled the castle where Harry lives."
"Harry is at the Burrow."
"Harry will be here in four weeks. And Lupin will be teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts." He watched Dumbledore's face. "Black was imprisoned for the murder of Peter Pettigrew and twelve Muggles and is at large near the grounds. One of his known associates is currently employed at this school. I want the wards updated before term."
Dumbledore was quiet for a moment in the manner of someone choosing words.
"Remus Lupin is not Sirius Black's accomplice." A pause. "I have reason to believe that."
"You have information I do not."
The silence this produced was long enough. Snape stood with it.
"Update the wards," he told Dumbledore. "Personally. I will not wait for the Ministry's timetable."
