Disclaimer: NOT MINE! NOTHING IS MINE EXCEPT FOR LOKI, THOR, VECTOR, LEO,
AKIRA, KAZUKI, AND RIN! AND OTHER OCS IN FUTURE CHAPTERS! THE HOUSE-ELVES
BELONGS TO ME TOO!
First time attempting to write a Harry Potter fic so be kind and R&R. And no one beta-ed this so don't mind my grammar mistakes.
Warning: This will be SLASH! Meaning 2 guys in THAT kind of relationship!
Spoilers: Books 1-4, ignore 5
Pairings: Main - Severus/Sirius Others - Harry/Kazuki and Leo/Draco
Languages:
"blah blah blah" - English
'blah blah blah' - Japanese
------------------------------------------------------------------
12. Rin isn't a real Snape?
(Posted 07/14/03 - Monday)
(Revision #1 11/07/03 - Friday)
------------------------------------------------------------------
In the Headmaster's office sat Dumbledore, McGonagall, Sirius, Thor, Rin, and Severus. Dumbledore was behind his desk, and Sirius, Severus, and McGonagall in armchairs, which left the couch for Thor and Rin. The portraits of former Headmasters/mistresses were awake for once and staring attentively at the group.
"Explain now and make it fast," Severus intimidated though clenched teeth.
"Of course you want an explanation Severus," said Dumbledore. "And Minerva too I expect?"
"Yes," said McGonagall. "I'm curious myself as to why there's so many new professors without me, the Deputy Headmistress, knowing it before their introductions to the students."
"Uncle, was that demand you made for me, Rin, or the Headmaster?" Thor said calmly, drinking the tea Dumbledore gave him earlier. "Because either one of us could answer that."
"I don't care who, just tell me what's been going on behind my back," Severus said, rubbing his temple tiredly. "I hate not knowing what is being planned."
"Here," Sirius said, handing a cup of tea to Severus. "It's bad enough that he has to know what are both sides and the Ministry are doing, but his own family pulling stunts like this is irresponsible. You're putting a strain on him."
"We didn't do it on purpose," said Thor. "It occurred quite suddenly."
"A note would have been nice," Severus said, taking the cup from Sirius.
"I'll keep that in mind Uncle," said Thor. "But you know how forgetful I am with trivial matters like this."
"Albus, why don't you start?" said McGonagall.
"First, a question on my mind," Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling as Sirius refilled Severus' cup with fresh tea. "And I'm sure on others as well."
"I'm a man," Rin said in a melodious voice.
"That answers one," said Sirius. "Now how about Snape's?"
"There is three Snapes present, Mr. Green," said Thor. "It would save us a lot of confusion if you would address Uncle by his given name."
"Fine," said Sirius. "How about answering Severus' question?"
Thor ignored him. "Does that mean I should address you as Aries? I am part of the staff now."
"Yes, you can call me Aries," Sirius said, making a fist to contain his annoyance. "So answer Severus."
"Be patient. Reasons why we are here will be revealed when Pluto crosses Neptune's path," Rin said, folding his dainty hands on his lap. "Be glad, for Mars is dim tonight."
That threw everyone off track.
"Rin?" Thor inquired, concerned.
The beautiful man smiled serenely and said, "Translation number one: wait until Halloween. Translation two: there are no deaths by the hand of Voldemort or his followers tonight."
"Voldemort's lying low recently," said Dumbledore. "I wonder why?"
"Can you read the stars like centaurs do?" McGonagall asked Rin, after cringing at hearing You-Know-Who's name.
Rin cocked his head, studying the Transfiguration professor, and nodded undecidedly.
"Can you tell us what You-Know-Who is planning?" McGonagall said eagerly.
"His principle is the same as the centaurs, he will not predict and have people change what is written in the stars," Thor said as he felt, rather than see, Rin's displeasure. "I'm sure you understand."
"I understand," McGonagall said, displeased.
"Okay, I'll wait until Halloween," said Severus. "I trust you Rin."
Rin smiled, eyes gleaming in a playful manner. "Thank you for your faith in me~~~Father."
McGonagall and Sirius chocked on their tea. Thor smirked and Dumbledore's sky-blue eyes were round with surprise.
"What?" Sirius half-shouted in disbelief. "Severus is married? When? Who would marry him? Where's the ring?"
"Jealous?" said Thor.
"No!" shouted Sirius. "Why the hell would I be jealous?"
"Who's the lucky lady?" McGonagall said, peeved that Severus withheld so much information about his life outside Hogwarts from her. "Why wasn't I invited to the wedding?"
"I am not, and never was, married," Severus said, looking like he wanted to be far, far, away. "I adopted Rin from one of the orphanages Vector sponsors."
"That makes sense," Sirius said, visibly relaxing against his chair. "Rin doesn't have any resemblance to Severus."
"I take that as an insult to my appearance," said Severus.
"I didn't mean it in an offensive way," said Sirius.
"It's late," said Thor. "Rin and I will excuse ourselves for the night and go to our rooms."
"See you at breakfast gentlemen," said Dumbledore.
"Goodnight," said Severus and McGonagall.
"Goodnight to you all," said Rin. "Sweet dreams Father."
"Night people," Thor said, clearly acting his age as sleepiness rode over his Auror schooling.
Rin and Thor had their rooms in the dungeons, next to the Slytherin dormitories so the Auror could prevent his younger brother from going on night expeditions. The portrait guarding the entrance was a swan on a lake. Once in awhile it would drift behind a large boulder and emerged as a gorgeous blonde woman in a white gown.
"Princess," said Rin.
The portrait swung open. They had requested to share a place and Dumbledore complied, giving them something akin to a two-bedroom suite in a five-star hotel. By that it meant there were two bedrooms, a study, a living room/kitchen separated by a counter, and bathroom. It was very modern - the theme was black and white - with leather couches and white tiled floors.
Thor yawned. 'You enjoyed making the dramatic appearance at the Feast, didn't you? Otherwise you wouldn't have dug up the old costume you wore at last year's Halloween party from our musty shed.'
'It was a tad fun,' Rin said, going to his bedroom and sitting in front of the dresser. 'Their faces were hilarious, especially on Father.'
'Kodak moment,' Thor said, also coming in and plopping on the bed. 'You could actually see twitching above his left brow. At first it was barely detectable, then it's like he has this crazy tick.'
Rin took off his hair accessories and stored them neatly in a jewelry box.
'You never speak like you do now to Loki,' he said after a minute's silence. 'Did you know that?'
Thor snorted. 'I have an image to keep up as his older brother.'
'I don't understand,' Rin said, unraveling his braids. 'You would have a stronger and better relationship with Loki if you're not so serious around him.'
'I call him little monkey,' Thor said cynically. 'I am not serious around him.'
'Was that man, Professor Green, the one who stayed in the Manor for a few days during the beginning of summer?' asked Rin, steering away from anything that might become a quarrel. "He's special, isn't he?"
'Yea,' said Thor. 'You noticed too, didn't you?'
'He likes Father,' said Rin. 'But he's in denial and Father is stubborn.'
'Our family traits,' said Thor. 'And he'll definitely have trouble convincing Father to let him date Uncle.'
'Uncle Vec is too strict,' said Rin. 'I don't see what's not to like about this innocent man who was framed for his best friends' murders.'
'Sad really,' said Thor. 'Bad investigation, bad trial, and corrupted Ministry equals to sentencing a not guilty man to life in prison with Dementers sucking away all your happy thoughts.'
'Are you angry at me?' said Rin.
'Why would I be?' Thor said, getting off the bed and lifting the brush from the dresser.
'Because I begged you to come here with me when you should be sent out on real missions,' Rin said, letting his cousin comb his hair. 'I know how much you want to protect the weak and demolish the evil. Not to mention you got scowled by Father when it was I who told you not to tell anybody of my coming here to teach.'
'You're making me sound like some justice freak,' said Thor. 'And I'm not angry with you about Uncle. He'll get over it by morning. Plus it's hard to be pissed at you because my father blackmailed me to do the same because he's worried.'
'Blackmail?' said Rin.
'Yes, blackmail,' Thor said, not expanding on the subject.
'If you told me that earlier, I wouldn't have been guilt-ridden for days,' Rin said lightly. 'But it's for your own good too.'
'Just because I broke up with my boyfriend doesn't mean I'm depressed about it," said Thor. 'It was a mutual parting. He and I had too many differences and break-up was bound to happen.'
Thor moved to the other side of Rin and began untangling the knots. Rin had a lot of hair.
'Are you going to tell Uncle about what you found out on Halloween?' said Thor. 'That would explain why you're here.'
'Father will find out some reasons why we're here but not necessarily about what I found out recently,' said Rin.
'You're stalling,' said Thor. "You shouldn't do that. It'll do nothing but hurt yourself."
Rin grabbed the hand coming through his hair and held it tightly.
'I'm terrified,' Rin said in a small voice. He looked at Thor, his face pokerfaced but his eyes verifying his statement true.
'Everything will turn out fine,' Thor said, petting Rin's hair fondly.
Rin leaned into the touch. 'No one will believe I'm older than you by three years.'
'You're right,' said Thor. 'So let's mess with the other professors' minds and say nothing about your age.'
'I thought you were sleepy,' said Rin.
'I am,' said Thor. 'Dibs on the shower.'
Rin giggled. 'Be my guest.'
In the dormitories next door, the four transferred students were still awake and alone in the Common Room. They sat on two couches near the fireplace, Leo and Loki on one and Akira and Kazuki on the other.
'You're going to tell us why you're here, right Akira?' said Loki. 'Of course it's because you miss us. Oh, what about your matches? I'm dying to know.'
'Time Turner,' Akira said simply, lifting the chain from under his shirt so they could see the small hourglass. 'But I'm only going to repeat the days I have matches. Thor had agreed to make a portal for me so I could go back to Japan on those days.'
'Cool,' said Loki. 'I want one.'
'The world would be in danger if you ever got a hold of a Time Turner,' said Leo. 'It's a torture that you're here now but to be somewhere else simultaneously~~~'
Loki smacked Leo. 'You're mean.'
'That would be scary,' said Kazuki.
'Mean, mean, mean,' Loki chanted, pulling off pouting and glowering at the same time. 'Damn, no pillows on these couches. I can't even throw something at you.'
'You've always been the violent of our group,' said Akira.
Loki took one of his fuzzy yellow duck slippers and chucked it at Akira's leg.
'Didn't you trashed that pair last year?' said Leo.
'Yea, this is new,' said Loki. 'Rin bought it as part of my birthday gift. Where's yours?'
'At home,' said Leo. 'I wasn't planning to be stared at as mentally unstable by wearing fuzzy cat slippers.'
'They were already staring at you and your laptop when we came down after the Feast,' said Loki. 'I told you not to use it in the Common Room, but you never listen to what I say. Kazuki, Akira, where's yours?'
'I forgot to bring mine,' said Kazuki. 'I really like them though. Rin knew how much I adored bunnies.'
'Mine's in the closet,' said Akira. 'My parents don't want me walking around the house with cow slippers. It doesn't help that a cow had to be a black and white animal.'
Loki laughed. 'Rin has a wicked sense of humor.'
'It's late,' said Kazuki. 'We should go to sleep.'
'Yes Mom,' Loki said, bouncing from his seat. 'Bed, bed, bed.'
'Tomorrow's our first day of class,' said Leo. 'At least it doesn't start until nine.'
'Rather late,' said Akira. 'I'm used to waking at six."
"Same here," said Leo. "At least the school ground is adequate for jogging."
Kazuki sighed and shooed them to the fifth-year's dorms. As for their Gryffindor friends, whose dormitory was many levels above the dungeons, they were also getting ready for bed. Neville Longbottom and Seamus Finnigan were snuggled under their red comforters while Dean Thomas was in the bathroom. Ron and Harry were changing into their pajamas.
"I can't believe there's so many new teachers this year," Neville said, clearly unnerved by the idea of being taught by more Snapes and being a schoolmate to another. "The Japanese transfer student doesn't resemble Professor Snape at all but he's in Slytherin."
"He's ultra cute for a Snape," Seamus said, always the frank one. "And that androgynous one I wouldn't mind switching to Slytherin for. Must be great in bed."
Ron and Harry glared at the Irish Muggle-born, and both said, "Don't say that."
Seamus raised an eyebrow. "Are you calling dibs? Ron, I thought you and Hermione had a thing going on. And Harry, you can have any girl or guy you want. You should save the exotic ones for us common people."
"Kazuki's different," Harry said, climbing into his magically warmed bed.
"Hermione and I are friends," Ron said unconvincingly to himself.
"You can pronounce the pretty one's name, I'm shocked," said Dean, coming out from the bathroom.
"He lived near me for the summer," said Harry. "You better watch out if you're thinking about making a move on Kazuki. Loki and Leo would break your arms just to prove they can."
Neville yipped. "So he really is related to Professor Snape."
"That Leo guy doesn't look that strong," remarked Seamus. "I can take him on."
"Umm, you shouldn't try," said Ron. "He could toss Snape's nephew around like a rag doll and he's okay with being thrown."
"Guys, it's getting late," said Neville, afraid to hear more about Loki. "Let's sleep."
"Neville's right," said Harry. "It'll be bad if we overslept on the first day of classes."
"I've been meaning to ask you Ron, why aren't you in the Prefect's bedroom," asked Dean. "Wouldn't it be better to have your own room?"
"You want to kick me out so badly?" said Ron, answering a question with a question. "I'm Harry's best mate. I'm not going to abandon him for a larger room and more privacy. None of you know him like I do."
"You're a good friend Ron," said Harry. "No mistake about it. Night."
"Goodnight."
"Night Neville."
Only Neville's soft snores replied.
------------------------------------------------------------------
A.N. - Has it really been so long since my last update? Yea, it has been a very long time. This chapter turned out shorter than I had anticipated but I don't really care. Please review, review, review.
First time attempting to write a Harry Potter fic so be kind and R&R. And no one beta-ed this so don't mind my grammar mistakes.
Warning: This will be SLASH! Meaning 2 guys in THAT kind of relationship!
Spoilers: Books 1-4, ignore 5
Pairings: Main - Severus/Sirius Others - Harry/Kazuki and Leo/Draco
Languages:
"blah blah blah" - English
'blah blah blah' - Japanese
------------------------------------------------------------------
12. Rin isn't a real Snape?
(Posted 07/14/03 - Monday)
(Revision #1 11/07/03 - Friday)
------------------------------------------------------------------
In the Headmaster's office sat Dumbledore, McGonagall, Sirius, Thor, Rin, and Severus. Dumbledore was behind his desk, and Sirius, Severus, and McGonagall in armchairs, which left the couch for Thor and Rin. The portraits of former Headmasters/mistresses were awake for once and staring attentively at the group.
"Explain now and make it fast," Severus intimidated though clenched teeth.
"Of course you want an explanation Severus," said Dumbledore. "And Minerva too I expect?"
"Yes," said McGonagall. "I'm curious myself as to why there's so many new professors without me, the Deputy Headmistress, knowing it before their introductions to the students."
"Uncle, was that demand you made for me, Rin, or the Headmaster?" Thor said calmly, drinking the tea Dumbledore gave him earlier. "Because either one of us could answer that."
"I don't care who, just tell me what's been going on behind my back," Severus said, rubbing his temple tiredly. "I hate not knowing what is being planned."
"Here," Sirius said, handing a cup of tea to Severus. "It's bad enough that he has to know what are both sides and the Ministry are doing, but his own family pulling stunts like this is irresponsible. You're putting a strain on him."
"We didn't do it on purpose," said Thor. "It occurred quite suddenly."
"A note would have been nice," Severus said, taking the cup from Sirius.
"I'll keep that in mind Uncle," said Thor. "But you know how forgetful I am with trivial matters like this."
"Albus, why don't you start?" said McGonagall.
"First, a question on my mind," Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling as Sirius refilled Severus' cup with fresh tea. "And I'm sure on others as well."
"I'm a man," Rin said in a melodious voice.
"That answers one," said Sirius. "Now how about Snape's?"
"There is three Snapes present, Mr. Green," said Thor. "It would save us a lot of confusion if you would address Uncle by his given name."
"Fine," said Sirius. "How about answering Severus' question?"
Thor ignored him. "Does that mean I should address you as Aries? I am part of the staff now."
"Yes, you can call me Aries," Sirius said, making a fist to contain his annoyance. "So answer Severus."
"Be patient. Reasons why we are here will be revealed when Pluto crosses Neptune's path," Rin said, folding his dainty hands on his lap. "Be glad, for Mars is dim tonight."
That threw everyone off track.
"Rin?" Thor inquired, concerned.
The beautiful man smiled serenely and said, "Translation number one: wait until Halloween. Translation two: there are no deaths by the hand of Voldemort or his followers tonight."
"Voldemort's lying low recently," said Dumbledore. "I wonder why?"
"Can you read the stars like centaurs do?" McGonagall asked Rin, after cringing at hearing You-Know-Who's name.
Rin cocked his head, studying the Transfiguration professor, and nodded undecidedly.
"Can you tell us what You-Know-Who is planning?" McGonagall said eagerly.
"His principle is the same as the centaurs, he will not predict and have people change what is written in the stars," Thor said as he felt, rather than see, Rin's displeasure. "I'm sure you understand."
"I understand," McGonagall said, displeased.
"Okay, I'll wait until Halloween," said Severus. "I trust you Rin."
Rin smiled, eyes gleaming in a playful manner. "Thank you for your faith in me~~~Father."
McGonagall and Sirius chocked on their tea. Thor smirked and Dumbledore's sky-blue eyes were round with surprise.
"What?" Sirius half-shouted in disbelief. "Severus is married? When? Who would marry him? Where's the ring?"
"Jealous?" said Thor.
"No!" shouted Sirius. "Why the hell would I be jealous?"
"Who's the lucky lady?" McGonagall said, peeved that Severus withheld so much information about his life outside Hogwarts from her. "Why wasn't I invited to the wedding?"
"I am not, and never was, married," Severus said, looking like he wanted to be far, far, away. "I adopted Rin from one of the orphanages Vector sponsors."
"That makes sense," Sirius said, visibly relaxing against his chair. "Rin doesn't have any resemblance to Severus."
"I take that as an insult to my appearance," said Severus.
"I didn't mean it in an offensive way," said Sirius.
"It's late," said Thor. "Rin and I will excuse ourselves for the night and go to our rooms."
"See you at breakfast gentlemen," said Dumbledore.
"Goodnight," said Severus and McGonagall.
"Goodnight to you all," said Rin. "Sweet dreams Father."
"Night people," Thor said, clearly acting his age as sleepiness rode over his Auror schooling.
Rin and Thor had their rooms in the dungeons, next to the Slytherin dormitories so the Auror could prevent his younger brother from going on night expeditions. The portrait guarding the entrance was a swan on a lake. Once in awhile it would drift behind a large boulder and emerged as a gorgeous blonde woman in a white gown.
"Princess," said Rin.
The portrait swung open. They had requested to share a place and Dumbledore complied, giving them something akin to a two-bedroom suite in a five-star hotel. By that it meant there were two bedrooms, a study, a living room/kitchen separated by a counter, and bathroom. It was very modern - the theme was black and white - with leather couches and white tiled floors.
Thor yawned. 'You enjoyed making the dramatic appearance at the Feast, didn't you? Otherwise you wouldn't have dug up the old costume you wore at last year's Halloween party from our musty shed.'
'It was a tad fun,' Rin said, going to his bedroom and sitting in front of the dresser. 'Their faces were hilarious, especially on Father.'
'Kodak moment,' Thor said, also coming in and plopping on the bed. 'You could actually see twitching above his left brow. At first it was barely detectable, then it's like he has this crazy tick.'
Rin took off his hair accessories and stored them neatly in a jewelry box.
'You never speak like you do now to Loki,' he said after a minute's silence. 'Did you know that?'
Thor snorted. 'I have an image to keep up as his older brother.'
'I don't understand,' Rin said, unraveling his braids. 'You would have a stronger and better relationship with Loki if you're not so serious around him.'
'I call him little monkey,' Thor said cynically. 'I am not serious around him.'
'Was that man, Professor Green, the one who stayed in the Manor for a few days during the beginning of summer?' asked Rin, steering away from anything that might become a quarrel. "He's special, isn't he?"
'Yea,' said Thor. 'You noticed too, didn't you?'
'He likes Father,' said Rin. 'But he's in denial and Father is stubborn.'
'Our family traits,' said Thor. 'And he'll definitely have trouble convincing Father to let him date Uncle.'
'Uncle Vec is too strict,' said Rin. 'I don't see what's not to like about this innocent man who was framed for his best friends' murders.'
'Sad really,' said Thor. 'Bad investigation, bad trial, and corrupted Ministry equals to sentencing a not guilty man to life in prison with Dementers sucking away all your happy thoughts.'
'Are you angry at me?' said Rin.
'Why would I be?' Thor said, getting off the bed and lifting the brush from the dresser.
'Because I begged you to come here with me when you should be sent out on real missions,' Rin said, letting his cousin comb his hair. 'I know how much you want to protect the weak and demolish the evil. Not to mention you got scowled by Father when it was I who told you not to tell anybody of my coming here to teach.'
'You're making me sound like some justice freak,' said Thor. 'And I'm not angry with you about Uncle. He'll get over it by morning. Plus it's hard to be pissed at you because my father blackmailed me to do the same because he's worried.'
'Blackmail?' said Rin.
'Yes, blackmail,' Thor said, not expanding on the subject.
'If you told me that earlier, I wouldn't have been guilt-ridden for days,' Rin said lightly. 'But it's for your own good too.'
'Just because I broke up with my boyfriend doesn't mean I'm depressed about it," said Thor. 'It was a mutual parting. He and I had too many differences and break-up was bound to happen.'
Thor moved to the other side of Rin and began untangling the knots. Rin had a lot of hair.
'Are you going to tell Uncle about what you found out on Halloween?' said Thor. 'That would explain why you're here.'
'Father will find out some reasons why we're here but not necessarily about what I found out recently,' said Rin.
'You're stalling,' said Thor. "You shouldn't do that. It'll do nothing but hurt yourself."
Rin grabbed the hand coming through his hair and held it tightly.
'I'm terrified,' Rin said in a small voice. He looked at Thor, his face pokerfaced but his eyes verifying his statement true.
'Everything will turn out fine,' Thor said, petting Rin's hair fondly.
Rin leaned into the touch. 'No one will believe I'm older than you by three years.'
'You're right,' said Thor. 'So let's mess with the other professors' minds and say nothing about your age.'
'I thought you were sleepy,' said Rin.
'I am,' said Thor. 'Dibs on the shower.'
Rin giggled. 'Be my guest.'
In the dormitories next door, the four transferred students were still awake and alone in the Common Room. They sat on two couches near the fireplace, Leo and Loki on one and Akira and Kazuki on the other.
'You're going to tell us why you're here, right Akira?' said Loki. 'Of course it's because you miss us. Oh, what about your matches? I'm dying to know.'
'Time Turner,' Akira said simply, lifting the chain from under his shirt so they could see the small hourglass. 'But I'm only going to repeat the days I have matches. Thor had agreed to make a portal for me so I could go back to Japan on those days.'
'Cool,' said Loki. 'I want one.'
'The world would be in danger if you ever got a hold of a Time Turner,' said Leo. 'It's a torture that you're here now but to be somewhere else simultaneously~~~'
Loki smacked Leo. 'You're mean.'
'That would be scary,' said Kazuki.
'Mean, mean, mean,' Loki chanted, pulling off pouting and glowering at the same time. 'Damn, no pillows on these couches. I can't even throw something at you.'
'You've always been the violent of our group,' said Akira.
Loki took one of his fuzzy yellow duck slippers and chucked it at Akira's leg.
'Didn't you trashed that pair last year?' said Leo.
'Yea, this is new,' said Loki. 'Rin bought it as part of my birthday gift. Where's yours?'
'At home,' said Leo. 'I wasn't planning to be stared at as mentally unstable by wearing fuzzy cat slippers.'
'They were already staring at you and your laptop when we came down after the Feast,' said Loki. 'I told you not to use it in the Common Room, but you never listen to what I say. Kazuki, Akira, where's yours?'
'I forgot to bring mine,' said Kazuki. 'I really like them though. Rin knew how much I adored bunnies.'
'Mine's in the closet,' said Akira. 'My parents don't want me walking around the house with cow slippers. It doesn't help that a cow had to be a black and white animal.'
Loki laughed. 'Rin has a wicked sense of humor.'
'It's late,' said Kazuki. 'We should go to sleep.'
'Yes Mom,' Loki said, bouncing from his seat. 'Bed, bed, bed.'
'Tomorrow's our first day of class,' said Leo. 'At least it doesn't start until nine.'
'Rather late,' said Akira. 'I'm used to waking at six."
"Same here," said Leo. "At least the school ground is adequate for jogging."
Kazuki sighed and shooed them to the fifth-year's dorms. As for their Gryffindor friends, whose dormitory was many levels above the dungeons, they were also getting ready for bed. Neville Longbottom and Seamus Finnigan were snuggled under their red comforters while Dean Thomas was in the bathroom. Ron and Harry were changing into their pajamas.
"I can't believe there's so many new teachers this year," Neville said, clearly unnerved by the idea of being taught by more Snapes and being a schoolmate to another. "The Japanese transfer student doesn't resemble Professor Snape at all but he's in Slytherin."
"He's ultra cute for a Snape," Seamus said, always the frank one. "And that androgynous one I wouldn't mind switching to Slytherin for. Must be great in bed."
Ron and Harry glared at the Irish Muggle-born, and both said, "Don't say that."
Seamus raised an eyebrow. "Are you calling dibs? Ron, I thought you and Hermione had a thing going on. And Harry, you can have any girl or guy you want. You should save the exotic ones for us common people."
"Kazuki's different," Harry said, climbing into his magically warmed bed.
"Hermione and I are friends," Ron said unconvincingly to himself.
"You can pronounce the pretty one's name, I'm shocked," said Dean, coming out from the bathroom.
"He lived near me for the summer," said Harry. "You better watch out if you're thinking about making a move on Kazuki. Loki and Leo would break your arms just to prove they can."
Neville yipped. "So he really is related to Professor Snape."
"That Leo guy doesn't look that strong," remarked Seamus. "I can take him on."
"Umm, you shouldn't try," said Ron. "He could toss Snape's nephew around like a rag doll and he's okay with being thrown."
"Guys, it's getting late," said Neville, afraid to hear more about Loki. "Let's sleep."
"Neville's right," said Harry. "It'll be bad if we overslept on the first day of classes."
"I've been meaning to ask you Ron, why aren't you in the Prefect's bedroom," asked Dean. "Wouldn't it be better to have your own room?"
"You want to kick me out so badly?" said Ron, answering a question with a question. "I'm Harry's best mate. I'm not going to abandon him for a larger room and more privacy. None of you know him like I do."
"You're a good friend Ron," said Harry. "No mistake about it. Night."
"Goodnight."
"Night Neville."
Only Neville's soft snores replied.
------------------------------------------------------------------
A.N. - Has it really been so long since my last update? Yea, it has been a very long time. This chapter turned out shorter than I had anticipated but I don't really care. Please review, review, review.