For the sake of it, they had decided to turn up for breakfast in the Great Hall next day. The interrogating looks were too many anyway.
“Can you tell me what’s going on?”, was the first sentence she got to hear from Harry.
“Good morning.”, Hermione sang and sat down.
“Yes. So?”
“What’s going on in your opinion?”, her tone couldn’t be more cheerful and regardless at the same time.
“Well, though Ron is incapable of noticing, everyone else stares at you. I can understand that you made him tea. He really looked dreadful. But holding all his lessons?”
“To your information, I got sixty points from McGonagall.”
“Sure. It’s all about the points then.”, Harry huffed. “Just like helping Slytherins.”
“Of course not! But I thought I might abuse his state a little and give the students a relief.”
“You sent four people in detention in only one day!”, Harry snarled. “How’s that supposed to be a relief! It’s hard to admit, but I think you even broke his record.”
“They deserved it!”, hissed Hermione. “Any other teacher would have given them detention as well. And you weren’t there. So shut up.”
“And what was that on Thursday? That whole dress-up thing? I still don’t believe you, you know?”
“Leave her, Harry.”, Ginny snapped, leaning over the table. “That was my fault.”
“Yours.”
“It was a silly bet, okay?”
“A bet?”, Harry frowned, looking from one girl to the other.
“Yes.”
“You don’t dare saying it.”, Hermione murmured; they were too far in the game to quit.
“And if I do?”, Ginny went louder, some heads turning to her.
“You don’t!”
“Well, you did too! So what? We had a little fight and Hermione said she would rather burst into Snape’s class dressed like a slut and I was foolish enough saying she’d never do that! I apparently lost!”, Ginny yelped so loud that it would have been a miracle if she hadn’t been heard and understood clearly by every single person in the ha– the entire world.
“Thanks, Ginny!”, Hermione gnarled. “And I thought, you could keep your mouth shut!”
“Sorry that I won’t let him tease you for my own stupidity!”
“Fine! And thanks for telling the whole school!”, Hermione panted like a dragon.
“You girls are just – ”
“Yes?”, both barked at him.
“Unbelievable.”, shaking his head, Harry decided to prefer dedicating to his breakfast.
“Miss Granger! Miss Weasley!”, McGonagall called from the staff table, shaking her head as well. “No one is interested in your personal debates!”
How wrong she was. The story had struck. Until leaving the hall in a mass of students, neither of the girls exchanged any more looks or words. Before they parted for their lessons, Hermione pulled Ginny aside into an open, empty classroom
“Why did you do that?”, she hissed at her. “Why did you – ”
“Save your arse?”, Ginny said coldly. “Maybe because I’m your friend and believe you would do the same?”, Hermione let go of Ginny’s arm, a little sad, somehow.
“Thank you.”, she aspirated. “Are you – are you in trouble?”
“No.”, Ginny shook her head. “It’s just – I really like you and – the other day, Luna told me you are worried about me. Concerning Dean.”
“Well, she’s right.”
“Okay. But there’s nothing to worry ab– ”
“Whatever that is between you, it’s not working. For neither of you.”
“I know – but it’s – it’s complicated, you see?”
“It obviously is.”, Hermione crossed her arms.
“What’s that between you and Snape?”, and her arms fell immediately.
“It’s complicated.”
“Well?”, Ginny was the one to cross her arms now, leaving her no other option in the slightly unfair play.
“I love him and he loves me. He has forgiven me for what I did during the past days and I can’t deny I’d forgive almost anything he would do.”, it just sputtered from her mouth so fast she thought she had accidentally swallowed some Veritaserum.
“I asked for what it is, not for you to make any excuses for your public behaviour.”, the look she gave Hermione was nothing short of one of her mother’s. “Does anyone else know?”
“Luna found out first that there is something between us and she has made it her duty to defend our, well, friendship.”
“Sounds familiar.”
“But I don’t think she knows we’re a couple.”
“You wish. And who knows that bit for certain?”
“Just Slughorn, and supposedly Dumbledore and Burbage. It would truly be a miracle if she hadn’t figured out. Slughorn has caught us holding hands and Dumbledore has seen Severus’ Patronus. Yes, that was Dumbledore. He just shortly visited Hogsmeade. But that’s another story and I know only half of it, I think. And Severus said that I might have given myself away a little too much. So yes, it is quite possible that Dumbledore knows who the otter is.”
“Wait – Patronus? Hogsmeade? What?”
“Oh sorry – forgot you weren’t there. At New Year, McGonagall invited everyone for a drink on the Astronomy Tower. We then sent magical fireworks in the air. The people in Hogsmeade answered. Dumbledore was among them and he and Severus had a short coded conversation via spells. He cast a Patronus before we left unnoticed, thanks to Burbage and Luna. She also helped me making the Christmas present for him. I guess, you know about the purple scarf?”
“Parvati’s really keen on finding out more about it. I suppose, the stars were Luna’s idea?”
“Yes.”
“And Slughorn keeps silent too?”
“Yes. I guess, he’s too fond of his old student.”, sighed Hermione. “Oh and McGonagall’s the same as Dumbledore, though definitely unaware who the woman in Severus’ life is.”
“Since when are you seeing each other?”
“It all actually more or less developed over the past two years, but shortly before Slughorn’s party, we had a very long conversation during which he offered me to be on first name terms with him. On Christmas Eve – we kissed. Unbelievable.”, Hermione shook her head. “Telling it like this, makes it sound like some horribly written teenage novel. But it’s not, you know? I – I just don’t know how to explain better – ”
“It’s okay.”, Ginny sighed. “I believe you that it’s not some random, stupid adventure. You’re not the kind of person for such.”
“Thank you.”
“To be honest, I always thought the way he looked at you when passing by was different. So were your looks. Not only since our accident.”
“Well, I’ve been trying for three years to find out more about him. After all, he saved my life before.”
“Hang on.”
“It was in my third year, around Hallowe’en. I went for a walk and got lost in thoughts. He saved me from some Dementors. On that evening, I discovered that he was hiding something. Something actually good. But it wasn’t until said conversation that he told me personally what exactly it was.”
“And?”
“I can’t say. Please don’t ask. It’s a secret and I swore not to tell anyone. I said too much already anyway. I can only tell you that it’s the real reason he’s in the Order and that he is on Dumbledore’s side, no matter what some people might think or what he might have done – or do – or will do. Can you – ”
“I won’t tell anyone either.”, Ginny said stern. “The less you say, the better, I think. So – we can trust him? And that’s not just because you love him?”
“We can fully trust him. No matter what. He’d never betray Dumbledore, even though they’d had some issues in the past. Whatever happens, keep that in mind.”
“So something’s going to happen?”
“Yes.”
“Something horrible?”
“Yes.”
“But it’s part of a plan? Dumbledore’s plan?”
“Yes. But I’m not allowed to tell. No one must know, Ginny. Speak to no one.”
“I won’t.”
“You two are aware though that, if it hadn’t been for a fortunate series of events, you weren’t overheard by anyone?”, the two girls startled. “Anyone but me?”, he was pushing his hands sideways against the doorframe, completely blocking the entrance.
“Oh my goodness!”, Hermione whispered.
“Next time – better close the door.”, his dark eyes wandered coldly from one girl to the other.
“I’m so sorry, Severus – ”
“No harm done. It was right of you to rather tell than letting her bathe in a sea of considerations. I’ll be needing allies who can accept half facts without questioning. Miss Weasley?”
“Yes, Sir?”
“Thank you for your support – that was a well played scene, down there, I must say. You are a truly convincing liar. And a noisy one. If we all live more than once, you must have been a medieval barker.”
“Any time, Professor. And thanks.”, Ginny blushed a little.
“You should go to your classes now.”, he stepped aside, glancing down both sides of the empty corridor. “Each of you may say, I detained you. And Hermione,”, nevertheless both spun around after they had slipped out, “Take care.”, he brushed the back of his left hand over her left cheek. “Either of you.”
He gave Ginny a single nod and rushed off. Wordless, they turned in the opposite direction and parted for their individual classes.
~~#~~
Curfew was great. Strict curfew was even better. It meant that there was only Filch to be bothered and knowing he wasn’t using the shortcuts, was her triumph. Getting down to the Dungeons was as easy as letting herself fall into his arms. Well, of course only when there was no one around. But that was exactly the point.
By the moment Hermione had reached the door of his office, someone was coming, their footsteps echoing in the spiral staircase. Ignoring the knocking-rule, she hurried into the office, of which she was glad he hadn’t locked. There was fire in the chimney and the secret door was half opened. Knocks on the door. Panicking, she hurtled onwards, downright jumped onto the stone plate; but quietly; waited impatiently and stepped on it again before she slipped in, so she would be locked inside. She had just enough space to sit down, her legs under the table with the gramophone. Around the high shelf-door, a thin rim of orange light. More knocks.
She heard him walking towards the door, opening it. There was only silence. Then –
“What an interesting honour.”, he spoke. “I was, though awaiting you, close to give up hope for you to be coming. Good evening.”
“Good evening to you as well, Mr Snape.”, was that – no way – never – “Dumbledore sent me a letter and when I arrived, he said nothing but that I would be better advised to speak to you.”
“That is correct. I could not risk sending you a letter personally. It would, if not ignored, have been too suspicious. Has anyone seen you walking down here?”
“Apart from the portraits, and some suits of armour, no.”
“Very well. You may enter. Take a seat, Minister. Would you like anything? Tea, perhaps?”
“No, thank you. Alas, I had enough of it today.”, the door was closed – and locked. “So what is it I am here for?”
“Precaution.”, Hermione heard them both sitting down at the desk.
“Precaution? Well, that is a highly rated word these days and nevertheless almost impossible to implement.”
“Yes, almost.”, some sort of heavy paper pile was placed on the desk.
“That is – “, Scrimgeour aspirated. “Good gracious! Those are Ministry Folders! How ever did you get hands on them?”
Hearing him saying that, made her finally remember where she had seen them before. Arthur Weasley had sometimes come home with yellow folders. Exactly such yellow folders Severus had been working on at any possible time, all throughout the year.
“It would not be my first time, sneaking into the Ministry, yet you would be advised to listen, Minister. These are only copies of employee files.”
“Only?”, Scrimgeour chuckled.
“You ought to listen, Minister.”, Severus snarled. “It is, as you might hopefully see by the number, only a tiny part of all records. Since last summer, I have been working through papers, filtering out Muggle-Born employees. Other than the work to it, the reason for this is quite simple: there might be the time when the Ministry is no longer able to hold against the forces of the Dark Lord.”
“We – ”, he meant to protest, but was ignored.
“When this happens, he will take over the Ministry and run it after his perceptions. This, in regard of his favour of the pure blood, will quite likely end in a systematic slaughter of Muggle-Born employees. To make sure this does not happen in such a grand scale, it was my wish to go through all the records personally. These papers here are the result of my work.”, Hermione heard him pulling some sheets from a folder. “The names of all verifiable Muggle-Born employees and the departments they work in.”
“I assume, you want them to leave the country? But this is rather impossible, you see? Those appear to be – ”
“Quite a lot, yes. What do you consider to be better, Minister? Loading those not on the list with more work and save the others or – let everyone work the same and risk the death of many hundred people?”
“You are facing me with an utmost unfair decision, Snape! Yes, of course I wish them to be safe, but the others – ”
“It is your choice what to do with the list. I have a copy. Let it not fall into anyone’s hands. By no means. Everyone must be addressed personally and persuaded not to tell. Any information leaking about this, will be fatal and I am afraid the only people you can fully trust are Kingsley Shacklebolt, Arthur Weasley, his son Percy, Dirk Cresswell, Alastor Moody and Nymphadora Tonks. They are informed, but since I cannot interact personally with them due to the already existing security measures, I believed it would not hurt to inform you.”
“Compared to the work ahead, these are very, very, very few.”, Scrimgeour noted grimly.
“Compared to the work behind, these are enough to not draw too much attention. The people who are supposed to flee, must be no more than five at a time and not every time five in one go. Everything too suspicious will be perilous, for each and everyone involved.”
“You tell me this as if you were talking to a teenager! I am certainly aware of the dangers! After all I once was an – ”
“Good. Forgive me my accuracy. I am used to talk to such, having to explain everything thoroughly; leaving no space for misunderstanding. But of course, yes, you used to be a great Auror.”
“So this will be it?”
“Quite, yes. Unless – ”
“And, only considering the Ministry might actually fall to him – are there any plans for the students at Hogwarts? After all, some here are Muggle-Born as well and there are more on the potential list every year.”
“I am glad you mentioned it yourself, Minister. It is, as I may confess, the only string in the entire movement Professor Dumbledore is aware of as well. He and I have everything worked out concerning the students. Those are not to be worried about.”
“Very well, Snape. I cannot deny, this is an amazing piece of work you loaded upon yourself. I believe, I have to thank you honestly.”, Hermione heard Scrimgeour put the papers into his briefcase, both raising.
“Yes, it was hard work, but I hope it was not in vain. If it saves even just a single life, it will already be enough, as it is for me. The rest of the world may have whatever values they desire.”
“Yes. The rest of the world. I hope this part knows what it does. So we can only pray for everyone not working in the Ministry – ”
“Speaking about it, and knowing this psychopath all too well, I have managed to take advantage of one of his mad goals. Unfortunately I cannot reveal details by any means, but you will find that there is a wide number of Muggle-Born being watched, as well as their families.”
“Forgive me, but this sounds like you had been taking the Ministry’s work in your hands without our notice?”, Scrimgeour sounded explicitly panicked now; Hermione could hear a sort of complacent smile from Severus’ tone.
“You see, and I have not even slightly the numbers of people available the Dark Lord has under his command.”
“Fine. Then let us also hope, whatever precaution you mysteriously managed to get rolling, will prevent another slaughter like that in St Mungo’s back in the seventies.”
“It surprises me, that in spite of your shiftlessness, you are still thinking thoroughly. You may though have had the one or other difference with your cousin, but he proved most cooperative when I had a word with him.”
“You had – ”
“After Mr Bode’s murder, he seemed to welcome any rise of security in the hospital and Muggle-Born or otherwise endangered patients are given secret extra watch, so are any incoming medical supplies and – ah – presents.”
“Do you have the slightest idea, how shocking this all sounds when considered that you – ”
“Maybe you ought to ask Professor Marchbanks about my former connections to the Ministry. I mean those long before my trial.”
“Professor Marchbanks?”
“You’d only need to mention mice.”
“Mice? The rodents?”
“Exactly those.”
“Very well – er – one more question, though, having been the Auror I had – why you? Why of all, is it you to do this? What makes you?”
“Many things have been kept unsaid over the years.”
“So I am to fully trust you? After all, as you hinted, you have been accused of being a Death Eater in the past, said to play a double game, never clear on which side you were.”
“As I said – ”
“As he’s clearly proven by what he’s told you, you shouldn’t underestimate him or his intentions, Minister.”, it just slipped out of her, regret rising in the very moment after.
Silence. For several seconds that felt like hours to her. Footsteps. A rattling. Blinking, she stared up at his dark silhouette, frowning at her with obvious interest in her intentions. Embarrassed, she blushed and grinned back awkwardly.
“What is this?”, Scrimgeour moaned, trying to look past him for getting a glimpse on Hermione. “Who is this?”
“What by all means are you doing in here!”
“Sitting.”
“What an intelligent answer.”, Severus huffed.
“Sorry. I fled.”
“Fled.”
“Sorry.”
“Are you comfortable down there?”
“If I considered having pins and needles in my buttocks pleasure, yes.”
“There are no other students or teachers around. You may speak normally.”
“So may you then, not?”, she giggled.
“You think I speak abnormally?”
“What?”, Hermione murmured. “No! That’s not what I – ”
“Do you need help?”, he held out his hand.
“Probably. Yes. Thanks.”, she let herself be pulled up, surprised there was no dust on her clothes.
“Is this a student of yours?”, Scrimgeour contorted his face when Severus let her step out of the shadows.
“It is all right, Minister. She is involved in quite a number of my plans. What makes me wonder even more – why did you hide in here? You could have just – ”
“I know.”, Hermione moaned. “It was a panic reaction. Don’t know what I thought who was coming.”
“Or rather, who you thought coming might punish you because you were still out long after your watch was over?”
“I – just – don’t know.”, she shook her head, trying to figure out what she really had thought.
“Is there anything else you would like to ask me, Minister?”, he didn’t turn away from Hermione though.
“Not for the moment.”
“Then I wish you a good evening.”, taking a deep breath, Scrimgeour understood.
“Same to you, Mr Snape. Thank you for all that help.”
“Not at all.”
“When this is over, I will make sure, you will be rewarded to the best possible.”
“When this is over, I’d prefer anyone in charge spending the means necessary for my reward, rather on those actually needing it. Would spare me a lot of donation work.”
“Very well.”
The lock clicked. Their eyes still drilling into one another’s with sadness, they heard him leave. The dark wooden door fell shut again, locked. No words. Simple certainty. Hermione laid her arms around his neck, leaning to him. Only after a minute, a sigh escaped him and his head drifted against hers, tired arms pulling her close, all strength gone. Vanished. Vaporised in a the dark, slain by rising despair. Silent tears. Falling for those forever gone..falling for those who might have to go..falling for those forever left behind..
A single kiss, unable to heal the wounds, though soothing the pain. Another, in return. Silent gratitude.
As if she felt the knot in his throat, she pulled back her hands and undid the black lavallière around his neck. Clasp after clasp sprung open and the caring fingers pulled the black robe off his shoulders, down and away, carefully hung over the desk. She leisurely grabbed the lavallière, took the ends with both hands then and playfully placed it on his head, pulling it down at each side to bring him closer. A broad smile drifted onto soft lips, lifting his wet cheeks. One more kiss, sweet this time.
He easily snatched the cloth from her hands and bound it on her own head with a bow, just as if it actually belonged there. As easy, he picked her up and sat her onto his desk. Curious, she watched him step back against a certain bookshelf. Though he didn’t do anything but crossing his arms and legs, leaning to it.
“Yes?”, she grinned.
“Nothing.”, a smile in return, as he tilted his head to the left, studying her – Hermione started laughing. “What’s so funny?”, her hands on the desktop, she dangled her legs, as well crossed at her ankles – her head sank in between her shoulders and she curled with laughter. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No – I – ”, she gasped for breath, “Just – ”
Both smiles froze immediately. The lock had clicked and suddenly the door stood open. All four eyes were on him and his flipping between the two once he had spotted them. Severus frowned.
“What is this supposed to be?”, he said very slow.
“I – patrolled the castle and saw Scrimgeour, coming from the Dungeons.”, the other man pointed over his shoulder. “I was curious – ”
“And then you thought, you should just break into my office an see whether there is any sign he has been here? Well, he was here, if it interests you. But that does not give you any right to – ”
“Sorry – ”
“Get in and close that thing, if you please.”
“Sorry – ”, Remus repeated and did as ordered.
“How did you discover I changed the spell anyway?”
“I tried. It didn’t work. So I – ”
“And how did you figure out what it is?”
“It was quite obvious, to be honest. You used it to lock your trunk in your third year, remember? Oh now don’t look at me like that.”, he murmured. “I had nothing to do with it. James only told me after he and Sirius had placed those Dungbomgs inside. How did you get rid of the mess, by the way?”
“Washing off the secretion of Runespoor eggs takes far longer.”, Severus growled.
“Really? Mind teaching Molly how to? The twins are horror when they return from work.”
“I am grieved.”, he didn’t lose his annoyed tone. “One ought to think she might have gotten used to the troubles of having children. So, now that you found it confirmed that Scrimgeour was here and you have told one of my students what a scallywag her best friend’s father was, are you satisfied?”
“Actually, I’d – need a word with you – in private.”, he glanced at Hermione, who didn’t miss his nervousness. “What are you doing on his desk, Hermione?”
“Sitting.”, she replied curtly, much like before. “But if you cannot bear it,”, pointing on the closed shelf-door she looked back at Severus, “Can I use your toilet?”
“I don’t know whether you can, but you may.”, Severus murmured, followed by a grunt of hers and stepped aside. “Don’t forget to pull the string.”
Hermione slid down, walked over, tilted the book and was gone. It took Remus some seconds to realise what just had happened.
“What was that?”, he chuckled.
“She has grown up.”
“Apparently.”
“Well?”
“Well, what?”, Severus rolled his eyes, leant against the bookshelf left to the again closed door. “Oh. Yes. I – don’t know where to start – ”
Staggering a bit, he walked over to the desk and looked at the black robe that was still lying across it. Deeply in thoughts, he raised his left hand over it as though he wanted to touch the fabric, but slackly pulled it back. The absent breath he took, caused Severus’ arms to drop. Rather bored, he stared at him. Though Remus, finally looking at him, saw the weariness it really was.
With seconds flying by, the space between them slowly dwindled. Trembling hands reached for calm ones, barely able to catch hold of them. But there was no need. Severus closed his fingers around Remus’. No words. Only silence. And memories again. So many memories. Images from the past, burnt into minds.
Severus bit his lower lip, just looking into those brown eyes piercing his, desperately struggling for words to finally say. Their fingers hooked until then, Severus moved his to the outside of Remus’ hands, forming close shells around them. Then, for a short moment, he let go – and, his arms laid on the other man’s back, he held him tight, resting his chin on Remus’ right shoulder when his eyes closed. Remus gasped for breath on the feeling, but managed to complete the embrace, still shaking.
“I know.”, Severus whispered softly; the shelf blurred before Remus’ glassy eyes. “I know.”, Remus’ head slid down against Severus’ collarbone and he started crying, soundless.
Head to head and arms around backs, minutes passed. Minutes in which a pair of shoes stood silently beside a bed in half darkness, the only light being that coming from the small lamp in the bathroom. Hermione didn’t dare to get up from the bed. She had no idea what was going on behind the secret door, but she knew that she shouldn’t enter the office until told. So she laid on her back and stared at the ceiling, thoughts spinning in her mind. Spinning round and round and slowing down, slower and even more slow, until they stopped. She hadn’t even noticed her eyes falling shut.
“What do you know, Severus.”, thick tears running down into his moustache, he looked back up at him. “What.”
“Everything.”
A hesitant raised hand brushed away a bundle of black hair. Severus swallowed and tried to find something else to look at than the face of the man in his arms. But it was difficult, even more, when Remus placed the hand on his cheek and he felt his heavy breath on his lips becoming more intense. Then the remaining distance between them was gone. Like a lightning bolt, the shiver rushed through his entire body, making his eyes close immediately. He felt a hand on his back and one gliding down to his hip when something soft and wet parted his lips with ease. Severus’ mind was rotating at the friction between them when Remus pulled his hip to his own and his hand wandered up Severus’ skin under the white shirt.
Though his body had gone crazy enough to enjoy it, his consciousness couldn’t find any pleasure. But somehow his mind seemed to have lost control. Especially when a hand moved to an area that had so far only been touched by eight other hands. Unable to resist, he pushed against the massaging palm with a muffled moan. That was too much. Returned to his senses, he pushed Remus away, who stumbled backwards all the way to the desk, completely struck by the sudden change.
“No.”
“Severus – ”
“I dun’ – wan’ – ”
“Don’t get me wrong,”, leaned against the desk, panting, he raised a finger, “But that just felt a little different.”, he chuckled.
“I am your friend.”, Severus said cold. “Nothing more. I am sorry. I can’t give you what you long for. Besides, we are not alone, if you forgot.”, he reached for the book and tilted it, revealing the dark room behind.
“Well,”, Remus slightly lifted, “In ways, we are.”
Severus frowned and turned, figuring what he meant. With a flat sigh, he scratched his neck and his shoulders sank.
“Do your students usually fall asleep on your bed?”
“Shut up.”
“Excuse me?”
But Severus already was in his private room, getting out the pouch and stowing Hermione’s shoes in it. Then he walked back to the desk and grabbed his robe, which he put back on. Remus watched every of his moves in silence. When the cloak was on, the lock of the front door clicked and the door swung open. Not dropping another word either, Severus went for the bed and carefully dug his hands under Hermione’s slack body, lifting her on his arms. In a whirl of black fog he was gone.
~~#~~
The next thing Hermione noticed was light. A soft morning light glowing past dark red velvet curtains. And a voice that worked like a bucketful of ice cold water.
“You must have been really tired.”, Ginny said. “I can’t remember that anyone ever talked about you going to bed in your uniform before. But at least you took off your shoes.”, she sighed. “Interesting way to celebrate the arrival of February. Get up. Everyone’s at breakfast already.”
Totally confused, Hermione sat up and rubbed her eyes, yawning. There was some feeling in her head. An indeed very familiar feeling. Her eyes widened even more, though she still couldn’t see clearly – but enough to know the two of them were alone. Ginny sat at the foot of Hermione’s bed, just inches away from her toes, crisscross-legged.
“Are you okay?”
“That – you bastard!”, she aspirated.
“Uh – sorry?”
“Not you!”, murmured Hermione. “I just laid down on his bed and must have fallen asleep. Alright, I was very tired, but that’s no reason to – ”
“To what?”
“He gave me a sleeping potion! That’s how he could carry me up here without waking me. Incredible.”
“Actually, I didn’t.”, both girls shrieked and looked around, but he was nowhere to be seen. “The aftermath of that potion is just the same as of a quite deep sleep. It seems, it has been a very, very, very long time since you slept thoroughly. Congratulations.”
His voice came from the window between Fay’s and Lavender’s bed where he sat on the sill, against the stone wall, with bent knees, reading a book. His robe and cloak hung over Fay’s chair. He didn’t look up as he spoke. Just Hermione had seen him become visible. Ginny; turned rather oddly; was stunned by the fact that she hadn’t noticed him.
“How come, I didn’t see you, Sir?”, she frowned at him.
“What shall I say,”, he sighed, “I am a chameleon.”, Hermione snickered. “As transparent as a ghost.”, she immediately remembered what he referred to and suppressed another giggle. “At least, if I want to.”
“Which means?”, Ginny asked on.
“Invisible to those incapable of opening their eyes.”
“Which means exactly what?”
“That I am so hungry I could eat one of Hagrid’s pumpkins in whole.”, he clapped the book shut, slid off the windowsill, grabbed his things and left.
~~#~~
“But you can’t deny, he’s amazing.”
“I never claimed the opposite.”, Ginny laughed. “Honestly, if I had a boyfriend that was camping invisible beside my bed, I’d – ”, she froze in mid-step at the sight of Harry staring at her; Hermione stopping not less shocked.
“Who’s amazing? Invisible? What?”
The girls blushed heavily, but startled another time as the man to their left raised his voice. His ochre suit and greyish brown hair had melted with the gilded door-wing at the entrance of the Great Hall he leaned to, hands in his pockets.
“Good late morning, ladies.”, he smirked.
“Remus!”, Ginny gasped. “What are you doing here?”
“Watching the castle.”, Remus sighed.
“Oh. Yeah. Of course. Forgot about that. How’s Tonks?”
“Quite fine. Though I don’t like who she has to hang around with. But she’s capable enough to deal with them, I think.”
“Meaning?”
“Never mind – Harry, didn’t you – “
“Oh yeah – damn. Forgot. See you later.”, with that he sped off upstairs.
“So? How was your night, Hermione?”
“My – ?”, she blushed even more, Ginny eyeing her from the side.
“Even took off your uniform?”, Remus winked.
“No, she didn’t.”, Ginny chuckled. “And how come you know about that?
“A very strange concatenation of circum- oh fantastic!”, his tone suddenly changed as he spotted the rush of black coming to halt behind the girls who spun around instantly. “Thinking, we are funny?”, he snarled.
“What are you still doing here.”, Severus grumbled, the blankness of his expression slowly becoming anger.
“I’m on guard, if you forgot.”, Remus murmured. “Very comfortable bed, by the way.”, Severus huffed and walked around them into the hall. “Oh holy pumpkin juice!”, Remus hissed. “What is this? Rejection? Ignorance? You call this knowledge? If you knew that much, you’d be a little less selfish!”
“Wha’ d’ye wan’!”, Severus spun and stared at him as much as the handful of students and teachers that were left in the hall did, startled by the way he had said that alike. “I think, I made me poin’ clear, din’ I?”, confused looks were exchanged among the remaining ones spread all over the tables, the whispers pretty much dealing with the dialect he suddenly had on, though not fully dropping his usual exaggerating pronunciation.
“But I don’t believe you, you see?”, Remus chuckled dull and started staggering into the hall, as if he was on some kind of drug. “As much as you usually are a wall to the world, that wall broke in yesterday and your pathetic attempts to push me aside will fail eventually.”
“An’ so ye think, forcin’ me will lead ye anywhere? If ye ’aven’ noticed, there’s in fac’ a wall an’ ’is is as natural as tha railway station ye wanna be.”, Remus stopped, approximately nine feet away. “Bu’ I ’ave ter disappoin’ ye. This particular train does no’ sto’ at Remus City.”
“Why then yesterday?”
“A mistake in organisation.”, Severus huffed.
“Mistake – oh yes, sure!”, laughed Remus, downright pitched. “Next time you sort your papers, if you want to build up a lie.”
“An’ tha train is full.”, Remus laughed even more.
“The train is full! You don’t believe yourself even! Come on – the train is full! When has it ever been? Oh wait – you nicely wrapped a passenger around your finger then. The only passenger you ever let board. But there was a far more comfortable train, remember? Though, I’d be totally fine – ”
“’As yer fixation already sickened ye tha’ much tha’ ye refuse ter see tha truth in tha way it’s presented ter ye? Tha las’ passenger was invited an’ accepted on personal favour! So ’as tha curren’! Yes, tha, train, is, full!”
“Well, then who is it?”, Remus gave him a lazy nod.
“Tha’s me business, no’ yers.”
“Yes. Because there isn’t any. But there is one waiting.”
“No, there is, an’ no ticke’s lef’ fer tha oh so desperately waitin’ one. Tha train was never designed fer passengers like tha one waitin’.”
“Oh listen to yourself, you bloody coward! You can’t even speak openly about it! She was always open! You’re a disgrace to her memo- ”, he broke off.
All fire was gone from the bowls at the walls and the chimney. A sudden cold flooded the hall under the clouded ceiling, taking everyone’s breath away. Only one person wasn’t affected by it. His fists to his side and his ill-natured look on Remus, he was the source of the change.
“Ge’ ou’.”, he hissed quietly, very slow and clearly, his eyebrows narrowed with anger.
“Severus – ”, it was McGonagall who had raised and moaned to him now. “Could you please turn on the lights again?”
“Shu’ up!”, his head had shortly turned as he had spat at her, gritting his teeth with a wolf-like fury, causing her to collapse into her chair with shock. “Ge’ ou’, I said. Ev’ryone!”
The students didn’t need to be told another time. Hastily grabbing their belongings, they hurried out of the hall and away, leaving only the four as well as McGonagall, Sinistra, Burbage and Slughorn.
“Have you got a problem?”, Remus hissed likewise when the last students were gone.
“Yes, I ’ave. An’ tha’ problem’s standin’ righ’ in fron’ o’ me. I can bear a lo’, bu’ there’s a certain poin’ where ye should accep’ fac’s. If ye really wan’ us ter be sum’thin’ like friends, then leave ’is ’all now as well, before yer brain throws ou’ more though’s like ’ese. Maybe no one ever told ye when it’s better ter shu’ up on sum’thin’, so I will do. If I mean anythin’ at all ter ye, ye shoul’ grab yer legs an’ move ’em from ’is school’s groun’s.”
“Who.”, his voice was as definite as Severus’.
“I said, it’s none o’ yer business, ye dumb’ead.”
“I beg your pardon?”, Remus aspirated, all his tension blown away in a second.
“Since when does he speak such a horrible Scottish, by the way?”, Ginny asked Hermione.
“One word – ”
“It doesn’t happen often that it breaks through.”, Hermione answered.
“Or what!”
“Especially not that distinctly. Not even when he’s totally out of his mind. To be honest, I have heard him rage before, but it’d be interesting to hear what he’s like if he should freak out completely.”
“Dun’ make me, Remus – ”
“Seems close.”
“Don’t make you what? You’re no threat to me, Severus.”
“One more wor’ – ”
“Then try, you – ”
“Yes?”
“True. I mean, McGonagall does have a heavy accent sometimes when she’s upset, but that is just awful to listen to.”, smirked the ginger. “Doesn’t fit him at all.”
“I don’t know why I even waste my time with bellends like you.”
“Just because we’re not used to it.”, Hermione noted.
“Wha’ was tha’?”
“Probably.”, Ginny somehow agreed.
“Well, if you can call me a dumbhead, I can call you a bellend, don’t you think? I mean, it’s not like you bothered calling Lily a Mudblood, not? Tell me – is that something common you call people you say you l-”
“And I find it actually rather cute.”, continued Hermione.
“Maybe. But you can’t tell me that one can take a thing of what he said now serious. It just – doesn’t sound right, dunno. And it’s got a bit of a Cockney sound, if I think about it.”
“If ye dun’ shu’ up immediately,”
“What, Snivelly. Are you going to throw benches at – ”
“I suppose, yes.”, considered Hermione. “He said his dad’s from the East End.”
“Hang on!”, Ginny aspirated as McGonagall had jumped up again, this time with a squeal when Remus had to duck under one of the benches from the Gryffindor table, which had crashed into the wall behind the Slytherin table.
“Want to kill me or what, arsehole?”, Remus raged, his wand out.
“GE’ THA FUCK OU’ O’ ’ERE YE TURD BURGLAR!”
There was a bright flash, but it was blocked by Severus even without the use of his wand. Hermione had dropped her bag and ran like her life depended on it, Ginny after her as soon as she noticed. Both had their wands drawn. Another flash, red this time, but it was blocked as well.
“BLOODY! COWARD!”, barked Remus, sending spell after spell at Severus in vain.
“STOP IT, YOU LUNATICS!”, McGonagall screamed.
The next moment, Remus laid on the floor. His wand landed somewhere behind the Ravenclaw table. Severus had swept him over with another mere wave of his hand. Remus look resembled his rage now as they snarled at each other, Severus not less frightening than the actual Werewolf. That one wanted to jump up again, but found himself facing two outstretched wands directed on his head.
“Ladies!”, moaned McGonagall.
Severus’ tension was eliminated eventually. Slughorn hung slack on his chair, having fainted. The other two female teachers still sat, though giving the high impression of having been hit by a gigantic flat hand that had come so fast their bodies hadn’t realised they were to fall over like Slughorn. Someone stood in the open doors of the hall, gazing at the scene. Then there was a whirl of black fog rushing past Hermione. So quick she was surprised herself that she had gotten hold of – his wrist, as she just noticed when they were already flying past Dumbledore, out through the open front gate. The old man’s head turned after them and back to Ginny, whose wand was still stiffly pointing at Remus’ shaken face.
Stumbling, her feet came to halt and she was toppling against one of the empty glasshouses. A wrathful scream of fury. Shattering glass. Smearing a trail of blood, he slid down along the glass, limply into the snow. His back half at the front, his scathed fist glided from his thigh and into the short grass. When Hermione slowly got aware of all details of the situation, he was already crying heart-wrenchingly, not bothering the blood or the pain. The agony inside him made the self-inflicted injury pathetic.
~~#~~
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