AN: Thank you so much for all the support! It is very deeply appreciated!
So far, things were going better than expected. Granted, Severus expected things to be a complete disaster by this point, so the bar for success was low. Still, he was alone with Crookshanks. There were no dunderheaded companions begging to tag along. He was surrounded by fields of corn as far as the eyes could see. A few crows cawed overhead, soaring through the blue sky. Every once in awhile, Crookshanks stopped to stare at them. It brought a smile to Severus' face. At least some being was having fun, even if the colors surrounding him were migraine inducing.
One crow landed on the ground, poking its head down to capture an insect crawling along the road. Crookshanks stopped and crouched, his eyes fixed on the bird.
"So Crookshanks, if we don't stop we'll be able to get through this section of the road without many issues. If we are lucky we can have this whole journey done within the next couple of hours. It is doubtful anyone will have had time to miss us."
The crow screeched as Crookshanks leapt towards it. The fact that it flew away did little to dissuade Crookshanks' pursuit. Severus hadn't known the half-kneazle could run so quickly, or how easily he could lead them both off track.
"No!" Severus shouted. "We can't leave the road. We have to stay focused and get to Emerald City without picking up a straggler."
Crookshanks was beyond listening. He chased the crow into a field, Severus close behind him. A few choice words came from Severus' mouth. When all was said and done, Severus was going to find an obedience school for cats and take him there. No tuition would be too much if it kept Crookshanks in line.
After a few yards, the bird was too high in the sky to catch. In a huff, Crookshanks stopped and thumbed up his nose. That bird wasn't worth capturing anyway.
"You were supposed to stay on the road," Severus growled as he approached Crookshanks. "We cannot leave the road. Otherwise…"
"Hello?"
Severus groaned. He should've just let the blasted cat run into the field and hope he came back on his own time.
"Hello, is someone there?"
Severus blinked, trying to comprehend the image before him. On a pole was a scarecrow. That in and of itself wasn't surprising. No, what caught his attention was the scarecrow's voice.
"Can you help me?"
Of course Potter would need saving! Even in Oz the boy was hopeless on his own. As if this place couldn't get anymore obnoxious.
"Let's go Crookshanks," Severus whispered.
The cat glanced at him, then at the scarecrow.
"Let's go before I leave you here," Severus growled.
Crookshanks stretched.
"I mean it. I am done saving Potter's arse. He can stay here and think about ways to keep himself from causing any more trouble."
Severus reached for Crookshanks, but he darted over towards the scarecrow. He raised his fist. "Fine, go save Potter. I'm not helping either of you."
He spun around and began to stomp away. Who needed a Toto anyway? All he did was look cute while Dorothy did all the heavy lifting. The movie always was careful not to show Dorothy having to clean up the mess Toto had made all over the yellow brick road. There was no need for an animal companion. Crookshanks could chase birds for the rest of eternity for all Severus cared.
"Oh, aren't you a cute kitty," the Harry Scarecrow began.
Severus continued towards the road, ignoring the sinking feeling in his stomach.
"Are you lost little kitty? Do you need someone to help you too?"
Severus slowed his pace. As annoyed as he was with the situation, Hermione would want Crookshanks back when he returned to Hogwarts, assuming he ever did. Even if she chose Ron over him, she deserved her familiar back.
"You're such a good kitty. You must have an owner," the Scarecrow continued. "I wish I had an owner who cared enough to let me run around the fields."
Severus stopped. Was it fair to leave Potter on a pole for the rest of eternity? It did seem to be a miserable life. Perhaps he could free Potter and persuade him not to see the wizard with him. That may not be such a hard feat given that even in the Wizarding World, Potter didn't have much of a brain. How hard could it be to fool a scarecrow into leaving him alone?
"Do you know anyone who can help me?" The Scarecrow asked.
"I can't believe I'm saving Potter again," Severus grumbled as he stomped towards Harry. "Stupid Potter and his stupid brainless schemes."
Severus stood before Harry and scowled. "Hello, Potter."
"Potter?" The Scarecrow asked. "Is that my name?"
"It would appear so," Even in scarecrow form, Harry had green eyes, and crooked glasses, no doubt as result as having been knocked around by the crows.
"Oh that's good. I always forget my name, assuming I have one."
"Let me guess; you don't have a brain, so you forget things easily."
His eyes lit up as he smiled. "How did you know?"
"Let's call it a lucky guess." Severus went over and began freeing Potter from the pole.
"Oh thank you for helping me," Scarecrow Potter began. "I got tied to that pole when it became clear I wasn't scaring too many crows by running around."
"Imagine that," Severus untied his left arm, then moved to the right.
"An old crow said I could only do my job if I had a brain. I wish I had one."
"I do too."
"What?"
"Nothing," Severus freed Potter's other arm. "Hopefully you will fine one someday."
"Yes, if only someone would give me one."
"If only." Severus freed Potter's torso from the pole.
"Oh thank you," Potter shook his straw body and stretched his arms. "I feel so much better already."
"I am happy to be of service." Severus looked down at Crookshanks. "Let's go. You've caused enough trouble already."
Crookshanks was not listening. Instead, he was purring and rubbing against Potter.
"You are such a good cat," Potter began to pet Crookshanks.
"Traitor," Severus grumbled. Toto had been a loyal companion. Crookshanks, not so much.
"So, are you a farmer?" Potter asked.
"No, I am simply someone passing by," Severus answered.
"Where are you going?"
"On a vacation to Emerald City."
"Emerald City." Potter stood. "Isn't that where the wizard is?"
"No, the wizard is in munchkin land," Severus lied.
"I don't know where that is."
"It's that way down the yellow brick road." Severus pointed to where he had been, in the opposite direction of Emerald City.
"Are you certain?" Harry scratched his chin. "I don't remember it being that way."
"I thought you couldn't remember anything."
"True, but I have flashes, and I thought I heard a farmer mention that it was that way." He pointed in the correct direction.
"It is rather unfortunate your memory is so shoddy then."
"It is." Potter frowned.
"Okay Crookshanks, let us be off." Severus made his way towards the yellow brick road, Crookshanks close behind him.
"Hey, I haven't had a friend in awhile," Scarecrow Potter began. "Maybe I can go with you to vacation. Once we finish, I can see the wizard."
"That will not be necessary," Severus argued. "I'm fine on my own. You should embark on your own quest, as far away from me as possible."
"But I'm nervous about traveling alone," Harry bowed his head. "It isn't easy being straw. There are many things to fear, like fire."
The image of Molly disappearing into a ball of flames flashed in his mind. On a good day, Potter had few survival instincts. As a scarecrow, he would be helpless around a match.
"Are you sure I can't go with you?" Potter asked as they continued to make their way through the field. "I won't eat any of your food, and I can protect you from crows, at least I can once I had a brain."
Severus exhaled once he reached the road. It was becoming clear that this story was going to play out regardless of his feelings on the matter. "Fine, you can go with us to see the wizard."
"I can!" Potter clasped his straw hands together.
"Sure, you can ask the wizard for a brain or some other nonsense."
"Oh thank you." Harry grabbed him and held him in an embrace. "You won't regret this, I promise."
"I already do," Severus muttered as Potter released him.
"Except," Harry frowned. "You told me that the wizard was in munchkin land."
"Yes, well, he was on vacation too, and decided to return to Emerald City."
"Oh, that makes sense," Harry replied. "It seems like everyone is on vacation."
"Indeed," Severus muttered.
"Oh I'll be so happy when I have a brain."
Severus felt a wave of nausea overtake him as he heard the music begin.
"I could while away the hours…"
"No!"
Crookshanks leapt while Potter closed his mouth.
"The fastest way to get kicked off this little road trip is to start singing," Severus snapped. "I will not tolerate singing in the slightest. If you want to say something, you may speak, but do not under any circumstances sing."
"Okay." Harry cowered.
"I swear Harry…"
"Wait, is my name Harry or Potter?"
"Technically your name is Harry Potter."
"I like Harry better."
"Of course you do," Severus grumbled.
"Yeah," Harry grinned. "It fits me."
"You can call yourself dunderhead for all I care. That name suits you the most. Regardless, we need to get going."
Harry blinked. "You're a bit grumpy today."
"Actually I'm being downright pleasant given the circumstances," Severus argued.
"What's the matter?"
"It's been a long day, and I need to go home."
"When I get a brain, I'll help your day get better."
"You have had years to do that, and you have always failed."
"I have?" Harry cocked his head. "I don't remember."
"You probably wouldn't given that I don't know you in scarecrow form," Severus admitted.
"What does that mean?"
"Never mind," Severus answered. "Let's just go."
"Well, when I have a brain, I'm going to solve cases," Harry began as they followed the yellow brick road. "I think I'll enjoy finding out which crow stole which grain of corn, or which farmer stole the other farmer's pitchfork."
"Pitchfork theft an issue in Oz?"
"Oh yes, more than you'd think," the Scarecrow replied. "It's become a real crisis here."
"There's a wicked witch running around, yet the big crisis in Oz is missing pitchforks?"
"Maybe it isn't the biggest crisis, but pitchfork theft upsets the farmers. Once I have a brain, I'll solve all those mysteries for them."
"I suppose there are worse ways to use a brain than finding lost pitchforks."
"Yes, then I'd unravel every riddle for my individdle."
"Okay," Severus turned to Scarecrow Harry. "Babbling nonsense is just as bad as singing."
Harry frowned. "You aren't much fun, are you?"
"There's a reason I'm called a git," Severus grumbled.
Crookshanks let out a meow before rushing ahead of Severus.
"Anyway, whatever we do, we should just keep on walking," Severus continued. "There is no reason to stop for any other travelers."
"Not even her?" Harry pointed up the road.
Severus' heart stopped as he saw the glisten of the sun against a woman made of tin.
Who on earth could the Tin Woman be? Only time will tell...