AN: Okay, I have rewritten the outline for the remaining chapters and lucky for you the story will be a bit longer than I had first thought. Also it will be more interesting. And as I answer some long standing questions I bet I will provide avenues for more queries.
Haven't come up with any more dramatic twists yet. Still I very much hope you are enjoying the story. As you can see I am no longer suffering from the intense desire to write in the most elaborate way possible.
I do hope you tell me if I go over the top with an upcoming scene. I would hate to have Sirius be out of character. (In a fit of frustration the author added the following) Let's omit a few words: I ... hate ... Sirius ... .
Last I would like to thank the person who pointed out that Regulus was Sirius's younger brother. I missed that while reading OotP and never took the time to go to the HP Lexicon. I apologize for the mistake. It has been fixed. It is not a big point, just that Severus and Regulus were friends of a sort and Sirius wasn't too keen about either of them. Again thank you.
Ok, now is the last, I have to say that I have also noticed that I have a horrible tendency to omit important little words like "not." I am in the process of rereading and fixing those mistakes. The corrections will be posted when all the chapters have been read. Thank you for pointing it out.
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Chapter 28
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"I already told you I don't care what Snape thinks. It's Christmas and I think we should decorate."
"I'm sure that will go over will," the vampire stated dryly from his corner of the room.
"What are you doing in here anyway?"
"As unpleasant as I find the current company, you are far more entertaining than Snape."
"Wonderful. The highlight of my day, being the entertainment of a vampire."
"It could be worse, Sirius. You could be the entertainment of Severus."
"Lovely Moony. Remind me not to buy you a Christmas present."
"It's almost seven," Remus continued in an effort to be conciliatory, "and for the hope of a civil conversation, I think I'll do the actual asking."
Sirius screwed his face up in distaste. "The one time we're free of the vampire is the one time we have to deal with Snape."
"Oh, don't think you are going to be rid of me that easily. I fully indent on watching this spectacle unfold.
"Just what was it the two of you discussed while Harry and I were with Severus?"
"That 's a very good question," Irvan responded as he refilled his glass with whatever it was he drank. "I am still attempting to understand half of what came out of his mouth. Most especially what he said before he resorted to a fist fight."
"Sirius!" The man address had the nerve to appear affronted. Irvan. lounging near the near the hearth, had the audacity to laugh quietly as though sharing a solemn joke.
"Do relax, Remus. To his credit he was provoked. Even if he did not stand on his own volition to finish the fight."
"It would have lasted longer if you hadn't spiked the drinks."
"You cannot blame me, I drank nothing from that decanter, nor did I call up for the drink. Your fault lies in not being able to hold your own drink."
"So the two of you became the best of friends," Remus commented upon watching the banter. He had not expected the vampire to so easily accommodate himself to their humors. In fact after that strange encounter the other morning, he had expected Irvan to hide away for awhile, even though the vampire had not shown much fear compared to the moment he had encountered it just after it met with Trelawney.
Now here was that very same vampire being more of a host than Severus. But, Severus was as antisocial as a Professor could be. Remus had not completely believed all the writings on vampires during his course of study, but currently Irvan was disputing many of the points he had thought viable. Such as conducting himself in a polite and gentlemanly manner as opposed to the more domineering persona Remus had believed. Irvan appeared to be enjoying his role as host despite the company he was faced to endure.
"If you are trying to insult me, Moony, then you have succeeded. Besides, all that happened yesterday. You are far behind in your interrogation. Now, where's Harry?"
"Could you go further off topic?" Remus suggested.
"I suppose he could always bring up Hogwarts," Irvan added casually. "But I believe I saw him in Rowena's Library."
"I'm going to go get him. It's dinner time and I'm hungry." Remus watched his friend leave the room. Something seemed strange about his reaction. Irvan's choice of actions was just as mystifying.
"Shall we? I'm certain you don't want to miss the show." Irvan then headed off in the direction of the library, following Sirius. Something was off about that behavior. But Remus could place why the action felt so strange.
Instead of following the vampire, he finds his way to the dinning room to wait for the remaining occupants of the house.
'Professor Lupin?" It was the only House-elf ever seen out of the kitchens. Remus knew there were two others aside from Totti, but he had never seen them, and if they were anything like Totti, they would be extremely skittish around guests.
"Hello, Totti. I understand that dinner will be served shortly." The House-elves of Hogwarts would have been bursting with pride at that comment; this one however, ducked her head politely and disappeared, presumable to the kitchens. Not long after Sirius, Harry, and Irvan arrived. Sirius and Irvan seemed to be in the mist of an argument. Somehow, Remus was not surprised.
"Unless you can prove me wrong," the vampire was saying in response to some unheard attack, "there is no point in continuing this useless conversation, despite the enjoyment you seem to take in hearing your own voice."
"Master Irvan is staying?" Totti had reappeared to set the drinks.
"Yes." The vampire's response was sharp but not yet rude. The elf seem to take it much easier than his own attempts at pleasant conversation. Remus marveled at how many contrasts one man could hold. He went from a congenial host to a quick tempered antagonist in mere seconds. Perhaps the changes in attitude were the precursor to a vampire's bloodlust. As he thought about it, Irvan had been more pleasant while he was drinking that mysterious drink of his. Perhaps the heavily masked smell emanating from the drink was blood.
Remus happened to be watching the doorway, while Harry and Sirius settled into their seats, as Snape entered. After a quick glance around the dinning room, the Potions Master frowned. "You are becoming bothersome."
Irvan glanced up from where he had been staring a hole in the floor, and responded sourly, "A pleasure to see you too, Severus."
And then there was always these confrontations between the dark wizard and the vampire. Every word they spoke to the other dripped in distain, as if the other was not worth his time. Yet for some inexplicable reason they remained on reasonable terms.
"Why, pray tell, are you here?"
"They," a gesture towards the only Gryffindors in the room, "came up with an interesting idea. I just wanted to view the aftermath. Afterwards I will take leave for a few hours."
"No, afterwards you will accompany us to Cavan."
"I assure you that is completely unnecessary." Irvan regarded Snape darkly, his facial expression rather blank, but voice betraying annoyance. "It was your requirement to teach the boy. I was not functioned into the equation."
"Considering it was your idea, I believe you should also be present. And if Potter actually succeeds in blocking a spell, he should be tested against a different form."
Remus glanced at Harry. His friend's son had a strange glower on his face at being spoken about as though he were not there. Apparently he was oblivious to the veiled compliment Severus was giving him. If he was demanding the vampire's present for that reason, Harry must be nearer to accomplishing that task than Severus wanted to admit. Or he could just want Irvan's present when faced with Sirius in addition to the other two Gryffindors.
Irvan refused to comment and picked up the goblet Totti placed in front of him.
Having apparently settled his argument, Snape sat to begin the meal. As had become typical, the first many moments were conducted in tense silence, followed by conversation between Sirius and Harry with Remus entering at odd points.
At the head of the table sat, predictably, Snape. To his immediate right sat Irvan. Further down to Remus's left sat Sirius and Harry across from him. They were so situated to avoid the most violent outbursts.
Remus decided to hold off asking permission to decorate until later in the meal, once Severus had relaxed enough to warrant it. And while Severus was ignoring their presence, Remus focused on what the vampire was drinking. Isolating the smell from the myriad of others proved less difficult than expected. Or perhaps it was because the drink was stronger. But there was no doubt that now the vampire was drinking blood, without diluting it. So perhaps the volatile mood was a result of a lack of nutrition. But as long as the vampire did not attack any of them, Remus wouldn't bother.
"So, Harry, have you been thinking about what you want for Christmas?" Sirius asked, giving Remus a meaningful glance.
"Well, not really."
"Yeah, it's hard to think about Christmas without all the decorations or even a tree. Don't you agree Remus?" Very subtle, Sirius. Snape still appeared to be ignoring them.
"Modern civilization has ruined a completely useful and meaningful celebration."
"No one asked you, Irvan."
Irvan looked like he could care less what Sirius had to say and continued. "The only reason Christmas is celebrated as it is was a conciliatory gesture of the old Christians who were still pagan at hear. At one time the day was actually used to celebrate Christ's birth, but it has now become nothing more than a commercial holiday with little meaning other than the giving and receiving of ..."
"Irvan, shut up." Snape surprised them by stating the objection. Irvan was on the verge of adding to his rant when Severus turned to Sirius. "And your pathetic attempt to uncharacteristically gain permission to decorate for the season has failed. Now, if you are finished, we can get on with Potter's lesson." Snape's sneer was in full force as he directed the comment to Sirius.
"It's just one stupid room, Snape! And gods forbid though actually enter it! But I refuse to spend Christmas locked up in some hellhole with someone who has difficulty understanding what families are suppose to do on this holiday."
"I will admit to confusion. Was he referring to you are me?" The vampire turned slightly to regard Severus.
"I'll refer to you if you are going to take this as a joke, you disgusting overgrown leech."
"I have heard that insult far too often for it to have any affect. Though I am surprise you could not find more creative terms, Sirius. But then again that might only be possible when you are a roaring drunk."
"Why you!"
"SILENCE!"
The demand had an immediate effect. Remus noted that Irvan actually displayed outward signs of shock and outrage. Sirius managed to quickly cover his astonishment at the sudden outburst. Harry, who Remus knew had seen such rage, still looked shocked and slightly appalled. He could not place why the second emotion was shown, but he knew it was not for any professional respect.
"Your pathetic request has been denied. I will meet you in fifteen minutes in Cillian Cavan." He was just about to stalk out of the room when suddenly he turned sharply and settled a glare on the vampire. "Do you have something to say," he dared.
Nonplused, Irvan sipped from his goblet and answered, "As a matter of fact I do. You hardly ever enter Cicero's Keep, why deny them the opportunity"
"This is highly uncharacteristic of you. What has you changing your sentiments?"
Irvan's features darken. "Let's just say I have grown attached to the burning of the yule log." A staring contest erupted and Remus was certain other communication was in progress but there was not way of learning what was said.
"Fine. Take the Keep. I don't want to see anything outside that room." Snape swept out of the room.
"You didn't have to," Remus said after a moment as Irvan stood to leave.
The vampire turned slightly to view the three remaining. "Do not think I did that for your sakes," he muttered. "It will cause less trouble should Severus know what you are doing, than if you do so without his knowledge. I, for one, would prefer a quiet household for the season. I will remind you that such ornamentation should remain within the Keep and no where else. He is in a bad enough mood as it is. Now I believe we have somewhere to be." And he left.
"Wonder what's wrong with him?"
"Think is has something to do with Snape not letting he leave the building."
"What?"
"Well, er, he told me."
"He told you? When?"
Harry paused uncomfortable as he sorted out what he was going to say. "Well, he ... we share some kind of connection. I think ever since he started helping with the visions."
Sirius for once never said a word.
"Come one, we'll be late." Remus always did know how to change a topic.
Harry wasn't looking forward to this encounter. For one thing it was with Snape. The only consolation was that Sirius and Remus both would be there. And Sirius would interfere should Snape do something odd. He had talked with Remus about their last lesson. It seemed he had gone beyond what Occluemency called for when he had viewed Snape's memories. So supposedly he should be able to adjust what he was doing to produce the actual effects of an Occlumens.
As important as that was, he still wasn't satisfied with what he had found out about Snape's father. Virtually nothing. Nor had he learned who the man was that he saw. Curiosity was getting the better of him.
"Your late," Snape startled him out of his thoughts. Harry saw Irvan standing to the side, still with his goblet. "Well, get ready. Legilimens"
Abruptly Harry was viewing snapshots of his own memories. Dudley and his Smelting Stick. Malfoy and his goons, Crabbe and Goyle. He had done this before, but always with a really embarrassing memory. The goal was to get the same result whenever he wanted. That was what Remus had told him.
He shook his head. He was on the floor with no recollection of how he got there. At least he thought he was successful.
"-est explain what you did, Snape," he heard his godfather snapping at the professor.
"I did nothing, Black. Potter is experiencing the backlash of his own attempt at blocking my spell. Nor would that be happening if he was doing this correctly." Harry looked up just in time to see Snape sneer. "Good you're up. Get your wand out and try again." Snape turned to him to ignore Sirius Black.
Again he says. It wouldn't happen if he was doing it correctly, he says. Well how was he suppose to know what was correct when all he had had was book learning. You could only learn so much from a book and even less from some one who never knew how it was suppose to work. No offense, Remus.
"Legilimens."
More of his memories. Just how was he suppose to get them to stop? Him facing the basilisk. The Prior Incantatem with Voldemort. He sent what he thought was a great mental shove. And saw: a boy shooting flies. Same as before. Was Snape still bored or was he feeling something different? Harry looked deeper. The same boy, though much younger, backing away from the man Harry had first seen. The boy older watching two men argue and the woman from before trying to stop the argument.
Again he found himself on the floor not remembering how he got there. This time when he looked up, he saw his godfather and Snape facing off with Remus trying to be the mediator.
"It's nice to see you still know how to use a wand. I had begun to think that spending all your time as a dog--" Snape was interrupted by a curse grazing his left shoulder.
"You've not improved one bit Snivelus. Still can't dodge a simple spell. How do you manage?"
"Sirius, stop! This isn't helping anything."
"Remus, you saw what he did!"
"I saw what happened. Hexing him won't answer what caused this."
"We know what caused this. Snape hates Harry so he cursed him. Simple as that."
"Hate him as I may, I do not go around cursing people I hate. Much less students. Unlike some people in this room."
Sirius raised his wand again and Snape matched it. Remus drew his and called, "Fools, both of you. Put up your wands. You don't know what you're doing (1)."
" 'What, art thou drawn among these heartless hinds? Turn thee, Benvolio, look upon thy death (2).' " Harry heard Irvan's voice behind him muttering.
"Irvan," Remus called out when it became apparent he would be able to stop the duelers. "Don't just stand there. Help me to stop them! (1)"
" 'What, drawn, and talk of peace! I hate the word, as I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee: Have at thee, coward!' (2)" Irvan was still muttering, and Harry wasn't sure Remus could hear him. Regardless, Irvan stepped towards the fray.
He arrived just as the first seriously harmful curse flew. The vampire merely raised his hands and the curse changed direction and hit the ceiling harmlessly. "He's right about one thing you two are bloody idiots! First of all," he turned to Sirius, "until you have become as proficient in Occlumency as you are in self transfigurations, do not attempt to interfere with the boy's training. And you," this time he turned to Snape. "It is obvious the boy is not doing as he needs to be, but leaving him to fend for himself in such a situation is not solving the matter. Imitation is the best teacher, so show him what is expected. Though your lapses are not helping matters.
"And you. If you can't keep the mutt from interfering, then you are hindering this project as much as he. This is precisely why he was detained that first time. If necessary I'll talk with the Headmaster and keep both of you out."
The silence following that speech was almost deafening. No one moved. The vampire had finally looked menacing and ready to go for the kill.
* And don't think you can ignore your training in the times you are not with Severus. The moment you can keep me out of your thoughts is the moment you know you have succeeded in Occlumency. *
"But who were those men?" Harry wasn't sure he had wanted to ask that aloud or just to Irvan, but it came out loud and clear.
"That is none of your business, Potter," snapped Snape.
"Answer the bloody question or this will continue!" Irvan's response was unexpected and boarding on violent.
Snape's glare would have been enough to melt solid granite, but Irvan's was cold enough to to freeze the ocean. Harry did not want to know what was being spoken, if anything.
"Fine. The first one was my father's brother. The second my father. If you want to know any more I direct you to my great-grandfather, Sylvester. This lesson is over. Good night." The Potions Professor did his best to stalk out of the chamber, sporting a slight limp.
"I don't want to here it," Irvan said, preempting anything Sirius or Remus could say. "Tonight is going to be long enough without having to listen to you trying to argue your points, as pointless as they are."
"What do you mean?" Remus had the courage to ask.
"I mean, werewolf, that Severus has been summoned and I do not know when he will return. Is that a good enough explanation."
"Come on, Harry," his godfather called him, "Let's start putting up the tree while he's gone." Harry was certain only himself and Remus saw the look of disgust on the vampire's face. And only Harry heard him say, * Pity he wasn't finished off when there was a chance. * But what chance was he talking about. Not the encounter in the forest where Snape almost killed Sirius, right? Harry wasn't about to ask for clarification. He wasn't even sure he was meant to hear it. If anything the many faces of Irvan were beginning to scare him.
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Disclaimer: (1) these are paraphrases and interpretations of Benvolio's speeches in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" Disclaimer: (2) these are actual quotes from Tybalt in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" I would give you the lines, but my source doesn't have them.
AN: Sorry about the unpolished-ness of this chapter. I wanted to get it done before Christmas. Even though the actual Christmas scenes will arrive later.
What to look forward to: Irvan and Remus get into another argument. Why House-elves and vampires get along for the most part. Dumbledore shows up. And what happened to Severus.
Haven't come up with any more dramatic twists yet. Still I very much hope you are enjoying the story. As you can see I am no longer suffering from the intense desire to write in the most elaborate way possible.
I do hope you tell me if I go over the top with an upcoming scene. I would hate to have Sirius be out of character. (In a fit of frustration the author added the following) Let's omit a few words: I ... hate ... Sirius ... .
Last I would like to thank the person who pointed out that Regulus was Sirius's younger brother. I missed that while reading OotP and never took the time to go to the HP Lexicon. I apologize for the mistake. It has been fixed. It is not a big point, just that Severus and Regulus were friends of a sort and Sirius wasn't too keen about either of them. Again thank you.
Ok, now is the last, I have to say that I have also noticed that I have a horrible tendency to omit important little words like "not." I am in the process of rereading and fixing those mistakes. The corrections will be posted when all the chapters have been read. Thank you for pointing it out.
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Chapter 28
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"I already told you I don't care what Snape thinks. It's Christmas and I think we should decorate."
"I'm sure that will go over will," the vampire stated dryly from his corner of the room.
"What are you doing in here anyway?"
"As unpleasant as I find the current company, you are far more entertaining than Snape."
"Wonderful. The highlight of my day, being the entertainment of a vampire."
"It could be worse, Sirius. You could be the entertainment of Severus."
"Lovely Moony. Remind me not to buy you a Christmas present."
"It's almost seven," Remus continued in an effort to be conciliatory, "and for the hope of a civil conversation, I think I'll do the actual asking."
Sirius screwed his face up in distaste. "The one time we're free of the vampire is the one time we have to deal with Snape."
"Oh, don't think you are going to be rid of me that easily. I fully indent on watching this spectacle unfold.
"Just what was it the two of you discussed while Harry and I were with Severus?"
"That 's a very good question," Irvan responded as he refilled his glass with whatever it was he drank. "I am still attempting to understand half of what came out of his mouth. Most especially what he said before he resorted to a fist fight."
"Sirius!" The man address had the nerve to appear affronted. Irvan. lounging near the near the hearth, had the audacity to laugh quietly as though sharing a solemn joke.
"Do relax, Remus. To his credit he was provoked. Even if he did not stand on his own volition to finish the fight."
"It would have lasted longer if you hadn't spiked the drinks."
"You cannot blame me, I drank nothing from that decanter, nor did I call up for the drink. Your fault lies in not being able to hold your own drink."
"So the two of you became the best of friends," Remus commented upon watching the banter. He had not expected the vampire to so easily accommodate himself to their humors. In fact after that strange encounter the other morning, he had expected Irvan to hide away for awhile, even though the vampire had not shown much fear compared to the moment he had encountered it just after it met with Trelawney.
Now here was that very same vampire being more of a host than Severus. But, Severus was as antisocial as a Professor could be. Remus had not completely believed all the writings on vampires during his course of study, but currently Irvan was disputing many of the points he had thought viable. Such as conducting himself in a polite and gentlemanly manner as opposed to the more domineering persona Remus had believed. Irvan appeared to be enjoying his role as host despite the company he was faced to endure.
"If you are trying to insult me, Moony, then you have succeeded. Besides, all that happened yesterday. You are far behind in your interrogation. Now, where's Harry?"
"Could you go further off topic?" Remus suggested.
"I suppose he could always bring up Hogwarts," Irvan added casually. "But I believe I saw him in Rowena's Library."
"I'm going to go get him. It's dinner time and I'm hungry." Remus watched his friend leave the room. Something seemed strange about his reaction. Irvan's choice of actions was just as mystifying.
"Shall we? I'm certain you don't want to miss the show." Irvan then headed off in the direction of the library, following Sirius. Something was off about that behavior. But Remus could place why the action felt so strange.
Instead of following the vampire, he finds his way to the dinning room to wait for the remaining occupants of the house.
'Professor Lupin?" It was the only House-elf ever seen out of the kitchens. Remus knew there were two others aside from Totti, but he had never seen them, and if they were anything like Totti, they would be extremely skittish around guests.
"Hello, Totti. I understand that dinner will be served shortly." The House-elves of Hogwarts would have been bursting with pride at that comment; this one however, ducked her head politely and disappeared, presumable to the kitchens. Not long after Sirius, Harry, and Irvan arrived. Sirius and Irvan seemed to be in the mist of an argument. Somehow, Remus was not surprised.
"Unless you can prove me wrong," the vampire was saying in response to some unheard attack, "there is no point in continuing this useless conversation, despite the enjoyment you seem to take in hearing your own voice."
"Master Irvan is staying?" Totti had reappeared to set the drinks.
"Yes." The vampire's response was sharp but not yet rude. The elf seem to take it much easier than his own attempts at pleasant conversation. Remus marveled at how many contrasts one man could hold. He went from a congenial host to a quick tempered antagonist in mere seconds. Perhaps the changes in attitude were the precursor to a vampire's bloodlust. As he thought about it, Irvan had been more pleasant while he was drinking that mysterious drink of his. Perhaps the heavily masked smell emanating from the drink was blood.
Remus happened to be watching the doorway, while Harry and Sirius settled into their seats, as Snape entered. After a quick glance around the dinning room, the Potions Master frowned. "You are becoming bothersome."
Irvan glanced up from where he had been staring a hole in the floor, and responded sourly, "A pleasure to see you too, Severus."
And then there was always these confrontations between the dark wizard and the vampire. Every word they spoke to the other dripped in distain, as if the other was not worth his time. Yet for some inexplicable reason they remained on reasonable terms.
"Why, pray tell, are you here?"
"They," a gesture towards the only Gryffindors in the room, "came up with an interesting idea. I just wanted to view the aftermath. Afterwards I will take leave for a few hours."
"No, afterwards you will accompany us to Cavan."
"I assure you that is completely unnecessary." Irvan regarded Snape darkly, his facial expression rather blank, but voice betraying annoyance. "It was your requirement to teach the boy. I was not functioned into the equation."
"Considering it was your idea, I believe you should also be present. And if Potter actually succeeds in blocking a spell, he should be tested against a different form."
Remus glanced at Harry. His friend's son had a strange glower on his face at being spoken about as though he were not there. Apparently he was oblivious to the veiled compliment Severus was giving him. If he was demanding the vampire's present for that reason, Harry must be nearer to accomplishing that task than Severus wanted to admit. Or he could just want Irvan's present when faced with Sirius in addition to the other two Gryffindors.
Irvan refused to comment and picked up the goblet Totti placed in front of him.
Having apparently settled his argument, Snape sat to begin the meal. As had become typical, the first many moments were conducted in tense silence, followed by conversation between Sirius and Harry with Remus entering at odd points.
At the head of the table sat, predictably, Snape. To his immediate right sat Irvan. Further down to Remus's left sat Sirius and Harry across from him. They were so situated to avoid the most violent outbursts.
Remus decided to hold off asking permission to decorate until later in the meal, once Severus had relaxed enough to warrant it. And while Severus was ignoring their presence, Remus focused on what the vampire was drinking. Isolating the smell from the myriad of others proved less difficult than expected. Or perhaps it was because the drink was stronger. But there was no doubt that now the vampire was drinking blood, without diluting it. So perhaps the volatile mood was a result of a lack of nutrition. But as long as the vampire did not attack any of them, Remus wouldn't bother.
"So, Harry, have you been thinking about what you want for Christmas?" Sirius asked, giving Remus a meaningful glance.
"Well, not really."
"Yeah, it's hard to think about Christmas without all the decorations or even a tree. Don't you agree Remus?" Very subtle, Sirius. Snape still appeared to be ignoring them.
"Modern civilization has ruined a completely useful and meaningful celebration."
"No one asked you, Irvan."
Irvan looked like he could care less what Sirius had to say and continued. "The only reason Christmas is celebrated as it is was a conciliatory gesture of the old Christians who were still pagan at hear. At one time the day was actually used to celebrate Christ's birth, but it has now become nothing more than a commercial holiday with little meaning other than the giving and receiving of ..."
"Irvan, shut up." Snape surprised them by stating the objection. Irvan was on the verge of adding to his rant when Severus turned to Sirius. "And your pathetic attempt to uncharacteristically gain permission to decorate for the season has failed. Now, if you are finished, we can get on with Potter's lesson." Snape's sneer was in full force as he directed the comment to Sirius.
"It's just one stupid room, Snape! And gods forbid though actually enter it! But I refuse to spend Christmas locked up in some hellhole with someone who has difficulty understanding what families are suppose to do on this holiday."
"I will admit to confusion. Was he referring to you are me?" The vampire turned slightly to regard Severus.
"I'll refer to you if you are going to take this as a joke, you disgusting overgrown leech."
"I have heard that insult far too often for it to have any affect. Though I am surprise you could not find more creative terms, Sirius. But then again that might only be possible when you are a roaring drunk."
"Why you!"
"SILENCE!"
The demand had an immediate effect. Remus noted that Irvan actually displayed outward signs of shock and outrage. Sirius managed to quickly cover his astonishment at the sudden outburst. Harry, who Remus knew had seen such rage, still looked shocked and slightly appalled. He could not place why the second emotion was shown, but he knew it was not for any professional respect.
"Your pathetic request has been denied. I will meet you in fifteen minutes in Cillian Cavan." He was just about to stalk out of the room when suddenly he turned sharply and settled a glare on the vampire. "Do you have something to say," he dared.
Nonplused, Irvan sipped from his goblet and answered, "As a matter of fact I do. You hardly ever enter Cicero's Keep, why deny them the opportunity"
"This is highly uncharacteristic of you. What has you changing your sentiments?"
Irvan's features darken. "Let's just say I have grown attached to the burning of the yule log." A staring contest erupted and Remus was certain other communication was in progress but there was not way of learning what was said.
"Fine. Take the Keep. I don't want to see anything outside that room." Snape swept out of the room.
"You didn't have to," Remus said after a moment as Irvan stood to leave.
The vampire turned slightly to view the three remaining. "Do not think I did that for your sakes," he muttered. "It will cause less trouble should Severus know what you are doing, than if you do so without his knowledge. I, for one, would prefer a quiet household for the season. I will remind you that such ornamentation should remain within the Keep and no where else. He is in a bad enough mood as it is. Now I believe we have somewhere to be." And he left.
"Wonder what's wrong with him?"
"Think is has something to do with Snape not letting he leave the building."
"What?"
"Well, er, he told me."
"He told you? When?"
Harry paused uncomfortable as he sorted out what he was going to say. "Well, he ... we share some kind of connection. I think ever since he started helping with the visions."
Sirius for once never said a word.
"Come one, we'll be late." Remus always did know how to change a topic.
Harry wasn't looking forward to this encounter. For one thing it was with Snape. The only consolation was that Sirius and Remus both would be there. And Sirius would interfere should Snape do something odd. He had talked with Remus about their last lesson. It seemed he had gone beyond what Occluemency called for when he had viewed Snape's memories. So supposedly he should be able to adjust what he was doing to produce the actual effects of an Occlumens.
As important as that was, he still wasn't satisfied with what he had found out about Snape's father. Virtually nothing. Nor had he learned who the man was that he saw. Curiosity was getting the better of him.
"Your late," Snape startled him out of his thoughts. Harry saw Irvan standing to the side, still with his goblet. "Well, get ready. Legilimens"
Abruptly Harry was viewing snapshots of his own memories. Dudley and his Smelting Stick. Malfoy and his goons, Crabbe and Goyle. He had done this before, but always with a really embarrassing memory. The goal was to get the same result whenever he wanted. That was what Remus had told him.
He shook his head. He was on the floor with no recollection of how he got there. At least he thought he was successful.
"-est explain what you did, Snape," he heard his godfather snapping at the professor.
"I did nothing, Black. Potter is experiencing the backlash of his own attempt at blocking my spell. Nor would that be happening if he was doing this correctly." Harry looked up just in time to see Snape sneer. "Good you're up. Get your wand out and try again." Snape turned to him to ignore Sirius Black.
Again he says. It wouldn't happen if he was doing it correctly, he says. Well how was he suppose to know what was correct when all he had had was book learning. You could only learn so much from a book and even less from some one who never knew how it was suppose to work. No offense, Remus.
"Legilimens."
More of his memories. Just how was he suppose to get them to stop? Him facing the basilisk. The Prior Incantatem with Voldemort. He sent what he thought was a great mental shove. And saw: a boy shooting flies. Same as before. Was Snape still bored or was he feeling something different? Harry looked deeper. The same boy, though much younger, backing away from the man Harry had first seen. The boy older watching two men argue and the woman from before trying to stop the argument.
Again he found himself on the floor not remembering how he got there. This time when he looked up, he saw his godfather and Snape facing off with Remus trying to be the mediator.
"It's nice to see you still know how to use a wand. I had begun to think that spending all your time as a dog--" Snape was interrupted by a curse grazing his left shoulder.
"You've not improved one bit Snivelus. Still can't dodge a simple spell. How do you manage?"
"Sirius, stop! This isn't helping anything."
"Remus, you saw what he did!"
"I saw what happened. Hexing him won't answer what caused this."
"We know what caused this. Snape hates Harry so he cursed him. Simple as that."
"Hate him as I may, I do not go around cursing people I hate. Much less students. Unlike some people in this room."
Sirius raised his wand again and Snape matched it. Remus drew his and called, "Fools, both of you. Put up your wands. You don't know what you're doing (1)."
" 'What, art thou drawn among these heartless hinds? Turn thee, Benvolio, look upon thy death (2).' " Harry heard Irvan's voice behind him muttering.
"Irvan," Remus called out when it became apparent he would be able to stop the duelers. "Don't just stand there. Help me to stop them! (1)"
" 'What, drawn, and talk of peace! I hate the word, as I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee: Have at thee, coward!' (2)" Irvan was still muttering, and Harry wasn't sure Remus could hear him. Regardless, Irvan stepped towards the fray.
He arrived just as the first seriously harmful curse flew. The vampire merely raised his hands and the curse changed direction and hit the ceiling harmlessly. "He's right about one thing you two are bloody idiots! First of all," he turned to Sirius, "until you have become as proficient in Occlumency as you are in self transfigurations, do not attempt to interfere with the boy's training. And you," this time he turned to Snape. "It is obvious the boy is not doing as he needs to be, but leaving him to fend for himself in such a situation is not solving the matter. Imitation is the best teacher, so show him what is expected. Though your lapses are not helping matters.
"And you. If you can't keep the mutt from interfering, then you are hindering this project as much as he. This is precisely why he was detained that first time. If necessary I'll talk with the Headmaster and keep both of you out."
The silence following that speech was almost deafening. No one moved. The vampire had finally looked menacing and ready to go for the kill.
* And don't think you can ignore your training in the times you are not with Severus. The moment you can keep me out of your thoughts is the moment you know you have succeeded in Occlumency. *
"But who were those men?" Harry wasn't sure he had wanted to ask that aloud or just to Irvan, but it came out loud and clear.
"That is none of your business, Potter," snapped Snape.
"Answer the bloody question or this will continue!" Irvan's response was unexpected and boarding on violent.
Snape's glare would have been enough to melt solid granite, but Irvan's was cold enough to to freeze the ocean. Harry did not want to know what was being spoken, if anything.
"Fine. The first one was my father's brother. The second my father. If you want to know any more I direct you to my great-grandfather, Sylvester. This lesson is over. Good night." The Potions Professor did his best to stalk out of the chamber, sporting a slight limp.
"I don't want to here it," Irvan said, preempting anything Sirius or Remus could say. "Tonight is going to be long enough without having to listen to you trying to argue your points, as pointless as they are."
"What do you mean?" Remus had the courage to ask.
"I mean, werewolf, that Severus has been summoned and I do not know when he will return. Is that a good enough explanation."
"Come on, Harry," his godfather called him, "Let's start putting up the tree while he's gone." Harry was certain only himself and Remus saw the look of disgust on the vampire's face. And only Harry heard him say, * Pity he wasn't finished off when there was a chance. * But what chance was he talking about. Not the encounter in the forest where Snape almost killed Sirius, right? Harry wasn't about to ask for clarification. He wasn't even sure he was meant to hear it. If anything the many faces of Irvan were beginning to scare him.
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Disclaimer: (1) these are paraphrases and interpretations of Benvolio's speeches in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" Disclaimer: (2) these are actual quotes from Tybalt in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" I would give you the lines, but my source doesn't have them.
AN: Sorry about the unpolished-ness of this chapter. I wanted to get it done before Christmas. Even though the actual Christmas scenes will arrive later.
What to look forward to: Irvan and Remus get into another argument. Why House-elves and vampires get along for the most part. Dumbledore shows up. And what happened to Severus.