Chapter Two - Burning Memories
Severus had just started his lectures for the day when he noticed Professor Moonberry walk by. Almost immediately he forgot his words. The chalk fell from his hand. Why is that blasted woman not teaching her class?
"Is something the matter Professor?" Draco asked looking a bit confused.
Severus jerked his head to look at the young Slytherin. "I don't recall ever having given anyone permission to talk Mr. Malfoy." His young pupil looked down at his book. Potter laughed in the back of the room ever so quietly but, since the room had gone silent Severus heard and walked over to him. "Something funny Mr. Potter?"
"No Professor."
"Good. I want you all to read the next twenty-five pages before I come back." He said glaring at anyone who dared to look up from their books. With that he took off out of the class and to his former room. When he walked in he found a full class of children with Professor Moonberry. They all had boiling cauldrons in front of them.
"Professor Moonberry…" his sentenced trailing off. "What in Merlin's name are you wearing?" he asked distraught.
"Clothes." She smiled. A few of the children in the room snickered. "Isn't this what most people wear?"
Severus again started to feel rather heated. "What on earth are you doing wearing a gold dress to school?"
Moonberry walked to the middle of the room and twirled. Her hair was down today and as it was yesterday, jagged-edge straight. Her lips still a blood red but her clothes… "It's Egyptian linen." She said looking down at the dress with a gold diamond-shaped pattern. "Do you like it?" she asked taking another twirl.
Professor Snape looked around him. Almost immediately he noticed the big grin on Ginny Weasley's face as she stared at him. "As a professor, you wear black, and your robe at all times."
"But I my robe is on." Snape sighed and was about to say something else when a loud clearing of the throat came from behind him. He spun around to see Headmistress McGonagall with her eyebrow raised. She was in a red and green pleated... So much for encouraing professors to wear black.
"Is it a normal thing to leave your students alone in the class that you worked so hard to acquire? Do you miss potions that much professor?"
Severus pointed at Moonberry, "I came to inquire as to why she had left her class earlier."
McGonagall nodded and stepped aside making way for him to walk through the door. Severus gave Moonberry one last look and walked out. He felt humiliated in front of the class of fourth years. Why if he could have, he would have hexed the smile off of little Weasley's face. He returned to his class. Everyone was still reading and he felt the room tense up. He knew they had not finished the reading. They couldn't possibly have finished in 5 minutes. Yet, he still continued, "I hope you are all done. There will be a quiz on the next three chapters tomorrow. Homework tonight: the next two chapters. Study period has now begun. You're excused." He said sitting at his desk, beginning to grade homework. A few of the kids got up and left. Only eight were assigned to his study period. It made for a quiet enviornment as he saw Potter and Weasley leave. Hermione Granger, unfortunately, never gave up the chance to study and Draco Malfoy of course was there because of his father's bidding to ever improve his grades. Neville Longbottom had been assigned to the class and he always sat at the closest desk to the door. A part of him hated the young Griffindor but at the same time felt sorry for the blighter. It had been many times that he had seen Longbottom picked on, reminding him of his dreadful years at Hogwarts. Cho Chang was in the class. Sometimes he wondered why she was always writing and if it even pretained to school work. His thoughts were interrupted.
"Severus?"
He looked up and saw Professor Moonberry standing at the door. "Miss Moonberry how many times am I gonna haver to remind you that I go by…"
"Its Alexandria."
"Pardon?" He asked annoyed that she had not let him finish his sentence.
"My name. Its Alexandria. None of this formal stuff please." She said walking over and sitting on the right side of his desk.
"Did you need something that requires you to sit on my desk for it?" He said standing not wanting to feel inferior looking up at her.
She flashed a full smile at him and stood up. Severus looked at her indifferently. For a moment both stood there without a word. "Professor Moonberry? Where did you get that dress?" Draco asked kind of tilting his head to the side.
Alexandria turned to him. "I bought it from an ancient egyptian store in Cairo. Its lined in real gold. You like it?"
Malfoy made a face, "No, but I have a feeling that my dad would really like to see my mum in something like that for a gala."
Severus could not help but walk over and push the boy's head down towards his book. "I don't recall giving you permission this time either Mr. Malfoy. This is your last warning," he walked back to his desk and glared at Alexandria.
Severus… he heard her say in her mind a bit worried. The sound the very tone he heard it in made him sick to his stomach. If there was anything he could not take it was pity.
I don't want your pity Moonberry. Stay out of my head! He saw her hand raise as if she was gonna touch his face but confusion seemed to take her so she smiled at him and walked out of the room. He stood there for a moment. Was he that obvious about the pain he felt in hearing the very mention of Draco's mother? She couldn't possibly know. There was no way… He turned to see Hermione Granger looking up at him. "Yes, Miss Granger?" he said standing behind his desk.
"I'm done with my studies professor."
Snape raised his eyebrow and smiled disparagingly. "So then I take it you have completed your twelve page paper for me?"
"Well no, but if you would excuse me to go to the library, I need to get more sources. I will get it in soon enough."
He sat down and looked back at his grading, "Go and don't come back till you have it."
The class was quiet. He had been giving examinations all day and it was almost 6th period. He could not wait. Watching the clock intently he counted down twenty-five minutes… twenty… fifteen… ten… Suddenly and without warning, a loud explosion rang through the hall. The children all jumped out of their seats.
"SIT DOWN!" Severus yelled at his class. "Stay here and don't move. I mean it!" he said making sure to turn his gaze directly at Fred and George Weasley. He walked out and saw purple smoke coming out from the potions room down the hall. Oh for Merlin's sake… Severus walked in to see Alexandria cleaning off Neville Longbottom's face with handkerchief.
"Ok Neville, you're gonna be alright. Will someone please help Mr. Longbottom to Madam Pompfrey?" Alexandria asked. Almost all of her male students voulanteered.
"Bloody Hell woman!" Severus shouted, "What in Merlin's name are you doing? What happened?" He asked walking up to her demanding answers in of her.
"Oh Mr. Longbottom had a bit of an accident." She said walking back to her desk. A small cough came out of her and she waved her hand around trying to get some of the smoke to clear. The children were also coughing. "Class dismissed. Don't forget about your five chapter exam next week. Please don't forget to study." Another cough slipped out of her as she began clearing her desk.
"Where is your robe?" Severus questioned staring at the deep blue dress that now looked purple to the left side.
"It was burned earlier in an accident with Mr. Finnigan." She answered rather seriously. "Did you need something Professor?"
For the first time Severus took her rather more seriously. Why had she not called him by his first name? Her smile was gone. Her hair was in shambles and her glasses were sitting on her nose rather lop-sided. I want an explination as to what happened here. This explosion rocked the school and as head of the department I need to know how to explain to other teachers. He spoke to her without even opening his mouth.
Alexandria slammed her books down and looked him straight in the eye. Perhaps you should ask your prized Draco Malfoy. Her eyes were not their usual shade but a bit darker. I think its time you stop protecting him and punish him! He threw snake fang into the Shrinking Potion and obviously that does not belong there! Poor Neville he may not see for days! Her anger was apperant. Snape felt rage towards her, talking to him in such a manner but the anger soon shifted to his young Slytherin. He did not care for Longbottom in the least but had something more serious happened it could have cost him his DADA class. Severus looked at Alexandria as she walked to the door at the back of the room and began putting away her books in between coughs. He lifted his wand and cleared the room for her, walking out before she had a chance to say anything.
The Slytherin common room was empty when Severus walked in. He made his way up the stairs to find Draco alone in his room asleep on his bed. The door slammed behind him. Draco looked up and closed his eyes again. Severus grabbed the young boy's sweater and pulled him off the bed to his feet. "Do you understand what you could have cost me today Mr. Malfoy?!" The blonde boy remained silent. "Answer me if you don't want me to give you detention for the rest of the year…" The boy tried to open his mouth and thats when Severus realized the he had been hexed. Professor Snape unhexed him and threw him against the bed. "Detention for the next three months."
Draco's face turned to that of rage. "You cant do this to me. My father will never let you hear the end of it. Its not my fault that filthy mudblood cursed me!"
"Silence! Is your father the head of the department? Do you or do you not want to learn to become a greater wizard than Harry Potter? You think someone else could teach you better than I?" Draco was silenced. He shook his head.
Severus walked out and back to his classroom. It was empty. The kids had without question left to be on time to their next class. Severus looked at the pile of exams left on his desk. None could have been foolish enough to not have turned their test in.
"Severus, I heard about the accident in your potions class." Remus said standing in the doorway.
Severus glanced his way for a brief moment. "If you had any brains you would know that the class is not mine. Professor Moonberry runs the potion's class I just fix what she does wrong. And about my groveling for this posi…"
"Alexandria, yes, a doll really. She is smart and beautiful. Quite the catch I would think."
Snape raised an eyebrow, "Well I'm pretty sure she will pleased to know of your little crush werewolf. And I'm sure she will be happy to know that she will be rid of you every full moon assuming she even goes for your kind."
Remus laughed, "Really Snivillus, don't you think we should be over this by now?"
"Lupin I'm warning you if you ever…"
"Very well Professor, calm down. Oh and by the way. She is coming over here." Remus said with a smile on his face. Severus stood to his feet wand in hand ready to throw a hex at the damned werewolf when Alexandria appeared in the doorway. Remus took her hand and kissed it gently and hen excused himself.
Severus saw the color come to her face the way he had only seen once before. "Is there something you needed Professor Moonberry?"
She smiled at him, not the big smile she usually threw his way but a softer smile with no visible teeth. "I heard what you did. And even though he deserves a whole year's detention… I can settle for three months… for now."
"Is that really all you came to say?" Severus said turning his back to her and grabbing a book from the shelf to his right.
Thank you sweetheart.
Severus turned but she was gone. Sweetheart! That was a first. And completely not something he cared much to hear. Actually the very mention of it made him nauseous. He would think of some way to make her respect him. Even if it was the last thing he did.
"Master Snape?" a small voice came from the doorway. It was one of the Hogwarts elves. "Headmistress would like a word with Master Snape."
"Very well. Inform her I'm on my way." Severus said shooing away the little thing. He stood and took a deep breath. Draco would be in more trouble if he lost his DADA class. The halls were buzzing with kids on their break time. Most stepping out of his way as soon as he turned the corner. He sort of liked the feeling of intimidation that was associated with his name. It was power. "Yes, professor? You asked to see me?" he said walking over to Dumbledore's former desk where McGonagall now sat.
"Yes, I spoke with Madam Pompfrey this evening about a certain student's condition. And she said he would gain his eyesight in a week and was lucky he had not lost all the features on his face. Now, I understand a student from Slytherin was involved. And I need to know what it is that you have done about it."
"He will be receiving three months detention with me."
"And?" she answered.
At this Severus was taken back, he had thought three months was sufficient enough punishment after all Longbottom's face had NOT been severed off. "And what do you suggest?" He asked.
"I suggest you ban him from playing the Quidditch match against Ravenclaw on Saturday." Minerva said taking her quill and writing something in a big, green, leather-bound book.
"Very well." Severus said a bit hesitant. Lucius Malfoy never missed a Slytherin Quidditch game and he was sure to discuss what a problem he saw it in keeping his son from playing in the game. If there was anyone's presence which Severus himself could not stand, it was the elder Malfoy. For years they had tolerated each other but for other reasons.
The Quidditch match was well on its way. Ravenclaw was beating Slytherin by three points. Draco sat on the bench the whole game. Severus had stayed away to try and avoid any confrontation with Malfoy Sr. but not knowing what was going on with his team was almost too overwhelming even for him. Quidditch was a fine sport in his opinion but riding a broom was one of his least favorite things. He walked around the crowd of students trying to avoid walking over to where the elders could be found. As he made his way around, he found the perfect place to sit without being seen. A spot was open behind Hagrid, obviously because no one could see past the walking giant. Just being at the match would be good enough to hear commentary and then make a quick escape.
"Wooh! Go Slytherin! You can do it! Come on!" a voice shouted above the rest. Severus looked to see who from Slytherin team could possibly be so enthusiastic because from what he knew the Slytherin's weren't an enthusiastic bunch. He saw no one.
"Is that Professor Moonberry?" Ron Weasely whispered to Hermione. "Why is she a Slytherin fan? Doesn't she know who is in Slytherin?" he asked confused.
Hermoine shrugged her shoulders "I don't know Ronald. Perhaps she has other reasons for cheering on Slytherin." The witch answered with a half smile on his face.
"What could that possibly be!" he asked raising his voice. "If its trying to take Professor Snape's position then I guess thats ok. But it doesn't change the fact that Malfoy is on the team." he said his nose scrunching up.
Hermione shook her head. "Honestly Ron you are so dense."
"Am not! Isn't that what you meant by other reasons? What other reason could you possibly mean?" His face dropped suddenly as he saw Professor Snape stand up from behind their large friend. "Professor Snape?"
"I suggest you say nothing else Mr. Weasley. If you know what's good for you, you will walk away now."
Ron nodded and walked passed the Professor, making room next to Professor Moonberry, who Severus had not noticed there before. He squeezed in between Hermione and the young professor. As he opened his mouth, her shouts drowned out whatever he had planned to say.
"Yes! Thats the way you do it! Only 2 more points to go and we're tied! Wooh!"
"Must you yell so loud?" he asked looking straight across the stands seeing Lucius Malfoy sitting besides Professor Flitwick and McGonagall.
"You made it!" She shouted throwing her arms around him.
He grabbed her arms and pulled her off. "Again with the touching people. If you don't mind…"
"YES! WE SCORED AGAIN! ONE MORE SEVERUS AND WE'RE TIED!" She shouted louder than before taking one of his hands and throwing it up in the air with hers. Again he yanked it away. This time he didn't bother to speak but just walked to a different section of the crowd. The game ended rather quickly afterward. Slytherin had caught up rather fast and won towards the final moments.
I wasn't aware what good competition Ravenclaw was for us. For years the only team that presented a challenge was Griffindor, but this year is looking more promising for all the houses. Maybe Hufflepuff will catch up too… though I doubt it. No it seems this year will be a good team for us. Perhaps better if Draco does not play. It is after all no mystery that he got in after his father bought the whole team brooms. I don't dare to deny it but at the same time I care not to speak of it. Perhaps if we let the back up seeker play more often seeing as his father did not pay to get him on the team. Yes… it sounds good. The plan grew in Severus's head while he walked through the fans of both teams. He enjoyed watching or hearing the Quidditch matches and hardly ever missed a Slytherin game. It was almost a passion of his. Almost. He thought smugly trying to hold back a genuine smile. It is rather relaxing I must say to walk out of here with your head held high because your team just won a game. The more he thought of it the more he wished to keep Draco from playing. To see Lucius's face after hearing that Draco has been banned for the "major games" would bring a warm feeling to my cold heart. He joked with himself.
"Something funny Severus?" A cold hard voice came from behind him. "I could almost see a smile on your face just now."
"Lucius, you're here? I had thought perhaps after Draco told you of the unfortunate circumstances you would not bother to make the trip. He is after all in a lot of trouble with the school." Snape answered adjusting his cloak.
"Severus!" Lucius snapped taking the professor's shoulder with the top of his cane. The snake head came down hard as if it had actually bitten him. In his ear he heard the horrible sound of Lucius's threatening whisper, "I know you wouldn't have just stood there and taken these ridiculous orders if you had thought differently! You didn't want Draco to play? Hmm? What Narcissa would think of the hurt you brought to her only son? You know how much she wants him to succeed and do well. You have just set him up for failure. You want him to be a failure Severus? You want him to get picked on by everyone he knows even those who don't know him. Its not very fair that you should put him in this situation just because you were there so many years ago… Narcissa should be glad she didn't pick you. You are a coward…"
The word ran through Severus's head making his face curl into that of disgust. "It was the Headmistress's decision not mine Lucius, and she never picked you she was forced. Now if you don't mind I suggest you take that snake off of me."
"The Dark Lord knows Severus; He knows you are a traitor to him and he knows that you lie. I am neither afraid of you or believing of you."
Severus grabbed the cane and looked Lucius in his clear blue eyes. "I don't care what you say, and I don't care if you don't believe me. Perhaps you can speak to Neville Longbottom and hope he recognizes the sound of your voice, thanks to your son the boy wont be able to see you. And with that he is very lucky. You bring up Narcissa to hurt me and have not realized the past no longer affects me. You dwell because you have nothing else for me. Now if you don't mind…"
"Severus! We won!" Alexandria said running over to him and wrapping her green and grey scarf around his neck. "Can you believe the comeback!?" she asked excitedly, not seeming to even notice the elder Malfoy's presence.
"Professor Moonberry, how many times do I have to remind you to call me…"
"Ah, wonderful Severus. I see you have finally gotten over my wife and found yourself another young lady." Lucius chuckled sadistically. "I must say she is much lovelier than I would have thought. Professor Moonberry was it? Have you a first name?"
Alexandria turned, wand in hand, "Who may I ask are you?"
Lucius stepped back away from her wand, "I, my dear, am not someone you want to be pointing a wand at like that. It could be your last mistake."
"Are you threatening me?" she asked stepping closer.
Lucius grabbed her wrist and turned it away forcefully, "My... a beautiful young lady with spunk. I may have to steal her away too Severus. She would look lovely dressed in my money. And perhaps, my sheets?" He asked cruelly, with intention to strike a nerve.
"Lucius…"
Alexandria laughed, before Severus could continue. "In your money? I don't need your money. And your sheets? My dear man, you are much too old for me. Why… I can even see the wrinkles in your face."
Severus was taken back. Never had he seen anyone, especially a woman stand up to Lucius Malfoy.
"Your name was?" Lucius said taking a step forward this time, eyeing her intently. Severus had thought to step in, but for some reason his feet seemed to be glued to the ground. I've been hexed! Lucius must have seen this coming and wants to keep me out of the way. He never was the brightest in his class. If he was, he'd know that that I know the counter curse for this one. Perhaps I should stay and watch Moonberry get on Lucius's bad side and then I could be rid of her and perhaps hire someone I think worthy of my former job…
"Alexandria Moonberry."
Lucius let out a cold, hard laugh. At this point Severus knew he could not go through with this. That laugh was one he'd heard far too many times. "Alexandria Moonberry was it?" Slowly he continued, "You would not happen to be the grand-daughter of Alexander Moonfire?" an evil, almost possessed smile took him and he laughed out. The children had cleared much earlier and alone the three of them stood in front of the quidditch stadium. "My dear, with a last name like that, why would you dream of changing it? You know what power that brings?" If Severus would not have been so far, he would have sworn he saw the other man's eyes turn dark and almost flash red.
"Moonfire, Moonberry, it's all the same. I care not for my grandfather. I've met the man but twice… Perhaps…"
"Severus!" Lucius yelled, "You must give her too me! If you don't, I will gladly take her!"
"She is not mine to give to you." Sevrus said uttering the counter curse in his head and stepping besides Moonberry. "If she was I'd give her to you gladly." He said turning to Alexandria who now looked ready to rip him to pieces.
"I belong to no one and you, Mr. Malfoy Sr..." she emphasized the last part purposely. "I would never go with you."
Lucius ignored her and walked right up to Severus's face, "You know then? You have to know! She's a pure blood and practically a princess of this wizarding world, not to mention in the muggle world. Yes, Severus, a pure-blood just like Narcissa, and that is why she will never be yours either. She is after all too noble of blood to be with you, what was it you called yourself? The half-blood…"
"SILENCIO!" Alexandria shouted her dark wand pointing at Lucius. "I will hear no more of your possessed foolishness! I am no princess! My sister rules in the muggle world. She was born without magic in her blood. In the wizarding world, I maybe of noble blood but I am nothing like Alexander Moonfire, he is no grandfather of mine. Away with you. We will hear no more of your foolishness."
Lucius tried to say something but could not. In his furry he grabbed his cloak and spun the opposite direction, leaving them far behind him until he was no longer in sight. Alexandria looked at Severus and smiled, a big smile, teeth and all. "We won. Lets go inside before people start to wonder where we disappeared to." She walked away spinning every now and then, which made him almost sure she was singing in her head.
Narcissa… why? He asked himself as he sat staring at the students taking all the notes he had written on the board. There was a meeting of Professors that evening so he made sure he put enough notes on the board for there not to be in-class work. There would be no time to grade between the meeting and patrolling the hallways. He was on duty again tonight. His past had been troubling him more than usual lately and it irritated him beyond belief.
"Severus?" Alexandria's voice came from the doorway. All the children looked up from their books.
"I don't recall saying class was over. If you are all done with your notes, I will gladly add more." All the students looked down again. "How can I help you Moonberry?" he said standing to his feet. "Did one of your students blow something up again?" Since she had arrived Severus could recall eight minor explosions and three rather large ones.
"No." she smiled. "The headmistress is with them and they are taking a survey as to how well they seem to be getting along with my teaching. I only thought they did that in muggle schools?" she continued without an answer, "Anyway, that leaves me with no class today and I was wonder when your off period was. Hogwarts is such a big school and I wondered if perhaps you could show me around?"
"No, I cannot, I have work to be done before the meeting tonight." he said not even looking her way but adding a few things here and there to the notes. Groans came from behind him when he added another paragraph. "Perhaps you should ask Professor Lupin, he has plenty of experience when it comes to these walls." he said turning around but she was already gone.
"She is a rather curious type." Ron said looking confused.
"Yes, she is. Notes, Mr. Weasley!"
A few moments later Professor Lupin walked through the door with Professor Moonberry. "Severus. I need to borrow Harry Potter for a moment. I'l bring him back, I swear."
"He has notes that need to be taken, Remus."
"Yes but he has something I let him borrow and I need it back." Harry looked up at the professor he hated most. Severus just waved him off.
In a few minutes they were back and Remus thanked him terribly before nearly running out the door with Alexandria. He felt an eyebrow raise and then turn back into his frown. The two were probably up to no good. A clock on the wall struck 11:45 and a small dragon shot its head out a hole, breathing fire. "Class dismissed." He said watching everyone clear out for lunch time. He himself sat down and pulled out of a drawer a sandwich.
I'm not even hungry… His thoughts clouded him again. Narcissa was smiling at him gently. She was indeed very beautiful. "Lucius? But father…"
"I wont hear another word Narcissa. You are a pure blood and you will marry a pure blood. Don't you know what girls would give to be a Malfoy? Think of the money darling and all it will bring you. Think of the places you will go and how people will look up at you, always."
"Father, I don't wish to marry Lucius even if it means no money, no nice things, no title."
"Narcissa! I wont even hear of it. The wedding date has been set and there wont be anymore discussion of this. Who is Severus Snape? I've never even heard of the man. You stay away from him you hear? I will make sure that you do."
"Severus, promise me you wont linger. Promise me you will go on with your life. I lov… I have to go."
"Narcissa, tell me why? Please, just tell me why?"
"You're only a half-blood."
"Severus?" McGonagall walked into the classroom. "So far she's doing remarkably well."
"Narciss… Moonberry?"
"Do not dwell on the past Severus. I want you to leave this room right now. Get some fresh air." Minerva said patting his shoulder. "It will do you well."
Severus stood and walked out without a word. She was right, but he did not want to admit it openly. Upon stepping into the courtyard he saw Remus and Alexandria hovering over a piece of parchment. They both froze and turned in his direction, bursting with laughter. Severus walked over and realized it was the same piece of parchment that had insulted him when he found Harry Potter lurking in the hallways on one particular night shift.
"And what, may I ask, is so funny?"
"Why nothing…" Remus said with a straight face trying to hold back more laughter.
"Severus. Have you come to join us?" Alexandria said walking over to him. "It'll be fun! We still have yet to visit the gardens and the lake and Hagrid's and…"
"No. I have more important things to attend to."
Remus snorted with laughter, "What could be anymore important for you at this time? Unless you were gonna go wash your hair or something rather."
Severus's face did not change. He still looked angry but felt beyond heated. Remus had done enough teasing in his life-time to know he should stop now. "I would take that back if I were you…"
"Boys, please don't fight. We were just having a good time."
"Until he showed up!" Both men said in unison. Remus looked at Severus in surprise and Severus looked at Remus in disgust.
Alexandria shook her head and walked away. "Now look what you've done…" Remus said watching the last of her cape flutter through the hallway.
"Listen werewolf, if you wanna fight with me do it any other day, but not today." Severus said pushing past him. For once he did not care to hear the things that Remus said to him. He just wanted to be far away from this world that he had been brought into by his mother. This perhaps was why he still kept his muggle house just outside of London by the river and the one in Spinner's End up in Northern England. The muggle world could not be better than the wizarding world but it sure was more peaceful at times.
"Severus, is something the matter?" Remus asked following him into the west wing of the castle. The Professor's steps were as silent as they were swift. He had caught up to Snape in almost no time.
Severus turned quickly. Remus had always said he looked like a bat or vampire when he turned, as if he was descending down upon his prey. "What could it possibly matter to you Remus? You should find pleasure in seeing me this way. You always have. You and your friends."
"Severus, look around you. You and I are all that remain. Peter is gone. James is gone. Sirius is in hiding and all I have now is myself. You... what have become of all your friends Severus? They all went and became Death-Eaters. You are as alone as I am. I don't want to fight with you anymore than you think I do. It hurts me to see us both like this." Remus looked up and saw Severus looking away. Both stood there without a word. Minutes passed where neither moved nor spoke. The children could be heard down the other hallways. Lunch was almost over. "Severus, let us put our quarrels behind us. They no longer matter. We cannot bring back the dead or change the past. Let us move toward something better. A single day does not go by when I see James and Lily's splitting image walking down the hallway." Remus felt his eyes glaze over with tears he had not shed for years. Words would never be able to describe the pain he felt over losing his friends, his only friends. As he had finished saying those words he was glad he did not say more because the words would have been choking up in the back of his throat.
"Do not come to me with your sentimental words Lupin. I do not care in the least to hear them." Severus turned quickly and descended down the hallway.
As he sat in his 4th period class. He could not get Lupin's words out of his head. It had been one week already. Most of his students were busy writing. It would not be for a long time that he noticed Hermione staring at him intently. She was wondering what he could be thinking about that he had not heard her when she said she had completed the notes. Different looks and expressions took hold of his face when he thought back on different things Remus said. His face for the most part had taken a look of sadness and regret. He seemed like he had entered another world somewhere deep in his thoughts. Hermoine could swear he had not blinked for the last few minutes.
"Professor Snape?"
Nothing. He did not move. It was the second time she had said his name and nothing happened. A few more students began to look up and wonder what was going on.
"Is he dead?" Ron asked.
"Nonsense Ronald! Of course he's not. He's thinking."
"About what?" Neville questioned beginning to get a sense of uneasiness. The professor Snape he knew heard and saw everything. He was sure there were more than a few kids at the school who thought he had eyes on the back of his head covered by his long, thick, black hair.
"I don't know…" Hermione said slowly getting up from her seat. "I'm going to go get help."
"He doesn't need your help mudblood." Draco said turning from his notes.
Everyone was now looking at the professor in confusion. They had stopped doing notes. Most of them were scared but too scared to leave. They figured the moment they made it to the door he would snap out of it and curse them closing the door in their faces and giving them one months detention. The classroom was quiet once more as no one dared to speak. Hermoine thought of all she could do but she knew regardless he would punish her. She was the brightest witch of her time, Sirius had told her that a couple of years ago, and that is why she knew regardless of what she did Snape hated her and would yell at her for it. She could see the fear in her fellow classmates' faces though and knew something would have to be done. Neville looked the worst. His face was going pale and he kept looking at the door. Hermione looked at the door and at that exact moment fate dealt her a lucky hand. Professor Moonberry was walking by with her class. They had no doubt been outside picking ingredients for some sort of crazy potions. Hermione waved at her hoping to get her attention. Moonberry smiled and walked to the door.
"Hullo Hermione. How are you? Done with your notes I see."
"Professor, something is wrong with professor Snape. He has not moved or blinked for the past five minutes. Something is wrong. I just know it! You have to help us."
Moonberry looked at the class, all the children looked frightened and stared up at her. Their eyes begging for her to get them out of there. The professor was indeed somewhere far away. His face looked distorted. He was surely thinking of something of great emotion: anger, pain and most likely evil things. It was no secret that Severus Snape had been a Death-eater. The things he must have seen were probably things some of these kids could never have endured seeing. Slowly she stepped inside the classroom. She would have to handle him with care. If he had been sucked in too far it could be like waking someone from a sleepwalking session. It could end badly. "Go ahead and go children. Quietly and quickly." Without any hesitation the children filed out of the classroom. Some left their books and things behind. Hermione did not walk out she stayed hoping that maybe she might learn something from this. Alexandria moved forward until she was in front of the professor. Her footsteps had not made a sound. Her moves were swift and quick like those of a cat. "Hermione, come here."
"yes professor?" hermione said softly as she made her way to the professor's side.
"He's been sucked into his memories of the past. This is very dangerous. Waking him could cost someone their lives if not done properly." Hermione started to feel uneasy. "Hermione I need you to stand on the other side of the desk where he cannot see you. When I bring him back his body will jump as if it was just forced forward. If he should do anything to me, put him in a bind and run for Madam Pompfrey and the headmistress. Understand?"
Hermione felt her heart stop. She was scared suddenly. "Professor I don't know if I can do this…"
"I can do it." Draco's voice came from the door. "Move over Granger."
"No. I need Hermione." Alexandria said putting her hand out for him to stay back. "Here take his wand if you want to help."
Draco did as he was directed. And he stood back. Before he or Hermione could say anything Moonberry uttered a few things in Egyptian if Hermione was not mistaken. Though what the professor had uttered she could not interprate. Just as Moonberry had said, the lifeless looking body of professor Snape jolted forward and he opened his mouth and let out a shout of pain, his eyes closing tightly. He had jumped to his feet and reached for a wand that was no longer there. Alexandria's hand shot up and two fingers went for a part of his throat. His lifeless body fell onto Alexandria and she almost would have fallen back if Draco had not helped her to steady him and put the professor's motionless body into the chair. He was now in a deep sleep with head rested on his right shoulder. Strands of hair in his face. Hermione felt as if she could cry right then. It was almost traumatic seeing him in that state.
"Moonberry! Miss Granger! Mr. Malfoy! Dear heavens…" McGonagall's voice rang through the room. "Are you all alright?" She said rushing over. Neville Longbottom stood in the doorway. Hermione ran to him.
"Thank you Neville." Hermione said burying her face in his neck. Neville hugged his friend and helped her from the room.
"Thank you Draco." Moonberry said as the young boy reassured McGonagall he was fine and walked out.
"Moonberry, have you any idea how dangerous this could have been? Getting the children involved was out of the question!"
"I understand that, but no one could have done it except Hermione and it could have ended just as badly if he had come to on his own with just the children in the class. Minerva, why has this happened to him? I know he has a dark past, but his face looked almost distorted when I walked in."
"My dear… 'dark' does not even begin to describe it. I am however very grateful you were here. Very, very grateful." She said putting her hand on Severus's head. "Something will have to be done you know? He cannot be teaching like this."
"I understand." Alexandria said sitting in a chair next to the sleeping professor.
"Take him to Madam Pompfey and then tell me when he wakes. DADA classes are cancelled until further notice. Your classes will only be cancelled for today. They begin again tomorrow." McGonagall said touching Alexandria's shoulder, "And my dear, be careful with him."
Moonberry frowned. What does that mean? Alexandria leaned over and brushed his hair back. For once his looked peaceful. There was no frown or pain. A smile grew on her. As soon as all the children were in class she would use her magic to get him to the hospital wing. Hermione walked in and Moonberry motioned for her to come closer. "Its alright Hermione. He's truly in a peaceful sleep now. Thank you for your help."
"No problem Professor, it's just... it scared me that I had been thinking of doing something myself because I didn't know he had gone so far into his thoughts. I knew someone could do that but I had never heard of it as a frequent occurance and did not know that was how to take care of it. How did you get him to sleep?" Hermione asked looking at Professor Snape who was now breathing deeply.
"Its a muggle method. I travel to different places often and find myself wanting to learn new things. One of which was martial arts." She said smiling at her young pupil.
"Yes, I know what that is. I have seen different movies with my dad. That was amazing professor. I am very glad you came to Hogwarts." Hermione said hugging Alexandria and then walking out again.
Snape was taken to Madam Pompfrey's where he was surrounded by a curtain to give him privacy. For two days he slept. Headmistress McGonagall took Alexandria's class as she now taught DADA. When Severus woke he found Alexandria asleep in a chair at the foot of his bed and Remus leaning against the wall nearby. "Bloody hell…" he grumbled. "What the blazes happened here?"
Remus looked up rather sleepy, "My dragon's tail, you're awake. Alexandria! He's awake! Madam Pompfrey!"
Alexandria turned looking at him sleepily and smiled but she spoke nothing. McGonagall and Madam Pompfrey arrived together followed by Flitwick, Sprout, Trewlaney and others. "What happened to me?"
"You were sucked into your memories during class and luckily Moonberry was there to help. No one was hurt." Madam Pompfrey said handing him a glass of some liquid he knew would taste terrible.
"When?" he asked not recalling anything.
"Two days ago Severus." McGonagall said a bit concerned. "When you are well, we will have to talk."
Severus tried to stand and felt his knees give out. "Whoa there Severus take it slow." Remus said helping him back on to the cot. "Come Alexandria, let me help you to your room. Its late."
"I want to stay Remus…"
"I know sweetie but you have been here for the past two nights with no sleep. Come."
She stood and let Remus help take her away. With one last look she smiled at Severus. What is that bloody woman smiling at? Seeing me lying here helpless and pathetic? He leaned back. Had they really said 2 days? He couldn't even remember what it was he was thinking of when he was sucked in. It must have been bad. Those blasted kids must have seen me too. And what is it that she did that kept me out for two day? He wanted to get out of here. Again he tried to stand and this time forced himself regardless of how painful it seemed. He walked back to his room and collapsed on his own bed. Madam Pompfrey would be angry to see that he was gone. When he woke the next morning he dressed himself and went to find Moonberry before classes started.
"Professor Moonberry, I need a word."
"Very well Severus. Come with me. I need to get some desks set up in my class. What can I do for you?" She asked walking into the DADA classroom.
"Why are you teaching DADA? This is my class…"
"Severus, you haven't been here for two days. The children needed a teacher. So I stepped in on McGonagall's wishes as she now takes over my class."
"Well I'm back!" he said taking the itinerary he wrote from her. "This is my class you can go! And if this should ever happen again just leave me alone!"
"That would have been the silly thing for her to do!" McGonagall raised her voice, telling the two to take their seats with a swift hand motion. "This meeting begins now!"