Author's Note: Guarderium has said I should make my chapters longer after the question from the intro to this arc in chapter 20 (thanks for the feedback) so this chapter will hopefully reflect that. The plot thickens... That is all I can say! Enjoy!

Chapter Twenty One: The broken façade

"Hey! Sev!", Aldric casually slipped into a vacant seat at the Slytherin table, "I need your help with something".

"No, I don't really feel like helping you, Aldric", said Severus as he examined his pudding - slowly pushing it around with his spoon.

"Well, Sev, I know your secret", Aldric paused, for dramatic effect. "Sooooo - unless you want everyone else to know too - you better help me", he laughed slightly as he leaned closer.

"Urgh, I know... Fine", Severus looked at Aldric with a nonchalant expression.

"Great! I just knew you would love to help me out, Sev!", Aldric grinned.

"Sure", Severus sarcastically spoke.

"Remus has been getting Muffins off someone, I was wondering if you would know who may want to give him muffins", Aldric looked up; he saw Severus frown slightly. "Ha ha, have I hit a nerve Sevy? Do you think it was Lily?", Aldric grinned manically as he said this.

"No! I do not! Why would she give him muffins?", Severus looked bitter; his façade fell apart at the thought.

"You're not so blank now, are you?", Aldric giggled, "Dont worry Sevy, I don't think it was Lily. These muffins seemed off".

"Off?", though Severus did not want to admit it, he was slightly worried.

"As in dark", Aldric sniggered, "I'm certain you know all about that".

Well I'm sure that - if you get me a sample - I can figure it out", Severus was not yet certain whether he was helping Aldric by choice or not.

"It's funny you should mention that...", Aldric revealed a muffin from the inside of his robes, "Ta da!".

Severus sighed. Though Aldric was an absolute nuisance, he certainly had his uses. "Get Lily, we need her charm to win him over".

Author's Notes: Who's Lily going to persuade? What is Severus' secret? What's up with the muffins? Is Aldric just being overprotective? Well... Better read the next chapter to find out! Lol.

I'm not entirely certain if this is long enough. Also, for me, it felt a little too dialogue based.

I would also like to say sorry for being so slow to put this up: I have a 10 hour exam tomorrow so I've been working for that.

I'm so happy that so many people have taken the time to read this much of my story, but remember, it's your story too! I read every comment and consider them carefully as I write.

Thank you for reading!