Sorry, it took long to update. Thanks to all my lovely reviewers, though I'll have to disappoint some of them. Remus didn't do anything bad. As Snape said she is on medication. Read and enjoy as this will probably my longest chapter in a long time. Oh, and don't forget to review!
Disclaimer- I do not own any of the character, scenes, setting, and plots that you may have seen in the Harry potter books. I do, however, own Siobhan since she is a figment of my imagination
Chapter 5- A day with RemusRemus turned to face Snape who was trying hard to suppress laughter. Before either of them could say anything more, Siobhan re-opened the door.
"I'm sorry, was that rude?" she asked although she knew what the answer would be. "Don't answer that question. So, what do you want?"
"I just wanted to see how you were doing. I mean, it's been almost three years since I last saw you," he replied, cautiously taking a step forward.
"Hmm, three years? You know you're as bad as my father, don't you? You despise each other but you've got so much in common. You know what that is? You all leave without saying a fucking word!" Siobhan obviously had some feelings bottled, and had kept them bottled for three years waiting to be released now.
"Siobhan, I had to leave. I'd done my job and it was time for me to go. Your mother told me she loved him and I didn't want to get in the way. She told me to pack my bags and go, and to never come back or talk to you again. She said it was for your own good."
"And you listened to her? She was mentally unbalanced at the time, did you not notice? She was happy that she'd found someone who she could lean on, she was vulnerable, and he took advantage of that. Do you know how long I had to suffer all because YOU left? Mum never wanted you to go, she wanted you to stay close, but it was all his idea."
"God, Siobhan I never knew. If you needed me that bad why didn't you send Sapphire? I'm sure she would have been able to find me."
"I couldn't, I wasn't allowed to. He told me that you didn't care, that you'd found another family and that I was now out of your life forever. He told me that you didn't love me." A tear rolled down Siobhan's cheek and she wiped it away hastily. Remus moved forward and pulled her into a hug.
"Don't worry Von-von, Loony Loopy Lupin is here now and won't be going anywhere. How could you believe anything that he told you? I would have at least said goodbye, even if I didn't love you. I've loved you then, and I still love you now, even though that wasn't the welcome I was expecting." She pulled away, her eyes redder than they had been.
"What were you expecting? Me to run into your arms, and for you to swing me round? Me to cry tears of happiness and jump up and down in hysterics? Two years ago I might have done, but I've changed. For the better."
"I guess that is what I was expecting. Who was I kidding when I thought you'd still want to see me? I guess your father and Molly were right. I've got to let you go sometime. It's just…" He turned and began to walk away. "It's just that you remind me so much of Guinevere, I was afraid I'd lose you as well. I won't bother you anymore. Bye Siobhan, I'll see you soon."
"No, Remus, don't go. I guess there are some feelings that I still need to sort out. I was just pissed and when you came in it brought a few buried memories back up to the surface."
"Can I get a hug then? Sir Talk-a-lot needs a huge one. Especially from his beautiful Lady." Siobhan ran up to him and gave him the biggest hug she had ever given anyone.
Meanwhile Severus wanted to puke. Von-von? Sir Talk-a-lot? These were nicknames that you used with a five year old, not a sixteen year old. In a way Severus was jealous since Remus and Siobhan shared something that he and Siobhan didn't. Who could blame them? They had only known each other for 3 weeks and seem to argue about a different thing every day. There were never any major rows, apart from the one they had had when Siobhan came out of hospital.
Siobhan was now trying to get out of Remus' tight embrace, who held her as if she was a stuffed toy he didn't want to lose.
"Remus? You can let go now. I think you might have broken a couple of ribs but I'm not sure." He let her go and looked at her more carefully.
"Sorry, it's just that I haven't seen you in ages. You've grown so much, and your hair is much darker than before. At least you haven't lost the freckles. Do they still spell out fart when you connect them?"
"No, they do not. And if you ever call me Connect-a-dot face, I swear, you'll be sorry. By the way how's it doing? It's not the full moon is it?"
"How did you find out? I did everything I could to keep it from you. You were one nosy parker."
"Do you really think I'm that dumb? I figured it out when I was in one of my moods. You could have varied the times you went on your 'business trips'." Just then Siobhan froze and her pupils dilated. Her face paled, and her body became tense. She was having a flashback.
Start of flashback
"Well, are you just about ready to die, bitch?" the icy voice said. He was still hidden behind his hood but Siobhan was now familiar with the cold voice.
"There is only one thing you can do to hurt me, and you will never succeed. I will be dead the next time you try. So go ahead, I'm waiting," Gwendolyn McKay said proudly standing in front of Siobhan protectively.
"Ah, you foolish red-haired Scot. You know I've always disliked red head's, which is maybe why I killed the rest of your family."
"Then leave Siobhan out of this. She has no powers that can do any harm. And since you seem to kill red head's you can't kill her. Her hair is black." The man chuckled, his eerie laughter filling the workshop.
"Don't make me laugh. I hate Harry Potter and he has black hair. Though, I will give you one request, and one only, since I am so noble. I will still kill your daughter but there is one other request you may make."
"Alright. Show me your face. Show me the face of the coward who can kill the innocent and protect those who are evil."
"Interesting description. Very well, this will be your last request, before I kill you." He lifted his hood, and shook his head to let his long silver hair to come down neatly, and straight as ever. His piercing grey eyes never left Gwendolyn's face, and his pale skin seemed almost pure white.
"I will come back and have my revenge, Lucius. Until that day comes, I will watch you like a hawk. Everywhere you go I will be there to remind you of what you have done."
"Shut it, bitch. You are starting to become rather irritating. Time for you to say goodbye to the world of the living. Avada Kedavra!" Gwendolyn McKay was dead before she hit the ground.
End of flashback
Siobhan came out of her trance and she collapsed. There was no energy left in her body, or that's what it felt like to her. Severus was by her side instantly, and picked her off the floor, carrying her to her bed. Once on the bed she tried to sit up, but her arms couldn't support her.
"Dad? It was horrible. He killed her. I watched the Death Eater kill Mum. She wanted to die, she wanted to die," Siobhan said tears rolling down her face. Severus sat next to her and rocked her in his arms gently.
"It's going to be alright. It's going to be alright, Siobhan. Don't worry," Severus replied, softly kissing her forehead.
"No it's not. He wasn't able to kill me so he'll try again, and again, but he won't succeed. She said she'll come to get revenge, but until that day she will never let him out of her sight." She put her head on his shoulder and cried. Cried more than she had done at the funeral. It was the only thing she had energy for.
"Yes it is. I'll never let anything harm you, O.K.? I'll be there for you always starting from today. Siobhan, everything's going to be alright." He stroked her hair, and continued to rock her gently.
"I think I'd best be going. She needs rest, and I'm not going to be any help," Remus said from his spot at the door where he was just about taking in what was being said.
"No, Remus. I need to talk to you, and Siobhan might appreciate your company when she feels better. I need to go up to London tomorrow, and I can't leave her here by herself." Severus surprised himself and Remus by showing so much generosity, but since he needed someone to look after Siobhan, he needed Remus.
"Right, I'll be in the living room if you need me. Get well Siobhan, and remember, count sheep." He turned and walked out of the room, closing the door gently behind him.
"Dad, I saw him. I saw the Death Eater guy. I didn't quite catch his name but I remember he had piercing grey eyes and hair to match. He killed the whole of my family and I'm the only one left. The only one." Her eyes had run out of tears and she simply shook, her father's attempts to calm her down failing.
"Siobhan, go to sleep. I'll give you a Dreamless- Sleep potion if necessary but you have to sleep. I'm surprised your wound isn't open." He surveyed her stomach carefully to make sure there was definitely no bleeding.
"No, this was different. This time he was angry with me, or something like that. There was a desire to kill me, but it wasn't strong enough to open the wound. Just enough to give me a flashback and take all the energy out of my body." She yawned and fell back on her covers.
"Do you think you can sleep without the potion? It's better if you sleep naturally." Siobhan did not reply since she was already asleep, snoring lightly. He slipped his arms away, and kissed her on the forehead. He walked out of the room towards the living room.
Remus sat there staring at the oak cabinet which was out of bounds to anyone. He too was curious, but since he had felt the energy coming from it, he hadn't touched. He was amusing himself by flicking pieces of paper on it and watching make dents in the wall, just as Siobhan often did.
"I see where Siobhan gets her annoying habit from. You two are rather similar you know," Severus said before Remus could throw any more.
"Thirteen years is a lot. We kind of picked habits off each other over that time. So is there anything you wanted to talk to me about?" Remus asked studying Snape curiously.
"Yes. How are we going to protect Siobhan? I know she's going to be safe at Hogwarts but how can I be sure?"
"We? Since when are we a 'we'? Isn't it usually just me, me, me and, let me think, uh, me? I swear you are the one who didn't want me to see her in the first place."
"Let us put our differences aside, alright. This is Siobhan's life we are going to put on the line if we keep grudges against each other. We need to be careful, he's still out there somewhere."
"Who exactly? You keep talking about this 'he' person and I have no idea what's going on."
"You may or not be aware that the McKay family were all killed by the same Death Eater, and since he didn't succeed in killing Siobhan he will be after her. That Death Eater is Lucius Malfoy, I think."
"What do you mean think? Anyway, if it is, do you think it's safe putting Siobhan anywhere near Draco Malfoy. I mean, won't he report anything that happens to his father?" Severus frowned as he thought about it.
"Hogwarts is still the safest place. Draco Malfoy, or no Draco Malfoy. What I need you to do is be like a counsellor. I'm not the best at talking, and I never will be. She's gone through a lot and I'm not sure she'll be able to handle coming to a new school and stuff."
"Me? A counsellor? Do you really find that wise? I mean I won't always be here. There'll be times when I'll be a werewolf."
"Who else am I meant to ask? You are well known for your long lectures, and you're so close to her anyway. This way, you'll be able to make up for the three years you've missed."
"Fine, but what about you? You've missed sixteen years of her life, how are you going to make up for it?"
"I will be assisting her and Mr. Potter in studying Occlumensy. Yes, Remus, I have decided to continue teaching Mr. Potter. I don't want a repeat of what happened. And this time more lives might be taken." Remus studied Severus carefully, and a smile spread across Remus's face.
"You do care about him, don't you? Behind all that act of yours you care about Harry after all. You just didn't like Sirius and it was convenient if you just acted like you hated James and then Harry as well. There is no grudge is there?"
Severus was speechless, because there was nothing he could say. Of course, he cared about Harry. Severus was a human being and he couldn't watch as an innocent person went through so much pain. He had never hated James, he had been grateful that James had told him on time, or he would probably be dead. When Harry had walked through the Great Hall, he had muddled up his feeling of hatred towards Sirius and directed them towards Harry. He had been so angry when Harry had watched him being humiliated, and began to believe that Harry was indeed more like Sirius than James. In fact, Severus was quite pleased that Sirius was dead.
"Well, of course there is. What is the point of me pretending to hold a grudge? Remus, you should really listen to yourself talk, because all that comes out is rubbish." He was lying through his teeth and he hoped Remus wouldn't notice. Of course, Remus noticed but decided to drop the subject.
"Fine, whatever you say. I must assure that Hogwarts is quite safe. There will be Aurors located around the school so you have nothing to worry about." He yawned. "I'm quite tired. Should I go back to Grimmauld place, or should I stay here?"
"Staying here would be easier, since I will be leaving at 5 and I need someone to make breakfast, make sure she gets rest, and eats. I'll leave you instructions on the table before I go. You can have the storage room, but you can use it as a spare room, though I'll have to remove a couple of boxes first."
"Thanks. For letting me see Siobhan, and allowing me to spend a whole day with her. I really appreciate it. At least one more person knows you're not a complete monster."
"Ha, ha, ha. I don't need your thanks. I'm not doing this for you; I'm doing it for Siobhan. Now follow me." Severus led Remus up to a room right at the start of the corridor. When he opened it, the door creaked slightly, and the room was pitch black. He switched on the light and the room came into view.
It was quite small, and every space of the floor was littered with cardboard boxes. There was a small single bed and a dresser, and cobwebs hung in each corner of the room. It looked as if no-one had slept in this room, for a long time, but then again it was a storage room.
Severus flicked his wand and every single box lifted several inches in the air. He smirked at Remus. "Goodnight, don't let the bed bugs bite. And I'm serious." He walked out of the room and the boxes followed him. Remus shut the door behind him, and stood for a moment to look at his accommodation.
He conjured up some pyjamas, and undressed as slowly as he could. Even though he was tired he didn't want to sleep on that bed. He wasn't sure whether Severus had been joking about the bed bugs, but decided he would have to sleep on the bed anyway.
The bed was actually quite comfortable; ignoring the fact that the covers were itchy, that the bed sagged and that it was a couple of inches too short, making him has to tuck his feet up. He quickly fell asleep, dreaming of Guinevere, the happy and sad times.
Next morning Remus was woken up by somebody pouring a bucket of ice cold water over him. That somebody was no other than Severus, who today was dressed in black wizard robes, and he once again became Severus Snape the Death Eater, and much hated Potions Master. Remus sat up, and muttered a few curses, before shaking his head, and looking at Severus who was smirking.
"There's nothing like pouring a bucket of ice cold water on someone's head at five in the morning, when that person is still fast asleep," Severus said raising an eyebrow. "Is there Remus? Unless you don't remember the times when you and Black found it so amusing to do it to me."
"Oh, I remember Severus. I also remember how bad you used to curse us when you came to your senses," Remus replied shuddering slightly. Not at the memory, but because he was getting cold. "You certainly had it in for Sirius. Especially when you turned him green and refused to remove the spell."
"As much as I'd love to remember what we used to get up to in our years at Hogwarts, I have places to be, and people to see. When you've washed, and got dressed and stuff, you'll need to check on Siobhan. Then you can cook breakfast and so on." Severus walked to the door but before closing the door he added, "And please don't poison her with your cooking. I want her to stay alive."
Remus made a face at Severus' back, and lay down again. What a bastard. Remus should have known Severus would try something. He rolled over forgetting the bed was small, and found himself staring at the dusty floor. He had to get up now, there was no way he was going to be able to get back to sleep.
He made his way to the bathroom and examined his face in the mirror. He brushed his teeth and received comments from his reflection like, "You missed a spot" or "Man, when was the last time you brushed your teeth". After a quick shower he returned to the mirror to start shaving. Afterwards he simply sat on the edge of the tub and looked around him. The bathroom was dark blue, apart from the tub which was white, and stood out against the blue. It was rather tidy, and Remus envied the fact that Severus had his own bathroom that he didn't have to share with ten or so others like at Grimmauld Place, or even the fact that Severus had his own home.
He snapped out of his thoughts and returned to the small room where he put on his shabby robes. Everything he owned seemed to be shabby, though he couldn't care less. Remus made his way to the kitchen, where a bright red envelope was on the table. He opened it and found it was Severus' instructions.
Remus,
I am leaving Siobhan in your care. I expect to find her as healthy or healthier than she was this morning. Make sure she wakes up by nine and that she eats, even if she says she's not hungry. If you are not sure how to cook, I will not be surprised if you don't, I believe Molly will be able to make some food that you can bring back. The painkiller's are in the second drawer to the right in the kitchen, and Siobhan will know where I keep my potions if you require any of them. Take her out to get some fresh air, or something, but don't let her over-do it. Take care of her as you've always done, and I'll be back around ten o'clock, or slightly later.
Severus Snape
Remus re-read the note to make sure he hadn't missed anything, and put it back in the envelope. He looked at the clock on the wall. Six-thirty in the morning. He remembered he had to check on Siobhan before actually waking her up.
He made his way towards her room, and opened the door slowly. To his surprise she wasn't asleep but sitting crossed legged on her bed, a leather bound photo album resting on her lap. Her hair was now straight and lifeless- rather like her father's, except less greasy, and she was tracing figures of people with her fingers. She was too busy looking at the photographs she didn't notice Remus come and stand next to her.
"Hi," he said softly, making her jump. "What you doing?"
"Remus, you scared me half to death," she said putting her hand to her heart, which was beating faster than normal. "I was just looking at some pictures." Remus raised an eyebrow in suspicion.
"At six- thirty in the morning? Since when are you an early riser? I used to remember how much you would curse if someone woke you up before ten."
"I've told you Remus. I've changed, for the better. Plus I couldn't sleep for some reason." Siobhan avoided his eyes. She hadn't been able to sleep since over and over again she had watched her mother die. As if once wasn't enough.
"Since you're awake go wash, and get dressed. I'll have breakfast on the table by the time you finish." Siobhan shut the photo album and made to get up but found the pain in her lower abdomen unbearable.
"Ah! You couldn't give me a lift to the bathroom could you? I need hot bath to get some feeling in my legs back." Remus nodded, and swept her into his arms, carrying her to the bathroom. Once or twice she hit her head on the wall but Siobhan quite enjoyed it. He put her down outside the bathroom.
"Are you sure you're going to be O.K.? If anything happens to you, you do know your father is going to kill me don't you?" Siobhan punched him playfully on the arm.
"Of course, I'm O.K. you silly twat. Go cook breakfast 'cause I'm famished. Food better be ready when I finish or I won't be a happy bunny. And if I'm not happy my father's not happy." She turned and disappeared into the bathroom.
Remus set down the food in front of a hungry Siobhan. Siobhan expression went from hungry to disgusted, no matter how much she tried to hide it.
"Um, Remus? What is this? Please, don't tell me it's meant to be bacon and an omelette," she said trying to put on a smile, but failing miserably. What was in front of her was something that had been burned rather badly and now looked like charcoal, and something that slightly resembled an omelette but wiggled like jelly when Siobhan prod it with her spoon.
"Yes, it is actually. Why don't it look good?" he asked looking slightly hurt. "You haven't even tasted it yet." Siobhan put a some omelette in her mouth and chewed it slowly before spitting it back out.
"Are you trying to poison me now? This tastes like soap and rotten eggs. I'm not going to eat that. I think I'll wait till my father comes back. At least he can cook." Now Remus looked really hurt now.
"Come on, it can't taste that bad. You're exaggerating." Remus tried some and chewed it slowly, before swallowing it. "See that wasn't that bad. Actually, who am I kidding? That was disgusting. Pass me that juice." His face had gone slightly green, and Remus wasn't sure whether he should have swallowed it. He drank the whole carton, before he looked normal again.
"Now you've finished getting that omelette out of your system, would you mind telling me where I'm supposed to get food. I'm starving," she said, her stomach rumbling in agreement.
"Wait here. I'll be back soon with real food. Can I trust you to stay here for five minutes without fainting, setting the house on fire, or anything like that?" Siobhan nodded. "Good." And with that he Apparated out of the room with a loud crack.
Remus re-appeared in the kitchen at 12 Grimmauld Place, and was surprised to find Harry sitting at the kitchen table, staring blankly into space. Harry didn't seem to have noticed Remus despite the noise Remus had made Apparating into the kitchen. Even when Remus called out his name he didn't seem to notice at first, but after a few minutes of shouting he finally got his attention.
"Oh, hello Professor. What are you doing awake at this time? I thought you'd still be in bed," Harry said his voice rather flat, his eyes still far away.
"I could ask you the same thing Harry. I didn't sleep here, and I just came to raid the kitchen for food," Remus explained, looking at Harry slightly concerned. "Is there anything you want to talk about, Harry?"
"Yes. No. Maybe. I don't know. I just couldn't sleep. Is that a crime?" Harry turned his head away from him. He wanted to tell him what he had seen, but he didn't want him to scorn him for not practising his Occlumensy, though it wasn't his fault that he wasn't any good at it. "Actually, I think I'll tell you. I had a dream. Not a normal dream but one of those where I'm in Voldemort's body. He was telling Lucius Malfoy off for not managing to kill a young worthless girl. He was angry that Malfoy couldn't find the girl, that he had lost track of her. Then I woke up and found I couldn't sleep."
"Are you sure it was real Harry? I mean he could have been tricking you." Remus wanted to add the word 'again' but thought against it.
"Yes. I'm sure. That's all really."
"Oh. O.K. Do you know where Mrs. Weasley keeps those sandwiches that she makes?" Remus was now opening every single cupboard, looking for Mrs. Weasley's filling sandwiches. They wouldn't taste that bad, since Mrs. Weasley was an excellent cook.
"Professor Lupin, you're staring them right in the face." Harry pointed to the cupboard Remus was looking at and sure enough there were the sandwiches, wrapped neatly in cling film.
"Oh. I didn't see them. I think my sight is going. Right I'll be off and if you need anything don't hesitate to ask anybody." Remus squeezed Harry's shoulder gently, and Apparated out of the kitchen.
Siobhan was lying on the sofa, flicking through the Daily Prophet that an owl had just brought. There wasn't any interesting news, except a 'Handbook to Protecting Yourself if the Worst Comes to Worst' which was the fifth of many booklets that the Ministry were providing to try and help people protect themselves for the return of Voldemort.
Remus appeared in the living room and threw her a sandwich. Siobhan sniffed it and examined it carefully, before taking a bite.
"Yum. Remus, this is delicious. I've never had a chicken sandwich that tasted so good," she said before taking another bite.
"Glad you like it. And you won't mention the food I cooked to your father, will you? If he finds out he'll never let me live it down," Remus asked pouting slightly. Siobhan threw the Clingfilm from the sandwich at his head and grinned.
"Very well, but what makes you think I'll let you live it down? I find it my duty to warn others that Remus Lupin's food is toxic."
"Ouch. That truly hurt Siobhan. Not that you can do any better Connect-A-Dot face." Siobhan grabbed a cushion and hit him over the head with it. This resulted in a pillow fight, leaving them both exhausted, and panting for breath.
Siobhan laid her head and Remus' lap, and closed her eyes. After a minute she was fast asleep, and snoring. Remus made a mental note to tell her that she snores before falling asleep himself.
It was two o'clock before both of them woke up and Remus had a stiff neck from sleeping upright, which he wasn't used to. Siobhan stretched like a cat, and sat up shaking her hair, it's bounciness restored.
"Remus, I'm bored and hungry. Can we go out please?" Siobhan said after she was fully awake. Remus groaned, and closed his eyes.
"Siobhan, I'm tired. Can't I sleep just a minute longer?" he said lazily, rubbing his eyes. Siobhan frowned, but then an idea hit her.
"Suit yourself, but you don't have long." She got up and went to the kitchen. She came back carrying a bucket full of freezing water. Yep, you've guessed it. She was going to throw it over Remus.
She crept up behind him, and tipped the water directly over his head. Remus yelped and sprang up his sandy-brown hair dripping wet just like it had been that morning. He shook like a dog splashing Siobhan with droplets of water, before tackling her to the floor and tickling her.
"Just like your father, you are. You will pay," he said tickling her violently, and refusing to let go. Siobhan squirmed and wriggled but found she couldn't get out of his grip.
"Remmy! Get off! Come on, please get off!" she shouted between giggles. She pushed him but he refused to get off.
"Say 'uncle'. I'm not letting go until you say uncle."
"Alright, ALRIGHT! Uncle, uncle, uncle! Now get off." Remus let go and they both lay on the floor trying to get their energy back.
"Siobhan? Can I ask you something?" Remus said staring up at the ceiling.
"Sure, what is it?" she replied a hint of concern in her voice.
"What happened in those three years when I wasn't there? How did it go with Mr. Peter McKenna?" Siobhan froze. She loathed that man, and didn't feel comfortable talking about it to Remus, or anybody for that matter.
"Nothing special. He was, um, alright. Not as good as you but alright. Why do you ask?" She was lying through her teeth, and like her father and only used the word 'um' mid-sentence when she was lying.
"It's just that you said that you suffered because I left. I thought that something might have happened to really hurt you." A shiver went up Siobhan's spine, as memories came back, and found her tears were moist with tears.
"No, I just felt empty without you there. Mum was the one who suffered without you. I could see here deteriorating slowly everyday until he left. That was a truly glorious day." Siobhan seemed to go into a daze for a moment but quickly snapped back, and hastily added, "There were going through a rough patch."
"Oh. If that's it then I won't ask you anymore." Remus felt miffed that Siobhan was lying to her, but decided it was a touchy subject. "So, where do you want to go? I'm meant to take you out for some fresh air."
"There's millions of places to see. This side of the town is nearly all wizard inhabited. A few muggles, but otherwise there's plenty of things to see. There's the local park, which is beautiful. I've been there a couple of times. And there's the few café's next to the park. You've got to take me there."
"I'd love to but these café's cost money, and I'm not exactly loaded am I? Just look at my clothes." Siobhan looked at him, and looked at him carefully from the still wet robes that had been sewn up in places, and his shoes that look as if they belonged to fifty owners before him.
"Hmm. I'll tell you what. I'll take the money I've been saving up to these earrings I really wanted, and we'll eat, and by you a couple of new robes and shoes for the beginning of the school year. You remind me of the Weasley's, although there is nothing wrong with them."
"How do you know the Weasley's? I swear you used to live in Scotland so you can't have met them before coming here."
"Well I haven't met the whole family just the twins. My mother used to make antidotes for their products and…" she started saying before blushing deeply. "I used to date Fred."
"That explains it, but Siobhan you seriously don't have to buy me anything. Once Dumbledore gives me my wages, I'll be able to afford it. I don't want you to waste your money on me."
"Think of this as three year's worth of birthday and Christmas presents. I won't be wasting it'll be for a good cause. So get of your lazy derriere and let's go spend my pocket money." She got up and helped Remus get up as well.
After Remus had made sure Siobhan was wearing enough sunscreen, and had her sun hat and sunglasses on, they set off towards the park. Severus' neighbourhood wasn't that bad, and the maisonettes stood neatly in rows, one on each side of the road, the front lawns all cut neatly.
The park itself was huge and Remus had never seen so much green. The people in the park were obviously wizard's and witches, and although they wore muggle clothes, they were carrying wands and speaking in language terms. One couple they passed were complaining about the fact that they had to share the town with muggles.
"I swear if they start coming up our side of the town, it'll be their fault You-Know-Who blasts them all to pieces. Until then we must be on our guard, he could come round the corner any minute," an old man said, limping slightly as if he had an old war wound or something.
"Wilfred, don't be so pessimistic dear. We'll probably be dead by the time the second war ever starts. That Harry Potter boy keeps foiling his plans," the old woman replied.
"Whatever you say Irma. Whatever you say…"
Siobhan and Remus came to an area where there was a fountain surrounded by beautiful cherry trees, and the grass was greener than grass should be. The fountain was a sculpture boat with water shooting out off its mast and the ends of the sails. They settled down on the grass and sat down on the grass, Remus keeping in the shade.
They were so engrossed in thought they didn't notice Albus Dumbledore come and sit in between them. It wasn't until he spoke that they finally noticed him.
"Lovely day isn't it. I thought I might find you two here, making the most of this weather," he said, wiping grass off his the pinstripe trousers he was wearing.
"Yes it is indeed. What brings you to the park? Is something the matter," Remus replied sitting up more alert than he had been.
"No, no. Not at all. I require to speak to Siobhan that I is all." Dumbledore turned to look Siobhan in the face. She looked rather worried. He smiled at her, and surveyed her through his half-moon glasses. "Do you mind taking a walk with me? It will only be for a short while, I'm afraid my legs aren't as good as they used to be."
Siobhan stood up with Dumbledore and followed him, but not before giving Remus an anxious look. She wondered what she had done. She hadn't used any magic, she hadn't pulled any pranks or done something that she shouldn't have done, so what did Dumbledore need to speak to her for? They walked rather slowly looking at the prettiness of the park, and they didn't stop until they came to a row of benches, and sat down on one.
"You may be wondering what I need to talk to you about," he started saying looking Siobhan straight in the eyes with his small blue eyes. "I was looking through your files, and I came over something very interesting. Something regarding a person called Emily." Siobhan's heart seemed to stop. Emily, her own secret.
"H-how did y-you find out about her? That information was supposed to be confidential," she stammered looking away from his eyes. Now somebody else knew, and he probably didn't want her in his school.
"On the contrary, Miss McKay. I would be delighted to have you in my school. This bit of information will not change anything. It was not your fault, and you shouldn't blame yourself for what happened. I was simply wondering whether you had told your father, or maybe Remus."
"No I haven't and I don't intend to until I am of age. There is no need for them to know until then, and I would appreciate it if you didn't tell them, unless it is absolutely necessary."
"Very well, if that is what you wish. Now there is one more thing I came across. Your love for pranks. I assure you I do not hate them myself but make sure that you do not take them too far. Our caretaker, Mr. Filch, can only remove so much paint in a day." Dumbledore winked at Siobhan, who blushed a deep shade of scarlet.
"I won't, I promise. And thank you. Thank you for not mentioning it to anybody. There must be some way I can show you my thanks."
"There is something you can do for me. I want you to be careful, Siobhan. If am right in saying you have a terrible temper, and I want you to think before you act. Things are always what they seem." He stood up and checked his pocket watch. "I must now leave you. Say goodbye to Remus for me. Good day." He took of his yellow bowler hat and bowed, before Diss – Apparating, with a small 'pop'.
Siobhan walked back to the spot where she and Remus had been sitting. When he saw her approaching he stood up, and looked at her quizzically.
"What did he want?" he asked, looking at her in the eyes. She looked away and suddenly became interested in the grass.
"He wanted to set a few ground rules about Hogwarts and give me some advice, that's all," she mumbled. "Why don't we go to the café? I'm hungry, and we still have to buy you your robes so come on." She grabbed Remus' hand and set off at a sprint towards the café, dragging Remus behind her.
The café itself was called Café Rouge, and looked like a café and a pub divided in half. It was too hot to seat inside so they sat outside. Remus ordered a Toffee Double Chocolate Sundae and Siobhan ordered a Soya Chocolate Mousse. Whilst waiting for their orders to come they set about a game of I Spy. They knew it was childish but they needed something to pass the time.
"I Spy with my little eye something beginning with…. G," Siobhan said after she had managed to guess Remus' word.
"Siobhan you have to be a little less obvious than that. It's obviously Grass," Remus said.
"Oh well, I couldn't think of anything else. Here comes our orders anyway." They thanked the waiter and dug in. Remus stuffed it in his mouth so fast that Siobhan wasn't surprised when he had a brain freeze. That's what you get when you eat ice-cream too fast.
After they had finished, they went to a little shop a little further down the street called 'Madam Sofia's Robes for All Occasions'. They went in and were immediately greeted by a plump woman, with grey ringlets.
"Come in, come in. You're new around this neighbourhood aren't you? So what can I get you? Going to a wedding? Party? Or do you just want normal robes?" she said not even letting them speak. "Oh, those robes look absolutely awful. You must be here to get some new ones. You'll need new shoes with that won't you?"
"Yes, Madam Sofia. He needs at least 5 new robes all the same colour and two new pairs of shoes. I think that'll do," Siobhan stepped in before she could start talking again.
"Right come this way then. We'll get you measured up. Stand on this stool, arms out and don't move." Remus did as he was told but couldn't help feeling embarrassed. He should have been buying Siobhan new robes, not the other way round. A magic tape measurer measured round his waist, arms and neck, then also his feet. Once it was finished Madam Sofia went into a backroom, and Remus stepped down.
"Siobhan you really don't have to do this. You got me five robes and two pairs of shoes that is a lot. And don't forget the sundae. It doesn't feel right. It should be the other way round," Remus said blushing slightly.
"Don't be silly. I told you, three years worth of birthday and Christmas presents. You owe me that as well, so don't think you're of the hook," she replied giving him a hug to reassure him. Madam Sofia came back with the robes, and put them in bags for him.
"That will be 23 Galleons, 10 Sickles, and 5 Knuts," Madam Sofia said. Siobhan reached into her purse and counted out the exact money. He purse was now half- empty but she couldn't care less.
They left the shop and on their way home they passed a small jewellery store. Siobhan paused to look at the display, and looked slightly put down.
"Bye, bye beautiful earrings. I guess I'll have to wait another year to buy you," she whispered looking at a pair of cats, with diamonds as eyes. Remus looked at the price tag beside it. 120 Galleons- that was pretty expensive for a pair of earrings. Siobhan finally dragged her eyes away from it and made her way home.
Once in she went straight to bed. It was only 6 o'clock in the evening but she was tired. The day had worn her out, and she needed to sleep. Before she went to sleep, Remus went to say goodbye since when she woke up the next morning he's be gone.
"Goodnight Von-Von. Sleep tight and remember to count sheep," he said kissing her on the forehead gently.
"Night, Remmy. See you soon. It was great having you here," she replied giving him a final hug before falling asleep.
It was past eleven when Remus felt himself being shaken awake. He had fallen asleep on the sofa reading Transfiguration Today. He got up immediately since he didn't want to have a bucket of cold water poured on his head again. It was Severus, he was back, and looked different. He had a cut above his eye and his lip was cut as well.
"What happened to you? You weren't like that this morning," Remus asked studying Severus carefully.
"What happened to me is none of your concern. Anything happen whilst I was away?" Severus replied quickly changing the subject.
"No, except that Dumbledore came to talk to Siobhan about something which she won't tell me. And, Harry had a dream about Voldemort telling Lucius of for not succeeding in killing a worthless girl."
"Are you sure that it was real? Was he absolutely sure it wasn't a trick?" Severus sounded desperate to know the truth.
"Hey, I'm just the messenger. Why don't you ask him yourself, and then maybe you can form a tight little friendship. Remember you said grudges lead to people getting hurt."
"Don't mock me Remus. Now get out. Thank you for looking after Siobhan, but you have over-stayed your welcome by a couple of minutes."
Remus put on his clock and Diss- Apparated out of the room. Severus sat down in his favourite armchair and fell asleep, his left arm throbbing.
A/N- This chapter was a bit soppy, but I needed it to explain a few things and make a mystery type thing. Remember to review or you won't get the next chapter.