Lys had barely returned to Germany and deposited Friedm when she departed the country again the following day, shuttling between several nations for ages before finally coordinating the troublesome material supplies Lulu had mentioned.
When she finally settled in Durmstrang's office with a sip of milk, an owl careened crookedly into her window and collapsed unconscious.
After clearing the backlog of assessments, Lys rushed to Britain once more, cradling Crookshanks whilst nursing Gillywater in the Three Broomsticks, awaiting Snape's arrival.
She hefted the half-dead owl and tossed it to Snape. "This poor creature followed me through at least three countries. I suggest extended rest."
"Also, why do you look absolutely dreadful?" Lys sighed, studying the man before her. "Your complexion resembles spoiled milk. And are you going bald?"
Snape's expression darkened further whilst Lys continued: "Incidentally, what about my previous proposal? A year's materials for that punctured eye in your possession."
Snape deflected with characteristic gloom: "Sirius Black has escaped. Aren't you concerned?"
Lys appeared utterly indifferent. "Concerned about what?"
"The Black family's sole surviving male heirs. What Walburga accomplished could easily repeat."
Setting down her glass, Lys leaned across the small table, meeting Snape's gaze directly. "My brother's surname is Rahm!" She settled back against her chair. "Every single Black family member—not one possesses normal faculties. From Walburga to Regulus to Sirius, they've thoroughly embodied their cursed name."
"And if that escaped fool hasn't had his mind driven completely mad by"—Lys paused—"years of Dementor surveillance, he should recall that I was once a Black too."
Here Lys actually sneered. "Durmstrang is infinitely safer than Hogwarts. Him? Against me?"
Snape's expression remained sour. "Don't you wish to eliminate him permanently?"
"Don't suggest such things. Though perhaps undignified, I remain law-abiding—at least under Dumbledore's watchful eye."
"Don't regard me so, Severus," Lys adjusted Crookshanks in her arms. "Dumbledore is formidable, with considerable German connections. I always prioritize the future—you understand."
Indeed, Snape had always understood. The woman before him differed fundamentally from himself. He clung desperately to the past, whilst Lys released it with startling speed. Her future perception remained ruthlessly clear. Her choices never reflected desires, but achievable realities.
Moreover, this woman had grown increasingly—obsessively—adherent to this decision-making philosophy.
She followed her principles with extreme dedication, which Snape found simultaneously incredible and enviable.
"Very well. I'll locate him. A simple Dementor's Kiss should suffice." Snape replied slowly.
Lys observed his truly appalling appearance and couldn't resist casting Scourgify. When his hair no longer adhered to his skull, Snape finally appeared less balding.
"Severus, seeing your condition, er..." Lys noted Snape's bulging forehead veins and wisely swallowed her next words, substituting: "This appearance suggests you're an exceptionally dedicated Potions professor. Truly."
This observation prompted Snape's bitter laughter. "Potions professor! Bloody Potions professor, squandering my research time brewing for a werewolf... for a sweets-obsessed fool... Hordes of trolls who merely explode cauldrons! They even..."
Lys joined his complaints: "Precisely! Those creatures aren't nearly as manageable as during my school days. Wouldn't it be lovely if my students resembled me—understanding not to burden their professors unnecessarily?"
Witnessing Snape's shocked expression as he ceased complaining, Lys laughed. "Apparently you disagree."
Crookshanks attempted climbing onto the table. Lys settled him down, adjusting her left bracer and glove before continuing:
"Severus, I understand your hatred. All evidence suggests he betrayed Lily Evans to her death. I despise him too—for the Black name or other reasons. Yet some claim he served the Dark Lord faithfully. I refuse to wade through such murky waters."
Lys shook her head.
"He's not worth it."
As if stung by Evans's death, Snape switched topics with jarring abruptness: "I've processed the Basilisk eyes. Phoenix damage compromised many potential effects—my experiments proved largely fruitless. If you want them..."
The following evening, Lys received the enormous bottle Snape dispatched to Hogsmeade via seven owls.
Observing the murky yellow orbs floating within, Lys felt mild disappointment, though this sufficed. Originally, she'd wanted the entire Basilisk, but Dumbledore had refused, insisting Hogwarts preserve historical traces.
Obtaining her prize, Lys immediately returned to Germany. After all, she remained a Durmstrang assessment instructor.
She maintained steady employment!
When weather improved, Lulu returned from overseas supervision, bearing unwelcome news—Lys's hired wizard exploration team had perished whilst forest-scouting.
"Avada Kedavra." Lulu characteristically refused elaboration, though her companion supplemented: "All dead. They pursued that Demiguise into Albania, precisely where..."
"Where?"
"Albania."
Lys inhaled sharply. "Pay them immediately. Ensure they never mention this again."
The subordinate attempted further explanation but Lulu intervened. Lulu nodded understanding and departed with her companion.
The man persisted explaining to Lulu: "They violated contract terms. This represents substantial money. We needn't fear..."
"Silence!" Lulu gripped her wand fiercely before forcing speech. "Follow Miss Rahm's instructions."
Though the subordinate seemed inclined to argue further, Lys's organizational structure remained simple—Lulu's authority was absolute, ensuring his immediate compliance.
They required no questioning—whatever Miss Rahm commanded, they executed, Lulu reflected internally. Clutching her lengthy blackthorn and dragon heartstring wand, she surveyed the shop before Disapparating.
Meanwhile, Lys sat absent-mindedly reviewing Noah's recent price listings.
The explorers' contract excluded Albanian forests, yet they'd entered and perished. Should certain parties discover this, explanations would prove impossible.
Since learning rumors of the Dark Lord hiding in Albanian forests, awaiting servant support for his return, Lys had avoided not merely Albania but surrounding nations entirely.
You must understand—figures capable of destabilizing entire nations attracted attention beyond Britain's embattled wizarding community. Half the world watched.
Hadn't they noticed Albania's increasing magical creature populations alongside decreasing human visitors?
When locations possessed value yet remained desolate, unknown costs and dangers inevitably lurked within.
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