Title: Always Time for a Drink
Part Two of the Silent Song Series.
Author: PLS
Date: May 16, 2003
Rating: G
Summery: Response to a challenge on HarryXSnapeML- Alternate Timeline/ Albus didn't stop Grindelwald, he joined him. How has that impacted the Wizarding world and how do Harry and Severus Snape interact now?
Quote: We really don't have enemies. It's just that some of our best friends are trying to kill us. -- Anonymous
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The day had gone from bad to worse, getting into Britain had been absolute torture, the idiots at the Ministry couldn't understand that he was running late and hated paperwork, he apperated to the wrong locale and couldn't see the point of trying again since he was only a few kilometers off target, and now it was raining. It wasn't just raining, it was a sudden summer downpour and raining cats and dogs. Hugging his cloak tight about him he trudged up the muddy path to Hogsmeade, if he was going to get warm he needed to get going. Another figure was on the path, and looked taller and just as miserable, if not more so. The figure's face was hidden by his cloak, a bit suspicious but it just meant that the other person was just a fighter as well. Or maybe just trying to stay dry and warm. Probably just trying to stay warm. Defiantly trying to stay dry.
"Hello." The other said gruffly. His voice was unfamiliar and had a worn edge on it.
"Hi, rather wet out here." The other snorted derisively. He was not amused.
"What are you doing out here?" asked the other impatiently as they drew even with one another.
"I'm out for the sun. I'm going to Hogwarts. You?"
"The same. I was supposed to be there a week ago, but was held up." said the other with a shrug. "I'm Severus Snape, the new Potions Professor."
"Harry, the new Combat Professor. Do you want to stop in the village for an ale? You know warm up and such. If we're both this late how much is a few minutes going to hurt us, right?"
"Sure, I've always been told I'm too antisocial. I might as well try to get to know you." said Severus with a smirk in his voice now. Together in relative silence they walked very, very quickly into Hogsmeade and entered the Three Broomsticks.
As they shed their cloaks and Harry got his first good look at Severus. The man was tall and dark, his long hair was tied back and had a slight curl to it, and his eyes were a dark brown, almost black and shining with intelligence and an inner fire. The man's nose was slightly flatter, showing that he had broken his nose in the past but never had it magically healed. Along his left jaw was a long harsh scar, it was older but still very vivid. Harry himself was not without scars, on Harry's forehead was a very old but very visible and semi-hidden under his wavy dark brown bangs. Both were wearing dark and very worn clothing that was made to be beat up. Harry's clothes were of a modern Muggle outdoorsy style and Severus wore the normal clothing of wizard mercenaries which was just as chic as it was in the sixteenth century. Harry and Severus noted the place was fairly empty, just a few regulars and bored shoppers and the staff. They grabbed a small table near the blazing fireplace and a small witch took their orders.
"Okay dears, a pint for the green-eyed cutie and a fire-whisky on the rocks for Mr. Dark?"
"Correct." Said Severus. Harry nodded in agreement and the witch bustled over to the bar to fetch their drinks.
"Rather contradictory drink." Commented Harry with a small smile.
"Yes, but it is very good. So Combat? I thought the curriculum was Defense." Asked Severus. The little witch came back and silently set the drinks down and left to go chat with a young wizard, who looked to be in his late teens. Harry took a sip of his ale and sighed.
"That's good ale. The Asians just can't get it right. Well, Riddle never really said I had to follow that exactly, I think that I like Combat better." Said Harry with a grin. "Rules were made to be broken, as are job descriptions."
"Okay, I must say it does sound like more fun. I prefer poison and strategy." Severus smirked at Harry, who smiled back. Severus took a drink of his fire-whiskey and leaned back leisurely.
"Let's be honest, I'm known as the Assassin."
"Snake-fang, pleased to make your acquaintance."
"Same here. So why are the two most deadly and feared assassins slash mercenaries hired to teach the two classes that are most the dangerous to students?" asked Harry.
"I'm wondering the same thing. I'm guessing that McGonagall let Riddle do the hiring. She wouldn't have even considered us." Said Severus rationally. Harry drank some more ale and smiled.
"Think he would be the only one insane enough. Anyhow at least I'm getting a place to stay that won't blow up after I accidentally cast a Dark curse."
"How do you accidentally cast a Dark curse? It takes a will and purpose to cast anything purely Dark or Light." Asked Severus taking a drink of his fire-whiskey.
"I don't know. I guess I tend to have some bad dreams or something, it only happened once or twice. In an old log cabin and in a Muggle made tent, they both burned down rather spectacularly. That's how I got the name Death-dodger, it seems I tend to land in trouble and manage to luck out." Said Harry and he took another sip. A train whistle sounded and Severus smiled.
"Did you ever go to Hogwarts?" asked Severus.
"No, I went to Drumstrang, Ikan Asrama, and the Tasmanian Institute." Responded Harry with a sigh. Severus looked curious and Harry decided to answer the unspoken questions. "I started my schooling in Drumstrang, but it was determined that I wasn't safe in my second year so in my third year I went to Ikan. I stayed there for three years until I became the youngest ever admitted into the Institute where I stayed until I was eighteen."
"But the Institute is for seventeen year olds and above. It's the most prestigious military academy in the world." Said Severus with wide eyes.
"Well, over all the breaks I studied combat, other than Quidditich, it's my passion. I ran away one weekend and went to a tournament they had that would serve as a test and maybe give me a scholarship. I showed up the morning of the contest and everyone's kicked asses and they took me in, no charge."
"Fascinating, so you are really the only one who beats my death tolls. Now I know why."
"Yeah, I work hard too." Said Harry with a laugh. Severus smiled coldly.
"Quidditich? You don't seem like the type." Asked Severus with a sardonic smile.
"I'm a great seeker if I say so myself. I play as much as I can and I've never missed the snitch." Harry leaned back arrogantly.
"I'm a chaser myself. I used to play for the house team in school, but now it's rather off and on." Said Severus with a wistful tone. He looked at the clock on the wall, it was 17.26, and the date wasn't visible on the clock. "What's the date?" asked Severus.
"Um, I'm not sure. I have a Muggle watch on." Said Harry looking at his wrist. "Hey! Miss." Harry caught the attention of the older witch behind the bar.
"Yes, dearie, what can I do for you?" asked the woman pleasantly.
"What's the date today?" asked Harry with a smile.
"Why don't you know? It's September first! The school's filling up for supper right now." She said and Severus swore.
"We were due at the school last week!" snapped the taller man as he stood up and flung some gold on the table. He grabbed Harry and both sprinted to the castle both cursing and yelling at each other. As they reached the front entrance they were greeted by a cross looking old woman.
"About time you two show up. I just got word that you two only reached Britain this afternoon. What a pair, I'm sure Thomas made his choices for a reason. What that reason may be I have no clue. I'm Minerva McGonagall, the headmistress here and you will be punctual from now on! Follow me." And the two most deadly mercenaries were reduced to children in trouble as they followed the severe headmistress.
