It's not easy to explain, but . . .

Chapter 57

"Yes, Master," Bella whispered, revenge gleaming in her eyes.

X X X

At the next meeting of the D.A., Severus told them all of Voldemort's acceptance of  Dumbledore's  'ghost' being spotted.

"However, do we risk someone actually confronting your 'ghost' late at night, when  you venture out or do we make sure you are deliberately seen, occasionally, from a distance, giving you time to 'disappear'," he questioned. "OR . . . do we 'ground' you and send you to your room?"  Severus added, with a smirk, causing the students to laugh and the adults snort with barely concealed laughter.

Ignoring them all, Albus sat, thinking. "I suppose I was lucky not to have been caught by Mister Nott; the shock of my presence being the saving grace,"  he added, but with that tell-tale twinkle in evidence.  "I suppose I could orchestrate the odd sighting, but I will limit myself to the dungeon corridors, late at night, as the dim atmosphere will lend itself admirably to the deception."  Dumbledore looked around, smiling.

"Albus, you are having way too much fun with this." admonished Minerva.  "Please take this seriously . . . you must NOT have any actual, one-on-one contact with the students . . . especially the Slytherins!"

"I realize that, of course, Minerva . . . but it is tempting . . . you must admit."  Dumbledore stage whispered, winking at the Transfiguration teacher, who huffed, shaking her head.

Sirius turned to Remus, his mouth open to start speaking, but Remus held up a hand, cutting him off.

"Don't even suggest it, Sirius!" Remus gave him a stern look.

"Suggest what?"  asked Sirius innocently.

"It doesn't matter what, the answer is still no!" came the reply.

"You're no fun anymore, you know that," grumbled Sirius, settling back in chair.

"Be that as it may," said Remus, as he turned to Severus.  "How did you explain Albus' ghost being in the dungeons?"

"I said he was probably staying in the room where I had ordered his possessions stored . . . in the lowest part of the dungeons . . . as far from my office as possible and still be in the castle . . . along with his portrait, which explains its absence from the wall, where it should have been hanging since the school year started."

"Your portrait!"  Hermione gasped, turning to Dumbledore.  "How could we have forgotten!  It should have been upstairs, hanging over Severus' desk like the other former Headmasters!  Why hasn't anyone asked about it?" she wondered.

"Not many have ventured into my office and most who have know that Albus is still among the living . . .  but even the occasional visit from a member of Slytherin House hasn't caused any questions to be raised about it. And the Carrows barely remember the password to visit the office, much less what should and shouldn't be in there.  I just thought it plausible as a reason for Albus' presence in the dungeons and wouldn't raise too many questions," Severus concluded.

"Well, you students should be getting back to your dorms, before curfew," Minerva stood, motioning for those members who were still taking classes to leave, so they wouldn't get in trouble."

After they had taken turns leaving the Room of Requirement, the remaining occupants continued talking.

"I know the Slytherin mentality but besides wanting to be the one to see Albus' ghost and perhaps talk to him," Severus picked up his train of thought.  "The students curiosity might lead them to try and find your personal property, Albus and we can't have them stumbling across Pettigrew's abode."