Hogwarts i am snape

The sound of the wind and rain outside the window seemed distant and muffled. Even Malfoy's smile on the Daily Prophet lying on the table seemed utterly irrelevant now.

Professor Flitwick stood there, dazed, his mouth slightly agape, his tiny eyes wide. He was lost in the legendary yet tragic scene: the dark tower, the opened cell door, the silent leader, the slumped follower... This clashed irreconcilably with the image he had of the dark wizard who had charged across and swept through Europe.

Snape glanced at the two professors and continued, "For someone like Grindelwald, for a statesman and ambitious man who has long seen through life and death, things that ordinary people fear—death, imprisonment—they won't deter him. The only thing that could truly break him, make him willingly imprison himself, is the complete collapse of the ideal blueprint he envisioned, the irreversible shattering of the path he deeply believed would lead to 'the greater good.' When most wizards stood against him, the defeat in that 1945 duel didn't just crush his power; it fundamentally invalidated his chosen path."

"Professors, what's locked in that high tower isn't a dangerous prisoner, but a man with no desire to escape. His war ended over thirty years ago. All he has left is that self-imposed tower and a history forgotten or cursed by the world. A powerful dark wizard who has lost his ambition might just be a card we can try to play against the Dark Lord. Risks certainly exist, but compared to waiting idly for death, isn't this worth considering? I think, for Professor Dumbledore's sake, perhaps we should try to reach out to him."

Upon hearing Snape's final words, Professor McGonagall's arms, which had been crossed over her chest, trembled slightly. A hidden, reluctant waver finally appeared in her gaze as she looked at Snape. She closed her eyes, her expression shifting. The turbulent era of Grindelwald in the European wizarding world and the precarious state of the Muggle world vividly replayed in her mind.

But besides that defeated wizard imprisoned in Nurmengard, who else could there be? A choice was laid on the scales: release a known shadow to counter the immediate, ruthless, and insane tyrant; or cower in the moving ark, praying for Dumbledore's recovery.

After a long silence, Professor McGonagall slowly opened her eyes, raised her head, and met Snape's gaze.

"Severus," her voice was a little hoarse, "You—you've convinced me. In the current situation, perhaps we truly have no choice; any glimmer of potential power shouldn't be easily given up. We will head to Nurmengard."

Professor Flitwick was no longer a firm opponent either. His small body shifted uneasily in his chair, his gaze darting between Snape and Professor McGonagall.

---

### Planning the Journey

Then, Professor McGonagall waved her wand, summoning a magical map from a bookshelf, her finger quickly tracing lines on the table:

"We must plan our route carefully. Nurmengard is deep within the Austrian Alps, which means we need to cross half of the European continent. The journey is long and fraught with danger. In the current situation, any known magical transportation method, like the international Floo Network, could be under the surveillance of Death Eaters or the Ministry of Magic. We must find a way for the Founders' Ship to avoid any potential detection."

"No need," Snape interrupted her planning. "Not 'we,' Professor. You cannot risk this ship full of students by approaching that place. The target is too large, and the risks are uncontrollable." His gaze swept over the map on the table. "Instead of gambling with an entire ship full of people, it's better to send just one."

Both Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick looked at him simultaneously.

"Then, who is suitable to do this?" Professor McGonagall pressed, her gaze intensely fixed on Snape.

---

### Snape's Determination

"I'll go," Snape's answer held no hesitation, as if stating an already established fact. "I'll go alone. You two stay here and protect the last hope of Hogwarts, protect the students, and protect Professor Dumbledore."

"No!" Professor Flitwick immediately shrieked in protest, nearly leaping from his chair. "That's far too dangerous! Sending a student alone to face Grindelwald? Absolutely not, Severus, we know your abilities far surpass your peers, but this—"

"Filius is right," Professor McGonagall interjected, her tone stern. "This is beyond what a student should undertake. It would be more appropriate for Filius and me to go."

"I am the optimal solution," Snape shook his head, his gaze intensely fixed on them. "The two of you are ten times more important here on this ship, maintaining overall control, than leaving. The students need you. Professor McGonagall, with Professor Dumbledore out of commission, you are the pillar of this ship, the foundation for everyone. Professor Flitwick, your knowledge of charms is crucial for maintaining the ship's invisibility and defenses." He paused. "More importantly, I also want to see this former legendary dark wizard with my own eyes."

"As for the potential dangers?" He slightly raised his chin, a smile playing on his lips. "At this point, do you still see me as an 'ordinary student' who needs protection in a greenhouse?"

Professor McGonagall fell silent. She gazed at Snape, and had to admit that this young man, so deeply trusted by Dumbledore, had long since surpassed the definition of an "ordinary student." She was compelled by his sharp gaze, only able to sigh heavily. She closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, though her eyes were still full of worry, the intensity of her opposition had faded.

"Alright." Professor McGonagall walked to an ancient cabinet in the captain's quarters, inlaid with the crests of the four Hogwarts houses. She tapped it a few times with her wand, opening a hidden compartment. From it, she took out a small silver badge. It was exquisitely carved with the symbols of the four Hogwarts houses: the lion, the snake, the badger, and the eagle. They were lifelike, encircling a small shield in the center.

"Take this," she handed the badge to Snape. "This is one of the core tokens of the Founders' Ship. It will act like a compass, showing you the ship's location. No matter where you are, whether we're flying or hiding, as long as you activate it, it will guide you home." She smiled, adding, "Don't lose it."

Snape solemnly took the badge, nodded, and carefully placed it in an inner pocket of his robes.

"Now, what preparations do you need to make?" Professor McGonagall asked.

"Before I leave, please allow me to see Professor Dumbledore," Snape offered no further explanation, turning towards the door. McGonagall and Flitwick exchanged a look. Though full of questions, they quickly followed him.

---

### The Elder Wand Changes Hands

The three left the captain's quarters and headed to the quieter medical area on the lower deck. The infirmary was filled with the faint scent of potions. The old man still slept, his face pale, silver beard and long hair scattered on the pillow, his features peaceful like a child's—completely unlike the wizard who had once shaken an era.

Snape walked to the bedside and leaned down, gently clipping a small lock of silvery-white hair from Professor Dumbledore's temple, tucking it into his robes.

"It seems you intend to impersonate Albus to meet Grindelwald," Professor McGonagall mused. "That might be somewhat helpful."

"Yes," Snape nodded.

"Perhaps you should take his wand with you," Professor McGonagall suggested.

At her words, Snape leaned down again, naturally reaching out as if merely picking up something of his own. He gently reached into the wide side pocket of Dumbledore's robes—the place he usually kept his wand.

"Hummm!"

However, the moment his fingers closed around the wand, a strange humming sensation seemed to shoot directly from his knuckles into his brain. It wasn't a feeling of coldness or heat, but an indescribable 'fit'. It was as if a missing part of him had instantly been completed. An ancient, steady, yet destructively powerful aura instantly flowed through his entire body, creating an inexplicable synchronicity with his magic. There was no rejection or hindrance, only a natural, unimpeded flow, like breathing. This feeling was similar to when he first picked up the wand Ollivander had chosen for him, but it was stronger, more rebellious, and utterly beyond his ability to refuse. It was no longer a cold tool but felt like an extension of his own limb, a sense of perfect understanding and effortless command emerging within him.

"Oh no..." Snape's hand, gripping the wand, nearly froze. A terrifying thought flashed through his mind. "This Elder Wand has changed masters!"

The details of the Deathly Hallows, the lore of the Elder Wand, surfaced with startling clarity in his memory: the eldest of the Peverell brothers, after obtaining the Elder Wand, was sound asleep in his inn bed when another wizard quietly stole the wand from him, thus losing its ownership.

What had he just done? Without Professor Dumbledore's permission, and while the owner was unconscious, he had "stolen" the Elder Wand from his pocket. Despite the different intentions, his action itself had confirmed the transfer logic of the Deathly Hallows.

Snape looked down at the Elder Wand in his hand, feeling as if it had been perfectly crafted for him. The sensation and the flowing power within silently told him: this wand of destiny had recognized him as its master. He didn't even need to try waving it to know that this wand would unleash unprecedented power for him now.

Fate had chosen to act in such an absurd yet perfectly logical way. He had become the master of the Elder Wand.

He instinctively looked at the sleeping old man on the hospital bed, truly not knowing what Professor Dumbledore would think when he woke up and found that the wand he had once taken from someone else had, inexplicably, changed hands. Given this, his mission must succeed; he had to bring Grindelwald onto this ship.

---

### Departure

"Severus?" Professor McGonagall's slightly concerned voice broke through his thoughts. "What's wrong? You need the Headmaster's wand; just borrow it." She looked at the Elder Wand in Snape's hand, unaware of its true identity.

"I think it's fine," Snape's voice was slightly unnatural. "Professor, I'll bring this wand back." Since Professor McGonagall didn't know the wand's special nature, he didn't know where to begin, or if he should even explain.

Professor McGonagall observed his slightly awkward and unnatural expression, assuming his hesitation stemmed from respect for the Headmaster, from caution about "borrowing" the Headmaster's wand itself.

"Go ahead and take it," she reassured him. "Albus won't be needing it for a while. Using it to complete your mission is the best explanation you can give him." She frowned for a moment. "Oh, and you'll need a broomstick. Come with me."

Snape nodded silently, carefully putting the Elder Wand away with the token badge. After receiving a Nimbus 1001 from Professor McGonagall, a broom of top speed and stability for the current time, Snape told her:

"Professor, please explain to my friends later that I have something to take care of and need to leave for a few days, and tell them not to worry." He paused, then added, "Take care of them."

"I will," Professor McGonagall nodded gravely. "Be very careful, Severus."

Snape said no more. He took the broom, walked through the corridor, and strode onto the deck. The storm outside seemed to have lessened somewhat, but the clouds remained thick, grey-black rain clouds swirling low beneath the ship.

---

### Into the Storm

Many students were still active on the deck. They peered over, and familiar faces, including Pandora and Lily, were among the crowd. Snape mounted his broom, his gaze sweeping over the people, lingering briefly on Pandora and Lily's worried faces.

Then, he flashed a bright smile at the young wizards and the two professors on deck, waving vigorously:

"I'll be back!"

Before his words faded, he pushed off the deck, and the Nimbus 1001 shot forward like an arrow from a bow, instantly piercing the resilient magical barrier and disappearing into the swirling grey-black clouds.

---

### A Strange Freedom

Speeding through the thick clouds and rain, with swirling grey-white masses constantly before his eyes, and icy cold rain and strong currents assailing him, he felt a strange sense of freedom.

After about a minute, Snape found a relatively thin gap and sharply dived downwards, his vision suddenly opening up. Below were no longer rolling dark clouds, but a vast expanse of mountains and land. Lush forests covered rolling hills, and winding rivers shimmered with a grey-blue light in scattered columns of descending light. He couldn't be sure exactly where he had landed, but it didn't matter.

Rapidly descending, Snape found an open riverbank near the river, where the trees were relatively dense and far from any roads, and landed. The sound of the river flowing was a constant murmur. He looked around, confirming there were no signs of Muggles or magical surveillance.

Then, he drew his own acacia wood wand. His outline quickly blurred, becoming transparent, merging into the shifting light and mist by the riverbank as evening approached.

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