A/N: In celebration of five-hundred plus reviews for AHN, and to make up
for my recent slower progress with the story....heeeeeeeeeeeer's chapter
38!
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Declaration and Challenge ~*~
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Snape looked up as the older man approached him on the hillside they were walking down. He watched the Nemorosi mage warily, wondering exactly why he had sent the rest of the group on ahead. This couldn't be good.
"Severus, a moment?" Taber asked pleasantly.
"Of course." Snape stopped walking and turned to face Taber.
"I wanted to take a moment before we arrived at our destination, and while we had at least a bit of privacy, to thank you." Taber said pleasantly.
"Thank me?" Snape asked, making no effort to hide his surprise.
"Yes, for saving Lorien from Fincastle at Halloween. I can't tell you how thankful I was when I found out that she was alright. She told me the details of everything that happened," Taber explained.
"Well, if she explained everything," Snape replied evenly, "then you know that Lorien saved herself from Fincastle. I merely insured that he could never harm her or anyone else again."
"Apparently that's not how she sees it," Taber replied with a bit of amusement in his voice at the younger man's continued look of surprise. "She thinks quite a lot of you, you know."
Snape spoke politely once again. "As amazing as I still find that to be, I assure you that I have endeavored to ensure that she continues to feel that way." He grew quiet for a moment and then continued a bit more awkwardly. "I must admit, that I think quite a lot of her as well."
Taber smiled. "So do I, and that is why I must say what I'm about to say."
Snape arched an eyebrow expectantly.
"I think it would be good while you are here for you to declare." Taber replied.
Snape looked momentarily confused. "For me to what?"
" Anouve tetion. Declare your intentions toward the lady." Taber indicated where Lorien was walking with the others.
Snape still looked puzzled. "I don't follow you."
Taber smiled again. "It is a very old Nemorosi tradition that a suitor would announce his intentions of pursuing or courting a witch in front of the Nemorosi council when it met. I thought that you might take advantage of the opportunity since the council meets so infrequently."
Snape looked slightly paler than normal. "Wait, let me see if I understand this. You want me to stand before the Nemorosi council and announce that it is my intention to pursue a relationship with Lorien?"
Taber grinned at him angelically. "Yes."
"Why would I do that?" Snape asked. "I'm not Nemorosi."
"Ah, yes, but Lorien is, isn't she?" Taber said slyly. He laughed a little when he saw the look of mild distress that appeared on the younger man's face. "I assure you that I am not trying to make things more difficult for you, Severus. I believe that if you were to do this, especially without Lorien's prior knowledge, it would go a long way toward impressing her."
Snape regarded the older man carefully for a long minute before he spoke again. "That's not the only reason that you suggest this, is it?" He asked. "You want to see if I'll actually do it, don't you? You want to judge whether or not I'm at least that committed to her, is that it?"
Taber gazed steadily into the black eyes. "It's a small thing to do to earn a bit of confidence from an old man."
Snape snorted. "You, sir, are neither old, nor are you as guileless as you pretend to be. I believe you know exactly what you are doing."
Taber shrugged. "What say you, Severus? Are you willing to swallow a bit of your pride in order to please her?"
Snape frowned and after a moment spoke softly. "What, exactly, do I have to do?"
Taber brightened. "It's quite simple, really. You need to approach the council and merely inform them of your intentions."
"And then what?" Snape asked suspiciously.
"She has the option to accept or reject you at that point," Taber informed him.
"Publicly?" Snape asked.
Taber nodded.
"I assume that it's best to have a fairly sound belief that the lady will not reject you before you actually make such an announcement?" Snape asked wryly.
Taber laughed out loud. "That's usually the wisest course."
Snape thought for another minute and then blew out a sharp breath. "Fine. If you absolutely think this is necessary, I will do it," he said.
"Good." Taber clapped him on the shoulder. "Now let's catch up with the others." He strode off, leaving the younger man standing there shaking his head and wondering what he'd gotten himself into. Snape finally went after the rest.
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Lorien eyed Perth suspiciously as he and Severus made it to where she and the others were standing near the small cottage, but he merely smiled at her and turned to speak to the group. " Shall we?" He indicated the door of the cottage and spoke a short incantation.
Harry looked at Sirius. "Why are we stopping at this cottage? I thought we were going on to a big gathering," he whispered.
"Not sure." Sirius whispered back, but indicated that they should follow where Lorien was entering behind Taber.
Harry had his answer shortly after they walked into the small room in the cottage, and Taber opened the back door that should have opened into the hillside, but opened out onto a small plain surrounded by woods instead. He gasped as he looked through the doorway. There was obviously very powerful magic at work here.
Lorien smiled at his reaction and lead the men though.
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Lorien enjoyed watching the reactions of her male companions as they became aware of just how many people were already present on the other side of the passage they'd come through. There were Nemorosi busy everywhere preparing for the council meeting that would start the next morning, and it didn't take long before she began to encounter friends.
She stopped to talk to several women her age, hugging all three and talking animatedly with them, periodically looking back at the group behind her and then saying something else to the three women in way of explanation.
"No wonder you like your job at Hogwarts," one of them named Rachel was saying to her. "I had no idea that there were so many men there that looked like them." She indicated the group she was with.
Lorien smiled at her.
"So tell us, love, which one is the werewolf?" Another named Ilizabeth was asking her.
"The one with the slightly graying brown hair," Lorien replied.
"Oh my," replied the third, a slightly younger woman named Althea. "So, he's available now?" She teased.
"No. I'm afraid none of them is available." Lorien said.
Rachel spoke up again. "So, which one is your paramicaan, Lorien?"
"The one in the black robes is Severus." Lorien replied.
All three turned to look at the Potions master, and then turned to speak to Lorien again.
"He's so serious looking, Lorien!" Althea whispered.
"I admit that he can seem a bit intense at times." Lorien said.
"I don't know, love. I think he's kind of scary if you ask me." Ilizabeth said.
Rachel frowned at Ilizabeth. "Well, she didn't ask you," she said sternly. She turned to Lorien. "Don't you mind her. I think it's wonderful that you've met someone, Lorien. He's a professor, you said?"
"Yes. He's Hogwarts' Potions master." Lorien replied.
Althea elbowed Ilizabeth. "So, that's how he caught our Lorien's eye. Must've slipped her a love potion, eh?"
Rachel glared at the two other women. "Are you two going to be happy for her, or what? I don't see either of you with a distinguished professor on your arm."
Elizabeth and Althea gave Lorien apologetic smiles. "You know we have to give you a bit of a hard time, that's all," said Ilizabeth.
Althea nodded in agreement. "So, give us the dirt, love."
Lorien started to protest, but even Rachel didn't come to her rescue this time.
Rachel smiled. "Yes, do tell, Lorien. We want to know everything."
Lorien knew there was no getting out of giving her friends the details of her lovelife, but she decided to put her confessional on hold. "Later." She looked back at her friends who were waiting for her. "I'll tell you three everything, but later."
"We're going to hold you to that." Ilizabeth teased. "Now introduce us, or else."
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Draco was sure that this week was going to be the worst part of his punishment so far. Not only did he have to spend the week under Snape's close supervision, but he was stuck with a bunch of arrogant Gryffindors, including Potter! To top it all off he was stranded here in the middle of Merlin-knew-where with a bunch of tree-hugging, dirt-worshipping, wandless wonders, and he just absolutely knew that if he had to see that Ravenclaw witch gaze lovingly at his head of house one more time, he was going to vomit. Violently.
He reluctantly followed the rest of the group as they accompanied the old man, bored out of his mind. He was sure that he was never going to make it through more than twenty-four hours of this, when something vaguely interesting presented itself. He found it mildly intriguing that Lorien had excused herself from the group for the moment and was walking back across the clearing toward the man that was crossing it in their direction.
The man was young, probably five or six years younger than Lorien, and ruggedly handsome. He appeared to be muscular and tan, and wore his sun-bleached blonde hair almost the same length as hers, but pulled back with a leather cord. Maybe her bother?
Draco changed his opinion about that as he watched her greet the man and embrace him. He had a feeling this was no relative, and he immediately turned his attention to Snape. The man's face was expressionless as he watched Lorien greet the newcomer, but Draco saw the change in his eyes as he watched them speaking a short distance away.
The rest of the party looked as well, and Remus finally spoke to Taber. "Who is that Lorien is speaking to?" He asked curiously.
Taber turned to look. "Oh that? That's Marius," he said, and then realized that he was getting blank looks from all of those around him.
"Is he a relative of some sort?" Remus asked, sure that he'd never heard Lorien mention the name.
Taber got an odd look on his face. "Relative? Well, no." He said. "Marius is her paramicaan."
It was debatable who was more stunned at that moment, Lupin or Snape, but it was definitely Lupin that recovered quicker from the news. Snape stood there trying to decide if he'd actually heard what he thought he did.
"Did you say paramicaan?" Remus asked.
Perth suddenly realized that this was the first either man had heard of Marius, and he regretted having opened his mouth. "Yes. Well, former, actually, but they're still friends," he said quickly. "Well, not that friendly, but...that is ...they get along fine..I'll just let Lorien explain it to you, shall I?" Taber said, struggling. He looked around the group hopefully. "Anyone hungry?"
Sirius, Draco, and Harry thought that dinner sounded like the best plan so far, and they walked to accompany the rapidly retreating Taber.
Remus glanced back at Lorien and Marius once more and then met Snape's gaze. He shrugged and shook his head, indicating he didn't have a clue either, and went to join the others.
Snape was left standing there watching Lorien with Marius as the rest followed Taber, and he decided that he wasn't going to just stand around and wait. He turned and walked quickly toward the blonde witch, curious to see what she was going to have to say. He could tell even at a distance, that she was becoming agitated and his gaze focused on the man standing with her.
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Lorien reached Marius and gave him a quick but less than warm embrace. "Marius." She said coolly. "How are you?"
"Couldn't be better, my dear," he returned pleasantly, kissing her on the cheek before she had a chance to pull away. "And how are you?"
"Fine." Lorien replied, irritated that he'd kissed her.
"I have to say that you look terrific," he said, looking her over. "It would appear that Hogwarts agrees with you."
"It certainly does." Lorien replied. "It was almost the best decision I ever made." Her point was not lost on Marius.
"That was low, Lorien," he said, but he continued to smile pleasantly at her.
She snarled quietly at him. "So are the Valentines and the letters you keep...."
Both of them stopped speaking when Snape got to them and Lorien looked up and gave him an uneasy smile. "Severus. There you are," she said quickly, and placed a hand on his arm. "I'd like you to meet Marius. Marius this is Severus." She said.
Both men exchanged vague pleasantries while eyeing each other carefully.
"Well, I'm sure that Perth is waiting for us." Lorien said to Snape. "Marius, you'll excuse us?" She asked sweetly.
"Of course." He replied, and watched them walk away together.
Lorien walked along next to Snape, and neither said anything for a few moments. Finally she spoke. "It's been over between us for some time, Severus. We've managed to keep an amiable relationship, but beyond that, there's nothing."
"I see." He replied coolly.
"Severus, I didn't say anything about him because it's really not that important. It's over. Period. End of story," she continued insistently.
"Fine." Was the stiff reply.
She stopped walking and turned to him. "Stop that." She said softly. "He's of no concern to you." Lorien moved to stand close to him, and placed her hands on his arms. "Do you understand?" She asked.
"Yes."
"Do you believe me?" She asked in a soft voice again, now looking concerned that he didn't.
He gave in at last. "Of course," he answered quietly.
"Good." She smiled and leaned up to kiss him quickly on the cheek. "Shall we join the others?"
"If you insist that we must." He replied.
"I do."
He heard her answer, and he reluctantly went with her to join the others, glancing back once more at the blonde man that still stared after Lorien. He hoped that Marius was as thoroughly convinced as Lorien that things were over between them.
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Dinner with Perth actually went off better than expected, and for the most part everyone remained civil to one another during the conversation that followed. That is until the conversation turned to Quidditch.
Lorien sighed. Perth was a rabid quidditch fan, and getting him started on the subject could prove to be a mistake. Unless of course, you were another rabid quidditch fan like Sirius, Harry or even Draco. A lively discussion was now underway about the merits of birch tail twigs versus willow.
Lorien couldn't help but smile as she reached to pour herself another glass of wine to help endure the topic at hand, and realized that both Remus and Severus were doing so as well. Remus was wearing the same patient expression that he often donned when trying to explain a simple defense concept to a student that just wasn't getting it, and Severus remained expressionless, but she could see a little muscle in his cheek twitch a bit, giving away the fact that he was becoming agitated.
Remus reached the bottle first, and filled all three glasses as Sirius ranted on about something having to do with Firebolts.
Lorien was just about sinking into a stupor at the table when there came a knock at the door, and she leapt to her feet quickly, grateful for the appearance of Rachel.
"Well, it's late," she said hurriedly, going to the door. "I'll see all of you gentlemen in the morning?" She offered Severus one last sympathetic glance, and then bolted with Rachel so she wouldn't have to endure any more discussion of broom handles.
"Rachel, you're a lifesaver." Lorien said. "They got Perth talking about quidditch!"
"You owe me, love." Rachel replied in an amused way. "Come on, you have a lot to tell us." She led Lorien to where she would be staying for the night with herself, Althea, and Ilizabeth, and the four girlfriends stayed up well into the night, catching up on everything that had happened since they'd last seen each other.
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The Nemorosi council met early the next morning, and the most prominent topic of debate was the decision as to whether or not to take a more aggressive role in dealing with the Death Eaters that were still assassinating Nemorosi witches.
Perth sat on the council of twelve, the youngest of the elders, but the whole of the Nemorosi population was present in the clearing that morning for the open discussion.
There were arguments back and forth as the morning wore on, and finally Perth asked Lorien to step forward to offer her input. She addressed the council and began to relate how much atrocity she'd been witness to over the past nine months.
"All of us here have been affected," she said, indicating the group that had accompanied her. Everyone knew what had happened to Harry's parents, and that Sirius had been wrongly incarcerated because of Pettigrew. She explained how diligently Remus worked to train the students at Hogwarts in Defense because it was becoming so painfully apparent that they were going to need all the skill in that area that they could muster.
Lorien continued to tell how Severus had almost been killed by Ian Fincastle, and how she herself had come close to meeting her demise at his hands as well. She finally offered them the story of the nightmare attack on Hogwarts itself, but left Draco's name out of the tale.
"We've also lost several dear friends," she continued, "so you can see why I think it's time that we get more involved. We need to DO something, not just sit and wait to be executed."
The day wore on into the late afternoon, as more people argued for and against going on the offensive. It was becoming quite obvious that the vast majority of the Nemorosi were in favor of such actions, and the council finally agreed that they had heard enough, and would meet in private over the next few days to make the final decision as to what should be done.
That now left other business to be discussed in front of the council, and Snape groaned inwardly as he realized what he was going to have to do. How on earth did he ever manage to get himself into this? Not only was he going to have to do this in front of the council, but in front of Lupin, Black and Potter as well. He looked at Taber who was seated a short distance away, and the man gave him a small encouraging nod.
The only thing that Snape could be thankful for was the fact that he was not the only one in his predicament, and he watched a Nemorosi wizard perhaps only a few years younger than he step before the council and announce his intentions towards Lorien's friend Althea.
The elders nodded in acknowledgment and the oldest, a heavyset woman with white hair coiled intricately up on her head, spoke as she looked around the large gathering. "Taen desputath?"
Silence met the woman's question, and she nodded and turned to Althea, who smiled shyly and blushed while nodding her acceptance of her suitor. Lorien, Rachel, and Ilizabeth all excitedly hugged their friend as the next young wizard endured the same.
Lorien whispered to Althea. "That's wonderful, Thea. How very romantic."
Althea nodded, still smiling as the next witch accepted the wizard that had just declared. Her expression changed to one of wonder after a moment and she tugged on Lorien's sleeve and indicated where Snape had stepped in front of the council.
Lorien thought she was going to faint.
So did Snape.
Lupin's mouth dropped open.
Black did a blatant double take.
Harry looked amazed.
Draco looked completely amused.
Lorien was sure that the end of the world must be around the corner if she was actually seeing what she thought she was seeing. Severus? Declare? She looked quickly at Perth, suddenly quite sure that this must be his doing, and the older man gave her an innocent look and shrugged.
At first she was dumbfounded when she heard him address the council, and then she realized just how much agony the man must be undergoing for her sake at the moment and smiled. She knew he loved her, but this was really putting himself on the line. Especially...she looked at the Hogwarts contingent and smiled again. Especially in front of them.
Lorien was biting her lip as she waited anxiously for Severus to finish. She wanted this to be over for him, and wanted to offer her acceptance as quickly as possible, and she readied her answer as the chief elder spoke again. "Taen desputath?"
Silence around the gathering.
Lorien took a step forward as the older woman looked at her, and then her heart sank as she heard another voice. Someone was issuing a challenge to Severus's declaration, and Lorien's head whipped around in time to see him step toward the council.
Of course, it was Marius.
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Declaration and Challenge ~*~
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Snape looked up as the older man approached him on the hillside they were walking down. He watched the Nemorosi mage warily, wondering exactly why he had sent the rest of the group on ahead. This couldn't be good.
"Severus, a moment?" Taber asked pleasantly.
"Of course." Snape stopped walking and turned to face Taber.
"I wanted to take a moment before we arrived at our destination, and while we had at least a bit of privacy, to thank you." Taber said pleasantly.
"Thank me?" Snape asked, making no effort to hide his surprise.
"Yes, for saving Lorien from Fincastle at Halloween. I can't tell you how thankful I was when I found out that she was alright. She told me the details of everything that happened," Taber explained.
"Well, if she explained everything," Snape replied evenly, "then you know that Lorien saved herself from Fincastle. I merely insured that he could never harm her or anyone else again."
"Apparently that's not how she sees it," Taber replied with a bit of amusement in his voice at the younger man's continued look of surprise. "She thinks quite a lot of you, you know."
Snape spoke politely once again. "As amazing as I still find that to be, I assure you that I have endeavored to ensure that she continues to feel that way." He grew quiet for a moment and then continued a bit more awkwardly. "I must admit, that I think quite a lot of her as well."
Taber smiled. "So do I, and that is why I must say what I'm about to say."
Snape arched an eyebrow expectantly.
"I think it would be good while you are here for you to declare." Taber replied.
Snape looked momentarily confused. "For me to what?"
" Anouve tetion. Declare your intentions toward the lady." Taber indicated where Lorien was walking with the others.
Snape still looked puzzled. "I don't follow you."
Taber smiled again. "It is a very old Nemorosi tradition that a suitor would announce his intentions of pursuing or courting a witch in front of the Nemorosi council when it met. I thought that you might take advantage of the opportunity since the council meets so infrequently."
Snape looked slightly paler than normal. "Wait, let me see if I understand this. You want me to stand before the Nemorosi council and announce that it is my intention to pursue a relationship with Lorien?"
Taber grinned at him angelically. "Yes."
"Why would I do that?" Snape asked. "I'm not Nemorosi."
"Ah, yes, but Lorien is, isn't she?" Taber said slyly. He laughed a little when he saw the look of mild distress that appeared on the younger man's face. "I assure you that I am not trying to make things more difficult for you, Severus. I believe that if you were to do this, especially without Lorien's prior knowledge, it would go a long way toward impressing her."
Snape regarded the older man carefully for a long minute before he spoke again. "That's not the only reason that you suggest this, is it?" He asked. "You want to see if I'll actually do it, don't you? You want to judge whether or not I'm at least that committed to her, is that it?"
Taber gazed steadily into the black eyes. "It's a small thing to do to earn a bit of confidence from an old man."
Snape snorted. "You, sir, are neither old, nor are you as guileless as you pretend to be. I believe you know exactly what you are doing."
Taber shrugged. "What say you, Severus? Are you willing to swallow a bit of your pride in order to please her?"
Snape frowned and after a moment spoke softly. "What, exactly, do I have to do?"
Taber brightened. "It's quite simple, really. You need to approach the council and merely inform them of your intentions."
"And then what?" Snape asked suspiciously.
"She has the option to accept or reject you at that point," Taber informed him.
"Publicly?" Snape asked.
Taber nodded.
"I assume that it's best to have a fairly sound belief that the lady will not reject you before you actually make such an announcement?" Snape asked wryly.
Taber laughed out loud. "That's usually the wisest course."
Snape thought for another minute and then blew out a sharp breath. "Fine. If you absolutely think this is necessary, I will do it," he said.
"Good." Taber clapped him on the shoulder. "Now let's catch up with the others." He strode off, leaving the younger man standing there shaking his head and wondering what he'd gotten himself into. Snape finally went after the rest.
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Lorien eyed Perth suspiciously as he and Severus made it to where she and the others were standing near the small cottage, but he merely smiled at her and turned to speak to the group. " Shall we?" He indicated the door of the cottage and spoke a short incantation.
Harry looked at Sirius. "Why are we stopping at this cottage? I thought we were going on to a big gathering," he whispered.
"Not sure." Sirius whispered back, but indicated that they should follow where Lorien was entering behind Taber.
Harry had his answer shortly after they walked into the small room in the cottage, and Taber opened the back door that should have opened into the hillside, but opened out onto a small plain surrounded by woods instead. He gasped as he looked through the doorway. There was obviously very powerful magic at work here.
Lorien smiled at his reaction and lead the men though.
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Lorien enjoyed watching the reactions of her male companions as they became aware of just how many people were already present on the other side of the passage they'd come through. There were Nemorosi busy everywhere preparing for the council meeting that would start the next morning, and it didn't take long before she began to encounter friends.
She stopped to talk to several women her age, hugging all three and talking animatedly with them, periodically looking back at the group behind her and then saying something else to the three women in way of explanation.
"No wonder you like your job at Hogwarts," one of them named Rachel was saying to her. "I had no idea that there were so many men there that looked like them." She indicated the group she was with.
Lorien smiled at her.
"So tell us, love, which one is the werewolf?" Another named Ilizabeth was asking her.
"The one with the slightly graying brown hair," Lorien replied.
"Oh my," replied the third, a slightly younger woman named Althea. "So, he's available now?" She teased.
"No. I'm afraid none of them is available." Lorien said.
Rachel spoke up again. "So, which one is your paramicaan, Lorien?"
"The one in the black robes is Severus." Lorien replied.
All three turned to look at the Potions master, and then turned to speak to Lorien again.
"He's so serious looking, Lorien!" Althea whispered.
"I admit that he can seem a bit intense at times." Lorien said.
"I don't know, love. I think he's kind of scary if you ask me." Ilizabeth said.
Rachel frowned at Ilizabeth. "Well, she didn't ask you," she said sternly. She turned to Lorien. "Don't you mind her. I think it's wonderful that you've met someone, Lorien. He's a professor, you said?"
"Yes. He's Hogwarts' Potions master." Lorien replied.
Althea elbowed Ilizabeth. "So, that's how he caught our Lorien's eye. Must've slipped her a love potion, eh?"
Rachel glared at the two other women. "Are you two going to be happy for her, or what? I don't see either of you with a distinguished professor on your arm."
Elizabeth and Althea gave Lorien apologetic smiles. "You know we have to give you a bit of a hard time, that's all," said Ilizabeth.
Althea nodded in agreement. "So, give us the dirt, love."
Lorien started to protest, but even Rachel didn't come to her rescue this time.
Rachel smiled. "Yes, do tell, Lorien. We want to know everything."
Lorien knew there was no getting out of giving her friends the details of her lovelife, but she decided to put her confessional on hold. "Later." She looked back at her friends who were waiting for her. "I'll tell you three everything, but later."
"We're going to hold you to that." Ilizabeth teased. "Now introduce us, or else."
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Draco was sure that this week was going to be the worst part of his punishment so far. Not only did he have to spend the week under Snape's close supervision, but he was stuck with a bunch of arrogant Gryffindors, including Potter! To top it all off he was stranded here in the middle of Merlin-knew-where with a bunch of tree-hugging, dirt-worshipping, wandless wonders, and he just absolutely knew that if he had to see that Ravenclaw witch gaze lovingly at his head of house one more time, he was going to vomit. Violently.
He reluctantly followed the rest of the group as they accompanied the old man, bored out of his mind. He was sure that he was never going to make it through more than twenty-four hours of this, when something vaguely interesting presented itself. He found it mildly intriguing that Lorien had excused herself from the group for the moment and was walking back across the clearing toward the man that was crossing it in their direction.
The man was young, probably five or six years younger than Lorien, and ruggedly handsome. He appeared to be muscular and tan, and wore his sun-bleached blonde hair almost the same length as hers, but pulled back with a leather cord. Maybe her bother?
Draco changed his opinion about that as he watched her greet the man and embrace him. He had a feeling this was no relative, and he immediately turned his attention to Snape. The man's face was expressionless as he watched Lorien greet the newcomer, but Draco saw the change in his eyes as he watched them speaking a short distance away.
The rest of the party looked as well, and Remus finally spoke to Taber. "Who is that Lorien is speaking to?" He asked curiously.
Taber turned to look. "Oh that? That's Marius," he said, and then realized that he was getting blank looks from all of those around him.
"Is he a relative of some sort?" Remus asked, sure that he'd never heard Lorien mention the name.
Taber got an odd look on his face. "Relative? Well, no." He said. "Marius is her paramicaan."
It was debatable who was more stunned at that moment, Lupin or Snape, but it was definitely Lupin that recovered quicker from the news. Snape stood there trying to decide if he'd actually heard what he thought he did.
"Did you say paramicaan?" Remus asked.
Perth suddenly realized that this was the first either man had heard of Marius, and he regretted having opened his mouth. "Yes. Well, former, actually, but they're still friends," he said quickly. "Well, not that friendly, but...that is ...they get along fine..I'll just let Lorien explain it to you, shall I?" Taber said, struggling. He looked around the group hopefully. "Anyone hungry?"
Sirius, Draco, and Harry thought that dinner sounded like the best plan so far, and they walked to accompany the rapidly retreating Taber.
Remus glanced back at Lorien and Marius once more and then met Snape's gaze. He shrugged and shook his head, indicating he didn't have a clue either, and went to join the others.
Snape was left standing there watching Lorien with Marius as the rest followed Taber, and he decided that he wasn't going to just stand around and wait. He turned and walked quickly toward the blonde witch, curious to see what she was going to have to say. He could tell even at a distance, that she was becoming agitated and his gaze focused on the man standing with her.
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Lorien reached Marius and gave him a quick but less than warm embrace. "Marius." She said coolly. "How are you?"
"Couldn't be better, my dear," he returned pleasantly, kissing her on the cheek before she had a chance to pull away. "And how are you?"
"Fine." Lorien replied, irritated that he'd kissed her.
"I have to say that you look terrific," he said, looking her over. "It would appear that Hogwarts agrees with you."
"It certainly does." Lorien replied. "It was almost the best decision I ever made." Her point was not lost on Marius.
"That was low, Lorien," he said, but he continued to smile pleasantly at her.
She snarled quietly at him. "So are the Valentines and the letters you keep...."
Both of them stopped speaking when Snape got to them and Lorien looked up and gave him an uneasy smile. "Severus. There you are," she said quickly, and placed a hand on his arm. "I'd like you to meet Marius. Marius this is Severus." She said.
Both men exchanged vague pleasantries while eyeing each other carefully.
"Well, I'm sure that Perth is waiting for us." Lorien said to Snape. "Marius, you'll excuse us?" She asked sweetly.
"Of course." He replied, and watched them walk away together.
Lorien walked along next to Snape, and neither said anything for a few moments. Finally she spoke. "It's been over between us for some time, Severus. We've managed to keep an amiable relationship, but beyond that, there's nothing."
"I see." He replied coolly.
"Severus, I didn't say anything about him because it's really not that important. It's over. Period. End of story," she continued insistently.
"Fine." Was the stiff reply.
She stopped walking and turned to him. "Stop that." She said softly. "He's of no concern to you." Lorien moved to stand close to him, and placed her hands on his arms. "Do you understand?" She asked.
"Yes."
"Do you believe me?" She asked in a soft voice again, now looking concerned that he didn't.
He gave in at last. "Of course," he answered quietly.
"Good." She smiled and leaned up to kiss him quickly on the cheek. "Shall we join the others?"
"If you insist that we must." He replied.
"I do."
He heard her answer, and he reluctantly went with her to join the others, glancing back once more at the blonde man that still stared after Lorien. He hoped that Marius was as thoroughly convinced as Lorien that things were over between them.
*
*
*
*
Dinner with Perth actually went off better than expected, and for the most part everyone remained civil to one another during the conversation that followed. That is until the conversation turned to Quidditch.
Lorien sighed. Perth was a rabid quidditch fan, and getting him started on the subject could prove to be a mistake. Unless of course, you were another rabid quidditch fan like Sirius, Harry or even Draco. A lively discussion was now underway about the merits of birch tail twigs versus willow.
Lorien couldn't help but smile as she reached to pour herself another glass of wine to help endure the topic at hand, and realized that both Remus and Severus were doing so as well. Remus was wearing the same patient expression that he often donned when trying to explain a simple defense concept to a student that just wasn't getting it, and Severus remained expressionless, but she could see a little muscle in his cheek twitch a bit, giving away the fact that he was becoming agitated.
Remus reached the bottle first, and filled all three glasses as Sirius ranted on about something having to do with Firebolts.
Lorien was just about sinking into a stupor at the table when there came a knock at the door, and she leapt to her feet quickly, grateful for the appearance of Rachel.
"Well, it's late," she said hurriedly, going to the door. "I'll see all of you gentlemen in the morning?" She offered Severus one last sympathetic glance, and then bolted with Rachel so she wouldn't have to endure any more discussion of broom handles.
"Rachel, you're a lifesaver." Lorien said. "They got Perth talking about quidditch!"
"You owe me, love." Rachel replied in an amused way. "Come on, you have a lot to tell us." She led Lorien to where she would be staying for the night with herself, Althea, and Ilizabeth, and the four girlfriends stayed up well into the night, catching up on everything that had happened since they'd last seen each other.
*
*
*
*
The Nemorosi council met early the next morning, and the most prominent topic of debate was the decision as to whether or not to take a more aggressive role in dealing with the Death Eaters that were still assassinating Nemorosi witches.
Perth sat on the council of twelve, the youngest of the elders, but the whole of the Nemorosi population was present in the clearing that morning for the open discussion.
There were arguments back and forth as the morning wore on, and finally Perth asked Lorien to step forward to offer her input. She addressed the council and began to relate how much atrocity she'd been witness to over the past nine months.
"All of us here have been affected," she said, indicating the group that had accompanied her. Everyone knew what had happened to Harry's parents, and that Sirius had been wrongly incarcerated because of Pettigrew. She explained how diligently Remus worked to train the students at Hogwarts in Defense because it was becoming so painfully apparent that they were going to need all the skill in that area that they could muster.
Lorien continued to tell how Severus had almost been killed by Ian Fincastle, and how she herself had come close to meeting her demise at his hands as well. She finally offered them the story of the nightmare attack on Hogwarts itself, but left Draco's name out of the tale.
"We've also lost several dear friends," she continued, "so you can see why I think it's time that we get more involved. We need to DO something, not just sit and wait to be executed."
The day wore on into the late afternoon, as more people argued for and against going on the offensive. It was becoming quite obvious that the vast majority of the Nemorosi were in favor of such actions, and the council finally agreed that they had heard enough, and would meet in private over the next few days to make the final decision as to what should be done.
That now left other business to be discussed in front of the council, and Snape groaned inwardly as he realized what he was going to have to do. How on earth did he ever manage to get himself into this? Not only was he going to have to do this in front of the council, but in front of Lupin, Black and Potter as well. He looked at Taber who was seated a short distance away, and the man gave him a small encouraging nod.
The only thing that Snape could be thankful for was the fact that he was not the only one in his predicament, and he watched a Nemorosi wizard perhaps only a few years younger than he step before the council and announce his intentions towards Lorien's friend Althea.
The elders nodded in acknowledgment and the oldest, a heavyset woman with white hair coiled intricately up on her head, spoke as she looked around the large gathering. "Taen desputath?"
Silence met the woman's question, and she nodded and turned to Althea, who smiled shyly and blushed while nodding her acceptance of her suitor. Lorien, Rachel, and Ilizabeth all excitedly hugged their friend as the next young wizard endured the same.
Lorien whispered to Althea. "That's wonderful, Thea. How very romantic."
Althea nodded, still smiling as the next witch accepted the wizard that had just declared. Her expression changed to one of wonder after a moment and she tugged on Lorien's sleeve and indicated where Snape had stepped in front of the council.
Lorien thought she was going to faint.
So did Snape.
Lupin's mouth dropped open.
Black did a blatant double take.
Harry looked amazed.
Draco looked completely amused.
Lorien was sure that the end of the world must be around the corner if she was actually seeing what she thought she was seeing. Severus? Declare? She looked quickly at Perth, suddenly quite sure that this must be his doing, and the older man gave her an innocent look and shrugged.
At first she was dumbfounded when she heard him address the council, and then she realized just how much agony the man must be undergoing for her sake at the moment and smiled. She knew he loved her, but this was really putting himself on the line. Especially...she looked at the Hogwarts contingent and smiled again. Especially in front of them.
Lorien was biting her lip as she waited anxiously for Severus to finish. She wanted this to be over for him, and wanted to offer her acceptance as quickly as possible, and she readied her answer as the chief elder spoke again. "Taen desputath?"
Silence around the gathering.
Lorien took a step forward as the older woman looked at her, and then her heart sank as she heard another voice. Someone was issuing a challenge to Severus's declaration, and Lorien's head whipped around in time to see him step toward the council.
Of course, it was Marius.
