Chapter 4 To the Sanctuary of the Library

Severus wandered the corridors not really paying attention to where he was going. Still fuming he found himself outside the library. He went inside and his eyes immediately landed on the person he most wanted to see. The library was deserted, Severus didn't even see the librarian.

He walked over to the table and sat down beside her. She looked up. "Severus," she looked around as well. "What happened?" she asked taking in his dirty clothes and angry expression.

"Black," he spat. "Probably Potter, too and maybe Pettigrew. And Lupin, of course."

"What did they do?"

Severus recalled the earlier events. "You can't possibly stick up for them after that," he finished.

"But Potter saved you," Lily replied hesitantly.

"He probably knew that if I was killed they'd obviously be blamed."

"Or maybe he thought that Black's idea was a bad one from the beginning and was waiting to save you."

"He could have told me before I went in there. Before I nearly got killed. Speaking of which, whose idea was it to let a werewolf come to Hogwarts?"

"Probably Dumbledore's."

"I thought he was smarter than that. I can't believe no one's found out before this."

"He probably didn't expect anyone to find out. He had no way of knowing someone would think it was a good idea to tell someone how to get in and see Lupin."

"Still it was stupid. When parents find out they won't want their children to stay here."

"You're not going to tell anyone are you?"

"Of course I am! It's not safe and people need to know."

"Don't. Lupin's not that bad and everyone will hate Dumbledore if they find out."

"So I'm just supposed to let Black nearly kill me? I'm not supposed to do anything about it?"

Lily was quiet for a minute. "You can tell Dumbledore," she finally said.

"Fine," Severus replied.

Lily stood up. "It's late. We should go back to our common rooms."

Severus stood, too. "Goodnight," he said stiffly still upset at her for defending Potter. They went their separate ways outside the library. Severus thought of the next day and what he'd tell the headmaster. What worried him most was that Black and Potter would get off easy. They didn't deserve that.

The next morning Severus waited outside the Great Hall for Dumbledore.

"Good morning, Mr. Snape," the headmaster greeted.

"Good morning, Professor," Severus replied. "I was wondering if I could tell you something that happened last night?"

"Of course you may."

Once again Severus told what had happened. When he finished Dumbledore had a thoughtful look on his face. "I see," he said. "You do understand it was not right of you to attempt to find out where Mr. Lupin was going?"

"Yes, but-," Severus started.

"However," Dumbledore continued, "That does not change the fact that you could have been hurt due to Mr. Black's foolishness. Therefor I will take fifty points from Gryffindor and give him detention. In the future it would be wise to be careful when faced with the unknown."

"Thank you, sir," Severus replied. It hadn't been quite what he'd been hoping for. Potter hadn't been punished, but Dumbledore would not understand Severus's suspicion that he'd been involved.

"I'll also have to request that you do not speak of Mr. Lupin's condition to anyone. There would be devastating consequences if people were to find out."

"Of course not, Professor."

Dumbledore turned and walked away and Severus walked back to his common room. What would Black say when he was asked why he had detention and why he'd lost points? He couldn't tell the truth. The thought of Black struggling to come up with an excuse for his punishment brightened Severus's mood immensely. Who would have guessed something good could come out of a life threatening situation?