Disclaimer: J.K.Rowling is the creator and true owner of the characters of Hogwarts and the wizarding world, and no infringement of copyright is intended. I'm just playing with them for my own amusement; no money is being made.

Written by Morganlefaye1958 and SeulWolfe

Warnings:Slash Folks! Remus/Severus

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To Honor

Chapter 21::On the Bright Side

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As Severus pushed through the doors into the hospital wing, he was greeted by a smiling mediwitch, currently standing at young Mr. Wylie's bedside.

'Hello, Professor!' Jonas exclaimed, smiling brightly while he waited for Madam Pomfrey to finish her examination. 'Thank you sir, for taking care of Bezoar for me. Can you thank Professors McGonagall and Flitwick for me please, for fixing Bezoar?'

'You may do so yourself, Mr. Wylie. They would both be happy to see you are looking better today.'

Severus stopped at the foot of the bed, reaching down to pet the Kneazle, who was sprawled comfortably across his owner's feet, but not taking his eyes off of the small boy. Loud purring filled the room as Bezoar stretched out an oversized paw toward the Potions Master. The movement elicited a giggle from Jonas. Severus took the opportunity to study the boy. He had several bruises around his eyes and other areas of his face. His lower lip was no longer swelled but was discoloured. Most of the scrapes had all but disappeared. His arm and ribs were wrapped securely - most likely more as a reminder to the boy to take it easy as it was to protect his bruised body. He was favouring the injured wrist, understandably, doing most things with his other hand and he would walk with a limp for a few weeks. His medical history indicated he'd had some odd reactions to spell/potion combinations as a toddler, so Poppy had opted to take a longer route to heal him. He would be monitored closely.

'We're almost finished, Mr. Wylie. Just one more test and one last potion,' Madam Pomfrey chided gently.

'Please sit still Mr. Wylie, and allow Madam Pomfrey to finish.' Severus allowed a slight smile to touch his lips. The sight of the wiggling boy clearly indicated that despite his injuries, young Jonas was feeling much better. Though that gave Severus some measure of relief, he knew from experience the boy would be affected emotionally by the previous day's trauma. It would be advantageous to keep an eye on him.

'Yes sir.' Big serious blue eyes looked up at him from below long lashes, as he took the potion vial being held out to him. Tipping his head back, the potion disappeared in two swallows.

Poppy stifled a snort as she watched his attempts to not make a face at the foul taste. She stole a quick glance at the Potions Master. Though his outward appearance was serious, she was sure she saw a glimmer of humour in his eyes as he watched the odd contortions on the boy's face. He knew most of his potions could be unpleasant to downright awful - it couldn't be helped, but he appreciated the fact that this small boy was so concerned that he not offend his Head of House.

'It's alright Jonas.' Severus decided to relieve the boy's distress. 'I know the potion tastes foul, I do make them after all.' He smiled as wide blue eyes locked on his face. Then a huge smile broke out on the boy's face as Poppy chuckled from behind him. Bezoar meowed a question, clearly befuddled by their laughter. Severus reached down and scratched his head.

'Up with you now, Jonas. Dress quickly, so Professor Snape can take you to breakfast.'

'Yes ma'am,' was the reply as the boy hopped off the bed and disappeared into the bathroom to don his uniform. Severus turned to Poppy and waited until he heard the door click shut. Waving his hand, he cast Privacio, and waited for her summation of his student's condition.

'He had a very peaceful night, Severus. I cast a Monitoring charm and it only alerted me once.' Severus quirked an eyebrow in question, but didn't interrupt. 'By the time I reached his bedside, he was already settling down. It seems that Bezoar crawled up on his chest and laid his head near Jonas' ear. I could hear the purr from my office door.'

The tension seemed to leave his body and his shoulders relaxed. He hadn't realized how tense he'd been from the concern for this boy, so new to his House. Poppy's eyes reflected her understanding. 'I will keep an eye on him and have asked my Slytherins to, as well. He will suffer some residual problems from this, no doubt.'

'As you well know Severus,' Poppy sighed, remembering the scars and bruises on a young Severus, and many a Floo call with his mother. 'I have put in a call to St. Mungo's to one of my contacts, who is a Psycho-Healer. It will do the boy good to have a professional to talk to.'

'I was going to ask you about that… it helped me.'

'Yes, I know. Did you speak with your House this morning?'

'Yes, and there will be no problems - not from my House at any rate. They will all keep an eye on Jonas and be there or get help, if need be. He seems to have made quite an impression on his housemates. He gets along fine with all of them, though some of the Sixth and Seventh year girls seem to dote on him a bit, which I've noticed embarrasses him a bit. But he tolerates it. I believe he has does not want to chance hurt feelings.'

They both turned at the sound of a door opening Severus cancelled his spell. Poppy took the proffered hospital robe. 'Mr. Wylie, now, I want you to take it easy today…watch your bandages. Stay away from the windows with bright sun. Your eye will be sensitive for a while.' She straightened his tie and brushed his bangs out of his eyes. 'Come see me after lunch and again after dinner, for your potions, or in between if you are in need of a potion for pain.'

'Yes ma'am. Thank you, Madam Pomphrey, for taking care of me. Almost as good as my Mum.' He smiled at her.

'Why, Mr. Wylie, how kind of you. Thank you for the compliment!' Poppy's eyes misted a bit and she squeezed the boy's shoulder before turning and scooping his Kneazle off the bed and placing it in his arms. She scratched Bezoar under the chin. 'Now Bezoar, you and Jonas take care of each other.'

'Come along Mr. Wylie. I would like to get to the Great Hall while the scones are still hot.' Placing a gentle hand in the middle of the boy's back, Severus guided him toward the door. Before passing through the doors, he called over his shoulder, 'I will have the house-elves bring you some scones and clotted cream, Poppy.'

The sound of her laughter and a thank-you followed them out into the hall. Severus paced himself so his young charge would not have to exert himself to keep up - the boy's limping gate slowed him a bit. The Kneazle had crawled up and settled himself around Jonas' neck and shoulders, making it easier for the boy to walk, unencumbered. Severus shook his head. The Familiar reminded him of Puck.

'Professor? Do you like scones?' The question was asked hesitantly.

'Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. Especially when they are hot from the oven.' He folded his hands behind his back and glanced down at his small companion. 'And you, Jonas… Do you like scones?'

'Oh yes Sir! Very much! Momma makes them every weekend. We have raspberry jam and clotted cream… though Momma prefers honey on hers.' Severus noted the tone of warmth that was apparent when Mrs. Wylie was mentioned. He smiled to himself, thinking of his own mother.

'I prefer my mother's white grape jelly… a recipe she invented one year when we had an overly abundant crop of white grapes.' His voice was quiet, a faraway look in his eyes, though he continued walking.

'Sir?' Jonas looked up at his Head of House, wondering what memories had taken the serious young professor so far away.

Severus came back to himself and smiled down at the concern in the blue eyes focused on him. 'I have many good memories of my mother and her cooking. She believes good food is only one of many ways to show love.'

'My Mum too, sir. Does Madam Pomfrey like clotted cream best on her scones, sir?'

'Clotted cream… definitely.' He leaned down a little and lowered his voice - they were alone in the hallway. 'But, I will tell you a little secret.'

Jonas face was a mirror of concentration. Even Bezoar picked up his head and appeared to listen.

'Professor McGonagall gives her a jar of rhubarb strawberry preserves for Christmas every year,' he held his hands far enough apart to indicate a 2-pint jar, 'she has a sister living on the Continent that makes it and sends it over. It is the only thing Madam Pomfrey likes better than clotted cream on her scones, and she manages to make that jar last all year until the following Christmas.'

'Wow! I don't think I could make a jar of Mum's raspberry jam last a whole year!'

At this point, they had reached the doors to the Great Hall.

'Here we are then.' Severus pulled the doors open and allowed Jonas to precede him. Severus followed, as he walked to his usual seat at the Slytherin table. All eyes in the hall followed them, the low hum of whispers traveling quickly across the room. Everyone had heard by now what had happened the previous day - which was always the case when something was supposed to be kept quiet, the whole school knew within 24 hours. Jonas, nervous now, kept his eyes forward, comforted by the presence of his Head of House right behind him. When he stopped by his usual seat, waiting for his housemates to make room for him between two Seventh years, he remembered the Kneazle curled around his shoulders. Turning and opening his mouth to ask what he should do, he was stopped by the feeling of Bezoar's weight being lifted off him. Bezoar crawled from Severus' arms up to settle around his neck.

'I will settle your Familiar at the Staff Table with me, Mr. Wylie. You needn't worry. The Headmaster has authorised Bezoar to be in your presence or mine, until further notice. He will attend classes with you as well, seeing as I have seen he has proven to be well-behaved.' Long fingers strayed unconsciously up, to scratch under the Kneazle's chin, prompting loud purring, and giggles from nearby students within earshot of the small rumblings.

'What about my wand, sir? How will I complete my lessons?'

'You will be accompanied by one of our Seventh years, Mitchell Redgrave, to all your classes until we can make arrangements to take you to Mr. Ollivander for a new wand. Mr. Redgrave will help you with your lessons, and your housemates have offered to help you catch up when you have your new wand.

Small shoulders relaxed and a sigh was heard. 'Thank you Professor. And, Professor… Bezoar will be good, I promise.' With that, he turned and took his seat with his housemates, smiling as they greeted him with words and gentle handslaps on his back.

'I have no doubts, Mr. Wylie. Your housemates have been directed to make sure you eat a sufficient meal. I've no desire to experience Madam Pomfrey's displeasure, and I am sure you recall the taste of the nutrient potions she will not hesitate to give you if she feels your diet is not sufficiently supporting your healing processes.' Several mumbles of agreement could be heard from his fellow Slytherins.

'Yes sir, I will. I promise. Maybe… maybe you should go now, sir. You don't want your scones to get cold.'

'Ah, yes, the scones. Thank you for reminding me, Mr. Wylie. Enjoy your breakfast. I will return Bezoar to you after the meal.'

He bowed his head in a brief nod to his students, then spun gracefully and strode to his seat at the Staff table - Bezoar not unsettled one bit by the movement. He stopped behind his chair and said something quietly to the Kneazle who immediately jumped down and curled up under Severus' chair, after the Potions Master seated himself. Everyone who had been watching the entrance of the two, then the following interchange with interest, finally returned to their meals. The usual low hum of meal conversation resumed in the room. Jonas sat and allowed one of the Seventh years to fill his plate, periodically stopping to ask him what he preferred. Severus watched from below lowered lids as he filled his own plate with eggs, fried tomatoes, and scones. It eased his mind somewhat knowing his snakes took care of each other. He really didn't have any troublemakers in his House this year. He had spoken with Minerva briefly not long after he awoke and dressed, sharing a cup of tea with the Assistant Headmistress. She had been dressed for the day, but had not wound her waist-length hair into its usual bun. She preferred to do that right before leaving her quarters for the day. That habit hadn't changed in all the years Severus had known his godmother. He used to play with that long hair when he was a small child. She had been very concerned about the Headmaster interfering with the punishments, and was meeting with Albus after breakfast to talk with him about the reasons behind the punishments, and to secure his support in making sure they were carried out. She had also offered to secure a pass and make the arrangements to get the boy's wand replaced. He only hoped the Headmaster would acquiesce and not cause problems as he had with young Harry…

Tbc…