Lupin became ashen, and he shook his head, his eyes still following Severus' own.

He would never place you in immediate danger.

This was said breathlessly, as if the utterer had no strength of will to believe it himself. Lupin's eyes betrayed him, Severus noted with a disgusted satisfaction, he had no backbone. He believed so blindly in so obviously a failing cause, that it was robbing him of any self respect and of any will to fight.

Oh yes, Severus knew of men like Lupin and Black.Those who were the most clamorous supporters, but once the battle had reached their turf, they would scramble wildly, eventually killing themselves with their own scatter brained witlessnesss. He gave an unpleasant smile.

I have been placed in immediate danger before, many thanks to Dumbledore, and yourself. Has your memory been affected as well?.

Lupin swallowed, his frequently metamorphising features looking wan in the dim light. Severus knew he had snagged upon a fraying nerve by the way Lupin bristled.

I will not dignify that, Professor. It is only you who will not let things run their course and accept our earnest apologies. I'm sure James would be among the most abashed.

Severus gave him a contemptuous snort.

Potter and his never ending supply of humility. As of letting things run their course, why don't I just let nature have her way with you?.

The way Lupin's jaw clenched and his fists curled neatly, like moth scorched by flame, he knew that Lupin was afraid.

I believe things have not gone well down that road for you before, Severus. Brew the potion, or you will be the first to feel my unpleasant affliction.

A laugh escaped his lips, and Lupin looked impassive. The threat was over, the cloud disappated. All that remained were two life long enemies, too tired to fight each other as well as the entity that threatened them.

Good bye, Severus.

A quick turn upon his heel, and his light footsteps trotted up the steps. A flash of grew caught his eyes, and Severus saw the hem of his robe had been darned again, this time by a motley strip of fabric.

The door slammed, ancient wood colliding with ancient stone, giving a satisfying crack. Severus turned again, reminiscing in the dungeons, even letting himself daydream a bit. But there was still a crackle in the air, a palpable, yet oddly ethereal sound, perhaps the first snap of twig trodden beneath a student's foot. Or perhaps it wasn't that at all.

Perhaps Severus was beginning to feel the realisation of his own dread.














A/N: I know it's short, but I have been really busy, and I want to write this in small installments, so I can spend time on detail and such. Sorry if you found it boring. Thanks to all those inspirational reviews.