A/N: I've changed a word in chapter one, line 290, from detrimental to
decisive. Thank you anon for pointing that out, and about me putting
unnecessary words in, well when I write my lab reports I tend to overstate
things, you can never be too careful if the person understands or not so...
The poem near the end is mine, and its titled 'In the End', it is my first every poem so please be kind.
Chapter Five
"Harry, wake up," a voice yelled in Harry's ear. "Come on your gonna miss breakfast if you don't move it," the voice urged, this time accompanied with hands shaking his shoulders.
Harry opened his eyes and saw a blurry image with bright red hair, "Goway," he muttered to the image.
"Harry, we have double potions first thing this morning with Snape," the voice said again.
"Shit," Harry said bolting straight up at the mention of Snape.
Harry reached over for his glasses and jumped out of bed. The clock on his bedstand read 8:25am, Harry pulled his pyjamas off and quickly dressed into his uniform.
"Thanks, Ron," Harry said looking over to his friend, who just looked amused at his tardiness. "It's not funny."
"Yes it is," Ron retorted, "are you ready yet? Hermione has gone ahead to the Great Hall. She said that if we don't turn up by the time she leaves she'll bring some breakfast for us."
"Brilliant," Harry said with a smile.
By the time Harry was ready they only had ten minutes to get from Gryffindor tower to the dungeons. They met Hermione at the stairwell leading down to the dungeons; she had grabbed a small stack of toast and a muffin each for the duo. Harry was surprised that she didn't tell him off for oversleeping, but she did roll her eyes at him.
The Slytherins were already sitting in the classroom when the Harry arrived, the three friends sat down on the second row, behind a few Slytherins. The clock chimed 9 but Severus hadn't turned up yet, the students began whispered among themselves. It was unusual that Severus was late; actually he was always in the classroom before the students arrived.
"Wonder where he is," Hermione mused.
"In hell for all I care," Ron said.
"Ron, that's not very nice," Hermione said in a low voice.
"'Not very nice'? For a man who has made my life hell for the past five, six years?" asked Ron incredulously.
Hermione decided to ignore what Ron had said, and pulled out the course book and began reading the page about the cooling potion they would be making today.
Ten minutes passed by still Severus had not turned up, but just as the students were getting ready to pack up their stuff to go the doors flung open and Severus stormed in.
"I hope you have used the last ten minutes to read up on the potion we will be doing today because I want you to start it now," Severus said as he walked to the stock cupboard.
All of the students hesitated for a moment before they started to set up their caldrons, Severus began pulled out several jars of ingredients and placing them onto a side table for the students.
The students began brewing the potion whilst Severus worked on his research and watched the students from his desk, his usual attitude was a lot more subdue and his remarks lacked the venom.
"Longbottom, what is that?" Severus' voice filtered through the class.
Neville looked like a rabbit caught in a set of car headlights, "Its thoroughwort, Professor," Neville said timidly.
"Longbottom, read out step 6," Severus said simply.
"Step 6 says to add the shredded thoroughwort and stir clockwise three times," Neville said wondering what the professor was getting at.
"Now read step 4,"
"Add the five berries from the poison oak and simmer for five minutes," Neville said confused.
"Finally tell me what is that on your desk, next to your knife," Severus calmly asked.
Neville looked over to where his knife was and inwardly cringed, "Five berries from the poison oak," Neville replied sheepishly.
"A point from Gryffindor for not reading your instructions properly," with a wave of his hand Severus turned back to his notes.
"Is it me or was that weird?" asked Ron.
"Yeah, he didn't yell at Neville," Harry replied, "That is weird."
"I don't think that's Snape," Ron said, "but I would have rather him than our Snape,"
Harry laughed at his friend; "I wonder what he was doing last night to make him late,"
"Harry, I don't want to know that!" protested Ron, "That's disgusting and vile,"
Hermione who was sitting next to the boys looked up to where Severus was sitting, he was reading over his notes. As Severus picked up his quill Hermione saw his hand shaking slightly. From the knowledge that he was a spy Hermione deduced that he had been exposed to the Cruciatus curse.
An elbow jutted Hermione in the head and she turned to find Draco (no surprise there) walking past with a jar in his hands. He walked past Harry and jutted him in the head as well.
"Watch it, Malfoy," Harry said.
"And what are you gonna do about it, Potter?" taunted Draco.
"How about a fist in the face?" retorted Harry.
"Oh, I'm scared. You couldn't hit a thing," Draco said.
"I am better at getting my target than you are, Malfoy,"
"Is that so?"
"Two words, Malfoy. Golden. Snitch,"
Draco raised his arm but thought better of it, instead he smirked. "Oh yes, famous Harry Potter, Gods gift to quidditch, just like his father. Your dead father,"
In an instant Harry had punched Draco, Draco retaliated and a fight ensued. Moments later Severus waded into the fight.
"Everybody stop this instant or I am going to give you all detention," Severus yelled out over the din.
Upon hearing Severus yell, everyone froze.
"Now get back to your seats," Severus ordered, "except you two," Severus said pointing to Harry and Draco.
"Now tell me who started it," Severus said.
"He started it," Draco and Harry said simultaneously whilst pointing an accusatory finger at each other.
Then everyone in the room started to yell out who was the responsible culprit. Severus silenced them all with a glare.
"Detention both of you and fifteen points from both house," Severus declared. "Now get on with your work. The next person to speak without permission will lose a hundred points from their house,"
Every student sat down and hurriedly got on with their potion, the next quarter of an hour went by extremely slowly. Everyone sighed with relief when the clock chimed eleven o' clock. Severus dismissed the students with a report to write up for the next lesson.
"What was that all about?" whispered Ron as soon as they were out of the door. "He usually doesn't take points off his own house,"
"I know," Harry agreed, "I knew he'd take points of me.but Malfoy as well. It almost makes it worth it,"
"Did you see the bruise on his cheek?" Ron laughed.
"Oh, guys, I think I left something in the room," Hermione suddenly announced, "I'm just going back to get it. I'll see you in Herbology." And with that she walked back into the classroom.
"That girl is not right. Who'd go back into the lion's den?" asked Ron with a shake of his head.
When Hermione walked back into the room she found Severus searching through the potions cupboard.
"What can I do you for, Miss Granger?" Severus asked, with his back still turned to her.
"I...I just wanted to ask how you were. You don't look to good," Hermione said, slightly puzzled at how he knew it was her.
"I can assure that I am fine," Severus snapped.
"I'm sorry," Hermione apologised and turned to go.
"Miss Granger," Severus said gently, "I can take care of myself, you need not concern yourself,"
"I understand," said Hermione.
"Now, don't you have a class to go to?" asked Severus.
"Oh, yes. I'm late for Herbology," Hermione exclaimed, "I'm going to get in trouble," Hermione started heading for the door.
Severus walked to his desk and picked up a quill, "Miss Granger, let me write you a pass, and note for Professor Sprout," Quickly writing out two notes Severus handed them to Hermione.
"Thank-you, Professor," Hermione said graciously.
When Hermione had left Severus took out the vial he had placed into his pocket a moment ago, uncapping the cork he downed the contents.
A house elf suddenly appeared in front of Severus, he was wearing an old pillow case like a toga with a piece of rope tied around his middle. He was bouncing on the spot causing his hears to flap up and down, "Headmaster sends Dobby to fetch Professor Snape. Dobby has found Professor Snape," the house elf announced.
"What does the Headmaster want?" asked Severus.
"Headmaster wants Professor Snape to go to his office," Dobby said enthusiastically.
"Okay, thank-you, Dobby," Severus said.
The compliment caused Dobby to bounce even high then before, "Dobby is happy to serve."
Severus left Dobby in the classroom and made his way up to the Headmasters office; once outside the entrance to the office Severus spoke the password 'candy cane' to the gargoyle that guarded it. The gargoyle began to move and the stairs were revealed, Severus walked onto a step and rode the moving staircase to the office.
With a gentle knock Severus turned the handle and opened the door, the Headmaster was seated behind his large oak desk sifting through his morning mail, Albus looked up when Severus entered the room.
"Ah, good morning, Severus," Albus greeted.
"Morning, Albus," Severus said, "Dobby said you wanted to see me,"
"Ah, yes. Do sit down," Albus replied. Severus took the chair opposite the Headmaster. "I heard what happened last night,"
"I got the summons close to midnight, I apparated in an unfamiliar place, I think it was Western Europe. Voldemort wanted us to kill Elizabeth Lindon and steal her book on ministerial secrets. She escaped with the book. I told Voldemort that the book was destroyed," Severus reported mechanically.
"Elizabeth came here after she escaped, and told me about it," Albus said, "She had a feeling that I was somehow behind the Deatheater that let her go,"
"She was a very intuitive student when she was at Hogwarts," Severus commented.
"Did you know her?" Albus asked.
"Of her, she was a sixth year Ravenclaw when I started,"
"Of course," with a twinkle in his eyes Albus said, "I didn't know you knew James Bond?"
Severus grinned sheepishly, "That was the first thing that came to mind, I was guessing that Deatheaters wouldn't know about muggle trivia. It's a good job that Elizabeth figured it out,"
"Yes, it is. I didn't see you at breakfast this morning," Albus said, changing the topic.
"Oh," Severus said, suddenly finding the floor very interesting, "I overslept,"
"Overslept, Severus that is not like you," Albus said with concern, "The Cruciatus curse?"
"Yes," Severus said simply.
"I'm worried about you, Severus." the headmaster admitted, "Your double life is taking a terrible toll on your health,"
"There is no need to worry about me, Albus. Besides I knew what I was getting myself into," said Severus casually.
The Headmaster stood and moved next to Severus, placing a hand on his shoulder Albus said gently, "I know, Severus, I know."
The moment was cut short when the door to the office opened, a large black dog entered, when he saw Severus, Snuffles hackles raised and he growled low. The two wizards turned and saw the animagus.
"I'd better go, Albus," Severus said, "I have to work to do," With that the Potion Master left the office.
"Good morning, Sirius," Albus greeted the dog.
Snuffles paused then transformed back into Sirius, "God, its good to be a human again," Sirius commented with a stretch. With a questioning look toward Albus, Sirius asked, "What was he doing here?"
"He was just reporting last nights activities, Sirius," Albus said, motioning for the animagus to sit down
"On another 'mission'?" asked Sirius suspiciously, taking a seat.
"He help foil the mission, Sirius," Albus said firmly, hoping Sirius would drop the subject, "So what can I do for you, Sirius?" Albus decided to change the subject himself.
Sirius thought for a moment before speaking, "I'm worried about Harry," he stated, "I think he still feels guilty over Cedric's death; I know that he is hiding it. I don't know what to do; I want to help him but I don't want to push him,"
"Yes," agreed Albus, "I feel it to,"
"I don't understand it, I thought what happened in May was a sign that he was over it," Sirius said, referring to Harry mind wrestling Voldemort and winning.
"When Harry was mind wrestling Voldemort he had the determination to win, perhaps because of that guilt it drove him further," Albus said slowly, "the desire to avenge Cedric and redeem himself,"
Sirius sat and mulled the thought over, "Albus, would you talk with him? I know him; he won't talk with his friends, Remus or myself because he feels he would burden us. And not with a stranger because they wouldn't understand," Sirius said.
"Don't worry, Sirius, I've got the perfect solution for this," Albus reassured with a smile.
***
A gently wind blew across the grounds of Hogwarts, rising and swirling around the tallest tower, and on the turret sat Severus in quiet contemplation, his mind wandered upon an old poem that he had read once:
"The wind rustles through the cherry blossom tree, And I look up toward the night sky, The moon, she is full and bright in the heavens so free And I wish to finally be released to fly.
My heart is like an anchor, so heavy it drags me down, Yet I do nothing to free this chain and ball, My eyes are closed as I sink further into purgatory - slowly I drown, Yet in the end I begin to comprehend it all.
The life I led was not mine, it belonged to all those around me, They directed and I acted, The irony of it all was that I followed them without query, They were cruel yet I stayed.
I whisper a final prayer with a smile before I succumb to death, The coldness that rushes through me is uncontainable. I let go of my material body and see myself exhale my final breath, The relief and joy I feel is unimaginable."
The poem was from a not so well known muggle poet named William Tate in the 16th century. Severus had read it a few weeks after he grew tired and appalled by the acts committed in the name of Voldemort.
On a dark night when the full moon was shining Severus decided to follow the poem and kill himself and he would have succeeded if Albus had not been passing through the Forbidden Forest that night (although years later Severus had pondered on that coincidence).
Severus was bought out of his reverie when he felt a familiar presence come nearer; someone was coming up. The figure of Remus riding a broomstick appeared to Severus' right, Remus smiled and waved at Severus. In the darkness of the night Remus misjudged the distance between himself and the ledge and slipped as he reached a foot out to dismount, Severus stood up quickly and grabbed one of Remus' arms and pulled him inward.
"Sorry," Remus laughed, "misjudged that," Grinning sheepishly Remus settled down next to Severus.
"Did you know I was up here?" asked Severus casually.
"Well, I tried to find you in the dungeons but you weren't there so I guessed you were here," Remus explained.
"Why did you think I was up here?" Severus asked again.
"Ah, well, I kinda knew about this being your hiding place," admitted Remus, "I found out in our second year, I saw you fly up here when I was out walking,"
"'Out walking'?" asked Severus wit a raise of his eyebrow.
"Sneaking out at night, just like you did, if you want to be pedantic," retorted Remus, "And I have to admit I've also used this place before. A nice quiet place to think, away from the rest of the marauders,"
"That would make sense," Severus said, "I remember finding a quill here once, and quills don't usually walk up a tower by their own accord,"
"Oops, I was wondered where that went," Remus said apologetically.
"Never mind," Severus said.
They sat in companionable silence for a while, before Severus glanced at his watch, it read 11:15. "I think it's time to go back now, Remus, before they send out a search party for us," Severus said teasingly as he hovered on his broom.
"Aw, I've never felt so special," Remus joked, jumped onto his broom.
Severus snorted at that comment before retorting, "They just don't want to try and find a new Dark Arts teacher. There wasn't any applications this year so they asked you back,"
"Oh that hurt," Remus said as he held a hand over his heart. "Come on Severus, last one to the ground has to kiss the Minerva," Remus suddenly announced, diving downwards.
Determined not to be beaten Severus followed Remus, but because Severus' broom was more advanced than Remus' he easily overtook the DADA professor. Hovering slightly above the ground Severus waited for Remus; it was just like old times, almost.
Severus looked up at Remus and noticed that Remus should have begun pulling up by then, "Remus, pull up!" Severus yelled.
Remus was beginning to pull up, but Severus having four years of quidditch experience as a chaser knew at once that Remus wasn't going to be able to pull up in time. So Severus set himself on an intercept course toward Remus and collided with him when they were just two meters from the ground.
Both men released their brooms and impacted the ground at a slight angle and rolling several times before stopping. Severus had landed on top of Remus, when the ringing in his ears had lessened he could hear Remus ask, "So who won?"
"You know you're not very good on a broom," Severus stated as he begun to get off the DADA professor.
Then out of nowhere a black mass violently shoved Severus aside and stood protectively over the prostrated man.
"Snuffles," Severus said, "should have known it was you,"
"Please, Padfoot," Remus began, "it wasn't what you think it was; he wasn't attacking me,"
Snuffles ignored Remus; instead he almost leapt at Severus if Remus wasn't holding onto him.
"Severus, I think you should go," Remus said, "I've got him,"
With a nod Severus turned and picked up his broomstick before making his way back into the castle.
*****
The poem near the end is mine, and its titled 'In the End', it is my first every poem so please be kind.
Chapter Five
"Harry, wake up," a voice yelled in Harry's ear. "Come on your gonna miss breakfast if you don't move it," the voice urged, this time accompanied with hands shaking his shoulders.
Harry opened his eyes and saw a blurry image with bright red hair, "Goway," he muttered to the image.
"Harry, we have double potions first thing this morning with Snape," the voice said again.
"Shit," Harry said bolting straight up at the mention of Snape.
Harry reached over for his glasses and jumped out of bed. The clock on his bedstand read 8:25am, Harry pulled his pyjamas off and quickly dressed into his uniform.
"Thanks, Ron," Harry said looking over to his friend, who just looked amused at his tardiness. "It's not funny."
"Yes it is," Ron retorted, "are you ready yet? Hermione has gone ahead to the Great Hall. She said that if we don't turn up by the time she leaves she'll bring some breakfast for us."
"Brilliant," Harry said with a smile.
By the time Harry was ready they only had ten minutes to get from Gryffindor tower to the dungeons. They met Hermione at the stairwell leading down to the dungeons; she had grabbed a small stack of toast and a muffin each for the duo. Harry was surprised that she didn't tell him off for oversleeping, but she did roll her eyes at him.
The Slytherins were already sitting in the classroom when the Harry arrived, the three friends sat down on the second row, behind a few Slytherins. The clock chimed 9 but Severus hadn't turned up yet, the students began whispered among themselves. It was unusual that Severus was late; actually he was always in the classroom before the students arrived.
"Wonder where he is," Hermione mused.
"In hell for all I care," Ron said.
"Ron, that's not very nice," Hermione said in a low voice.
"'Not very nice'? For a man who has made my life hell for the past five, six years?" asked Ron incredulously.
Hermione decided to ignore what Ron had said, and pulled out the course book and began reading the page about the cooling potion they would be making today.
Ten minutes passed by still Severus had not turned up, but just as the students were getting ready to pack up their stuff to go the doors flung open and Severus stormed in.
"I hope you have used the last ten minutes to read up on the potion we will be doing today because I want you to start it now," Severus said as he walked to the stock cupboard.
All of the students hesitated for a moment before they started to set up their caldrons, Severus began pulled out several jars of ingredients and placing them onto a side table for the students.
The students began brewing the potion whilst Severus worked on his research and watched the students from his desk, his usual attitude was a lot more subdue and his remarks lacked the venom.
"Longbottom, what is that?" Severus' voice filtered through the class.
Neville looked like a rabbit caught in a set of car headlights, "Its thoroughwort, Professor," Neville said timidly.
"Longbottom, read out step 6," Severus said simply.
"Step 6 says to add the shredded thoroughwort and stir clockwise three times," Neville said wondering what the professor was getting at.
"Now read step 4,"
"Add the five berries from the poison oak and simmer for five minutes," Neville said confused.
"Finally tell me what is that on your desk, next to your knife," Severus calmly asked.
Neville looked over to where his knife was and inwardly cringed, "Five berries from the poison oak," Neville replied sheepishly.
"A point from Gryffindor for not reading your instructions properly," with a wave of his hand Severus turned back to his notes.
"Is it me or was that weird?" asked Ron.
"Yeah, he didn't yell at Neville," Harry replied, "That is weird."
"I don't think that's Snape," Ron said, "but I would have rather him than our Snape,"
Harry laughed at his friend; "I wonder what he was doing last night to make him late,"
"Harry, I don't want to know that!" protested Ron, "That's disgusting and vile,"
Hermione who was sitting next to the boys looked up to where Severus was sitting, he was reading over his notes. As Severus picked up his quill Hermione saw his hand shaking slightly. From the knowledge that he was a spy Hermione deduced that he had been exposed to the Cruciatus curse.
An elbow jutted Hermione in the head and she turned to find Draco (no surprise there) walking past with a jar in his hands. He walked past Harry and jutted him in the head as well.
"Watch it, Malfoy," Harry said.
"And what are you gonna do about it, Potter?" taunted Draco.
"How about a fist in the face?" retorted Harry.
"Oh, I'm scared. You couldn't hit a thing," Draco said.
"I am better at getting my target than you are, Malfoy,"
"Is that so?"
"Two words, Malfoy. Golden. Snitch,"
Draco raised his arm but thought better of it, instead he smirked. "Oh yes, famous Harry Potter, Gods gift to quidditch, just like his father. Your dead father,"
In an instant Harry had punched Draco, Draco retaliated and a fight ensued. Moments later Severus waded into the fight.
"Everybody stop this instant or I am going to give you all detention," Severus yelled out over the din.
Upon hearing Severus yell, everyone froze.
"Now get back to your seats," Severus ordered, "except you two," Severus said pointing to Harry and Draco.
"Now tell me who started it," Severus said.
"He started it," Draco and Harry said simultaneously whilst pointing an accusatory finger at each other.
Then everyone in the room started to yell out who was the responsible culprit. Severus silenced them all with a glare.
"Detention both of you and fifteen points from both house," Severus declared. "Now get on with your work. The next person to speak without permission will lose a hundred points from their house,"
Every student sat down and hurriedly got on with their potion, the next quarter of an hour went by extremely slowly. Everyone sighed with relief when the clock chimed eleven o' clock. Severus dismissed the students with a report to write up for the next lesson.
"What was that all about?" whispered Ron as soon as they were out of the door. "He usually doesn't take points off his own house,"
"I know," Harry agreed, "I knew he'd take points of me.but Malfoy as well. It almost makes it worth it,"
"Did you see the bruise on his cheek?" Ron laughed.
"Oh, guys, I think I left something in the room," Hermione suddenly announced, "I'm just going back to get it. I'll see you in Herbology." And with that she walked back into the classroom.
"That girl is not right. Who'd go back into the lion's den?" asked Ron with a shake of his head.
When Hermione walked back into the room she found Severus searching through the potions cupboard.
"What can I do you for, Miss Granger?" Severus asked, with his back still turned to her.
"I...I just wanted to ask how you were. You don't look to good," Hermione said, slightly puzzled at how he knew it was her.
"I can assure that I am fine," Severus snapped.
"I'm sorry," Hermione apologised and turned to go.
"Miss Granger," Severus said gently, "I can take care of myself, you need not concern yourself,"
"I understand," said Hermione.
"Now, don't you have a class to go to?" asked Severus.
"Oh, yes. I'm late for Herbology," Hermione exclaimed, "I'm going to get in trouble," Hermione started heading for the door.
Severus walked to his desk and picked up a quill, "Miss Granger, let me write you a pass, and note for Professor Sprout," Quickly writing out two notes Severus handed them to Hermione.
"Thank-you, Professor," Hermione said graciously.
When Hermione had left Severus took out the vial he had placed into his pocket a moment ago, uncapping the cork he downed the contents.
A house elf suddenly appeared in front of Severus, he was wearing an old pillow case like a toga with a piece of rope tied around his middle. He was bouncing on the spot causing his hears to flap up and down, "Headmaster sends Dobby to fetch Professor Snape. Dobby has found Professor Snape," the house elf announced.
"What does the Headmaster want?" asked Severus.
"Headmaster wants Professor Snape to go to his office," Dobby said enthusiastically.
"Okay, thank-you, Dobby," Severus said.
The compliment caused Dobby to bounce even high then before, "Dobby is happy to serve."
Severus left Dobby in the classroom and made his way up to the Headmasters office; once outside the entrance to the office Severus spoke the password 'candy cane' to the gargoyle that guarded it. The gargoyle began to move and the stairs were revealed, Severus walked onto a step and rode the moving staircase to the office.
With a gentle knock Severus turned the handle and opened the door, the Headmaster was seated behind his large oak desk sifting through his morning mail, Albus looked up when Severus entered the room.
"Ah, good morning, Severus," Albus greeted.
"Morning, Albus," Severus said, "Dobby said you wanted to see me,"
"Ah, yes. Do sit down," Albus replied. Severus took the chair opposite the Headmaster. "I heard what happened last night,"
"I got the summons close to midnight, I apparated in an unfamiliar place, I think it was Western Europe. Voldemort wanted us to kill Elizabeth Lindon and steal her book on ministerial secrets. She escaped with the book. I told Voldemort that the book was destroyed," Severus reported mechanically.
"Elizabeth came here after she escaped, and told me about it," Albus said, "She had a feeling that I was somehow behind the Deatheater that let her go,"
"She was a very intuitive student when she was at Hogwarts," Severus commented.
"Did you know her?" Albus asked.
"Of her, she was a sixth year Ravenclaw when I started,"
"Of course," with a twinkle in his eyes Albus said, "I didn't know you knew James Bond?"
Severus grinned sheepishly, "That was the first thing that came to mind, I was guessing that Deatheaters wouldn't know about muggle trivia. It's a good job that Elizabeth figured it out,"
"Yes, it is. I didn't see you at breakfast this morning," Albus said, changing the topic.
"Oh," Severus said, suddenly finding the floor very interesting, "I overslept,"
"Overslept, Severus that is not like you," Albus said with concern, "The Cruciatus curse?"
"Yes," Severus said simply.
"I'm worried about you, Severus." the headmaster admitted, "Your double life is taking a terrible toll on your health,"
"There is no need to worry about me, Albus. Besides I knew what I was getting myself into," said Severus casually.
The Headmaster stood and moved next to Severus, placing a hand on his shoulder Albus said gently, "I know, Severus, I know."
The moment was cut short when the door to the office opened, a large black dog entered, when he saw Severus, Snuffles hackles raised and he growled low. The two wizards turned and saw the animagus.
"I'd better go, Albus," Severus said, "I have to work to do," With that the Potion Master left the office.
"Good morning, Sirius," Albus greeted the dog.
Snuffles paused then transformed back into Sirius, "God, its good to be a human again," Sirius commented with a stretch. With a questioning look toward Albus, Sirius asked, "What was he doing here?"
"He was just reporting last nights activities, Sirius," Albus said, motioning for the animagus to sit down
"On another 'mission'?" asked Sirius suspiciously, taking a seat.
"He help foil the mission, Sirius," Albus said firmly, hoping Sirius would drop the subject, "So what can I do for you, Sirius?" Albus decided to change the subject himself.
Sirius thought for a moment before speaking, "I'm worried about Harry," he stated, "I think he still feels guilty over Cedric's death; I know that he is hiding it. I don't know what to do; I want to help him but I don't want to push him,"
"Yes," agreed Albus, "I feel it to,"
"I don't understand it, I thought what happened in May was a sign that he was over it," Sirius said, referring to Harry mind wrestling Voldemort and winning.
"When Harry was mind wrestling Voldemort he had the determination to win, perhaps because of that guilt it drove him further," Albus said slowly, "the desire to avenge Cedric and redeem himself,"
Sirius sat and mulled the thought over, "Albus, would you talk with him? I know him; he won't talk with his friends, Remus or myself because he feels he would burden us. And not with a stranger because they wouldn't understand," Sirius said.
"Don't worry, Sirius, I've got the perfect solution for this," Albus reassured with a smile.
***
A gently wind blew across the grounds of Hogwarts, rising and swirling around the tallest tower, and on the turret sat Severus in quiet contemplation, his mind wandered upon an old poem that he had read once:
"The wind rustles through the cherry blossom tree, And I look up toward the night sky, The moon, she is full and bright in the heavens so free And I wish to finally be released to fly.
My heart is like an anchor, so heavy it drags me down, Yet I do nothing to free this chain and ball, My eyes are closed as I sink further into purgatory - slowly I drown, Yet in the end I begin to comprehend it all.
The life I led was not mine, it belonged to all those around me, They directed and I acted, The irony of it all was that I followed them without query, They were cruel yet I stayed.
I whisper a final prayer with a smile before I succumb to death, The coldness that rushes through me is uncontainable. I let go of my material body and see myself exhale my final breath, The relief and joy I feel is unimaginable."
The poem was from a not so well known muggle poet named William Tate in the 16th century. Severus had read it a few weeks after he grew tired and appalled by the acts committed in the name of Voldemort.
On a dark night when the full moon was shining Severus decided to follow the poem and kill himself and he would have succeeded if Albus had not been passing through the Forbidden Forest that night (although years later Severus had pondered on that coincidence).
Severus was bought out of his reverie when he felt a familiar presence come nearer; someone was coming up. The figure of Remus riding a broomstick appeared to Severus' right, Remus smiled and waved at Severus. In the darkness of the night Remus misjudged the distance between himself and the ledge and slipped as he reached a foot out to dismount, Severus stood up quickly and grabbed one of Remus' arms and pulled him inward.
"Sorry," Remus laughed, "misjudged that," Grinning sheepishly Remus settled down next to Severus.
"Did you know I was up here?" asked Severus casually.
"Well, I tried to find you in the dungeons but you weren't there so I guessed you were here," Remus explained.
"Why did you think I was up here?" Severus asked again.
"Ah, well, I kinda knew about this being your hiding place," admitted Remus, "I found out in our second year, I saw you fly up here when I was out walking,"
"'Out walking'?" asked Severus wit a raise of his eyebrow.
"Sneaking out at night, just like you did, if you want to be pedantic," retorted Remus, "And I have to admit I've also used this place before. A nice quiet place to think, away from the rest of the marauders,"
"That would make sense," Severus said, "I remember finding a quill here once, and quills don't usually walk up a tower by their own accord,"
"Oops, I was wondered where that went," Remus said apologetically.
"Never mind," Severus said.
They sat in companionable silence for a while, before Severus glanced at his watch, it read 11:15. "I think it's time to go back now, Remus, before they send out a search party for us," Severus said teasingly as he hovered on his broom.
"Aw, I've never felt so special," Remus joked, jumped onto his broom.
Severus snorted at that comment before retorting, "They just don't want to try and find a new Dark Arts teacher. There wasn't any applications this year so they asked you back,"
"Oh that hurt," Remus said as he held a hand over his heart. "Come on Severus, last one to the ground has to kiss the Minerva," Remus suddenly announced, diving downwards.
Determined not to be beaten Severus followed Remus, but because Severus' broom was more advanced than Remus' he easily overtook the DADA professor. Hovering slightly above the ground Severus waited for Remus; it was just like old times, almost.
Severus looked up at Remus and noticed that Remus should have begun pulling up by then, "Remus, pull up!" Severus yelled.
Remus was beginning to pull up, but Severus having four years of quidditch experience as a chaser knew at once that Remus wasn't going to be able to pull up in time. So Severus set himself on an intercept course toward Remus and collided with him when they were just two meters from the ground.
Both men released their brooms and impacted the ground at a slight angle and rolling several times before stopping. Severus had landed on top of Remus, when the ringing in his ears had lessened he could hear Remus ask, "So who won?"
"You know you're not very good on a broom," Severus stated as he begun to get off the DADA professor.
Then out of nowhere a black mass violently shoved Severus aside and stood protectively over the prostrated man.
"Snuffles," Severus said, "should have known it was you,"
"Please, Padfoot," Remus began, "it wasn't what you think it was; he wasn't attacking me,"
Snuffles ignored Remus; instead he almost leapt at Severus if Remus wasn't holding onto him.
"Severus, I think you should go," Remus said, "I've got him,"
With a nod Severus turned and picked up his broomstick before making his way back into the castle.
*****
