Disclaimer: Not mine
A/N: Hey y'all! IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ! Now, there will be an event happening in this chapter, that in canon, happens in the marauder's sixth year, but will happen in the seventh year because it fits so nicely with my story. So please don't send me a review or e-mail saying I'm not in canon- I'm all too aware of that, but this is fiction, and I don't care. Okay? Good, now onto the chapter, which will have a ton of marauder and Snape involvement for those who requested it, as well as more Fred and Hermione :-) We'll also jump back to present time for a bit, and catch up there. So enjoy!
Love Means Never Having to Time Travel
Chapter Ten: Making-Up is Fun to Do
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"The story of love is not important-what is important is that one is capable of love. It is perhaps the only glimpse we are permitted of eternity." –Helen Hayes
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"Hermione, love, can I come in?" Fred asked hesitantly as he stood outside their closed bedroom door.
Hermione had gone into their room after storming off, and locked the door. Fred taught the two afternoon classes by himself, saying Mya wasn't feeling well. After dinner, he had tried to get her to come out, but she wouldn't answer him. In short, Fred spent the night on the couch feeling incredibly guilty. Guilty for upsetting her, and guilty for not knowing exactly how he upset her.
"You'll come in whether or not I say so, you're so intent on protecting me," she grumbled to herself, but un-did the numerous wards and locking charms she had placed on the door.
"I'm sorry," he said softly as he walked in a second later. He came over and kneeled down by the bed slowly, reaching a hand out and resting it on her arm. "I'm the worst kind of vermin; a man. And I'm an idiot, and clueless, and not worthy enough to be around your magnificent presence-"
"Do you know what you're sorry for?" She cut him off.
"Well…no, not exactly…but I am sorry for upsetting you," he whispered as he slowly moved to lay down behind her, his arm sliding around her waist as he rest his head against the back of her shoulder, kissing it lightly. "If I ask what I did, will you hurt me?"
"In the duel, you just sent me off to the hospital wing, like some child. I'm not a kid Fred," she sighed heavily. "I know you just wanted to protect me, but I can take care of myself. What if we get back to the future and the war is still going on? If we have to go fight, I'll be right there beside Harry helping him. And you'll have to go wherever you're needed, which means not hovering over me."
"I know," he sighed just as heavily. "I just saw you get hit and my heart froze. I don't want to lose you."
"You can't lose me," she laughed, turning over in his arms to face him, holding up the compass as she did so. "See?"
"I see," he nodded, smiling. "Hey, you know what?"
"What?"
"That was our first fight as a married couple," he grinned. "We're growing up so fast!"
"Oh shut it," she shoved him lightly, but a smile played about her lips. "Kind of a silly thing to fight about though, wasn't it?
"No, since it was obviously something we needed to discuss," he shook his head, looking rather serious. "Promise me, that if something bothers you again, you'll talk to me, or at least someone, and not let it stew? I don't want us to go to bed angry at each other."
"I think that's a promise I can make, as long as you do the same," she agreed, kissing him to seal the deal.
"We should fight more often," Fred said between kisses.
"Why's that?"
"Cause making up is fun," he chuckled against her lips.
With a swift movement, he rolled them so he was lying on top of her. Hermione gasped in surprise, but it soon changed to deep warmth at feeling him on top of her, flush against her body. With a ferocity that surprised both of them, she pulled his head down to meet her lips in a burst of passion. His hands slowly trailed from her back and up her arms, squeezing them tightly a moment before moving up to her face. He cupped her face in his hands as he trailed gentle kisses all over her face before teasingly planting several light kisses on the corners of her lips.
With a slight growl, Hermione rolled them over so she was now lying on top, straddling him. Pulling the clip from her bun, she allowed the hair to cascade down as Fred settled his hands on her hips. Giving him a saucy wink, Hermione slowly unbuttoned her robe, tossing it to the side as she leaned forward to kiss him. She parted her lips slightly, allowing her tongue to lightly skim along his bottom lip, asking permission to enter, deepening the kiss. Fred eagerly complied as his hands moved immediately to her back, his fingertips sliding along the smooth bit of skin that showed. He hesitantly dipped a finger just under the edge of her pants, skimming over the smooth skin that was hidden beneath. Hermione gave a little gasp of pleasure against Fred's neck, and Fred smiled, moving his other fingers to join the one, sliding a little farther down, caressing the heated flesh.
Not wanting to push too far, Fred moved his hands back up and under her shirt, spanning her back as she placed light kisses along the curve of his jaw. When she pulled back to catch her breath a bit, Fred took the opportunity to lean forward and pull off his shirt. Hermione allowed her eyes to run over the strong, wiry muscles of his chest, and down his stomach to the faint line of hair that disappeared beneath the waistband of his pants.
"Like what you see?" Fred's voice was husky, and his eyes were filled with some raw emotion that chilled Hermione delightedly.
"Love it," she replied, her voice low and sultry as she leaned in for another kiss, her nails lightly raking over his exposed skin.
They indulged themselves in some more light petting, as well as some more heavy snogging, but soon it was time for them to head to class. Neither was too upset about the interruption, as they knew they weren't ready for that step.
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"Got your homework done?" Peter asked as he plopped into a chair across from Sirius in the library.
"No, and I can't say that I will either," he shrugged as he idly rifled through some charms text.
"But…" Peter stared at him in confusion. "What about tonight?"
"What about tonight? And what does that have to do with my homework being done or not?" Sirius just returned the stare, sneering slightly as he caught sight of Snape just a few feet away, looking over some books.
"Moony's night," Peter reminded him, lowering his voice. Sirius was suddenly struck with a brilliant idea.
"Well, Lupin's already in the Shrieking shack, isn't he?" Sirius said loudly, making sure Snivellus could hear him. "So he's not here to nag me about it, and James is with Lily."
"You know they're going to yell at you for not having it done," Peter tried to reason with him. "And keep your voice down, will ya?"
"Ah well, the professors all love me, so it doesn't matter. Besides, I'll be done by the time we need to head towards the passage under the Whomping Willow," Sirius lowered his voice a fraction, smirking slightly when he saw Severus move closer to listen to them. He knew that it had been bugging Snivellus for years about where Lupin went. "Just make sure you've got a long branch to push that knot on the trunk of the tree."
"Like I'd forget," Peter looked around nervously, and started when he caught sight of Snape. "What do you want?"
"As I'm in the library, I think it would be obvious, even to such a pitiful creature as yourself, that I'm in need of a book," Severus sneered, and without waiting for a retort, whirled about and stalked off to a different section of the library.
"You should watch what you say Padfoot, he could've heard us," Peter chided.
"I know, which is why I spoke up. I wanted him to hear us, and I know he did," Sirius grinned as he crossed his arms behind his head, leaning back in the chair. "He's going to get the surprise of his life tonight when he comes near the Shrieking shack."
"But he could get hurt!"
"Of course he won't. He'll hear Moony's howls and be so freaked he'll wet himself as he runs back to the castle," Sirius laughed, obviously pleased with what he deemed to be a brilliant prank.
"I don't know," Peter looked hesitant. "I don't think that's such a good idea."
"Oh don't be such a baby Wormtail. Grow up and go along with the prank," Sirius snapped. "If it makes you feel any better though, I'll tell James what's going on, all right?"
"Hey!" Peter glared resentfully at him before nodding resignedly. "I suppose."
"Good," Sirius' grin returned in full force, and with a cheerful whistle, he turned back to his charms work.
Severus gave a smirk as soon as he had turned away from the two Gryffindors. Finally, he would know where it was that Lupin disappeared to each month. He had suspected that Lupin and the rest of those idiots were sneaking out to cause trouble, but when he mentioned it to McGonagall and Dumbledore, they simply waved away his concerns. But thanks to Black's mouth running away from him, he now knew about a secret tunnel leading to the Shrieking shack where Lupin and his friends gathered. Now, to wait till after dinner. He would leave right after dinner, before Black, Pettigrew, and Potter did, so he could catch them in the act of whatever they were going to do.
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"You know," Lily drawled slightly. "You're been studying for quite some time. Dinner's already started. I think a break is in order, don't you?"
"Sure," James replied absently, appearing for all purposes intent upon his homework in front of him.
"Fine then, I suppose I'll just have to go down to the Great Hall and snog Severus then, won't I?"
"Bloody hell Lils," James looked up in shock, having caught the last bit of her statement. She glared at his language. "Sorry love, but that was a mental picture I did not need to see."
"You know I'm teasing, silly," she laughed, pushing him back against the couch as she sat in his lap, her arms around his neck as she kissed him soundly. "Is that a better replacement image?"
"Hmm, I'm not sure," he teased. "We may have to try another one, purely for comparison for research purposes you understand."
"Of course," Lily nodded solemnly, but couldn't hold her giggles back for long. After calming herself down, she tilted her head down for another kiss.
"Oh cut it out you two," Sirius groaned as he came through the portrait hole, Peter tripping over the edge as he followed.
"Did you tell him Padfoot?" Peter questioned.
"Tell me what?" James looked from one to the other, curious. Lily's curiosity was also peaked, and she slid from James lap onto the couch next to him.
"I had the best idea for a prank earlier, and Snivellus is going to get it good!" Sirius exclaimed, ignoring Lily's frown. "I was in the library and noticed Snivellus snooping around the shelves near me. When Peter came over to see if I had finished my homework for tonight, I made sure to mention I hadn't, but it didn't matter because Remus was already in the Shrieking shack. And of course I made sure to loudly remind Peter to get a big stick to push the knot on the Weeping willow so we could take the passage. Snivellus is going to get the surprise of his life!" Sirius burst out laughing.
"YOU IDIOT!" James yelled, effectively silencing Sirius as he scrambled off the couch and over to the window.
"How could you do that! Severus could get hurt!" Lily slapped Sirius across the face before running to join James at the window, frantically scanning the grounds below. "Do you see him?"
"No, so maybe he decided not to go…wait, there!" James spotted a dark shape moving across the grounds. Waving his wand, he shouted, "accio broom!"
"Be careful!" Lily cautioned as she opened the window while James quickly hopped on his broomstick and soared out into the night. Turning around, she quickly ran out of the common room in the direction of the great hall, hoping to find help.
"SNAPE!" James yelled into the night as he pushed the broom to its limits, which were all too slow for his liking at the moment. He saw Snape nearing the base of the Whomping willow, grabbing a branch that lay nearby.
"Can't stop me that easily Potter," Snape yelled back as James called out his name again.
And without another word, Snape disappeared through the suddenly still branches of the Whomping willow. James landed quickly, nearly falling off his broom as he ran towards the base of the tree, diving through the roots into the passage just before the branches started moving again. Coughing harshly as he got to his feet, he stumbled slowly down the dark passage as his breath came back to him, having been knocked out. As he made his way down the passage, he suddenly saw a glow appear; Snape had reached the trapdoor that led into the Shrieking shack. The trapdoor that led into the room right next to the room where Remus transformed.
"Snape!" James called out again. "Stop, it's not safe."
"Like I'm going to listen to you?"
"Remus is a werewolf," James hissed, grabbing at the back of Severus' cloak to keep him from opening the door any further.
"Very funny Potter," Snape sneered, but at that moment, a long furry snout shoved through the crack, flipping it open in one smooth moment.
Severus found himself face to face with a large werewolf. The usually placid Remus was a frightening sight. Powerful muscles rippled beneath coarse gray hair. His strong jaw was taught, his mouth open, revealing sharp teeth glistening as he foamed at the mouth. Remus let out a ferocious growl as he backed up a few steps, preparing to pounce. James shoved Snape back down the passage before quickly transforming into Prongs. He quickly lowered his head, his antlers barring Moony's way. Climbing through the trapdoor, he used a hoof to close the trapdoor back and firmly planted himself over top of it. Not that it was really necessary; when Moony saw Prongs, he forgot about Snape and rushed forward to play with Prongs.
"Severus?" A soft voice came from farther up the tunnel, as did the glow of a lit wand. "It's Professor Mya. Greg's with me too."
"I'm here," he called out, a tremble of relief inexplicably coursing through him at her voice.
"Thank Merlin you're all right," she rushed forward, and Severus could now clearly see the look of worry on her face. "You are all right, aren't you?"
"Except for being completely pissed off at the marauders for their little prank," he spat, "I'm fine. How'd you know I was out here?"
"Lily intercepted us on her way to the great hall," Fred explained, grabbing Severus' arm, helping him to his feet unsteadily. Severus had been more frightened than he cared to admit.
"Let's get you to the hospital wing Severus," Hermione said gently as she rested a hand on his back, prodding him along. Fred followed behind them, keeping an eye out just in case.
"I'm going to kill those four," Severus snarled as they slowly moved along. "Black, Lupin, Pettigrew, and Potter planned this so I'd owe Potter a life-debt."
"You're tired Severus, you've had an emotionally draining experience," Hermione frowned. "From what Lily told us, Black was the one who planned this, not really expecting you to go any further than the passage, especially once you heard Lupin inside. Potter came after you because he didn't want you to get hurt."
"No, he came after me because he didn't want Black to be charged with murder," Severus sneered as he grumbled to himself.
"Let's just get you to the hospital wing," Hermione just shook her head as he shrugged off their guiding hands, stalking ahead.
There was no reasoning with him; not in the future, and certainly not now. Not for the first time, Hermione found herself frustrated with not being able to talk about the future. Severus may be furious with them, but the life-debt he owed James had certainly helped Harry in the future. That wasn't to say that Sirius' actions were excusable, but they certainly ended up serving a purpose. Though of course, Severus would never see it that way.
OooOooOooO Back to the present OooOooOooO
"You know, I really feel that as savior to the wizarding world- twice, I might add, that I should get a longer holiday break," Harry joked to his friends as the Hogwarts express chugged along.
"As long as I'm included, fine by me mate," Ron agreed in between bites of his chocolate frog.
"Just try not to let the fame go to your head Harry," Ginny giggled as she turned back to the magazine she was flipping through.
"I wonder how Fred and Mione are doing," Harry said thoughtfully a moment later.
"Still missing them?" Ginny asked, a touch of sympathy in her voice.
"Actually, that's the funny part. I don't. Miss them- at least, not really. Knowing they'll be back in a few months seems to negate that. I just wonder if she's happy, and what she's doing and all that."
"Knowing Mione," Ron snorted, "she's probably already set up her color-coded study guides for the NEWTS. It's probably a good thing she's not here."
"Why's that?" Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Cause she'd have a panic attack if she knew the final's had been cancelled in honor of You-Know-Who's defeat," Ron grinned, and they all broke out into laughter. "Too bad you couldn't get them to cancel NEWTS though."
"Yeah Harry, you're the hero, try harder," Ginny couldn't stop giggling, sending them all into another round of giggling.
"What's so funny?" Neville asked as he opened the compartment door, followed by Luna.
"Just laughing over what Hermione's reaction would be if she knew our final exams had been cancelled," Harry finally answered.
"Oh, just picturing Hermione's reaction when she gets back and finds out that none of us had to take finals," Ron answered him.
"Yeah, she'd probably faint," Neville chuckled. "How's she doing, do you know?"
"She managed to get a quick letter to Professor Dumbledore, but she's really just been too busy," Ginny said. At the beginning of the school year, Dumbledore had announced that Hermione was spending the year at a prestigious private academy for the magically talented on a tiny island in the Bermuda Triangle. Unfortunately, do to the high level of natural magical activity, she would be unable to communicate with anyone, but sent her best wishes to everyone for the year.
"You guys still holding up okay? Christmas must've been tough without being able to see her."
"A little, but we know she's doing something she loves," Harry answered Neville.
"Besides, she'll be back on graduation, and that's only a couple months away. Not so long now," Ron shrugged.
"Time present and time past are both perhaps present in time future, and time future contained in time past," Luna smiled absently before turning her attention to the latest edition of the Quibbler.
Harry, Ron, and Ginny exchanged quick glances, going un-noticed by Neville and Luna. Luna said strange things at time, but this actually seemed to make sense…which was perhaps ever more scary. At least she didn't really know about Hermione. Though maybe she did. You never quite knew what Luna did or did not know. But even if she did, it wasn't likely she would tell someone. And even if she did, with her insane reputation, it wouldn't be believed.
OooOooOooO Back to 1978 OooOooOooO
"You're not expelling them!" Severus stared at the Headmaster, a growing look of incredulity on his face.
"Mr. Snape, I'm sure you can see why there are no grounds for expulsion," Albus said gently, as much to Severus as he did to Hermione, who was currently acting much like Molly Weasley did when worried about one of her children.
"No, I can't, so why don't you explain it to me?" Severus glared.
"Mr. Lupin was not in control of himself at the time. Mr. Potter was not involved, and in fact saved your life. Mr. Pettigrew played a large role in keeping anything worse from happening by forcing Mr. Black to tell Mr. Potter his plans. As for Mr. Black, while he shouldn't have said some of what he did, he did not force you down to the Shrieking shack. You are as much as fault as he is, though I think you've been punished enough for tonight. Mr. Black, along with Mr. Pettigrew, will be serving a week's worth of detention with Professor Laurient, which should be adequate, I believe. Now, it is growing late, and time for decent wizards and witches to be retiring for the night," Albus stared at each of them till they left the room.
"Don't allow your emotions to cloud your judgment Severus," Hermione warned as they stood on the revolving staircase, moving slowly to the ground.
"But they're getting off with barely a slap on the wrist!" He blew up.
"I think it's more than that," Hermione tried to sooth his temper as they walked towards her quarters. "Sirius will have to deal with the anger of his friends. Lily, James, and no doubt Remus once he knows, will shun him for some time."
"I doubt it," he scoffed. "James was in on the prank. He planned this, so I'd owe him a life-debt!"
"Severus," she snapped at him as she opened the portrait and led him in. "You know very well that's not true. You don't like James, but you know him well enough I think to know he wouldn't do that."
She pointed to the couch, silently ordering him to sit. He glared, but he did finally sit, if a bit sullenly. She ordered some hot cocoa from the kitchens, and after adding a bit of cinnamon and hazelnut, turned back to face him and handed him a mug.
"Why are you acting like this?"
"Like what?" Hermione looked at him a bit quizzically as she sipped on her hot cocoa.
"I don't know," he looked down at his mug, taking a few sips to avoid looking at her. "Like a friend or family member or something."
"Because I care Severus, and want you to be okay and take care of yourself. Because you certainly won't do it yourself," she grinned as he gave a yawn.
"Bloody sister, never mind the fact that you're not even my sister," he muttered, yawning. He suddenly looked up, eyes heavy, but still blazing with anger. "You've drugged me!"
"Only because you need the sleep, and if I didn't, you'd be up most of the night, stewing in anger over what happened," she laughed as he set his mug on the table and leaned back against the couch, fighting to keep his eyes open.
"Well thank you," he managed to snap sarcastically before sleep finally claimed him.
"He asleep?" Fred asked as he walked into the room.
"Yeah, though we'll see how angry he is with me in the morning," Hermione gave a worried smile as she and Fred helped Severus stretch out on the couch. She covered him with a blanket before turning off the lights, leaving just the fire burning at a low level.
"I think he knows you're just looking out for him; kinda like a sister or something."
"Am I going too far?" She asked suddenly. "With the caring thing?"
Fred opened his mouth to answer, but Hermione cut him off.
"I mean, I don't want to affect time by acting like his sister, but I can't see to help caring about him. I know what a bastard he becomes in the future, but I also know what a lost little boy he is right now. And he tries to hide it, but you can still tell. He's got no friends. He talked occasionally with Lily, but I'm sure that's done with, now that Sirius orchestrated that prank. And I'm sure that won't help things between them in the future; it'll probably just make things worse-"
Fred cut her off with a swift kiss.
"You're rambling, and fretting, and it doesn't become you," he admonished softly as he pulled her into a hug, stroking her hair. "What you're doing for Snape can only help him. We already know that just by befriending him, we didn't affect the future. We can't say we're affecting it now, because we have no idea what all happened when he was a teen. So just keep on being the wonderful woman I love, and care for him."
"I knew there was a reason I kept you around," she smiled her thanks.
"I should hope so. Life would be very dull without me," Fred puffed his chest out.
"Oh get over yourself," she laughed, wrapping her arms around his waist and squeezing tightly. "Love you."
"Love you too," he squeezed her back. "Now, let's get some sleep. We'll need it to deal with Snape in the morning."
"Yes sir," she gave him a mock salute before disappearing into the bathroom to get ready for bed.
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A/N: Okie dokie, that's it for that chappie. Again, I'd like to ask people to go read/review my story Take Time to Smell the Roses, cause I only need three (3!) more reviews to get me a 1,000. But if you can't that's cool- review this story instead! Hee hee, lol. Next chapter up in about a week, assuming school and classes don't keep me too busy.