Chapter 25 - Kitchens

A/N: This chapter doesn't have much humor, but it definitely is important. It's also pretty long. Also, still asking whether or not a summary change sounds good to you guys! If I don't get any answers, next chapter would probably be the last time I ask. After that, I don't get to be lazy anymore, and probably have to make the decision for myself. Don't do that to me, guys! :( Oh, and I've got another announcement on my bio. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: I'm running out of interesting ways to say this, but I don't own Harry Potter.

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"Snape; could you spare a moment, please?"

"What do you want, Lupin?"

"Please, walk with me. I have to talk to you."

"I'm waiting for Lily. Go away."

"Please, Evans will be alright by herself. Just come with me. Please."

Severus was taken aback by how ironic the entire situation was. Remus Lupin begging him, Severus Snape. Not only that, but he had been able to turn Lupin away without flinching. Severus never thought he would be able to do such a thing, but, here he was.

Enchanted snow fluttered down on the two boys' heads as they stood in the corridor together. All of Hogwarts was decorated for Christmas, fairy lights glittering on every wall. This was the first year Severus was able to view them, out in the open, in peace. Well, save for the occasional student obviously checking him out before passing by, but Severus had gotten used to that.

"Snape, please just follow me."

"Why should I trust you?" Severus questioned. "Until this year, you and your group brought me nothing but torment. I don't know why you gits stopped that recently, but I do know that I'm not going anywhere with you alone. For all I know, it all could have been an act for something terrible you four are planning."

Severus voiced his views with a forced neutral tone. He was angry, curious, and slightly worried of the repercussions, of course. However, it was only Lupin. Unless the other three jumped out and attacked him, he could take Lupin on. He hadn't stopped working out since he had gotten to Hogwarts.

"I swear I'm not," Lupin pleaded. "Look, you can pick the place we go. And," he stops to hand Severus his wand, "I'll be unarmed. Okay? Please, I need to talk to you."

Severus looked at the cypress wand in his hand, his eyebrows quickly getting dangerously close to becoming part of his hairline if he continued raising then. He looked back at his old bully. Lupin's face showed every drop of desperation that his words had hinted at. His golden-brown eyes glistened with honesty.

". . . Alright," Severus finally gave in. "Let's go to the kitchens."

Immediately, Remus took his wrist and they set off down the stairs, away from the entrance of the Great Hall where Severus had been waiting to talk with his best friend before dinner. It appeared that he wouldn't be doing that at all; he might not even get to dinner, depending on what Lupin wanted him for.

He was jostled with the brunette boy all the way down the stairs, turning a corner, speeding down another hallway while wondering what the heck was going on and how he got there. The whole thing reminded him of what had happened to himself and Lily a little less than a month ago, except, this time, he felt a little more trusting and a little more.. intimate.

That was a weird thought. This will be a weird memory.

Lupin's scarred, yet soft, hand were digging into his arm like Severus was his last lifeline. It was rather distracting from what might await him when it let go at the kitchens.

Suddenly, Lupin stopped. Severus wasn't paying attention, and promptly tripped on him. His face turned red from embarrassment, scrambling to stand up and compose himself. Lupin's face was red too, although from what, Severus didn't know.

"Sorry, sorry, I should have told you we were stopping-" Remus sputtered, but Severus just looked up, still hiding his face with his longish black hair. He couldn't show any weakness, just in case this was some sort of trap. He couldn't fathom how at this point, but the Slytherin wizard always had to be cautious. It was what kept him alive.

"We're here?" he asked, interrupting Lupin's babbling. Lupin nodded in return.

They stood in front of a ginormous painting of a bowl of fruit. Now that they had arrived at the kitchens, he felt a bit awkward; he had no idea what to do. He had never been to the kitchens before. He had to admit now, he wished he hadn't chosen the kitchens. He thought of the place because of an increase of witnesses and saviors (all the elves were supposed to spend most of their time there), but he didn't even know if Lupin had brought him to the right place. He could only use trust, and that was terrifying.

Then Lupin reached up and tickled the pear. It squealed and squirmed, until it formed a green door handle. This was it, the test. Either he would be attacked by the rest of the Marauders, or there would be a lot of elves to save him.

As Lupin opened the door, Severus held out both wands, ready to fire a spell and run. The painting swung open.

At least ten little house elves squeaked their hellos almost immediately, crowding around the two wizards, ushering them inside. Severus was in the right place. He was safe.

Then he noticed Lupin staring pointedly at him from where he stood.

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A/N: I'm getting pretty okay at doing cliffies now! Are you guys excited? Heh heh, I think I'm funny, at least. Anyways, review! What do you think is going to happen? Why do you think Lupin is staring? Where are the other Marauders?