A/N: Paragraph 88 (ish), the quote is taken from Lord of the Rings.
Chapter Six
The following morning Severus was in the great Hall having breakfast when Remus walked into the hall, Remus stopped by the Gryffindor table to say 'hello' to Harry, Ron and Hermione. With a slight spring in his step Remus took his seat next to Severus. Severus eyed the DADA professor before asking, "Have you been eating sugar again?"
"Yes, chocolate" Remus said with a grin, "I couldn't help it. At least we're going to Hogsmeade tomorrow; got to stock up."
Severus said nothing, it was his turn to 'chaperone' the students to and from Hogsmeade, not exactly his idea of fun but that meant he could visit the apothecary and the bookshop.
"I've got to apologise about last night, Severus," Remus began; he stopped when Flora passed behind him and sat next to him. Remus dropped to a whisper when he spoke again, "I don't now what Snuffles was thinking, no actually that's a lie, I know what he was thinking, he thought you were attacking me or something to that effect. I mean you were on top of me looking a bit."
"It doesn't matter, Remus," Severus interrupted, "that dog of yours is just a nuisance,"
"Well, maybe next time we could.you know," Remus said glancing up quickly to indicate the tower, "it was nice,"
"Maybe," Severus said.
Flora's eyes widened during the course of Severus and Reums' conversation, her mind had already jumped to the first conclusion that the cryptic talk had pointed to. She smothered a smile as she thought of sharing the latest piece of gossip later in the staff-room.
A loud flurry of flapping wings indicate that the owl post was arriving, the first owl entered the Great Hall through the door followed by it's companions and headed straight for Severus.
The owl landed in front of Severus and hooted, Severus reached down and untied the parcel, it was small and square, fitting comfortable in his palm. Curiously Severus tore the brown parcel paper off of it, it was a leather bound book, in tiny gold writing on the spine it read Libellus de Vetitum Potio, roughly translated as Book of Forbidden Potions.
Quickly glancing around to make sure no one had taken any notice of him and his parcel, everyone else was reading their own mail, Severus placed it carefully within his inner robe pocket and carried on with his breakfast.
There was a sudden commotion at the Gryffindor table; Draco and his lackeys were at the Gryffindor table, Neville was the apparent victim; he was reaching for something in Draco's hands.
With an inward sigh Severus got up from the staff table and headed over to the commotion. Severus could see that Harry had gotten himself involved; a few words were exchanged before Harry kicked Draco behind the knees sending the Slytherin to the ground. Seeing the opening Neville darted forward and grabbed whatever Draco had in his hands.
Minerva, who had entered the hall a few moments ago, stepped in to try to sort things out, in an instance Severus was at her side.
"What's happening here?" demanded Minerva.
Draco picked himself up from off the floor and glared at Harry, "He kicked me," Draco accused.
"He stole Neville's palm pilot," countered Harry. Seeing the slight confusion on most people's faces Harry explained, "It's a piece of muggle technology,"
"I was looking at it. I was not stealing it," Draco protested.
"Well. This is a serious matter," Minerva said gravely.
"I think not, Professor McGonagall," Severus said casually, "It's probably student hi-jinks. Now everyone just get back to your seats," Severus said shooing the students away. Severus turned and walked back up to the staff table.
Minerva caught up with him, "I don't like you undermining my authority in front of the students," she whispered fiercely to him.
"One of my students were also involved, remember," Severus said, and walked in the opposite direction as Minerva, back to his seat.
Severus could see that Minerva was still fuming at him, but he ignored it, as always.
***
In the quiet solitude of the dungeons Severus is sat behind his desk marking another batch of dismal essays written by the first years about the brewing and uses of the corroborare potion. His scowl deepens as he read the first essay; who in their right mind would put Rananculus bulbosus (buttercups) into a strengthening potion. Severus' red-inked quill flew across the parchment until the original essay was almost hidden underneath the comments, suggestions and redlines.
The classroom door opened and shut with a gentle click, without looking up Severus told the visitor, "I'm busy, go away,"
There was no response so Severus looked up and saw no one, but then Sirius appeared having just metamorphosised from Snuffles.
"What do you want, Black?" asked Severus.
"I.I've come to apologise," began Sirius.
"Let me just stop you there, Black," Severus interrupted, "You can save your breath and use it to do something useful, like inflate your own ego,"
"What is your problem, Snape?" Sirius suddenly shouted, "If Remus hadn't told me to come and apologise I wouldn't even want be in the same room as you,"
"Exactly, Black. Now go away, I'm busy," Severus said dismissively and looked back down again.
Sirius stood rooted for a few seconds before he turned back into Snuffles and stalked out in a rage.
The door opened again a few moments after Sirius had left, "Will you people never learn, I'm busy. Go away," Severus intoned frustratedly.
"Just me," a voice softly called out.
Looking up from his work Severus saw Remus standing shyly by the door, he smiled and walked further into the classroom. "I heard what you and Sirius were talking about. Why didn't you accept his apology?" Remus asked.
With a sigh Severus explained, "Because I knew that he was not genuinely apologising. I would rather accept a genuine apology than an apology that someone else made say,"
Remus suddenly laughed, "You are so principalistic, Severus," Remus commented, "What are you doing now, Severus?" Remus asked.
"Trying to mark some essays, if people will just leave me lone," Severus said exasperatedly."
"Work? But its dinner time now," Remus persisted, "Besides you can do that later. 'Don't do today what you can put off till tomorrow'" Remus said philosophically.
"What kind of proverb is that?" asked Severus.
"A good one. Come on, Severus," Remus said as he walked over to Severus grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the door.
"Remus," Severus said warningly.
But the DADA professor choose not to hear the tone of voice Severus used, instead he continued to drag Severus.
They were at the top of the staircase that joined onto the Great Hall corridor when they met Flora who was also on her way to dinner. Flora smiled, her eyes lingering slightly on the hand that was gripping the crook of Severus' elbow.
"Evening, Remus, Severus," Flora said cordially.
The men returned the greeting.
Severus leaned toward Remus slightly and hissed into his ear, "Let go of my arm before I break it of,"
"Of course, Severus," Remus said, "I've gotten you this far, there's no turning back,"
The three professors talked a little about there own day, well mainly Remus and Flora, while they walked into the Great Hall. Severus went and sat in his usual place, Remus followed him, and Flora sat by Filius.
The food had already appeared by the time Severus had sat down, he was eyeing them suspiciously when Remus held out a dish for him, deep-fried pork slivers in batter.
"Don't worry, Severus, I haven't poisoned them," Remus said with a twinkle in his eyes, "besides I know they're one of your favourites,"
Severus took the dish and helped himself to some. "And how would you know?" Severus asked.
"Oh, I know a lot more about you than you realise, Severus," Remus said with a smile. "I still remember from when we were together here, at Hogwarts," Remus said ruefully.
"The past is in the past, Remus," Severus said.
A choking then a coughing noise was heard suddenly from Remus' left, turning Remus saw that Victoria Sinistra, the Astronomy professor, was coughing into her napkin.
"Victoria, are you okay?" Remus asked.
"Um, yes thank you, Remus, a.nasty bit of meat," Victoria said.
When Victoria had made sure that Remus was now satisfied she was okay and had turned back to talk to Severus, she caught Flora's eye and smiled knowingly. Flora frowned in confusion before smiling the same knowing smile when Victoria covertly indicated the two men sitting next to her.
The two men were oblivious to the exchange between Victoria and Flora, they instead had moved onto another topic, Severus' detention with Harry.
"So what time is it?" asked Remus.
"Eight tonight," Severus said gruffly.
"I hope your not planning to punish him too much," Remus joked.
"No," Severus said, "I have something else in mind.
***
The clock had already chimed eight o' clock a few minutes ago, and Harry had still not turned up. Severus looked down at the report on his desk, his eyes unfocused and distant.
The sound of running footsteps bought Severus back to reality, he looked up just as Harry burst in panting heavily.
"Sorry, Sir," Harry said between pants, "I was in the library,"
"That's five points from Gryffindor, Mister Potter," Severus said with a sneer, "for being late and for lying to a teacher,"
Harry looked down and didn't respond, a slight red colour crept into his cheeks.
"Well, what are you waiting for, Mister Potter, Christmas?" Severus said, looking at Harry in a weird way, "I only though Hufflepuffs were slow and stupid,"
Harry bristled at the mention of the word 'Hufflepuff' and continued to stare at the floor.
"Slowness will only get you killed," the Potion Master pressed on. "Not unlike that Diggory,"
"It's not Cedric's fault he's dead!" Harry suddenly shouted.
"Really, then who do you think is at fault?" Severus asked casually, "Perhaps if that dunderhead had been a bit quicker, or cleverer,"
"No! It's not his fault! It's mine," Harry said quietly, he eyes closed as if remembering, "It's all my fault. I told him to take the cup with me. It's my fault," Harry said again. "I couldn't save him. I couldn't,"
"Couldn't?" asked Severus, "or wouldn't"
"I couldn't," Harry said, silent tears began coursing down his cheeks, "I just couldn't. I.I was.frightened. I couldn't move. Couldn't save him,"
"As you should know, Mister Potter, there is no way anyone can stop the avada kedavra curse," Severus said evenly.
"No. I could've done something. Pushed him out of the way, jumped in front of him, I don't know, I could have done something. I should have kept a clear head," Harry said, drawing further into himself.
"It's my fault," Harry repeated, "If I hadn't let Peter live, I should have said yes to Sirius, I should have just let them kill him. If I had none of this would have happened. Cedric would still be alive, and Voldemort wouldn't have a body.
"I'm a weak idiot, I don't deserve the praise from everyone. It's not my fault I survived the killing curse; they should be praising my mum, she's the reason I lived." Harry said, before he dropped to his knees and cried aloud.
Severus looked slightly uncomfortable at the crying man in front of him, he hesitated before he stepped toward his student and awkwardly put an arm around his shoulders. Harry suddenly turned and placed his head on Severus' shoulder and grabbed a fistful of Severus' robes. Severus looked shocked and taken back, but decided not to disturb him or forcefully remove him.
"It's not your fault," Severus said firmly, "I have seen many full grown wizards reduced to a babbling wreck in front of Voldemort. It's nothing to be ashamed of," Severus paused and grimaced before adding, "I still feel afraid of Voldemort, even from a far,"
"It doesn't make you weak for letting Pettigrew live," Severus said, "It makes you compassionate and human; there are many compassionate wizards and they are far from weak, case in point, Professor Dumbledore. I would be worried if you had given your consent to let Pettigrew get killed, you are not a killer,"
Harry had quietened considerably by then and looked up at Severus, shock flooded into his eyes and he released his hold on his Potion Professor. "Wha.?" Harry managed to say.
"Why are you doing this?" Harry asked once he composed himself, "Why are you helping me? I always thought you hated me?"
Severus thought for a moment before replying, "All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost. Nothing is ever as it seems, Mister Potter."
In an instant the moment was shattered when the door to the classroom burst open, standing in the door way was Sirius with a mad glint in his eyes. He took one look at Severus who was crouching next to a puffy eyed Harry, and marched over to the duo and grabbed Severus harshly then punched him in the stomach.
Remus ran into the room just as Sirius pulled Harry into a protective embrace, Remus rushed over to Severus to check he was okay as Severus muttered something about Sirius' timing.
"Sirius, it's not what it looks like," Harry said.
"Calm down, Padfoot," said Remus.
"What do you think your playing at, Snape?" Sirius all but yells, ignoring the other two people in the room, "Some more of Voldemort's dirty work?"
Before Severus could reply a knock interrupted the group, Severus gave a pointing look at Sirius who reluctantly transformed back into Snuffles.
"Come in," Severus said.
The door opened to reveal a seventh year Slytherin named Fulmen Sempr?nius, the tall brunette narrowed her silver eyes at Harry, Remus and snuffles.
"If you two have quite finished wasting my time, I do have work to do," Severus said dismissively.
The trio took that as a signal to leave, Snuffles had to more or less be dragged out by Remus, Harry followed them both out of the classroom.
"Are you okay, Harry?" Remus asked as soon as they were in the corridor.
"Yes, Remus," Harry said with a small smile, "better than okay in fact. I have to go now. Sorry but I have something that I should've done a long time ago," With a wave Harry disappeared in the direction of Gryffindor tower.
***
In the common room of Gryffindor tower Hermione and Ron were sitting doing their Transfiguration homework. Hermione looked at her work then at Ron, back to her work before looking back at Ron.
"Ron, is it me or have you noticed that Harry seems a bit.different lately?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, I've noticed it as well, he's been acting odd for a while now," Ron admitted, Do you know why?"
"Well," Hermione began, "I'm only guessing but I think Harry is not yet over Cedric's death, he blames himself for it. I don't think pushing him will do us or him any favours, though," Hermione said with a frown.
"So, what?" asked Ron incredulously, "We just sit and wait for him to crack?"
"No, Ron. We stand by him and let him know we are here for him. And hope that he will open up to us," Hermione said with determination in her eyes.
"But, Hermione," Ron began.
Hermione looked past Ron and noticed Harry walking through the portrait hole; she raised her hand and waved at him. Harry smiled at Hermione and took a seat next to Ron.
"Your back early," Ron commented, with a puzzled expression on his face.
"Um. I don't know how to start this but here goes," Harry began before relaying everything that had happened down at the dungeons, well the important parts.
After Harry had finished, his two friends looked at him before Hermione got up and hugged Harry fiercely.
"Oh, Harry," Hermione said, "I thought something was bothering you, but I didn't want to push you,"
Harry blushed slightly, "I'm sorry, for not talking to you guys,"
"Don't worry about it, Harry," Ron said, "I can't imaging what you went through. But we're always here for you, Harry,"
"Yes," Hermione agreed.
"You know, I'm surprised," Ron exclaimed.
"About what?" Harry asked.
"Snape," Ron said.
Hermione sighed and said, "You know his always been on our side, your just bias,"
"Yeah, but he's always been a git," Ron countered.
"He has to pretend he favours his house and loathes the Gryffindors, to seem loyal to Voldemort," Hermione said exasperatedly.
"Really," Ron said, "or is he just a triple spy and actually works for Voldemort,"
Hermione rolled her eyes at Ron and whacked him over the head with her textbook. Harry laughed at his friends banter and visible relaxed as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
***
Meanwhile in Remus' quarters, Sirius was still complaining about Severus, whilst Remus tried to placate him and distract him.
"Why are you protecting him, Moony?" Sirius asked, "You're not in league with that tosser are you?"
Remus looked straight into Sirius' eyes and said, "Yes, I am,"
Sirius suddenly choked and his eyes bulged at Remus' statement. "Wha.? He managed to say.
"Yes, Sirius, you heard right. I'm in league with Severus; in league fighting against Voldemort," Remus finished.
A moment later a cushion whacked Remus on the head, and a small cushion fight broke out.
*****
Chapter Six
The following morning Severus was in the great Hall having breakfast when Remus walked into the hall, Remus stopped by the Gryffindor table to say 'hello' to Harry, Ron and Hermione. With a slight spring in his step Remus took his seat next to Severus. Severus eyed the DADA professor before asking, "Have you been eating sugar again?"
"Yes, chocolate" Remus said with a grin, "I couldn't help it. At least we're going to Hogsmeade tomorrow; got to stock up."
Severus said nothing, it was his turn to 'chaperone' the students to and from Hogsmeade, not exactly his idea of fun but that meant he could visit the apothecary and the bookshop.
"I've got to apologise about last night, Severus," Remus began; he stopped when Flora passed behind him and sat next to him. Remus dropped to a whisper when he spoke again, "I don't now what Snuffles was thinking, no actually that's a lie, I know what he was thinking, he thought you were attacking me or something to that effect. I mean you were on top of me looking a bit."
"It doesn't matter, Remus," Severus interrupted, "that dog of yours is just a nuisance,"
"Well, maybe next time we could.you know," Remus said glancing up quickly to indicate the tower, "it was nice,"
"Maybe," Severus said.
Flora's eyes widened during the course of Severus and Reums' conversation, her mind had already jumped to the first conclusion that the cryptic talk had pointed to. She smothered a smile as she thought of sharing the latest piece of gossip later in the staff-room.
A loud flurry of flapping wings indicate that the owl post was arriving, the first owl entered the Great Hall through the door followed by it's companions and headed straight for Severus.
The owl landed in front of Severus and hooted, Severus reached down and untied the parcel, it was small and square, fitting comfortable in his palm. Curiously Severus tore the brown parcel paper off of it, it was a leather bound book, in tiny gold writing on the spine it read Libellus de Vetitum Potio, roughly translated as Book of Forbidden Potions.
Quickly glancing around to make sure no one had taken any notice of him and his parcel, everyone else was reading their own mail, Severus placed it carefully within his inner robe pocket and carried on with his breakfast.
There was a sudden commotion at the Gryffindor table; Draco and his lackeys were at the Gryffindor table, Neville was the apparent victim; he was reaching for something in Draco's hands.
With an inward sigh Severus got up from the staff table and headed over to the commotion. Severus could see that Harry had gotten himself involved; a few words were exchanged before Harry kicked Draco behind the knees sending the Slytherin to the ground. Seeing the opening Neville darted forward and grabbed whatever Draco had in his hands.
Minerva, who had entered the hall a few moments ago, stepped in to try to sort things out, in an instance Severus was at her side.
"What's happening here?" demanded Minerva.
Draco picked himself up from off the floor and glared at Harry, "He kicked me," Draco accused.
"He stole Neville's palm pilot," countered Harry. Seeing the slight confusion on most people's faces Harry explained, "It's a piece of muggle technology,"
"I was looking at it. I was not stealing it," Draco protested.
"Well. This is a serious matter," Minerva said gravely.
"I think not, Professor McGonagall," Severus said casually, "It's probably student hi-jinks. Now everyone just get back to your seats," Severus said shooing the students away. Severus turned and walked back up to the staff table.
Minerva caught up with him, "I don't like you undermining my authority in front of the students," she whispered fiercely to him.
"One of my students were also involved, remember," Severus said, and walked in the opposite direction as Minerva, back to his seat.
Severus could see that Minerva was still fuming at him, but he ignored it, as always.
***
In the quiet solitude of the dungeons Severus is sat behind his desk marking another batch of dismal essays written by the first years about the brewing and uses of the corroborare potion. His scowl deepens as he read the first essay; who in their right mind would put Rananculus bulbosus (buttercups) into a strengthening potion. Severus' red-inked quill flew across the parchment until the original essay was almost hidden underneath the comments, suggestions and redlines.
The classroom door opened and shut with a gentle click, without looking up Severus told the visitor, "I'm busy, go away,"
There was no response so Severus looked up and saw no one, but then Sirius appeared having just metamorphosised from Snuffles.
"What do you want, Black?" asked Severus.
"I.I've come to apologise," began Sirius.
"Let me just stop you there, Black," Severus interrupted, "You can save your breath and use it to do something useful, like inflate your own ego,"
"What is your problem, Snape?" Sirius suddenly shouted, "If Remus hadn't told me to come and apologise I wouldn't even want be in the same room as you,"
"Exactly, Black. Now go away, I'm busy," Severus said dismissively and looked back down again.
Sirius stood rooted for a few seconds before he turned back into Snuffles and stalked out in a rage.
The door opened again a few moments after Sirius had left, "Will you people never learn, I'm busy. Go away," Severus intoned frustratedly.
"Just me," a voice softly called out.
Looking up from his work Severus saw Remus standing shyly by the door, he smiled and walked further into the classroom. "I heard what you and Sirius were talking about. Why didn't you accept his apology?" Remus asked.
With a sigh Severus explained, "Because I knew that he was not genuinely apologising. I would rather accept a genuine apology than an apology that someone else made say,"
Remus suddenly laughed, "You are so principalistic, Severus," Remus commented, "What are you doing now, Severus?" Remus asked.
"Trying to mark some essays, if people will just leave me lone," Severus said exasperatedly."
"Work? But its dinner time now," Remus persisted, "Besides you can do that later. 'Don't do today what you can put off till tomorrow'" Remus said philosophically.
"What kind of proverb is that?" asked Severus.
"A good one. Come on, Severus," Remus said as he walked over to Severus grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the door.
"Remus," Severus said warningly.
But the DADA professor choose not to hear the tone of voice Severus used, instead he continued to drag Severus.
They were at the top of the staircase that joined onto the Great Hall corridor when they met Flora who was also on her way to dinner. Flora smiled, her eyes lingering slightly on the hand that was gripping the crook of Severus' elbow.
"Evening, Remus, Severus," Flora said cordially.
The men returned the greeting.
Severus leaned toward Remus slightly and hissed into his ear, "Let go of my arm before I break it of,"
"Of course, Severus," Remus said, "I've gotten you this far, there's no turning back,"
The three professors talked a little about there own day, well mainly Remus and Flora, while they walked into the Great Hall. Severus went and sat in his usual place, Remus followed him, and Flora sat by Filius.
The food had already appeared by the time Severus had sat down, he was eyeing them suspiciously when Remus held out a dish for him, deep-fried pork slivers in batter.
"Don't worry, Severus, I haven't poisoned them," Remus said with a twinkle in his eyes, "besides I know they're one of your favourites,"
Severus took the dish and helped himself to some. "And how would you know?" Severus asked.
"Oh, I know a lot more about you than you realise, Severus," Remus said with a smile. "I still remember from when we were together here, at Hogwarts," Remus said ruefully.
"The past is in the past, Remus," Severus said.
A choking then a coughing noise was heard suddenly from Remus' left, turning Remus saw that Victoria Sinistra, the Astronomy professor, was coughing into her napkin.
"Victoria, are you okay?" Remus asked.
"Um, yes thank you, Remus, a.nasty bit of meat," Victoria said.
When Victoria had made sure that Remus was now satisfied she was okay and had turned back to talk to Severus, she caught Flora's eye and smiled knowingly. Flora frowned in confusion before smiling the same knowing smile when Victoria covertly indicated the two men sitting next to her.
The two men were oblivious to the exchange between Victoria and Flora, they instead had moved onto another topic, Severus' detention with Harry.
"So what time is it?" asked Remus.
"Eight tonight," Severus said gruffly.
"I hope your not planning to punish him too much," Remus joked.
"No," Severus said, "I have something else in mind.
***
The clock had already chimed eight o' clock a few minutes ago, and Harry had still not turned up. Severus looked down at the report on his desk, his eyes unfocused and distant.
The sound of running footsteps bought Severus back to reality, he looked up just as Harry burst in panting heavily.
"Sorry, Sir," Harry said between pants, "I was in the library,"
"That's five points from Gryffindor, Mister Potter," Severus said with a sneer, "for being late and for lying to a teacher,"
Harry looked down and didn't respond, a slight red colour crept into his cheeks.
"Well, what are you waiting for, Mister Potter, Christmas?" Severus said, looking at Harry in a weird way, "I only though Hufflepuffs were slow and stupid,"
Harry bristled at the mention of the word 'Hufflepuff' and continued to stare at the floor.
"Slowness will only get you killed," the Potion Master pressed on. "Not unlike that Diggory,"
"It's not Cedric's fault he's dead!" Harry suddenly shouted.
"Really, then who do you think is at fault?" Severus asked casually, "Perhaps if that dunderhead had been a bit quicker, or cleverer,"
"No! It's not his fault! It's mine," Harry said quietly, he eyes closed as if remembering, "It's all my fault. I told him to take the cup with me. It's my fault," Harry said again. "I couldn't save him. I couldn't,"
"Couldn't?" asked Severus, "or wouldn't"
"I couldn't," Harry said, silent tears began coursing down his cheeks, "I just couldn't. I.I was.frightened. I couldn't move. Couldn't save him,"
"As you should know, Mister Potter, there is no way anyone can stop the avada kedavra curse," Severus said evenly.
"No. I could've done something. Pushed him out of the way, jumped in front of him, I don't know, I could have done something. I should have kept a clear head," Harry said, drawing further into himself.
"It's my fault," Harry repeated, "If I hadn't let Peter live, I should have said yes to Sirius, I should have just let them kill him. If I had none of this would have happened. Cedric would still be alive, and Voldemort wouldn't have a body.
"I'm a weak idiot, I don't deserve the praise from everyone. It's not my fault I survived the killing curse; they should be praising my mum, she's the reason I lived." Harry said, before he dropped to his knees and cried aloud.
Severus looked slightly uncomfortable at the crying man in front of him, he hesitated before he stepped toward his student and awkwardly put an arm around his shoulders. Harry suddenly turned and placed his head on Severus' shoulder and grabbed a fistful of Severus' robes. Severus looked shocked and taken back, but decided not to disturb him or forcefully remove him.
"It's not your fault," Severus said firmly, "I have seen many full grown wizards reduced to a babbling wreck in front of Voldemort. It's nothing to be ashamed of," Severus paused and grimaced before adding, "I still feel afraid of Voldemort, even from a far,"
"It doesn't make you weak for letting Pettigrew live," Severus said, "It makes you compassionate and human; there are many compassionate wizards and they are far from weak, case in point, Professor Dumbledore. I would be worried if you had given your consent to let Pettigrew get killed, you are not a killer,"
Harry had quietened considerably by then and looked up at Severus, shock flooded into his eyes and he released his hold on his Potion Professor. "Wha.?" Harry managed to say.
"Why are you doing this?" Harry asked once he composed himself, "Why are you helping me? I always thought you hated me?"
Severus thought for a moment before replying, "All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost. Nothing is ever as it seems, Mister Potter."
In an instant the moment was shattered when the door to the classroom burst open, standing in the door way was Sirius with a mad glint in his eyes. He took one look at Severus who was crouching next to a puffy eyed Harry, and marched over to the duo and grabbed Severus harshly then punched him in the stomach.
Remus ran into the room just as Sirius pulled Harry into a protective embrace, Remus rushed over to Severus to check he was okay as Severus muttered something about Sirius' timing.
"Sirius, it's not what it looks like," Harry said.
"Calm down, Padfoot," said Remus.
"What do you think your playing at, Snape?" Sirius all but yells, ignoring the other two people in the room, "Some more of Voldemort's dirty work?"
Before Severus could reply a knock interrupted the group, Severus gave a pointing look at Sirius who reluctantly transformed back into Snuffles.
"Come in," Severus said.
The door opened to reveal a seventh year Slytherin named Fulmen Sempr?nius, the tall brunette narrowed her silver eyes at Harry, Remus and snuffles.
"If you two have quite finished wasting my time, I do have work to do," Severus said dismissively.
The trio took that as a signal to leave, Snuffles had to more or less be dragged out by Remus, Harry followed them both out of the classroom.
"Are you okay, Harry?" Remus asked as soon as they were in the corridor.
"Yes, Remus," Harry said with a small smile, "better than okay in fact. I have to go now. Sorry but I have something that I should've done a long time ago," With a wave Harry disappeared in the direction of Gryffindor tower.
***
In the common room of Gryffindor tower Hermione and Ron were sitting doing their Transfiguration homework. Hermione looked at her work then at Ron, back to her work before looking back at Ron.
"Ron, is it me or have you noticed that Harry seems a bit.different lately?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, I've noticed it as well, he's been acting odd for a while now," Ron admitted, Do you know why?"
"Well," Hermione began, "I'm only guessing but I think Harry is not yet over Cedric's death, he blames himself for it. I don't think pushing him will do us or him any favours, though," Hermione said with a frown.
"So, what?" asked Ron incredulously, "We just sit and wait for him to crack?"
"No, Ron. We stand by him and let him know we are here for him. And hope that he will open up to us," Hermione said with determination in her eyes.
"But, Hermione," Ron began.
Hermione looked past Ron and noticed Harry walking through the portrait hole; she raised her hand and waved at him. Harry smiled at Hermione and took a seat next to Ron.
"Your back early," Ron commented, with a puzzled expression on his face.
"Um. I don't know how to start this but here goes," Harry began before relaying everything that had happened down at the dungeons, well the important parts.
After Harry had finished, his two friends looked at him before Hermione got up and hugged Harry fiercely.
"Oh, Harry," Hermione said, "I thought something was bothering you, but I didn't want to push you,"
Harry blushed slightly, "I'm sorry, for not talking to you guys,"
"Don't worry about it, Harry," Ron said, "I can't imaging what you went through. But we're always here for you, Harry,"
"Yes," Hermione agreed.
"You know, I'm surprised," Ron exclaimed.
"About what?" Harry asked.
"Snape," Ron said.
Hermione sighed and said, "You know his always been on our side, your just bias,"
"Yeah, but he's always been a git," Ron countered.
"He has to pretend he favours his house and loathes the Gryffindors, to seem loyal to Voldemort," Hermione said exasperatedly.
"Really," Ron said, "or is he just a triple spy and actually works for Voldemort,"
Hermione rolled her eyes at Ron and whacked him over the head with her textbook. Harry laughed at his friends banter and visible relaxed as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
***
Meanwhile in Remus' quarters, Sirius was still complaining about Severus, whilst Remus tried to placate him and distract him.
"Why are you protecting him, Moony?" Sirius asked, "You're not in league with that tosser are you?"
Remus looked straight into Sirius' eyes and said, "Yes, I am,"
Sirius suddenly choked and his eyes bulged at Remus' statement. "Wha.? He managed to say.
"Yes, Sirius, you heard right. I'm in league with Severus; in league fighting against Voldemort," Remus finished.
A moment later a cushion whacked Remus on the head, and a small cushion fight broke out.
*****
