Breakfast the next morning was laid-back and comfortable. Seen as it was Sunday, everyone was sleepy. But none were as sleepy as Severus. Harry and his two friends asked their Professors if they knew what had caused the near-death of Remus Lupin. Although Lupin and the children shrugged it off as a cute accident, Severus was not convinced. However, that evening, the truth would finally come out.
It was evening. Snape was sitting on the sofa that had previously been occupied by a very frightened werewolf the night before. Sirius was in his box, surrounded by more protective spells than needed for an animal of this sort. Severus was grading essays on the opposite side of the room, in front of the fireplace. He was feeling very good this evening; he had just organized his very messy desk and had only a few essays left to grade. As he covered the parchment in front of him with red ink and unappealing comments, Remus Lupin's voice sprang to the front of his mind.
"…don't forget, you need to actually care for her. Not just feed her and clean the box now and then, but actually give her attention..."
Glancing at the box, he put down his quill with more force than was necessary and stalked over to the pet. Glad to see it had not left its home, Severus took down the spells and held the creature in his hands. He brought it back to his desk, along with one of its toys and set them both down next to the pile of ungraded fourth year essays on Dragon Scale Usage in Potion Brewing.
The animal watched him contently and everything was well for an hour at least. Severus rose from his chair at about a quarter to nine and walked over to his dining table to grab an apple from the decorative fruit bowl. Of course, when he turned back around the only things next to his essays were a lone rabbit toy and an empty spot where its owner was a moment ago.
Severus swore quite loudly. Good thing there were no students to bear witness.
He stomped around the room looking for the rabbit as usual. This had happened many times, each search took longer than the last. It was his fault this time, however. As he was scouting through the silver couch pillows, he heard a rustling sound coming from behind his desk. He knew the rabbit liked to travel and although he'd looked there, decided it was possible the rabbit returned. There was no rabbit there, however.
Back to searching. Maybe I could hire some first years to look after it for me? He thought as he lifted up the covers to look under his bed.
His thoughts were interrupted by a flutter of paper back on his desk. He rushed back into the adjacent room just in time to see the rabbit climb up onto his desk and pull down many papers on its way up. But how could it do that? Rabbits did not just scale the walls of desks!
He took off his outer black jacket to reveal a white collared shirt, and was now able to roll up his sleeves so that he could better clean up the mess caused by the innocent animal. It was now situated upon Cho Chang's essay, getting comfortable.
An open desk drawer had been used for the rabbit to climb up onto the desk. Papers littered the ground and many had been pushed unceremoniously into the drawer itself. Including an ink bottle that had been shoved off the desk. Severus started cleaning up the essays from the ground. He had just organized his desk earlier! He was in such an angry mood that he violently reached down deep into the drawer to find his ink bottle under all the papers.
A rather loud yell escaped his lips as he withdrew his hand from the depths of the drawer. It was already bleeding horribly, and Bellatrix's emerald dagger had completely pierced his hand. He could see the sharp red tip through the top of his hand right above the wrist, marring the smooth surface with a razor sharp protrusion.
At least it was not so bad that the handle was touching his palm. He had used force to push his hand into the drawer, but his reflexes allowed him to move away quickly. Bellatrix's dagger had not been content with simply opening mail, lying in a dusty drawer. Now that he thought of it, he could have sworn he put the dagger all the way in the back, and underneath some books, and certainly not pointing directly upright.
That rabbit. That thing had opened the drawer, knocked his ink bottle to the bottom of it and propped the knife up against something in there, he was sure. If he would have told this to anyone they would have laughed.
So he kept it to himself.
He casually picked up the rabbit, and tried to put it in its box but it bit him on his only useful hand, and before Snape knew what was going on, it darted from the room. Snape didn't care this time. All he wanted to do was rush up to the hospital wing. Unfortunately, in about ten minutes Lupin would be down for his potion again.
He grabbed a goblet and threw some new potion in it haphazardly, and walked up to the hospital wing.
On his way upstairs through the winding dungeon halls, he ran into Remus Lupin, who was looking for his Wolfsbane. Surprisingly, he was slightly relieved, as this meant he no longer had to carry the cup. Although he had taken a quick numbing potion before he left, his right hand still hurt like it'd been hit with a continuous Crutiatus curse.
When Remus spotted Severus, his cheery smile instantly turned to one of confusion and fright.
He swore loudly, not unlike Severus had done a few minutes ago.
"That's what I said."
"Severus, are you alright? I mean, obviously not! What happened? Did you fall on it? I fell on a knife once and it's not a good thing to do!"
"No I did not FALL on this knife, are you mental? It was somehow standing upright in my desk drawer and I reached in a bit too fast, that's all, now out of my way unless you'd like me to bleed to death here in this corridor, one minute away from the hospital wing."
Severus continued his walk up to the hospital, Remus made a quick decision to follow him, against Snape's wishes.
"Where did you get that rabbit, Lupin?" Severus inquired as they walked, wanting to find out why it was so deadly.
"You mean, your pet one?"
"…yes that one." He said through gritted teeth.
"Oh well, funny story!" he started with an awkward smile, "I wanted to buy you a rabbit, so I had to go to the only place in the Wizarding world that sold them, and that was Borgin and Burkes, down on Nocturne Alley. You know, that cozy little shop by Diagon Alley-"
Severus wondered how anyone could use the word 'cozy' to describe that wretched place.
"-the owner was so nice, too, apparently he is close friends with the Malfoys, and even some of the Blacks. He said the rabbit was on sale too, and that was perfect because I didn't have too much money of course-"
"Why was the rabbit on sale?" Severus was seething.
"Oh, well…it's not really important, that-"
"Tell me why. Now."
Remus weighed each word carefully so as to not frighten Severus too much.
"Mr. Borgin said it used to belong to a wizard who was mysteriously found dead in his house one day and all his possessions, including his rabbit, were sold to Borgin. So I figured, 'Where's the harm in that?' right, Severus?" Remus laughed a bit.
They had exited the dungeons and were climbing the staircase in the brightly lit entrance hall where days before, Remus stood dripping with snow.
Severus drew his wand, walking up a few steps higher from where Lupin was standing, and pointed it down at him.
Remus was therefore forced to do the same, in defense. "Severus, I'm sorry! Please, put away the wand, we don't need to fight…"
"Is this another prank of yours, hmm? One last go at me while you've got the chance…"
"Severus, you know I never wanted to play pranks on you, it was all James and Sirius!"
"That rabbit tried to kill me! And you. It did this to my hand!" Severus yelled. He held up his hand with the dagger still through it. By now, several students had passed through the hall and the hallways above it, and had stopped to listen to the argument.
"And YOU gave him to me. Is this some sick joke Lupin? "
"Look-" Remus practically yelled, "Let's just examine the rabbit and see if it really is cursed, or possessed, or whatever you claim it to be! And if it is, then we'll get rid of it and if it is just a normal animal then that's that. Let me go get her."
"It ran away, it could be anywhere by now." Severus complained.
"You have magic. Use it!"
"Don't tell me what to do!" But nonetheless, Severus said "Accio rabbit."
Now the group of Ravenclaws in the first floor corridor had just come across something that they didn't find in Hogwarts every day. They were petting a rabbit that had wandered into their study group, and were shocked when it was drawn out from under their hands in an instant as if pulled by an invisible string. It travelled down the hallway and out of sight. As it zoomed down the hallways of the school to the Entrance hall, it passed a very confused Headmaster, who recognized it and knew he should follow.
"I didn't know the summoning spell worked on animals…" Severus said guiltily as Remus gave a look of superiority that James Potter would be proud of.
Albus walked quickly toward the two arguing staff members but caught sight of Severus' hand as he approached.
"OH MY DEAR MERLIN!" The look on his face was terrifying and hilarious at the same time.
"What did you do to your hand you poor boy? Did you fall? I fell on a knife once and-"
"No I didn't headmaster." Severus started, his temper rising.
"Remus Lupin did this to me!" Albus looked over at Remus, aghast. Remus held up his hands in defense and quickly shook his head from side to side.
"By means of this rabbit." Snape finished, holding up the black bunny now in his left hand.
Albus took hold of the rabbit and examined it quickly.
"It couldn't have possibly done this to you, Severus." He said, worried.
"Can I please just go to the hospital wing, Headmaster? This hurts-" he held up his injured hand.
The three of them, along with the accused rabbit walked quickly to the hospital wing. Madame Pomfrey was quite angry that Severus had not come here immediately and scolded him for taking his time and loosing blood.
By the time the dagger was removed, several other teachers and also a few students came to see what was going on. Remus and Albus had stayed by his side the entire time, Lupin caring for Sirius. Once Snape was healed and cared for by Madame Pomfrey, he was released and he, Remus, and Albus travelled back down to the dungeons to make sure the rabbit was securely in her box and Severus was securely in his room. They were both convinced he had stabbed himself.
The next night, Snape was minding his own business reading his favorite potions magazine on his sofa with a hot cup of tea. It had just cooled down enough to drink, and as he put the glass to his lips, there was a rapid knock on his door. Lupin did not need Wolfsbane, not for a day still, and everyone was busy at this time normally. Since it must have been urgent, he threw down his magazine and before his hand left the door handle to let his guests enter, there was a mess of color as three students rushed into his office. He stood back only in time to stay away from the mad dash.
"Professor, I have seen your rabbit! And I have done a bit of research and it seems that this animal is dangerous!" Hermione Granger said very quickly.
Potter and Weasley were also there, all three being very unwelcome at the time. The two boys were carrying armfuls of books for Hermione, most likely the only reason they were brought along on her journey. They all stood there staring at their Professor, as if asking permission to further explain.
With one "Alright…" they took that as the go-ahead and immediately started making themselves comfortable on the sofas and armchairs and scattering books about the small table, much to Snape's dismay.
Hermione moved the box of rabbit closer to her to look inside, and started thumbing through a large brown book to her left.
Severus was a bit angry at the students for invading his private space and taking up his time. However, if they did indeed have a cure or solution to his problem, then he would let them in, and let them sit on his furniture and take up his space and time, and-
"Mr. Weasley put that down." Snape yelled as Ron started taking an apple from the fruit bowl in the center of the table. He was not going to let them get as comfortable as that.
"See, Professor Snape, we were in the hospital wing and we heard from Professor Lupin everything that happened! And we also heard you yelling in the entrance hall. I did some research and I think this rabbit is a dark creature." Hermione showed a torn yellowed page in the book to Snape, it read something about simple enchanted animals that were known to turn on their owners. Famous cases included dogs, cats, owls, and an unsuccessful goldfish.
"It's a simple curse, with a simple counter curse! I'm sure someone enchanted it and gave it to an enemy, and-"
"-and then Lupin gave it to me. Strange, he's the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, if anyone knows cursed dark creatures, it's him!"
"Yeah," started Ron, "Why wouldn't he have recognized that it was cursed when he got it?"
"That's the thing, this curse doesn't show up if you try to look for it, you have to know exactly what to look for, not just general magic."
Hermione was pointing to a page in the book while she talked. Indeed, everything made sense with this one discovery.
"I have tried to reveal any hidden magic that may be affecting the rabbit but nothing surfaced." said Snape, a look of comprehension dawning on his features.
Snape grabbed the book out of her hands, scaring her a bit, but he was used to students being scared around him. Once his eyes had found the spot on the page where the counter curse was listed, he picked up the rabbit and said the spell; a mix of chants and strange mumbles which the students were impressed could be read correctly off a printed page.
All that succeeded in happening as a result of the spell performed, was a situation unsolved and an edgy rabbit.
Just then Severus realized; the rabbit was no longer trying to escape his grasp. Normally when he held it, it refused to stop fidgeting. However, this time it was calm and content in his hands, very unusual. They agreed that the spell must have worked, and although no sure way to tell, could only give it time and hope there were no more mysterious 'accidents.'
Severus grudgingly thanked the three, mostly Miss Granger, for helping him. As the three made to leave, Snape saw Ron take an apple but ignored it.
Harry Potter suddenly got a hopeful look in his eyes, and standing in the doorway, said in an encouraging voice,
"Ten points to Gryffindor?"
Snape thought for a second before answering. "Yes, if you leave, now."
The three left in a very happy mood.
The next few days passed in a very normal fashion, Sirius the Rabbit did not once escape his box as long as some simple protective spells were placed on it, and even played with some of the toys in it. Overall, it was a completely normal pet. Severus was quite glad there were no more murder conspiracies to deter him from grading essays and reading his books. And making more Wolfsbane, seen as the full moon was approaching in a week. Time flies when you have a rabbit to take care of, Severus supposed.
That night, Remus Lupin made his way down to the dungeons of the school to retrieve his special potion. Hopefully nothing would go wrong this time, as strange things happened during the last two visits. And Severus was even in a much better mood than usual, Remus noticed. It must have been from the superb research skills of Miss Granger. Of course Harry Ron and Hermione had told him all about what happened, and how Snape even awarded points to Gryffindor when prompted to do so.
Remus felt slightly guilty that his gift tried to kill its recipient whereas the chocolate Severus gave caused no trouble at all. Remus knew it wasn't fair, but he supposed it wasn't his fault. How do you tell if the rabbit you're buying from a dark artifacts shop is a dark artifact? It was a typical mistake. Still, Remus felt he should apologize for the mistake.
Snape turned around just in time to see Lupin walking toward him with a smile.
"The door was open, so I figured I could just come in…" he started, gazing into the rabbit's box.
"No it was not. But here's your potion."
"I wanted to apologize for giving you a rabbit that tried to kill you. Harry and his friends told me all about it." He added, noticing the look of confusion on the other man's face.
"-and I just want you to know that I'll try not to do it again."
Snape handed him the Wolfsbane potion.
"So, how is your pet doing, Severus?" He asked, trying to make polite conversation. Snape would have rather he just left, but then again, this was Remus Lupin, always wanting to stay and chat.
"It's bearable. At least it stays in the box and also stays quiet. Just do me a favor, Lupin. Don't ever buy me a gift again."
"That's reasonable." He said. Snape took a seat at his desk and started grading papers.
"However…" Remus continued, his presence increasingly unwelcome, "I think it needs a new name. Since there have been no more escapes or attacks from it. "
"You're right. All it does is sit there and annoy me. I should name it after you." he said sarcastically. Remus did not catch on.
"That's a perfect name! And I would be honored, Severus! Remus is a great name."
"That's not what I meant-"
"See you at breakfast!" and with that, Lupin patted the rabbit on the head and walked out the oak door before Snape could object to the mislabeled rabbit.
Thanks for reading, hope you liked it!