A/N: *insert your favourite disclaimer here* (okay, I'll do it... whatever you recognize is not mine, making no money, don't sue me, thank you for the attention)

This is another Snape/Lupin story, it will be a little longer than the ones I already posted so this will be one in chapters. I hope you like it and would like to thank everyone who takes the time to read it and maybe leaves me a review.


Company


Nearly everyone looked up expectantly when a flight of owls entered the Great Hall to deliver the every morning mail. Severus Snape didn't. He didn't expect any mail so he rather kept staring into the depths of his coffee cup and didn't notice the small brown owl before it had landed on the table right in front of him. He gave the little bird a scrutinizing look and the owl stretched out its leg and waited for him to take the letter. Snape was convinced he had never before seen that bird but since it had already started to hoot angrily he quickly took the letter and shooed the owl away. He unfolded the parchment and leaned back in his chair. He wasn't aware of the fact that the teachers sitting near him were watching him. Ever since Voldemort some weeks ago had found out that he had turned traitor to the dark side, a lot of people in this school were keeping an eye on him, he had gotten used to it by now. But it still was quite annoying. The letter was short, three lines and a signature, nothing more, but still it made him stare at the parchment long enough for McGonagall to notice.

What is it? She asked in a low voice, a slightly worried expression in her face.

He looked up at her, hesitated for a moment and then quickly folded the letter and put it into his pocket. He said. Excuse me please. He got up from his chair and strode across the Great Hall.

What was that about? Remus Lupin asked as soon as the large wooden door had closed behind Snape.

It must have been that letter. McGonagall replied, finally taking her eyes off the entrance doors.

Do you think it has anything to do with you-know-who?

I assume he has other ways to deal with traitors. Dumbledore said. Threatening someone with a scary letter is most probably beneath him.


It was in the early evening when Snape knocked on the office door. The headmaster had already been expecting him, he had been sure it wouldn't be long before he told him about that letter he had received this morning.

Sit down please, how can I help you? He asked him with a warm smile.

Snape seemed a little uncomfortable when he sat down on the chair on the other side of the desk. I need some days off..

Dumbledore arched an eyebrow.

My father died. Snape explained curtly. I need to take care of a few things.

I'm very sorry to hear that. The headmaster said. Is there anything I can do for you?

Snape shrugged his shoulders. You know we never were close.

Still he was your father.

Well, I just need three or four days, I have to decide what to do about the house and whatever else he might have left me.

Of course, take as much time as you need. Dumbledore said and Snape rose from his chair. Severus? If you need anything else, if you want to talk about it...

I appreciate that Snape cut him off. but I'm fine.


Instead of attending dinner in the Great Hall where he knew all his colleagues would be looking at him with those sympathetic expressions in their faces - Dumbledore had definitely told everyone by now - Snape had rather started to pack some things. He rolled his eyes when he heard the knock on the door and thought to himself he should have left right after telling the headmaster.

Come in. He muttered and was not too surprised to see Lupin entering, he had been convinced it would be either him or McGonagall.

How are you? Lupin asked in a soft voice.

Why is everyone asking me that these days? Snape replied and stuffed a book into his bag.

I'm sorry about your father.

You wouldn't be if you had known him.

Well, I actually came down here because I thought you might need some company. Lupin said and nodded towards the bag.

Snape stopped what he was doing to give him a blank look.

Lupin shrugged his shoulders. In my family we don't usually leave someone alone with something like this.

As you might have noticed already I am not part of your family and in mine we learned to deal with things on our own. He replied dryly.

They both turned their heads when Dumbledore cleared his throat. He was standing in the doorway and watching them. Well, Severus, I'm sorry, but I can't allow you to leave the castle on your own at the moment. He said. It would be too dangerous, Voldemort surely has some of his people out there looking for you.

Snape was still working out some arguments against this when Dumbledore turned to Lupin. Remus, would you be willing to watch over him a little?

I don't need anyone to watch over me, I can very well take care of myself. Snape snapped.

Dumbledore smiled. I know. He said warmly. But maybe you could still accept it, it would at least make me feel a little more comfortable.

Snape muttered. He wasn't in the mood to start a discussion he knew he could not win.


Snape wasn't very talkative when he walked out of the castle and over to the Forbidden Forest, Lupin following him. Actually he hadn't spoken at all.

Your house doesn't have a fireplace? Lupin asked when they had reached the woods.

It does, but it's not connected to the floo network. Snape replied.

Lupin didn't dare to ask for a reason. He knew that his mere presence seemed to annoy his colleague greatly and thus decided to refrain from trying to start a conversation for now. It was cold and dark out here in the forest, he hoped it wouldn't be too long before they reached the anti-apparition border.

A few minutes later Snape stopped walking and took out his wand. Lupin assumed this meant they had crossed the borderline and did the same. He frowned when Snape suddenly reached out and grabbed him by the arm. Snape sighed inaudibly.

Since you don't know where we're going I assume it would be safer like this, I don't want to risk losing you somewhere, right? He explained with as much sarcasm as he could have managed to put into a single sentence.

Okay, let's go then. Lupin replied with a smile.