"This," Snape stepped forward to introduce, "it's Phoenix Peverell." Pen ~ Fun ~ Pavilion www.biquge.info Phoenix, this is my teacher, his name is Horace Slughorn. ”

"Ah, you're—" Slughorn's eyes lit up at the hearing of Phoenix's name, but he stopped abruptly as soon as he said a few words, "you think you'll be able to convince me, do you? Severus, don't try to play these little tricks in front of me." ”

He pushed Phoenix away and walked over, and turned his face resolutely to the side, as if he were resisting some temptation.

"I suppose we can at least have a drink, right?" asked Snape, "haven't seen you in a long time?"

Slughorn hesitated.

"Okay, just have a drink. He said stiffly.

Snape glanced at Phoenix and led him to a chair. The chair was a lot like the one Slughorn had just impersonated, with a freshly lit fire and a bright oil lamp next to it.

Phoenix sat down in his chair, his position far more prominent than Snape's, the light of the fire shining unreservedly on him. When Slughorn finished dealing with the bottles and cups and turned his face again, his eyes fell on Phoenix.

"Hmph," he quickly looked away, as if afraid that his eyes would hurt, "to—" He handed a glass to Snape, who had already sat down, and pushed the tray towards Phoenix, before sitting down in a pile of cushions on the freshly restored couch, and fell silent with a straight face. His legs were too short to reach the ground.

"Congratulations, headmaster—I think you're the second Slytherin headmaster after Headmaster Phineas. The three of them raised their glasses and touched each other.

"Thank you. ”

"Poor Albus—"

Slughorn lowered his head and stared at his glass, as if remembering his old friend. Phoenix, however, had a feeling that he was avoiding opening his mouth, waiting for them to stay no longer and leave.

"How's it going, Professor, you've been doing lately?" Snape provoked.

"Not good," Slughorn said immediately, "out of breath." Asthma, and rheumatism, legs and feet are not as dexterous as they used to be. Alas, this is also to be expected. People are old and useless. ”

"However, you must have been agile enough to prepare such a welcome scene in such a short period of time. Snape said, "You won't get an alert for more than three minutes, will you?"

Slughorn said, half annoyed, half smug, "Two minutes." I was in the shower and didn't hear the alarm that my invasion spell had been lifted. But," he said with a grimace as he seemed to regain his composure, "I am an old man, Severus. A tired old man has the right to live a quiet life and get some material comforts. ”

He certainly did not lack creature comforts, the room was crowded and messy, but no one would say that it was uncomfortable. There are soft chairs, ottomans, drinks and books, as well as boxes of chocolates and a bunch of bulging cushions. The cabinet next to it was full of photos, all of which were of him and his students.

"So, Professor, all these security measures against intruders - are they against the Death Eaters, or are they against me?" Snape asked.

"What's the use of the Death Eaters asking me for this useless old bone?" Slughorn asked rhetorically.

"With your ingenuity for repression, torture and murder, I think it's just the appetite of the Death Eaters," Snape whispered, "Avery, Murseber, they've always wanted to talk to you." ”

Slughorn had a few wrinkles on his wide head, and then whispered, "I didn't give them a chance." For a year, I have been in a state of flux. Never stay in one place for more than a week. Moving from one Muggle house to another - the owner of this house was on vacation in the Canary Islands. I was so comfortable here that I couldn't leave. Once you get the hang of it, it's easy to use the speculums, they use the ridiculous burglar alarms that you just have to cast a freeze spell on them, and you just don't let the neighbors see them when you bring the piano in. ”

"I don't think you've been in touch with them—I remember when Albus protected you—" Slughorn said vaguely.

"That's nature—"

"Then I should advise you, if you still regard me as your teacher," he said at once, "resign quickly, your actions will not make him happy, listen to my advice." ”

Slughorn, in turn, persuaded Snape to relinquish his headmastership, and the analysis was at the head of the road. Snape couldn't say a word, and finally had to stand up.

"Are you leaving?" asked Slughorn satisfied.

"I just want to use the bathroom, if I don't mind. Snape said.

"Oh," said Slughorn, visibly disappointed, "down the foyer, the second door on the left." ”

Snape walked to the other end of the room. After the door closed behind him, the room fell silent. After a moment, Slughorn stood up, but seemed undecided. He stole a glance at Phoenix, then strode over to the fireplace, turned his back to the fire, and baked his back.

He knew it was time to see him.

"There's no need to worry about you. Phoenix said.

"Excuse me, what did you say?" he shook his body.

"After Professor Dumbledore's death, I don't think the Mysteries will be interested in anyone else anymore. He explained, "I know you must be worried that being a Hogwarts professor represents a certain attitude, but that has changed. ”

"I've heard a lot of people talk about you - my friend's parents have a lot of respect for you, and I'm sorry I didn't have the opportunity to be taught by you. ”

"Well, of course - their kids are almost in school now," Slughorn said hesitantly, "you're Swiss?"

"Yes. ”

"Rare. I remember you were from Slytherin?" Without waiting for Phoenix to reply, he continued, "Hogwarts are generally passed down from generation to generation, and you are very good to be assigned to the best house for the first time, and maybe your children will have a chance - but there are exceptions, have you heard of Sirius Black? Surely you have heard of - often in the newspapers of the previous two years - died some time ago-"

Phoenix listened intently, and he sensed that Slughorn couldn't help but show him off.

"Yes, I think back then, the Black family was in my house, but Sirius was in Gryffindor! I'll get my hands on his brother Regulus as soon as he comes, but only they were with me. ”

He spoke in a tone like that of an ardent collector who loses to an opponent at auction. He was visibly caught in his memory, his eyes staring at the opposite wall, his body lazily turning in place so that his entire back was evenly heated.

"The people in their class back then were really talented. I don't know, did Severus tell you. Slughorn suddenly laughed, "He shouldn't mention it, losing to a girl." (To be continued.) )