I have returned!
So...a lot of drama in my life recently. A LOT of drama.
First off, my new job is now my former job; I had to quit when I realized they intended for me to work only four hours a day on minium wage while traveling an hour or more to different facilities to teach. Meaning, I would be getting paid LESS than I was spending a day on gas money. So yeah,, that couldn't work. Thankfully I still have my part time job to fall back on to keep some income coming. But I am still on the hunt for a full time job with reasonable mileage.
second drama, an abuser in my life, a part of my family, is now expecting a baby with their significant other. It was an accidental pregnancy and they intend to keep it despite having no income between the two of them and a history of abusive behavior. Aaaand of course my family is going on and on about being supportive and I'm just sitting over here wanting to yell "Hello! Do you not remember what they did to me? Or what they do to us all now? Do you not remember the hospitalizations, the arrests, the sobbing calls to police, wrestling knifes out of people's hands and dogs searching in the woods? And now you trust them to raise a child?! I wouldn't trust them with a cactus!"
...ahem
it feels good to vent to you guys. I swear, I love you all so freaking much!
And for anyone wondering why this person isn't behind bars...the answer lies in their mental illness, a piss poor mental healthcare system in my country, enabling parents, and good lawyers (provided by enabling parents). SO yeah I'm sure by now some of you may read of my struggles and think it so dramatic and awful it could only be a work of fiction, but unfortunately it's my every day life. So believe me when I say expressing myself to all of you is a much needed therapy, even if I have to take the name of this person to my grave due to family wanting to keep anonymity. Seriously, I've already been warned by my mom that if I plan to write a biography of my life, I will have to change my name in order to not incur the wrath of family who hurt me.
Anyway, enough with the dark, on with the trial...which I realize is just as grim, but let's do it anyway! *fanfare*
If Someone Cared Enough
Chapter Twenty-Two: The Trial part two
There was a tittering among the crowd, people were whispering to each other frantically as the reporters up front scribbled furiously in their notebooks. Potter and Sirius huddled together while Remus did his best to ignore their immaturity.
Severus stood up and calmly proceeded to the stand. Maintaining eye contact with Ophelius—who began to look more unsure by the minute—Severus sat down.
"Mr. Snape," Ophelius began. He looked through his notes and drew himself up to his full height, having found something he could work with, "Mr. Snape, do you know the origin of the spell used on you by Avery?"
"Yes," Severus said, "I invented it."
The crowd broke out into a fresh wave of whispers and Minchum was forced to ask for silence.
Ophelius raised a brow, looking around to gauge everyone's reactions, "You invented it? That's a rather dangerous spell wouldn't you say?"
"That's a matter of opinion," Severus argued casually, "It could cut paper, cut down weeds, it has many uses."
"But you invented it to cause harm," Ophelius argued back.
"I invented it for protection," Severus stated evenly, "there are a number of…classmates who wish me harm, the spell was intended to defend myself."
Across the room, James was glaring at him, his eyes full of suspicion and distrust.
"I also invented the spell Avery used to block out sound to the outside," Severus went on, "That's why I could recognize the subtle sound it gives off. I invented it because I was constantly being spied on and followed. I wish to keep my secrets as just that, secrets."
"Do you invent spells often?" one member of the Wizengamot asked, her eyes glowing with intrigue and fascination, "You're so young."
"I've invented a few. Most of them are simple childish things, a toenail hex, things of that sort, but I have dabbled in defensive and dueling spells. I also created a spell that sticks an opponent's tongue to the roof of their mouth temporarily; it prevents them from casting spells."
"Amazing," the Wizengamot member said. There was murmuring of agreement around her.
Ophelius looked around warily, he was losing the room, "Mr. Snape, is it true you used to be friends with Mr. Avery?"
"Friends isn't what I'd call it," Snape deadpanned, "He used me for my skills in class and in exchange he promised me protection from those that harassed me…not that he ever followed through."
"But you were well acquainted?" Ophelius prompted.
"Yes," Severus conceded.
"You two shared a love of the Dark arts," Ophelius stated.
"Mine was purely academic," Severus replied.
"You love a lot of dark things, don't you Mr. Snape? Enough to maybe have once considered joining someone the Ministry has been very eager to catch…?"
"May I remind you that Mr. Snape is not on trial here, Mr. Ophelius," Dumbledore pointed out. His voice was merry and causal, as if he were correcting someone on what time it was, but that just seemed to make it more condescending. Severus smirked inwardly.
Ophelius stepped back, embarrassed, "…yes. Um…" he glanced at his client, "The point I feel we should focus on is that the spell used on Mr. Snape was invented by Mr. Snape himself. If he hadn't invented it, none of that would have happened. Who's to say anyone but Mr. Snape even knew what it did?...that's all, Minister." Ophelius hurried back to his seat.
The prosecutor strode up to the stand, not even bothering to ask first.
"Severus, did Avery know the intent of that spell?" he asked.
Severus nodded, "I believe he did. He aimed for my throat with it, would seem a little strange to aim there specifically without knowing what the spell would do; normally one aims for the chest for most dueling spells. He must have known it would cut me," Severus rubbed at his neck, praying that the bruised imprint of his father's hands had faded from around the scar Avery left him; the last thing he needed was to have his home life brought up in trial yet again, "Besides he got it from my potions book."
"You wrote it in your potions book?" the prosecutor asked, "What did you label it as?"
"It said 'for enemies,'" Severus said.
Potter and Black were whispering furiously with each other now, sending him distrustful glares.
Severus looked up at the Wizengamot, "Like I said, it was intended to protect me from those trying to hurt me. It was a last resort if anything."
"So Avery would have had to see that when he found the spell?" the prosecutor asked.
Severus nodded, "Yes."
The prosecutor tilted his head in thought, "Severus, you were once associated with Mr. Avery and his friends, correct?"
"Yes," Severus said.
"What changed?"
"They were going to hurt innocent people," Severus said, "I admit I wanted those who hurt me to get what they deserved, but they wanted to hurt everyone…even those who did nothing to them," he glanced at Lily.
"Were you ever on a…dark path?" the prosecutor inquired.
Severus sighed, "I used to be. I wanted to get back at those who hurt me and be recognized for my skills."
The prosecutor stroked his chin, "Why did you turn away from that path?"
"I do not agree with rape," Snape said bluntly, making several people flinch, "Or sexual assault, or murder. I wanted cruel people to get theirs, but not like that. And going after innocent people wasn't what I had in mind."
Lily smiled at him as their eyes met, before Severus swept his gaze across the room. He looked at Simone, her smug calm replace by a tender softness, looking at him with something like pride. The clover in Severus's shirt almost felt warm to him, his thoughts going to his friends in the atrium, his friends at school.
"I realize now that there are kind people who can find worth in me and that I don't need Avery or his false promises."
"Severus Snape would you swear under Veritaserum that you are not in league with He Who Must Not be Named?" the prosecutor questioned.
Severus looked out over the crowd. His eyes wandered to Lily and she smiled at him. With conviction burning in his eyes, Severus looked to the Wizengamot, "Yes."
"Let it be shown that Mr. Snape would swear on Veritaserum," the prosecutor said, "Whatever reason Mr. Snape had for making the spell, it was Avery's decision to use it, knowing full well that it could cause harm. The inventor of the spell is irrelevant, all that matters is that Avery used it to nearly kill Mr. Snape and then fled the scene. No further questions."
Severus left the stand and sat back among the crowd. Lily slipped her hand into his own and smiled at him.
Ophelius apparently wasn't ready to give up, "I would like to question…Mr. Avery."
"Very well," Minchum said. With a flick of his wand, the chair holding Avery slid to forward.
Ophelius approached his client, "Mr. Avery, did you attack Lily Evans?"
"No," Avery said calmly.
Next to Severus Lily's mouth dropped open.
"But what about the account she gave the Aurors," Ophelius asked, "and the memory?"
"All a big misunderstanding," Avery stated.
Ophelius titled his head in feigned curiosity, "Please explain."
"It was all a game between us," Avery said with a smirk, "You see, those girls have been after me and Magus for years. After our money, you know? They've been flirting for all long as I can remember."
"Lies, lies, lies," Lily hissed under her breath. She clenched her fists in her lap, her eyes burning with hate.
"So we have this game we play with them," Avery went on to say, "We come in, rough them up, play the whole hostage game with them, use some spells to make it more authentic. It excites them. Then Snape walked in and jumped to the wrong conclusion and Evans made up this whole assault story out of it to hide what she and Mary were really up to. Trust me, she wanted it."
There was more murmuring among the crowd. Mary looked ill while her parents and Lily's family looked about ready to leap out of their seats and throttle Avery.
"So Mr. Avery, have you ever intentionally hurt a muggleborn?" Ophelius asked.
"Never," Avery said.
"Would you swear this under Veritaserum?" Ophelius asked, taking the prosecutor tactic.
"Yes," Avery said confidently.
'Call his bluff,' Severus thought, incensed, 'Call his bluff.'
"Let it be known that my client would swear this under Veritaserum," Ophelius declared, looking quite pleased with himself, "This was all a grave misunderstanding."
"You're honors, Miss Evans and Miss MacDonald's accounts of the event were taken under strict supervision of trained aurors," the prosecutor objected, "Neither seems capable of fooling trained professionals. You wouldn't even need Veritaserum to see if they were telling the truth or not. Plus there is the account Mr. Snape himself gave as a witness."
Ophelius turned to his client, prompting Avery to speak.
"Snape lied in his account because he's jealous his 'friend' is more interested in me than him," Avery stated, "He's always been obsessed with Evans. The whole school knew it."
"I submit a document of signatures from Hogwarts students, attesting to Mr. Snapes fixation on Mis Evans," Ophelius handed over a form to the minister.
'No doubt friends of Avery's trying to save his ass and throw me under the bus,' Severus thought sourly, 'I wouldn't put it past Rosier or Wilkes to threaten some to sign it.'
"With all due respect, barrister Ophelius, one cannot truly consider the signatures of students evidence without a thorough questioning of each of them to assure their words do not stem from any biases," Minchum said disinterestedly.
"Of course, your honor," Ophelius said with a bow.
Severus frowned. He knew the signatures didn't need to be official evidences to sway the trial. All it would really take is enough of the Wizengamot to doubt Snape's own trustworthiness for Avery to walk.
"No further questions," Ophelius said, sitting down.
"May I question this…client of yours?" the prosecutor asked.
Ophelius looked at him warily, knowing he couldn't refuse. Gesturing towards Avery, he let the prosecutor have his way.
"Mr. Avery," the prosecutor approached Avery, "You expect us to believe that what you did to Ms. Evans was consensual?"
"It doesn't matter what you believe, that's what happened," Avery said smugly.
"You do recall that we have Lily's memory and it paints a very disturbing picture," the prosecutor pointed out.
"That's what it showed, but it was taken out of context. Evans wanted me to do it, she just didn't give you the memory of her planning this all out with me," Avery thought himself very clever.
The prosecutor was not impressed, "Really? Tell me, what do you know about memories viewed in a pensive?"
Avery shrugged, "I know enough."
"Did you know that emotions can be imprinted on the memory?" the prosecutor asked.
Avery shrugged again, "I may have heard that before."
The prosecutor cyed Avery critically, "In the pensive the Wizengamot used, they felt fear, anger," he stopped and leaned down to Avery, "Revulsion. That hardly sounds like desire and want to me."
"It's still up for debate whether pensives truly display or capture the recollection's feelings," Avery said, unperturbed, "The only way to truly know the feelings of a memory are to view them directly from the person's mind."
"Experts viewed the memories," the prosecutor said, "They all felt the same emotion from the pensive; it is doubtful it was anything other than genuine fear felt on Miss Evans's part."
"Then Snape messed with the memory before Evans gave it to you," Avery countered, "He was always dabbling in dark stuff. He's probably skilled in the mind arts by now. I personally wouldn't be surprised if he had obliviated Evans and then fabricated a different story because he was jealous she preferred me."
Severus was seething. He could hear speculative chatter around him, people questioning Avery's words; considering Severus's possible motives and allegiances.
"The Aurors, Ms. Evan, Ms, Macdonald, and Remus Lupin can attest that Severus Snape was unconscious and barely clinging to life from the moment you used that spell. The memory was collected at the scene and he never woke up during that time. How would he be able to alter it?"
Avery didn't answer.
"No further questions," the prosecutor said, not yet defeated, "I would like to call Mr. Mulciber to the stand."
Dupain looked rattled; it was obvious he been intending the "role play" excuse too and had forgotten that detail about memories. While the room seemed split on who to believe now, there was still the chance just enough people would trust the memories over Mulciber's word.
Minchum waved his wand and sent Avery's chair back to the center of the room and brought Mulciber's forward.
Mulciber didn't not wear the self assured air Avery had. He was pale, ashen faced with heavy bags under his eyes. It was clear he hadn't expected to be caught for his reckless and heinous actions and the time in custody had not been kind to him.
Seeing the meek way Mulciber presented himself the prosecutor walked up to him confidently, "Good afternoon, Mr. Mulciber. I have a few questions for you."
Mulciber gulped.
"You're friend says that what happened between you and Ms. MacDonald was apparently consensual. Would you agree with that assessment?"
"Yes," Mulciber said weakly.
"But how can that be," the prosecutor probed, "Supposedly what you and Mr. Avery did was a part of a mutual sexual desire between you and the girls; a wish to all enjoy yourselves. Yet you used imperio on Miss MacDonald; a spell known to dullen ones senses and awareness, maybe even prevent them from being aware at all. Tell me...how would Mary enjoy your 'role play' if she was barely conscious?"
Mulciber moved his mouth wordlessly.
"Not willing to answer that one?" the prosecutor asked, "How about this one," he circled Mulciber like a shark, "were you aware that the unforgivables are illegal and punishable by imprisonment in Azkaban?"
"I…I…" Mulciber began.
"Of course you did," the prosecutor said smugly, "that's why you got a barrister; because you knew you would need it for a charge like that. Tell me," he crouched down next to Mulciber, smile like the kneazle that caught the cornish pixie, "What made you think it was okay to use an unforgivable on Ms. Macdonald?"
"I…" Mulciber began, looking at his barrister for help, but finding none, "I…"
"Please answer the question," the prosecutor insisted.
Mulciber was white as a sheet, "I…"
"Answer the question!"
"It was all Avery's fault!" Mulciber cried suddenly, "He imperioed me! He must have. I would never do anything like that otherwise. Avery's bad news, you know," he pleaded to the Wizengamot, "He's into all that evil stuff. Him and the dark lord; they made me do it!"
"Mr. Mulciber, are you saying you are in league with he who must not be named?" Minchum asked sternly.
"Unwillingly!" Muciber lied, "I never wanted to side with that madmen, I swear. I'll tell you anything. Names, secrets; just let me go!"
"You traitor!" roared Avery. He began struggling against his restraints, "How dare you! He promised you power, promised you wealth and this is how you repay him?!"
His chair lurched forward dangerously and several people in the room screamed. Aurors rushed over to Avery to restrain him.
"Order," Minchum cried, "Order in the court."
Avery's chair tipped forward again, and he began to yank furiously on his chains, trying to free his arms.
Moody approached, his wand drawn, "Come on, you great fool. Try and take your best shot at me!"
Severus and Lily stared at Avery in shock as mayhem broke out around them. Simone reached forward and wrapped an arm around Petunia and Severus, sandwiching Lily between them as the dark skinned girl drew her wand and kept it fix warily on Avery. Her parents drew their own and placed a protective hand each on their daughter.
"He can't get free," Ashwin assured everyone, "Moody would never let that happen."
"I want my clients words to be stricken from the record," Dupain shouted.
"My client's as well," added Ophelius.
Avery continued to spew venom at Mulciber, "You're a coward, Magus. A bloody coward. You'll get yours, he'll see to that. Mark my words."
"Keep talking, boy," Moody goaded, "Let them all see your true colors."
The Aurors immobilized Avery and removed him from the chair, levitating him out of the room. Mulciber being dragged after him.
"Coward!" Avery continued to scream, "You'll pay for this!"
"Order," Minchum demanded of the panicking crowd, "I want order—for goodness sake sit down!" he shouted to someone in the back.
A very chagrinned James and Sirius ducked back down into their seats, putting their wands away with embarrassed grins. They had been halfway over the bench in front of them before the minister saw them, eager to join the fray.
"I do believe a short recess would be in order," Dumbledore suggested politely.
Minchum nodded, "Yes. I suppose we've heard all we need to hear on this. We must deliberate anyway." He slapped his gavel down, "We'll have a short recess and return with the verdict!"
{page break}
"Should it be taking this long?" Simone complained, "I mean, we all know they're guilty. Especially after that performance."
"Do not worry, mon petite serpent," Simone's mother cooed, wrapping her arms around her daughter, "I'm sure those scoundrels will get what they deserve."
"They better," growled one of Mary's brothers.
"Avery pretty much hung himself with that confession," Severus mused, "Any possibility of him being ruled innocent would be damned by his admitted association with You-Know-Who."
Mary turned to Severus, hoping mingling with fear in her eyes, "You really think so?"
Severus nodded, "He outed his allegiance with the most wanted Wizard in all of Britain. I don't think the Wizengamot is going to pass up an opportunity to put him behind bars and use him for information."
"Severus is right," Simone added, "His barrister can ask that it be stricken from the record all he wants, but there is no way they can just ignore such a damnable confession."
"What about the other one," Walter MacDonald asked, "He tried to claim he was forced into all this."
Ashwin shook his head, "Won't do him any good, he essentially admitted to knowing You-Know-Who. Even if the ministry bought that imperius excuse, he turned on his master. He'd be safer in Azkaban at this point."
"Severus!" Nesme rushed over to the group, Davis hot on her heels. She gave Simone a quick hug and a courteous nod to the others.
"Everyone is talking about what happened in there," Nesme exclaimed, "Did Avery really say he was working for You-Know-Who?"
"Something like that," Severus answered.
"That must have been something," Davis said, "Think he'll go to Azkaban?'
"Only time will tell," Ashwin said.
The teens sat with their parents for the next ten minutes in anxious anticipation. Hostile looks from Simone kept Potter and his gang from coming over. Severus noted that Peter was with them now, twitchy as ever. The rat Potter had been carrying in his pocket must have hidden in the recesses of Potter's clothes as Severus couldn't see it now.
Just when they thought the wait would go on forever, the doors to the court room opened and two Aurors came out.
"The trial will now continue," one of them said.
Everyone rose to their feet.
"Good luck in there, you guys," Nesme called, watching them all walk back inside.
Davis stood besides her with a grim face, "Those jerks better get theirs," he said.
The others reentered the court room quietly, their eyes roving over the room. The Wizengamot were all still seated in their raised platform, looking down over the crowd. The chairs in the center of the room were empty.
Dupain and Ophelius sat close together with their heads pressed together, whispering to each other. On the other side of the room, the prosecutor sat primly in his chair, leafing through his notes.
Minchum waited until everyone was seated again to proceed, "We will now commence with the ruling. Bring in the accused."
There was a commotion in the hall just outside the courtroom; raised voices and the sound of a struggle. After a few minutes of clamor, a group of Aurors emerged, this time larger than the last group whole brought the accused out.
Avery was dragged in between no less than five Aurors, each with a wand trained on him as they pushed him along. He looked deranged, his hair disheveled and a fire burning in his eyes that promised pain for any who fell into his gaze. His arms and legs were chained extra this time and he had to be practically dragged into the room due to the weight.
Mulciber was brought in shortly after. Pale as a sheet and wide eyed with fear, kept his eyes forward, staring blankly into space as if lost to his own terrible thoughts. He still bore the same amount of chains as before, having put up little fight by comparison.
This time the pair were not forced into the seats instead left to stand midst their armed guard, hands pinned to their sides and legs bound together with chains only long enough to permit small steps.
Minchum leveled his heavy gaze at the pair, " Magus Mulciber you are accused of aggravated assault on a muggleborn, unlawful restraint of a person, and use of an unforgiveable. You're defense of this being a form of primitive and outdated courtship is, in our opinion, unlikely and implausible, your use of an unforgivable irredeemable and your actions reprehensible. On the charge of aggravated assault, we find you...guilty. On the charge of unlawful restraint...guilty. On the charge of using an unforgivable...guilty. It accordance with our laws you will hereby serve out your sentence in Azkaban prison. A hearing will be held within a days time to determine the length of your sentence." Minchum waved his hand, "Take him away."
Mulciber looked so horrified his knees nearly gave out from under him. Manhandled by the Aurors surrounding him, he was tugged along out of the room, his barrister following after him, shamefaced.
There was a sniffle to Severus left. Mary collapsed into her mother's arms, tears of relief pouring down her face as she huddled in the older woman's embrace.
"Calix Avery, you are accused of aggravated assault on a muggleborn, unlawful restraint of a person, use of an unknown, unauthorized, and unlicensed spell, and attempted murder," Minchum said, directing his attention to Avery, "In light of your...enlightening revelation here today, it is our decision that you be found...guilty on all charges. A hearing will be held within—"
"You fools," Avery hissed, "You blithering idiots."
"Mr. Avery I advise you hold your tongue or you will be found in contempt," Minchum warned.
"You think this means anything?" Avery asked, "You think your prison can hold me? I have been a loyal follower of his and when he takes over, I shall be at the front of his new world. He'll break me out, you'll see," he began to struggle towards the Wizengamot, "You'll all see."
The Aurors grabbed a hold of his chains, pulling him back.
"Enough out of you," Moody growled, waving the Aurors to take him away.
Avery turned his attention to the crowd, his eyes falling on Lily and Severus.
"You..." he hissed, straining against his chains to reach them, "You think this is over? You did this to me, Snape. You turned down a future unlike your wildest dreams and for what? A mudblood whore! You're a fool, Snape!"
Lily clung to Severus's side as Avery struggled towards them. Severus kept his face impassive, meeting Avery's hateful glare head on, fingering his wand where it lay hidden in his sleeve.
"You'll pay for this, Snape," Avery promised, his teeth bared in a snarl, "Mark my words, this isn't over. It isn't!" he shouted as he was dragged away, "It isn't!" the doors thudded ominously behind him leaving the court room in silence.
{page break}
"How long do you think their sentences will be," Lily asked outside the court room.
"Probably life," Simone mused, "However long that's going to be; Azkaban is brutal."
"Life sentences are common for the use of an Unforgivable," Severus added, "and Avery all but confirmed him and Mulciber are working for You-Know-Who; the ministry will probably fight to keep them in custody for the rest of their days."
"I'm just glad it's over," Mary said wearily.
Severus and Lily said nothing; they didn't want to ruin Mary's mood by pointing out that she'd probably still have a long road to recovery from the attack.
Nesme patted Mary's back in a motherly fashion; a habit she tended to display around those who were upset.
"Lily!" called a feminine voice, "Mary! Over here!"
A found faced girl with a brunette pixie cut pushed her way through the departing crowd, waving frantically.
"Oh, Alice," Lily said in recognition, "You came to see the trial?"
Alice finally broke free of the crowd and rushed over. She pulled Lily into a hug and then did the same to Mary, holding both of them tightly in turn, "I was required to see the proceedings as a part of my Auror training," she said, pulling back, "and Frank's mother has enough weight to throw around in the ministry; she brought me."
"So, you know what happened then," Lily said sadly. While the story had been in all the papers, Lily had still hung onto the futile hope that maybe her classmates and friends wouldn't read the headlines.
Alice smiled sadly, but there wasn't a hint of pity in her gaze, "You have been so brave, Lily. Both of you," she added, looking at Mary, "No one should go through what you went through and it's terrible you had to relive it today. I just wanted you to know, no matter what jerks like that barrister Dupain said, nothing you did caused this. You have nothing to be ashamed of; those bastards do."
Lily returned Alice's smile with a sad, pained one of her own, "Thanks, Alice," she said.
"Owl me if you two ever need to talk," Alice said, "I have to go find Frank so—oh! Before I forget," she turned to Severus, taking his hands in her own.
"Thank you for helping them," she said sincerely.
Severus was stunned, "Uh...no problem?"
Alice didn't release Severus's hands right away. She stared into his eyes for a long time in silence, leaning into his personal space. Just as it was beginning to make Severus uncomfortable, Alice stepped back with a smile.
"Oh, he's a good one," Alice said with a nod, "I can tell these sort of things; I'm a great judge of character. You're a good person, Snape. Prickly, but good. Lily was right about you. Sorry other people didn't see it.
Severus blinked, "Um...thank you for the vote of confidence..."
Alice grinned, "I should get going. Write to me, you two," she added to Lily and Mary. With a wave she disappeared into the crowd.
Lily glanced around the atrium, taking in the stragglers that were still loitering nearby. Some bold reporters were lingering still, kept away from Lily and her friends by the looming presence of the Aurors, but clearly hoping for their vigilance to drop so that they could swoop in to ask questions.
Lily's eyes landed on the far side of the room.
"Oh no," she muttered, causing Severus to turn around to see what was bothering her.
Potter stood over in the corner of the room looking their way. Realizing he had Lily's attention, he ran a hand through his hair and smoothed out his shirt and pants. It was obvious he intended to come over.
"The last possible thing I need right now," Lily muttered out of the corner of her mouth, attempting to melt into the wall behind her.
"I could hex him if you want," Severus offered, secretly hoping she would say yes.
Simone craned her neck around her parents to get a glimpse of Potter and his pals, "What's Lupin doing?" she asked curiously.
Unnoticed by his friends, Lupin was carefully slipping his hand into the satchel James had brought with him. Clearly trying to move as little as possible, he crept his hand low into the bag, looking for something. Finally, his eyes lit up in satisfaction as he withdrew his hand, something clasped inside it.
With a nod towards Lily, Lupin opened his palm and a golden snitch flitted up into the air and hovered above his head.
"James," Lupin called just as Potter was about to waltz over to Lily, "I think your snitch got loose."
"What?" James asked, tipping his head back. His eyes widened in alarm when he caught sight of the golden orb, "Oi!"
James swatted at the snitch, but it was too high to reach. Fluttering back and forth like a startled bird, it took off down the hallway.
"Bugger it all," James growled, "It'll take me ages to nick another one. Guys, help me catch it."
James took off after the snitch, Peter and Sirius hot on his heels, the latter hooting with wild laughter.
Remus stayed behind. Once the coast was clear, he walked over to Lily and her friends.
"Sorry about that lot," Remus said, titled his head in the direction his friends had fled, "James was really just going to ask how you were faring, Lily. I just figured you had had just about enough of that question since all this happened."
"And you'd be right," Lily agreed, "I'm sure James means well, but I frankly don't have the patience for him and his antics right now."
Remus nodded, "So congratulations on winning the trial," he turned to Severus, "And to your recovery. I trust you are well, Snape?"
Severus nodded curtly, "Better than before," was all he offered for an answer.
Remus smiled, "glad to hear it," he turned back to Lily, "I didn't want to ask around James, but I was hoping you had given some thought to my invitation, Lily. Would you like to come visit?"
"Oh," Lily said, surprised, "Well I…" she chanced a glance at Severus, each thinking about her recent confession about being around boys.
"I'm sorry to pester you about it," Remus added, "I just don't have many visitors aside from Sirius, James, and Peter and it would be nice to have you visit seeing as we have so many things in common and seeing as how you are familiar with my…living arrangements."
'You mean how I know you're a werewolf,' Lily thought. It was with a great sadness and pity that she considered how little friends Remus truly had. He had plenty of friendly acquaintances at Hogwarts, but only three people he felt safe enough in inviting over, all because of the fear of someone finding out his secret. And now he was offering his blind trust to Lily to be his friend in a way only three people before her ever were.
"I'd love to visit you, Remus," Lily said warmly.
Lupin's face broke out into a big, relieved grin, "Wonderful. I'll have to let mum, know so she can prepare dinner. What day works for you?"
"The weekends, preferably, "Lily," replied, "But I would like to ask a favor."
"Name it," Remus said agreeably.
"I would like to bring Severus with me," Lily proclaimed, placing a hand on Severus's shoulder.
Severus blinked, "What?"
Even Lupin looked confused.
"He's still recovery," Lily fibbed, "and I would like to keep an eye on him. It eases my mind, you see, to be the one looking after him. Right Sev?" she fixed Severus with a pointed stare.
"Oh…" Severus began, connecting the dots, "Yes…right."
"I promise he'll be on his best behavior," Lily said, ignoring the glare Severus sent her way, "I just would like to have him in my sights, you know?"
Lupin glanced between the two, "Well," he began, "I suppose that would be okay. You don't mind, do you Snape?" He looked a little unsure.
Severus hesitated. Honestly, he still wasn't in a forgiving mood with the wolf, but one look at Lily crushed his resolve as she stared pleadingly at him.
Severus sighed, "It's fine," he relented, "And you might as well call me Severus. Snape's my father and I'd rather not be mistaken for him anytime soon."
Remus nodded, looking relieve, "Severus it is then. I'll owl you two with the details later."
"You're mother's a muggle, yes?" Severus asked, "Better call Lily instead; Potter's been sneaking his letters in with yours. We think his house elf is popping in to do it for him."
Remus frowned, "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. He did seem to give up too easily when I refused to give him Lily's address. Fine, I'll call. For now I better catch up to the others before they manage to get themselves arrested," he joked turning to leave. Waving over his shoulder, he took off down the hall at a leisurely pace.
"Well that was civil of you," Simone teased, arms folded over her chest and a hip cocked out.
"Severus is learning to socialize!" Nesme squealed.
"There's hope for him yet," Davis deadpanned.
"Let us not embarrass the poor boy," Jordane cooed, placing her elegant hands on Severus's shoulders, "This has been a long and trying day for us all, no? How about we go out for a bite to eat and celebrate?"
Ashwin nodded amicably, "Yes, our treat."
Miriam exchanged a concerned glance with Walter, "I don't know. That must be awfully expensive. And we have so many people," she turned to her sons and daughter.
Ashwin winked, "Until we get some grandchildren, friends are the only ones we can spoil rotten," he elbowed his daughter teasingly.
Simone's face took on a pinched expression that made Petunia laugh, nudging Simone playfully.
Willow and Hank turned to each other, "Well…if you insist…"
Ashwin smiled, "I do," he turned to Nesme and Davis, recognizing them as some of Simone's friends, "You two as well, of course."
Nesme punched the air victoriously while Davis rolled his eyes at her antics.
Willow looked to her daughters and Severus, "Then why not? Let's go celebrate."
A volley of cheers went up among their group.
Some might consider it poor taste to have a celebration on the eve of two boys being sentenced to Azkaban. However, considering all that they had been through, they really couldn't care less what people thought right now.
They had won the battle. Even if the war was sure still to come, they had one victory to stand by.
Aaaaaaand scene!
I took some liberties on the memory thing. Plenty of stories I have read featuring Snape's memories at least have featured a nifty twist of a person being able to feel what he was feeling when viewing it straight from his own head (like stories of Severus reliving his life and showing Lily memories of his past life, including the anger anguish he felt in those memories being felt by Lily). So I tweaked it a little bit that strong memories can occasionally contain residue of the person's state of mind at the time the memory was originally experienced, being passed on to the memory and felt by those who view it. Of course, this would only work with the best pensives capable of completely showing the highest resolution and undiluted form of the memory.
So, was anyone expecting that? I characterizes Mulciber as more spineless despite being the one to use an Unforgivable because to me, the weakest jerks use the vilest tactics to cause harm since they lack the ability to be scary without it.
Read and review my lovelies!