Heaven Sent
Chapter Twenty One- Calling It Quits
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He's a serious mister
Shake his hand and he'll twist your arm
With monopoly money
We'll be buying the funny farm
So I'll do flips,
And get paid in chips
From a diamond as big as the Ritz-
Then I'm calling it quits
Eyes the color of candy
Lies to cover the handicap
Though your slippers are ruby
You'll be led to the booby trap
And there's no prize,
Just a smaller size
So I'm wearing the shoe til it fits-
Then I'm calling it quits
Now he's numbering himself among the masterminds
Cause he's hit upon the leverage of valentines
Lifting dialogue from Judy Garland storylines
Where get-tough girls turn into goldmines
But oh, those polaroid babies
Taking chances with rabies
Happy to tear me to bits-
Well, I'm calling it quits
Yes, I'm calling it quits.
Calling It Quits- Aimee Mann
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As Lydia stepped out of the Entrance Hall, her tattered suitcase in hand, she felt the first snow fall of the year raining down on her nose. It was already getting dark, and the Hogwarts Express was departing in about an hour or so. Wind enraptured her gray cloak as she stood on the step, her blue scarf and thick hair floating like some child was toying with them. The snow was just beginning to accumulate on the ground, and she watched as travel worthy students slid to the next open carriage.
Silently, someone came to stand beside her, looking out at the whiting grounds, "Boo," the black haired witch said dryly, looking neat and sophisticated with her matching outerwear, "Did I scare you?"
"Hello, Morrie," Lydia replied, without even looking over at her friend. The two observed everyone else, quietly for a nice moment.
"I'm worried, you know."
"Morrie, you are never worried."
"Yeah, you're right," Morrie said, "I'm the epitome of calm and collected."
"Except when you're throwing shoes."
"Except when I'm throwing shoes. I'll give you that… Are you going to be alright?"
"Yes, I'm going to be fine."
"I was talking to Remus and-"
"Oh, did he give you anymore reason to distrust my judgment?" Lydia asked innocently, but there was something bitter layered deep within her words. Morrie sighed loudly.
"Yes, and we're plotting against you by the way. Going to lock you in Ravenclaw Tower to make sure you never see that dodgy Slytherin chap of yours again. I probably shouldn't be telling you all this though."
Lydia chuckled, "Dodgy Slytherin chap?"
"Yes," said Morrie, looking shifty, "Snape's dodgy. I mean, the guy doesn't wash his hair. That's pretty dodgy, if you ask me."
"Morrie, that is so shallow…"
"Ah, what can I say? I'm only being honest."
"Sometimes it's better to keep your mouth shut."
"Sometimes it's not."
Lydia remained quiet for a second, "True…"
Morrie scratched the back of her ear, looking directly at Lydia for the first time, "Just take care of yourself, okay?" she said in a tone Lydia could not ever remember hearing from her. It was almost strangled, choking.
"Yeah, okay," Lydia said, not really sure of how to answer. Morrie seemed to accept this.
"I'll- I'll see you later then," Morrie took a step forward, hitting the step below them.
"Yeah, bye," Lydia gave her friend a soft smile to be returned with a short nod. That was all. Morrie simply turned and walked away, heading towards the first carriage near. Even though they would be traveling the same way to London, Lydia doubted they would meet up with each other.
She waited a few more minutes on her own, letting the cold air tinge her pale cheeks a healthy pink. Pulling her scarf up every so often to keep the wind from her ears, she laid her suitcase down to tug on a thin pair of knitted mittens. It was a while before she saw him, wearing a billowing black cloak edged with leather gloves. His dark hair hung lank, too short and probably too greasy to move about much by the breeze. He had his own suitcase, but is seemed much thicker than Lydia's.
"Hello," Severus greeted politely, but he was distracted, busying himself with something in the inside pocket of his cloak. Lydia watched as he fumbled a bit, noticing the condition of the thick wool. It was dirty, and fraying around the ends. It looked as though the clasp had broken off, and he had safety pined it together.
"Hello," she replied, still watching him. He looked out over the carriages.
"We should get going. Look over there-" he pointed at one of the horseless carriages far down the path, "That one looks empty. If not, I'm sure we can find one."
She nodded, "Of course," and made a move to pick up her suitcase, but her beat her to it, his gloved hand grabbing the handle. He held both his suitcase and her own, "I can take that. You needn't worry."
"Nonsense," he said, sending her a glare. Her eyes met the ground for a moment, catching his booted feet as the tromped down the school's steps. She took the initiative to follow, careful not to slip on the icy stone. He trucked through the snow as though it was nothing, even when he had to suitcases to bear, even when he was avoiding the collisions of other students, and even when the path was rough and the cart he was aiming for was one of the farthest away.
Lydia did her best to keep up with him, staying at least two or three steps behind him. He did a good job of clearing the path for her, and she tried to step only where his feet had left prints in the snow. It was a bit complicated with all the students running about, and just the crazy atmosphere of the whole area, but they made it to the destined carriage eventually. It was empty, just as Severus had predicted, and he held the door open for her as she fought to hop inside. Before he got in, Severus placed the luggage on top of the carriage.
When he finally came in and shut the door, he took the seat across from Lydia, gazing at her hands as she picked her nails, "You're nervous."
Lydia, whose focus had been to the window, turned her head to him, "What?"
"You're nervous. You're picking at your nails again."
Lydia stopped her hand activity immediately, pretending to smooth down her cloak. Severus just shook his head at her, before twisting his own body to look out the same window, "The students are starting to clear out. We should be moving soon."
She nodded, glad for this. That carriage was not exactly the warmest place. Suddenly, they lurched forward, catching both Severus and Lydia off guard. They grabbed onto their seats for a moment, striving to balance for a moment, then meeting in their cushions with a companionable silence.
"Have you ever been to Malfoy Manor?" Lydia asked, still looking out to the passing scenery. Severus cleared his throat.
"Yes, I have. In fact, I've spent most of my holidays there since my third year."
"So, you've known Mr. Malfoy a long time, then?"
"Well, yes. I first met him our first year at the school. He was head boy, if you remember?" Lydia nodded to this, "I knew of him, and apparently he knew of me. He helped me get my hands dirty here, and once he was graduated and married, he began inviting me to his home for the holidays."
"You're friends, aren't you?"
Severus looked doubtful for a second, but just a brief second, "Yes, Lucius is a good friend of mine. I believe when you get to know him better, you will also be good friends."
"I hope so," Lydia said, her tone hinting at the want for quiet. And it did grow quiet, the silence letting her hear the creaking of wooden wheels along the snow, wet and slippery. She looked back out the window, knowing he was watching her. She could feel his eyes burning into her, like she could bring her hand to her cheek and there would be two gaping marks there, scorched black like his own eyes.
Hogsmeade grew closer and closer, the carriage finally arriving at the village limits. They took one final halt, stopping. Severus made the first move, getting out and taking the suitcases down. Lydia jumped down, her boots crunching the fresh snow. Closing the carriage door behind her, the pair started in the direction of the station, other students joining in the plight.
Severus and Lydia were two of the people on the platform, and made it on to the train easily enough. Lydia followed the Slytherin as he moved back down the corridor, finding most of the compartments empty, but taking one of the farthest away as there on. Severus went in first, stacking the suitcases in the overhead compartment, and claiming the left hand seat his own. Lydia took the chair across.
Severus immediately started to do his own thing, taking out a rather large book called, Healing Draughts and the Nature from Which They Arise. Having nothing better to do seeing as Severus looked at no time ready to make conversation, she reached up to her own suitcase muddling around for a bit. She took down a good sized leather bound book- the book given to her by Dumbledore, and opened it to the first page.
'In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit…'
-
The ride was a long one to London, and it had given Lydia plenty of time to loose herself in the first story, There and Back Again. She was so absorbed; she did not notice Severus's fall to sleep, or the mountainous scenery turning outside the window. Not even the opening of the compartments latch.
"Lydia?" Someone whispered. She quickly dropped her book open on her lap, and looked over to the doorway. The slider was only open a crack, but there was a head sticking in- a certain shaggy haired head.
"Remus?" Lydia hissed, subconsciously looking over a Severus, "What do you want?"
"I need to talk to you."
Lydia scowled, "I think we talked enough," and turned back to her book.
"Lydia, please!"
"Go away, Remus," she said, trying to concentrate on the book.
"Just give me two minutes- anything, I don't care. Please, Lydia, we need to talk."
"Go away, Remus," she repeated firmly.
"I was an idiot! You have to let me make it up to you!"
So, he was admitting it. What he did-the fight, and the unwanted kiss was something she could have easily expected from James Potter or Sirius Black, but Remus? Remus Lupin, the nicest, most down to Earth guy she knew with a great sense of humour, and the sweetest pair of puppy dog eyes? That Remus? She knew there was more to him, and he wasn't telling her about it.
And she guessed that kind of bit- that there was something she knew he wasn't telling her. She had suspected it since that walk around the lake. And you know, maybe she didn't want to be with someone who didn't tell her what was going on- and- and maybe she didn't have to be with someone just because they liked her. Come to think of it, she never really had any true feelings for Remus. It was just that flattery of having someone fancy her. She had convinced herself that she did like him, and look where it ended up.
It ended here, with Remus peeking his head through her compartment, and it ended with her telling him to leave. Because, really, Lydia didn't care if he left. She didn't care if it was over. It was never serious anyway, or at least it hadn't been to her. I mean, she had always been the first to claim he was not her boyfriend. And maybe it meant more to him. Maybe he really liked her- loved her, even though she doubted it. They barely knew each other, and at that moment, Lydia decided she would like to keep it that way.
"It's over, Remus."
"Wait- what?"
"Go away before I wake Severus."
"Lydia-"
"Go away," she ended it, not fiercely or harshly, but wearily and decided. Remus looked down, his jaw setting, but said nothing.
"Okay," was all he said before he was gone. He left just as quietly as he came, shutting the compartment door behind him. Lydia watched the closed latch for a while, but eventually shaking her head. She turned back to Bilbo, and Gollum without another thought on the matter.
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Lydia would have to admit she was a bit disappointed when the train came to a screeching halt, and the panorama of Platform 9 ¾ was glaring at her through the window. She sighed, shutting her book (though making sure to remember her page). The battle of Five Armies was just taking place, and she hated to see it interrupted.
Severus had been shaken at the sudden movement, and was now coming back to consciousness. His groggy black eyes flicking across the compartment until they fell on her, "Are we in London already?"
"Yes."
He nodded, standing up and stretching lightly. Lydia did the same, stuffing her book in a cloak pocket. Grabbing the suitcases, Severus headed out the compartment, Lydia once again following as they dropped down to the platform, carpeted with a light snow.
"He should be here…" Severus murmured to himself as he scanned the crowds. Numerous families were rejoining, meeting up again in the small area. Mothers were coddling there newly returned children and fathers were giving them firm, but caring pats on the back. Lydia frowned, wishing for a moment that she had her own family to return home to… but no. She could not think of that. She quickly pushed the idea from her head, trailing behind Severus.
"There he is," he said, looking back to her. And she could see him up ahead, tall in his top rung dragonhide boots, his thick green cloak long and noble, the blonde hair streaming down his back, and the piercing gray eyes that held so much warmth, and yet so little. In that way, Lucius Malfoy reminded Lydia of her own father, and she would always remember him that way- straight and intimidating in the glasslike snow looking greater and mightier than anyone she had ever seen.
"Lucius," Severus greeted, placing the suitcases on the ground. Mr. Malfoy shook hands with him.
"Severus, how are you, and Miss Lachlan! You look too well. It seems the duckling has finally become a swan," Mr. Malfoy gave Lydia one of his twisted grins, causing the girl to blush. She wasn't used to such flattery, especially when it came from a person like Lucius Malfoy.
"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy," she managed to push out. She was a bit distressed for a moment when the blonde man gave her a disapproving look.
"Please, dear lady, I beg of you, call me Lucius."
"Of course… only if you call me Lydia," she added.
"It's a deal, Lydia," he said, putting a great emphasis on her name, almost like a hissing snake, "Come on then, Derby get their things."
A house elf Lydia had not noticed before popped out from behind Mr. Malfoy's coat, scurrying to grab the luggage. Lydia frowned. She hated house elves.
"Alright, I have a carriage set up to bring us to the Minisrty, and we can Portkey from there? Sound good?" He barely looked at them before continuing, "Good, come on now." He said, starting to walk in the direction of the famous barrier.
Lydia braced herself, preparing for whatever the next few weeks and Malfoy Manor would bring…
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A/N- Yeah, another chapter! I just realized I reached past twenty! I am so excited.
By the way, I love Aimee Mann. Her lyrics are wonderful.
And now, to thank my wonderful reviewers!
Kerichi- Hey, I love Remus, I really do, but there had to be a conflict. You do want to see Lydia and Snape together, am I right? I did like the kid who played Klaus, actually all the kids. Maybe it's my hatred for Jim Carrey that affected my judgement. Have no fear, I've no Boston accent. From the South Shore I am. Basically, the yupsters but oh well…
risi- Glad to see you back! I really would answer your questions, I would! But I would give way too much away. Gah! I must see Phantom!
lhuntathraeil- Glad you liked it.
Madelynn Rae- I did love the books, but once again, I can't stand Jim Carrey. He's a pet peeve.
Biscuits the Gnome- Begging and flattery will get you everywhere. ;)
skytten334- Lydia picks her nail subconsciously. She gets nervous, and I can't say if your speculations are right or worng. Sorry! Ah… The Village, I have a funny story about that movie, but I tell it… Yeah, I've got some background on Lydia's father so… and glad you understand Morrie. I was a bit nervous how people would react to that. I'm also glad you liked the Lydia/Remus bit. I felt it was needed. I know Remus is a good guy, but he makes mistakes just like everyone else, and that was what I was trying to portray. Also trying to show that Lydia makes mistakes too.
I have put so much time into thinking out my Malfoy, so I hope you like him. I'm just so sick of this mean Draco abusing character that everyone puts out. There is more there, and he's one of my favorite characters to write, so I very excited about the next few chapters.
There will be dancing.
An Anti-Sheep Cheese Muffin- What can I say? I just love you.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW! I BEG I GROVEL I IMPLORE! PLEASE REVIEW AND BE SURE TO MAKE IT LONG AND RAMBLY! I LOVE RAMBLY!
I really am awful…