Author's note: I surprised myself by being ready with an update. It's a long chapter, so enjoy!
Chapter 21 – A Bottle of Ink
James settled down across from Remus and Peter in the library. The rhythmic pattering of the rain against the windows, warmth of the room, and dimmed lights created a relaxing atmosphere. Most of the fifth years were revising lazily. The OWLs were still eight weeks away, and anxiety about the test had yet to reach its peak.
Peter had been struggling with their increase of coursework since after Christmas, so Remus had worked out a schedule for him to keep up on his assignments. Not having quite the same patience as Remus, James tuned him out as he discussed with Peter the order of assignments for the day.
As James stared out through the rain streaked window his thoughts turned to Sirius. Madam Pomfrey had let them see Sirius earlier in the day, but the visit had been awkward. Sirius was forcibly cheerful though no one could ignore the thick white bandage visible through the white hospital sheets. Sirius's carefree demeanor could not hide how ill he looked; Sirius's paleness rivaling that of Remus after a terrible transformation. They all wanted to learn more about the ambush, but Sirius brushed over the details. He told them that he'd just been questioned by Professor Keenan, and he was too tired to go through it all again. Instead he wanted them to tell him about the Quidditch Game he'd missed. He was shocked to learn James had been in the Hospital Wing last night. He'd been too out of it to remember seeing James in one of the beds the previous night. Then before they knew it, their thirty minutes were up and Madam Pomfrey gently shooed them out the door.
"Are you ok with starting with History of Magic, Prongs?" Remus questioned breaking into James's thoughts.
"Err – that's fine," James replied. He fished out the assignment sheet from his bag and the three of them got to work. They quickly answered the shorted ended questions, between James remembering many of the answers from class and Remus consulting his detailed notes. The last question turned out to be an essay question that they had to work on individually.
James read over the question carefully:
Describe in detail three events (with sources other than standard textbook) that lead to creation of International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy.
The question wasn't difficult – there were the Goblin Rebellions, increase Muggle Persecutions, and clashes with Muggle World Leaders. It was really the need of other sources that was a hassle.
"I'll get some books," Peter offered, jumping to his feet and disappearing into the stacks. James and Remus shared a grin. Peter was worse than Sirius when it came to keeping still and getting homework finished. James yawned stretching. He might as well wait for Peter to return with some possible sources before tackling the question.
Sound of light snickering caught James's attention; he rotated in his seat catching sight of a group of Slytherins approaching. The moment the snakes saw he was looking, they began pretending to dramatically faint (silently so the librarian wouldn't swoop down on them). James glared, reflexively reaching for his wand.
"Ignore them," Remus said under his breath. He too was staring with dislike at the Slytherins.
James threw down his wand, unsatisfied that he hadn't been able to use it. If Sirius had been present, James would have hexed them. And then gotten thrown out and possibly detention, but it would have been worth wiping off the Slytherins' smug smiles.
"Can't you throw them in detention or something?" James grumbled. This was the third, maybe even fourth time today someone in Slytherin had mocked him.
"They were being idiots, but that isn't against any school rules," Remus remarked.
"Who?" Peter asked. He had returned from the stacks though oddly without any books.
"Slytherins," James muttered darkly. He was feeling shorter tempered than usual around the Slytherins since learning they had attacked Sirius. He also didn't appreciate being reminded of his collapse on the Quidditch Pitch.
"Once the news gets out they won't be smiling for long," Peter said airily catching both James's and Remus's attention. Peter sat down, his eyes more shiny than usual, not saying another word. It was clear he had some new bit of information that he was bursting to tell them.
"What news would that be, Wormtail?" Remus asked, humoring their friend.
"Gray just told me something interesting," Peter began enjoying their rapt attention. Gray was one of the other Chasers on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team.
"Just spill it," James said irritated.
Peter looked slightly hurt at his tone, but he cheered up as he said, "Lestrange has been banned from Quidditch."
"Banned?" James repeated. "For the rest of the season?" This was an interesting bit of news. It was very rare for a Quidditch Player to be outright banned from a match. Sometimes a player missed a game because of a detention.
"No, just the next game. The one against Hufflepuff."
"Why? What did he do?" Remus asked finally placing his quill down, realizing they weren't going to get any more work done until this topic was discussed at length.
"He was one of the Slytherins who ambushed Sirius," Peter explained.
James wasn't surprised by the revelation. If James had to guess the list of Slytherins, Lestrange would have been first, followed closely by Snape. He glanced guilty at Remus. He hoped Snape wasn't involved because that would make it more difficult to get back at them.
"Wasn't the Greengrass girl the one who hexed Sirius though?" Remus asked, glancing at James for confirmation.
"Yes, I heard it directly from Slughorn," James agreed. "Unless Lestrange did something else we aren't aware of?"
Peter shrugged. "Gray heard Lestrange was really rude to Professor Keenan, and called him a – well not so nice word for Muggleborns..."
"What?" Remus exclaimed, causing a group of girls nearby to perk their heads up and ogle them as if they expected some sort of spectacle to erupt around them.
Peter spared the girls a glance (in a very Sirius-like fashion) before adding, "And Lestrange disregarded Professor Keenan's orders to go see the Headmaster."
"Well if that's true, Lestrange is an idiot," James said, keeping his voice low. It bothered him though that Lestrange would pick such a critical time of the Quidditch season to invoke the wrath of a Professor. All Quidditch players tried to keep their noses clean close to games.
It wasn't unwelcome news though. As much as it pained James to admit, Lestrange was a decent Quidditch Player and it would hamper the Slytherin team. James scanned the room for any other Gryffindor Quidditch players, but found no one. Though if Peter had spoken to Gray, he was around somewhere.
"I'm going to see if-" James didn't need to finish his sentence because he spotted Robert (the other Gryffindor Chaser) coming round the corner of Muggle Studies section. He told his friends quickly that he would return. He left his bag and books, weaving his way through the tables.
"Did you hear, Potter?" Robert was a sixth year, slightly taller than James with light brown hair.
"Just did. Gallagher know?"
"I don't think so. Gray just heard about this from his girlfriend in Hufflepuff. I think I saw him going this way." He indicated to another area of tables behind the Charms section. They found Gray speaking animatedly to their Seeker, Green and her friends. Green saw them approaching and she waved them over.
They all began whispering excitedly and perhaps a bit too loudly. Green's friends looked on in amusement.
"Without Lestrange as Chaser, Hufflepuff has a chance of winning-"
"Or at least keeping the score close and low."
"And a low winning score for Slytherin gives us the upper hand."
"Who do they have to replace him? Wagner, he's on reserve."
"For Seeker though. Black could probably do it…Wagner Seeker, Black Chaser."
"No way! Black's too good a Seeker. They won't swap him out. I wouldn't."
They were all too engrossed in their conversation to notice a table of Ravenclaws throwing them dirty looks. It might have warned them to lower their voices in time.
"A-hem!"
The Quidditch players froze and they all looked warily at the furious looking librarian, Madam Worth.
"From the racket you lot are making, I thought perhaps someone had transfigured my library into a pub!"
"Sorry Madam Worth," Green replied at once. "We'll be quieter. I promise." Green was rather more studious than the usual Quidditch Player. The librarian had never had an issue with her before. Perhaps if James hadn't been standing beside her (his reputation as a troublemaker had its faults), she would have let it go with a warning.
"No. I can sense trouble out of this lot. Out, all of you." She fixed a steady look at each of them, though she skipped over Green's friends.
Green frowned; she was not used to the staff being so curt with her. Gray and Robert shared a significant look with James, but there was no argument to be had. James started off to collect his bag and books.
"That is not the exit, Mr. Potter," Madam Worth called after him.
James turned and tried to appear as pleasant and rule abiding as possible. "I was only going to retrieve my bag."
"Well if I don't see you walking out that door in five minutes, I'll drag you out by your ear instead!"
There was hushed laughter at her statement, and while Madam Worth scanned the room area to identify these new offenders of peace and serenity, James hurried off.
James came to an abrupt stop several tables away from where his friends sat. His heart gave a leap at the sight of Lily Evans. Lily had placed a book over the one Remus had been reading, and she was pointing at something on the page. Peter was leaning in to have a look as well. James approached cautiously remembering the conversation he had with her early in the morning. Evans was going to find out along with Remus and Peter that he'd been kicked out, and he didn't know why that bothered him.
Remus and Lily picked up their heads as he appeared before them.
"James," Remus began, turning the book so that James could read it properly. "Evans was asking-"
"No time," James said briskly. "We've been kicked out."
"We? For what?" Remus asked sharply.
"Not Peter and you," James corrected. He lifted his shoulders indifferently. "Robert, Gray, Green, and I were being…too boisterous."
"Quidditch players," Remus muttered with a bemused shake of his head. Remus had turned expecting Lily to share in his assessment. Evans remained oddly quiet.
James sneaked a glance at Lily. He then wished he had ignored her because he could tell by her expression that he had just confirmed again her thoughts about arrogant, rowdy Quidditch Players, which went hand and hand with her opinions about him.
"How are you going to finish the assignment?" Peter asked as James stuffed the scattered parchment into his satchel.
"Suppose I will just have to come tomorrow," James said. The assignment wasn't due until Tuesday; he wasn't worried. And if the assignment was late…it was only History of Magic. It might be a core class, but it was not one of the classes it was imperative to be top of the class in (not unless you wanted to teach History of Magic, which James most certainly did not).
"I can check some of these books out for you," Peter suggested helpfully, gesturing to the pile in front of him.
"Thanks, mate." James nodded at his friends (he didn't look at Lily again) and headed back towards the entrance. He gave Madam Worth a friendly wave as he sauntered past her. Her eyes searched over him as if she suspected he was trying to pillage one of her books.
Green, Gray, and Robert were waiting for him right outside the library entrance.
"Madam Worth does not like you," Green commented as they began walking. Her pony tail swung with each step.
"Have you been living under a cauldron?" Robert asked. "There's not a member of the staff that isn't suspicious of Potter." He grinned at James fondly.
"And usually they have a right to be," James said lightly and the three boys laughed.
Green threw James a look. "You're just lucky I didn't have anything important to finish in there." She paused as the turned round a corner and were momentarily separated by large group of Hufflepuffs that pushed between them in the narrow hall. "And Gallagher probably wouldn't take kindly to me hexing a teammate, even if you deserved."
"I've never seen you hex anyone," James commented suppressing a laugh. Green was younger and shorter than him, and was known to be mild mannered.
"I have older brothers," she answered, her meaning quiet clear.
Gray rolled his blue eyes running his hand through his blonde hair. "Come on you lot. Let's find the rest of the team."
Sirius was bored. It was his third day in the Hospital Wing, and he'd been so ill the last two days that his friends hadn't bothered to bring him any magazines or school work. Fellow students had left chocolates and candy, but unless he wanted read get-well cards none of it would provide any entertainment.
He was finally feeling better, and he was anxious to be released even though he suspected it would be days away. The longer he was stuck in the Hospital Wing the more success the Slytherins could claim on their ambush. The Slytherins had certainly been planning to attack him, but Sirius wasn't sure if they had known he'd be walking down that particular hallway or if it had just been borne out of opportunity. Ultimately it did not change his course of action.
In the stillness of the Hospital Wing, his thoughts were getting the best of him. He was forcing himself to not-think about Snape and Snape's missed opportunity to out Remus. He hadn't even told his friends that Snape had been present during the ambush. Remus would worry, and that was without the knowledge of how close Snape had been to revealing Moony's secret.
Sirius knew he should be content that Snape hadn't blabbed. He knew it was still from guilt that he wanted so desperately proof that Moony's secret was safe. And then there was the suppressed anger from having to endure Snivellus's taunts; knowing the greasy hair git had all the power.
So for a few moments he let his thoughts run wild. Why hadn't Snape spilled the beans? It would have been so simple, so easy. All Snape had to do was answer Lestrange's question (Black's friends with a werewolf?) with two words – Remus Lupin. Sirius knew there were only two explanations: Snape had already thought of the perfect time and place to betray Moony's secret to create maximum damage or fear of some consequence was keeping Snape quiet. And if the latter was the case than maybe they wouldn't have to tiptoe around Snape the next two years.
Sirius closed his eyes, shutting the dangerous direction of his thoughts along with it.
Anyway there was something else he could focus on. He needed to come up with a plan of retaliation against the Slytherins. If he'd ask James, he knew his best friend would have rounded up a group to do it for him. He could have even convinced Remus and Peter to be of aid. The personal nature of the attack required Sirius to take the Slytherins on himself. The retaliation needed to be simple, but show strength and courage. He'd convey the message that he wasn't scared. They might have outnumbered him, but they hadn't won. He'd do it all without resorting to Dark Magic. Now all that was left to do was come up with an actual plan. He was aware that by keeping his friends out of it there would be no one to brainstorm with.
Sirius felt a sudden twinge to his leg, gripping the sheets in pain. This happened from time to time. Professor Keenan explained the discomfort wouldn't stop until the muscle and nerve damage was completely healed, and even then he might have flare-ups for months to come. It was no school yard hex that had hit him.
Sirius perked his head up a Professor Keenan strode back into the Hospital Wing. It was a sad state of affairs that even a visit from a teacher was a welcome distraction. Professor Keenan had been present during the healing, but he'd done little besides observe.
Madam Pomfrey bustled out of her office immediately. "All right, Mr. Black. Let's have a look at the wound," she announced.
Sirius grimaced as Madam Pomfrey unwound the bandage, which had been become progressively smaller as the days had passed. Sirius looked down at where the curse had hit him and was surprised to see the wound sealed with only minor scabbing.
"Healing perfectly. I don't believe we will need another healing session, Poppy?" Keenan inquired.
"No, indeed. I'll fetch some dittany to help with the scarring," the nurse stated and headed to the cupboards.
"How are you feeling otherwise?"
"Tired. Though mostly bored," Sirius admitted.
Professor Keenan laughed. "That's even better news."
"If the wounds healed, then I can be discharged soon?"
"It will be a few more days, I'm afraid. Your body must be given a chance to rest. Madam Pomfrey's told me your fever keeps spiking. It's best to be cautious."
"I don't want to get so far behind in my classes," Sirius explained.
Professor Keenan raised his eyebrows. "Is that what you are worried about? I can arrange for work to be sent here now that you are stronger. No need to fret."
"That's ever so kind of you," Sirius answered matching Keenan's sarcastic tone.
It was odd to see Keenan smiling back at him. Professor Keenan still wasn't his favorite person, but his respect for the young teacher had grown. Sirius hadn't quite forgiven Keenan for inviting his mother in those many months ago, but he understood there had been no underlying malicious intentions. The Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher had proven he cared for the welfare of his students.
He'd been impressed to hear that Keenan had followed through with a more severe punishment for Lestrange after the boy had called him a 'mudblood'. James had told him last visit that Lestrange had been banned from Quidditch. A less brave teacher might not have taken on the pampered son of a prominent pureblood family.
Pomfrey returned, dabbing the wound with Dittany, and bandaged it up. "I'm in the middle of sorting medicine, so I best get it."
"Of course, Poppy. I will see you at dinner later?" Keenan replied.
Madam Pomfrey agreed and returned to her office.
Keenan moved to leave, and Sirius grappled for a conversation topic; not wishing to be alone so soon.
"Sir," Sirius started. "I was wondering if you were still planning on the dueling sessions for the first and second years?"
If Keenan was shocked by his question, he hid it well. "Yes, I was. The Saturday after the next Quidditch Match. I've heard you just served your last detention. I don't suppose I can convince you still volunteer?"
"I suppose I could help," Sirius said loftily. "And who knows by then, I might have new detentions to serve?"
"Let's hope not," Keenan said dryly. "I'll be glad for your help. You missed the announcement I gave during class, so I'll tell you now. One of my old school friends is currently an Auror. I've persuaded him to teach a lesson in Defense for my N.E.W.T. students and he's willing to stop by for a question and answer session for my fifth years. There's a signup sheet by my office. It's open to all fifth years so it will be during a time you all have a free period."
"Even Slytherin?"
"Yes, Mr. Black. If you are serious about a career as an Auror, this would be a perfect opportunity to learn more about it." Keenan paused. "My friend did ask about you."
"Me? Your Auror friend asked about me?"
"He's read the articles in the Prophet about you, as have most wizards and witches. He wondered if you were in any of the classes I taught. Then when I spoke of your talent in Defense and your interest in being an Auror, he was quite taken with the idea. He thought it would be brilliant to have a Black on the side of the light."
Sirius stared at Keenan dumbfounded. It was so easy at Hogwarts for him to forget about the outside world and what they thought of him. Maybe he should be making an effort to see what was being written about him? It was jarring to be reminded how many adults who had never met him had formed assumptions –whether positive or negative- about him based on several articles. Wasn't one of the reasons the purebloods were going after him was they were worried he'd join magical equality movement? Perhaps by default he already had, but the greater danger was in his joining as a willing and vocal participant.
Keenan looked concerned at the sudden silence. "I do not mean to worry you. In light of the attack and the current political atmosphere, I thought you should be aware that you aren't alone in this fight. You have more wizards and witches on your side than against you – even if those against are more vocal."
Sirius looked down at his hands.
"Don't forget about your friends – Potter, Lupin, and Pettigrew. They matter more than you think. The other side can't win as long as they stand with you."
"I'm the one in the Hospital Wing-"
"Injured, but not beaten," Professor Keenan said with conviction.
"No, not beaten," Sirius agreed after several moments of silence, thinking of the retaliation he needed to plan and having an odd impression that Keenan would approve of standing against them.
"I best let you rest. Should I add your name to the list for the question and answer session with the Auror?"
Sirius nodded. They exchanged no more words as Professor Keenan left the Hospital Wing. Sirius grabbed the glass of water by his bedside gulping it down. He refused to look at the clock; he would not spend the day counting down the minutes until his friends' next visit. He settled back down in his bed – it was time to strategize.
Severus Snape was the first to enter the Potions classroom. Professor Slughorn greeted him, albeit not as warmly as usual. Snape suspected it had to do with his involvement in the attack on Sirius Black several days ago. Snape recalled Slughorns carefully worded lecture, especially when Slughorn had told them sternly:
"Boys, the halls of Hogwarts are not the place for pureblood politics."
Professor Slughorn, was a pureblood himself, and had shown leanings towards pureblood ideology. He'd always spoken about talented Muggleborns with a slightly condescending tone. While he was selective in the students he invited to this Slug Club, any student whose family was part of the Sacred Twenty Eight was an automatic member (even if talentless).
So when Slughorn chastised them for going after a blood-traitor (something they all felt entitled to), Severus could feel the outrage and confusion of his housemates. Slughorn played his part well. He sympathized with them. He agreed they should be respected by those of lesser blood. He understood their frustration at having to curb their true feelings. But – and there was a dramatic pause – and Slughorn's voice turned firm: "If another member of the staff catches you using the word Mudblood, or attacking a Muggleborn, blood traitor, or any student, I will no longer interfere. You will be turned over to them for punishment without complaint."
The threat might have humored them had they not all known by then that Lestrange had been banned from the next Quidditch Game. A punishment Professor Keenan had doled out, and one their Head of House was refusing to overturn. While many were outraged, Snape expressed to anyone who asked his opinion that if they wanted to continue with their crusade against Mudbloods and bloodtraitors, they would just have to execute it more carefully. Slughorn hadn't said not to do it; just not to come crying to him if they were caught.
Looking up at the blackboard, Snape saw Slughorn had written 'Invigoration Draught' in big block letters. Severus flipped open his Potion's book until he found the correct page and immediately read the instructions carefully to see if there were any modifications to be made. He was so absorbed in his work that he was startled when Lily took a seat beside him.
"Hey Sev," Lily greeted, though she barely spared him a passing glance.
"Hello, Lily," Snape replied frowning slightly. She'd accused him on Monday of being the one have Confounded James Potter. It hadn't been him. He could tell Lily thought it unsportsmanlike and he wasn't certain to have convinced her with his answer. Snape heard whisperings that Avery was the one to Confound the arrogant prat. He was disappointed to have missed Potter collapsing, though he supposed watching Lestrange curse Black had its own rewards.
Despite it all, Severus was relieved that she still sat beside him. She was not above giving him the cold shoulder, so perhaps she did believe him. This was now the only class they still regularly partnered up for. They were both top of the class in Potions with the next student far enough behind their skill level that it was easy for both their housemates to understand their need to work together. Snape thought wistfully back to their first and second year when they'd partnered quite often together.
As they neared the start of class and the room began to fill up, Lily remained pensive. Predictably the last students to file in were Potter, Pettigrew, and Lupin. The warning bell rang as the Gryfffindors stepped into the room.
"Come on boys, take a seat," Professor Slughorn stated waving them in. "Is Mr. Black still in the Hospital Wing?"
"Yes, sir," Lupin answered taking a seat by himself on bench in the back of the room. Black was his usual partner for Potions.
"Now if only we could whittle down the number of mudbloods in here we might be able to be rid of the stench in this room," Mulciber muttered behind Snape.
Mulciber had raised his voice just enough so that Lily and Severus could hear the words clearly. Snape stayed still, his eyes glued to the page he was reading, pretending to be completely immersed. He felt Lily's eyes on him, but he pretended he didn't notice, pretended he hadn't heard Mulciber use that slur. He was in a precarious position. He could not afford to anger Lily or Mulciber.
"Mr. Lupin, you can join Ms. Evans and Mr. Snape today," Professor Slughorn instructed.
Lupin stared dumbly at Professor Slughorn, frozen to his seat.
"Is there a problem, Mr. Lupin?" Slughorn asked brushing a nonexistent piece of dirt off his expensive robes.
"No, sir," Lupin said finally getting up and moving to the front of the room, though with no enthusiasm.
"Good. You will learn a lot from working with these two. Your Potions grade will need it if you expect to take my N.E.W.T. class next year."
Lupin colored slightly at the mention of his Potion's grade. There was some snickering from the Slytherins. Snape smirked, and glanced back to see Potter and Pettigrew glaring in his direction. As much as he didn't want to work with the werewolf, he knew Lupin would dread this even more.
"Be nice," Lily muttered to Snape. She had seen the look he'd given Potter. "And budge over."
Snape moved his things over a bit, and Lily slid closer to him so that her shoulder was almost touching his. He could smell the flowery shampoo she had used. Perhaps this wouldn't be so bad he thought. Lupin put his bag down and went back to drag his chair over.
Lily smiled warmly at Lupin. "Don't worry Severus promises not to bite," Lily said lightly.
"Only if Lupin extends us the same courtesy," Snape said back icily, satisfied as Lupin tensed, losing the color that had returned to his face.
The Whomping Willow incident was never far from Severus's mind, and he would be lying if he wasn't reveling in having the upper hand in his interactions with the Gryffindors. Severus had spoken very little to Potter. He knew if they exchanged words, Potter would have no qualms reminding Severus that he owed his life to the arrogant berk. So he focused his snide remarks to Lupin and Black, choosing his moments to approach carefully (he wasn't a rash Gryffindor after all). Those two squirmed at the mere mention of howling and moons – it was all rather enthralling.
He skated a thin line; goading the boys only enough to keep them wary, only enough tear at the newly formed friendship, only enough to reawaken the hurt and betrayal. Two days ago it had backfired. Had he known Lestrange and six Slytherins were rounding the corner, Severus would have never alluded to Lupin's lycanthropy.
He had enjoyed the moment, of course. He could understand why power was so addicting. Black had been helpless and he'd known it. There had been no trace of arrogance on Black's face; only raw fear. One careless comment - a spark near the end of a long fuse line – and a cascading of events would lead to Black's demise. Lupin would expelled, possibly 'put down'. Potter would have to sever ties with Black (Pettigrew would have followed). At least half the Gryffindors would rethink their support of Black. Enough Gryffindors would turn their backs to destroy Black's popularity in the other Houses. That would leave Black alone, no family; he'd be nothing, a shadow in the halls. They wouldn't need to bother with Black after that; the guilt would finish the boy off.
Except none of that would ever happen; between his promise to Dumbleore and his need to keep Lily's friendship, true retribution was an unfulfilled dream. And now Black had seen him give up a perfectly good chance to out the werewolf. It had to be Black too! Lupin would have been grateful for Snape's continued silence, and left it alone. Potter would have thought he'd just lost his nerve. Black would see the truth; Black was shrewd enough to realize Lupin's secret was safer than it had been before.
"Pay attention," Lily hissed beside him. She had noticed he had become lost in his own thoughts.
"I am," Severus muttered. He didn't need to listen to Slughorn drone on for fifteen minutes about the history and background of the draught. Severus was always ahead on the readings in this class.
Finally they began brewing; sending Lupin to get the ingredients they needed from Slughorn's cupboard. Snape watched out of the corner of his eyes as Potter swiftly joined Lupin, and they spoke quickly, Potter gesturing wildly. "Let's stick to the instructions in the book today," Snape whispered.
Snape had the fire under their cauldron going and Lily was setting out the ingredients found in their potion's kit in the order they'd be added.
"Why?" Lily asked furrowing her brow. "I've already thought of some changes that could help us out."
"I'd rather Lupin not know about our…adjustments."
"It isn't against the rules," Lily argued. "What harm could it do for him to know?"
He couldn't answer that, but he was sure if Lupin found out, he'd tell Potter and Black. And those two couldn't be trusted. He didn't know how they'd use that information to make his life worse, but he had a feeling they would. "If you do change anything just do it and don't mention it to Lupin," Snape insisted.
Lily sighed exasperatedly, but when Lupin returned she assigned him to tend the stirring of the cauldron and time keeping for addition of ingredients. This allowed Severus and Lily to be in charge of ingredient preparation. If Lupin noticed any differences in their preparation, he did not say so.
Lily did the best to keep some sort of conversation going. The first part of the potion brewing required diligent, careful watch so the bouts of silence weren't very noticeable.
"We've got a fifteen minute break," Lupin announced.
Lily sighed again. "Do you think Slughorn's going to assign us a lot of homework?" she pondered. "I don't know where I will find the time to do it if he does, especially with the added prefect patrols."
"I hope not," Lupin mumbled. He was keeping careful watching of the bubbling potion, and glancing at the timer constantly as if the fifteen minutes they had to wait would suddenly fast-forward and he'd miss the next step.
"Why do you have more patrolling?" questioned Snape.
"Because of the increase of attacks on students," Lupin answered.
Snape narrowed his eyes at Lupin. He had been speaking to Lily, not him.
"He's right…especially the Muggleborn students," Lily added. "Make sure to keep stirring it. Once or twice every few minutes. The book doesn't say so, but I think the airflow will help."
Lupin nodded, not questioning Lily's instructions.
"And this increase in patrols has nothing to do with the attack on the Pureblood?" Snape asked dryly. "One of Dumbledore's favorites is in the hospital wing and suddenly we need more patrols? What's next Aurors at every entrance and every floor?"
"You were part of this attack, Sev," Lily reminded him with a sharp look.
"I told you I just got caught up in it," Snape answered, glaring at Lupin. He didn't want to argue about this in front of him. "I wasn't part of it."
"You were there?" Lupin asked hollowly.
"Black didn't tell you?" Snape replied with mock concern. He perked up at the news. If Black hadn't gone round to telling Lupin he'd been present than he certainly hadn't mentioned Snape's chance to out his secret. (Unless Black had only told Potter).
"We've only got 30 minutes a day to see him. We'd hardly waste that time talking about you."
"Yes, why would you?" Snape asked snidely. It was harder to ruffle the werewolf's calm demeanor, but it also made it more satisfying.
"Enough you two," Lily chided.
Their conversation halted as Professor Slughorn passed by to see how they were coming along. Slughorn inspected the color and consistency. He appeared satisfied, and so began speaking to Lily about his next Slug Club event. Snape didn't bother listening. Between his feud with the Gryffindors and now being grouped in with the vocal Slytherin blood purists, Snape wasn't sure he would still be invited.
Snape waited patiently for Slughorn to finish speaking, and the moment Slughorn went on to check the group behind them, Snape leaned in so he was closer to Lupin.
"Why only thirty minutes?" Snape asked.
Lupin frowned. "What's it to you?"
"It's awfully short," Snape commented. He was hoping Lupin would divulge more on his friend's injuries. When Keenan had dismissed them from the scene, Black has still been standing on his two feet. How did the boy go from that to being so gravely injured?
"Madam Pomfrey's orders," Lupin responded coolly.
"I'm sorry to hear he's hurt," Lily said. "I hope he has a quick recovery."
"I will be sure to tell him."
There was two beats of silence and Snape felt Lily kick him under the table. He looked at her incredulously. Based on her imploring gaze, (and it was almost too unbelievable to think it!) she expected him to say kind words about Black. He realized in that moment how far removed she was from his rivalry with the four Gryffindors. Black had tried to murder him and had gotten away with a slap of the wrist! He would never feel the slightest shred of sympathy for any of them.
An awkward silence consumed them, though within in a few minutes Lily and Lupin began speaking amiably again. Snape felt a wave of irritation as his eyes bored into the page on his text book. It was jolting to realize his frustration was more at Lily than Lupin. Lily was his best friend. She was supposed to be sympathetic towards his side of the truth. He quickly buried that thought because he wouldn't let the Gryffindors make him think ill of Lily. He was keenly aware that even though Potter was the one who fancied Lily, it was the werewolf that she felt a kinship with.
Snape stayed quiet for the rest of class except to instruct Lupin and ensure he wasn't missing a step. Snape was relieved when the class period ended. At least Lupin could take direction and Snape was satisfied the potion was just as good as if he'd only been partnered with Lily.
Lupin carefully filled up a medium sized empty vial, handing it over to Lily to scrawl their names on the outside. Slughorn had a tray set up on his desk which Lupin placed their vial in. While Lupin was doing that, Lily had gotten up to put away the unused ingredients back in Slughorn's cupboard. Alone at their table, Severus glanced sideways at Lupin's open satchel. Seeing several rolled up parchments, an idea struck Snape. He rummaged around in his own bag and extracted his recently filled ink bottle.
Snape glanced around the room. No one was looking his way busy cleaning up their own spaces. He quickly poured the ink into the opening of the three rolled up parchments, and flipped Lupin's bag closed. He closed his hand around the empty ink jar bringing it back underneath the table keeping an eye on Lily and Lupin. He waited a few moments and bent down to put the empty jar back in his bag. As he looked back up, his eyes fell on Potter's looming figure with Pettigrew shadowing him.
"Snivellus," Potter said under his breath. He was eyeing Snape suspiciously, but Snape knew if he'd seen anything he would have announced it to the class. Severus scowled in return. Potter dared to use that loathsome nickname!
Lupin bounded over in that moment. He gave his Potter and Pettigrew a hard look. "Ready to go?" He slung his bag over his shoulder not waiting for a response. Lupin waved to Lily as he passed her. Potter and Pettigrew followed him slowly out the door.
Severus held his breath as he watched the Gryffindors leave. As most school bags were charmed to be water resistant, he didn't believe the bag would start leaking and alert Lupin to the damage being done to his assignments and other possessions. Both Gryffindors and Slytherins had their morning break next, so there was a good chance Lupin wouldn't look in his bag until next class.
"You look cheery all of a sudden," Lily remarked rejoining him.
"Being rid of Potter is always a cause for celebration," Severus replied. He was gleefully picturing Lupin's shock later at his ruined assignments. At least some of the Professors would be sure to give him zeros for not turning his homework in on time.
"I saw him over here. He wasn't making trouble, was he?"
"I took care of it," Severus answered cryptically.
Lily raised her eyebrows in question. "I don't want to know."
"Lily, are you coming?" Mary McDonald called from the doorway. She was beckoning Lily towards her.
"Be right there." Lily looked over at Severus and he could see sadness in her green eyes. Several strands of red hair had fallen over her eyes and he had to physically stop himself from brushing them aside. "I know Potter makes it difficult, but I really wish you'd be the bigger person and end this feud."
Severus watched Lily leave, and his good mood faltered. He had planned to ask her to meet later in the week, and instead he missed his chance. He should have never said anything. She'd be there when Lupin found the mess of ink in his bag, and she would put two and two together.
Severus was the last one to leave the room. He'd never given his housemates reason to wait for him. He would be allowed to join them, but unless he was needed for something, his company was never sought out without reason. So he trudged alone through the hallways. With the dark, brooding mood he was in, it was better he was alone anyway.
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