Should it become necessary I will of course swear on my wand, my magic, and my vows to Our Lord that you were in my presence that night often enough that there was no possibility of your involvement. Not that this would satisfy Mulciber, but if others take up the slander, let me know.

I had thought of a love potion as well -- Snape was always obsessed with the idea of that family of potions -- but even the strongest could not induce a man to actions so uncharacteristic, particularly not when Draco's will is so strong. It would indeed be a comforting hope to hold out, but I cannot put much faith in the prospect. Imperius, perhaps, but I cannot imagine that holding over time. Again, Draco's clarity of will and sense of self is so strong that surely he would have shaken it at some point.

I'm sorry. I had intended to be reassuring, but I'm afraid all I am doing is logicking away every possible explanation. Not helpful, I know.

What troubles me about the attack on the archive -- Fiendfyre is an incredibly difficult spell, and even though the Ministry protections no doubt helped to contain it, the fact half of New London is not ashes and dust speaks to powerful magic and well-honed control. If it was Snape -- how on earth would he have such powerful magic, after a decade and more in Azkaban? It does not make sense that his could be the wand behind it. Which necessitates another conspirator. And yet -- for Snape to be capable of having fooled us all at Hogwarts for so long suggests that Azkaban sat more lightly on his shoulders than it might have on another's. I am having a great deal of trouble reconciling the matter.