Home Sweet Home
***21 October 1976***
Severus couldn't believe that the headmaster had taken him seriously. Before he left the office that night a plan had been made so secret Occlumency lessons could be fit into Severus' already bloated schedule. They managed to slip the lesson behind one of Severus' lab sessions with Dr O'Conner.
It seemed a shame, really. Severus had just acquired himself a brand-new, actual girlfriend, and his time was going to be a such a premium, he'd scarcely see her outside of their study time. And their study time was going to be exactly that. Study-time. Severus was afraid that he was going to become the most boring boyfriend in the history of boyfriends. He wondered how long Lucy would stand for that!
The Great Hall was abuzz that morning. Owl posts had been delivered. He was surprised when a letter had dropped into his lap and was further astonished when he saw who it was from. It was from Rubens Winkius and Co. Inc. Severus' hand began to shake. Dr O'Conner's contact was real. He looked about the hall. He did not want to open it in front of anyone. He jammed it into his pocket just as Lucy joined him at the table. She ignored her breakfast and pulled out a scroll and immediately began working on it. She was intent, so Severus left her to her work.
Most of the students and teachers alike were still speculating on about the disappearance of Professor Llewellyn. Severus and Lucy kept to themselves at the end of the Slytherin table, but an unmistakable tension drifted down from where the professors sat. Speculation ran rampant amongst the students, but every theory of the Defence teacher's whereabouts seemed as unlikely as the next.
Only Severus' dormmates and a couple seventh years seemed quiet on the subject over the past week. Severus heard hints and allusions, but he was mindful that he did not have his mate's full trust. He had not committed himself to their cause, so they tried to keep their secrets, secret. In Severus' estimation, they weren't doing a particularly good job of it. Even saying as little as they did, they were saying too much.
Severus had reckoned enough. He was certain that at least one or more of his housemates knew what had happened to Professor Llewellyn. One or more may have even had a hand in it. He also feared that they would try to instigate Professor Myers' disappearance as well. If this were true…if they were the Dark Lord's moles inside the school, the Dark Lord was either stupid, reckless, or just, plain sloppy. Severus found none of these traits endearing. Indoctrinating teenagers to believe in a philosophy was one thing. Employing them as kidnappers was something else, entirely. Most kids his age were just too reckless.
The only thing that Severus was really sure of was that he had to keep his guard up, both for himself and for Lucy. He hated that his 'friends' had recommended him for recruitment. Severus just wanted a normal education like any other student. He kept having to look over his shoulder and he was tired of it.
He was grateful when the headmaster offered him Occlumency lessons. Severus had told the headmaster that he had begun to study Occlumency on his own and Dumbledore was pleased to hear it. However, he did not seem overly concerned that Severus' fellow Slytherins would learn enough Legilimency to be a real threat. At least not anytime soon. Learning to probe another's mind was infinitely harder than learning to defend one's own. Even so, just because one was being taught Legilimency, did not equate to one actually mastering it. The mind arts required discipline. If his fellow Slytherins did not have the discipline to keep their mouths shut, they certainly did not have the discipline to open someone else's mind.
It was true, it would be prudent for Severus to learn Occlumency. But aware as he was of his pupil's abilities, the headmaster was quite confident that Severus would outpace his classmates when it came to the Mind Arts, as he did in most anything else.
That reassurance set Severus' mind at ease. And Lucy was right. The headmaster was more than willing to teach him. Severus was as apprehensive as he was excited. On one hand, he was receiving private training from one of the greatest wizards who ever brandished a wand. On the other hand, that great wizard was also the great-great-uncle of his girlfriend and said, 'great- wizard' was soon going to have unfettered access to his mind.
From the very onset, Dumbledore had promised not to share any of Severus' intimate secrets. If the headmaster thought there was anything that needed to be addressed, he would address it to Severus, himself.
Severus had searched his memories. Yes, there might be some things he had said, done, or felt in the past that he might find embarrassing, but nothing especially shameful or incriminating came to mind. Thankfully, that first lesson did not involve Severus having his mind invaded. Instead, Dumbledore taught him a series of exercises to do before bed that would clear his mind and calm his centre.
Admittedly, Severus missed thinking of Lucy at night. But he had to admit, he wakes up calm and focused. And it wasn't as if Lucy had gone away. Wasn't she right next to him, sitting at the breakfast table worrying over her homework?
Poor Lucy looked as though she were about to pull her hair out. She wasn't caught up in the frenzy over the missing teacher. She had a more immediate problem to attend with. She was frantic about her Arithmancy assignment again. "Argh! I'm done! I think I petrified my brain!" Lucy exclaimed as she violently pushed her scroll away.
"What's the matter?" Severus asked, grabbing her homework.
"I hate Plato", she balked as Severus scanned her work.
"Why so harsh," Severus replied. "You've never even met the man." As he perused her work, he saw the problem. "Ah! Dodecahedrons again?"
"Yes! Dodecahedrons, again," she said acidly. Lucy threw her hands up in exasperation. "I don't understand how you do it, Severus. You've been creating your own spells for years, now. Understanding how a dodecahedron works is essential to spell creation and I can barely grasp its basic concept. I think I might drop Arithmancy, altogether."
Severus hated the dejection in her voice. Lucy did not strike Severus has someone who gave up easily. It must have been a wrench for her to admit failure. "Well there's your problem, right there," Severus pointed out. "You're only using regular dodecahedrons in your calculations. There are several other variations that would suit better. You're right about Plato's theories, though. You're better off reading Bernoulli."
Severus placed Lucy's scroll back on the table, ready to help her rework her charts, but Lucy snatched the scroll, rolled it up and put it in her bag.
"Aren't you going to fix it?" Severus asked.
"There's not enough time," Lucy said. "And for you to fix it would be cheating."
"What do you mean, there's not any time? We don't have Arithmancy until tomorrow."
"Severus, I have a full class load today, and even more homework," Lucy explained. "And I don't like to rush things last minute. It is what it is. I'll do better next time."
"So, you're not dropping Arithmancy?"
Lucy shrugged and sighed, "I don't know. Let me see if Bernoulli can help and I'll get back to you."
Severus kissed her on the cheek. "Of course, he will. You'll see. You're brilliant! It's not as if you're failing the class."
Lucy reached for two bananas and packed them in her bag. They were leaving a bit early, but the walk to class would be less crowded.
"I know," Lucy said as she arose. "It's just…" she cast her eyes downward, as if she were almost ashamed. "I know this sounds smug, and I shouldn't be. It's just I'm used to being at the top of the class, is all."
Severus chuckled half-heartedly as he got up to escort Lucy. "If you think I'm going to bodge up my work so…"
"No…Of course not!" Lucy interjected, slapping him lightly on his arm. "It's not that, at all. I'm just not used to setting a goal and not reaching it."
Severus took Lucy by the hand. "You're used to academics being easy, that's what it is," he inferred. "Just think of it as a challenge."
Lucy's grimace brightened a bit, as if she were struck by an epiphany. "Perhaps you're right," she said. "I need to tackle this from a different perspective. Instead of a chore, I need to look at it as a game…a puzzle, if you will."
Severus returned her new-found optimism with a half-smile. "That's more like it."
"But Mama and Daddy are right. Seven NEWTS are too many. I'm gonna have to drop something, or I'll burn out. Maybe Muggle Studies?" She pondered.
Severus thought that seemed logical. Lucy had Muggle grandparents. She needed Muggle Studies about as much as he did.
Lucy may not have noticed as they turned to leave, but Severus did as eyes from both the Slytherin and Gryffindor tables followed them out of the hall.
Once they were far enough away from the entrance to the Great Hall, Lucy turned to him and asked, "Can you cast that privacy spell?"
Severus stopped at the head of the stairs to the dungeon. He looked to insure there was no one close and waved his wand. Silently, he incanted Muffliato.
Seemingly satisfied that they would not be overheard, Lucy asked as she continued down the stairs, "It's been a week. Are you going to tell me what Uncle Albus said?"
Severus shook his head apologetically. "I already told you I can't."
Lucy looked annoyed, and Severus thought rightfully so. "Well, you do know something. Your lab session was a lot longer than normal and you didn't invite me, this time. I might be pants at Arithmancy, but I do know that one plus one equals two. Uncle Albus is up to something."
Severus' eyebrow rose. "Pants?" he chuckled.
Lucy stiffened, but she was trying hard to stifle a laugh. "I've been here long enough to pick up a say'n or two. Mark my words, I'll have you saying y'all by the end of term."
"I doubt that," Severus chortled. "You couldn't get me to say it with an Imper…"
"Now don't you try to change the subject on me, Severus Snape! I know Uncle Albus has you involved in something."
"Look. Lucy-"
"You'd think that I would be privy with what was going on with my own boyfriend," Lucy interrupted. "I was the one who sent you to Uncle Albus in the first place."
Severus sighed. Truth be known, he would like a little more information, himself. But he hadn't heard anything from anyone. Not even Dr O'Conner. Lucy was supposed to be moved out of the Slytherin dormitories but had obviously gone nowhere. Perhaps Dumbledore thought there was no danger after all.
Severus felt that he ought to tell Lucy something. It wasn't as if Dumbledore was divulging anything 'Top Secret', as the Muggles say. He was only taking Occlumency lessons with the headmaster. And he wasn't going to bring up the suggestion that he turn spy against his fellow Slytherins. That hadn't been written in stone...yet.
When they finally reached the Potions lab, Severus could hear the din coming from above. Breakfast was over and their privacy would soon be gone. True, no one would understand their conversation, but it would be obvious that there was a charm hovering around himself and Lucy. Questions would be asked.
He had to give Lucy a quick answer. Anything so long as it was the truth. Lucy would smell a deliberate lie quicker than a Mountain Troll.
"Lucy, the reason I'm so late on Wednesday nights is because I'm having Occlumency lessons with the headmaster, nothing more," he relented.
Lucy blinked. "Oh. Okay." Her argument had immediately deflated, she began to unpack her bag.
Severus pointed his wand upward and gave a quick flick. It always astonished him how Lucy just accepted his word. He normally relished in the feeling, but right now, it made him feel a bit ill. True, he hadn't outright lied to Lucy. But he still felt sick with guilt knowing he was withholding some truths.
Just as Severus released his muffling charm, Dr O'Conner entered the lab from his office. 'Hi, kids," he said casually then cast his spell to put the day's assignment on the board.
"Hi, Daddy." "Good morning, Dr O'Conner," Severus and Lucy answered simultaneously.
"I need to see you both right after class," Dr O'Conner said. "I know you have a lesson directly after, Lucy, but it will be quick."
Severus and Lucy looked at each other in mutual confusion. Lucy simply shrugged and Severus raised his eyes. The rest of the students came filing in, so there was no more time for questions.
Two hours later, Severus and Lucy bottled their perfectly purple Dreamless Sleep Potions. They waited for the class to leave. Severus took note as the Marauders passed by. Severus didn't care for the furtive glares, especially from Black. For some reason, his stare was focused on Lucy. Severus took a step closer to her and watched as Black left the classroom, shadowing behind Potter.
Lucy's voice brought him back. "Daddy, you wanted to see us?"
"Yes, sweetheart. I don't think I'll have another chance to see you before the weekend and I want to give you fare warning. I was wondering if you and Severus have any plans for Saturday?"
Lucy looked to Severus, "I had intended on spending some time in here, Sir," Severus said. Neither he nor Lucy had any idea where the conversation was going.
"I was going to do some studying," Lucy answered.
"Good! Nothing that can't be adjusted. Meet me here at seven. You're going with me into Hogsmeade. We'll have breakfast there."
***23 October 1976***
Severus met Lucy in the common room. The sun still hadn't risen and the water from the lake was still eerily dark. Instead of aquatic green, the windows reflected dancing, golden light on the walls. The liquid darkness outside the windows chilled Severus to the bone. He wondered if his polo-necked jumper would be warm enough. He muttered a summoning charm to retrieve his jacket.
A minute later he heard a soft, disembodied, "Hey!" coming from the staircase. Lucy immerged with his jacket in one hand and rubbing the back of her head with her other. She wore an orange calico sunbonnet that looked as though it could have belonged to her great-grandmother. Severus definitely enjoyed the silhouette of Lucy's curves accentuated[MB1] by her high-waisted denim bell-bottoms. Her green blouse was opened just enough for Severus to notice her subtle cleavage.
"Did you call for this?" she asked as she tossed him his coat. "It smacked right into me on its way down," she laughed lightly.
Slightly stunned, his jacket smacked him out of his erotic daydreams of how he would like to see what was under that delicate green fabric. He wasn't sure if he was disappointed or relieved when Lucy put on her own denim jacket. Who was he kidding? He was disappointed. But he was certain of one thing. He needed to work exceptionally hard on his Legilimency lessons. Confidentiality or not—there was no way Severus was going to let the headmaster see what was just going through his head…either one of them.
"Where's Mama?" Lucy asked her father.
"She's already at Abe's," Dr O'Conner said. Severus was a little taken aback seeing Dr O'Conner in modern clothing. He wore dark green trousers with a dark-brown polo neck that zipped up from his chest to his throat. But as he stepped towards his office floo, he grabbed his brown robe that was tossed over the back of his chair.
"Why is Mama at Pawpaw's already? Why didn't she wait to come with us?"
"Just get yourself in the floo, Flutterbudget," he instructed Lucy as Severus observed the tête-á- tête between father and daughter.
"I just—"
"You'll find out when we get there. Get a move on. Breakfast is getting cold." Dr O'Conner pointed at the floo powder on the mantle and tilted his head towards the fireplace, indicating that Lucy should, indeed, 'Get a move on'.
As Lucy grabbed herself a handful of floo powder. Severus could hear her grouse under her breath, "I'm not a flutterbudget," just before she stepped into the floo and called out for the Hogs Head.
Dr O'Conner just smiled and shook his head. Severus looked in wonder and felt a pang of jealousy tug at his heart. Severus' own father would have never answered his son's cheek with a smile. Severus would have felt the back of Tobias' hand if he ever spoke to his father in such a manner.
"Your turn, son."
For the second time that morning, Severus shook himself out of his thoughts. "Oh—right. Are you sure you don't want to go first?"
"I'm not letting any of my kids enter the Floo Network without knowing where they are, first."
They sting of jealousy he had felt at first melted away. Dr O'Conner had called him a son and his kid. It made Severus feel a way he could not express, but it was somehow…something he needed desperately.
What the hell?
Severus stepped out of the fireplace at the Hog's Head Tavern only to see Lucy hugging another boy!
Through muffled tears he could hear her exclaim, "You dork! Why didn't you send an Owl?"
"I did, doofus! I told Mama to…"
Before Severus could finish hearing the end of the sentence there was a loud WOOSH in Severus' ears and he was nearly violently pushed over.
"Oof!" Severus managed to regain his footing and catch Dr O'Conner before they both collapsed in a heap.
"I'm sorry, Sir!" Severus apologized earnestly. "I didn't move out of the way."
Dr O'Conner was already brushing himself off before his wife could rush to his side. "Are you okay, Dear?"
"Yes, yes, I'm fine Esther," he said as he straightened his robes. "How's Severus?"
Lucy was already leading Severus over to the table where Lucy's grandfather had breakfast waiting at a large round table.
"He's fine, Dick," Old Aberforth gruffed. "'Tis but a scare, is all. But I think we need introductions before we sit and break fast."
The tall, wiry boy that had been hugging Lucy when he came through the floo, was standing opposite from Severus at the table. He was younger than Severus, but almost as tall. His hair was sandy blonde, slightly darker than Lucy's. It was cut neatly, and his bangs brushed softly just over his brown eyes. He wore black, corduroy trousers, with a white shirt and black, V-necked slipover. Where Lucy's face favoured her mother, the boys obviously favoured his father. Severus felt the lifted weight of relief. This was Lucy's younger brother, apparently visiting from Eton.
The boys gaze was assessing, but not unkind. He came around the table and offered his hand to Severus. "Hi, I'm Allen," he said amiably. His American accent wasn't as thick as Lucy's. In fact, Severus thought as though Allen were purposefully trying to shed it.
Severus offered his hand and gave an honest smile. "I'm Severus. It's a pleasure."
Over the course of breakfast, Severus learned much more about Lucy's siblings, especially Allen. Allen was the youngest of five children, and sadly, he was also a Squib.
Most magical families look down on their Squib offspring with disdain. Luckily for Allen, the O'Conner's are no such family. Both Dr and Mrs O'Conner have Muggles for father's—a phenomenon in America, in and of itself, is practically unheard of and are stories worthy of novels. But as a result, they both have rare respect for non-magical people. As sad as they were for Allen's lack of magic, they were determined that he would never feel left out.
As it was, for his age, Allen was nearly as brilliant as Lucy. When Allen was twelve, he easily passed the King's Scholar exams. According to Dr O'Conner, his teaching contract at Hogwarts all depended upon Allen finding a proper boarding school. There were no Muggle schools close to Hogwarts and Mrs O'Conner would have to set up a second household away from her husband if Allen were forced to go to a day-school.
Allen enjoyed his school. He excelled in his studies, especially science, and was finding his way in the Muggle world, as there was no place for him to succeed in the Wizarding one. His family was going to make sure that Allen had everything he needed to thrive, wherever it took him.
Severus had assumed that meeting Allen was the reason for the family breakfast, but the O'Conner's had a surprise for them all.
Everyone had their full of the fine breakfast when, Aberforth asked, "So, are you two going to get around to telling yer children why you dragged them out of school, or shall I?"
"I'm on Long Leave, Pawpaw, "Allen announced. "I wasn't dragged out of anywhere. I'm home for a week."
"A week?" Lucy asked sourly, then turned to Severus. "Why don't we get a week off in the middle of term?" Allen chuckled at his sister's envy.
"Funny you should mention 'home', Allen," Dr O'Conner said as he wiped the corner of his mouth with a serviette. "Your mom and I waited for a weekend when Allen could be home before we told you. Follow Mom."
Esther looked to her grandfather, "Should we take the path around the village, or just cut through the back?"
"My bones get weary this time of year. It's a closer walk across the green," he said. "I've already cut a path through the treeline."
Lucy and her brother looked at each other curiously. Severus took Lucy's hand and along with her brother, they followed the adults out the back door.
Once they were past the barn and paddocks, they came to a vast field. This time of year, it was brown and dull, but come spring, the field would become alive with vibrant colour. The meadow rose in the distance and about 200 metres on the north horizon stood a copse of spruce trees. Off to the west, over twice as far, Severus could see the Shrieking Shack through the open woods. He was amazed that even as he stood only a few yards from the back of village houses, he felt as if he were in the middle of nowhere.
Severus took Lucy's hand and followed her family through the sleeping meadow. It was a grey day, cool and damp because the sun wasn't bright enough to vanish away the dew. Lucy drew herself close to Severus because she had been shivering. They walked arm and arm and Severus became warmer. Lucy must have felt warmer as well because she was no longer trembling from the cold. Severus drew in a deep breath and the citrusy scent of her hair mingled with the smell of the approaching pines. It was a comfortable silence. Severus cherished moments like these with Lucy, most of all.
The slope up the hill was gentle, so the walk was easy. Allen was walking alone, not far ahead of Severus and Lucy. He turned around to face them and began to walk backwards. "So…I see you're not just Dad's apprentice."
Lucy sighed and lifted her head from where it had been resting on Severus' arm. "Shut up, Allen."
"Don't get me wrong," Allen said holding up his hands. "I think it's groovy. Honestly, I never thought my sister would get her nose out of a book long enough to find a boyfriend."
Severus looked down at Lucy, not certain about how to reply. "We just found our noses stuck in the same book; I suppose."
Lucy looked up at Severus and smiled. Apparently, he said the right thing. He looked over to Allen. They boy was still walking backwards, but he too, flashed a smile remarkably similar to Lucy's. "As long as you make my sister happy, I'm okay with it. Just no kissing in front of me. Then I might have to haul off and hit you. I think it's in the 'Brother's Code', or something."
With that, Allen turned around and ran off to catch up with his grandfather.
"Do you and your brother often tease each other?"
"It all depends. We actually get along pretty well," Lucy answered. "But yeah. When I would come home from my term, we'd have a few stabs at each other. Just to say, 'I love you.'"
Lucy's family was standing at the copse waiting for them. The slope was so gentle, Severus didn't realise how high up they walked. They were walking up a blind knoll. On the other side of the copse, unseen from the village, was an old croft consisting of three thatch-covered buildings facing each other. The buildings formed an open square with a large tree between the two furthest. A stone wall enclosed the buildings.
"What's that, Dad?" Allen asked.
"That, Son, is our new home."
"Home? Lucy asked as the marched their way through the field. "What about Hogwarts?"
"Hogwarts?" her mother replied. "Your father is only contractually obligated to stay there while term is in session. You three have to have somewhere to come home to when there is no school."
Severus and Lucy looked at each other in confusion. "I don't understand, Mrs O'Conner. Did you say three?"
It was Dr O'Conner who answered, "Yes. Three, Severus. Hogwarts isn't the only one I'm contractually obligated to. Remember our contract? I'm obligated to provide you with suitable lodging for the duration of your apprenticeship."
Severus was slightly stunned. He vaguely remembered that section of the contract, but in all honesty, he didn't expect anything to come from it until after he left Hogwarts. It was true, he was hoping to leave home as soon as he was able. But suddenly the thought of leaving his mother alone with Tobias any more than she needed to be was pressing in on him.
Lucy brought him out of that train of thought when she asked, "Severus is going to be living with us, Daddy?"
Just as Lucy asked her question, they came upon the side wall that ran parallel to a stone long building that looked as though it had been converted to a stable. They stopped at a stile. Dr O'Conner felt his way around the stone pilar and squeezed his way in. "Keep your britches on and you'll find everything out, soon enough," he told Lucy.
When Aberforth squeezed through Dr O'Conner said, I don't think this is narrow enough to keep your goats in, Abe. I Think this stile was meant for horses and cattle."
Aberforth assessed the wall as Lucy and Severus squeezed their way through. "You're right, Dick. As it is, they can climb the wall, anyhow. I'll charm the perimeter to keep them away."
"What is this place?" Allen asked as they walked around the long building. They came to a stone barn where the bottom portion seemed to be built into the side of a hill.
"My father-in-law was the landlord of this croft," Aberforth explained. "It hasn't had any crofters since yer mother was wee. It was too big for your Mawmaw and me to move in. The croft and the pub will be you mother's one day. No point in renting it out and letting her family go homeless."
"We wouldn't be homeless," Esther assured. "But it does take the hassle out of trying to find a place. Thank you, Pawpaw." Esther kissed her grandfather on the cheek, and Severus noticed the old-man's beard vibrate as he chuckled. Severus couldn't recall ever seeing the old codger smile. For a fleet second, he truly looked like the headmaster.
"I'm going to show Severus what's been done with the barn," Dr O'Conner announced. "Kids, you go with your mom and Pawpaw to look at the house."
"Daddy, can't I come with you and Severus?" Lucy asked eagerly.
"Not now, Lucy," her father replied. "I've got some business to discuss with Severus. You'll get your chance to see everything in due time. Severus, if you don't mind, guide me over to the barn. I don't have my bearings around here, yet." Severus took Dr O'Conner by the arm and looked at Lucy. Her eyes looked sad as she obediently followed the rest of the family to the house.
Unlike the other two buildings, the house was made from clay and lime and painted white. There were two stone chimneys on either side. Between the house and barn was a large, bare Rowan tree. A lonely chair swing hung from a large branch.
When Severus got a better look at the barn, he realised it was the short side of the barn that faced the garden. There was a door with a glass window. A stone path that began at the door led to earthen stairs that went down to the long side of the barn. Severus could tell that come springtime the stairs would be nearly hidden by the Rowan tree. There was a wooden staircase that crossed above the door and stopped and a landing where there was yet a newer door.
Dr O'Conner pointed in the general direction of the barn. "Let's go have a look and tell me what you think. We'll start with the first floor."
As Severus opened the door, he asked his mentor, "What's below us?"
"Just a small carriage house with a couple more stalls and a tack room," Dr O'Conner answered. "We don't know what we're going to do with it yet as we have neither a car nor horses."
Severus and Dr O'Conner stepped into a large, empty room. The room was a little over half as wide as the barn. There was a door on the opposite end and two windows on the walls to the right. "I figure we can use this as a lab," Dr O'Conner explained. That small room over there can be my office. What do you think?"
"I think this will make a fine potions lab," Severus said, trying to hold back his excitement. "Too bad there aren't any windows on the other wall." The room was rather dreary, because there was hardly any sun to let in the light, but once the sun showed up, there would be plenty of natural light. In the meantime, they could use sconces. "Oh! I'm sorry!" Severus exclaimed, appalled by his insensitivity.
Dr O'Conner waved him off. "There's nothing to be sorry for. I'm accustomed to working in the dark. Unfortunately, there's nothing to be done for it right now. This used to be a hay loft. There's no floor on the other side of the wall."
"I'm going to need your help to make this a proper lab. Albus has agreed to give you special dispensation on the weekends to help me with this," Dr O'Conner said. "As long as your schoolwork doesn't suffer."
"I'll do my best, Sir" Severus said sincerely. He couldn't wait to get started. He just imagined wiling hours away alone in the lab. Maybe even Lucy could join him from time to time.
"I'm going to need more than your best, Severus," he said seriously. "This isn't the only task you'll be working. You will be helping me with something of grave importance."
"And what would that be? Severus said, ready for a challenge.
"I will be brewing Wolfsbane Potion for the Lupin boy. You will help me monitor it, and eventually learn to brew it yourself."
"Wolfsbane?' Severus breathed in awe. Severus had heard of it though it was still relatively new. It was only two years ago when the potion made an appearance in the journals.
"Glad to hear your familiar with it," Dr O'Conner said.
"Not really, Sir," Severus confessed. "I've only read about it."
Dr O'Conner scoffed. "Which is more than most have done. I invited Damocles to lecture in one of my university classes last year. I learned how to brew it from the man, himself. Quite frankly, I'm more than disappointed in Albus about this. He's more than capable of brewing this potion. I know his time is precious and it's expensive, but there is more than this boy's life on the line, here. He allowed a Lycanthrope to attend Hogwarts and chained him up every month in the Shrieking Shack. It boarders on criminally irresponsible."
Severus' blood ran cold. There was no love lost between Severus and Remus Lupin. Severus found Lupin only slightly less offensive than his fellow Marauders. But Severus never once imagined that Remus was chained every month. He imagined Lupin was somewhere deep in the Forbidden Forrest every full moon chasing Unicorns, a thought that made Severus grateful that he slept beneath the Great Lake and very sorry for Unicorns. Chained? Poor Lupin. Did he just say that?
"Of course, I'll help in any way I can."
"This way the boy can just be locked up in a room as a precautionary measure. He won't have to be subjected to torture every month. I'm sure Mr Lupin will appreciate this, as do I."
Severus knew Lupin would appreciate his efforts. Severus just wondered if the rest of the Marauders would feel the same way.
Dr O'Conner clasped him on the shoulder. "Well, I'm glad you like the lab. But there's one more thing I would like you to see."
Severus guided Dr O'Conner out of the empty barn and up the stairs. The roof of the barn was A-framed. The door was in the middle. When they reach the top, Dr O'Conner felt for the doorknob. He smiled wide and said, "I hope you like it."
What Severus saw rendered him speechless. It was a flat, longer than it was wide. With a tall thatched ceiling supported with raw, wooden beams. The front part of the room consisted of empty space, but the rest of the flat was perfect to Severus.
There were high dormered windows on either side, but not so high Severus couldn't see out. Two were towards the front with the empty space, but the other two flanked the living area. A small kitchen was along the left wall. A large sink set under the window looked out at a spectacular view. Hogwarts with its great lake and dark forest set off in the distance. White curtains covered the cupboards under the wooden counter. There was also a cast iron stove that would serve a double purpose to heat the flat. A small, wooden table with two chairs set in the middle of the room.
To the right, a little brown davenport sat under the other window. Beside it, was a rocking chair that was at least older than Severus, but still in good condition.
"How do you like it?'
"This is wonderful, Sir. This is really meant for me?"
Dr O'Conner explained. "Of course, it is. I told you I had to provide a suitable accommodation. You'll be of age soon. I'm sure you'd like your privacy."
"But the expense?"
"Just a couple of cleaning spells, really." Dr O'Conner assured him. "Most of this was already here. Abe said the last crofters had a hired hand. In time, you can decorate how you like and make it your own"
"This is great, Dr O'Conner," Severus said, still not believing his good fortune.
Dr O'Conner reminded him, "You haven't seen everything. Your bedroom and bath are through that door." Dr O'Conner pointed to the far end of the room to another door.
Severus was so excited about the part of the flat he had already seen he hadn't even thought about a bedroom. He thought he'd just move things about and fit a bed in somewhere. He opened the door Dr O'Conner had directed him to. Severus couldn't help but smile when he entered the little room.
To the right, there was a single bed on a white cast iron frame. It was covered by a patch-work duvet. White lace curtains hung in the window in front of the door. Next to the door, stood a tall wardrobe and to the left was another door that had to go to the toilet and bathroom.
Severus had to fight for words. "Dr O'Conner…Sir. I don't know how to thank you and Mrs O'Conner for this."
Dr O'Conner placed a hand on Severus' shoulder. "You will thank us when you live up to your potential and become the damn fine Potions Master I know you can be."
Severus was glad he was alone with Dr O'Conner and no one could see him. He could feel the heat well up in his face. It was all he could do to keep the gratitude from turning into tears. It was all so much.
"Before you get settled in, a few ground rules," Dr O'Conner said seriously. "First. Lucy is not to be up here alone with you until she is of age. Got that?"
Severus gulped and nodded in agreement. "Yes, Sir."
"Once you are of age, you may invite anyone over the age of seventeen. But no parties, nothing illegal and no one spends the night."
"Thank you, Sir. Perfectly reasonable."
Dr O'Conner nodded his approval. "And third. There is an exception to the last rule. It should go without saying that I don't want anyone affiliated with Death Eaters here. Nothing personal against Slytherin, but until such time we find out what's going on in that House, I don't want any of your housemates knowing about this place. I will tell Lucy the same. Is that clear?"
"Like crystal, Sir," Severus replied. Not for the first time, he was glad Lucy wasn't there. Because it gave Severus a chance to ask questions he's been dying to get the answers for. "Dr O'Conner speaking about Slytherin House. Is the headmaster still intent on using me to spy on my housemates?"
"I hope not, Severus," Dr O'Conner said gravely. "I know he's family and his cause is just, but his plans are always a little too Machiavellian for my tastes. If you're wanting to know what he has planned, at the moment, your guess is as good as mine. Come what may, the choice to turn spy is yours."
Severus answered solemnly. "Unfortunately, I'm involved whether I like it or not. And for the record, I don't," he added. "So, I might as well control my own destiny rather than let my housemates do it for me."
Severus took a deep breath and asked what he hated to ask, because he was afraid of the answer. "Dr O'Conner? What of Lucy? Do you still plan to remove her from the dorms?"
"Neither Esther nor I are totally comfortable with her there," he admitted.
"As long as she's my girlfriend, she's a potential target to blackmail me," Severus lamented. "If you like, I'll break up with her." Severus felt like a fire had burned a pit in his stomach. Was he trembling? He felt like he was freezing and on fire all at once.
"Severus, I would not like it," Dr O'Conner assured him. "Nor would Esther. And Honestly, it wouldn't matter. If you're in love, no matter how much you try to deny it, people will know. There's no use breaking both of your hearts for something that won't work anyway."
Severus felt like cool water was rushing over him. Was he in love with Lucy? Severus once thought he was in love with Lily. It didn't feel the same. All he knew was that his relationship with Lucy felt…less forced. Like he didn't have to pretend to be something he was not. He didn't have to try with her. Everything just was.
"Sir…I…I...," Severus was at a loss for words. What could he say? Perhaps he did love Lucy. Dr O'Conner certainly seemed to think so. More astonishingly, he didn't seem to have a problem with it.
Severus' mind was in a fog. No adult had ever treated Severus with as much trust and respect as the man that stood before him. Dr O'Conner did not speak to Severus as a child, but as an adult who knew his own mind and could trust his own decisions. By taking on Severus as an apprentice, Dr O'Conner trusted him with his reputation. By accepting his relationship with Lucy, Dr O'Conner trusted Severus to respect her and keep her safe. By teaching Severus to brew Wolfsbane, Dr O'Conner was trusting Severus with Remus Lupin's very life.
Severus had given up wishing that he could turn to his own father long, long ago. It must be the reason why Lucy could be so honest and open. It was because her parents didn't give her a reason to fear them. Oh, she respected them. But she didn't fear them. As a result, she gave Severus no reason to fear her. This must be what it felt like to be a part of a stable family. It was something Severus' own father had denied him and his mother. This what it must feel like to have a father. Severus could be open with his questions and fears and know Dr O'Conner will give him honest answers without reproach.
Before Severus knew what he was doing, he threw his arms around his Potions Master and buried his face in his neck. Severus said nothing and as long as he didn't breathe, he maintained what little composure he had left. But when Dr O'Conner wrapped his arms around him in return, Severus gulped and began to cry tears he didn't know he had.
In his ear, "Dr O'Conner whispered, "It's all right, Boy. I understand."
Hearing that only made Severus cry harder. It was something Severus didn't even know he needed. And it took a blind man to see it.
After six years of neglect, the only thing I can say is I'm sorry…and chapter 14 is underway.
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