Chapter 6:
Hey! Raion! You answered right again in Chapter 3. You're too good at this game *grumble*
Two Slytherin's strode regally through the corridors of Hogwarts. One was prowling like a wolf, his white hair glinting in the sunlight as the pair passed by one of the huge floor-to-ceiling windows that adorned the walls. His companion was more like a cat in his gait: he seemed to flow along the passage effortlessly. His black hair glistened when the other's sparkled. They weren't touching at all, they weren't even standing that close together. But the comradeship between them was so strong, you could almost taste it.
In Shaun's case, he could. He could taste a fruity rope twisting through his and Severus' auras. He wasn't sure quite what it was, but its sweet taste marked it out as benevolent. So, could it indicate friendship?
Shaun was broken from his train of thought as Snape nudged him carefully in the ribs. "Look sharp," he whispered, looking carefully from side to side, hoping not to indicate to any Slytherin's hanging around that they were more than an alliance, broken over the most trivial of things. No, Snape owed Shaun a life debt, and, hard as he tried, there was no one else he could think of that he rather held the honour. Anyone else would abuse the connection as soon as they learned of it. Shaun hadn't even mentioned it yet.
They arrived at the charm's classroom a minute or two early. Snape stood stiffly to attention, whilst Shaun lounged beside him, conveying an easy grace as he relaxed against the wall. "Relax, Snape," he smiled, keeping his voice low. Slowly, ever so slowly, Snape began to mimic Shaun's position until they both looked completely above the world around them, and knew it too. It showed in the way they sneered at the Gryffindors, and the manner in which they scowled at Hufflepuffs to make them squeak. But one thing showed they were human. Shaun smiled warmly and widely at any first year who happened to pass by. Regardless of their House, they smiled back, unsure who he was and what he wanted. When he saw the same Ravenclaw first year rushing around, becoming more tearful by the minute, he sighed softly, and pushed himself off the wall. The little girl looked scared as she saw a member of Slytherin, the notoriously dark house, approach. Shaun smiled at the thought of knocking all book-learned prejudices from her head so early on. With this action, he could change history. Or maybe that was his justification for wanting to help a tearful child when he was trying to befriend one of the coldest people he knew.
He rested a hand on the girl's shoulder to stop her rushing about or running away. Squatting down to match her height (he wasn't that short) he looked into her eyes carefully.
"What have you lost?" he asked kindly: after all, why else would someone be rushing around so fretfully so close to the bell for classes to start.
The girl sniffed and said slowly and shakily, "My textbook, sir"
Shaun grimaced, "Sir makes me feel old. My name is Shaun Frost, but more importantly, what is the name of you and the name of your textbook?"
The girl gave a watery smile at the realisation Shaun wasn't going to eat her. "Grade One Transfiguration Mr. Frost, and my name is Sarah Hopkinson"
"Accio Sarah Hopkinson's Transfiguration textbook" said Shaun, waving his wand in a random pattern, as he couldn't remember the proper movement. It didn't work. Shaun growled, angry at himself.
"Snape," he called, "What is the wand movement for the Summoning Charm?"
It was a testimony to their growing friendship that Snape didn't kill him. Instead he sighed and waved his wand: "Accio Sarah Hopkinson's Transfiguration textbook" he intoned lazily. Said book came whizzing hyperactively down the corridor. Several people ducked to avoid being knocked out, and Sarah caught the book with surprising skill.
"Oh, yes, that's it!" cried Shaun brightly. "And you," said Shaun turning to the girl, who quailed slightly under his strangely coloured gaze, "should certainly try out for your House Quidditch team next year. That was an excellent catch."
He gave the girl a smile and a wink and sent her on her way. Then James Potter nearly knocked her over striding arrogantly down the corridor.
"Forgive me for what I'm about to do." Said Shaun before starting off down the corridor.
Shaun surged up to Potter and only didn't punch him because Remus was gripping his arms.
He shook the werewolf free and helped Sarah up. "You think you own these hallways, don't you?" he spat. "You're Head boy; you have responsibility for these children, not leadership over them!"
"I-How dare you speak to me like that!" spluttered the Gryffindor.
"He's right, you know." Said a Hufflepuff third year quietly. Shaun gave a small quick smile for his support. The boy nodded minutely to show he accepted the gesture.
Shaun slipped away as resistance built up against Potter until the bell rang. My work here is done. Now Gryffindors might not be idolised so much, and Slytherins might gave a bit more respect.
Snape smiled discreetly at him as Shaun joined him in the line to the Charm's classroom. "What are you apologising for?" he said quietly, "That was the most brilliantly executed piece of crowd manipulation I have ever seen. You're a master!"
Shaun agreed, "And the beauty of it is, it never would if worked if Potter hadn't been so arrogant," he said triumphantly, and watched Snape's mood sweeten. Then ropes of curiosity snaked through the aura. Shaun sighed, hoping Snape's question would be easy to answer.
"Why do you dislike him so? He's never done anything apart from that red and gold prank in Potions, and that's hardly cause to start a revolution."
"He hurt you. I hate a bully." Shaun said simply, and followed the rest of the line into the Charms classroom
Shaun watched in wonder as Snape's aura cycled through confusion/miscomprehension, to understanding, to suspicion (that man is so suspicious, it's a wonder he isn't consumed by paranoia thought Shaun) and then burned with gratefulness that cloyed in Shaun's senses.
"Thank you," said Snape, choking back tears of joy for the first time in his life.
Shaun wondered what would happen over the year. After all, he'd been here less than a day, and Severus already meant more to him than anyone he had met, including Ron and Hermione.
Awwwwwww!
As this is mostly filler and character development (dammit! This chapter was meant to be the Charms class! Well, you'll just have to wait....) there will be no question today. But, for the first time, the first three reviewers who ask one, will get any question they like answered, no holds barred!
REVIEW AND ASK FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!
Urban Angelx