Tonks flat in Hogsmeade
Snape
Severus received the owl and cursed his luck. "Of course I'd be the one," he grumbled as he grabbed his cloak off the rack and with a handful of floo powerder, floo'd to Tonks flat in Hogsmeade. "I came as soon as the blasted owl would release the parchment. Did you bribe him with extra owl treats to be difficult?" he asked with a scowl on his face.
Tonks
Tonks jumped as the fireplace flared green and she had her wand out before she realised. "Snape. How simply wonderful to see you," she gritted out.
Snape
He sniffed disdainfully, "What is so important that I needed to be called from my dungeons on such short notice?" He crossed his arms over his chest as he stood glaring at the young metamorphmagus.
Tonks
Tonks grinned. "Actually, it's matter of great importance so drop the attitude." She went back to unpacking the numerous boxes scattered throughout the room, removing food and other supplies. "However I understand that Potions is an oh so exciting subject so I will make this quick. The Ministry transferred me here to suss out any Dark activities here or anyone that might be loyal to You-Know-Who. You have heard, of course, of the increased Dementor sightings?"
Snape
His dark eyes watched her in amazement, why she wasn't just using her magic to put everything away...he sighed. "Yes, I am aware of the Dementors. I've attempted to get something out of the Dark Lord, but he won't talk. He'd rather torment me, but that is neither here nor there." He shook his head, completely exasperated. He walked over and began to help her unpack. "Have there been sightings close to the school?"
Tonks
Tonks frowned as Snape bent down to help her with box but shrugged and said, "Not yet, but there have been three sightings in Hogsmeade in the last two weeks. No major attacks and no one got hurt but it is still cause for worry."
Snape
"Most definitely cause to worry," he said, lifting a stack of books. "Where do you want these?" He must have lost his mind, but if he stood and watched her he'd end up hexing her. "What do you need us to do? Dumbledore has already up the wards, I've been researching new blocking spells against Dementors. Do you," he paused, raised eyebrow, "have any suggestions?"
Tonks
Tonks nodded towards the shelf in the corner. "Just chuck 'em up there." She sighed. "Unfortunately at the moment I have nothing to suggest. The Ministry simply does not have enough information yet in order to create a viable plan of defence which is in theory why I am out here. Last night Grevin transferred half the Aurors out into the countryside to take up undercover positions like mine."
Snape
"Sounds like a wonderfully cunning plan." Severus didn't care to much for the current Minister for Magic. He snorted, "Typical Ravenclaw, his idea of a cunning plan is 'everybody on the count of three."
Tonks
Tonks nodded and pressed her lips together. "Oh yeah, it's a great plan. Except for one problem. There aren't enough Aurors. Grevin has spread us out so thin that 'everybody on the count of three' isn't going to work. If You-Know-Who makes his move now, I have no idea how we could repel him."
Snape
Severus thought for a moment. "Well you have us in the school. I may have someone who can help out." He swallowed, remembering the Dark Lords wishes to meet Julia. He took a deep breath and began. "She is a bounty hunter. Strong with magic. I'll introduce you to her. She has been working in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures."
Tonks
Tonks raised her eyebrow. "Bounty hunter? Nice company you keep there, Snape. But, thanks, I would like to talk to her. At the moment however, unless you have an army hidden out at Hogwarts there isn't much you can do. Dumbledore knows about the situation so all we can really do is wait and gather more information. Our best hope is going to be a covert attack and..." Tonks trailed off and shook her head. "Never mind. I'm sure I am only telling you what you already know. My point in owling you was just to let you know that I was here and available if anything comes up."
Snape
He nodded his head, "Very well, I'll take my leave and owl Miss Lee as soon as possible." He turned to head to the floo and stopped, his voice was deep and solemn as he spoke. "Miss Lee is in danger. The Dark Lord has taken an unusual interest in her. She could be an asset, but I...worry." He loathed himself for having to admit this. "I think she would be safer in Hogsmeade then anywhere... else. I appreciate your giving her the opportunity." He paused, his thoughts raced and he flushed with self anger.
Tonks
Tonks nodded, wondering at the politeness in Snape's tone. "Don't mention it. A part of my job is to suss out any potentional allies. Lee... Are you talking about the American Lee's? I think I met one of them once. Brendan? Brian? You're familiar with them?"
Snape
Severus turned sharply, raising an eyebrow. "You know her of her? Yes, her father is Brian. She is in the states currently. I'd have her stay there, but the Dark Lords reach is far. No where is safe, but we do need allies, as you said."
Tonks
Tonks noticed his discomfort and wondered. He seemed awfully protective of this girl. "I must have met Brian then. Only briefly but he seemed like quite a character." She snapped her fingers suddenly. "Daughter's name is Julia right. Ah, yes, I know who you're talking about. She's supposed to be pretty good. Know her well?" She couldn't help but ask.
Snape
He cleared his throat, "Yes, met her last summer when Albus had me off in Mexico collecting those ingredients." He mumbled something that sounded like, 'Hand delivery my arse' and 'barmy old codger'. "She and I are...friends."
Tonks
Tonks grinned and tilted her head. "Friends, you say," she said, drawing the word out. "Sounds interesting. Anything else you want to say?"
Snape
He narrowed his eyes and felt his cheeks flush. "No. I'll owl Miss Lee and tell the Headmaster that you will be in Hogsmeade." He turned and floo'd back to his office.
Tonks
Tonks blinked as Snape disappeared into the fireplace, then grinned again as the fireplace cleared. This was interesting, she thought. She never would have expected Snape to be involved with someone like that Lee woman was rumoured to be like. She sighed and turned back to unpacking.