I would like some feedback... I know, pathetic but...
Presents.
It was five minutes to eight and Snape felt like a fool. What on earth was he doing here, waiting for loser Longbottom, the Lovegood oddity and the Weasley hurricane?
He had spent the day preparing the "presents" he was supposed to bring for the three leaders of Dumbledore's Army. He was relieved that not all members would witness his upcoming humiliation. But also filled with curiosity about their plans. The last 24 hours... no the last few months had changed him. The constant sleep deprivation was challenging his sanity. Most meetings with the Dark Lord took place in the middle of the night. Most Death Eaters were able to sleep during the day. He wasn't.
"Headmaster." Longbottom, Lovegood and Weasley gave him a nod and they entered the Room Of Requirement. The fact that he was able to enter it, astounded them a little. He had obviously managed to overcome the first ward.
Longbottom had done a good job preparing the room. Beds, a washroom, a library, a cleared space for dueling, a kitchen, a sofa, a fireplace and Dumbledore's portrait. And a large wooden box.
As soon as the door closed behind them, the three of them relaxed. They obviously felt at home here. Longbottom made tea for four and for some reason, Severus was surprised that there was one for him as well. He passed it to him. Too milky. Too weak. But Severus bit his lip. It wouldn't be a good idea to start this with a criticism.
"In Order to be accepted here..." Ginny started, not without glaring at him defiantly, "you have to pass tests. You have to face a boggart, answer questions under the influence of veritaserum, cast a patronus and ask Professor Dumbledore for permission to enter."
Snape nodded. His stomach felt quesy. All four tasks would difficult to master. Maybe not the last. There was a possibility, that all of this was part of the Great Plan.
He hadn't uttered a word yet. Luna walked towards him and with a curt gesture, demanded his wand. Snape handed it over. By the look of everyone's faces, he had obviously passed another test.
"First I need you to understand," Neville started, not a hint of insecurity in his voice, "that in here, we are all equals. You are in no position of power. If you fail the tests, you will be obliviated and then you can go."
"Very well, Longbottom."
Neville noticed the lack of malice in Snape's voice.
"What have you brought?"
The presents. A little nervous, he pulled out three small boxes.
"You have to remove the feather weight charm and the shrinking charm."
Luna pointed her wand at the small boxes and one of them grew very large, one of them didn't change at all and one only enlarged a little.
Snape, still unable to banish that annoying tremble, pointed at the middle-sized one and Neville started to open it. Two vials with potions, neatly corked. Neville gave him a enquiring look.
"This," Snape said quietly, "is to be administered to your parents. It can reverse the effects of the cruciatus curse. It was very difficult to brew. Taken twice a day, it works after 12 weeks. The cruciatus curse can cause permanent damage to the nerves, as it has to your parents. This should help."
Neville opened his mouth to ask why Snape hasn't given him this before, but Snape was faster.
"It took ten years to brew. I finished it this summer, but the events..." he trailed off.
Neville nodded. "Thank you sir" he whispered. "Thank you so much." He hadn't expected something as personal as that. His determination to win this war and to... survive increased by ten. Snape gave him a curt nod and rubbed his eyes with his palms.
He wasn't sure if he could stay awake any longer. He hadn't slept in nearly three days.
"Coffee sir?" Ginny asked and Snape nodded thankfully.
When she came back, they exchanged coffee for her present. She unwrapped it and nearly laughed when she saw what Snape got for her.
"Wedding rings?"
Two furrows appeared on his forehead. "Portkeys. They are for you and... Potter once the war is over. Turn it three times and it takes you both to a safe place."
"Where?"
"Right here."
Her eyes widened. Trying to force the excitement out her voice she asked: "How do we know the ring and the potion is real?"
Snape's gaze fell on the veritaserum. With a slight shudder, he responded: "Ask me later."
Luna's present was so big, she couldn't move it. Ever-floating, she approached it and opened the box. She held her breath when she saw it. A pensieve. They were rare and difficult to get. Not many of them existed.
"Miss Lovegood. After last night's events I thought you would profit from some... piece of mind every now and again. Memories can also be viewed."
She nodded, not taking her eyes off Snape. "Thank you."
The three of them were speechless. No one had expected old, greasy Snape to bring such valuable and personal things.