What if Dumbledore Never Trusted Snape?

Darth Theorist:    / @darththeorist   Three Eyed Theorist:    / @threeeyedtheorist   Discord:   / discord   Voice Acting & Narration: Steven Waters ⁨@bobablackfly602⁩ Writing: Myself, @nicholasmartin6526, @khuz377 , @WatashiNoKuraiTenshi, and @PathofDragonsRadio Severus Snape has always felt like he was caught between two worlds: He wanted power, to never have to bow his head again and to stand mighty above those he deemed his enemies. His allegiance to Voldemort seems paramount to accomplish this, but then, the winds changed. The prophecy of the Chosen One has spurred the Dark Lord into action, his eyes now trained on Lily Evans, her husband, James Potter, and their child. Suddenly, Snape’s loyalty becomes conflicted. He will not be privy to Lily’s destruction, but he will not delude himself into thinking that he can contend with the Dark Lord himself. Snape formulates a plan, a desperate one, but the burden of foresight is often coupled with desperation. When Snape approaches Dumbledore, he feels a chill and he knows it’s not the gusts of wind blowing against the hilltop. The old wizard eyes the Death Eater warily as Snape tells him everything he knows about the prophecy and Voldemort’s plot to murder the Potters. When he explains how he begged the Dark Lord to spare Lily, Dumbledore’s expression shifts. Albus Dumbledore: You care nothing for the lives of her husband and child? They can die, as long as you have what you want? Snape can’t deny it. If he tried, it would only sour the moment further. With a deep breath, the dark wizard looks away as he clenches his fists. Severus Snape: I cannot let her die, Professor. Please, you must save them. Hide them somewhere they will never be found. Albus Dumbledore: Severus, you have stood as a devoted servant to Voldemort for years. And now, the only moment of repentance comes when someone you want is threatened. How can I trust you if it is clear that you would pave the road to Lily’s heart with the bones of her family? Severus Snape (desperate): Professor, listen to me– Albus Dumbledore (cutting him off): Leave, Severus. In the wake of this war, I will grant you this one mercy. Approach me again and you will find only an enemy. Defeated, Snape apparates from the hilltop and returns to the ranks of his fellow Death Eaters. He walks among them, a man with a composed expression and iron-clad determination, but inside, he is panicking. Lily’s fate is hanging on by a thread and the most powerful wizard in the world wouldn’t listen to him. While Voldemort hasn’t yet moved on them, every moment that passes without a solution is a moment wasted. At that moment, Snape has an epiphany. If he cannot find aid from his enemies, perhaps it must turn to his allies. If one Death Eater could become disillusioned by the ideals of the Dark Lord, perhaps there is another. A like-minded soul willing to help. The cabin in the woods is one of many safehouses utilized by Voldemort’s armies to strike deep in the heart of Magical Britain. It’s a space Snape is forced to share with several others awaiting orders from the Dark Lord. The wizard is never one to mingle so isolation is practically expected from him at this point. As Snape sits in the shadow of a tree, trying to collect his thoughts, he hears approaching footsteps and looks up. Regulus Black: Sickle for your thoughts, Severus? Severus Snape: Leave me be. The Dark Lord may call us to arms at any moment. Regulus Black: As you say, but I can’t help but hear a slight quiver in your voice. Severus Snape: Do not presume to know me, boy. Now, once more, leave me be. Regulus Black: I presume nothing, but I do recognize desperation. The same that I feel myself. Severus’ expression softens. Using his Legilimency, Snape probes for deception and not only does he find Regulus’ mind open, but also truthful. There is something the boy can’t speak of, something dire. The two wizards isolate themselves with Snape quickly casting muffliato so they are not disturbed. Severus Snape (suspiciously): Tell me what you know. Regulus Black (equally suspicious): I insist you go first. Even as kindred spirits, the Death Eater paranoia is still apparent. With a grimace, Snape chooses to break the stalemate. Severus Snape: Voldemort has learned of a prophecy that foretells his destruction through the child of an enemy that has defied him thrice. I believe it speaks of the son of Lily Evans and James Potter. I must save… them.