Chapter Twenty Four

7.48am.

They were going to be late!

Severus strode towards Malachi's bedroom, feeling incredibly irritated. The child knew that classes began at 8am. He rapped on the door to his room loudly. No response. He knocked again; the door clicking open with the force of his knock.

He hesitated and then peered into the room, only to be met with the sight of a bleary eyed five year old, bolting up in his bed; looking a perfect mixture of confusion and terror.

"You're still asleep?" Severus stared at the boy in shock; he had put the boy down to bed at 8.30pm, just as Regulus had instructed. Surely no one could sleep for so long.

"We are going to be late!" he snapped. The boy cowered in his bed, looking frightened and apologetic.

"I...I'm sorry," he quickly scurried out of the bed, hurrying to his wardrobe; "I...I didn't know what time it was."

"How do you normally know when to awaken?"

"Uh...dad wakes me up."

Severus closed his eyes, immediately feeling guilty; "I...apologise. I was not aware of that."

"'s okay," he quickly pulled his pyjama top over his head, making to pull his t-shirt over in its place.

"No," Severus quickly stopped him; "Do not rush. Please," he indicated down the hall; "Take your time; wash yourself."

"But...school –"

"I will make the excuses, do not concern yourself with that. Now," he gave a quick tilt with his head in the direction of the door, telling him to go. Malachi quickly reached into the cupboard and pulled out fresh underwear and a pair of trousers, before hurrying past him and down the hall.

Severus raised his eyes heavenward. It would be a long couple of days.

"The first step to letting go," Julia began, her eyes gleaming as she looked at her, "Dating."

Lily almost groaned and shot her a sceptical look, lowering her coffee cup; "Logic would suggest that's the final step, Jules."

Julia shook a hand; "Believe me, honey, nothing's gonna get you over the first hurdle more than a taste of all the things you've been missing out on."

"Awkward first meetings; awkward dinner conversations; wondering if they're going to take your hand; trying to decide whether or not to finish the evening with a kiss."

"That all sounds very tame," Julia eyed her, "I'm afraid it's all going to be a bit of a culture shock for you, my dear; a lot has changed since courtships and dowries, you know."

"Oh hush, Julia. I don't have any intention of dating –"

"You just said you were ready to move on," Julia interrupted; "Seriously, Lily; don't sit about. The best way to get things moving is to just put yourself back out there."

Lily lifted her cup to her lips, uncomfortable and nervous at the suggestion. Dating was not something she was anticipating. The mind games; the insecurities; the vulnerability. Just the idea was enough to make her shudder.

"When was the last time you..." Julia raised her eyebrows at her, wiggling them suggestively.

Lily released an exasperated sigh, lowering her cup, "You already know the answer to that, Julia."

"Oh please; surely you've had some interactions over the past five years."

"No, I haven't," Lily asserted, firmly, though her resolved stance was demeaned by the uncomfortable heat that was making her blush from her neck upwards.

"Maybe that's why you've been feeling so agitated lately," Julia grinned; "Harry's not all that far off the mark-"

Lily laughed, shaking her head vehemently; "Julia, please! Stop it."

"I know the perfect guy for you!" she declared.

Lily shot her a dubious look.

"He's sweet, intelligent, he's interested in muggle history and all that, so we know he's not racist. Tall, dark hair –"

"Handsome, too?" Lily offered, with a raised eyebrow; "No thanks, Julia. I'm quite capable of finding someone myself."

"Oh please, this coming from the woman who's been having platonic lunch dates with Severus Snape? Really, Lily, how can you be around him every day and control yourself?"

Lily shifted, feeling uncomfortable at the insinuation; "Severus and I are just friends."

"Ah. One of those, is it?"

"What do you mean 'one of those'? We're just friends," she repeated, shaking her head, "Don't make it into something it's not."

"Very defensive," Julia pointed out, with a grin, lifting her own cup to her lips.

"I just don't appreciate people assuming things that aren't true," Lily stated, not really sure why she was so defensive and embarrassed by Julia's subject of teasing.

"Okay, subject dropped. Back to Rodger; you've met him before, actually. At the Christmas Dance when we were doing our apprenticeship, you remember?"

"Rodger Wyatt?" Lily did remember him. He had been a friend of one of the men who she had studied with; had come across him at a few of the functions, and he had seemed friendly enough. She shrugged; "I remember."

"Well?"

"Julia," Lily sighed; "You don't even know if he –"

"Oh, believe me, he's interested," Julia assured her with a smirk; "Fancied you for ages."

"Oh...I didn't know...He's never said anything," Lily stammered, surprised; she had had some interested suitors in the past, since James, but, as she had never considered herself available to them, she had refused all offers. She supposed it was no wonder this Rodger Wyatt hadn't attempted to ask her out. Something Julia confirmed with;

"Well, he knew that you were still hung up on James. But now," Julia smiled, brightly; "Hope is restored!"

Lily swallowed, her nerves increasing with the information she had just been given; "I don't know, Julia."

"Oh come on; even if you don't like him, what's the worst that could happen? Besides, this is just the first hurdle. Get the first date out of the way and everything will come to you from there."

"I don't want Harry getting excited –"

"He doesn't have to know. Tell him you're spending the night with me."

"The night?" Lily was aghast; "I won't need the whole night, Julia."

Julia was laughing delightedly at her reaction; "Well, you might want some time to yourself afterwards. Remus doesn't usually mind taking him, does he?"

"No," Lily consented; "Remus is great. He's always willing to take him whenever we need it. He's taking Harry out this afternoon, actually," Lily glanced at the timepiece in the cafe; 8.45am. She'd have to get to the Foundation soon.

"Okay," Julia nodded, with a smile; "Then it's settled. How about this Saturday? It's Valentine's Day, the perfect day for your big comeback to the dating world."

"No. I have Harry's play that night; besides, it's the day after the full moon. Remus won't be feeling up to it." Lily found herself incredibly relieved to be able to offer two valid excuses to avoid that particular date.

"Okay, how about the next weekend? Friday or Saturday?"

"I'm really not sure about this, Julia," Lily shook her head, "Blind dates are questionable even at the best of times."

"You'll like him," Julia insisted, smiling, "Really! I think Friday is better; I know you like to have Saturdays with Harry."

Lily drew in a deep breath, attempting to settle her nerves, before she gave Julia a shrug; "I...I suppose it's the first step."

"Ah, see! You're already coming around to my way of think," Julia winked at her.

Lily forced a smile; her anxiousness making her hands shake as she lifted her cup to her lips.

Harry ran up to him with a wide, excited smile, as Remus entered the doors to the Phoenix Centre. He returned the smile as Harry reached him, throwing his arms around his waist.

"Uncle Remus! I missed you!"

"I missed you too, little man," Remus returned the sentiment, giving him a one armed hug and a pat on the back; "Are you ready to go?" he asked, noticing a teacher smile and begin to make her way over.

"Uh, yeah," Harry nodded, before he looked over his shoulder, frantically waving his hand at another boy, who was watching them shyly a few metres away. The dark haired boy slowly made his was over, regarding Remus curiously.

Remus smiled at him; "Hello there."

"Hi," he smiled, shyly, before looking at Harry.

"This is Malachi, Uncle Remus," Harry stated, pulling the boy closer to them, "Uncle Sirius is his uncle too!"

Remus looked back at the boy sharply, suddenly noticing the resemblance; "Oh...are you' Regulus Black's son?" He hadn't know Regulus had a son, but the boy nodded the affirmative, as he pushed his hands into his pockets.

"He really likes ice-skating too!" Harry declared, looking up at him hopefully; "Can he come with us?"

Remus doubted Regulus Black would be happy about his son going anywhere with him; Lupin the werewolf; but he wasn't willing to be the one to wipe the excited, hopeful expressions on the two boys' faces so he nodded; "Sure he can. But I'll have to make sure it's okay with Malachi's dad first, alright?"

"My dad's away," Malachi said, quietly, "His friend is looking after me; Severus."

"Oh." Well then, if he wasn't sure before, he was absolutely certain now that there was no way Malachi would be able to join the two of them. But he forced and smile; "Well, I believe Severus Snape works here as well doesn't he?"

Malachi nodded.

"Well, I'll just have a teacher contact him to find out if that will be alright."

"Okay," Harry smiled brightly, grabbing Malachi's arm as Remus started towards the teacher who was standing at a polite distance nearby; "See, I told you he'd let you come!"

"Mr Lupin?" the young lady smiled at him, glancing down at a piece of parchment she was holding, where Remus could see both his name, as well as a picture of him upon the article. Obviously a precaution the centre had for people collecting students.

He smiled and nodded; "Yes, I'm here to collect Harry Potter."

She smiled, holding a hand out in greeting; "I'm Brianna Douglas."

He took her hand in greeting, before he glanced back at the two boys, who were chatting happily, Regulus son appearing much more animated when it was just the two of them; "The other boy, Malachi...Black?"

"Redway," she corrected.

"Yes, Malachi Redway. Harry has asked if he can accompany us? The boy said he was currently under the care of Severus Snape?"

She nodded; "Yes, that's right. I'm afraid we cannot release any of the children without the permission of their guardians."

"I understand. Is there any way you could contact Professor Snape and ask for his permission?" He half hoped she couldn't; that he would be too busy. The last thing he wanted was for Snape to show up here, demanding to know why he wanted to whisk his friend's son away for the afternoon.

"Oh well...yes, of course." The girl looked slightly apprehensive at the request however she walked to the large desk at the front of the classroom, pulled a string that rang a bell, and then pulled out some parchment and lifted a quill; "Um...where do you intend to take Malachi?"

"Into muggle London; look around the shops. Maybe a museum?" It was really up to the boys, to be honest; "Then ice skating later on."

She was scribbling the information down quickly as he told her; "And when do you expect to return him?"

"Umm..." Remus glanced at the timepiece; 2.15pm; "Well, I was going to take Harry for dinner. Malachi could come with us; I could have him back for seven? Is the Centre open that late?"

"You rang, madam?" he young man, perhaps only a teenager, appeared next to them with a smile.

"I need you to deliver this," she stated, before she turned her attention back to Remus, as she continued scribbling the message down; "Yes, we're open until nine. Professor Snape often stays late so I don't think seven would be a problem."

"Oh. That's good."

She gave him a smile, then turned to the boy who had joined them; "Do you know where Professor Snape is?"

"Uh...Bistro, I think?"

She smiled brightly; "Good. I need you to give this to him, and then bring back his response."

The boy took it with a shrug; "Sure. Not bad news though, I hope?"

"No. Don't worry," she grinned. He smiled, looking relieved, and then turned heading from the room.

Brianna turned to him and smiled; "He shouldn't be long."

Remus smiled and nodded; "Thanks."

"Severus?"

"Yes?"

"Do you date?"

Severus looked up at her sharply with a frown; "What?"

Lily was avoiding his eyes, pushing the food around her plate with her fork; "I asked if you date?"

Severus hesitated, wondering where on Earth she was going with this; "Why do you ask?"

She raised her eyes to his and shrugged; "Just curious. I've been thinking about it."

"Why would you be interested?" Severus found himself saying, before he had a chance to think about it. He felt himself redden.

"I don't mean to be nosy." She gave him a sheepish smile; "I was just thinking about dating in general," Lily elaborated; "I...haven't dated in a long time."

"I see."

Severus was at a loss for words, suddenly filled with pictures of himself and Lily eating dinner, much like they were now, only more meaning behind it; better dressed; flirty smiles; 'accidental' touches. Walks along streets lightened by streetlamps. He felt himself redden further, overcome with such thoughts; he could usually control this nonsense.

"So...do you?"

Severus shook his head; "No." And then he hesitated, wondering if perhaps he had just nipped any potential suggestions she may have had in the bud? He quickly shook away the thought.

The most likely reason for the enquiry was; "I presume you have had an offer?"

She shrugged, which was enough to confirm the affirmative. He swallowed, clearing his throat;

"I am afraid I cannot offer any useful advice. This is not my area of expertise."

He suddenly felt like they were back at Hogwarts again and Lily was telling him about her first crush, her first kiss, her first date. Yes; he was truly her friend once again.

This time, though, the thought almost made him groan.

When he looked at her she was looking at him searchingly, a slight smile on her face.

He frowned under her scrutiny; "What?"

Her smile widened into a grin. She shook her head; "Nothing."

"You're smiling."

"No."

She attempted to conceal it, lifting her glass to her lips.

"Grinning, then," he stated, eyeing her suspiciously; "What amuses you?"

"Really, Severus, it's nothing," she waved a hand, but he raised an expectant eyebrow and she sighed, her shoulders dropping in defeat, but her smile remained; "It's just...well...you know, you're quite well thought of around here, that's all."

Severus shrugged; "My work is appreciated, that is all."

"Not just because of your work," she raised an eyebrow, with a small smile and she had adopted that teasing tone he was used to, speaking again with more confidence; "I think you have a pretty good idea of what people say about you around here," she added, with a slight grin; "Even if you do pretend not to."

Severus felt himself blush at the implication; though he was relieved she had made a more subtle hint rather that outright said what she was obviously musing over. While Regulus and his cousins had often teased him about the very same thing, hearing it from Lily made him feel incredibly self-conscious. Was this what she thought of him? Though he knew well enough that it was not. She had obviously heard the ridiculous harping on of others within the company.

He swallowed, avoiding her eyes, unsure how to respond.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you," Lily shrugged, her grin gone.

"I am not embarrassed," he lied.

She lifted her eyes to him, smiling again. He blushed further and she giggled; a delightful sound.

"There is a tendency in the Foundation for the most miniscule of things to be blown entirely out of proportion," Severus stated; "Gossips run rampant around here; it is best not to take any information given at face value."

"Hmm," Lily nodded, though she was still fighting a smile; "Speaking from experience, Severus?" She glanced around the room teasingly; "Old flames lurking in the corners?"

"I would not call them 'flames'," he replied, disinterestedly, "Only acquaintances which I did not wish to pursue further."

"So...you have dated?"

Severus lifted his head and found Lily looking at him curiously. He dipped his head back down.

"Professor Snape?"

The two of them looked up sharply at the young man who had approached. Severus lowered his cutlery; "Shaw. Is there a problem?"

"No problem, Sir," the boy gave him a nod, before holding out a piece of parchment; "A message from the Phoenix Centre."

Severus took the note, a sense of dread washing over him; what had the child done now?

His brow knitted closer together, as he found himself repeating the name on the parchment; "Lupin?"

Lily snapped to attention at that; "Remus? Is something wrong?"

Severus waved a hand to calm her, as he finished reading the note; "Nothing is wrong. Merely an invitation for Malachi to accompany him and your son for the afternoon," he handed the parchment back to the boy with a shake of the head; "I don't think..."

"I believe they're going ice skating," Lily stated, interrupting him; "Didn't you say Malachi enjoyed that?"

Severus frowned; when had he told her that? Though he remembered that it was true; Regulus had told him of Malachi's fondness for ice-skating over Christmas, when he had been attempting to take the boy's mind off Evelyn's death.

He shifted, taking the note back and glancing back down at it; suddenly feeling torn over the options before him. The boy would enjoy himself, that much was certain; but this was Lupin. He hated him. Childish, but true. He despised the wolf and if Malachi were his son he would not even considered the option.

But was it fair to keep the boy from an afternoon with his friend because of his own issues with the man?

Yes, his mind told him.

But he glanced at Lily, who was watching him curiously, as if she was very keen to hear his response.

He cleared his throat, the words coming from his lips almost difficult; "Does Lupin often take care of your son?"

"Almost every week since he was eighteen months old. Changed his nappies and everything."

"How touching," Severus said, with a look of disgust, glancing back down at the note.

"He's wonderful with Harry," Lily went on, further promoting Lupin's abilities as a child carer; "It might do Malachi good; spending some time with a friend."

Severus glanced at her; wondering if him saying no would lead to a disagreement. Wondering if he was petty enough to actually refuse.

"I trust your son has never been injured while under the care of this one?" Severus asked, remembering how the boy had very nearly killed himself under the care of Sirius Black.

Lily gave a half-smile; "Remus is very careful with him. Very sensible."

Severus thought on it for a moment, before he flipped the parchment and accioed a quill; he began scribbling down instructions;

Under the conditions that he remains within your sight, at all times; that you take them to a museum, not an open aired park; that he is properly supervised whilst ice-skating; that he is properly fed and returned by seven this evening; Malachi may accompany you and Harry Potter this afternoon.

Do not make me regret this, Lupin.

S.S.

"I'm gonna go and look for Uncle Sirius," Harry said, quietly to Malachi, as they skated along the edge of the ice rink. He had been gone for ages now; and his Uncle Remus hadn't been able to give him any answers when he had spoken to him about it.

Malachi looked at him with an impressed frown; "You can't. He could be really far away."

Harry shrugged; "I know places he goes sometimes. I can find him."

Malachi didn't look like he believed him, as he glanced in his Uncle Remus' direction.

"You can't tell my Uncle Remus!" Harry quickly said, suddenly wishing he hadn't said anything.

Malachi shrugged; "I won't."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"You should come with me!" Harry stated, suddenly, excitedly, before he quickly lowered his volume, as they got closer to passing by his Uncle Remus again; "It'd be fun. Like an adventure!"

"I dunno," Malachi shook his head, looking a bit scared; "My dad would be really angry if he found out. He doesn't like him, remember?"

"But you said your dad's away just now," Harry pointed out; "And you said your dad's friend is always working really hard, so he won't even know. We could go instead of school tomorrow and then be back before bedtime, so he won't know."

Malachi still looked like he was going to say no.

Harry reached out, grabbing his arm; "Please, Malachi? I don't wanna go by myself." Malachi glanced at him and, as he did so, their skates knocked into one another, catching at the blades, and the two of them stumbled and tripped onto the ice.

"Ouch!" Harry grunted, as they hit the cold surface, Malachi on top of him. He noticed his Uncle Remus hurrying around the outside of the rink towards them. He looked at Malachi hopefully;

"Well? Will you come?" he asked, quickly, before the man could arrive; he knew he'd never leave them alone again now.

Malachi still looked frightened but he still shrugged and said; "Okay."