Chapter 6: Date with Demetra

As soon as Snape walked into the Three Broomsticks, he was accosted by Rosmerta. Oh, I do not need this tonight. Blasted woman! "Madame Rosmerta, how lovely to see you." Snape's voice was full of sarcasm.

Rosmerta firmly planted her feet on the ground and glared at Snape through narrowed eyes. "You're lucky that I'm letting you in here again, Professor! I have half a mind to send you the bill for the damage you caused last week!" It was very apparent that she was not happy with Snape.

Snape bit back a sharp retort. Well, I'd better at least try to placate her. It appears that I will have to be here more than I would like. "Madame Rosmerta, I must apologize for my behavior. I had a little too much to drink…"

"A little too much? You damn near destroyed my pub!" Rosmerta stomped her foot for emphasis. "You had better watch yourself this time. I won't tolerate much more!" With that, she stormed away, not even bothering to take Snape's order.

Snape just stared after her in awe. Well, that was interesting. She's daring, I'll give her that. Potions Master, 2, Bar Witch 2. I do so hate not winning. It's not good for my sense of self. He sighed heavily, moving to the back of the pub. No sooner had he sat down than the door opened.

Silence filled the room as the dementor glided in, bringing frigid air and a horrid smell with it. Several people turned pale, shivering as the wraith-like form passed them. Snape wasn't sure how he was going to handle this. How does one even communicate with a Dementor? He half stood, staring at the hovering form in front of him. The face was heavily veiled, which he was very grateful for. He was quite sure she wasn't going to win any Witch Weekly beauty awards. "Demetra?"

Demetra made a low hissing sound, which seemed to frighten half of the patrons. Several threw money on their tables and made hasty retreats. Rosmerta glared at Snape, obviously blaming him for losing customers. A Dementor? What is next? You-Know-Who himself?

Snape had no idea what the hissing meant, but figured that it was her way of saying hello. He gestured for her to sit, but then realized how inane that was. How was she supposed to sit? How do I get myself into these situations? Oh, right. It was that or certain torture from the Dark Lord. He made another attempt at conversation. "Would you like something to drink?"

Demetra didn't respond. All that could be heard was rattled breathing. Snape was growing quite uncomfortable. For a few moments, there was silence on both parts, Snape wondering what to say and Demetra alternately hissing and breathing heavily.

Behind the bar, Rosmerta had her hand on her wand. Gods, why did I even let him in here again? I knew something bad would happen. Still, if that Dementor decides to feed, I'm going to be ready! I won't see anyone fall victim to those soul-thirsty monsters!

Snape had no more time for thought as the Dementor suddenly moved closer and started to kiss him. He tried to move out of the way, but it was useless. Several thoughts flashed in his mind. Well, I must say, I never thought I'd go out this way. I'd always imagined it would be from too many Cruiciatus curses. Oh no! I have on my old underpants. I guess that's why they say you should always wear your best. With a loud thud, he fell to the floor, unconscious, as the Dementor preyed on him.

"EXPECTO PATRONUM!" Rosmerta was quick to run from behind the bar, and cast the spell. A great silver light shot from her wand and took the shape of a panther, which raced toward the Dementor, knocking it out of the way. Demetra let out a piercing cry and flew out the door.

The few patrons left in the bar were standing there, wide-eyed, unable to speak. Hagrid, who was among them, set down his tankard, and walked to Rosmerta, who was looking decidedly pale.

Lupin was also there and was secretly hoping that he would have an opportunity to administer the chocolate that he so loved to hand out. People may laugh at me, but it helps. It really, really does! So, hands in his jumper pockets, which contained scores of chocolate, he slowly walked over to where Rosmerta and Hagrid were standing.

Snape, was quite unconscious still, lying in a heap on the floor. He would have been quite horrified at the musings of the three over his condition, but as he couldn't hear them, he remained in blissful ignorance.

Hagrid, who was staring at the Hogwart's Potions Professor with something akin to amusement in his eyes, was the first to speak. "What in the blazes possessed him to go on a date with a dementor anyway? Merlin knows that's a death wish waiting to happen." He stuck out one of his huge feet and rolled Snape over with it. "He looks mostly dead. I suppose I should haul him back to Hogwarts."

Rosmerta, who was just beginning to get color back in her face, actually felt pity for Snape. "He does seem to have the worst luck. I suppose it was a contract that he couldn't break. But, why would a dementor want to date him?" She stared down at the potions master and decided that he looked almost angelic in his incapacitated state. She nearly laughed out loud when she realized how badly that conflicted with what she knew of him.

"I hear that he had no choice in the matter anyway." Lupin was also staring at the crumpled man, figuring out the best way to administer chocolate to an unconscious person. "Dumbledore said that it was a request of Voldemort's." He paused as the other two flinched at the use of the name.

"You mean You-Know-Who wanted Snape to go on a date with a dementor? Why would he do that?" Hagrid knew Voldemort was evil, but this was a bit much, even for someone who wanted to take over the world.

Lupin laconically spoke again. "Apparently, he owed a debt to her brother, and that was the only way he could pay it off, having no access to money."

"A debt? What kind of a debt?" Rosmerta was puzzled. How could the Dark Lord owe anyone anything? He is the most feared wizard in our time, isn't he?

Lupin motioned for the two to draw closer and proceeded to gossip like an old witch. "Well, rumor has it that he made a bet on the outcome of the last match between the Canons and Puddlemere United. And lost! I suppose since he can't lay his bony hands on the money, he fell to bargaining. Really, you would think that a dark wizard could do better than that."

"No? You don't say? Well, I never…." Hagrid didn't finish his sentence as they were all distracted by a faint stirring in the black heap on the floor. "Well, I suppose I should get him back to the castle before he wakes." He looked at his half-empty tankard on the table, and sighed with regret. How's a man ever to get a drink here? Bloody Snape. Always ruining my fun.

Rosmerta straightened up and spoke haughtily. "Yes, please do. I suppose that I should ban him from the pub, especially after this, but I don't quite have the heart too, seeing as how he's already having a nasty turn of luck." She shook her head and walked back behind the bar.

Hagrid grabbed Snape by the collar of his cloak, and proceeded to drag him out through the door, muttering under his breath. He didn't even bother trying to revive him this time, for he knew it would do no good.

Lupin quietly followed, rubbing his hands at the good time to come, once Snape was in the hospital wing.

Snape, unbeknownst to the others was having quite pleasant dreams. In it, he was being presented an Order of Merlin, 1st Class, by none other than that brat, Harry Potter. Yes, life was good.

A/N: Thanks again to my wonderful betas!

Sorry for the delay in updating. Our little bundle of joy decided to show up early! Yep. Aniston Marie made it here on July 6th! So, we've spent a couple of weeks adjusting, and now are getting into a routine. Check out my profile for a link to pictures of our little beauty.

Ihave one more chapter of this story written right now, and I do plan to continue. I admit, I was disheartened after reading HBP, but like Dumbledore, I have unwaivering faith in our Severus, so I'm keeping my chin up. Hopefully I'll find a bit of time to write in the next few weeks. So, thanks for sticking with me and for reading/reviewing my story. I appreciate all of the feedback. You all are wonderful!

Disclaimer: JKR owns it all. (bows to the Goddess of fiction)