the_debt_of_time

time, and he's due for something particularly awful for allowing his child to give me seven
months' worth of heartburn."
Sirius did not have a chance to say anything else to her as a collective gasp filled the
room. All eyes turned toward the front where Dumbledore stood next to a familiar wizard
in long black robes, with greasy hair and black eyes. Instinctively, everyone was on their
feet, wands at the ready at the mere sight of Severus Snape. While most were firm in where
they stood, James, Sirius, and Remus had created a semicircle around Lily as if to shield her
from the Death Eater.
"Subtle," Snape said, sneering at the display.
"What the fuck is he doing here?" Sirius snapped and moved forward, the empty
space next to Lily immediately filled by Peter.
Dumbledore stepped in front of Snape protectively and held a hand up to stop
Sirius in his tracks. "He is here as my guest, and as a guest, he is under my protection.
Though, as the newest member of the Order, I should hope that he would not need it."
The room erupted into screaming before Dumbledore once again called for silence.
"Sir, you can't be serious!" James shouted from the back of the room.
"Are we or are we not in need of a spy?" Dumbledore asked. "I have interrogated
Severus and believe him to have honourable intentions for joining our cause. He will be
loyal and has vowed as much."
"Why the hell would he switch sides?" Sirius angrily demanded.
"Those are my reasons and mine alone, Black," Snape drawled, his face
expressionless save for the look of disdain sent toward Sirius.
Unfortunately, Sirius did not miss the brief moment where the man's black eyes
flickered over to where James, Remus, Peter, and Lily stood.
The eye contact was enough to incite Sirius once again, and he growled, stepping
closer. "Don't you dare look at my family."
"It's your family that actually has the need for my information," Snape declared.
"The Dark Lord has caught word of a prophecy proclaiming his downfall. He believes that
a child born this July will be his undoing, and he's seeking out information as to how he
can... rid himself of the problem."
Everyone heard Lily gasp.