Noon, the day before the full moon, Severus stepped into the Ministry, Lily at his side. Astounding, how you read me so well… even insisted on coming with me today. You knew I wasn't completely comfortable with this, didn't you?
The pair went to the brewing room. There, they dispensed the last dosage of Wolfsbane to the werewolves. When they came to Evelyn, Severus administered her portion himself.
Lily knelt. "How old are you?"
"Six and a half." Evelyn proudly displayed six fingers, plus one bowed in half.
Lily paled a little. "You're quite a big girl." She forced a smile and stood as Severus moved to the next werewolf.
"Guys, you really don't have to be here." Familiar voices in the hall caught Severus' ear.
"Moony, we swore never to let you spend another full moon alone."
"I know, Prongs, and I'm grateful, but…"
Severus stiffened, and Lily tensed as he exchanged a look with her. She probably didn't consider this as a possibility when she insisted on coming today. She knew about Lupin, but even I hadn't counted on seeing the Marauders here.
"No, but Moony, a promise is a promise," insisted Black, just outside the door.
"You can't help me like you used to," said Lupin. "And we know it'll be fine. I've tried it before, remember? I'm just going to be under observation this time. That's all."
"Then there's no harm in us being here," said Potter.
All four boys entered. Lupin scanned the room for Severus. When he saw Lily, his jaw dropped.
"What is it?" Potter followed his gaze. "Evans!" He immediately ruffled his hair into an unruly mop. "What're you doing here?"
"Evans?" Black joined Potter in staring.
Severus muffled a snort. They don't even see me. Must be the muggle clothes.
"I—I'm here with Sev!" Lily scooted close and grabbed Severus' hand.
All except Lupin gawked.
"Snape?" said Potter. "What're you doing here?"
How do I stay anonymous as this potion's creator? And get Lupin to play along? "I'm here to see Evelyn." Severus gave Andrea a pleading look. Though puzzled, and a bit apprehensive of the three newcomers, she gave a discreet nod.
"Who?" said Black, suspiciously.
A little hand reached for Severus' free one and clutched it tight. "Sev is helping me fight the man in the moon," Evelyn declared with a defiant stare in the boys' direction.
Black, Potter, and Wormtail looked at the girl as though she'd just stepped out of a flying saucer. Confidence undaunted, Evelyn returned the favor. She looked like an alley cat facing off against a pack of junkyard dogs, ready to bite if necessary.
"The man in the moon," she repeated slowly, as if talking to idiots. "He comes down and hurts me when the round portal opens. And Sev helps me fight him because he's a warrior—like the knights!"
The Marauders exchanged bewildered looks—all except Lupin who stared at the floor as he blushed red.
"Remus…" Lily hesitated but let go of Severus' hand and approached Lupin. "You okay?"
Lupin's blush deepened.
"I know why you're here." Lily tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I'm… I'm sorry." Lupin was redder than a garden full of overripe tomatoes now.
"It's all right. This is no more your fault that it is Evelyn's. She's such a sweet girl."
Lupin turned away, ashamed.
"Did Snivellus tell you?" Potter sneered at Severus.
"Do try to have a heart." Red rose in Lily's cheeks. "He's here for Evelyn, not to torment any of you. We didn't even know you'd be here. Is that so hard to understand? And no, James, he didn't tell me. I figured it out myself, two years ago. I'm not stupid, you know!"
Lupin twitched.
"Remus…" Lily breathed.
"I—Lily, I… What I mean is–" Lupin tried.
"I told you, this isn't your fault," said Lily. "You're still the same person, right? Remus Lupin, my good friend?"
Lupin didn't meet her eyes.
"Who's she?" Potter's attention returned to Evelyn who still held Severus' hand.
"None of your business, Potter," Severus sneered.
Evelyn nodded mouth set in a pout.
Defeat and confusion overtook the Marauders, and none of them said anything else on the subject.
Lily took Lupin's hands. Finally, he looked at her and surprise crossed his face when Lily smiled softly.
"Lily…" whispered Lupin, still embarrassed.
Lily let go of his hands and caught him in a hug.
Remus' eyes misted, and he gulped back tears.
This… is who Lily is. She's a better person than I could ever be. Purpose swelled in his chest. I'll protect her this time, not matter what.
Lily let go of Lupin. Not even a shade of hate or disappointment tinted her eyes, and Lupin blushed again.
In a moment, she's said it all. What a person she is…
As night approached, Severus walked with Evelyn, Andrea, and Lily deep into the Ministry dungeon. The werewolves followed, trailed—at Umbridge's insistence—by a band of bulky security guards, and two Aurors.
Even the fearless Evelyn balked at the narrow stony hall, so cold and uninviting. Severus held one hand, and her mother held the other as they reached a long row of holding cells. Wooden doors loomed on either side of the passage and stretched in an endless line into the dimness. A small, barred window allowed a view of each cell.
Each cramped room held a cot. The guards assigned cells and handed out one blanket to every werewolf.
"Undress inside, then push your clothes through the window when you're done. We'll return them in the morning," said the lead guard.
So pitiful—and degrading. Severus gritted his teeth as Evelyn let go of him and her mother, took her blanket and held her head high as she approached her cell. Such courage in one so young…
"Tonight, the portal opens, and we fight the man in the moon," Evelyn declared.
"Exactly." Severus stood by the door and nodded.
"And you'll help me, right?" said Evelyn. "Because you can actually see him." She seemed disappointed. "I can't yet."
"Of course," Severus assured. "You and I, we'll fight that mean man together."
Evelyn nodded like a warrior about to plunge head-first into battle. In the middle of the hall she tugged her blouse over her head.
Severus looked away, slightly embarrassed. When he was sure she was wrapped in her blanket, he faced her again.
"We'll fight his generals too," Evelyn said. "Like the goblin king! I got one of his princes last week," she said with pride. "Cut his head right off."
"Er…" What am I supposed to say to that?
"That's impressive," Lily answered for him. "Was he big?"
"Not really." Evelyn shook her head. "Only the size of a mountain. He was the youngest one. There're twelve of them." She looked at her mother. "Don't be scared, Mum. I can handle it. I handled the last goblin prince last week, remember? I'm ready for the man. He won't hurt me."
Andrea swallowed hard. "I know, sweetheart. You're so strong, and I'm so proud of you. I love you!" She reached for her daughter, but the security guard pushed Evelyn into her cell and shoved Andrea away as he slammed the cell door.
Both Aurors cast a plethora of security wards as Evelyn's annoyed grumbles reached through the tiny window.
Andrea bit her lip. "Sorry…" she muttered. "She gets carried away sometimes."
"Nothing to apologize for," said Lily.
Andrea managed a vague smile and shook her head. "You know… sometimes I wonder. Does she really believe any of that, or is she just making it up to make me feel better?"
Evelyn's blanket bunched under her as she sat in the corner. Though she looked like a tiny knight entrusted with sentry duty, she never broke eye contact with Severus.
Lily clasped his hand.
Down the hall, the Marauders stood by another door and talked with Lupin as they waited.
No other cells had visitors, just guards, or an Auror.
The minutes crawled. Severus wasn't sure how much time passed, but it felt like years. At least Potter, Black, and Pettigrew are still prattling to Lupin. I don't think I could take total silence.
Evelyn lurched forward but broke her fall with spread hands and locked elbows.
Severus gripped Lily's hand tighter.
Sandy fur sprouted from Evelyn's body as she morphed from child to wolf with snarls and growls. Her mouth jutted into a long snout as she convulsed, eyes watering in pain.
Lily burrowed her head in Severus' shoulder. "I can't watch," she whispered.
Severus fought to keep eye contact with Evelyn. Her eyes!
The transformation pushed Evelyn's hands into four little paws before she collapsed in a panting pile of fluff.
She looks like a pup. Severus held his breath. "Evelyn? Evelyn, can you hear me?"
The pup raised its wobbly head; intelligence shone in its still blue eyes. Evelyn yipped and gathered all four legs to rise. She staggered as her feet tangled and she plopped onto her blanket with a confused grumble.
"You're a wolf," Severus said, but his voice turned rough like a graveled drive. "Just for tonight. You know how it is with animals. They can't talk with us. You'll have to nod or shake your head. Do you understand?"
The pup cocked her head, and both ears flicked his direction before she nodded.
"It worked." Severus sighed in relief. "She's all right."
"Thank Merlin," Andrea choked and wiped tears from her eyes as she pressed her face to the window bars to better see her daughter. "Thank you so much, Severus!"
"Don't thank me yet," Severus muttered. "Wait until the night is over."
"It's all right, sweetie! See, I told you it would be okay. Mummy won't let anything hurt you, ever. I love you, Eve!"
More snarls and grumbles set Severus' nerves on edge. I'm surrounded by transformed werewolves! Cold sweat beaded on his forehead. Why did I get myself into this situation? One of the few I can't handle again. I can face the Dark Lord—too terrified to speak his name, and still stand my ground, lie, and fight. I can fend off Dementors—face dragons without fear. Even the average Death Eater was little more than amusing, but this…? Why this?
His heart thumped so hard his pulse beat louder than a freight train as tension built.
Another snarl.
Severus flinched.
Lily let go of his hand.
No! No, not now, please! Don't.
Lily pulled him close in a hug. The strength in her stance, the way she stood between him and the rest of the cells, it was as though she were trying to keep him safe.
Severus released a shaky sigh and let some of the tension dissipate, but his heart still beat like a hunted deer's. Nothing for it, I suppose…
Evelyn's transformation back into a girl was almost magical. She draped the blanket around her shoulders and stood straight, a tired smile on her lips. Her hair, now beyond dull, lay flat.
"We tricked him!" She beamed. "That's what the potion does—turns me into a wolf and scares the man away, right?"
A blush of shame crept over Severus at Evelyn's misconception. How do I explain…?
"That's right, sweetie." Andrea smiled, tears in her eyes as she leaned against the cell door. "We tricked him—fooled him. He's so scared now!"
Severus' stomach knotted. She loves her daughter, just wants to protect her. But… what're the consequences of lying to Evelyn about this? She's far too bright not to figure it out eventually. It won't end well.
Andrea whispered. "Please, let her keep a little of her childhood."
Severus nodded, but couldn't smile as sorrow settled heavy as packed snow.
Evelyn was puzzled for a moment, but then she nodded in acceptance. Exhaustion caught her, and she swayed on her feet.
She's pale, and those shadows under her eyes—they're so pronounced, like someone sloshed black paint on her face. But she's… happy.
The security detail opened the cells, and Andrea rushed inside. Evelyn collapsed into her mother's arms.
Down the hall, the Marauders helped an exhausted Lupin from his cell. Other werewolves staggered, shuffled, or crawled out after they dressed. Despite everything each one smiled and bordered on tears.
"Thank you!" An elderly man took Severus' hand and patted it as the rest crowded in to offer their thanks.
Can I accept all this gratitude for something I didn't really create? I suppose there's no way for them to know it wasn't originally invented for another decade. At least Lily approves—since it helps so many people. The urge to sleep demanded he listen, and the worry from watching Evelyn bloomed into weariness as the night's tension hit him like a horse at full gallop.
Lily accompanied him back to Umbridge's office where Severus found the awful woman quite disappointed everyone was well, and that nothing went wrong.
Augustus met Severus outside the office. Lily hung back to let them talk.
"Umbridge kept all the werewolves for a little longer so they could each write a report on their experience," said Severus.
Augustus nodded. "Might be the first good idea that woman's ever had."
Severus snorted.
"I suppose this is goodbye?" said Augustus.
"It would seem so." Severus stifled a yawn.
"Unless… Would you be interested in becoming my apprentice once you finish school? I could turn you into a real potions master."
Severus shook his head with a smirk. "That's very kind, Sir, but I must decline."
"You've two years to think about it," said Augustus. "Please do—think about it, I mean. I'll even let you take more time if you need."
"I'll consider it, but don't count on my acceptance."
Augustus shook his head. "I do so hate seeing talent wasted. These last couple of days were the most fun I've had in years."
Severus raised an eyebrow.
"The last person I met who could debate with me about potions for hours was one Horace Slughorn, and he backed down far too quickly to be interesting. Only when others question and discuss our methods do we learn," Augustus said.
"If that's so…" Why did you abandon my mother? Severus shook his head. "Never mind."
A question ghosted over Augustus' face, but he didn't pursue it. "Well, my boy, there's a young woman waiting to take you home so you can get to sleep. And if I may say so, you look like you need it."
Lily yawned, her usually tidy hair, a bit tangled.
Severus nodded to Augustus in thanks and farewell before he and Lily took the elevator to the Atrium. Just as they stepped off, a little blonde blur staggered up to Severus.
"I'm sorry," Andrea rushed after Evelyn and tried to hold her back. "She refuses to sleep before she talks to you." Worry crept into her face. "And she needs to get to sleep, so if you please…?"
How can I be angry about that? Severus knelt. "You're okay, little one?"
An annoyed pout darkened Evelyn's face. "I am not little. I'm big! I'm six and a half."
"And that's old indeed, but you don't have to be big to fight, you know. Looks can be deceiving."
"No, they're not." Evelyn leaned close and with a glance at her mother, then Lily whispered. "I know you're from another time."
How could she…? "What do you mean?"
"You look young, but you talk and act like an old person. Did you know Merlin?"
"Not exactly."
"Hm. But you're here to fight the evil man, right?"
"I… guess."
"I can fight too," Evelyn insisted. "Can I fight with you?"
"Well… yes, you can. And others will help too," Severus pointed to Andrea, "like your mother."
"But they don't know how to fight," Evelyn said.
"Even so, it's worth remembering they're there, and so am I. In a war like this, where everyone shares a common enemy, standing together is the most important thing. Remember that, okay?"
Evelyn flung her little arms about his neck and hugged him tight for two long seconds. She returned to her mother who picked her up too easily and patted the girl's back. She whispered soft words to her daughter and approached the row of fireplaces on the opposite wall.
"Did you ever fight a dragon?" Evelyn managed loudly just before Andrea stepped into the emerald flames, but Evelyn and her mother vanished before Severus could answer.
"Well?" Lily said.
"Well what?"
"Did you ever fight a dragon?"
"No," Severus replied, a little taken aback. "Why would I ever need to fight a dragon?"
Lily shrugged. "Would've been a good story. But you must have something…"
"I… did single-handedly fight off forty Dementors without anyone noticing the scuffle. I was protecting a student out of bed inconveniently. Is that good enough?"
"You really did that?" said Lily, wide-eyed.
"Yes. Now, can we please go home?"
"Of course." Lily yawned, took Severus' arm and led him toward the fireplaces. They entered the Evans' living room moments later.
Of the Marauders, only Remus didn't stare as Severus and Lily left. James, Peter, and Sirius demanded they stick as close to Severus as possible—and not leave before he did.
James in particular insisted they gather as many clues as they could about Severus' odd behavior.
"This is the weirdest thing I've ever seen," James said.
"I'm with you, mate. And it's not like we're strangers to the extraordinary." Sirius' gray eyes still fixed on the fireplace through which Severus and Lily disappeared. "Why would he ever fight a dragon? He's not nearly cool enough to do anything like that!"
"Think all those potions finally melted his brain?" said James. "Or maybe he fell into an Opposite potion."
"Maybe if you hadn't been so busy hating him, you'd have realized there's more than one side to him?" Remus' admonition fell short as he yawned.
"Yeah, maybe." James still looked doubtful. "Why'd he leave with Evans?"
"You know they're old friends—from before they came to Hogwarts. They probably live close to each other." Remus sagged like a wet kite. "Can't you just let it be?"
"It's odd," said Sirius, "but I always thought him from old pure blood. I couldn't believe he'd wear muggle clothes—ever."
"Well, I'd never've believed he'd care enough about children to let one hug him," said James. "This is going to be such a bother! How can I put explosives in his pumpkin juice now? He planned this. I don't know how, but he did."
Remus' eyes drooped, and he could barely hold up his head. He started toward the fireplaces but stumbled.
"Wowwowwow, easy, mate!" Sirius caught Remus' arm, and James snagged the other.
"Let's get you home and into bed," said James.
Peter tagged close as they entered the fireplace to floo to James's house.
This chapter has been edited by Dtill359
