I am indebted to the Great JK Rowling for these characters.
Also, I think I might have to start posting three chapters at a time again—I might be irking a few people with the incessant uploading of this story…
Chapter Twenty: Snape's Melody
I didn't have any free time that day to get to Remus' room. Discouraged beyond words, I trudged back down to the dungeon to serve my detention with the letter shoved into the back pocket of my jeans.
"I'm here…. You can start your treacherous evil ways now—" I trailed off, seeing Snape, glaring at me fiercely. "Sorry," I muttered, closing the door.
"Your attitude fails to amuse me, American."
"Will you stop with the American already!? God, talk about beating a dead dog with a stick!"
"Sit down!"
I sat.
"Now," he began pacing in front of me, hands clasped behind his back. "I have no filing for you… No paperwork… So tonight, we're going to have a talk."
I rolled my eyes. "Great. Can we talk about the Birds and the Bees, Professor?"
"I think Professor Lupin would want the honor of discussing that with you," he sneered nastily. I turned a lovely shade of pink. He noticed my discomfort and grinned. "No, American, we're going to have a little conversation about Melody."
I stared at him. "You know who Melody is?"
"Of course I do! I'm the one who named her that!" he looked angry at my surprise.
"Who is she?" I asked eagerly.
"Don't you know?"
"Not really. All I know is that she had great eyes." I shrugged. "Other than that, I'm lost."
"Melody went to school around the same time I did. A few years under me, but still—when someone like her attends Hogwarts, everyone knows it."
I sat back in my chair, fixing Snape with an intrigued look. He went on.
"She was easily the brightest girl here—levels ahead of her age group. Performing intricate spells at a seventh-year level during her first year. Amazed everyone. What was even more amazing—she could create her own spells. Set them to music—as a hobby. She easily had the most promising career of anyone from Hogwarts—on the same plateau as Lord Voldemort, even. Only as a fighter against him. When she graduated, it was assumed she'd join the fight against him right away—but she surprised everyone. She fell in love with a common Muggle… And she gave up her powers—powers which may have stopped Voldemort for good—for an ordinary, Muggle Existence."
"You were in love with her, weren't you!?" I realized, seeing the grim expression on his face.
"That's nothing to you, American! All I know is she could have had anything in the world, and she chose you."
I stared at him, not speaking. He saw my look and nodded, a smirk on his face.
"Understand now, American? Understand why you never knew you were a witch until your parents died? How pathetic was it? The most powerful witch in the Wizarding World, killed by a Muggle-Made car."
"My mother was the most wonderful person—in any world—no matter what you say."
"But what does she have to show for her existence!? She could have had fame, glory… How many lives wouldn't have been killed!? Instead, all she left behind was a scrawny red-headed brat with no idea of who her mother truly was."
I stood up, feeling tears forming. "I knew my mother better than you ever would! And I don't care what you say—she made the right decision! I'm glad I didn't have to grow up here, if it meant knowing people like you! And-" I was red in the face from yelling by now, "I am not scrawny!"
"Sit down and shut up!" He roared, overshadowing me by a good six inches. I sat down, but kept my eyes narrowed on him in silent defiance. "She obviously taught you nothing about respect-"
"I know plenty about respect—for those who deserve it," I growled.
"You would do well to keep your mouth shut, American."
"You have no control over me, you prick."
"I have the power to expel you from this school. Just another wasted witch. Like your mother."
That got me up again. "Don't you dare tell me my mother's life was wasted! She's the one with a family! With people who loved her! And still do! Who do you have, Professor!? Who do you have to care about you!?"
"I know better than to attach myself to another human. Waste of time."
"That explains why you act as if there's a stick wedged up your butt all the time! Maybe you should try to attach yourself to someone!"
"I've tried it before, American, and I will never allow myself that weakness again."
We glared at each other from across the expanse of the desk. Despite his passionate words, I couldn't help my eyes from softening and looking at him with sympathy.
"But you loved her. Once. Didn't you?"
"Of course I did," he scowled, turning his head away. "Everyone did. Ask your boyfriend. I'm sure he loved her once, too."
"What happened?" I asked, ignoring his last comment.
"That is none of your concern."
"Then why bring it up? Why now, of all times, do you tell me about my mother? Other than to berate her and tell me I'm worthless?"
"You may have been disconnected from our world for 17 years, American… But you're still your mother's daughter."
"What does that mean!?" I was beginning to get very frustrated. "And why did Professor Lupin call me Melody today? Why did he tell me to be careful? What aren't you telling me!?"
"He calls you Melody to keep his mind at ease. No harm in being intoxicated by a dead friend's eyes, as opposed to a very young and very available student."
I couldn't believe it. I didn't want to believe it. Or did I? Something about the idea of Remus, feeling that way over my eyes…
"Why do I need to be careful?" I asked, trying to avoid thinking of Lupin and his prepossession with my eyes.
"Professor Lupin isn't the only one who's been watching your every move, American" he said evenly. "You may be a novice with your wand, but the rate at which you absorb your classes—gives a man enough reason to be unsettled."
"D'you mean…" I trailed off, too bewildered to go on.
"I would heed his caution, American. Lupin is, after all, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. He would know the signs of danger when he saw them."
I fell back into my seat, feeling drained. What a great day. First I had no sleep. Then I got an F on my essay, slept through three classes, got a detention, and now the Evil Dark Lord was looking for ways to kill me. Wonderful. Spectacular. (But, as I thought wildly, at least my sarcasm hasn't left me!)
"May I please be excused?" I asked, my voice shaky and wavering.
"According to my watch, you still have thirty minutes to go," Snape instantly reformed to his evil self and smirked.
"Please, Professor." I tried to look pleading and sweet.
"Fine. Go." He waved his hand in disgust. "But I'm adding a foot to your essay Wednesday."
"It's a fair cop," I stood gratefully. "Thank-"
"Go!"
I made a face, but hurried from the room before he could change his mind.
Chapter Twenty-One: Into the Wardrobe
I knew I couldn't go back to the Common Room after that. Which left one other place (well, aside from the Library, but I didn't think it'd be open anyway)
With a steely determination, I knocked on Remus' door.
"Who is it?" his voice, muffled and raspy, seeped through the wood.
"Uh… It's, um… It's me, Profe-I mean, Remus." I shifted my weight from one foot to another anxiously. The door swung open, revealing Remus in all his weary glory.
"Don't you ever sleep?" he asked, but he smiled and stepped aside to let me in.
"I'm sorry, I know I promised to stop busting in on you, but… " I pulled the letter from out of my pocket and held it towards him. "I need to talk to you."
He stared at the letter, an unreadable expression crossing his face. He shut the door behind him softly and leaned heavily against the door. "My letter. Oh."
"Yea, oh," I repeated, pulling out the parchment. "I know who Melody is-or was-now. But this danger thing… It's kinda worrisome."
He stepped closer to me, taking the letter from my hands. "Casey, don't be worried… I just had a bad feeling. But it's gone now." He offered me a smile. "No big deal."
"You say that to me an awful lot," I raised my eyebrow.
"Yes, well, you pay me surprise visits a lot." He crumpled the letter. "So we're even."
"But why did Professor Snape tell me I was being watched?"
"He's probably trying to scare you." He said. "Would you like some tea?"
I nodded, watching him prepare two cups. He was so handsome, even like this. "How do you feel?" I asked softly.
"Surprisingly well," he answered, handing me a cup of boiling tea. (Those big wooden sticks came in handy sometimes) He motioned to his desk. "Please, have a seat."
"Thank you." I opted for the bed (more for the window view than anything) and crossed my legs under me.
"How are you?"
"Other than confused beyond belief, I'm well."
"Good to hear."
We sipped in silence, eyes wandering but occasionally meeting over the rims of our cups. Every time it happened, one of us would look away and I would blush bright red. One bad thing about being a pale, freckle-faced redhead—the infinite amount of blushing I went through daily.
"So… I heard you had an impromptu nap this morning," he said finally, breaking the silence.
"Oh gosh… Yea." I grimaced. "Not a pleasant morning."
"Professor Dumbledore told me you had ash and leaves all in your hair. Said you looked really sweet."
I forced a laugh, shrugging nervously. "I wouldn't say sweet—more like scary and freaky."
"Forgive me if I believe Dumbledore over you," he laughed softly, setting his empty teacup on his desk.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"May I please see your painting?"
He found new interest in the ceiling. "Uh, it's not that good…"
"Please?"
His eyes met mine and held them for a long moment. "Alright."
He used his wand to open a heavy trunk set against one side of the wall. I could see dozens of pictures, some painted, others drawn, from around his back, and resisted the urge to ask to see them, also.
He found the one he wanted and gave it a quick look before handing it over to me. "Like I said, it's not too great,"
I stared at in shocked silence. Not only was the painting beautiful, but he had taken a seat next to me, his arm barely brushing mine as he waited for my opinion.
"Professor-" I breathed.
"Remus," he said absently.
"Remus," I corrected. "Remus, this is… this is beautiful."
He forced a nervous laugh. "Sorry, Casey—no extra credit for sucking up to the teacher."
I didn't even smile. "Remus, I'm serious. This is good. Really good."
"Thank you."
Once again, our eyes connected and I was left without any coherent thoughts. I felt I could feel what he was thinking, just by looking in his hazel eyes that were open and unguarded for once. From the look on his face, he could sense the words coming from my eyes, too. Slowly, as time seemed to stand still, his hand reached towards me, Remus' eyes unwavering on mine. His hand was a mere inch of two away when a loud pounding broke through the silence.
He withdrew his hand sharply, looking guilty, and I could feel my heart speeding up as I recognized the voice coming from the other side of the door.
"LUPIN!? I know you're not asleep—I see the light under your door! Let me in!"
"Just a minute, Severus!" Remus called back, his face seeming to age years. He turned back to me. "Um, this is most inconvenient."
"What should I do?" I asked frantically.
"Here…" He opened his wardrobe and shoved hangers to the side. "Just stay in here."
I silently climbed in and closed my eyes, fearing the worst, as Remus opened the door to let Severus inside.
