Part 12 Hogsmeade
Willow, Faith and Fred were standing at the castle entrance Saturday morning, watching the students file out the door as they were checked off the list by Filch. Fred waved to Charlie as she spotted him making his way from Hagrid's hut, now they were just waiting for Snape to arrive and they could leave. As the number of students waiting to leave began to dwindle, Willow frowned, he still wasn't here.
"Are we ready to go?" Charlie asked, as Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny approached, "We're all walking over together right?"
"Where's Professor Snape?" Willow asked the four students.
"Snape?" Hermione asked in surprise, no one ever cared where he was unless they were in the halls after curfew.
"Hiding in his dungeon?" Ron suggested.
"He doesn't usually go to Hogsmeade," Hermione shot Ron an irritated look, as much as they didn't like Snape they shouldn't insult him in front of other teachers.
"He is today," Willow muttered already heading down the hall, as the other's stood watching her.
"Well, I guess she's meeting us there," Faith shrugged and headed out the door, followed by Charlie and Fred, the shocked students still gaping at Willow joined them a few seconds later.
**********
Willow stormed into the Potions classroom, finding it empty she made her way across to the storage room on the opposite side of the room, finding that empty too she stormed out of the classroom. Next she headed to his personal quarters. Knocking on the door she received no response. She couldn't just barge in, she didn't know his password.
"Don't suppose you'll open if I just say please?" She asked the smirking wizard in the portrait over the door.
"Sorry," He replied, "As angry as you look, Professor Snape is still scarier. If I anger him he could make me guard the entrance to the Slytherin House then I'd have to deal with those horrid children all the time."
"Okay, wow," Willow smiled, "You're perfect for him aren't you? Though you understand I won't stop knocking until he let's me in because I know he's in there."
"I understand, Good Luck," The wizard smiled at her before disappearing into his frame, having decided he did not want to listen to the argument that would undoubtedly occur; it seemed the Professor had met his match.
"Snape I am not leaving until you open this door!" Willow shouted, banging on the door again.
Inside the sitting room, Severus Snape rubbed his temple, he had hoped hiding in here the girl would forget his promise and leave with her friends. Obviously, he had been mistaken. He considered ignoring her, in hopes she would just go away. Her next statement however, had him rising to his feet to open the door.
"If you don't open this door I will blow it off its magical hinges," Willow shouted reaching in her pocket for her wand.
"Please don't damage school property Miss Rosenberg," The door was pulled open to reveal the unhappy face of Snape.
"What are you doing down here?" She stormed past him.
"Grading papers," He pulled the portrait closed, following her into his sitting room.
"We were going to Hogsmeade."
"I was hoping you would forget," He had decided lying to her would be useless.
"Wrong," She grabbed his arm preventing him from sitting, "We're going now."
"Miss Rosenberg," He began pulling his arm away from her.
"I think it's okay for you to call me Willow," She smiled, "Now let's go."
"I do not wish to go to Hogsmeade," He turned to face her, did she have to smile all the time.
"Well, I wish you to go," She said, imitating both the accent and the annoyed tone, "You might have fun."
"I highly doubt that," He frowned, spending the day with her wasn't as irritating a prospect as he would have thought, but a day in town surrounded by students. "Wouldn't you rather we stay here and discuss the Death Eaters further, or we could work on some new potions or spells if you'd like?"
"Nice try but Ron, and Harry said there's a really great candy store and I've never had butter beer and I."
"Not only do you expect me to go to Hogsmeade but I have to go to Honeydukes?" Snape had moved and was now standing inches away from Willow staring at her with a look of utter distaste, "That is where the students will be."
"Most likely," Willow grinned, "Look at it this way, you can scowl and growl at them and watch them run in fear. 'Sides if you want to ever learn to not be so damn unhappy all the time you have to learn to be friends."
"No one wants to be my friend, Mi.Willow," He sighed.
"I do. If I didn't I wouldn't be here," Willow was looking at him sadly now, "I've dealt with scary before and trust me you don't compare to Angelus or Spike, and I still like them."
"Let's go," Snape turned and headed out the door, if he just went with her maybe she would tire of his company in a couple hours and he could come back and sulk as usual.
**********
Once they reached Hogsmeade Ron and Harry decided to go to Honeydukes and the joke shop; while Ginny and Hermione headed to some new clothing shops they had seen, they invited Faith to join them but she just muttered that she wanted to look around, and asked for directions to the Shrieking Shack. Both girls looked puzzled as to why she wanted to go there but gave her directions. Charlie and Fred headed to a small coffee shop, that wouldn't be too crowded with students.
Charlie led Fred to a small table in the corner so that if students did show up they would, hopefully, not notice them. After ordering drinks for each of them he turned his attention to Fred. They hadn't had a lot of time to talk to each other, both being busy during the day, and he didn't live in the castle with the other teachers.
"So, what is Los Angeles like?" He asked, "Is it very different from here?"
"You're kidding right? This," Fred motioned to everything around her, "Is different than anything I've ever seen. I don't know if there is even a wizarding part of L.A."
"There is," He assured her, "You just haven't seen it. So tell me about this overprotective vampire I should worry about."
"Angel," Fred laughed, "He's not really bad. He just worries. Well, broods is more the word I guess. He's coming to visit I think, around Christmas. He said he'd talk to Willow's class."
"So I should hide then?"
"No, not unless you plan on hurting me, but then you'd probably have to worry about Faith first because she's here."
"Thanks for the warning."
"So what's it like working with dragons? Sounds cool, and well, dangerous."
"It is dangerous," Charlie replied, "Fun though, assuming you don't mind danger and being outside a lot. So how is it that you don't have a boyfriend?"
"Well I did but we just.something happened that.it's a long story," Fred shrugged.
"And one you don't want to discuss," Charlie glanced at their now empty cups, "Want to look around. We've been here long enough that Honeydukes should be emptying out a little."
"Sure."
They left the shop, and headed down the street talking quietly about there lives. They didn't notice Ginny and Hermione watching them from a shop window, whispering to each other.
"They look so cute together don't they?" Hermione whispered as Fred and Charlie passed.
"Yeah, and Charlie likes her. If he didn't he would not have bothered coming here, he would rather spend time with his dragons or other animals than here," Ginny grinned, her brother was even venturing into the small shop with a lot of pink frilly things in the window.
**********
Faith approached the run down shack at the edge of town. Several students had stopped her to tell her it was haunted, which she would have dismissed as silly, but she's seen stranger things than a haunted shack. It didn't look haunted though, and it was where Remus said to meet him. Approaching the door, she pushed it open slowly, having been a slayer to long to not be cautious when entering an abandoned building.
"Hello," Faith turned quickly reaching for the stake in her pocket, to see Remus Lupin sitting on a wooden chair in the corner.
"Can't stake me," He smiled wryly.
"Sorry, out of silver bullets," She stuck the piece of wood back in her pocket.
"So you know?" His smile faltered, "But you still came?"
"Yeah, it's not a full moon," She grabbed the empty chair next him and sat down.
"Most people don't care. A werewolf's a werewolf."
"Most people aren't slayers and haven't lived on a Hellmouth," Faith shrugged, "Hell; my best friend is a vampire."
"Really?"
"Yeah, Angel showed me how to get help and believed in me."
"That's great," Lupin agreed, "its always nice to have friends to support you, don't know what I would have done without Sirius, James, and Dumbledore."
"You know Dumbledore?"
"Yes, he was headmaster when I attended Hogwarts and I was the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor for a year."
"Oh, right," Faith said, "Why did you leave?"
"Students found out that I was a werewolf."
"He fired you?"
"Oh, no," Remus smiled, "Dumbledore wouldn't do that, I left because I knew how parents would react. Though I hear he's um, gone?"
"Yeah, that's why I'm here, Willow, Fred and I are supposed to protecting some kids."
"Harry Potter?"
"How did you know?"
"I know Harry; if they believe Voldemort took Dumbledore they would want to protect him," Lupin answered, "Want to go for a walk?"
"Why not?" Faith stood, "You don't mind seeing the students?"
"No, it would be nice to see Harry, Ron and Hermione."
"Let's go." Lupin led her out of the shack and into town.
**********
Willow pulled the hesitant Professor Snape into Honeydukes as several students were making their way out. Once inside he stood near several bins of candy, arms crossed over his chest, glaring at the students still remaining in the shop. Willow made her way slowly through the store examining every bin of candy, occasionally asking a student or Snape about something she was unsure of, and choosing several different kinds to purchase. By the time she had paid for her selections, Snape's scowling and glaring had chased most of the students away.
"Okay I think you've successfully frightened everyone in this shop shall we move on?" Willow returned to Snape's side, holding a large bag of candy, "Did you know that these Chocolate Frogs really jump?"
"Yes," He frowned as he followed her outside, "Are you quite sure you wouldn't rather be with your friends?"
"You are my friend. At least you will be," Willow smiled, if it killed her she would show him that his past didn't have to make him miserable. She held up one of the frogs, "Want one?"
"No."
"Oh, let's go to the joke shop next," She grabbed his arm and began pulling him down the street, ignoring several students who stopped to stare at the sight of Professor Snape and their new Dark Arts Professor.
"Must we?"
"Yep, I can get Xander something really cool I bet, Andrew too."
"Who?" Snape scowled, why did he care who the men she spoke of were.
"Xander, remember best friend since I was five," She opened the door and waved to Ginny and Hermione who were looking at the merchandise, "Andrew helped us with the First but he was evil, well kind of, Warren was really the only evil one, Andrew and Jonathon were just stupid I think."
"Yes, well, that cleared it up."
"Hi, Professor Rosenberg," Hermione approached them, "Professor Snape."
"Hi Hermione, Ginny," Willow said, "We're looking for something for my friends, any suggestions?"
"Xander?" Hermione asked, having heard a lot about her friends in class.
"Yeah."
"There's some good stuff here," Ginny suggested, "But honestly my brothers Fred and George have some much cooler stuff. I can a list from them for you."
"Thanks, Can I get the stuff before Christmas?"
"Sure. I'll owl them as soon as we get back."
Snape was continuing to scowl at the girls who quickly ended their conversation and left the shop.
"You are really very good at scaring people away do you know that?" Willow was now the one frowning, a smile quickly spread across Snape's face at her words; making her frown deepen.
"No, see that's a bad thing," She pulled him back out of the store, "Three Broomsticks next I think."
"Wouldn't you rather go to the Hog's Head?" He suggested knowing the Three Broomsticks would be packed with students.
"Nope," Willow responded, "Now while we walk want to tell me why you hate Remus?" She asked noticing him snarling at Faith and Remus Lupin who were walking on the other side of the busy street.
"No."
"You don't know me very well do you?" Willow smiled as they neared their destination, "I won't quit asking until you answer."
"Fine, I hate him because he did nothing."
"That makes no sense," Willow tugged open the door and pulled him inside, not noticing all the students staring at the two of them amazed that someone was voluntarily spending time with Professor Snape.
**********
Fred and Charlie left Honeydukes carrying a large bag of candy. The streets were still packed with students, as it was still early in the day. It was nearing lunch but Charlie didn't want to go to The Three Broomsticks because it would be noisy and filled with students making it impossible to talk.
"Have you been to the lake yet? Seen the Giant Squid?"
"Giant Squid?" Fred asked, "It's not demonic is it?"
"Demonic? I don't think so. Want to pick up lunch and have a picnic?"
"Sure," Fred laughed at his puzzled expression, "Sorry, but large creatures tend to end up being demonic. Did I tell you about the Giant Rock demon thing?"
"No," Charlie turned and headed toward a small restaurant to order their lunch.
**********
Faith and Lupin were making their way into the Hog's Head for lunch. He had assured her it would be quieter than The Three Broomsticks, and he was fairly sure this particular girl would not mind the slightly different type of people that frequented the pub. They quickly ordered drinks and found an empty table in a reasonably quiet corner.
"So you helped to fight this Voldemort guy last time?" Faith asked as they sat down.
"Yes. My friend Sirius died during the fight with the Death Eaters," He answered, "Is Harry doing well, he took Sirius' death hard and I written him and he says he's fine but."
"He five by five," She answered, "We just need to figure out these visions."
"Harry's having visions again?"
"Yeah, Willow's sharing them with him. We think Dumbledore may be causing them not Voldemort."
"Dumbledore?" Remus asked, "How is he."
"Willow says it's possible to enter someone's mind to communicate with them. She thinks he's trying to help them find him. But it's only been the one vision."
"If I can help."
"How long are you going to be here?" Faith asked, she enjoyed talking to him and hoped he would be around for a while.
"I have no where else I need to be," He smiled, "I've been using Sirius' house but without a job, I can stay in the shack as long as I want."
"That shack is not fit to live in, and I've lived in some real dumps," Faith said, "What about at the castle, if you were helping with the Dumbledore thing?"
"I don't think." Before he could get his answer out Faith had spotted Professor Mcgonagall and was calling her over.
"Do you think we could find a place for Remus at the castle, if he fought.?"
"Professor Lupin is welcome at the castle any time," Mcgonagall replied, "Most of the parents who would raise objections are not. in a position to do so any longer."
Mcgonagall was well aware the majority of the parents that would have fought against it hardest were now known Death Eaters and no longer in a position of power. Lupin could also be a great asset in finding and rescuing Albus Dumbledore. She also new he was very much in need of friends who didn't care about his problem, Faith didn't seem to be affected by the knowledge at all.
"Okay so you can come back with me tonight and we'll find you a room," Faith smiled.
"I'm heading back now, I'll have the house elves prepare your old room Remus," Mcgonagall smiled and headed back to the door.
"Thank you," Remus smiled at Faith, it had been a long time since someone had been concerned enough to even ask where he was living.
"No problem," She leaned over and kissed him, smiling slightly when he pulled away shocked.
"Faith I," Remus didn't know exactly what to say, he didn't think she understood what being involved with a werewolf could mean. So much depended on control..
"You are not going to say you didn't want that," Faith asked, she didn't usually spend time with guys who hesitated at all at what she was obviously offering.
"I didn't say that but I'm a. You could get hurt," He hoped she would understand what he was saying.
"I know the control thing," Faith leaned back in her chair, "Slayer remember, I'm not as.easily injured, as others."
"Do you know what you're.?"
"Let's go back to the castle and discuss it in a more private place," Faith suggested standing up and heading toward the door, leaving a surprised Remus to follow behind.
**********
Fred was setting the last remains of their lunch in the picnic basket as Charlie watched in amusement. He had tried to tell her he could do it faster his way but she had been jittery since they sat down, and had insisted on doing it herself.
"Now will you sit down?" He patted the blanket next to him.
"Just let me." Before she could find something else to busy herself Charlie waved his wand making all the food and other remains of their lunch disappear, leaving only the blanket he was lying on.
"Relax," He grabbed her hand pulling her back so she was reclining next to him.
"Happy now?" She adjusted herself so she was leaning on her elbows, "So what's it like having a big family?"
"Noisy," He smiled, "Many times, especially after the twins were old enough to cause trouble, I wished I was an only child. Or at least that they had stopped after me, maybe Percy."
"Oh, it would be great to have a houseful of people. I think that's why I like living at the hotel. Angel, Wesley, and Gunn are always around, Cordy too until."
"You didn't live with the twins," He smiled, he loved his younger brothers but they had been uncontrollable since they could hold a wand, "Try bringing home a girlfriend with them around."
"Why was that bad?" Fred asked.
"Couldn't do this," Charlie lowered his head and kissed her.
"Um, yeah, I can see how that would be bad thing," She smiled as he lowered his head to kiss her again.
Neither of them noticed Harry and Ron passing by the blanket on their way back to the school.
"Okay I did NOT need to see that," Ron muttered when they had passed the couple.
"Well, he seems happy, your mum was worried he wouldn't like being here," Harry smiled.
"But he kissing Professor Burkle, she's."
"His age, pretty?" Harry suggested.
"Our teacher!"
"But not his," Harry smiled, Charlie really liked Professor Burkle so Ron would have to adjust, "But did you see Professor Rosenberg with Snape?"
"Yeah, he didn't seem all that happy about being there," Ron smiled for the moment pushing his brother kissing one of the Professors out of his mind.
"How do you think she even got him there?"
"Don't know," Ron laughed, "Why did she want him there at all anyway."
"Maybe she likes him?" Harry suggested doubtfully.
"Okay well that's a worse image than Charlie and Professor Burkle."
Both boys entered the castle still laughing, only to find Faith and Remus Lupin on their way up the stairs heading into the teacher's quarters.
"Professor Lupin?" Harry asked.
"Harry, Ron," Lupin turned around, "I assume you know Faith?"
"Yeah, but how do you know her?" Ron asked.
"Met her in Diagon Alley when she arrived," Remus replied.
"What are you doing at Hogwarts?" Harry asked.
"Well, I came up to Hogsmeade to see Faith, and Professor Mcgonagall said I can stay here for a time, maybe help with the search for Dumbledore."
"Great," Both boys smiled, and said there good-byes afraid if they stuck around, judging by the look on Faith's face, they may see another image that would likely scar them for life.
**********
"So explain how doing nothing makes you hate him?" Willow asked when Snape returned to the table with two butter beers.
"I don't wish to."
"I don't care what you wish. How can I be your friend if you won't talk to me?"
"Did I ask for a friend?" Snape couldn't understand why this woman could not understand that he was happy being alone.
"You shouldn't have to ask for friends," Willow took a drink, "This stuff is good."
Snape took a drink of his, wishing he had ordered something stronger if she was going to make him talk about his past. He scowled at several students who were not even trying to hide their stares.
"Potter and Black were Lupin's friends," Snape explained, "They didn't like me."
"And did you like them?"
"God no," Snape took another drink, "However I preferred to spend my time alone."
"Wow, you've changed so much," Willow hid her smile at his scowl behind her drink.
"Do you want to hear this?" He snapped.
"Sorry," She muttered.
"They took it upon themselves to use me as.entertainment," Snape watched her closely expecting her to laugh, "Black even went as far as trying to send me to the Shrieking Shack when Lupin."
"You would have been killed," Willow set her drink down and stared at him.
"Yes, I believe that was the point. Potter lost his nerve at their little prank and pulled me back. Therefore making him the hero for saving me, when I wouldn't have been in danger at all if they hadn't."
"Wow and Remus."
"Knew what his friends did, he didn't participate but he didn't stop them either, even when he was a prefect," Snape said bitterly.
"Well," Willow said thoughtfully, "I can understand why you hated them. But Severus Harry is not his father. And you are not the same teenage kid who was picked on."
"I'm aware of that," Snape knew his reactions to Potter and his friends was unreasonable but part of him couldn't get past it. "Now I'm the evil ex Death Eater."
"You're not the same man that was a Death Eater either."
"Are you ready to leave yet?"
"Let's go, Don't want to overload you're senses all at once," Willow smiled and stood up grabbing her packages, "Plus your presence is attracting a lot of attention."
Snape scowled at the students as he followed Willow out on to the streets.
Willow, Faith and Fred were standing at the castle entrance Saturday morning, watching the students file out the door as they were checked off the list by Filch. Fred waved to Charlie as she spotted him making his way from Hagrid's hut, now they were just waiting for Snape to arrive and they could leave. As the number of students waiting to leave began to dwindle, Willow frowned, he still wasn't here.
"Are we ready to go?" Charlie asked, as Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny approached, "We're all walking over together right?"
"Where's Professor Snape?" Willow asked the four students.
"Snape?" Hermione asked in surprise, no one ever cared where he was unless they were in the halls after curfew.
"Hiding in his dungeon?" Ron suggested.
"He doesn't usually go to Hogsmeade," Hermione shot Ron an irritated look, as much as they didn't like Snape they shouldn't insult him in front of other teachers.
"He is today," Willow muttered already heading down the hall, as the other's stood watching her.
"Well, I guess she's meeting us there," Faith shrugged and headed out the door, followed by Charlie and Fred, the shocked students still gaping at Willow joined them a few seconds later.
**********
Willow stormed into the Potions classroom, finding it empty she made her way across to the storage room on the opposite side of the room, finding that empty too she stormed out of the classroom. Next she headed to his personal quarters. Knocking on the door she received no response. She couldn't just barge in, she didn't know his password.
"Don't suppose you'll open if I just say please?" She asked the smirking wizard in the portrait over the door.
"Sorry," He replied, "As angry as you look, Professor Snape is still scarier. If I anger him he could make me guard the entrance to the Slytherin House then I'd have to deal with those horrid children all the time."
"Okay, wow," Willow smiled, "You're perfect for him aren't you? Though you understand I won't stop knocking until he let's me in because I know he's in there."
"I understand, Good Luck," The wizard smiled at her before disappearing into his frame, having decided he did not want to listen to the argument that would undoubtedly occur; it seemed the Professor had met his match.
"Snape I am not leaving until you open this door!" Willow shouted, banging on the door again.
Inside the sitting room, Severus Snape rubbed his temple, he had hoped hiding in here the girl would forget his promise and leave with her friends. Obviously, he had been mistaken. He considered ignoring her, in hopes she would just go away. Her next statement however, had him rising to his feet to open the door.
"If you don't open this door I will blow it off its magical hinges," Willow shouted reaching in her pocket for her wand.
"Please don't damage school property Miss Rosenberg," The door was pulled open to reveal the unhappy face of Snape.
"What are you doing down here?" She stormed past him.
"Grading papers," He pulled the portrait closed, following her into his sitting room.
"We were going to Hogsmeade."
"I was hoping you would forget," He had decided lying to her would be useless.
"Wrong," She grabbed his arm preventing him from sitting, "We're going now."
"Miss Rosenberg," He began pulling his arm away from her.
"I think it's okay for you to call me Willow," She smiled, "Now let's go."
"I do not wish to go to Hogsmeade," He turned to face her, did she have to smile all the time.
"Well, I wish you to go," She said, imitating both the accent and the annoyed tone, "You might have fun."
"I highly doubt that," He frowned, spending the day with her wasn't as irritating a prospect as he would have thought, but a day in town surrounded by students. "Wouldn't you rather we stay here and discuss the Death Eaters further, or we could work on some new potions or spells if you'd like?"
"Nice try but Ron, and Harry said there's a really great candy store and I've never had butter beer and I."
"Not only do you expect me to go to Hogsmeade but I have to go to Honeydukes?" Snape had moved and was now standing inches away from Willow staring at her with a look of utter distaste, "That is where the students will be."
"Most likely," Willow grinned, "Look at it this way, you can scowl and growl at them and watch them run in fear. 'Sides if you want to ever learn to not be so damn unhappy all the time you have to learn to be friends."
"No one wants to be my friend, Mi.Willow," He sighed.
"I do. If I didn't I wouldn't be here," Willow was looking at him sadly now, "I've dealt with scary before and trust me you don't compare to Angelus or Spike, and I still like them."
"Let's go," Snape turned and headed out the door, if he just went with her maybe she would tire of his company in a couple hours and he could come back and sulk as usual.
**********
Once they reached Hogsmeade Ron and Harry decided to go to Honeydukes and the joke shop; while Ginny and Hermione headed to some new clothing shops they had seen, they invited Faith to join them but she just muttered that she wanted to look around, and asked for directions to the Shrieking Shack. Both girls looked puzzled as to why she wanted to go there but gave her directions. Charlie and Fred headed to a small coffee shop, that wouldn't be too crowded with students.
Charlie led Fred to a small table in the corner so that if students did show up they would, hopefully, not notice them. After ordering drinks for each of them he turned his attention to Fred. They hadn't had a lot of time to talk to each other, both being busy during the day, and he didn't live in the castle with the other teachers.
"So, what is Los Angeles like?" He asked, "Is it very different from here?"
"You're kidding right? This," Fred motioned to everything around her, "Is different than anything I've ever seen. I don't know if there is even a wizarding part of L.A."
"There is," He assured her, "You just haven't seen it. So tell me about this overprotective vampire I should worry about."
"Angel," Fred laughed, "He's not really bad. He just worries. Well, broods is more the word I guess. He's coming to visit I think, around Christmas. He said he'd talk to Willow's class."
"So I should hide then?"
"No, not unless you plan on hurting me, but then you'd probably have to worry about Faith first because she's here."
"Thanks for the warning."
"So what's it like working with dragons? Sounds cool, and well, dangerous."
"It is dangerous," Charlie replied, "Fun though, assuming you don't mind danger and being outside a lot. So how is it that you don't have a boyfriend?"
"Well I did but we just.something happened that.it's a long story," Fred shrugged.
"And one you don't want to discuss," Charlie glanced at their now empty cups, "Want to look around. We've been here long enough that Honeydukes should be emptying out a little."
"Sure."
They left the shop, and headed down the street talking quietly about there lives. They didn't notice Ginny and Hermione watching them from a shop window, whispering to each other.
"They look so cute together don't they?" Hermione whispered as Fred and Charlie passed.
"Yeah, and Charlie likes her. If he didn't he would not have bothered coming here, he would rather spend time with his dragons or other animals than here," Ginny grinned, her brother was even venturing into the small shop with a lot of pink frilly things in the window.
**********
Faith approached the run down shack at the edge of town. Several students had stopped her to tell her it was haunted, which she would have dismissed as silly, but she's seen stranger things than a haunted shack. It didn't look haunted though, and it was where Remus said to meet him. Approaching the door, she pushed it open slowly, having been a slayer to long to not be cautious when entering an abandoned building.
"Hello," Faith turned quickly reaching for the stake in her pocket, to see Remus Lupin sitting on a wooden chair in the corner.
"Can't stake me," He smiled wryly.
"Sorry, out of silver bullets," She stuck the piece of wood back in her pocket.
"So you know?" His smile faltered, "But you still came?"
"Yeah, it's not a full moon," She grabbed the empty chair next him and sat down.
"Most people don't care. A werewolf's a werewolf."
"Most people aren't slayers and haven't lived on a Hellmouth," Faith shrugged, "Hell; my best friend is a vampire."
"Really?"
"Yeah, Angel showed me how to get help and believed in me."
"That's great," Lupin agreed, "its always nice to have friends to support you, don't know what I would have done without Sirius, James, and Dumbledore."
"You know Dumbledore?"
"Yes, he was headmaster when I attended Hogwarts and I was the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor for a year."
"Oh, right," Faith said, "Why did you leave?"
"Students found out that I was a werewolf."
"He fired you?"
"Oh, no," Remus smiled, "Dumbledore wouldn't do that, I left because I knew how parents would react. Though I hear he's um, gone?"
"Yeah, that's why I'm here, Willow, Fred and I are supposed to protecting some kids."
"Harry Potter?"
"How did you know?"
"I know Harry; if they believe Voldemort took Dumbledore they would want to protect him," Lupin answered, "Want to go for a walk?"
"Why not?" Faith stood, "You don't mind seeing the students?"
"No, it would be nice to see Harry, Ron and Hermione."
"Let's go." Lupin led her out of the shack and into town.
**********
Willow pulled the hesitant Professor Snape into Honeydukes as several students were making their way out. Once inside he stood near several bins of candy, arms crossed over his chest, glaring at the students still remaining in the shop. Willow made her way slowly through the store examining every bin of candy, occasionally asking a student or Snape about something she was unsure of, and choosing several different kinds to purchase. By the time she had paid for her selections, Snape's scowling and glaring had chased most of the students away.
"Okay I think you've successfully frightened everyone in this shop shall we move on?" Willow returned to Snape's side, holding a large bag of candy, "Did you know that these Chocolate Frogs really jump?"
"Yes," He frowned as he followed her outside, "Are you quite sure you wouldn't rather be with your friends?"
"You are my friend. At least you will be," Willow smiled, if it killed her she would show him that his past didn't have to make him miserable. She held up one of the frogs, "Want one?"
"No."
"Oh, let's go to the joke shop next," She grabbed his arm and began pulling him down the street, ignoring several students who stopped to stare at the sight of Professor Snape and their new Dark Arts Professor.
"Must we?"
"Yep, I can get Xander something really cool I bet, Andrew too."
"Who?" Snape scowled, why did he care who the men she spoke of were.
"Xander, remember best friend since I was five," She opened the door and waved to Ginny and Hermione who were looking at the merchandise, "Andrew helped us with the First but he was evil, well kind of, Warren was really the only evil one, Andrew and Jonathon were just stupid I think."
"Yes, well, that cleared it up."
"Hi, Professor Rosenberg," Hermione approached them, "Professor Snape."
"Hi Hermione, Ginny," Willow said, "We're looking for something for my friends, any suggestions?"
"Xander?" Hermione asked, having heard a lot about her friends in class.
"Yeah."
"There's some good stuff here," Ginny suggested, "But honestly my brothers Fred and George have some much cooler stuff. I can a list from them for you."
"Thanks, Can I get the stuff before Christmas?"
"Sure. I'll owl them as soon as we get back."
Snape was continuing to scowl at the girls who quickly ended their conversation and left the shop.
"You are really very good at scaring people away do you know that?" Willow was now the one frowning, a smile quickly spread across Snape's face at her words; making her frown deepen.
"No, see that's a bad thing," She pulled him back out of the store, "Three Broomsticks next I think."
"Wouldn't you rather go to the Hog's Head?" He suggested knowing the Three Broomsticks would be packed with students.
"Nope," Willow responded, "Now while we walk want to tell me why you hate Remus?" She asked noticing him snarling at Faith and Remus Lupin who were walking on the other side of the busy street.
"No."
"You don't know me very well do you?" Willow smiled as they neared their destination, "I won't quit asking until you answer."
"Fine, I hate him because he did nothing."
"That makes no sense," Willow tugged open the door and pulled him inside, not noticing all the students staring at the two of them amazed that someone was voluntarily spending time with Professor Snape.
**********
Fred and Charlie left Honeydukes carrying a large bag of candy. The streets were still packed with students, as it was still early in the day. It was nearing lunch but Charlie didn't want to go to The Three Broomsticks because it would be noisy and filled with students making it impossible to talk.
"Have you been to the lake yet? Seen the Giant Squid?"
"Giant Squid?" Fred asked, "It's not demonic is it?"
"Demonic? I don't think so. Want to pick up lunch and have a picnic?"
"Sure," Fred laughed at his puzzled expression, "Sorry, but large creatures tend to end up being demonic. Did I tell you about the Giant Rock demon thing?"
"No," Charlie turned and headed toward a small restaurant to order their lunch.
**********
Faith and Lupin were making their way into the Hog's Head for lunch. He had assured her it would be quieter than The Three Broomsticks, and he was fairly sure this particular girl would not mind the slightly different type of people that frequented the pub. They quickly ordered drinks and found an empty table in a reasonably quiet corner.
"So you helped to fight this Voldemort guy last time?" Faith asked as they sat down.
"Yes. My friend Sirius died during the fight with the Death Eaters," He answered, "Is Harry doing well, he took Sirius' death hard and I written him and he says he's fine but."
"He five by five," She answered, "We just need to figure out these visions."
"Harry's having visions again?"
"Yeah, Willow's sharing them with him. We think Dumbledore may be causing them not Voldemort."
"Dumbledore?" Remus asked, "How is he."
"Willow says it's possible to enter someone's mind to communicate with them. She thinks he's trying to help them find him. But it's only been the one vision."
"If I can help."
"How long are you going to be here?" Faith asked, she enjoyed talking to him and hoped he would be around for a while.
"I have no where else I need to be," He smiled, "I've been using Sirius' house but without a job, I can stay in the shack as long as I want."
"That shack is not fit to live in, and I've lived in some real dumps," Faith said, "What about at the castle, if you were helping with the Dumbledore thing?"
"I don't think." Before he could get his answer out Faith had spotted Professor Mcgonagall and was calling her over.
"Do you think we could find a place for Remus at the castle, if he fought.?"
"Professor Lupin is welcome at the castle any time," Mcgonagall replied, "Most of the parents who would raise objections are not. in a position to do so any longer."
Mcgonagall was well aware the majority of the parents that would have fought against it hardest were now known Death Eaters and no longer in a position of power. Lupin could also be a great asset in finding and rescuing Albus Dumbledore. She also new he was very much in need of friends who didn't care about his problem, Faith didn't seem to be affected by the knowledge at all.
"Okay so you can come back with me tonight and we'll find you a room," Faith smiled.
"I'm heading back now, I'll have the house elves prepare your old room Remus," Mcgonagall smiled and headed back to the door.
"Thank you," Remus smiled at Faith, it had been a long time since someone had been concerned enough to even ask where he was living.
"No problem," She leaned over and kissed him, smiling slightly when he pulled away shocked.
"Faith I," Remus didn't know exactly what to say, he didn't think she understood what being involved with a werewolf could mean. So much depended on control..
"You are not going to say you didn't want that," Faith asked, she didn't usually spend time with guys who hesitated at all at what she was obviously offering.
"I didn't say that but I'm a. You could get hurt," He hoped she would understand what he was saying.
"I know the control thing," Faith leaned back in her chair, "Slayer remember, I'm not as.easily injured, as others."
"Do you know what you're.?"
"Let's go back to the castle and discuss it in a more private place," Faith suggested standing up and heading toward the door, leaving a surprised Remus to follow behind.
**********
Fred was setting the last remains of their lunch in the picnic basket as Charlie watched in amusement. He had tried to tell her he could do it faster his way but she had been jittery since they sat down, and had insisted on doing it herself.
"Now will you sit down?" He patted the blanket next to him.
"Just let me." Before she could find something else to busy herself Charlie waved his wand making all the food and other remains of their lunch disappear, leaving only the blanket he was lying on.
"Relax," He grabbed her hand pulling her back so she was reclining next to him.
"Happy now?" She adjusted herself so she was leaning on her elbows, "So what's it like having a big family?"
"Noisy," He smiled, "Many times, especially after the twins were old enough to cause trouble, I wished I was an only child. Or at least that they had stopped after me, maybe Percy."
"Oh, it would be great to have a houseful of people. I think that's why I like living at the hotel. Angel, Wesley, and Gunn are always around, Cordy too until."
"You didn't live with the twins," He smiled, he loved his younger brothers but they had been uncontrollable since they could hold a wand, "Try bringing home a girlfriend with them around."
"Why was that bad?" Fred asked.
"Couldn't do this," Charlie lowered his head and kissed her.
"Um, yeah, I can see how that would be bad thing," She smiled as he lowered his head to kiss her again.
Neither of them noticed Harry and Ron passing by the blanket on their way back to the school.
"Okay I did NOT need to see that," Ron muttered when they had passed the couple.
"Well, he seems happy, your mum was worried he wouldn't like being here," Harry smiled.
"But he kissing Professor Burkle, she's."
"His age, pretty?" Harry suggested.
"Our teacher!"
"But not his," Harry smiled, Charlie really liked Professor Burkle so Ron would have to adjust, "But did you see Professor Rosenberg with Snape?"
"Yeah, he didn't seem all that happy about being there," Ron smiled for the moment pushing his brother kissing one of the Professors out of his mind.
"How do you think she even got him there?"
"Don't know," Ron laughed, "Why did she want him there at all anyway."
"Maybe she likes him?" Harry suggested doubtfully.
"Okay well that's a worse image than Charlie and Professor Burkle."
Both boys entered the castle still laughing, only to find Faith and Remus Lupin on their way up the stairs heading into the teacher's quarters.
"Professor Lupin?" Harry asked.
"Harry, Ron," Lupin turned around, "I assume you know Faith?"
"Yeah, but how do you know her?" Ron asked.
"Met her in Diagon Alley when she arrived," Remus replied.
"What are you doing at Hogwarts?" Harry asked.
"Well, I came up to Hogsmeade to see Faith, and Professor Mcgonagall said I can stay here for a time, maybe help with the search for Dumbledore."
"Great," Both boys smiled, and said there good-byes afraid if they stuck around, judging by the look on Faith's face, they may see another image that would likely scar them for life.
**********
"So explain how doing nothing makes you hate him?" Willow asked when Snape returned to the table with two butter beers.
"I don't wish to."
"I don't care what you wish. How can I be your friend if you won't talk to me?"
"Did I ask for a friend?" Snape couldn't understand why this woman could not understand that he was happy being alone.
"You shouldn't have to ask for friends," Willow took a drink, "This stuff is good."
Snape took a drink of his, wishing he had ordered something stronger if she was going to make him talk about his past. He scowled at several students who were not even trying to hide their stares.
"Potter and Black were Lupin's friends," Snape explained, "They didn't like me."
"And did you like them?"
"God no," Snape took another drink, "However I preferred to spend my time alone."
"Wow, you've changed so much," Willow hid her smile at his scowl behind her drink.
"Do you want to hear this?" He snapped.
"Sorry," She muttered.
"They took it upon themselves to use me as.entertainment," Snape watched her closely expecting her to laugh, "Black even went as far as trying to send me to the Shrieking Shack when Lupin."
"You would have been killed," Willow set her drink down and stared at him.
"Yes, I believe that was the point. Potter lost his nerve at their little prank and pulled me back. Therefore making him the hero for saving me, when I wouldn't have been in danger at all if they hadn't."
"Wow and Remus."
"Knew what his friends did, he didn't participate but he didn't stop them either, even when he was a prefect," Snape said bitterly.
"Well," Willow said thoughtfully, "I can understand why you hated them. But Severus Harry is not his father. And you are not the same teenage kid who was picked on."
"I'm aware of that," Snape knew his reactions to Potter and his friends was unreasonable but part of him couldn't get past it. "Now I'm the evil ex Death Eater."
"You're not the same man that was a Death Eater either."
"Are you ready to leave yet?"
"Let's go, Don't want to overload you're senses all at once," Willow smiled and stood up grabbing her packages, "Plus your presence is attracting a lot of attention."
Snape scowled at the students as he followed Willow out on to the streets.