the_debt_of_time

Sirius stepped into the house first.
The moment that the front door closed behind them, the old-fashioned gas lamps
lit up the front hallway, casting light on the spun cobwebs that draped from one wall to
the other. It was eerily quiet, and the stale smell of neglect hung in the air. A thick layer of
dust covered the framed artwork, the lamp fixtures, and the row of house-elf heads still
hanging on the wall. It looked exactly as he had last left it. The only thing even slightly out
of place was the troll leg umbrella stand lying on its side as though Tonks had just knocked
it over again.
"I think somebody's been in here," Hermione whispered, pointing toward the troll
leg.
"That could've happened as the Order left," Ron murmured back.
Harry frowned and studied the shadows on the walls. "So, where are these jinxes
they put up against Snape?"
"Maybe they're only activated if he shows up?" Ron suggested.
Sirius moved ahead, glancing back to see the teenagers standing close together, their
backs against the wide door, looking afraid to move further into the house. He did not
blame them.
"Well, we can't stay here forever," Harry said, and he took a step forward, joining
Sirius.
Moody's voice whispered out of the darkness. "Severus Snape?"
"Do I look like an ugly git to you?" Sirius snapped. "We're not bloody Snape!"
A few more curses and jinxes meant to trap Snape were easily averted by the four,
though the thing that made the younger three jump highest was the screeching sound of
Sirius's mother's portrait in the hallway.
"Mudbloods! Filth! Stains of dishonour! How dare you taint the halls of the House
of Black!"
"SHUT UP!" Harry and Sirius bellowed simultaneously. With an explosion of red
sparks from Harry's wand, the curtains swung shut, silencing the vociferous painting.
"I'm gone a year, and no one's thought of anything better than curtains yet?" Sirius
questioned the three, who all shrugged in response. He sighed and rubbed the bridge of