"The first thing you need to tell me is what you saw in Harry's memory."
After drinking a cup of Strengthening Potion, Dumbledore asked Snape, who stood quietly not far from his desk.
"A dream," Snape said. "A dream about that night, except there were two more people."
"Two?" Dumbledore asked, somewhat surprised.
"Yes. One was Voldemort, and the other was also Voldemort."
Dumbledore's eyes widened, but his look of surprise soon faded. He sat quietly in his chair, lost in thought.
Snape's gaze fell on Dumbledore's right hand. It was covered in black spots, but at least it didn't look as terrible as before.
It had been healed by Bottu's power.
But in truth, Bottu couldn't solve the problem at its root.
"Two years, or perhaps three. That should be the limit."
Snape thought to himself, then looked away from the mottled hand.
Dumbledore, deep in thought, seemed not to have noticed any of it.
"Severus." Dumbledore emerged from his thoughts. "I'd like you to show me your Patronus Charm."
Snape's brow immediately furrowed. Dumbledore's request was an affront to him.
"I have to be certain, Severus." Dumbledore raised his right hand. "Just as you used this hand to decide whether I was worth following."
Snape's eyes widened.
Damn you, Dumbledore. Nothing gets past you.
"This concerns that child's life, Severus," Dumbledore said gravely. "Please, let me see it."
"Expecto Patronum."
Snape didn't hesitate. He drew his wand and pointed it in front of himself. A silver doe landed on the floor.
It leapt lightly onto the desk, then sprang again, running through the air as it circled the office.
Dumbledore watched it make several circuits before slowly fading away. Then he looked at Snape and saw that the latter's eyes were brimming with tears.
"Has it never changed