Riddle

"We?" Slughorn's face showed a flicker of hesitation, his eyes darting between Dumbledore and Snape. "Severus needs to see it too?"

"I don't suppose it matters much, Horace." Dumbledore gave a slight nod. "After all, he's the reason we're here. What do you think?"

"Oh, very well... indeed..." Slughorn muttered under his breath. "This whole affair tonight started because of him, and I hope he can learn a lesson from it..."

He reached very, very slowly into his pocket, drew out his wand, pressed its tip to his temple, and then pulled it away.

From the wand tip came a long, silvery thread of memory. It stretched longer and longer, finally snapped, and hung shimmering at the wand's end, swirling like mist...

After what felt like an age, they were once again yanked off the ground by an invisible force, soaring weightlessly through darkness, higher and higher, passing through a void together until they landed steadily back on the carpet before Dumbledore's desk, the Pensieve glittering in front of them.

Outside the window, it was still night.

"I think you saw that just now, Severus." Slughorn steadied himself and slowly turned his gaze to Snape. "Don't think I'm nagging—I told you before, Tom disappeared not long after graduation, and no one knew what became of him after that.

"I don't want the same for you. You have a bright future ahead.

"You must understand—the soul should remain whole and intact. Splitting it is a violation, something against nature. So stay far away from that thing. It's too evil, too dangerous..."

"Thank you, sir." Snape stepped forward and gave Slughorn a deep bow. "I will remember your warning."

Though he was already very familiar with this memory, the fact that Slughorn was willing to let him witness his own past disgrace, hoping it would serve as a caution, still filled Snape with deep respect.

Beneath the Old Sluggy's somewhat worldly and slick exterior, he had his own conscience, courage, and nobility.

"Albus..." Slughorn's voice was heavy with exhaustion. "I'm truly old... That Horcrux in the castle—let Severus take you to see it.

"As for that resignation letter I handed in before, if it's convenient, could you give it back to me once more..."

"Sir, you'd better not leave Hogwarts." Snape hurried forward, picked up the honey mead on the table, and poured Slughorn another small glass. "You'll be safer here."

"Why..." Slughorn took the glass, barely having the strength to speak loudly now. "What use is keeping an old man like me around... I could leave this country..."

Snape thought for a moment, then slowly pulled his wand from his pocket.

With a light flick of his wrist, he traced a few strokes in the air, conjuring three glittering names:

Tom Marvolo Riddle

Then he waved his wand again, and the letters rearranged themselves into:

I am Lord Voldemort

"This is for your own good, sir," Snape said quietly.

Slughorn's face turned even paler, his forehead beaded with sweat.

He said nothing, but his expression was one of terror.

At that moment, he finally connected Voldemort with the clever, handsome Male Student Council President who had once studied at Hogwarts.

Slughorn raised a plump hand and pressed his trembling fingers to his mouth, suddenly looking like a vast, helpless infant.

"I—I—" Slughorn gave a violent shudder, but seemed unable to tear his terrified gaze away from those words.

"I—I gave you his secret..." Slughorn murmured through his fingers, the fear on his face lingering long. "What am I to do now..."

"You need rest, Horace," Dumbledore said gently. "You're too tired. You'll feel much better after a good night's sleep.

"Besides, don't worry—everyone here will keep the secret. Isn't that right, Severus?"

Snape looked into Slughorn's eyes and nodded seriously. "If you're uneasy, I can make an Unbreakable Vow. Professor Dumbledore can be our witness."

"No, no need," Slughorn waved a weak hand and let out a heavy sigh. "That won't be necessary. Ah, it's just—I shouldn't have to bear so much..."

"I'll see you back, Horace." Dumbledore threw on his robes and turned to Snape. "Wait here for me, Severus. I'll be right back."

With that, he raised his wand again, and the wine bottle and three glasses on the table vanished instantly.

The two walked past Snape and closed the door behind them.

A minute later, Snape heard the Stone Monster leap aside and then back into place.

Bored, he began to look around.

Though the Old Headmasters were all lightly snoring in their frames, Snape was certain a few of them were faking it.

"Hello, Fawkes," Snape said, looking up at the phoenix perched on the golden branch by the door.

Professor Dumbledore's phoenix, Fawkes, fixed its bright black eyes on Snape.

"If I run into danger in the castle and call out Dumbledore's name, will you come save me, Fawkes?" Snape asked, pointing to the tattered, crumpled wizard's hat resting on a shelf. "Preferably bringing that thing along."

Beside the Sorting Hat, in a glass case, lay a gleaming silver sword with large rubies set in its hilt.

Looking at the Sorting Hat, Snape had no desire to try putting it on. Who knew if that ancient hat might actually read something it shouldn't? If that happened, he'd probably have to destroy it.

Then again, he mused, that might not be such a bad thing—maybe after that, Hogwarts could finally achieve house unity.

Lost in thought, Snape walked around the desk, reached out, and picked up the Sorting Hat from the shelf.

He stared at the Sword of Gryffindor in its case, then stuck his hand into the hat and felt around, trying to see if he could grab a hilt. But after groping for a while, there was nothing inside.

What the hell? he couldn't help complaining inwardly. Am I not brave enough? This old relic's house bias runs too deep.

"Hey, how about cutting me some slack?" Snape held the Sorting Hat up to his face. "Even if you once belonged to Godric Gryffindor, you can't play favorites."

"What are you doing, Severus?"

Just then, Dumbledore's voice came from behind him.

Thanks to Red Maple's monthly ticket.