Funnily enough, my inspiration for this sort of...vanished. I wrote and re-wrote it, but I ended up hating every single one. Even this one. Ah well, I still don't know what I'm doing. Maybe one of these days I'll make into a proper story. I'm still trying to decide how I want to portray these good folks.

Anyway! I would like to thank the kind people who reviewed! You were too kind, and I'm really glad you liked it! I hope I don't disappoint y'all!

A Moment in Time

Chapter II: Plan of Action

**********

Lucius Malfoy

Lucius had never liked the Hog's Head. The tavern was an eyesore both inside and out, dark and gritty and he felt filthy just passing across the threshold. It was just unfortunate that the Three Broomsticks was far more conspicuous. It was still below his station, but at least it was clean and had an attractive barmaid.

Hog's Head could only boast a hairy, shifty man whose name he couldn't quite recall.

Lucius sighed and checked his pocket watch yet again. It was nearly midnight, and Narcissa was no doubt wondering where he got off to.

"There you are, I nearly didn't recognize you." Lucius turned and pushed back his hood enough to glare at his visitor.

"You are late, Severus. I was beginning to think I had dirtied myself for nothing."

Severus gave a snort and circled around. He—she—was wearing a thick black cloak with a hood as well. Lucius couldn't help but stare as she cleaned off an area to sit. He had heard, of course, about what happened from some of his contacts within the school, but it was definitely another thing to actually see it. He was rather sorry he missed witnessing the reaction. If he knew Severus, it must have been spectacular.

"So it is true," he remarked.

"Yes, yes, it's true," Severus growled, impatiently pushing back her hood, "and who knows how long I'll be stuck like this. Now why am I here?"

"I was surprised you agreed to meet with me, Severus."

"Oh, yes, well, when the Lucius Malfoy comes calling one can't help but answer. And take off that ridiculous hood."

Lucius rolled his eyes and slid it off. He could have pointed out how it wouldn't look proper for a Malfoy to be seen with another woman at midnight at an infamous, seedy tavern, but he doubted Severus would much care. The subject matter he was about to introduce was already incredibly sensitive in nature.

"Can't I just check up on a dear friend?"

Severus's eyebrows raised, "At Hog's Head? In the dead of night? You're lucky I consider it bad business to brush off a major source of income; otherwise, I would have told you to stuff it."

"I apologize, Severus. After all this time I was quite certain you were only truly active at night. It's not as if you benefit from beauty sleep."

"That was just clumsy, Lucius. It would behoove you to take some of your ill begotten riches and buy yourself a proper sense of humor."

"But in all seriousness," he had to put a stop to this or they'd be going back and forth all night, "I do want to know how you're faring. Narcissa has been worried, for one thing."

Severus made a face and leaned her elbows on the table. To his credit, Lucius managed to keep his eyes above neck level. Seeing Severus with breasts was the strangest thing! Seeing Severus with breasts and have it actually work in an oddly fascinating way had to be even more mind boggling. It was as if Severus had been a female this entire time.

"I'm fine, Lucius, all things considered. I have to say, I'm surprised at your thoughtfulness. You're usually a self-centered, arrogant prat."

"Why thank you, Severus. It's so nice having a friend like you," Lucius replied dryly. Severus bared her teeth briefly in amusement. Speaking of teeth, why couldn't those get fixed? Really, her entire body had an overhaul, couldn't she have gotten away with straightening those out as well?

"Well, where would you be if you constantly surrounded yourself with ass-kissing Yes Men?"

"I have a wife for that, you do realize. She does a fine job of putting me in my place."

"Not good enough. I'll write Narcissa sometime. I was trying to avoid it as she'd drag me off to a boutique."

Lucius had to admit that was a very real possibility.

"Write her anyway, she'd love it. By the way, there is something I wanted to bring to your attention--"

"Ah ha."
"Ah ha?"

"Indeed, ah ha. I knew there was a reason you dragged me out here. Well, what is it this time? Just so you know, my prices have been adjusted to reflect inflation and the fact you've recently come into your inheritance."

"No, nothing like that (although I wouldn't mind discussing a deal on one of your wares in a bit). There's a...group that I would like to talk to you about."

Severus blinked, "A group?"

"Yes. We've joined it very recently and they have some very good ideas. I know you are quite ambitious and someone with your talents would be well received. It would be an opportunity to broaden your horizons. You can meet new people as well as debate new and exciting ideas. We're a very select group, but I do believe you'd fit in well, there. I certainly wouldn't mind sponsoring you."

"Sponsoring? Is this some sort of secret society, Lucius?"

"I suppose you could say that. We have to be extremely discreet, you realize. It would look scandalous if it got out just who attended and what we were doing."

"Doing? Are there a lot of people in this group?"

"Only a select few. In fact, it mainly consists of couples."

Severus's eyes widened and she gave a short cough.

"Can I be frank, Lucius? I do think of you and Narcissa as good friends and I suppose I should find this flattering, but I would rather not."

"Are you sure? That's such a shame, Severus. You'd do very well."

"I'm sure, I always do well."

'And yet I'm the arrogant one?'

Severus continued, "But I'm not one to stick my neck out for just anything. I require a very good pay-off."

"I'll have you know that the pay-off is very satisfying. I wanted to approach you before the summer started and give you time to think it over. We would really love to have you join us."

"Lucius, I'll have to refuse."

"If you're absolutely sure," Lucius said, sighing in disappointment.

"Quite. At this point in time I have no interest in doing any overtly illegal activities."

Lucius blinked in confusion. What was she talking about?

"Illegal? It's not illegal."

"Oh come off it. Of course it's illegal."
"Severus, what exactly are you talking about? While the lifestyle is alternative and does have some negative connotations, it's hardly against the law."

"Wait, what are you talking about?"

"Narcissa and I recently joined a swinger's club."

"Oh," she paused, "oh, that's what you were talking about."

"What did you think I was talking about?"

"Honestly? I thought you were talking about the Death Eaters."

"Them? No, not at all. Although I was going to look them up as well. Bellatrix refuses to shut up about it."

"Tell me how that goes."
"I shall. Now that we're on the same page, are you still sure?"

"Hm? Oh, yes, still sure."

"It's very structured, and we do have more activities than swinging, you know. Some of the attendees are of good standing and it would be a good place to--"

Severus gave him a look.

Lucius harrumphed, "Fine, ruin all my fun."

"I can only imagine, Lucius."

"...I don't suppose I could still have a peek--"

"No."

"Well, I tried."

"Does Narcissa know you're here?"

Lucius winced slightly, "No. I wanted to get the chance to meet with you privately." Severus ran fingers through her hair before shrugging. After haggling over the prices some of Severus's potions and tonics, the conversation quickly moved on to other things. They spoke for a long time, talking about everything and nothing, and Lucius had to admit that it was very nostalgic for him. He never pinned himself as the sentimental sort, but sometimes he did miss his school days. When he apparated in earlier in the evening, Lucius was surprised at how much he missed walking along High Street. And while he greatly enjoyed his status and connections and would sooner die a horrid death than give up his mountains and mountains of galleons, sometimes, he did yearn for the simpler things.

To him, Severus represented that simplicity. You always knew where you stood with Severus. She either liked you, hated you, or couldn't care less about you. He wouldn't have come down to this depressing hole in the wall otherwise. It was refreshing, really, after spending his entire life dancing about in intricate circles and learning politics, and his time at Hogwarts was certainly no different as most of the Slytherin House was composed of Purebloods. This usually meant the children had some idea of proper social standing and were very quick to get to their assigned ranks. You didn't have to agree, you just had to stay where you were and maybe someday you'll move up the metaphorical ladder. You didn't have to like your betters, you just had to keep your mouth shut and maybe some of their status would rub off on you.

Needless to say, the only reason Severus didn't get himself killed was because he was far more likely to get you first.

The moment Lucius exited Hogwarts he spent a great deal of his time posturing and never getting a thing done. But to choose another method would result in being labeled as a deviant. It was shameful, as he still had his ambitions. Going through the proper channels rarely resulted in anything constructive. Perhaps he should check into Bellatrix's new group.

Their conversation ran for quite a while considering the people involved in it, and it lasted so long that the few denizens of the tavern had long disappeared. He was in the middle of a tirade about having to attend the Minister's exceedingly boring parties when Severus suddenly stood.

"Come on, let's get out of here. You need to calm down and it's late. Ugh, I swear it always smells like goat in this place."

Lucius hesitated before sighing in resignation. So much for secrecy. Severus was already heading out the door and knowing her she'd have no problems leaving him behind. The cold air all but slapped him in his face the moment he stepped outside. Not surprising, given the time of year. He immediately cast a charm to stave off the chill before turning to face his company. He was debating whether he should do the gentlemanly thing and cast the charm for Severus or give into his baser feelings and let her freeze when she held out a slender hand.

"Your tab is due, by the way."

"Already? Severus, we're friends--"
"Do you want to know what happened to Evan Rosier when he tried to get out of his tab?"

"I can only imagine, Severus," Lucius said, throwing her words back at her as he reached into his traveling cloak. He pulled out a small pouch of money and began to count out the fee. Severus promptly snatched it out of his hands.

"Thank you for your business."

"The dealers in Knockturn Alley could learn a thing from you."

Severus ignored him, "I'll have a new order list made for you by Monday. Please give Narcissa my regards."

"I will do so."

"It was a nice discussion, Lucius," she said primly, "but next time, just meet me at the Three Broomsticks. Or, hell, Madame Puddifoot's if you're that desperate."

"I'll pass."

Severus briefly bared her teeth but dropped it.

Lucius adjusted his leather gloves, "Besides, isn't this far more exciting, Severus?"

"I can barely contain my glee," came the sharp retort. Ah, now she was becoming cranky. Well, crankier than usual given her typical state of being.

"I'll see you in a week, then."
"Not here, you won't."

"You always ruin my fun."

"It's your fault for acting so shameful you--" Severus suddenly turned and stared down an alleyway.

Lucius raised an eyebrow.

"What? It's not like you to stop mid insult. Did you see something?"

"I thought I did. It doesn't matter, I have to get back anyway. If we are to meet next week, I'll bring your order. But in return I'm asking for payment up front."

"You know I'm good for it."
"It's why I over charge you. Now go away."

"Maybe you should join the club, if only to get that stick out of your--"

"Goodbye, Lucius."

Lucius nodded his head and disapparated.

**********

Remus Lupin

Remus Lupin had always found Severus to be striking. He enjoyed their Potions classes together mostly for the simple fact that he could watch the other discreetly from the corner of his eye. The way Severus carried himself and his rebelliousness were attractive in their own way. He would never become a model, but Remus was positive that his dark personality and voice alone could have made him quite popular if he really put forth the effort. It was so different than the cringing boy they met on the train their first year. Remus couldn't say very many complimentary things about Lucius Malfoy, but he had to admit that it was good the man instilled some kind of confidence in Severus.

It was just that Severus couldn't be bothered the majority of the time. It probably had something to do with his antipathy toward, well, people.

Remus was one of the few students that didn't laugh when it became clear just why Severus was holed up in the infirmary and taking multiple trips to St. Mungo's the week before last. Popular theory at the time was that the Marauders were yet again responsible for sending the taciturn youth back into Poppy's care, and the shame Remus felt when he became aware of the rumor was stifled by the knowledge that this time they really weren't the cause of trouble. If anything, the news caused a certain thrill to run through him. Remus wasn't sure whether to be pleased or not that his attraction remained just as strong no matter what sex Severus happened to be.

The fact he got excited at the thought of Severus with female genitalia probably said quite a bit about him as well.

Severus was attractive to Remus. The fact he was now biologically a she really didn't change anything.

Remus briefly glanced below neck level.

Well, okay, there was actually a rather large change, but that didn't matter at all. Remus knew better than anyone that looks weren't the end all, be all of a person. Honestly, he gave up trying to explain that to a howling James and Sirius when they saw Severus that fateful Monday morning.

'Really, there's a reason why Lily prefers Severus's company even if James is the more conventionally handsome of the two.'

Remus's sharp hearing could make out Severus's husky tones as he, no, she calmly ordered her partner to let her do the work or suffer the consequences. He couldn't quite make out what those consequences entailed, but Greengrass was quick to place his hands in his lap for the duration of the lesson.

Remus sighed and tried to focus on his own potion. Peter, bless him, wasn't very coordinated, and it never ended well whenever he tried to make a potion. He was more than capable of handling theory, however, so Remus had set him to work on completing the answer sheet while he took care of the brewing.

It was distracting being so love sick. God help him if he ever got the urge to write poetry. How should he start? My dearest, fair Severus/ hair like a raven's wing/ eyes like a lump of coal/ teeth like a...well, there's really nothing good to say about the teeth but I rather think that adds character/ voice like a succubus'...

And now his chuckling was causing Peter to look at him funny.

Once the potion was set to a simmer, Remus took the time to look around the classroom. James and Sirius were snickering and acting up as usual, and Lily looked to be irritated with them as usual. As if she sensed him looking, the red head looked up and gave him a small grin. She glanced meaningfully at Severus and raised her eyebrows at him.

It would seem she was still very determined.

Remus tapped the table thoughtfully. Maybe he should do as Lily asked and try to make friends with Severus at the very least. Or, at least get to the point that Severus wouldn't try to hex him into next year.

Or, at least get to the point that Severus would look at him voluntarily. Yes, it would be best to start minuscule.

But that would be difficult. Lily was very blunt with him in the library the other day. The first obstacle was to get Severus to trust him enough to even listen to what he had to say. Remus admitted that that was largely his own doing. Severus usually wasn't a pleasant and agreeable person—he wasn't that far gone to pretend otherwise—but she hadn't deserved the treatment she'd gotten. Even with the excuse of being a prefect, Remus hadn't done anything to stop James and Sirius from bothering her on a near constant basis. That had to change, if only so he could do his job properly. Also, to be honest, it was one of things that bothered him so much about his friends.

"Are you okay?" Peter asked in concern. Remus nodded and forced his head out of the clouds so he could concentrate on their potion. He didn't want to be the cause of their failing today's lesson.

Slughorn was making his rounds, complimenting and critiquing as he went, laying it on thickly if he thought the student in question were worth the trouble. Remus allowed himself a bit of amusement at Lily's expense as she squirmed uncomfortably under his gushing praise.

In any case, it was easy to think about changing, but could he do it? He needed to come up with a plan of action. Lily had left that part open-ended, as it would require him to say something to his friends about their behavior. Well, she did offer to do that part for him, but for some reason Remus just couldn't quite trust the gleam in her eye as she said it.

After all, he didn't hate them.

Then there was the issue of Severus herself. He had chosen a bad time to try this, as the transformation and resulting infamy left her even more short fused than before. Remus didn't think it could possible, but there it was. Clearly, any patience she may have had toward him had probably dissipated, and even Lily was coming short on ideas. Yes, not only was it best to start minuscule, he had to start minuscule.

Remus had to come up with something good, or the entire thing would be doomed before it really began.

**********

Lily Evans

"Hello, Remus!" Lily chirped that afternoon. She was aware of James looking sourly at him, but she quickly yanked Remus out of the Great Hall to prevent him from doing anything about it.

"You know, if you keep this up James will think the worst of me."

"I don't care, I'd rather date you anyway," came the flippant reply. She easily ignored the choking noises he was making in response to that as she dragged him up the stairs, down a hallway, and into an empty classroom with a single desk and a shelf full of psychology books. She sat him down on the lone love seat in the room before plopping into the stuffy, leather chair behind the desk. Remus looked around in confusion.

"Er, Lily, is that a shelf full of--"

"I've decided to make this my office." She was very proud of herself. She had found the classroom by accident one day, and it wasn't that difficult to get the elves to dig up an old couch and desk for her use. Originally, it was supposed to be a base of operations (mental note: think of a name for the operation as soon as possible), but when word spread around the Girls' Dorm that she had acquired an office, well, it sort of mutated. Lily loved giving out advice, and apparently she was good at it, so she really didn't mind the added responsibility.

Remus, however, gaped at her and shifted uncomfortably.

"I...rather think you're taking this too far--"

"I've already got clients! I'm very excited!"

"For what?" Remus asked incredulously.

"Counseling! Now," she cleared her throat and placed her hands on her desk, "tell me what you've come up with so far."

Remus gave her a sheepish smile, "Er, well, nothing."

Lily sighed and gave him an irritated look. Surely he was being serious about this! She certainly was! How could he not tackle this matter with the same zeal and industriousness? Silly thing really had no head for romance did he? She could already imagine them walking along the shores of the lake, talking about intellectual things such as books they've read recently, or sharing a table at the Three Broomsticks, heads close together as they told each other secrets and generally be very cute.

Why couldn't Remus cooperate with her?

"Okay, tell me what you think," she began diplomatically.

"Um, I'm not going to be charged for this, am I?"

"I just might if you don't start talking--"

"Well, I was just thinking of good ways to approach the subject!" Remus said quickly. Lily smiled and nodded.

"Go on."

"But it's, er, like you said. Severus won't be easy to approach at all and I'm really stuck."

Lily hummed and began to scribble in a notebook. Yes, that was her main concern. Severus wasn't really much of a people person and was very defensive on top of that. She jotted more notes down and looked back up at Remus. She should consider getting glasses to give that extra "umph."

"Okay, let's set that aside for the moment. One of the first things we should do is make you appear more trustworthy. Have you said something to those friends of yours?"

Remus coughed and suddenly found the bookshelf to be very interesting—anything to avoid Lily's piercing gaze.

"I was just getting to that--"

"There you go! This is exactly what I'm talking about! Really, Remus, you're too nice. Do you know what I think?"

"I have a feeling you're going to tell me very soon--"

"I think you're afraid of talking with them because you don't like making people angry. I'll go even further and say you are more concerned with being liked than anything else."

Remus visibly stiffened and she could see the hints of his temper flaring, but it was quickly suppressed.

Lily continued, "No wonder you can't be trusted! Honestly, how do you think Severus would feel if he, she, started something with you, and then all it took was a few comments from Black to get you to turn against her?"
"I would not--"

"Oh, wouldn't you?"

Remus fell silent, thinking about what she said. Lily sighed and rubbed her nose. Boys! Severus didn't even know how lucky he was to escape that fate. Especially by turning into such an attractive girl. Lily desperately coveted those legs.

"I know you're right, Lily," Remus muttered. Lily blinked in surprise.

"Oh, really?"

"Mm. It's funny, because I was just thinking the same thing earlier." He ran a hand through his thick, brown hair.

"Well, that's good! Here, promise me you'll say something by the end of the week."

"Er, I promise."

"Good!" Lily chirped, smiling. This was salvageable. Oh, she can already imagine the girl talks she and Severus could have!

Well, okay, not girl talks, but still.

"So, is this all? Because I'd like to get some lunch."

"Oh, yes, you're right. This was a very productive session, Remus. Now, I want you to think very hard on what to say to your friends."

"Er, yes, madam."

"Be firm!"

"I will."

"And after you do that, we can really get started on Severus. I mean, it's not like you can waltz right up to her in the morning and go--"

"Wait," Remus interrupted. Lily raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms—a habit she picked up from knowing Severus Snape for years.

"Remus, what--"

"Could you repeat that?"

"Um, what? You can't waltz up to Severus in the morning? You really shouldn't, she's a total bitch before noon, I'll tell you. Granted it's not that different than afternoon, but what are you trying to get at?"

"Lily, you are a genius!" He suddenly grabbed her and held her close, much to her surprise.

"Remus, I like you, too, but--"

"I'll talk to my friends, I promise!" Then he dashed off without another word, leaving Lily stunned, flushed, and wondering if she just did the right thing.

'I think I just missed something.'

**********

Dear Severus,

It's so nice to finally hear from you! I was one day away from descending upon Hogwarts and that worthless Headmaster like a plague (and I do mean plague, I still know my way around a cauldron, as you well know)! You had better start writing me more often, or I just might be forced to use desperate measures. You know I have baby pictures.

Now, what exactly do you mean about permanent consequences resulting from the accident?

Severus, your mother has been driving me insane. I know you told her about my secret stash of tobacco. You have no sense of loyalty to your father, do you? And what's this about your losing your manhood?? Maybe now the both of you will listen to me and have you transferred to my alma mater

IGNORE your ridiculous father, dear. We both know you'd have been convicted of homicide the first three weeks of attendance my darling little troublemaker. But are you really okay? I'm assuming that means you're now a

Your mother doesn't want to say it, but we demand a picture. I haven't had a good laugh in ages, and I simply can't wait to see you. You know it's only a matter of time, you have to come home some time and I will be waiting

Love, there's nothing wrong with being a woman. I'm sure Lily is being very helpful. You do know, of course, that you can talk to me at any time. This must be a very big adjustment to make and I want you to know that your father and I are going to be supportive

I hope you're happy. I just imagined you as a girl and I nearly busted my gut.

We'll talk soon, yes? We love you very much. And remember, a good girl never gets caught!

Love,

Mother

I am WAITING, Da

Severus closed the parchment and carefully folded it.

"I," she declared, "am going to kill that man."

**********

End part! God I wish I knew what I was doing. Um, review?