Wenge Castle.
In the attic study, Shawn slowly sipped his tea.
Snape's expression shifted, his fists clenched tight as he challenged the unruffled Shawn.
"Nothing can happen to Harry. You promised."
Shawn raised an eyebrow, then nodded and shook his head.
"I did promise, but Harry is a living person. I'm not going to be his personal nanny. Keeping Harry alive matters a great deal to you, but I have other, more important things to do."
Snape choked on his response. He held out his hand, revealing the faintly visible silver chains within, and protested.
"We have an Unbreakable Vow!"
Amused by Snape's agitation, Shawn tried to soothe him.
"I haven't broken my vow. As long as Harry stays put at Hogwarts, he'll be perfectly safe. Rather than doing this, you should keep a close eye on him and stop him from running around.
"I think, instead of worrying about Harry's safety, you should be hoping I grow stronger quickly enough to retrieve Lily Evans's soul from the World of the Dead."
Snape drew a deep breath and stopped pressing him. Convinced, he swept his sleeve aside and headed out.
Outside, Lucius was approaching the attic with Barty Crouch when they passed the grim-faced Snape.
Lucius had intended to greet his old friend, only to be ignored by that sour face, leaving him rather baffled.
A thoughtful look flickered in Barty Crouch's eyes. He had not expected Snape to be one of Shawn's trusted confidants.
The two were just about to enter the attic when Shawn slowly emerged from the stairway.
Barty Crouch immediately composed himself, strode forward, and dropped to one knee.
"Greetings, my lord. Barty Crouch pays his respects and requests permission to brave the Pentagram Fire Escape to demonstrate his loyalty! I am confident I can pass