AN: Hm, not a lot of people complained about the long chap, hehe, no one did actually, so here u go again!
"There's a werewolf in the Shrieking Shack Headmaster!" Severus panted as he burst into the room, having stood outside and angrily tried to guess the password for a few agonizing minutes. He froze and stared at a similarly shocked looking Harry who had turned at the noise and now had his mouth hanging open in slight surprise.
He shook his head, ignoring the fact that Harry was in the Headmaster's office at this late hour. He had more important things to deal with, the downfall of his longtime antagonists for instance.
"I am quite aware of that fact Mr. Snape." Dumbledore murmured calmly. "Now as to why you know…" He trailed off and gestured for him to explain.
"Why I know?" Severus practically yelled as he stepped closer to the old man. "I almost got my fucking head bit off by that beast!" He pointed toward the window in his anger, where the flailing branches of the Whomping Willow could be seen in the distance.
"Language Mr. Snape." Dumbledore chided distractedly, though he had a worried look about him now. "Were you injured at all?"
Severus seethed. "Luckily no, but it was a close call. That monster was about to rip into my neck when this scruffy black dog appeared and attacked it." His narrowed gaze shot toward Harry when he let out a distressed noise but the younger wizard was looking out the window.
"A dog, Mr. Snape?" Dumbledore frowned.
Severus bowed his head, slamming his fist onto the desk, sending odds and ends shuddering with the force. "You don't believe me?" He hissed, glaring up through his hair.
The Headmaster held up a calming hand. "It is not that I do not believe you, but considering the circumstances, perhaps it was an illusion of the mind."
"An illusion!" Severus exploded, lunging forward, pushing himself practically face to face with Dumbledore. "You think I'm lying? Ask Potter, he was there!"
Dumbledore turned toward Harry. "Mr. Potter, did you see a dog of that description?"
Harry winced, knowing that Severus would not appreciate being played with. He looked toward the seething boy and remained silent.
"No you fool!" Severus hissed, eyes flaming in rage. "The elder Potter, James!"
"Ah, well then we shall have to retrieve James Potter and ask him." Dumbledore replied calmly.
Severus seethed; the old codger was doing it again! He knew what the Marauders were up to and he was playing the fool in order to keep them in an innocent light! He glared at Harry.
"What are you doing here?" He demanded lowly, eyes narrow with suspicion.
Harry tugged at his robes uncertainly. "Actually I was here to warn the Headmaster of what had happened."
"And how would you know about the Shrieking Shack? Unless you were part of the plan the entire time! Is that it Potter, did you and your little Gryffindor friends have a good laugh at my expense?"
"There will be no pointing of fingers." Dumbledore interrupted.
"No, if he wants to blame me then let him." Harry glared at Severus. "But I'll have you know that I had nothing to do with that stupid act of revenge! I tried to stop it, I'm here aren't I? I was trying to save you!"
An accusing finger was stabbed in Harry's direction as Severus turned toward the Headmaster. "He admits it was a ploy of revenge! It was Potter and his damned crew!" He yelled, ignoring everything but the fact that it had something to do with the Marauders.
"Merlin you only hear what you want, don't you?" Harry snapped in frustration. "Do you really think I would want you torn to pieces by a werewolf?"
Severus paused and stared at the younger Slytherin. Was he trying to help me? Or was he part of Black's little plan? He shook his head, he didn't want to think about it, he wanted someone to be punished, and now.
Dumbledore rose from his chair. "Now Mr. Snape, there is no proof that this was an act of revenge, you said yourself that James Potter was at the scene. Did he harm you in any way?"
Severus actually growled in his frustration. "No." He cursed. "He saved me. But it was Black who told me how to get past the Whomping Willow! I know he had something to do with it!"
A life debt? Harry's eyes widened a fraction. No wonder he's so pissed, not to mention the fact he was almost killed.
"Indeed Mr. Snape, but you said yourself; you saw nothing but a dog." Dumbledore pointed out.
Severus looked about ready to strangle someone as he whirled around and made for the door, only to be halted mid-step.
"If you would wait a moment." Dumbledore came around the side of his desk and gestured for the two boys to follow him. The Slytherin pair reluctantly allowed the old wizard to guide them toward the door.
"Now, I want both of you to return to your House, I shall take care of Mr. Potter when I find him. As for you Severus, you must swear to me that you will not tell anyone Mr. Lupin's secret."
Severus pulled his shoulder away from the heavy hand and sneered. "The Hat put me in Slytherin." He reminded as he stared up at the Headmaster challengingly. "I can't promise anything."
Dumbledore's twinkling eyes grew shadowed. "Mr. Potter, would you mind terribly if I asked you to leave us for a moment?" He asked softly with a gentle smile toward the younger.
Harry shifted restlessly. "I don't know – "
"Go Potter." Severus sneered back at him. "I can take care of myself."
"Fine!" Harry scowled and stormed past, slamming the door shut behind him.
Severus turned his attention back towards the Headmaster. "Are you going to hex me, now that there are no witnesses?" He asked silkily.
"No Mr. Snape, I pulled you aside because you are threatening the life of another student." Dumbledore replied gravely. "I cannot allow it."
"I did no such thing!" Severus protested vehemently. "You've seen what Lupin and his friends have done to me! You know what they're capable of yet you sit back and do nothing. If his secret escapes then it is the punishment he deserves, because I do not see you taking any action."
The old wizard watched him sadly. "So you would make a fellow student suffer in order to obtain revenge?"
"He is a monster, a werewolf has no place in a school, he should be expelled. Black too for that matter!" Severus reached for the doorknob. "If we are finished, I would like to return to my dorm."
A clearing of throat made him pause. "If I find that Mr. Lupin has been ousted to the rest of the school, I will have no choice but to expel you Severus. I refuse to cast any spells against you to keep the secret, but I refuse to let someone else suffer for your anger."
Severus trembled in fury. "You old – " He shook his head with a clenched fist. "Fine, I will keep the mutt's pathetic secret." He turned a glare onto the wizard. "But I expect someone to be punished for tonight's transgressions."
He waited for no reply and left the office, robes billowing after him. The door swung closed in his haste and Dumbledore sighed sadly into the silence.
"Poor Severus, your soul is darkened by pain and doubt." He returned to his desk. "Hopefully Harry will be able to sooth your roughened heart."
--- --- ---
Merlin, you try to help someone and they turn around and bite your head off!
Harry made his way down the stairs and grimaced in thought, he wasn't sure what Dumbledore was capable of, but he didn't trust him alone with any student. He glanced over his shoulder worriedly before shaking it off and continuing forward.
Damn. He sighed in frustration, his conscience was getting to him, he had better wait for Severus or else he wouldn't be able to live with himself.
Harry slowed to a stop and waited for Severus to come down the hall. He was worried about what would happen to Remus and undoubtedly Sirius and James, but he was also concerned about Severus. He had just gone through a traumatic experience! Most would be a blubbering mass of flesh, but Severus had remained his snarky self.
A shadow fell over his waiting spot and he glanced up as he saw the bowed figure heading toward him, sending more shadows flickering in the torch light.
"Severus…" Harry murmured.
The dark head shot up at the slight noise, eyes wide as he stared at Harry in disbelief. Severus paused for a moment of indecision and then quickly closed the space between them with a strange determination.
Harry took a tentative step forward. "Severus, what did he – mmph!"
His words were suddenly muffled as Severus grabbed his face and kissed him fiercely, desperately. Harry struggled as greedy hands ran the length of his chest and slipped lower to his waist.
What the hell does he think he's doing! He grimaced as he forcefully pushed away the larger body. He huffed as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, glaring at Severus with a scowl.
"What was that?" He demanded, backing away and putting space between them. "Merlin, did Dumbledore hex you or something?"
Severus glanced away nervously, very out of character. "I've been thinking." He muttered, a flash of bloodied fangs and amber eyes coming to mind. "Harry, I don't want us to fight anymore."
What's he trying to pull? Harry stared at him in shock. "Are you alright? Did you bump your head or are you admitting you've been in denial this entire time? "
Severus shifted his gaze to the ground. "I'm sorry." He murmured into the accusing silence. "Everything I've done to you, it was wrong." He looked up, eyes desperate as they searched Harry's for any reaction. "I was wrong. I want to give us another chance."
"What's your point?" Harry crossed his arms and glared, suddenly angry.
"What?" Severus blinked in surprise, that wasn't the reaction he had been expecting.
Harry gestured toward the confused wizard. "You're admitting you've been wrong this entire time, I already knew that. I don't know what Dumbledore did to you, but I want to know why you thought you could kiss me."
"I thought…" He trailed off.
"You thought wrong!" Harry spat. "I waited Severus; I waited for you for so long! Merlin I was stupid." He stopped and rubbed at his eyes with a shake of his head. "Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that you're alright. I was so fucking worried that you would die. But your confession is a little too late; I've been burned repeatedly by trying to touch you." He laughed weakly. "I've learned my lesson."
Severus stepped forward hurriedly but Harry waved him off and he halted. "Harry, you don't have to do this. I love you now!"
A harsh bark of laughter followed his words as Harry wiped away the bitter tears escaping his glaring eyes. "You are just too much Severus. You think just because you've finally realized your feelings that I'll come back to you with open arms? You're a selfish prick if you really think so. You're obviously in shock still, I understand how – "
"That's not how it is Harry!" Severus argued.
"Why are you doing this now?" Harry asked coldly. "Did the experience in the Shack scare you so much that you think you need to admit some false love to me? Did Dumbledore scare you into it?"
Severus sneered. "Dumbledore did nothing to me."
"Then Remus did." Harry nodded to himself. "I'm glad you're not mentally unstable, because you had me worried there for a second." He backed away. "But I don't want to listen to you anymore."
"Please give me another chance to prove to you how much I love you!" Severus clenched his jaw. "Harry, don't do this to me."
Harry laughed softly. "It's too late Severus, you hurt me too much." He sighed.
"Harry…" Severus said, at a loss.
"You know, I loved you Sev. If it can even be called love, since I'm too young by your standards to know what it is." He smiled sadly. "But it took you too long to figure that out." He turned away. "I'm already gone."
Severus could do nothing as he watched Harry silently walk away from him, never turning and never pausing.
"What have I done?" He whispered.
--- --- ---
Why the hell did I say that? Harry stared at the ground as he walked aimlessly. Quoting the lines from his dream…it was too odd. He ruffled his hair distractedly. Merlin I'm an idiot.
He glanced at the torches beginning to flicker out. It was too early to go down to breakfast and too late to go back to bed. Harry shrugged to himself. Gryffindor Tower it is. Hopefully James is back. He glanced out of the high windows as he passed. Maybe even Moony will be back to normal.
Trudging up the stairs he found his way to the Gryffindor portrait in his tired daze. The Fat Lady seemed to be awake and prepared for the day already, something Harry couldn't understand.
Merlin he hated morning people.
He rubbed the sleep from his eyes as he positioned himself in front of the portrait. A suspicious gaze turned down on him.
"Password?"
"Draconis." Harry murmured sleepily, he would definitely need an Invigoration Draught if he were to get through the day, or perhaps a simple Pepperup Potion, though he could do without the steam.
The Fat Lady sent him an odd look from the corner of her eye. "Excuse me?" She prompted. "Are you sure you belong in this House?"
Harry blinked in confusion and then realized he had given the Slytherin password, he flushed and shook his head.
"Sorry about that. Flibbertigibbet."
She nodded and swung open. "Get some rest young man, you look like hell."
Thanks a lot. Harry rolled his eyes and stepped through. As the portrait clicked softly behind him he heard soft murmuring coming from the common room. He stepped a bit quicker and glanced around, realizing there were a lot more people up then there should be this early.
"Er, what's going on?" He frowned.
A seventh year turned toward him. "Two fifth years are fighting, lover's quarrel some say." She whispered.
Harry looked about the room once more and relaxed when he saw a familiar head of messy locks. He shifted through the gathered crowd and managed to make it to his brother's side. He frowned worriedly at the tired look James held.
"You alright there?" He asked.
Hazel eyes blinked in surprise and James smiled wanly as he looked up and saw Harry. "Yeah, just you know," he shrugged, "too much happening all in one night, it's starting to catch up with me."
Harry sighed and fell beside his brother. "What's happening now?" He asked tiredly.
James glanced at him for a moment before turning back toward the stairs. "Moony and Padfoot are arguing." He replied distractedly. "You know why."
"Did I miss anything?" Lily whispered as she took the remaining seat next to her boyfriend.
"Not much." James replied, stroking her hair distractedly. "Someone dared Peter to go find out what's happening since he's friends with the blokes." He groaned. "Stupid sod actually tried to do it and came out of the room hexed and covered in boils."
Lily clucked her tongue in annoyance. "He should know better then that. Heartless pig, men never know when to stay out of things that concern the heart."
Harry and James stared at her with worried looks before glancing at each other and shaking their heads.
"Girls." They chuckled.
"Oh shush." Lily lightly slapped James' arm. "They're getting louder."
The air became tense in the common room as everyone looked toward the stairs and listened to the shouts. Harry bit his lip worriedly, knowing what was truly going on.
"You selfish bastard! Didn't you think about me at all?" Remus screamed.
"Moony I'm sorry, truly I am!" Sirius pleaded. "You know I would never hurt you! I care about you too much!"
An incredulous scoff echoed. "Yeah, well you really showed me how much you cared with the little stunt you pulled." The sound of something crashing and shattering against the door made a few people wince.
"Remus! Why the hell are you breaking my things for? That was expensive!"
"Don't come near me you prick, all you care about is yourself!" Remus yelled, his words followed by a loud thump. "That's what you deserve, as though I don't have enough to deal with, you had to go and pull this shit!"
Harry trembled at the rage in Remus' voice; he had always thought the werewolf to be the calm one of the group. But for him to be pushed this far, to be cursing, Sirius was going to have to do a lot of groveling to get back on his good side.
"Fuck, I think you bruised my cheek." Sirius complained. "Come on Moony, where are you going, can't we just talk about this?"
A frustrated growl and a few more thumps later Remus answered. "You can talk with my fist Sirius! Merlin, I don't even know what Dumbledore is going to do with me. Thanks a lot for ruining my life!"
Everyone scattered as they heard the heavy footsteps coming down. Remus appeared and scowled at the audience they had acquired.
"No one talk to me, any comments you have, go shove them up your arse." He glowered before storming toward James and Harry. "Lily, if you would excuse us." He murmured politely. A Silencing Charm flickered around them as Remus angrily whipped out his wand upon her departure.
He stared down at the two Potters as he towered over them, arms crossed tightly over his chest. His face was pale, scratches littering his cheeks and dark circles shadowing his eyes, he had obviously stormed the Tower before visiting Madam Pomfrey.
"Tell me that you had nothing to do with his stupidity." He whispered, amber eyes flashing momentarily.
James shook his head. "We didn't know anything about it Remus, and if I had I wouldn't have let him go through with it."
Harry nodded beside him. "He tried to lock me in the dorm so that I wouldn't be able to stop Severus from going to the Whomping Willow. He wasn't thinking straight Remus; he must have concocted his stupid idea that day we had all been talking." He looked up imploringly. "Remember the day he stormed out? We should have stopped him then."
"It can't be helped." Remus muttered, glancing away.
James stood and placed a comforting arm around his shoulders. "Are you alright Moony?"
Remus shook his head. "I don't know what I'm going to do." He whispered. "I'm probably going to be expelled, not to mention Snape's going to tell the school what I am."
"He won't!" Harry protested. "Dumbledore made sure that he wouldn't."
The two Marauders looked at the Slytherin mutely for a moment before Remus glanced away. "I think you should go Harry." A sad chuckle escaped his pale lips. "I don't want to force you into choosing sides."
"But Remus – "
"It's alright Harry; I'll take care of him." James reassured. "Why don't you head to breakfast while we clean up."
Harry nodded before remembering something. "Oh, Dumbledore said he'll probably talk to you." He said to James. "Both of you most likely." He corrected as a second thought.
The two nodded. "Thanks bro." James replied.
"Mm hm." Harry moved away from them, breaking the Silencing Charm as he made his way toward the portrait, wincing as he was suddenly bombarded by a mass of voices.
This is turning out to be a sucky day. He groaned as he realized it was early morning and time for breakfast.
Thank Merlin it was Saturday.
--- --- ---
"What the fuck – " Harry yelled out as he was slammed into the wall on his way to the dungeons, he felt a fist tangle in his shirt as he dizzily focused on the figure before him.
It wasn't Severus this time.
"Malfoy." He hissed. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" He tried to lash out with his free arm, but was abruptly stopped by an even tighter hold.
"Pretty little Potter, wandering the halls all alone." The blonde smirked and shook his head. "Not very smart little one, especially when people are out to get you."
"Are you sick in the head Malfoy? Let me go, you're acting crazy and I don't have time to deal with you." Harry pushed away from the stones. "I already have too much to deal with."
Malfoy clucked his tongue disapprovingly and used his body to pin Harry against the wall with a dark chuckle. "Did I say you could leave Potter?" He leaned in and breathed against the tense neck of his prey, slowly wrapping his fingers around Harry's throat. "I'm not finished playing with you."
Harry's eyes widened as he clenched his teeth and forced himself not to panic. "What do you want?" He managed to growl.
"Very good Harry, I thought you would never ask." Grey eyes flashed silver. "I have a slight problem, my young friend. You see, for a few weeks – I won't bother telling you how many I'm sure you know – I have suffered the effects of a certain unknown curse."
Oh crap, is he still sore about that?
Harry chuckled lightly. "Well everyone enjoys a little prank here or there – "
"It was a month of hell!" Lucius hissed, squeezing Harry's neck to remind him of his place. "Do you know how tempted I am to snap your little neck?"
Harry struggled furiously as the hand on his throat tightened; his eyes squeezed shut in pain. Damn Malfoy! He opened his mouth in a silent scream, making short coughing noises.
"But it would raise questions if you suddenly disappeared." Lucius continued, not bothering to loosen his hold.
Frantic hands scratched at the choking hold as Harry feebly kicked out, thumping against the wall.
"Master?" A concerned hiss reached his ears.
Yes! Please, help me! He silently pleaded.
One of the heads rose from his robes and hissed warningly before striking at the flesh in its reach. Lucius screamed in pain as he ripped away his hand and unceremoniously dropped Harry to the floor.
"You little brat!" Lucius snarled, clutching at his bleeding wrist.
Harry coughed and rubbed his soar neck as he winced up at the blonde. "You had better hope Critic didn't bite you, his fangs are extremely poisonous." He said hoarsely.
Grey eyes narrowed in on the Runespoor hissing menacingly up at him from Harry's neck. "You think your little snake can protect you? I gave it to you!"
"My friend will help me." Harry growled. "Leave Malfoy, before you make me angry." He warned. "I swear I'll tell a Professor what you tried to do and then you'll be expelled."
"Well then I'll make sure you never get in my way again you little pest." Lucius grinned manically as his wand was slowly drawn.
Harry began to back away, eyes wide. "Malfoy, what are you trying to – "
"Avada Kedavra!"
Oh shit! Harry mentally screamed as he futilely shielded his face against the green light charging toward him.
"Master!"
The bowed head shot up, eyes wide in surprise, just as the orange body of the Runespoor leaped in front of him. The squeal of pain as the body fell would haunt Harry forever, the three headed snake didn't die as one body might, but one being at a time as each head was put through the agony of death.
"No." Harry hissed in shock. "No!" He roared.
Magic erupted from him wandlessly and uncontrolled. His eyes flashed the same green that had taken the life of his snake; his teeth were bared in a feral snarl, his rage licking off him as it tangled with his power.
"You bastard!" He screamed, lunging at the blonde.
Lucius didn't have time to escape the enraged youth, he cried out as he was knocked onto his back and immediately pummeled by furious fists. Harry scratched and punched as fiercely as he could; wanting to relay all the hurt and anger he was feeling.
Malfoy. Punch. Had. Scratch. Killed. Kick. His. Bite. Snake!
"You'll pay Malfoy!" Harry howled, tangling his fingers in the long hair splayed out underneath a panicking Lucius. He viciously rammed Lucius' head against the ground, screaming along with the blonde.
"Harry!"
He turned toward his name, his vision smeared dizzily with his sorrow and tears.
Severus.
"What do you want?" He yelled, pushing away from Lucius and moving toward his fallen comrade. "Have you come to step on my heart too?"
Lucius looked from Severus to Harry with wide eyes and then scrambled to his feat and managed to run with his limping leg.
Harry remained silent, not noticing, nor caring that his prey had escaped. He gently kneeled next to the Runespoor and stroked the smooth head with the tips of trembling fingers.
"Harry, what happened?" Severus looked about the hall in confusion, he had been on his way to breakfast and it was only by chance that he had run into the two Slytherins.
"Leave me alone, you're just like him." Harry whispered, trying to ignore the dark presence. "Everything you say is a lie."
Severus moved closer. "Harry let me help you, you're in no condition to – "
"No!" Harry screamed, cradling the body of his lost friend closer to his chest. "I don't need your sympathy." He hissed. "Just get away from me Snape."
"Harry." He frowned indecisively.
"Go." Harry glared over his shoulder, tears blurring his vision.
Severus stood still for a moment more before huffing angrily and storming off. Harry watched the retreating figure numbly.
Why did this have to happen? He glanced down at the unmoving snake in his hands. My friend… He closed his eyes tightly to stave off the tears threatening to escape. Merlin it's not fair!
He dropped the Runespoor and quickly pulled out his wand before he lost his resolve.
"Incendio!"
Flames crackled around the scales and slowly the tiny flame ate away at the body. Harry listlessly watched as his beloved snake was put to rest, he sniffed and dug through his cloak for something to be transfigured. He found a loose piece of string and touched his wand to the dull thread. A tap and a muttered incantation later, he held a small silver locket.
"Wingardium Leviosa." He flicked his wand at the ashes. They slowly floated upward and he directed his wand toward the locket. Once all the remains had settled into the silver case, he closed the miniature clasp and slipped the chain around his neck.
He choked brokenly as he slowly stood.
This is officially the worst day of my life.
AN: Some people thought Lucius was too accepting of his fate, so this is for u peoples. :cries: I hope you're happy! Wah, Runespoor! I liked Critic the most, oh well. I drew a pic of them so go look, grr.
-Red