AN: Thank you for all the support! It is very deeply appreciated!
If Bellatrix and Molly were arguing over these shoes because they were the most comfortable pair in existence, Severus couldn't blame them. He'd been walking for miles, and his feet continued to feel cushioned. It was like casting a foot massage spell which never faded. He was tempted to ask the wizard if he could keep them when he returned home. It would certainly make brewing on a stone floor for hours at a time more bearable.
"Severus?"
"Yes?" He turned to Scarecrow Harry.
"Which do you think is better, a brain or a heart?" Harry asked.
"A brain," Severus answered. "Hearts can be crushed beyond repair, but knowledge lasts forever."
"I told you I was right," Harry held up a fist as he danced towards Tin Woman Hermione.
"Yes, but what good is knowledge if there's nobody to share it with?" She asked. "What's life if there's nobody to discuss your findings with?"
"There's no shame in keeping something to yourself."
"But if it's life-changing knowledge, wouldn't you want to share it?"
"Yes, but you don't need to go home to anyone to do it. You can share knowledge in a journal or book. There is no need to live with anyone to share knowledge."
"That sounds so lonely, only being surrounded by books instead of with someone who loves you."
"Being alone isn't terrible," Once Severus said that, he wasn't sure if it was true. A year ago he believed that statement with his entire existence. Ever since Hermione and barged into his life, he was beginning to doubt the benefits of eternal solitude. Why had he been foolish enough to allow this witch into his life and heart?
"Yes, but I would love nothing more than to see someone after a long day of chopping wood. After all, books can't keep one warm on a snowy night," she answered.
"That's true," Neville chimed in. "And it would be terrible if there was nobody to share your knowledge with."
"As mentioned earlier, you can always publish in journals," Severus offered. "Nobody needs to love you to read what you've written."
"Yes, and publications last forever," Harry answered. "That's why I want one, so people know I'm brilliant."
"Since when were you interested in publications?" Severus asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Since Hermione told me about them twenty minutes ago."
"Of course she did."
"I want people to know me for my brain, not for running around a cornfield like an idiot."
"I cannot fault you for that."
"Anyway," Harry continued. "I think giving people knowledge helps grow their understanding. With more understanding, they may have more of a heart."
"Yes, but you must have an open heart first," Hermione replied.
"And an open mind," Harry answered.
"And the courage to do both," Lion Neville chimed in.
"I suppose when put that way all three traits are quite important," Severus conceded.
"Yes, if only one of us could have all three," Neville replied.
"Perhaps the wizard can grant us all of them," Harry suggested.
"That may not be advisable," Hermione warned. "We shouldn't get too greedy. One wish at a time may be prudent."
"If I recall correctly, he only grants one wish per person," Severus answered.
"Well, then I want a brain," Harry replied.
"And I want courage," Neville answered.
"And I want a heart, even if it can be broken," she replied in a softer voice.
"And I want to go home," he turned to Crookshanks. "As does he."
Crookshanks stopped and growled.
"You cannot be serious about wanting to stay here." Severus frowned.
Crookshanks hissed. He unsheathed his claws as his hair stuck up.
"What is wrong with you?" Severus asked.
A cloud of smoke was before them. Severus nearly choked on it before it cleared, exposing a flying monkey who looked exactly like a man he despised.
Of course Ron was a flying monkey. Why wouldn't he be? Severus only hoped he didn't sing about it.
"You can't go past this point," Ron began.
"Why? Is there a toll I must pay?" Severus replied.
"No."
"Then why can't I pass through?"
"Because I said you can't."
"Now you listen," Neville stood between his companions and Ron. "We are going to go down this road whether you like it or not."
"I don't like it," Ron raised his wings. "So you can't go."
Crookshanks leapt towards Ron, landing on his back. The red head screeched as he flew around, trying to get the feline off his back.
"Wow, Crookshanks is brave," Neville began.
"Almost too brave," Severus raced after the flying monkey. Crookshanks was infamous for not being a fan of the Weasleys. That may have even been why he followed Severus out to the shack; to get away from the red headed interloper. Severus never suspected this hatred would boil over into attacking the red haired menace. Under any other circumstance Severus would be impressed.
Too bad he was more interested in leaving a musical than being awed by a Crookshanks' fighting abilities.
"Where are you going?" Harry asked before pointing to the yellow brick road. "The road goes that way."
"I can't leave him to his fate." Severus ran after the sputtering monkey.
The trio of Oz creatures ran after him, deeper into the forest, away from the yellow brick road. Severus took note of where he was running, lest he need to find his way.
Soon he was in a grove of trees. A shudder ran up his spine as he noted how different they appeared from others.
Ron grabbed Crookshanks and met Severus' eyes. "Do you want your cat, you old greasy git?"
"No, I just followed you into the forest because I'm captivated by your charming personality."
Ron frowned.
"Since we are here though, I would appreciate you giving Crookshanks back," he demanded.
"How about you go get him?" He threw Crookshanks towards a tree.
Without thinking, Severus raced over and grabbed Crookshanks before he could collide into the trunk. The half-kneazle turned around and tried to charge at Ron again, but Severus held him close, somehow balancing him and the can of oil.
"You're an idiot if you think you stand a chance with 'Mione," he continued. "She can do better than you, and you know it. If you were a smart man you'd leave her in these woods and go home yourself. Also, if you were smart you'd give the Wicked Witch of the West those shoes."
"You know Weasley," Severus stepped away from the trees. "I was ready to give Molly these shoes until she started making such a fuss over them. Now, she will be lucky if I ever let her near them. Tell her I am keeping them out of spite."
"Have it your way."
"Severus?"
He turned around. Hermione, Harry, and Neville were standing near the trees, almost too close to them.
"No," Severus called. "Don't go near those."
His warning came too late. The trees grabbed his friends and held them close. The trees reached for Severus, but he leapt out of reach of their branches.
"Have fun," Ron waved before flying off.
Severus looked at the trees. Both appeared to be elderly people, Severus had seen before, perhaps on the Weasley family tree. Despite their age old appearance, the apples looked appealing.. He hadn't realized it before, but he was getting hungry. Was there a way to release his companions and get some food?
"What's wrong Severus?" The male tree asked. "Are you afraid to go near me?"
"No," Harry replied. "He's just hungry."
"Hungry?" The female tree asked.
"Yes, hungry," Harry turned to Severus. "How long has it been since you've eaten?"
"It's been," Severus shifted. "I had a large dinner last night, but I've been traveling most of the day without breakfast or lunch. I am famished."
"You should probably go get some food then," Harry answered. "Go on and find some without us."
"And just leave us?" Neville asked.
"Does he have a choice? He's going to starve if he stays here and thinks of ways to avoid being grabbed. It's best he leaves to find food now."
Severus stared at Harry. Even at Hogwarts Harry was't this noble. What was his game?
"He'd better go on without us," Harry continued. "If we're lucky he'll get the wizard to free us."
"Harry, that could take months," Hermione cried.
"Yes, and I'll starve too if that happens," Neville argued.
"Yes, but what food is there for him?" Harry asked. "There are only apple trees here, very moldy, non-ripe apple trees."
"What did you just say about my apples?" The male tree grabbed the trio tighter.
"He's right," Severus' eyes flashed in understanding. "Your apples appear atrocious. I'm better off going ahead to Emerald City and finding some apples there."
"Our apples are much better than those found in Emerald City!" The female tree yelled.
"Yes," the male tree argued. "They are of the highest quality in Oz."
"I highly doubt that," Severus replied. "Their apples are much redder, and juicier."
"I'll show you good apples," The female tree yelled as she dropped the Tin Woman and the Lion.
"No, ignore her. Mine are better," the male tree dropped Harry and grabbed his apples.
Together, the trees began pelting Severus with apples. He captured a few as the others ran. Once he had his fill, he took off with Crookshanks.
"Harry," Hermione began after they reached the yellow brick road. "That was bloody brilliant."
"Indeed," Severus answered. "I had not expected such quick thinking out of you."
"If you're impressed now, just wait until I have a brain. I'll be much wiser then." Harry grinned.
"Sure," Severus still doubted it, but he had more food than he did an hour ago, which made the detour worth it.
"Why don't we allow Severus to sit and eat?" Hermione suggested. "It has been quite some time since he's had any food, and Emerald City is still some distance away. He'll need his strength to see the wizard."
"I am amenable to stopping for a bite." Severus sat on the side of the road. "Except, what will Neville and Crookshanks eat?"
Crookshanks held up a stray mouse he'd found, while Neville took an apple. The Lion explained, "I'm an omnivore."
"You are?" Severus took a bite of an apple.
"Yes, I love watching plants grow and learning all about them. In order to find the perfect plant though, you have to know all about it. For fruits, this means judging their taste. I love a good apple," Neville replied before taking a bite.
"I must admit these applies are quite delicious." Severus took another bite.
"I agree." Neville took another bite of his apple."These really are some of the best in Oz."
"They are better than the ones at Hogwarts anyway," Severus took another bite.
"Do you miss eating?" Harry asked Hermione.
"Sometimes," her eyes grew misty. "What I miss more is the company I had while eating."
"Anyone in particular?" Severus asked.
"Namely the prince," she answered. "The prince and I used to share meals together. Some of my best memories of him are him pretending to hate a meal, when you could tell by his eyes that he loved it."
"I do not understand how you can say you don't have a heart, yet you miss this dunderhead so much," Severus swallowed.
"He wasn't a dunderhead."
"He left you when you became tin and never bothered to listen to your side of the story. I doubt he even asked what had become of you. That sounds like a dunderhead to me."
"You have no idea what he was like."
"I know the type, and he isn't worth your time." Severus continued eating.
"If only you knew my prince," Hermione whispered. "If only you knew him."