Elaine - Thanks again for your input! I think you'll enjoy where the duel
takes us.
Jolene - Thanks for reviewing. Glad someone appreciates my odd little sense of humor.
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Nytd sits at the smallest table in the corner of the café in the local Borders bookstore and glances at her watch. Two twenty-five. She's been kept waiting long enough to go over her list of questions for a third time and to start on a second grande lowfat, dry cappuccino without sugar.
She watches another couple come into the café and sit together at a nearby table with decaf herbal teas and their Sociology homework.
Ugh! Decaf! What's the point?
Nytd smiles to herself as she begins to feel the effects of the coffee she's been drinking, knowing that a good deal of her most creative writing has been the blessing of a caffeine-buzz muse. Two or three cups of straight high-test and you never know what might happen - a wandless magic lesson, a black iris at Valentine's day, a self-indulgent pre-chapter vignette....you just never know.
The café is getting more crowded, seats are getting scarce, and a third person asks if she might use the empty chair sitting across from Nytd, who sighs and smiles and nods. The woman takes the chair with a 'thanks' and leaves.
Well, then, let him conjure his own damn chair for being late. Nytd sips more cappuccino, and glances down irritatedly at her notes.
"Excuse me," interrupts a crisp British accent, "but is this seat taken?"
Nytd's eyes climb slowly from the notebook in front of her to the chair, on the opposite side of the table that wasn't there a moment ago, and then to the pleasant face of a tall, handsome, bespectacled man with slightly longish dark hair that is watching her expectantly.
She swallows hard and then shakes her head, indicating that the chair is available.
"Marvelous." The man pulls the chair out and sits with an easy and confident manner, crossing one leg over the other as he raises the newly- apparent coffee cup on the table in front of him to his lips.
He sets it down and gazes unblinkingly at Nytd. "Sorry, I'm late. As I'm sure you can well imagine, I've been a bit BUSY these days."
Nytd wisely decides not to push the issue of his tardiness. "No problem. I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to me....um...." she hesitates, not quite sure how to address him.
He smiles charmingly, looks around at the crowded café, and then looks back at Nytd. "Let's just keep it simple for now, shall we?" He peers over the top of his glasses at her. "Just call me....Tom."
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A Little Wager ~*~
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Lorien had asked Severus to meet her early the next morning before he began his next lessons with Perth. She watched as he made his way toward her across the small clearing and found herself thinking about what he'd said to her the night before.
She sighed. He was doing this because he thought she was worth it.
She knew how difficult it was for him to express his feelings still at this point out of habit of training himself to hide them for so many years, and it made the fact that he would do something of this nature all that more meaningful to her. She relished the rare moments of vulnerability her showed her, and smiled when she thought about what others would think if they ever saw the side of him that she periodically did.
"Why are you standing there grinning at me like an idiot, Lorien?" Severus asked sternly as he made it to where she was waiting for him. "Something amusing that I am not aware of?"
Ah, there was her Severus. Lorien pulled herself out of her reverie, and greeted him. "Ben ilyan. How are you this morning?"
"Fine. What is it you wanted to see me about?" He asked, anxious to get on with the day's lesson.
"I wanted to let you know that Marius has a fondness for blinding spells, and for fire," she said. "Make sure you remind Perth." She hesitated for a minute and then spoke again in a quieter voice. "The blinding spells I can't help you with, but as for the fire...." She held out something in her hand to him.
"What is this?" Severus looked at the small sharp object she deposited in his hand. It looked like a piece of bone attached to a thin silk cord, and then he realized what it was. A dragon's tooth. "You didn't!" He said, stunned, even as he knew that she did. Now he understood about the blood yesterday.
"Don't worry," she said with a smile. "It's way in the back, and besides, dragons regenerate their teeth." She indicated the white object in his hand. "It will protect you from fire as strong as that of a dragon. Marius isn't that powerful, so you'll be protected if he acts predictably."
Severus stared at his hand. "I can't believe you did this."
"I didn't. I had to get Rachel to do it for me," Lorien said with a smile. She took the tooth from his hand and reached up to place the cord around his neck, and tucked it down inside his collar. "There."
"Lorien, I thought you weren't supposed to help either of us before the duel," Severus said.
"I'm not," she admitted a bit sheepishly.
Severus began to smile. "Don't even tell me that you're cheating."
Lorien huffed at him. "I don't look at it that way at all. I believe the term is 'using unconventional methods? You said so yourself."
"That's if you are a Slytherin," he teased her. "I believe for you Ravenclaws the term is 'cheating'."
Lorien leaned close. "What about for a Ravenclaw that's in love with the Head of Slytherin?"
"I would definitely call that unconventional," Severus replied wryly, and turned to look at where Perth was coming toward them.
"Ben ilyan." Perth greeted them both. "Shall we get started, Severus?"
Snape blew out a sharp breath and then nodded, prepared for a long day of battering by incantation.
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By late morning, Snape had once again gained an undesired audience comprised of the Gryffindor contingent from Hogwarts and Draco Malfoy. Lorien had remained to give him encouragement, and unfortunately it meant that her three friends came to join her in order to get a better feel for what was going on. He cringed when he saw that there were now three more Nemorosi women for him to demonstrate his inadequacies of wandless magic in front of.
At least he was making progress. Once he'd overcome the initial mental block concerning the lack of his wand, he'd made steady gains in defending himself from a number of spells from Lorien's mentor.
Taber appeared to now be his mentor for the moment as well, and Severus was pleased when the man cast a new hex at him and he was able to come up with the correct defense.
"Excellent." Taber said. "You're doing well, Severus. I want to try something else." He gazed around the group until his eyes rested on Lorien. He wanted to have someone else step in and put Snape through his paces, but he decided that Lorien wouldn't be a good option. She might not attack him with the same fervor out of fear of doing him harm, and he needed someone that wouldn't pull their punches, so to speak.
Taber slowly turned to consider Black and Lupin. One of them should do. He briefly considered picking Sirius but realized the danger for a serious confrontation if things got out of control. Lorien had kept him well- informed about the animosity between the two men, so it would have to be Lupin. Taber had to refrain from smiling at the thought that the Hogwarts professor might enjoy having a go at a wandless Snape.
"Remus, might I ask for your assistance?" Perth asked.
"Of course. How might I help?" Remus asked, intrigued by what the man obviously had in mind.
Snape raised an eyebrow. Lovely. This should prove entertaining for everyone. On any given day Snape knew that he would have grudging respect for Lupin's abilities, and might even enjoy the prospect of pitting his own against the Defense instructor's, but going against the werewolf unarmed? Not a thought he relished, but then again, at least Lupin wouldn't be out for blood. Marius might.
Snape admonished himself mentally that he wasn't facing the other wizard unarmed. Just sans wand. It was a struggle to maintain the concept that they were not the same thing, and he readied himself as Remus stepped in front of him and raised his wand.
It wasn't until the fifth spell Lupin cast at Snape that he was finally unable to counter as well, and he sank to one knee in total darkness, panting from the exertion and blinded by the last hex. He remained there, one hand resting on his knee, worried about the fact that it was potentially this sort of spell by Marius that might do him in. He just hadn't quite been fast enough.
Snape was a bit discouraged. They were running out of time, and he had barely learned to defend himself, and weakly at that, never mind have any hope of mounting an offense against Marius.
He was sure that Lupin must have thoroughly enjoyed this little contest, and he was surprised when the hand that he felt on his shoulder was accompanied by the werewolf's voice. "Finite incantatum." Everything now slid back into focus, and Lupin spoke again.
"Alright there, Severus?" He offered his hand to help him up.
Snape regarded Lupin for a moment. The man was obviously trying to be helpful. Hell, he was trying to be nice even, wasn't he? He normally would have sneered at the man's offer and climbed to his feet himself, but he found himself locking wrists with Lupin and letting the man yank him up. "Thank you." He said very quietly.
Remus nodded and stood closer, dropping his own voice so that only Snape could hear. "Severus, from what I gather about Nemorosi duels, the only stipulation is that no wands are allowed." His gray eyes seemed to carry a bit of mischief as they met Snape's black ones.
"What are you saying?" Snape asked quietly as well.
"Well, it's just that I find it difficult to imagine that a git like Marius would even have the nerve to challenge a Hogwarts professor." Remus looked at him meaningfully. "The Hogwarts Potions master, no less."
Snape saw the grin that Lupin now wore, and when it dawned on him what the man was saying, the tiniest of smiles began to play around the corners of his mouth. The Defense professor had just given him his best offense.
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Harry and Draco had been watching the morning's lessons as several more of the Nemorosi stopped to assess the progress being made by the Slytherin teacher. Some of them observed out of curiosity, but Draco could tell that a number of them had more than a casual interest in the proceedings. There was obviously a considerable amount of wagering going on, and the small group of wizards near him debated about what odds to give Snape. They weren't good, but they'd improved a bit from yesterday.
Harry noticed Malfoy watching them with interest and spoke. "Don't even tell me that you're thinking about betting on the outcome."
Draco turned to regard Harry coldly. "What if I am? I don't see that it's any business of yours, Potter."
"Aren't you a bit underage?" Harry asked, unfazed.
"My money's as good as anyone twice my age." Malfoy sneered. "Why should they care?"
Harry shrugged. "Whatever. Do whatever you want, Malfoy. I could care less if you bet on Snape."
Draco laughed. "Snape! Who said anything about betting on Snape?" He asked in an amused fashion. "The idea of placing a wager is to try to win, Potter."
Harry now appeared amused. "So, you're betting on Marius? I thought you said that the Nemorosi were a bunch of nature loving fruitcakes."
Draco laughed derisively again. "That I did, and that they are, but I'm not STUPID, Potter. Marius obviously has the advantage in this situation."
Harry was annoyed at Draco's smug manner. He'd expected the Slytherin to vote for his head of house, and was surprised when Malfoy indicated he had no interest in displaying loyalties, only in profiting.
Draco saw the look Harry was wearing. "What? Don't tell me you think that Snape has a chance?" He sneered.
Harry shrugged again. "I think you're underestimating how much he can learn in a short time if he has the right mindset."
"Really? You think?" Draco asked sarcastically. "How about we make this interesting, Potter? Say, a little wager of our own?"
Harry watched Malfoy carefully as the blonde Slytherin continued.
"I'll put up ten Galleons that says Snape has to be carried out of the duel," he said haughtily.
Harry rose to the challenge. "I'll take that bet." He was suddenly surprised at the words he heard leaving his own lips. He was defending Snape? Well, Hermione would be amused if she ever found out, wouldn't she?
Draco sneered at him again. "You must be pretty sure, Potter. I'd like to see how you come up with the cash if he loses. One thing's for sure, you won't be borrowing it from your friend Weasley, now will you?" Draco laughed wickedly again.
Harry was furious but tried not to let Malfoy see that he'd been riled. "Don't worry, Malfoy. I have it." He turned and walked away to go and stand by Sirius.
Draco was smiling to himself, knowing that although Potter had tried to keep it hidden, he'd been able to get under his skin a bit with the comment about Weasley. Stupid Weasleys. Bunch of moronic...
"So, how is he faring?"
Draco turned at the female voice that interrupted his musings. "What?"
A girl about his age, dark of complexion and hair, was standing there looking to him for a reply, and Draco found himself standing there not answering as he took in the deep cocoa eyes that looked back at him.
"I asked how he was faring," the girl replied patiently. She indicated where Lupin was repeatedly hexing Snape. "The Potions master."
"Oh." Replied Draco. "Fine, I guess."
"He's very brave for accepting the challenge by Marius, don't you think?" She mused aloud as she watched from where she stood next to him.
"Brave?" Draco asked, looking at her incredulously. "The man is an idiot. He's going to get trounced by Marius tomorrow."
She frowned a little. "Perhaps, but knowing that and still going through with it to defend his honor and the right to declare for his..um...ladyfriend takes an act of courage."
"You mean his paramicaan?" Draco asked, a bit facetiously.
The girl lit up a little. "Yes. Exactly!" She missed the edge to his tone of voice and offered her hand. "I'm Beska."
Draco shook her hand quickly. "Draco," he replied, trying not to roll his eyes at the Nemorosi girl.
"You're a student at Hogwarts, then?" She asked, clearly intent on continuing a conversation.
"Yes." Draco replied. "Fifth year. And you?" His reply was less than enthusiastic.
"Fifth year, Beauxbatons," she replied. "So, what brings you here? Interest in the council proceedings?"
"Yes." He lied, not really wanting to admit that his involuntary presence was so that Snape could babysit him after the stunt he'd pulled the night of the party.
"So, what do you think?" She asked. "Do you think the Nemorosi should go after the Death Eaters?"
Draco stared at her for a moment, and then became amused that she would ask him, of all people, that question. The girl had no idea, obviously. "It's a difficult decision," he replied noncommittally.
"Absolutely, but I think they should act. The Death Eaters are becoming too powerful, and they've killed too many witches," Beska answered.
Draco was more amused at the thought that Beska most certainly didn't know about the mark that Snape, who she was admiring earlier, bore on his arm. He decided to have a little fun. "It's such a shame that so many innocent women had to die," he said, feigning mock concern.
Beska looked pleased that he thought so, and the thought suddenly occurred to Draco that it was possible his stay here for the next few days might become more interesting if he played his cards right. She had turned her deep brown eyes to where Snape was being helped up by Lupin, and Draco took the opportunity to assess her other features while she wasn't looking. Not half bad. Not bad at all.
He decided as he looked her over that he definitely liked the prospect of a sweet little Nemorosi plaything showing him a bit of wandless magic. Of course, not the type that Snape was struggling with at the moment, but more the type that Lorien had no doubt demonstrated for the Potions master in the past. "So," he began, engaging her in a topic that he really had no interest in whatsoever, "how do you like Beauxbatons?"
She looked pleased that Draco was making an effort to engage her in further conversation, and Draco's wicked thoughts continued as the girl rambled on about her school.
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By dinnertime that evening, Severus had progressed in defending himself from much of what Perth and Remus threw at him, and he found the better things went the greater his confidence became. Lorien had been right, it was really all in one's mindset. Of course, tomorrow afternoon would be different against Marius, and Severus still hadn't devised much of an offense, but ultimately his goal was to survive the encounter with his pride intact and not much more. He had the luxury of knowing that regardless of the outcome of the duel that Lorien would remain with him.
The group broke for a bit to rest and to eat, and then Perth dragged Severus once again back to his lessons, intent on seeing if the Potions master would be a quick study in learning some offensive spells.
Lorien found that she needed more of a break from watching the grueling trials that Taber was putting Severus through. It was nerve-wracking to watch him go through this and she decided to go for a walk.
She'd only gone a short distance, when she heard someone coming up behind her. She turned to see who it might be, and was surprised to find Remus walking towards her.
"Hi." He said cheerfully.
"Hi, yourself." She said.
"You alright?" He asked, sounding a little concerned.
"I'm fine. I just needed to take a break from watching him take a beating all day," she replied.
"He's doing pretty well," Remus admitted.
"He is. I just wish we had more time," she said. "I don't know if it's going to be enough against Marius tomorrow."
"He'll be fine, Lorien. I threw some pretty tough stuff at him this afternoon and he managed to avoid most of it." He smiled. "And don't think I'd miss the opportunity to have a free shot at hexing him."
Lorien laughed. "So, you weren't going easy on him?"
"Hell, no." Remus laughed.
"That's encouraging." Lorien said with a smile.
"Why is that?" Remus asked her.
She stepped forward and placed her hand on his arm. "You're much more talented that Marius, Remus."
"Good. You know as much as I hate to admit this, Lorien, I hope that Severus does well tomorrow." Remus said.
"What made you decide that?" She asked in an amused fashion.
"I met the charming Marius yesterday," he replied.
Lorien rolled her eyes. "Enough said."
"Well, I just wanted to make sure that you were ok." Remus turned to go, and then stopped and spoke to her without looking back at her. "May I ask you something?"
"Of course, Remus," she said, wondering what he wanted to ask her.
"Are you happy, Lorien?" He asked softly.
"Sorry?" It took her a second to realize what he was asking.
Remus turned back again to look at her. "Does he make you happy?"
Lorien thought he looked genuinely concerned, but of course this was Remus. She knew he was genuinely concerned. "Yes." She answered softly.
"Does he love you?" Remus asked, watching her carefully.
Lorien merely smiled and indicated the place across the clearing where Severus was being put through his paces by Perth again.
Remus looked where she pointed and then laughed and nodded. "He loves you." Remus walked the few paces back to where she was and took her hand in his. "I'm very glad, Lorien. I've only ever wanted for you to be happy."
Lorien smiled and twined her fingers through his. "And you, Remus? Are you happy?" She looked into the soft gray eyes.
"Lorien," he began, "things are wonderful right now. I get to do what I love best and teach every day," he replied. "I have Marlina and Noah in my life, and I can't even tell you how much they've come to mean to me. Sirius is free, so I have my best friend back...yes, I'm very happy."
Lorien looked pleased. "You deserve to be happy, Remus. No one deserves it more."
He smiled at her again. "Come here," he said quietly, and he pulled her to him in a warm embrace, holding her tightly for a long moment. "I also still have you," he said softly. "I'm glad, Lorien."
"You always will, Remus," she said quietly, holding him tighter for a minute.
Remus finally released her and held her at arms length. "You know what else?" He asked, and she knew him well enough to know she was about to laugh.
"What?" She asked, smiling already.
"Snape." He replied.
"What?"
"I believe that on top of everything else that Severus might even despise me a little less than he used to." He grinned at her. "My life is nearly complete."
Lorien did end up laughing and then strolled back to the clearing with one of her best friends.
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A/N: Next chapter - The duel!
Jolene - Thanks for reviewing. Glad someone appreciates my odd little sense of humor.
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Nytd sits at the smallest table in the corner of the café in the local Borders bookstore and glances at her watch. Two twenty-five. She's been kept waiting long enough to go over her list of questions for a third time and to start on a second grande lowfat, dry cappuccino without sugar.
She watches another couple come into the café and sit together at a nearby table with decaf herbal teas and their Sociology homework.
Ugh! Decaf! What's the point?
Nytd smiles to herself as she begins to feel the effects of the coffee she's been drinking, knowing that a good deal of her most creative writing has been the blessing of a caffeine-buzz muse. Two or three cups of straight high-test and you never know what might happen - a wandless magic lesson, a black iris at Valentine's day, a self-indulgent pre-chapter vignette....you just never know.
The café is getting more crowded, seats are getting scarce, and a third person asks if she might use the empty chair sitting across from Nytd, who sighs and smiles and nods. The woman takes the chair with a 'thanks' and leaves.
Well, then, let him conjure his own damn chair for being late. Nytd sips more cappuccino, and glances down irritatedly at her notes.
"Excuse me," interrupts a crisp British accent, "but is this seat taken?"
Nytd's eyes climb slowly from the notebook in front of her to the chair, on the opposite side of the table that wasn't there a moment ago, and then to the pleasant face of a tall, handsome, bespectacled man with slightly longish dark hair that is watching her expectantly.
She swallows hard and then shakes her head, indicating that the chair is available.
"Marvelous." The man pulls the chair out and sits with an easy and confident manner, crossing one leg over the other as he raises the newly- apparent coffee cup on the table in front of him to his lips.
He sets it down and gazes unblinkingly at Nytd. "Sorry, I'm late. As I'm sure you can well imagine, I've been a bit BUSY these days."
Nytd wisely decides not to push the issue of his tardiness. "No problem. I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to me....um...." she hesitates, not quite sure how to address him.
He smiles charmingly, looks around at the crowded café, and then looks back at Nytd. "Let's just keep it simple for now, shall we?" He peers over the top of his glasses at her. "Just call me....Tom."
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A Little Wager ~*~
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Lorien had asked Severus to meet her early the next morning before he began his next lessons with Perth. She watched as he made his way toward her across the small clearing and found herself thinking about what he'd said to her the night before.
She sighed. He was doing this because he thought she was worth it.
She knew how difficult it was for him to express his feelings still at this point out of habit of training himself to hide them for so many years, and it made the fact that he would do something of this nature all that more meaningful to her. She relished the rare moments of vulnerability her showed her, and smiled when she thought about what others would think if they ever saw the side of him that she periodically did.
"Why are you standing there grinning at me like an idiot, Lorien?" Severus asked sternly as he made it to where she was waiting for him. "Something amusing that I am not aware of?"
Ah, there was her Severus. Lorien pulled herself out of her reverie, and greeted him. "Ben ilyan. How are you this morning?"
"Fine. What is it you wanted to see me about?" He asked, anxious to get on with the day's lesson.
"I wanted to let you know that Marius has a fondness for blinding spells, and for fire," she said. "Make sure you remind Perth." She hesitated for a minute and then spoke again in a quieter voice. "The blinding spells I can't help you with, but as for the fire...." She held out something in her hand to him.
"What is this?" Severus looked at the small sharp object she deposited in his hand. It looked like a piece of bone attached to a thin silk cord, and then he realized what it was. A dragon's tooth. "You didn't!" He said, stunned, even as he knew that she did. Now he understood about the blood yesterday.
"Don't worry," she said with a smile. "It's way in the back, and besides, dragons regenerate their teeth." She indicated the white object in his hand. "It will protect you from fire as strong as that of a dragon. Marius isn't that powerful, so you'll be protected if he acts predictably."
Severus stared at his hand. "I can't believe you did this."
"I didn't. I had to get Rachel to do it for me," Lorien said with a smile. She took the tooth from his hand and reached up to place the cord around his neck, and tucked it down inside his collar. "There."
"Lorien, I thought you weren't supposed to help either of us before the duel," Severus said.
"I'm not," she admitted a bit sheepishly.
Severus began to smile. "Don't even tell me that you're cheating."
Lorien huffed at him. "I don't look at it that way at all. I believe the term is 'using unconventional methods? You said so yourself."
"That's if you are a Slytherin," he teased her. "I believe for you Ravenclaws the term is 'cheating'."
Lorien leaned close. "What about for a Ravenclaw that's in love with the Head of Slytherin?"
"I would definitely call that unconventional," Severus replied wryly, and turned to look at where Perth was coming toward them.
"Ben ilyan." Perth greeted them both. "Shall we get started, Severus?"
Snape blew out a sharp breath and then nodded, prepared for a long day of battering by incantation.
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By late morning, Snape had once again gained an undesired audience comprised of the Gryffindor contingent from Hogwarts and Draco Malfoy. Lorien had remained to give him encouragement, and unfortunately it meant that her three friends came to join her in order to get a better feel for what was going on. He cringed when he saw that there were now three more Nemorosi women for him to demonstrate his inadequacies of wandless magic in front of.
At least he was making progress. Once he'd overcome the initial mental block concerning the lack of his wand, he'd made steady gains in defending himself from a number of spells from Lorien's mentor.
Taber appeared to now be his mentor for the moment as well, and Severus was pleased when the man cast a new hex at him and he was able to come up with the correct defense.
"Excellent." Taber said. "You're doing well, Severus. I want to try something else." He gazed around the group until his eyes rested on Lorien. He wanted to have someone else step in and put Snape through his paces, but he decided that Lorien wouldn't be a good option. She might not attack him with the same fervor out of fear of doing him harm, and he needed someone that wouldn't pull their punches, so to speak.
Taber slowly turned to consider Black and Lupin. One of them should do. He briefly considered picking Sirius but realized the danger for a serious confrontation if things got out of control. Lorien had kept him well- informed about the animosity between the two men, so it would have to be Lupin. Taber had to refrain from smiling at the thought that the Hogwarts professor might enjoy having a go at a wandless Snape.
"Remus, might I ask for your assistance?" Perth asked.
"Of course. How might I help?" Remus asked, intrigued by what the man obviously had in mind.
Snape raised an eyebrow. Lovely. This should prove entertaining for everyone. On any given day Snape knew that he would have grudging respect for Lupin's abilities, and might even enjoy the prospect of pitting his own against the Defense instructor's, but going against the werewolf unarmed? Not a thought he relished, but then again, at least Lupin wouldn't be out for blood. Marius might.
Snape admonished himself mentally that he wasn't facing the other wizard unarmed. Just sans wand. It was a struggle to maintain the concept that they were not the same thing, and he readied himself as Remus stepped in front of him and raised his wand.
It wasn't until the fifth spell Lupin cast at Snape that he was finally unable to counter as well, and he sank to one knee in total darkness, panting from the exertion and blinded by the last hex. He remained there, one hand resting on his knee, worried about the fact that it was potentially this sort of spell by Marius that might do him in. He just hadn't quite been fast enough.
Snape was a bit discouraged. They were running out of time, and he had barely learned to defend himself, and weakly at that, never mind have any hope of mounting an offense against Marius.
He was sure that Lupin must have thoroughly enjoyed this little contest, and he was surprised when the hand that he felt on his shoulder was accompanied by the werewolf's voice. "Finite incantatum." Everything now slid back into focus, and Lupin spoke again.
"Alright there, Severus?" He offered his hand to help him up.
Snape regarded Lupin for a moment. The man was obviously trying to be helpful. Hell, he was trying to be nice even, wasn't he? He normally would have sneered at the man's offer and climbed to his feet himself, but he found himself locking wrists with Lupin and letting the man yank him up. "Thank you." He said very quietly.
Remus nodded and stood closer, dropping his own voice so that only Snape could hear. "Severus, from what I gather about Nemorosi duels, the only stipulation is that no wands are allowed." His gray eyes seemed to carry a bit of mischief as they met Snape's black ones.
"What are you saying?" Snape asked quietly as well.
"Well, it's just that I find it difficult to imagine that a git like Marius would even have the nerve to challenge a Hogwarts professor." Remus looked at him meaningfully. "The Hogwarts Potions master, no less."
Snape saw the grin that Lupin now wore, and when it dawned on him what the man was saying, the tiniest of smiles began to play around the corners of his mouth. The Defense professor had just given him his best offense.
*
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Harry and Draco had been watching the morning's lessons as several more of the Nemorosi stopped to assess the progress being made by the Slytherin teacher. Some of them observed out of curiosity, but Draco could tell that a number of them had more than a casual interest in the proceedings. There was obviously a considerable amount of wagering going on, and the small group of wizards near him debated about what odds to give Snape. They weren't good, but they'd improved a bit from yesterday.
Harry noticed Malfoy watching them with interest and spoke. "Don't even tell me that you're thinking about betting on the outcome."
Draco turned to regard Harry coldly. "What if I am? I don't see that it's any business of yours, Potter."
"Aren't you a bit underage?" Harry asked, unfazed.
"My money's as good as anyone twice my age." Malfoy sneered. "Why should they care?"
Harry shrugged. "Whatever. Do whatever you want, Malfoy. I could care less if you bet on Snape."
Draco laughed. "Snape! Who said anything about betting on Snape?" He asked in an amused fashion. "The idea of placing a wager is to try to win, Potter."
Harry now appeared amused. "So, you're betting on Marius? I thought you said that the Nemorosi were a bunch of nature loving fruitcakes."
Draco laughed derisively again. "That I did, and that they are, but I'm not STUPID, Potter. Marius obviously has the advantage in this situation."
Harry was annoyed at Draco's smug manner. He'd expected the Slytherin to vote for his head of house, and was surprised when Malfoy indicated he had no interest in displaying loyalties, only in profiting.
Draco saw the look Harry was wearing. "What? Don't tell me you think that Snape has a chance?" He sneered.
Harry shrugged again. "I think you're underestimating how much he can learn in a short time if he has the right mindset."
"Really? You think?" Draco asked sarcastically. "How about we make this interesting, Potter? Say, a little wager of our own?"
Harry watched Malfoy carefully as the blonde Slytherin continued.
"I'll put up ten Galleons that says Snape has to be carried out of the duel," he said haughtily.
Harry rose to the challenge. "I'll take that bet." He was suddenly surprised at the words he heard leaving his own lips. He was defending Snape? Well, Hermione would be amused if she ever found out, wouldn't she?
Draco sneered at him again. "You must be pretty sure, Potter. I'd like to see how you come up with the cash if he loses. One thing's for sure, you won't be borrowing it from your friend Weasley, now will you?" Draco laughed wickedly again.
Harry was furious but tried not to let Malfoy see that he'd been riled. "Don't worry, Malfoy. I have it." He turned and walked away to go and stand by Sirius.
Draco was smiling to himself, knowing that although Potter had tried to keep it hidden, he'd been able to get under his skin a bit with the comment about Weasley. Stupid Weasleys. Bunch of moronic...
"So, how is he faring?"
Draco turned at the female voice that interrupted his musings. "What?"
A girl about his age, dark of complexion and hair, was standing there looking to him for a reply, and Draco found himself standing there not answering as he took in the deep cocoa eyes that looked back at him.
"I asked how he was faring," the girl replied patiently. She indicated where Lupin was repeatedly hexing Snape. "The Potions master."
"Oh." Replied Draco. "Fine, I guess."
"He's very brave for accepting the challenge by Marius, don't you think?" She mused aloud as she watched from where she stood next to him.
"Brave?" Draco asked, looking at her incredulously. "The man is an idiot. He's going to get trounced by Marius tomorrow."
She frowned a little. "Perhaps, but knowing that and still going through with it to defend his honor and the right to declare for his..um...ladyfriend takes an act of courage."
"You mean his paramicaan?" Draco asked, a bit facetiously.
The girl lit up a little. "Yes. Exactly!" She missed the edge to his tone of voice and offered her hand. "I'm Beska."
Draco shook her hand quickly. "Draco," he replied, trying not to roll his eyes at the Nemorosi girl.
"You're a student at Hogwarts, then?" She asked, clearly intent on continuing a conversation.
"Yes." Draco replied. "Fifth year. And you?" His reply was less than enthusiastic.
"Fifth year, Beauxbatons," she replied. "So, what brings you here? Interest in the council proceedings?"
"Yes." He lied, not really wanting to admit that his involuntary presence was so that Snape could babysit him after the stunt he'd pulled the night of the party.
"So, what do you think?" She asked. "Do you think the Nemorosi should go after the Death Eaters?"
Draco stared at her for a moment, and then became amused that she would ask him, of all people, that question. The girl had no idea, obviously. "It's a difficult decision," he replied noncommittally.
"Absolutely, but I think they should act. The Death Eaters are becoming too powerful, and they've killed too many witches," Beska answered.
Draco was more amused at the thought that Beska most certainly didn't know about the mark that Snape, who she was admiring earlier, bore on his arm. He decided to have a little fun. "It's such a shame that so many innocent women had to die," he said, feigning mock concern.
Beska looked pleased that he thought so, and the thought suddenly occurred to Draco that it was possible his stay here for the next few days might become more interesting if he played his cards right. She had turned her deep brown eyes to where Snape was being helped up by Lupin, and Draco took the opportunity to assess her other features while she wasn't looking. Not half bad. Not bad at all.
He decided as he looked her over that he definitely liked the prospect of a sweet little Nemorosi plaything showing him a bit of wandless magic. Of course, not the type that Snape was struggling with at the moment, but more the type that Lorien had no doubt demonstrated for the Potions master in the past. "So," he began, engaging her in a topic that he really had no interest in whatsoever, "how do you like Beauxbatons?"
She looked pleased that Draco was making an effort to engage her in further conversation, and Draco's wicked thoughts continued as the girl rambled on about her school.
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By dinnertime that evening, Severus had progressed in defending himself from much of what Perth and Remus threw at him, and he found the better things went the greater his confidence became. Lorien had been right, it was really all in one's mindset. Of course, tomorrow afternoon would be different against Marius, and Severus still hadn't devised much of an offense, but ultimately his goal was to survive the encounter with his pride intact and not much more. He had the luxury of knowing that regardless of the outcome of the duel that Lorien would remain with him.
The group broke for a bit to rest and to eat, and then Perth dragged Severus once again back to his lessons, intent on seeing if the Potions master would be a quick study in learning some offensive spells.
Lorien found that she needed more of a break from watching the grueling trials that Taber was putting Severus through. It was nerve-wracking to watch him go through this and she decided to go for a walk.
She'd only gone a short distance, when she heard someone coming up behind her. She turned to see who it might be, and was surprised to find Remus walking towards her.
"Hi." He said cheerfully.
"Hi, yourself." She said.
"You alright?" He asked, sounding a little concerned.
"I'm fine. I just needed to take a break from watching him take a beating all day," she replied.
"He's doing pretty well," Remus admitted.
"He is. I just wish we had more time," she said. "I don't know if it's going to be enough against Marius tomorrow."
"He'll be fine, Lorien. I threw some pretty tough stuff at him this afternoon and he managed to avoid most of it." He smiled. "And don't think I'd miss the opportunity to have a free shot at hexing him."
Lorien laughed. "So, you weren't going easy on him?"
"Hell, no." Remus laughed.
"That's encouraging." Lorien said with a smile.
"Why is that?" Remus asked her.
She stepped forward and placed her hand on his arm. "You're much more talented that Marius, Remus."
"Good. You know as much as I hate to admit this, Lorien, I hope that Severus does well tomorrow." Remus said.
"What made you decide that?" She asked in an amused fashion.
"I met the charming Marius yesterday," he replied.
Lorien rolled her eyes. "Enough said."
"Well, I just wanted to make sure that you were ok." Remus turned to go, and then stopped and spoke to her without looking back at her. "May I ask you something?"
"Of course, Remus," she said, wondering what he wanted to ask her.
"Are you happy, Lorien?" He asked softly.
"Sorry?" It took her a second to realize what he was asking.
Remus turned back again to look at her. "Does he make you happy?"
Lorien thought he looked genuinely concerned, but of course this was Remus. She knew he was genuinely concerned. "Yes." She answered softly.
"Does he love you?" Remus asked, watching her carefully.
Lorien merely smiled and indicated the place across the clearing where Severus was being put through his paces by Perth again.
Remus looked where she pointed and then laughed and nodded. "He loves you." Remus walked the few paces back to where she was and took her hand in his. "I'm very glad, Lorien. I've only ever wanted for you to be happy."
Lorien smiled and twined her fingers through his. "And you, Remus? Are you happy?" She looked into the soft gray eyes.
"Lorien," he began, "things are wonderful right now. I get to do what I love best and teach every day," he replied. "I have Marlina and Noah in my life, and I can't even tell you how much they've come to mean to me. Sirius is free, so I have my best friend back...yes, I'm very happy."
Lorien looked pleased. "You deserve to be happy, Remus. No one deserves it more."
He smiled at her again. "Come here," he said quietly, and he pulled her to him in a warm embrace, holding her tightly for a long moment. "I also still have you," he said softly. "I'm glad, Lorien."
"You always will, Remus," she said quietly, holding him tighter for a minute.
Remus finally released her and held her at arms length. "You know what else?" He asked, and she knew him well enough to know she was about to laugh.
"What?" She asked, smiling already.
"Snape." He replied.
"What?"
"I believe that on top of everything else that Severus might even despise me a little less than he used to." He grinned at her. "My life is nearly complete."
Lorien did end up laughing and then strolled back to the clearing with one of her best friends.
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A/N: Next chapter - The duel!
