(no subject)

[potionmaster]

The very idea that you are even considering this, Mun, gives me a headache. Can't you go find someone else's life to ruin?

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[myflawless]

If I recall correctly, a man by the name of Severus Snape ruined his own life long ago. How he eluded Azkaban is still a marvel. How he keeps his hair so greasy, a greater marvel yet.

But perhaps I have the wrong Snape! Foolish me.

[potionmaster]

Dawlish, what an unexpected...pleasure. I do hope you're not here to arrest me, as I can assure you that you have no grounds and I will defend myself.

[myflawless]

Oh, no. I was merely strolling through and thought I heard a citizen in need. Turns out it was... Well. You.

[potionmaster]

Please, don't let me keep you. [Sneer.] I'm sure you can find someone to frame for...something. It is what you do, isn't it?

[myflawless]

Yes, of course. We spend our days creating frames and using them to entrap well-meaning citizens who simply happened to be caught sporting Dark Marks on their arms. Because Merlin knows there aren't enough criminals to be found, as it is.

[potionmaster]

[He manages not react visibly at the mention of the Mark.]

Then it's good to know that there is a record of my allegiance, despite what any well meaning Auror might think, isn't it?

[myflawless]

Might think, might know.

Alas that there are flaws in our system. Hard as we try, some worms manage to find their loopholes. But we are watching. We are always watching.

[potionmaster]

Flaws indeed. It is the same office that attempted to arrest Albus Dumbledore, after all.

[myflawless]

Nobody ever accused Fudge of excessive intelligence.

Though Dumbledore does keep a dubious store of secrets. Would a truly innocent man would carry on as he does?

Oh, oh dear... But to answer that questions, one would need to comprehend the idea of innocence. My pardons, Snape; I forgot the person to whom I was speaking.

[potionmaster]

Everyone has secrets, Dawlish. It would be a shame if someone were to go looking for yours.

[myflawless]

Dig all you like, Snape; I've nothing to hide. Any man so dedicated to the Ministry knows to keep his life clean.

[But he's smirking, a compulsory admission that these words are not the truth.]

[potionmaster]

[Snape doesn't believe it for a moment and can't help smirking in return. For a moment, he even considers using Legilimency but decides against it. For now.]

I'm sure Fudge believed the same thing about himself and we all know he had his own secrets.

[myflawless]

They were never really secrets. Not around the department. Come now, Snape; any man with a quarter of a brain is more careful than Fudge. And I am gifted with an unusually alert brain.

[potionmaster]

Alert?

[Snape snickers.]

Albus certainly got the drop on you, didn't he, Dawlish. I'm afraid that leaves me to question your last statement.

[in_loveless_memory]

Don't, it will only encourage them.

[potionmaster]

She is absurdly persistent. Each time I think she's finally finished her foolishness, she puts me into some other bizarre situation.

[sighs]

[myflawless]

That--

[He checks himself mid-snarl, pulling back.] Extenuating circumstances, Dumbledore and his secrets. Perhaps I placed overmuch faith in Dumbledore's respect for the Ministry.

[in_loveless_memory]

Sounds about accurate. How long have you been with yours?

[potionmaster]

[Ah, that hit a sore spot.]

The Ministry has hardly proved to be respectable as of late. It's made a debacle of every absurd policy it's tried to implement.

[potionmaster]

Ten very long years. Very long. The things she's made me do over the years [shudders]. I've done everything in my power to forget, and then she wakes me yet again.

[myflawless]

The day I ask a Death Eater--or ought I to say 'former Death Eater'?--for his opinion of the Ministry will be the day I eat my shoe. And I must confess, I've no real taste for shoes.

[potionmaster]

[That makes him bristle, his lip curling into a snarl.]

Do remember the 'Former' part of that sentence, Dawlish, it would be in your best interest.

[myflawless]

One can never be sure, these days.

[potionmaster]

I do believe this conversation is over.

(and thank ye, by the by; quite dig your Severus)

[myflawless]

If you like, Snape.

But just you remember: we'll be watching, so you'd best behave yourself.