A/N: Alright we're back again! Thanks for hanging in here with me guys! As much trouble as this book has given me, I've written waaaaay too much for it. So expect pt 3 of HBP in the next few days. Let me know what you guys think in the reviews/comments! I'd love to know how you guys feel about all that is going on in these chapters.

Important update: I added several pieces to pt 1 of book six. So if you haven't just read it today, then you are missing extra Sev and Minnie goodness!

Thanks as always you guys! See you in the next chapter!

Draco walked several paces behind the professor as they entered Malfoy Manor. The teen had been invited to a few Death Eater meetings over the summer, but this was the first time he'd been summoned during the school year. His plan with the cursed necklace hadn't gone well, but he had gone through with that plan expecting little else. It had been a desperate act and one Draco knew he would now be punished for.

He'd brought too much attention to himself. Snape had put two and two together quickly enough and that almost certainly meant that Dumbledore would have as well. The Dark Lord wasn't happy with him at the moment. They stopped just outside his father's office.

Snape turned to face him, placing what was probably meant to be a comforting hand on his shoulder. Draco shrugged off the man's attempt with contempt. "What?"

"Keep your mouth closed unless asked a direct question," Snape hissed in a voice that brokered no opposition. "Let me handle this. Understood?"

Draco shrugged insolently, refusing to give Snape what he desired. This was his mission, not the professor's and he'd be damned if he let the man take his glory from him. This was his chance to fix his father's mistakes, to bring the Malfoy's back into the Dark Lord's good graces. He couldn't allow Snape to ruin that. Though, in all honesty, he would happily allow the Potions Master to field the Dark Lord's questions.

Following Snape once again, Draco entered his father's study to see the man himself kneeling close to the Dark Lord's side. Snape dropped into a kneeling position at the Dark Lord's feet, prompting Draco to follow suit.

"Rise my friends," the Dark Lord said, his voice sending shivers down Draco's spine.

Draco waited until the older man obeyed before rising slowly to his feet. His father moved to his side in an instant, placing him ever so slightly behind the two older men. A quick glance from his father that he knew all too well instructed Draco to stay back and to remain silent.

"Severus," the Dark Lord continued as he noted the position of his three servants, "and young Mr. Malfoy. Thank you both for joining us." Though the man's words sounded pleasant enough, the threat within his tone conveyed the very real danger Draco found himself in.

"We came as soon as we could, my lord. You said the matter was serious." Snape answered slowly.

"Yes…" the Dark Lord cocked his head as he watched the two older men. His eyes locking onto Snape's gaze. "Yes, it is an urgent matter that we must discuss. The previous attempt at Dumbledore's life was sloppy and doomed to fail." Draco's veins turned to ice as the Dark Lord looked to him. "I'm disappointed in such a blatantly desperate attempt."

Before Draco could respond, Snape spoke into the deadly quiet that surrounded them. "Your correct, as always, my lord. The boy, as is the case with most teenagers, did not think this plan through. However, I believe this to be a disastrous misstep, not a complete failure."

"The staff will have their suspicions," the Dark Lord pointed out.

"They will and they have," Snape admitted. "But they believe it to be an adult who is at fault not a mere child."

Blood that had frozen at the Dark Lord's gaze now boiled to life in Draco's veins at the professor's remark. He was not a child! Thankfully, the Dark Lord continued his discussion with the Potions Master before Draco's indignation caused him to do something foolish.

"They suspect you?"

Snape paused, deliberating on his answer before providing it. "There is always some manner of suspicion directed at me. I am meant to be their spy, but I also spend time with their enemy. It is to be expected."

The Dark Lord nodded, clearly appeased by Snape's answer. "Still, I do believe punishment is in order for the boy's failures. Something a bit more than trips into the Forbidden Forest at night." The Dark Lord's eyes roved Draco and his father, observing the two and looking for any weakness.

Once again, Snape jumped in before either of the Malfoy's could so much as draw breath to speak. "Might I make a suggestion my Lord?"

Bastard, Draco thought shooting a glare at his Head of House that he hoped remained hidden from the Dark Lord.

"You may Severus."

"Punishing the boy will only lead to rebellion," Snape remarked casually. "You know how teenagers are. Instead might we show him that the consequences of his actions are a bit more… reaching?" Snape shot a significant look at Lucius as he spoke.

Following his servant's gaze a sadistic smile curled the Dark Lord's lips. "Clever as always Severus. Such actions have seen success from Lucius's end, perhaps a similar demonstration will provide motivation to not fail me again." Red eyes held Draco frozen in place as fear took over once more. Without looking away, the Dark Lord addressed Snape. "Would you like to do the honors?"

"If you wish my Lord," Snape replied.

"A reward for your cleverness."

Snape nodded and stepped forward, wand held high and aimed at Lucius's chest. Draco put two and two together rather quickly but before he could protest, his father's hand squeezed his arm tightly. He looked up in time to catch his father's gaze and unless he was mistaken the elder Malfoy shook his head ever so slightly.

A heartbeat later and Lucius had turned his attention back to Snape. Draco didn't have time to prepare for the curse Snape sent at his father leaving the man in a screaming heap on the floor.

Time seemed to stop as Draco watched his father be tortured by the man they'd both considered family. He wanted to scream and rage at both Snape and the Dark Lord, but neither of those actions would help. Experience had taught him that the Dark Lord wouldn't allow this to end until he deemed his message had been delivered. No amount of begging or promises could stop him.

Helplessly, Draco watched as his father paid for his mistakes. Tortured because his son had been desperate enough to act foolishly. Hatred filled him as he turned a scowl on the professor he'd so idolized once upon a time.

Finally, after what seemed like hours but couldn't have been more than five minutes, Snape lowered his wand and turned to the Dark Lord. "I believe that this particular lesson is well received, my Lord."

"In a hurry are we?" The Dark Lord replied an edge creeping into his voice.

Draco couldn't find it within himself to care if his master was annoyed with Snape, the bastard certainly deserved the Dark Lord's ire. As Snape turned his full attention to the Dark Lord, Draco hurried to his father's side.

"I'm afraid I have news, my Lord," Snape continued. "Not good news. And it cannot wait any longer."

If the Dark Lord responded, Draco didn't hear him. Focusing his attention on his father, Draco tuned out the other two as he tried to determine the man's health. His father's body shook with tremors, but Lucius's eyes were clearer than they ought to have been after being subjected the Cruciatus Curse for so long. The older man rolled himself to his side without the help of his son and, with more ease than should have been possible, he concentrated his attention on the exchange between Snape and the Dark Lord.

"There were Aurors patrolling the school this evening, Moody was among them," Snape's voice seemed to shake ever so slightly as he spoke. "We ran into him while answering the summons."

The Dark Lord's eyes narrowed. "And?"

"He let us go by, but I'm certain he didn't believe my story. The boy will be under heavier observation when we return. It will be unwise to bring him to another such meeting."

"So you were careless and now Moody, and by extension Dumbledore, suspect that the boy's up to something?" Voldemort hissed.

Snape bowed his head in a show of submission and nodded slightly.

The Dark Lord's Cruciatus Curse took Draco by surprise as it hit the Potions Master full in the chest. As the professor writhed on the floor, Draco couldn't suppress the vindictive feeling of justice that rose in his chest. It was no less than the git who'd tortured his father deserved.

Turning his attention back to his father, Draco helped the man into a sitting position. "Father," Draco whispered, but he got no further.

"Be silent," his father hissed, the elder Malfoy's attention fixated on Snape as the man endured the Dark Lord's fury.

The Dark Lord ended the curse with a flick of his wrist, gazing at his servant with disappointment etched in every feature. "You frustrate me to no end Severus," the Dark Lord sighed, his high cold voice resonating his displeasure through the room.

A shiver stole down Draco's spine as he watched the professor struggle to his knees.

"In one moment you're brilliant and in the next beyond foolish," the Dark Lord continued a curious look on his face as he gazed at his servant. "If I didn't know any better, I'd believe you to be protecting the boy."

Unwittingly, Draco snorted at the notion. Regret at his breech of decorum coursed through him when those red eyes found his once again. His father's hand wrapped tightly around his wrist at the same time the black eyes of his professor flashed a warning to him.

"Something you find humorous young Mr. Malfoy?" The Dark Lord asked silkily.

Draco's throat went instantly dry and he found that no words would escape.

"Don't be shy now, my boy," the Dark Lord coaxed. "If there's something on your mind, do share with the rest of us."

"It's nothing my Lord," his father intervened his words shaking as they spilled from his mouth. "Teenagers and their insolence, I'm certain."

"We've just had a lesson on insolence and failure. Perhaps we need another one?"

"No!" Draco protested forcefully. Realizing his mistake he hastily attempted to fix his moment of disrespect. "No my Lord, not insolence at all." Taking a deep breath, Draco forced himself to look up at the Dark Lord, projecting a confidence he didn't feel. "Snape doesn't care about me, only the glory he can achieve for himself at my expense… I found your remark humorous, that, that's all."

Silence pervaded the room for several minutes, stealing the air from the room and leaving three of the four present on edge.

Finally the Dark Lord chuckled. "He's clever Lucius. Remove him from my presence," the man commanded. The Dark Lord's demeanor swung quickly back to anger as he ordered them from his presence. His voice a hiss filled with dangerous impatience. "Severus and I have a few things left to discuss."

Relief flooded Draco's senses at the dismissal to the point that he barely noticed his father pulling him to his feet and dragging him from the room.

"You daft boy," the man hissed as soon as the office door closed behind them. However, the bone crushing hug he was pulled into caused his father's words to lose any of their bite. "You've no idea how lucky you are."

Holding tightly to his father, Draco allowed himself a moment of weakness. At least for a short while longer he could feel safe. "I think I might have an idea," Draco replied sheepishly. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine Draco," his father muttered into the top of his head.

Too soon the two withdrew from one another and leaned against the wall opposite the office. Dark magic seemed to seep through the cracks of the door leaving both with a profound sense of foreboding. Screams of pain that weren't blocked by the closed door leaked out as well. Had he been any less furious at the man currently experiencing the Dark Lord's wrath, Draco might have felt sorry for him. However, he couldn't quite muster such feelings for Snape at present.

"We are fortunate it was Severus who brought you," Lucius remarked quietly as Snape's voice tapered off.

"Yes because his idea to torture you really helped us."

His father's hand gripped his shoulder, forcing the boy to look up at the man. "It could have been far worse, and it could have been you," explained Lucius. "Be thankful that he was here."

Though his father's words held some truth, Draco couldn't bring himself to be thankful for Snape's presence. The professor wanted nothing more than to usurp the Malfoy's, that much had been obvious since the fiasco at the Ministry. His excuses about making an Unbreakable Vow had been laughably false. The man might be the closest thing to an uncle Draco had ever had, but Snape cared about only himself. He'd proven that time and again.

And Draco couldn't forgive the man for hurting his father. Nothing the Dark Lord did to the former Potions Master would be enough to atone for that.

The two slipped into silence as they waited for the Dark Lord to finish with the professor. Time marched slowly forward leaving Draco's mind with far too much freedom. His plans for killing the Headmaster had thus far been unsuccessful. Tonight he'd been given a taste of what further failure would mean. He couldn't risk his family again. Couldn't risk their lives over his foolishness. His next move would need to be well considered. He had to be confident in his plan to sneak the Death Eater's into the castle.

Glancing at his watch, Draco was surprised to notice that they'd been waiting outside for nearly an hour before the Dark Lord finally left the office. A wave of lingering dark magic crashed around them as he walked away.

The Dark Lord's quick glance over his shoulder provided Draco with a final view of the monster he'd agreed to serve. "I'm afraid the professor will need some assistance getting back to the castle." With that the Dark Lord turned away, disapperating a moment later.


Cracking open his eyes took far more energy than Severus thought should be necessary. Though, considering the dull ache in his right side and sharp throbbing in his head, perhaps it took less energy than it should have. Feeling as if he'd been on the receiving end of a Chimera attack, Severus shifted in his bed before attempting to open his eyes once more.

When he finally managed to open them, the first thing he saw was the worried and slightly angry face of Minerva McGonagall hovering above him. From the several hairs that had fallen from her usual tight bun and the worry lines worn into her face, he could only assume that she'd been sitting in the uncomfortable looking armchair for a while.

"We have to stop meeting like this," he quipped as he recognized the scratchy nightgowns and uncomfortable mattresses that could only mean he'd landed himself in the Hospital Wing.

Minerva's eyes narrowed but warmth colored her tone when she spoke. "Yes, drinks in the various infirmaries of the wizarding world wasn't on my bucket list either."

"I see you're copying my ideas once again," Severus observed nodding towards the full bottle of elf wine on the bedside table.

"Yes," she smirked, "but I doubt you get in as much trouble for having it as I did."

"Poppy would sooner join us than berate us, so we're probably safe."

"Plus I have dirt on her so she doesn't have a choice." Minerva's expression turned serious faster than a heart attack. "Do you expect me to believe Mr. Malfoy's tale of being attacked in the Forbidden Forest? Do you have any idea just how fortunate you are that I happened to have walked Alastor to the gates? Did you think about what might have happened otherwise? It's Christmas break, there's so few of us here during holidays! What happened, you foolish boy?"

Severus's mind swirled as she rapidly hurled question after question at him. "Do you expect me to answer all of those at once or might we slow them down to one at a time?" he quipped hoping to defuse her obvious anger and... worry. She'd been worried about him?

"One at a time will suffice," Minerva replied still serious.

Severus tried to shift himself into a sitting position before tackling her questions, but as soon as he moved pain split through his side. Surprise caused him to hiss as he quickly stilled himself. Minerva was at his side in an instant.

"What's wrong? Are you in pain? Shall I call Poppy?" She asked, firing off raid questions once again.

He tried laughing at her but received only pain at his efforts. "I'm fine," he wheezed. Regardless of how uncomfortable he currently felt, he didn't want Poppy back over to knock him out again. He needed to be lucid to gain information. Minerva patiently waited for him to gain control of his breathing. "I'm fine Minerva. How long have I been out?"

"It's been three days Severus," Minerva's brows drew together in frustration. Though whether that frustration was directed at him or the situation, Severus couldn't tell.

Three days! He'd been out for three days. Shock hit him first followed swiftly by panic. "Draco-"

"Is fine," Minerva assured him. "He's the one who found me, half carrying you up the path to the castle."

"What happened?"

"I'd very much like to know the answer to that," she said in a voice that brokered no argument.

"It's all very fuzzy," he lied seamlessly. "One minute I was with Draco in the Forest and the next here I am."

Minerva's eyes narrowed and her lips thinned. Could she tell he was lying? Not even the Dark Lord could tell.

"Is that the story you're sticking to?" she asked carefully.

Severus nodded. "It's what I remember."

For some inexplicable reason, guilt coursed through him as he lied to the Head of Gryffindor. He hadn't experienced guilt over lying since… well since Lily.

"The way Mr. Malfoy tells it, the two of you were attacked by some large creature. He didn't get a good look at it, but the extent of your injuries would imply we need to check and see what Hagrid might be keeping in the forest these days." Minerva's voice remained clipped as she spoke, but her eyes and body language painted a different picture. Relief flooded her eyes and the way she leaned back heavily in chair said she'd been tensed for far too long.

She'd been worried about him. Minerva had been beside him when he'd woken and based on her rumpled clothing and frumpy bun, she'd been beside him for a while now. Being cared for wasn't something Severus had ever been accustomed to. It was a rather pleasant notion.

"I'd wager Hagrid is keeping a great many things secret in that forest," he surmised.

Minerva was having none of his deflecting. "You're actively avoiding the question Severus."

"Was I that obvious?"

"You still are."

Silence stretched between them, thick and tense in a manner Severus had become unaccustomed to while in Minerva's presence.

"Severus," Minerva broke first, "don't leave me in the dark." Though her face and tone had both softened, an edge remained evident in her demeanor.

Guilt weighed heavily in his stomach as he looked away from her, unable to lie to her while holding her gaze. Long experience taught him that such an action all but destroyed his credibility, but Severus couldn't help it. He couldn't be honest with Minerva without putting her in and everyone else in danger, but he also couldn't lie straight to the face of his only real friend.

"I honestly can't remember much of what happened, Minerva," he answered, grateful that his voice held steady.

Quiet followed his explanation. Still unable to meet her eyes, Severus contented himself with watching his hands as he fiddled with the sheets. As the oppressive and unfamiliar silence grew, he found he couldn't take it. The quickest of glances in Minerva's direction was enough to ascertain that anger had replaced the worry she'd felt earlier.

"That's how it's going to be then?" she scolded.

He'd lose her friendship at the end of the year anyway. Knowing it would happen and that she'd need to hate him, didn't make his task any easier.

Severus half shrugged, ignoring the pain that blossomed in his side at the motion. "I don't know what else to say Minerva."

"Neither do I," she snapped. "I do believe that Poppy wanted to know when you finally woke up. Something about wanting to berate you about not coming to her for some things sooner."

"She's a mother hen," Severus quipped, attempting to alleviate the situation.

"Nevertheless, do try to at least listen to her," Minerva huffed. "Though you don't seem to realize it, some of us actually care about you Severus."

With those final words of wisdom Minerva took her leave. In her wake, Severus allowed himself a small moment of mourning over the latest hurtle in their friendship.


Minerva strode quickly towards the entrance hall. With Dumbledore away for the evening, several Aurors and Order members had been allowed entrance to the castle in order to help protect the school if the worst should happen. While Minerva disliked the idea of the Headmaster's frequent absences, she couldn't deny that he left them with more protection than strictly necessary.

Her last patrol with Moody had racked her nerves so thoroughly that she sent up several silent prayers for anyone else to accompany her this evening. Making her way into the entrance hall, Minerva thanked God for small favors. Nymphadora Tonks stood beside the large doors leading into the Great Hall. Her gaze drifting across the enchanted ceiling with an air of boredom. Next to her, his arms crossed and looking distinctly sullen, stood Severus.

Young Ms. Tonls had been sulking all summer long meaning that Severus had done his absolute best to avoid her. The drama of it all made her colleague sick. To the point that he'd stooped to gossiping about her several times already. He'd sworn against patrolling with her anymore.

However, considering that he'd sworn against patrolling with just about everyone – and vice versa – it seemed as if he no longer had much choice in the matter.

"Ms. Tonks," Minerva nodded in greeting. "Severus."

"Wotcher professor," Tonks said with obviously false cheer. "Everything going alright?"

"As well as can be expected," Minerva responded. "And with you?"

"Never better!"

Nothing about Tonks's body language or voice supported that proclamation. Tonight her hair sat in a messy brown bun that looked about as ordinary as tomato soup. No, the young woman wasn't alright at all.

"While the pleasantry is lovely," Severus interjected, "we do have a job this evening."

Turning on his heel, Severus led the way up the marble staircase. Leaving the two women behind him to roll their eyes in unison.

"You're cheerful as ever Severus," Minerva observed as she caught up to him.

"I'm ready for this to be over with," he said in clipped tones.

Taking on an affronted affect, Minerva shot a wink at Tonks. "And here I thought you'd be beyond excited to spend the evening with two wonderful ladies."

To her absolute delight, Severus blushed and refused to meet her eyes.

"Any other lad would be beside himself," she continued, enjoying the way her words made him squirm.

Tonks even let out a light chuckle at the professor's obviously growing discomfort.

"I don't see how patrolling the corridors of a castle full of children in the dead of night could be fun for any 'young lad' as you term them," he rebutted. His voice deep and calm but tinged with an edge of panic Minerva knew only she could properly pick up.

"Well if said young man is in the company of two fine women," Minerva continued, "then I'm sure he could find some excitement in even such a mundane task. Surely I don't have to spell it out for you Severus."

"Minerva!" he all but squeaked in return.

Whatever chiding he responded with was lost under Minerva's laughter and Tonks's quiet chuckling. For a moment it seemed as if this evening would be good for all three of them.

Wiping a tear from her eye, she finally took pity on Severus. "I'm sorry Severus, I'll stop. But after everything you've put me through these past few weeks, you have to agree you deserved that."

Something passed quickly through his expression before his usual iron clad control slammed back into place. Something that looked suspiciously like guilt.

"If I agree to that then it will be tantamount to giving you permission to continue tormenting me."

"I don't need permission to torment you Severus."

"That you don't."

A comfortable peace drifted among them as they searched the first several floors. Looking for any weak spots or anything even slightly suspicious. It was a tedious and long process, but at least this time she had good company. As the evening progressed Tonks fell further and further into herself.

Severus claimed that she was allowing her romantic life to interfere with her work and while Minerva tended to disagree with that sentiment, she had to admit that the young woman seemed overly distracted.

Unable to contain herself and certain that it would aggravate Severus, Minerva waded into the trouble of yet another friend. "So how are things between you and Remus."

Tonks startled at the blunt question. Wide eyes found Minerva's at the same time that Severus let out a bone weary sigh.

"I don't know what-"

"Ms. Tonks, let's not pretend shall we."

Tonks seemed to deflate before her very eyes. "It's awkward as hell. Pardon and all that. But it's really… well weird."

Minerva nodded her understanding. "So you've talked to him then?"

"I've tried but… Ever since I told him I wanted to give it a shot, Remus has been avoiding me," Tonks admitted. Rubbing a hand across the back of her neck, she turned watery eyes on Minerva. "It's like as soon as he realized I was serious he couldn't handle it anymore."

To Minerva's great displeasure and horror, Severus snorted at that.

Anger glinted in Tonks's eyes as she narrowed them at Severus. "Something funny Snape?"

Never one to back down from a challenge – even when he really should – Severus turned his attention on Tonks. "You're concerned because Lupin is running from his problems? Sounds rather typical to me."

"You have no idea what-" Tonks began hotly.

"Actually, I think I have a rather unique perspective on this. I've know Lupin for about as long as you've been alive. I think that lends me some credibility don't you?"

"No," Tonks argued forcefully.

"Well now that we agree on that point-"

"Severus," Minerva warned, praying that she could stop him from making an ass of himself just this once.

But he continued as if he'd never even heard her. "-You're too good for the werewolf."

Minerva felt a cold pit form in her stomach. This wasn't going to end well at all.

Tonks went from meek and mild to angry and dangerous in the blink of an eye. "He's worth more than you'll ever be Snape," she seethed.

Snape snorted derisively and Minerva ran a hand across her face. Well they were in the thick of it now.

"He's ten times more a wizard than you'll ever be, you git," growled an angrier by the second Tonks.

"Is that because he's eaten that many wizards or are you speaking metaphorically?" Severus sneered in response.

"Severus!" Minerva attempted to chide but found herself ignored once again.

Whirling around on the outspoken professor, Tonks stood toe to toe with Severus. The two made quite the odd pairing there in the corridors of Hogwarts so very late in the evening. Severus's tall, thin form seemed hulking due to the billowing black robes he wore. His lank hair framed a twisted face and cold eyes painting a textbook picture of a domineering sneer. In direct contrast Tonks's petite form and mousey attire did nothing to hide the firey temper that Minerva remembered from her school years. Nymphadora Tonks had been as mild mannered as they came as a student. Troublesome of course, but in the manner that the Weasley twins had been problem children. However, when she allowed her temper free reign – as it seemed she was about to do in this moment – it was a sight to behold.

"You're a right bastard," declared Tonks.

If her words affected Severus, he did an astounding job of hiding it. "So I've been reliably informed. It's desperately obvious that you're pining for Lupin like some love sick teenager and, while I normally don't care, it's becoming an issue. You've been sulking for the past several months and it's about time to pull yourself out of your little pity party Nymphadora."

Minerva's heart stopped at the blunt appraisal of the situation. Severus had certainly cut to the quick of the problem, but he'd done so with the grace of mermaid on dry land. Despite his ability to turn subtly into an art form, it seemed Severus had had enough of this particular issue.

"Don't call me that," Tonks spat. Her cheeks began flushing with anger directed solely at the Head of Slytherin. "I'm not pining like a love sick teenager. And I don't think I'll be taking love advice from you."

"Take it from whomever you like," Severus countered. "But please utilize it. Either deal with your issues and talk to him or let him go. One way or the other you're going to have to handle this issue."

"You're a wealth of useful advice Snape, thank you," Tonks fired back. "I have talked to him. He's being stupid about the whole thing. Thinks he's too dangerous and old and all that crap."

Oh how Minerva wished she could find a well concealed and properly timed secret door somewhere close by!

"He's a fool then," Severus admonished.

Finally she could not in good conscious allow this to go any further. "Severus, that's not a kind thing to say," Minerva admonished.

"Good because I'd hate for someone to hear and misinterpret my opinions."

"Remus has a lot on his plate right now," Minerva argued.

Severus would have none of that argument. "And the rest of us don't? He has an opportunity for real happiness and he's ignoring it because he's afraid. We're living in dangerous times where happiness is rarely found. If I had the chance he does, I'd run to it and never let it go."

Both women paused unable to fully comprehend what Severus had just said or that the words had indeed come from his mouth.

Tonks recovered first. "If only the world could see him like we do! None of this would even be a problem, but he's been told he's a monster for so long that he truly believes it. It's not him that's the problem its the whole bloody country!"

Words poured from the young woman as if she'd been holding on to them for far too long. Bottling them up until they had little other choice than to burst from her uncontrollably.

Yet again Minerva was beaten to a suitable response.

"Yes, well unfortunately you alone aren't going to change the infrastructure of the Ministry nor the long standing prejudices of the wizarding world. You'll have to settle for yourself," Severus explained slowly as if to a small child.

Ignoring the condecision in his tone, Tonks turned her eyes on Minerva. "I don't have a problem with his condition!"

"Then make sure he knows it," Severus prompted. "And then make sure everyone you come in contact with does as well."

"How does that help?"

Even Minerva found herself leaning a bit closer to the sullen professor to hear his answer to such a claim.

Severus sighed. "It shows him you care and in your own way you can change the minds of a few. Sometimes we can't act in grand manners that we wish. Sometimes we have to settle with small actions."

"How do I get him to see that?"

"Your problem not mine."

Well that wasn't helpful in the slightest, Minerva thought rolling her eyes at the younger man.

"Then why interject yourself in the first place?" Tonks asked.

This time it was Severus's turn to roll his eyes. "Because it's effecting your work and annoying the hell out of me."

Silence paraded around them as each stood, contemplating the varying streams of their own thoughts. The rest of their patrol passed uneventfully and quietly, with barely a word spoken amongst them.

As they bid Ms. Tonks farewell, Minerva couldn't contain the smirk that quirked it's way into her features. "It's almost like you really care," she said leaning in towards the former potions master.

Severus's shoulders tensed at her teasing. "I really don't," he argued.

"Say whatever you like, but I know you have a heart buried deep beneath that thick skin of yours."

"She needed to hear that from someone," Severus pointed out. "And she already hates me."

"Softie," Minerva mumered as she bade him good night.

She was still angry at him for not trusting her when he should be able to, for not confiding in her things she felt she desperately needed to know, and for outright lying to her in the hospital wing a few weeks prior. However as she walked back to her office that evening, Minerva couldn't help the glow of warmth and pride she felt at just how far Severus had come.

From the battered boy she'd known, to the good man she now had the pleasure of calling friend.


So far this year had easily been one of the most stressful that Severus could remember. Between student's being attacked or poisoned, the Dark Lord's continued ire, the looming knowledge of Dumbledore's demise, and the increased patrols with various Aurors and Order members, life had become a bit hectic. As he spent most nights stalking around the castle he hardly minded the increased patrol routes the Headmaster had insisted upon.

In fact he found that he rather agreed with Dumbledore on that point. However, the patrols were conducted in pairs these days. Which meant he almost always got stuck with one insufferable Order member or another. If he hadn't known any better, he might even believe that Dumbledore created some pairs simply to mess with him.

Earlier in the day he'd been delighted to discover he'd be patrolling with Minerva tonight. After Weasley and Potter had once again found themselves in trouble, his chances of actually patrolling with her had slimed to zero. Which left him with a conundrum. Who would he be forced to walk the corridors with tonight? Sighing to himself as he hurried up the stairs to the Great Hall he just hoped he wouldn't be stuck with Moody. He could handle anyone but him.

As it would happen it seemed that fate had a way of laughing at him even when he didn't think it possible. Alastor Moody didn't wait for him in the entrance hall. Instead he found Remus Lupin leaning against the wall looking – if possible – more haggard than ever. Rolling his eyes and praying for patience he knew he didn't possess, Severus walked over to the werewolf.

"Severus," Lupin acknowledge upon seeing him. A tired smile that might have been welcoming coming from anyone else graced the man's features.

Ignoring all pretense of pleasantries Severus stalked up the grand staircase delivering a swift nod and greeting. Hurrying to catch up, Lupin strode up the stairs behind him.

The first several minutes were spent in quiet contemplation leading Severus to hope they might actually have a silent evening. His hopes were disappointed by the fifth minute of their patrol.

"How's Ron?" Lupin asked as they made their way down the first floor corridor.

"Very fortunate," Severus replied shortly.

"So, I've heard. Damn lucky that Harry thought of a bezoar."

"Yes, Potter is surprisingly adapt at such feats of luck."

Severus opened another door down the long corridor and stuck his wand in. A quick revealing spell displayed nothing out of the ordinary and they carried on.

To his annoyance, Lupin picked up the conversation once again.

"I hear there was a bit of teenage drama in the hospital wing as well," he prompted with a sly look at Severus.

"I've no idea what you're referring to Lupin," sighed Severus.

"You'll have to go to Minerva for the full story, but apparently Ron's girlfriend is no longer his girlfriend," Lupin informed as if Severus had any interest in the love lives of his students.

"Thank heavens because even I was growing nauseous over that ridiculous display."

"I didn't realize you cared," Lupin laughed.

"I don't. But Ms. Brown isn't the same as those she surrounds herself with."

Lupin's eyes widened at that. "She's a problem in class?"

"Not at all," Severus answered never breaking stride as he checked room after room and continued the insipid conversation despite himself. "She's just not at all like her friends. One of those possessive types."

"Hopefully she grows out of it."

"Yes, one can hope. Any of her other friends wouldn't have exhibited such issues, I'm certain."

"So, Ron can't tell which ones to stay away from," Lupin replied, his voice tired but somewhat proud as well. "Guess I'll have to talk to him about that."

"Yes," Severus agreed finally realizing what he'd been talking about for the last several minutes. Idle gossip that he usually reserved for Minerva. Gossip such as when Mr. Potter would finally notice the youngest Weasley. But he'd never really participate in such idle conversation with anyone else. Maybe he was finally losing it.

"No one ever notices a stale cracker in a good soup," Lupin sighed wisely, breaking the silence yet again.

"What does that even mean?" Severus snapped.

The other man chuckled sadly, his eyes focusing on something far away, before explaining. "It's something Sirius used to say."

"Which is why it reeks of idiocy."

To his surprise, Lupin's grin only grew at the insult. "You're not wrong. But Sirius did have his moments of wisdom. His reasoning was that you never throw out stale crackers because you can use those in soup. You'd never notice they were stale if the soup was good enough. Apparently, he applied that concept to people as well. Said you might never notice a bad seed if that person surrounded themselves with good people."

"And how exactly is that relative?" Severus felt led to ask.

"Ms. Brown and her friends. You'd never notice how she was if you only paid attention to her in her friend group. Sirius coined it for people like that."

Severus made the connection at once. "Like Pettigrew."

Here Lupin grew uncomfortable. Perhaps I made the wrong connection, he thought. But then why would…

Suddenly it dawned on him. "Or me," Severus guessed accurately.

"Well it was a favorite saying when we were teenagers," Lupin admitted with an awkward shrug.

"Yes, because I surrounded myself with so many good people in that time," Severus spat.

The two made there way onto the third floor in a silence so awkward Severus could feel it. Though it seemed to be affecting Lupin far more negatively than it affected him.

"Regulus always liked you," said Lupin turning hopeful eyes on him.

Severus snorted. "Regulus liked me because your brother hated me. We just ran in the same circles."

"Yeah," Lupin agreed, the slightest edge coloring his words, "rough circles."

"Because Regulus and myself so often taunted and picked on those we outnumbered," he spat in return. Seeing Lupin's raised eyebrows and knowing where the man would take the conversation, Severus stopped him before he could start speaking. "Look Lupin, I don't really care to hear your thoughts or opinions on anything. And I'd much rather not reminisce with the likes of you. Most of your fond memories of our Hogwarts years are not fond in my mind."

To his dismay Lupin seemed to deflate at that reminder. "I know Severus and I'm sorry. For what we did back then and for annoying you now."

Unable to take it anymore, Severus rounded on the werewolf. "I don't need nor want an apology from you," he sneered.

"I know," Lupin stated simply, obviously not intimidated by Severus's temper. "But you have it all the same. I know it isn't easy for either of us in this situation… but…" Lupin seemed to steel himself before locking eyes with his companion, "…but we're all that's left. Pettigrew hardly counts as a person and Frank and Alice can't even remember there own names let alone our years at Hogwarts. Marlene and Mary Macdonald died a long time ago as did most of the others from our class; James, Sirius, and Lily included. All of the Slytherins from our year joined Voldemort-"

"Don't say his name," Severus hissed breaking the wolf's tirade.

It did him little good for Lupin simply corrected himself an continued his rambling. "The few that are left of from our year are either Death Eaters or barely a part of this war. We're all that's left of our generation to fight You-Know-Who. So like it or not, we're in this together. And that means we should probably find some way to get along."

Fierce eyes continued to hold Severus's as he contemplated the man before him. Since when had Remus Lupin grown a backbone?

Tilting his head in the slightest nod he could manage, Severus conceded that the wolf might have something close to a point.

Noting his hesitation, Lupin threw up his hand placatingly. "I'm not asking for us to be best friends or even friends for that matter. I'd just settle for civility or at least a step above open hostility."

Leaning away from the wolf, Severus contemplated his words. "Why do you care about my opinion or cooperation?"

"Because we're on the same side now," Lupin answered with honest simplicity. "And I know that you are invaluable to the Order. We owe you a good deal Severus, myself included. I tried the spying thing and it didn't go over nearly as well as I'd hoped. I can appreciate what you do for us. So I care about your opinion."

Severus continued staring at Lupin at a loss for words. What did he say to the man who'd helped torment for his seven years at Hogwarts? To one of the many he would seem to betray in a few short months – for the Headmaster had only months at best.

Severus settled for a soft "thank you" before continuing their patrol. Though he did not receive the silence he'd yearned for at the beginning of the night, Severus found that the small talk between them wasn't nearly as burdensome as he'd previously believed.