A/N: Chapter 12 for your viewing pleasure....there will be violence, Death Eaters and alcohol involved so if you're delicately minded.....
Quirrel: D-Do I get a say in doing this chapter?
Me: No! You're the bloody hero of this story! Even if you are delicately minded...
Quirrel: Oh....
This chapter is principally a flashback, meaning it's how Wilton is remembering what happened, which in this case, is an evening in the Leaky Cauldron with Julius and Severus. I'm writing as quickly as I'm posting here, so expect a new chapter as soon as I can write it! It's coming towards the end now....the ending of the story I have in mind will leave it open for a sequel...but only if you guys remember to review and tell me you want one!
The song line that Julius sings in this is from the Wyclef Jean song 'Perfect Gentleman'.....it doesn't have much to do with the story really...I'm just putting this line in cause I thought it would sound funny.
Chapter 12- A confrontation
Wilton waited patiently on the front lawn of Hogwarts, near the lake, as the carriage came trundling up. The door opened, and the tall wizard stepped out. He was in worse condition than Wilton had thought. His face was fairly bruised, and he was limping, heavily leaning on a cane. Wilton was reminded of Mad Eye Moody, the Auror.
"Severus....you look like hell." Wilton heard himself saying.
"I'm lucky I got off as I did....when the Dark Lord finds out, he will..." Severus shook his head, and delicately fingered the bruise on his cheek. Wilton cast his mind back to what had happened...
Two days earlier, Leaky Cauldron, 7:30 pm...
Wilton realized he couldn't drink, but it was the polite thing to do. Julius, after all, had invited him and Severus for a night out there. Looking at Severus, Wilton could see he looked very frustrated and grumpy. If Celly hadn't coaxed the two of them into accepting the invitation, Severus would certainly be back at Hogwarts in a pinch of floo powder.
"TEN GRAND! Let me see you shake it like you've got no bones in your body and you was meant to be a celebrity..."
With that pronouncement, a half-drunken Julius Andrews danced past them and slipped onto the stool next Severus.
"Hey Guys, how's it goin'? So glad you could make it!" he said, leaning back onto the bar.
"We wouldn't miss it for the world." Severus said with sarcasm, though Julius musn't have heard it.
"Would you like a drink, Sev?" Julius asked.
"Yes, I would like a gillywater, thankyou." Severus replied curtly.
"Sorry Sev, it's only mulled mead tonight, light or dark?"
Severus sighed angrily. "Dark."
Julius stumbled off his seat and off to the end of the bar where Tom, the landlord, was serving.
"Lovely establishment, at night, isn't it?" Severus commented.
"Please try to be more congenial, Severus." Wilton replied, who didn't really remember his evenings at the Leaky Cauldron from his years in University so thought better not to answer the question at all.
Julius stumbled up seconds later, holding two tankards, one of which he gave to Severus. Severus muttered something under his breath which would've made Wilton's mother blush.
"What was that, Sev?" Julius asked, drinking from his tankard.
"Oh nothing....this mead is an interesting flavour."
Wilton thought Severus looked like he was about to throw up.
"Think about it guys....in three months I will be married to the woman of my dreams....and I had just about given up hope on finding someone! Ah, ain't life funny?"
"Ha, ha." Wilton deadpanned.
"I think I shall propose I toast." Severus said quickly, and raised his tankard. "To finding the woman of your dreams, letting her know how you feel, and being lucky enough to find out that she feels exactly the same way....even if you have given up all hope." he said, looking at Wilton, who felt rather dejected.
"Here, here." he murmured, as the two other wizards drank.
"Yes," said Julius, looking thoughtful. "all I had to do was speak my heart about how I felt....and here I am now....to be married in three months." he finished, looking somewhat uneasy.
"What's wrong?" Severus asked Julius. "You look pale, Julius."
He grinned weakly. "I think it might be nerves kicking in a bit..."
"Second thoughts?" Wilton asked, trying not to sound hopeful.
"Oh no...of course not. Happens to every guy, I s'pose."
"Well, if you love Celly completely, and the thought of knowing that you will wake up each morning for the rest of your life and see no other face but hers warms your heart, which I know it does, then you will be fine. " Severus stated.
"Yes, I will." Julius said, looking very troubled. "Another round of drinks?"
"No!" Severus said a little too quickly.
"Hmm, well I could use another." Julius mumbled and wandered off.
"We'll be right here, waiting!" Wilton called after him. Then, to Severus, he added. "He's having second thoughts?"
"Don't get your hopes up, Wilton....it might just be nerves, like he said."
"I suppose so." Wilton replied, as Julius returned with another tankard.
"Hello Again." he said, back to the drunken tone of voice.
"Hello, Hello!" Wilton said brightly, smiling.
At that point, an attractive waitress bustled past, cleaning the bar.
"Hmm...she's pretty." Julius observed, watching her. "Nothing on Celly of course....though Celly could use more in the chest department...Haha! Kidding..." he said, seeing Severus and Wilton's astonished faces.
Wilton was ready to strangle him but Severus intervened. "Ok, we get it, Julius."
"Actually, Celly has racy lin-"
"Enough, Julius! I understand what you're trying to say here..." Wilton yelled, standing up.
"You make it sound like a bad thing..." Julius said, throwing his hands up in defence.
"Sorry...Wilton's had a bad day." Severus lied, throwing Wilton a look that clearly said 'leave it'.
The banter continued for a few more minutes, then Severus decided to leave, Wilton in tow.
At that moment though, a trio of wizards in black robes who had been sitting at a table in the corner turned around and headed for the door. Screams and crys of horror arose. The wizards were all wearing Death Eater masks.
"Mudbloods and muggle lovers to the front!" the tallest wizard shouted.
Julius, at this point, quite drunk, stumbled up to the wizards.
"Well fellows, it looks like we will have some fun after all. How about we teach this scum a lesson about what happens when you cross the path of Lord Voldemort." he said, pointing his wand at Julius. "Crucio."
Julius' screams of pain echoed through the pub, and patrons of the pub cowered under tables and in corners, with muted sobs and cries of terror reaching Wilton's ears.
Before he could realize what he was walking up to them. The wizard at the front lowered his wand.
"A ghost." he sneered. "What business do you have with us?"
"None....but your master might remember me, if you dare to ask him?"
The Death Eater regarded the ghost carefully. "What do you know of Lord Voldemort?" he asked, in a quiet, dangerous voice.
"Damned more than you think...you do learn alot after sharing a body with him."
The leader opened his mouth to reply, but was halted. Another Death Eater was shouting. "Snape!" The leader looked up and Wilton could see his grey eyes through the mask, glancing at Severus with malice.
"Well...dear me, Severus. Wouldn't think you would associate with mudblood filth like this..." the wizard murmured.
"Funny that, Lucius....I thought in your dalliances with the Ministry, you had to do that every day. Didn't hear you complaining..."
A few gasps of shocks erupted from the crowd. Lucius' voice grew cold. "You traitor...were you foolish enough to think that we did not know, Severus? Lord Voldemort has known for a long time of your disloyalty. Mark my words, friend, you shall pay for it."
He raised his wand again, uttering the same words. Severus fell to the ground, writhing like someone in the throes of a seizure. Wilton ran forward, but a second Death Eater brandished his wand at him and shouted. "Petrificus!"
At that point, everything went black.
"He's stirring....."
"Get out of the way!"
Wilton's eyes opened hazily, and he looked around. He found himself hovering over a hospital bed. He felt groggy and his limbs were stiff. Dumbledore was standing above him.
"Wh-"
"What happened, Wilton? You were petrified in the Leaky Cauldron. You've been in this state for the past week or so."
Wilton shook out his sleepiness and looked around. He was in the infirmary, and as well as Dumbledore being present, so was Madam Pomfrey, watching him carefully. The memories of that night came back to him quickly.
"Severus? Julius?"
"Severus was hit quite badly by the cruciatus curse, and he's been badly injured too," said Dumbledore. "he is recovering in St. Mungo's. As is Julius. Severus will be back this afternoon and teaching in no time."
"What about the Death Eaters?"
"Ah, Lucius Malfoy, Alexei Crabbe and Bernard Goyle." Dumbledore replied. "It seems Malfoy escaped, but we managed to capture Crabbe and Goyle. They will be tried in a month or two....if it is too much to ask Wilton...we would like you and Severus to be there."
Wilton botled upright. "Voldemort knows of Severus' spying!"
"Yes, Severus informed us before he passed out....it will be taken into account....do calm yourself, you will be fine, as will Severus, for now."
Wilton nodded in reply, then, his mouth dropped in astonishment as he looked to his bedside table. It was crammed with cards. Dumbledore must've noticed, as he smiled at Wilton.
"You have more admirers than you think, Wilton."
Wilton picked up a number of the cards, murmuring the greetings.
"Here's to your speedy recovery....Love and Kisses, Severa Rimmer (Wilton spluttered profusely when he read it)....To your recovery, Wilton, As always, Persephone.....Get well soon, Professor...Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter" Wilton felt a wave of love for everyone who had sent him cards. He could barely believe so many people cared about him....it was a wonderful feeling.
"If there's any good outcome of this, it's that you're well aware now of how much the school community has come to care about you." Dumbledore said. "You're doing well, Wilton. Now, I believe that Severus should be arriving any moment now, I trust you'll want to see him."
Wilton smiled, and unsteadily rising from the bed, glided down to meet his friend.
*End flashback*
"So, what now?"
"Well Wilton," said Severus, limping up to the castle stairs. "Dumbledore has mentioned a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix soon...and I trust he told you about attending the trial of Crabbe and Goyle."
Wilton nodded.
"Just a thought Wilton, perhaps it would be a good thing for you to come to the meeting of the order.....we could use you. The meeting will be in a month, in Dumbledore's office. Do come."
He nodded again and silently wondered to himself about the future of the wizarding world. Lord knew Severus couldn't withstand more...
A/N: There we go....the next chapter will be Wilton's meeting with the Order of the Phoenix and the trials in London, as well as more stuff about the upcoming wedding. Will Celly marry Julius? Will Julius chicken out? Will Wilton and Celly come to their senses about each other? All that and more coming up!
Quirrel: D-Do I get a say in doing this chapter?
Me: No! You're the bloody hero of this story! Even if you are delicately minded...
Quirrel: Oh....
This chapter is principally a flashback, meaning it's how Wilton is remembering what happened, which in this case, is an evening in the Leaky Cauldron with Julius and Severus. I'm writing as quickly as I'm posting here, so expect a new chapter as soon as I can write it! It's coming towards the end now....the ending of the story I have in mind will leave it open for a sequel...but only if you guys remember to review and tell me you want one!
The song line that Julius sings in this is from the Wyclef Jean song 'Perfect Gentleman'.....it doesn't have much to do with the story really...I'm just putting this line in cause I thought it would sound funny.
Chapter 12- A confrontation
Wilton waited patiently on the front lawn of Hogwarts, near the lake, as the carriage came trundling up. The door opened, and the tall wizard stepped out. He was in worse condition than Wilton had thought. His face was fairly bruised, and he was limping, heavily leaning on a cane. Wilton was reminded of Mad Eye Moody, the Auror.
"Severus....you look like hell." Wilton heard himself saying.
"I'm lucky I got off as I did....when the Dark Lord finds out, he will..." Severus shook his head, and delicately fingered the bruise on his cheek. Wilton cast his mind back to what had happened...
Two days earlier, Leaky Cauldron, 7:30 pm...
Wilton realized he couldn't drink, but it was the polite thing to do. Julius, after all, had invited him and Severus for a night out there. Looking at Severus, Wilton could see he looked very frustrated and grumpy. If Celly hadn't coaxed the two of them into accepting the invitation, Severus would certainly be back at Hogwarts in a pinch of floo powder.
"TEN GRAND! Let me see you shake it like you've got no bones in your body and you was meant to be a celebrity..."
With that pronouncement, a half-drunken Julius Andrews danced past them and slipped onto the stool next Severus.
"Hey Guys, how's it goin'? So glad you could make it!" he said, leaning back onto the bar.
"We wouldn't miss it for the world." Severus said with sarcasm, though Julius musn't have heard it.
"Would you like a drink, Sev?" Julius asked.
"Yes, I would like a gillywater, thankyou." Severus replied curtly.
"Sorry Sev, it's only mulled mead tonight, light or dark?"
Severus sighed angrily. "Dark."
Julius stumbled off his seat and off to the end of the bar where Tom, the landlord, was serving.
"Lovely establishment, at night, isn't it?" Severus commented.
"Please try to be more congenial, Severus." Wilton replied, who didn't really remember his evenings at the Leaky Cauldron from his years in University so thought better not to answer the question at all.
Julius stumbled up seconds later, holding two tankards, one of which he gave to Severus. Severus muttered something under his breath which would've made Wilton's mother blush.
"What was that, Sev?" Julius asked, drinking from his tankard.
"Oh nothing....this mead is an interesting flavour."
Wilton thought Severus looked like he was about to throw up.
"Think about it guys....in three months I will be married to the woman of my dreams....and I had just about given up hope on finding someone! Ah, ain't life funny?"
"Ha, ha." Wilton deadpanned.
"I think I shall propose I toast." Severus said quickly, and raised his tankard. "To finding the woman of your dreams, letting her know how you feel, and being lucky enough to find out that she feels exactly the same way....even if you have given up all hope." he said, looking at Wilton, who felt rather dejected.
"Here, here." he murmured, as the two other wizards drank.
"Yes," said Julius, looking thoughtful. "all I had to do was speak my heart about how I felt....and here I am now....to be married in three months." he finished, looking somewhat uneasy.
"What's wrong?" Severus asked Julius. "You look pale, Julius."
He grinned weakly. "I think it might be nerves kicking in a bit..."
"Second thoughts?" Wilton asked, trying not to sound hopeful.
"Oh no...of course not. Happens to every guy, I s'pose."
"Well, if you love Celly completely, and the thought of knowing that you will wake up each morning for the rest of your life and see no other face but hers warms your heart, which I know it does, then you will be fine. " Severus stated.
"Yes, I will." Julius said, looking very troubled. "Another round of drinks?"
"No!" Severus said a little too quickly.
"Hmm, well I could use another." Julius mumbled and wandered off.
"We'll be right here, waiting!" Wilton called after him. Then, to Severus, he added. "He's having second thoughts?"
"Don't get your hopes up, Wilton....it might just be nerves, like he said."
"I suppose so." Wilton replied, as Julius returned with another tankard.
"Hello Again." he said, back to the drunken tone of voice.
"Hello, Hello!" Wilton said brightly, smiling.
At that point, an attractive waitress bustled past, cleaning the bar.
"Hmm...she's pretty." Julius observed, watching her. "Nothing on Celly of course....though Celly could use more in the chest department...Haha! Kidding..." he said, seeing Severus and Wilton's astonished faces.
Wilton was ready to strangle him but Severus intervened. "Ok, we get it, Julius."
"Actually, Celly has racy lin-"
"Enough, Julius! I understand what you're trying to say here..." Wilton yelled, standing up.
"You make it sound like a bad thing..." Julius said, throwing his hands up in defence.
"Sorry...Wilton's had a bad day." Severus lied, throwing Wilton a look that clearly said 'leave it'.
The banter continued for a few more minutes, then Severus decided to leave, Wilton in tow.
At that moment though, a trio of wizards in black robes who had been sitting at a table in the corner turned around and headed for the door. Screams and crys of horror arose. The wizards were all wearing Death Eater masks.
"Mudbloods and muggle lovers to the front!" the tallest wizard shouted.
Julius, at this point, quite drunk, stumbled up to the wizards.
"Well fellows, it looks like we will have some fun after all. How about we teach this scum a lesson about what happens when you cross the path of Lord Voldemort." he said, pointing his wand at Julius. "Crucio."
Julius' screams of pain echoed through the pub, and patrons of the pub cowered under tables and in corners, with muted sobs and cries of terror reaching Wilton's ears.
Before he could realize what he was walking up to them. The wizard at the front lowered his wand.
"A ghost." he sneered. "What business do you have with us?"
"None....but your master might remember me, if you dare to ask him?"
The Death Eater regarded the ghost carefully. "What do you know of Lord Voldemort?" he asked, in a quiet, dangerous voice.
"Damned more than you think...you do learn alot after sharing a body with him."
The leader opened his mouth to reply, but was halted. Another Death Eater was shouting. "Snape!" The leader looked up and Wilton could see his grey eyes through the mask, glancing at Severus with malice.
"Well...dear me, Severus. Wouldn't think you would associate with mudblood filth like this..." the wizard murmured.
"Funny that, Lucius....I thought in your dalliances with the Ministry, you had to do that every day. Didn't hear you complaining..."
A few gasps of shocks erupted from the crowd. Lucius' voice grew cold. "You traitor...were you foolish enough to think that we did not know, Severus? Lord Voldemort has known for a long time of your disloyalty. Mark my words, friend, you shall pay for it."
He raised his wand again, uttering the same words. Severus fell to the ground, writhing like someone in the throes of a seizure. Wilton ran forward, but a second Death Eater brandished his wand at him and shouted. "Petrificus!"
At that point, everything went black.
"He's stirring....."
"Get out of the way!"
Wilton's eyes opened hazily, and he looked around. He found himself hovering over a hospital bed. He felt groggy and his limbs were stiff. Dumbledore was standing above him.
"Wh-"
"What happened, Wilton? You were petrified in the Leaky Cauldron. You've been in this state for the past week or so."
Wilton shook out his sleepiness and looked around. He was in the infirmary, and as well as Dumbledore being present, so was Madam Pomfrey, watching him carefully. The memories of that night came back to him quickly.
"Severus? Julius?"
"Severus was hit quite badly by the cruciatus curse, and he's been badly injured too," said Dumbledore. "he is recovering in St. Mungo's. As is Julius. Severus will be back this afternoon and teaching in no time."
"What about the Death Eaters?"
"Ah, Lucius Malfoy, Alexei Crabbe and Bernard Goyle." Dumbledore replied. "It seems Malfoy escaped, but we managed to capture Crabbe and Goyle. They will be tried in a month or two....if it is too much to ask Wilton...we would like you and Severus to be there."
Wilton botled upright. "Voldemort knows of Severus' spying!"
"Yes, Severus informed us before he passed out....it will be taken into account....do calm yourself, you will be fine, as will Severus, for now."
Wilton nodded in reply, then, his mouth dropped in astonishment as he looked to his bedside table. It was crammed with cards. Dumbledore must've noticed, as he smiled at Wilton.
"You have more admirers than you think, Wilton."
Wilton picked up a number of the cards, murmuring the greetings.
"Here's to your speedy recovery....Love and Kisses, Severa Rimmer (Wilton spluttered profusely when he read it)....To your recovery, Wilton, As always, Persephone.....Get well soon, Professor...Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter" Wilton felt a wave of love for everyone who had sent him cards. He could barely believe so many people cared about him....it was a wonderful feeling.
"If there's any good outcome of this, it's that you're well aware now of how much the school community has come to care about you." Dumbledore said. "You're doing well, Wilton. Now, I believe that Severus should be arriving any moment now, I trust you'll want to see him."
Wilton smiled, and unsteadily rising from the bed, glided down to meet his friend.
*End flashback*
"So, what now?"
"Well Wilton," said Severus, limping up to the castle stairs. "Dumbledore has mentioned a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix soon...and I trust he told you about attending the trial of Crabbe and Goyle."
Wilton nodded.
"Just a thought Wilton, perhaps it would be a good thing for you to come to the meeting of the order.....we could use you. The meeting will be in a month, in Dumbledore's office. Do come."
He nodded again and silently wondered to himself about the future of the wizarding world. Lord knew Severus couldn't withstand more...
A/N: There we go....the next chapter will be Wilton's meeting with the Order of the Phoenix and the trials in London, as well as more stuff about the upcoming wedding. Will Celly marry Julius? Will Julius chicken out? Will Wilton and Celly come to their senses about each other? All that and more coming up!
