Into the Light

Judging a person does not define who they are

A/N:  This chapter continues at the point where the last chapter ended.

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"Isn't it a bit early, Severus?" Michael greeted his colleague as held the door open, inviting Severus to enter the office. "Are you still upset about the decision of the Ministry or did something else happen?" He inquired, when Severus said nothing as he walked into the office with a serious expression.    

Severus' gaze wandered briefly through the bright room before he turned to Michael, who was still standing by the door, looking at him questioningly.

"Nothing new has happened." He said wearily.

Michael shut the door and took a deep breath. "By the way, yesterday I've received an owl from the Ministry of Magic. I've been down in the dungeons to inform you but your students warned me that I might receive a detention if I'd dare to disturb you." He grinned, and Severus snorted.

"Minerva visited me yesterday." Severus explained bitterly and scowled when he recalled Minerva's visit.

"Oh, I know, I've heard all about it." Michael said, grinning. "Albus was rather impressed for Minerva was seriously worried."

"What was she worried about?" Severus asked.

"Worried for her safety." Michael replied in a voice, filled with satisfaction.

Severus raised an eyebrow.

"Albus told Minerva to leave you alone and fix the mess in her classroom herself. He also said, you were absolutely right and that what had occurred was her fault entirely. Believe me, she wasn't happy to hear that." Michael revealed.

"How do you know about all this?" Severus asked, sounding suspicious.

"Well, I was there, I've spoken to Albus about the Dark Arts, that was when Minerva burst into his office."

"My students have sorted out the mess themselves." He informed Michael and eyed Michael thoughtfully. "Did they really tell you that?" Severus inquired.

Michael looked at Severus questioningly. "What are you talking about?"

"That I would give you a detention if you'd disturb me." Severus elaborated.

"Oh, yes, and they were dead serious." Michael confirmed, nodding. "One of them even blocked the hallway so I couldn't proceed to your office."

Severus smiled and shook his head. "Who was it?"

"Higgs."

Severus chuckled. "That's too funny, isn't it?"

Michael chuckled as well and brushed his hair back off his forehead. "Oh, yes, I was highly amused."

When silence fell between them, Michael regarded Severus for a moment.

"You acquit yourself well, Severus. Your students are getting respectful when it comes to your wishes. That's a good sign." Michael assured him.

Firstly, Severus seemed surprised, then, as the wizard's words began to sink in, he eyed Michael critically.

"I wasn't rude with them." He said as if to himself. "I did neither threaten them, nor did I chastise them." Severus told Michael, who nodded, seeming rather interested in the matter.

"You won't gain their trust and respect by threatening them." Michael commented.

Severus' face bore a serious expression as he seemed to ponder over Michael's word. Then, after a long moment of reflection, he looked at Michael slightly accusingly.