[9]
Seconds later, Harry and Ginny found themselves in an office that was completely decorated with moving pictures of kittens purring and playing with yarn, as well as several bookcases with rows upon rows of Transfiguration books. McGonagall's office.
McGonagall, seated in her chair before three young men, cleared her throat loudly. "As you should know, you all were involved in a very serious breach of rules tonight. I expected more from sixth year students. Black, you provoked Snape to go see Lupin change form. Potter and Black, you two were told never to divulge Lupin's secret after you found out."
McGonagall took a deep breath. "This promise was broken tonight. As a result, this endangered Snape's life." Ignoring Sirius's mouth that was opening to protest, McGonagall continued, "If it had not been for Potter's noble, albeit extremely unintelligent act, Snape would have undoubtedly died tonight."
Seeing the look on James's face, McGonagall repeated, "Yes, Potter, unintelligent. You should have come to inform a teacher and not resolved to take the case upon yourself. However, seeing that you did, you and Snape are now involved in a long-term bond."
"A long-term what?" James bellowed loudly, as if he didn't dare to believe his ears. "I don't want to be involved with him in any way, Professor!"
"Professor, this is ridiculous!" Snape said, also looking outraged.
"By bond," McGonagall said evenly, "I mean a Wizard's Debt."
"Oh." Two simultaneous sighs of relief could be heard. Then two yelps. "What?"
"Yes," McGonagall looked rather grave. "Severus Snape, you are indebted to Mr. Potter here. You will need to fulfill this in your lifetime, which could involve you dying on behalf of Mr. Potter."
"Die?For that filth?" Snape asked sneeringly, a look of utmost loathing marked on his face.
James too, bore a similar expression and declared loudly, "I don't need him doing things for me. The foul dung."
"There is no choice in the matter for both of you," McGonagall said snappishly and set her menacing eyes onto Sirius, who fidgeted most uncomfortably.
With that said, the two Gryffindors very purposely bumped rough shoulders with the lone Slytherin as they walked out.
Outside of McGonagall's office, Lily stood waiting for James. Pointedly ignoring Snape, she stepped towards James. Snape and Sirius took the hint and left the two alone, though Harry noticed Snape throw Lily a sideways glance.
For a moment, Lily stayed quiet. Then she said almost inaudibly, "Thank you."
"Of course." James's previous anger dissolved, and he gave her a gentle smile. "I just hope I don't have to save Snape every day to get you to talk to me voluntarily."
To his surprise, Lily gave him a small smile. "See you later, Potter."