so am I... though I probably would have needed it.

Next post!

Greetings were exchanged as Dumbledore and Snape joined them for breakfast.
“Pardon, but what do you mean... she can handle herself?” asked Remus. He was curious to hear what Dumbledore thought on the matter. Ellouise held her breath, she wasn’t entirely sure why. After all she had successfully concealed herself and Xavier from the great wizard.
“Ellouise is a very talented witch”, said Dumbledore simply, helping himself to pancakes, smothering them with golden syrup. Snape just sat there, a cup of nettle tea in front of him. His dark beetle like eyes stared intently at Ellouise.
Once Dumbledore was content he had enough syrup on his pancakes he continued, “I happened to be in Godric’s Hollow on Order business when she... ambushed me.” He said chuckling.
“I wouldn’t call it an ambush Professor”, said Ellouise, “I like to think of it as a... surprise”, she added.
Remus looked at her, his expression was confused. How could anybody surprise Albus Dumbledore?
“How?” he asked bluntly, looking down at his god daughter.
“Disillusionment Charm”, she replied.
“A very powerful one at that,” said Dumbledore.

Remus continued his conversation with Dumbledore in the drawing room, the kitchen was almost empty when Ellouise realised it was only her and Snape left. She had her book open on the table in front of her, she read quietly. The air felt suddenly stale and heavy. Ellouise looked up to find Snape was still staring at her.
“Might I ask what you’re reading Miss Browne?” asked Snape, rather formerly.
Ellouise returned his bored gaze, though he didn’t pose any immediate danger Ellouise couldn’t help but feel as if he was the grim reaper, bringer of doom, gloom and death.
“Legilimency and Occlumency”, she said simply, showing him the cover.
Severus Snape smiled, was it even possible for him to smile? thought Ellouise. It wasn’t a particularly friendly smile, no gleaming white teeth or rosy cheeks, it was more of a... smirk? Ellouise wasn’t sure, but she was certain that Severus Snape was not a happy man, this was rare for him. She suddenly felt sorry for him, her heart felt a pang of pain. Severus Snape reminded her of the broken angel from the cemetery at Godric’s Hollow. Once a beautiful form, now crumbled and broken beyond repair, just a shadow of its former self.
“Are you interested in learning it?” he asked.
Ellouise pondered his question. It was blunt and straight to the point. Was he offering to teach her? Could he teach her? Or was he merely making conversation?
“Yes, my father was going to teach me... but that’s no longer possible.”
Ellouise had a sudden thought. “How are they? Have you heard anything?” she asked, crossing her fingers underneath the table.
“They’re....” Snape paused, “surviving”, he said.
This wasn’t particularly comforting, but it still gave Ellouise some hope, after all they were alive.
“They’re still being held at the Ministry, but I suspect it won’t be long before they’re taken to Azkaban.”
Ellouise nodded, this wasn’t entirely bad news. As long as they were alive Ellouise would find a way to get them back, and nothing was going to stop her.
The kitchen was suddenly eerily quiet. The only sound that could be heard was Kreacher grumbling in the pantry as he made preparations for lunch.
“Would you like me to teach you?” asked Snape suddenly.
Ellouise searched his face, he appeared to be quite genuine. Could he really teach her?
“Yes, thank you”, the words tumbled out of her mouth. Snape nodded.
“Ready?” he asked, “I have an hour to spare before I’m needed elsewhere.”
Ellouise didn’t even have to think about this one, “Wonderful.”