FEAR NOT! Neither of us are dead! We are very much alive and well, thankfully. I'm terribly sorry it's been so long since I've updated. Now Thanksgiving Break is upon us (*cough*andmybirthday*cough*), and I haven't even uploaded the Halloween chapter yet! , as a reward for your patience, two new chapters (including the Halloween chapter)! Enjoy, loverly readers~ :)
Ninuza: Thank you so much! :D
Secrettheshadow: I hope she can too... Even BondSlave and I aren't positive yet of how that will happen! Thank you so much :) We hope you like these new chapters
!Frocobo: Eep, thank you! I've missed you as well! I know, right? Meanie-heads! xP haha Hope you like these chapters! Can't wait to see what you think of them. :3
MEGAN!: You are perfectly welcome to get overexcited, my dear! Severus is totally BA, definitely! LOOK OUT AVERY! MWAHAHA! xD Eeep, you are awesome, my dear! But I know—the bullying! So depressing :( Good thing Severus and the Marauders are there lookin' out for 'em! "Fabulous"? Oh, goodness, thank you! *blush* haha I KNOW! The awful thing is, as I was reading that whole part (I had no idea it was going to be in the story—BondSlave wrote it), I was giggling like a crazy person. Isn't that terrible? ! I almost died and I was LAUGHING. Oy, leave it to me... xD Yay, Severus! haha Hope you like these chapters as well, dear! Thank you so much!
Without further ado...
-IV. Healing-
In which a surprise is given.
Kelsey awoke to the sound of Alisha's sobbing; Lily's soft comforting; and James, Sirius, and Remus' quiet talking next to her. She could feel bandages covering little slices of pain all over her body, and was afraid to move—afraid that any movement would cause her to start bleeding again.
She turned her head slightly, bleary eyes trying to focus on her friends. "What happened?" she breathed.
Alisha started with a sob and grabbed her friend's hand in hers.
"Ow," Kelsey winced.
"Sorry," Alisha said, quickly loosening her grip.
Kelsey took a shaky breath. "What happened?" she repeated.
"Avery cursed you," Alisha gasped, trying to stop crying.
"A-very?" Kelsey breathed. "When..." Now she remembered. She'd been talking to Lucinda about an assignment for Defense Against the Dark Arts when Avery had come running around the corner. She couldn't remember what insult he'd delivered, but she remembered him speak some curse she didn't recognize. All she remembered after that was excruciating pain, pools of blood, and gagging and gasping for breath. She couldn't remember if she herself had screamed before she'd passed out, but she knew that Lucinda had. She figured that Lucinda's screaming must've brought everyone running, and that she'd been brought to the infirmary for treatment.
"How long...have I been out?"
"About an hour," Remus answered, his voice soft.
"Where's Avery?"
"Don't worry about him," he said, gently resting a scarred hand on her bandaged one.
"I-Is Lucinda alright?"
"She's fine," Sirius said. "A little shaken-up, that's all."
Remus looked back at Kelsey. "Do you have...any idea what he used on you?"
Kelsey swallowed, thinking. "No," she said. "I didn't recognize the incantation, and I don't remember what it was. I'm sorry."
"No, no, it's okay," he said.
James exhaled quietly, twirling his wand between his fingers. "I don't think any of us predicted it would get this bad," he said quietly.
"What d'you think?" Sirius asked.
James stopped twirling his wand and held it in his hand. "I think it's time we make a move."
"Make a move?" Alisha asked, her sobs now quieted some.
"What do you mean?" Kelsey asked.
"What're you idiots planning now?" Lily asked, folding her arms over her chest.
James smiled and gently ruffled Kelsey's hair. "Don't you worry your pretty little heads about it. Just leave it to the Marauders, eh?"
Kelsey weakly raised an eyebrow.
"What?" James asked, offended. "You don't trust us, Edwards?"
"Not since Sirius considered...cross-dressing to be a way to fool the...the stairs to the girls' dorms."
Remus and James rolled their eyes, and Sirius just grinned.
"Well, it will certainly be a better plan than that one, I assure you," James said.
"We'll believe it when we see it," Alisha said.
"And see it you shall," James said, "at the opportune moment!"
"I don't like the sound of that," Kelsey said.
Remus laughed softly. "Believe me, he's usually more prepared than he seems."
"'Usually'? !" James snapped. "Just what do you mean by that, Remus?"
"Nothing," Remus said with an innocent smile. "Just go on about your plotting."
"I will!" James replied, as if Remus had challenged him. He spun around and scuffled away, twirling his wand between his fingers again.
Sirius gently ruffled Kelsey's hair as well, then went after James, waving and saying, "See ya!"
Lily looked down at the watch on her wrist. "I've gotta get to class," she said. She looked at Alisha. "You'll be okay now?"
Alisha nodded and smiled. "Thanks, Lily."
"No problem," she replied with a smile. She gave a half-wave. "Feel better, Kelsey."
"Thanks," Kelsey said with a smile.
Remus sighed. "I suppose I'd better go after James and Sirius. Just to make sure they don't blow themselves up or something."
Kelsey and Alisha laughed. "That would be just like them," Alisha said.
Remus smiled and stood from the bed. "I'll come by and see you later, okay?"
"Okay," Kelsey said. She squeezed his hand weakly. "Thank you."
He gently squeezed her hand back. "Of course." He nodded at Alisha. "See you later."
"See you," Alisha replied.
Kelsey laughed softly as Remus left the room. "Next to Remus, I must hold the record for most trips to the infirmary, eh?"
"Either you or me," Alisha replied. "Maybe both of us."
They both laughed quietly.
Kelsey sighed a little and looked up at Alisha. "Do you think it'll work?"
"What?" Alisha asked.
"Whatever plan those loons are cooking up."
Alisha laughed softly and smiled. "If I know our Marauders...it'll probably be something really stupid, but, as always, it will all work out in the end."
Kelsey smiled, feeling more at ease. "Right."
Alisha smiled back. "You should get some rest, okay?"
"Okay. You'll stay here?"
"Of course. Like I'm going to leave you here by yourself." She grinned. "The nurse will have to drag me out of here if she wants me gone."
Kelsey laughed softly. "Thanks, Alisha."
"No need to thank me."
Kelsey carefully turned her head and closed her eyes, trying her best to push away the pain still coursing through her body and to sleep.
Alisha looked down at Kelsey for a few moments, then moved to sit on the bed next to hers. She sighed heavily, grateful that she was still alive and not in too much pain. But her inner Slytherin was not satisfied. Same house or no, she wanted to personally take out every student who had done harm to Kelsey. Not that Kelsey was particularly weak or defenseless, but...she made a rather easy target. And the idea that someone could even think of targeting someone like her made Alisha sick.
She smiled a little, though, when she recalled the way had Remus reacted when he'd heard that Kelsey had been so badly hurt—the way he always seemed to react when something happened to her. He immediately turned protective, ready to take on any foe that dared hurt her. (Must've been the wolf inside of him.) Not that she liked seeing anyone sad or in pain, but...it was so obvious that he cared about Kelsey. All of them did.
In their third year, they'd thought the Marauders to be jerks and bullies. But...they really did care about Kelsey, and about Alisha. Some of them just didn't really know how to show it.
Alisha sat on the bed and thought and thought, wondering what sort of scheme the Marauders were going to come up with to stop the bullying. She hoped that they'd come up with something soon before one of them got even more badly injured—or even killed.
;;
Remus returned to the infirmary some hours later, just as the sun was beginning to set. Alisha was still awake, and Kelsey had woken up again since he'd left.
"How're you feeling?" Remus asked.
"A little better," Kelsey replied. "Really...achy, you know?"
"I can imagine."
She eyed the hardcover book under his arm. "What do you have there, Remus?"
Remus blushed a little and looked down at the book. "Well, um... I figured, you know, since you can't really move to read on your own just yet that I'd..." He blushed more. He swallowed. "...read to you."
Kelsey's streak turned amber, and she smiled. "I-I'd really like that."
Alisha smiled and shook her head as Remus' face lit up and he pulled a chair over and sat down. She listened as intently as Kelsey, both of them laughing at Remus affecting different voices for the different characters and his sometimes over-acting of the dialogue. Alisha wondered if this was how he always read aloud, or if he was doing it to make Kelsey laugh. Either way, she was happy with his performance.
Remus read for quite a while, long after his voice had started to grow tired, Alisha was sure, and long after the sun had set. Kelsey fell asleep again shortly after he'd finished reading. And, by that time, the nurse came around, telling Alisha and Remus that they would have to leave. Remus stood and quietly reasoned with the nurse, giving good reason after good reason for them to stay with Kelsey. The nurse finally conceded, either because she was tired or because she knew Remus was right, and let the two stay.
Remus fell asleep in the chair he'd been sitting in, and Alisha curled up in the bed she'd been sitting on. She faced away from Kelsey, trying to get some sleep.
Some time later, she heard footsteps approaching, and quickly tried to shallow her breathing, making it sound like she was asleep. The footsteps were determined, yet soft, as if they belonged to someone who was afraid of getting caught. Her brow furrowed when she heard someone murmuring an incantation—one that almost sounded like a song. She tensed up, slowly drawing her wand. Was it another student trying to attack Kelsey?
The third time the incantation was muttered, she realized that she recognized the voice. Severus?
The footsteps quickly moved away, fading fast from the room.
Alisha sat up and looked around. She, Remus, and Kelsey were once again alone. She exhaled, disappointed. Then she did a double-take when she looked at Kelsey. She slid from the bed and walked to Kelsey's side. Her eyes widened. She trailed her eyes up and down Kelsey's arms, looking at the bandages that covered them and the ones around her neck and on her face. The bandages were no longer red, stained with blood. Now they were white, as if they were new.
Alisha desperately wanted to wake her to ask if she was alright, if she was feeling better, but decided she would have to wait until morning. She then wanted to go to the nurse to ask for some dittany to give Kelsey to prevent scarring, but then remembered that Remus had already suggested it to the nurse earlier. In her sleepiness, she'd forgetten that she'd even been there when Remus had suggested the remedy.
She sighed heavily and laid back down, her mind whirling once again. Had it been Severus? If so, what sort of magic had he done on Kelsey?
...And just how did he know how to do it?
;;;;;
Severus sat in the Slytherin common room. It had been two days since Alisha had been to class and, despite Lily assuring him that she was alright, he couldn't help but worry. He didn't think Avery would take his threat lightly, but he alone only had so much pull in the Slytherin house.
It was late and he sat on the leather sofa near the fire, resting his cheek on his hand. He was tired. He'd been sitting up late every night waiting to see if Alisha would return to the dorm. He knew she'd return in the mornings to get a change of clothes or to bathe, but she hadn't returned to sleep. He knew he'd almost been caught when he'd snuck into the infirmary two nights ago. He hadn't finished healing Kelsey's injuries, but he'd managed to heal some of the larger lacerations.
"Severus, Severus, Severus." Severus glanced up as Lucius walked around the sofa and faced him, his arms crossed and a knowing glint in his eye. He was in his pajamas and had no doubt gotten up to get a drink or use the loo. "Do you plan to sit up like some lost puppy till that Spinners girl returns?"
Snape shot the other a glare, but it lacked luster due to the fact that, a moment later, he yawned widely.
Lucius rolled his eyes and sat down next to the younger boy. He wrapped an arm around the other's narrow shoulders and shook him lightly. "Staying up won't bring her back any sooner. You'll just make yourself hopelessly usless if you don't get sleep."
"I can't believe Avery did that."
"I realize that you're defending that Kelsey girl. She's not one of us, Severus. She doesn't deserve your attention."
"I don't care about her," Severus stated matter-of-factly. "But she is a friend of Alisha's and—"
"Aaaah, I see. You offer your protection to the little Ravenclaw on behalf of Spinners. I see. Do you…like her?"
"What? No," Snape said, frowning at the blonde before shrugging his shoulders a bit. "No. Nothing like that. It's just, she's a good friend, not that I can say the same. She's a Slytherin, Lucius. She ought to be treated like one." He looked up at the blonde. "You keep Lily from being targeted. Please. I need your help..." Severus suddenly looked distraught. "I know it's asking a lot and I know you think it's a waste of resources, but I'll do anything you want if you just help me out. I don't know how Avery found out about that curse, but please. Don't let anyone else use it. It's dangerous."
Lucius' smiled twistedly at the younger boy and squeezed him a little tighter before leaning in slightly. "Of course. Anything for you, Severus," he said before patting the other's shoulder and standing. "Get some sleep. You look terrible," he said as he left the common room.
Severus sighed and sank in his seat. Asking Lucius for help…again…was like making a deal with the devil. He knew he'd eventually have to pay the price—whatever that would be. He just hoped it wouldn't be too horrible.
;;
Alisha had resigned herself to attend classes. She was already two days behind in all of her studies, and knew she could only get so far behind before failing every single class. She attended the classes and took the notes from Remus and a few other people she shared classes with. She'd get all of her homework done during the night, she decided. But once classes were over, she hurriedly made her way to the infirmary.
"Hey," she called as she walked in to find Kelsey sitting up and nibbling on some late lunch foods.
"Hey," Kelsey greeted back with a smile.
Alisha took the seat next to the bed, snatching one of Kelsey's celery sticks with peanut butter and munching on it. "How are you today?"
"Same as when you left," Kelsey assured with a slight laugh. Her friend could be such a worry-wart sometimes. Between her and Remus, Kelsey had a feeling she'd never feel un-babied or unloved. "Madam Pompfry said I should be able to return to class come Monday."
"Do you think she'll let you come to Hogsmeade this weekend?" Alisha asked curiously.
;;;;;
Well, Kelsey wasn't about to let a trip to Hogsmeade pass her by. Especially because she knew that, if she were to stay behind in the infirmary, Alisha and/or Remus and possibly James and Sirius and Peter would insist on staying with her. The last thing she wanted to do was spoil their fun.
Oddly enough, though, after the first night, she'd felt strangely better. The nurse, too, had noticed that a lot of the larger wounds had closed up. Kelsey started to wonder if her Metamorphmagic abilities applied to healing. But that sort of thinking was just silly. Of course they didn't.
Anyway, during her four days and nights in the infirmary, she was never left alone for more than an hour at a time. Alisha and/or the Marauders would come to visit her between classes and after meals. They'd keep her company, bring her notes from the classes she'd missed, and (in Remus' case) help her catch up on her assignments. Luckily, she was good at retaining information and managed not to lose too many points during her absence.
Kelsey didn't mind the constant company—in fact, she wanted more of it. She didn't care if James and Sirius just enchanted origami cranes to periodically peck at her or if Alisha ended up chasing James out of the infirmary for something stupid he'd said. No, it was that time she spent alone that she dreaded. Kelsey had a reclusive nature, it was true, but even recluses hated to be alone sometimes. For Kelsey, it was whenever she had to go to the doctor's or the hospital. (Not that she'd had very many trips to the hospital, but still...) Maybe she felt that way because of her overprotective mother, who never wanted to leave her side—especially when a doctor was involved—but...she felt more at ease with friends there. Maybe she secretly feared that she would be left alone in the infirmary for days and people would start to forget about her. Or maybe she just had an overactive imagination and just didn't want to be alone because she was afraid of what had happened to her.
Afraid or not, Kelsey was determined to be well enough to go to Hogsmeade. She'd already gotten her permission form back from her parents, accompanied by a message hoping that she would have fun. (Kelsey had told her parents nothing about the curse. The last thing she wanted was her mother storming the gates of Hogwarts, demanding to see her daughter. Maybe she would tell them someday, but, for now, she knew it was better to keep them in the dark.) Now, all she had to do was convince the nurse that she was well enough to go. Piece of cake.
;;
On Friday, the day before they were to leave for Hogsmeade, Kelsey was walking on her own around the infirmary, easily making it to the lavatory and back without assisstance. Remus and Alisha still shadowed her, though, nervous that she would fall over any second (either that or run into a wall or a chair or some other dangerous object) and cause more harm to herself.
"You're certainly looking better today," the nurse commented as she removed the majority of Kelsey's bandages. The dittany had served her well, leaving only some faint scratches on her arms and a few on her legs. Now she looked like she'd been attacked by a four-week-old kitten instead of with a curse.
Kelsey smiled, hopeful that that meant she could go to Hogsmeade the next morning.
The nurse smiled at the silent question in her eyes. "Oh, alright," she said. "You can go back and sleep in your own bed tonight, and I give you full permission to go on the trip."
Kelsey actually jumped up off the bed, smiling widely. "Yay! Thank you!" she said, spinning around. She smiled excitedly at her friends, who smiled back just as excitedly.
Kelsey got her clothes back, which had been thoroughly cleaned and repaired, leaving behind no trace of the curse. Then the group proudly strode down the corridors toward the Great Hall for dinner, as if they were showing their newly-healed friend off. Perhaps it was sort of a slap-in-the-face—showing that the enemy may have wounded her, but that she was still standing on her feet.
Her fellow Ravenclaws greeted her with pats on the back and smiles of welcome-back, and Lucinda even flung herself at Kelsey in a tearful hug. Alisha knew there were times when Kelsey's being sorted into Ravenclaw was questioned. But when she saw the way they smiled at her and welcomed her back with open arms, she was sure that her friend was indeed in the proper house, just as they all were. They were all where they belonged.
;;
After dinner, Kelsey, Alisha, and the Marauders all started back toward the Ravenclaw dormitory.
Kelsey stretched her arms above her head. "Finally get to sleep in my own bed... I tell you, those mattresses in the infirmary leave a lot to be desired."
"You're telling me," Remus said, shaking his head.
"Oh, yeah," James said, "you'd know all about her pain because of your furry little problem."
The group laughed, and Remus rolled his eyes, smiling. "Yes, James," he said. "Because of that."
Alisha slung an arm around Kelsey's neck. "I am so excited for Hogsmeade tomorrow!"
"Me too," Kelsey said, smiling. "And I'm so glad that I get to go!"
"You're really feeling better?" Sirius asked.
Kelsey nodded with a cheerful, "Mm-hmm! Never better."
They looked up when they reached the Ravenclaw dorms.
Kelsey smiled at all of them. "I just... I wanna thank you guys for everything you've done over the past week. It really means a lot to me."
James grinned. "Think nothing of it, Edwards. It's much easier to pester you when you can't move."
Kelsey grinned back and hugged him, which shocked James. Sirius was equally shocked when Kelsey hugged him as well. Kelsey was a huggy person; they should've seen it coming. Alisha wasn't surprised at all, and hugged her friend back as tightly as she dared. Kelsey then smiled and hugged Remus tightly, her streak turning a sapphire blue. He blushed and hugged her back.
James, Sirius, and Alisha waited in the somewhat awkward silence as Kelsey and Remus just stood there, holding onto each other. James looked at an imaginary watch on his wrist, Sirius suddenly became fascinated with the paintings on the wall, and Alisha began closely inspecting her fingernails. After a full minute or so, James finally cleared his throat with an, "Ahem."
Kelsey and Remus started, jumping apart and blushing (Kelsey's streak turning amber as well).
"I, uh, sorry," Remus stuttered.
"It's okay," Kelsey replied, sounding a little breathless.
Sirius grinned and put an arm around Remus' neck. "Now, we'd best be getting off to bed, hadn't we, Remie? Wouldn't want anyone to to try and take advantage of our girls, would we?"
Remus blushed again and shot him a look.
James laughed. "C'mon, guys. Let's go." He nodded to the girls. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Alisha replied as Sirius followed after James, steering Remus away.
Alisha folded her arms over her chest and raised a mischevious eyebrow at Kelsey.
Kelsey blushed a little. "What?" She shook her head.
"Nothing. Now get on inside before we get in trouble."
Kelsey nodded, still skeptical of her friend's "nothing". "See you in the morning."
"Bright and early for Hogsmeade!" Alisha sang, wiggling.
She skipped away happily. "Goodnight!"
"Goodnight," Kelsey replied, then turned to go into the common room.
Alisha skipped all the way back to the Slytherin dorms, where she spoke the password and went inside. She hummed to herself as she crossed through the empty common room. Or, at least, she thought it was empty.
"You're back."
She started, trying not to yelp in surprise. She swallowed. "Severus."
He was sitting on the leather sofa in front of the fire, looking up at her tiredly.
"You look dead," she commented.
"Thanks," he said dryly.
"No, I mean, really tired," she said quickly.
"Is everything alright?"
A moment of silence.
"Yes," he said. "Everything's alright." He stood and walked away from the fire, heading in the direction of the boys' dorm.
Alisha looked after him, watching him ascend the stairs.
He stopped halfway up and looked down. "I..."
Alisha looked at him.
"I'm...glad you're back." And he swept up to his room without another word.
Alisha blinked in surprise for a few moments, then let herself smile widely, resting against the back of the sofa. She laughed softly, shaking her head. Yes. Everything's alright.
;;;;;
Early the next morning, bundled up in sweaters, scarves, and gloves, all students ranging from third-years to seventh-years gathered outside the castle in the courtyard. Professor McGonagall and Mr. Filch stood outside, calling names and checking permission slips. Alisha and the boys stood off to the side. They'd all already given their permission slips and were merely waiting for Kelsey. They hadn't even seen the girl that morning yet.
James tapped Remus' shoulder. "Come on, mate, let's go! We're burning daylight."
Remus short him a glare. "It's eight a.m., James."
Sirius rolled his eyes. "Come on, he's right, Remus. Kelsey can catch up with us."
Alisha gaped at them. "I can't believe you two. Are you really that desperate?"
"Yes," Sirius said matter-of-factly before snatching her by the wrist and dragging her off towards the path that would take them to Hogsmeade, James doing the same to Remus.
Alisha looked back, panicky. "SEVERUS! HEY, SEVERUS!" she called, waving at the boy who had just walked away from the crowd, obviously headed to Hogsmeade himself. "COULD YOU WAIT FOR KELSEY? ! PLEASE! TELL HER I WAS—EEP—DRAGGED OFF!" she yelled as she was dragged out of sight.
Severus paused and sighed, shoulders slumping slightly. He turned back around and stuffed his hands in his sweater pockets. He was dressed in a pair of nearly-black jeans, black and white converse and a gray, black, and green hooded sweater. He grumbled to himself as students walked around him and headed to Hogsmeade. Great. That's all he needed.
;;
Kelsey rushed out of the castle just as McGonagall turned to go back in. "Am I too late? !" she asked, eyes wide, a slight look of horror on her face.
The tall, willowy witch looked down at her with a cocked brow before smiling slightly. "Almost, Miss Edwards. Give your permission slip to Mr. Filch," she said before walking past the Ravenclaw girl, who whooped and handed Filch her slip.
Kelsey looked around. The crowd had mostly dispersed, and she was slightly dejected to see that her friends were nowhere to be seen.
"Dragged off."
She blinked and looked to see Severus walking over to her. She blinked and politely excused herself; she'd missed what he'd said.
Snape nodded his head towards the path. "Those twats Black and Potter dragged them off. Didn't want to wait, I gather."
Kelsey blinked, hurt obvious in her eyes.
Severus eyed her. "Reckon that's why I'm here."
She blinked and looked back up at him.
"Alisha asked me to tell you..."
"Oh, OH! Okay. Well, that was nice of you," she said as the two turned and began walking the path together. "You really didn't have to wait. It's cold out here. I wouldn't be surprised if they left to get out of the cold."
"I stayed because Alisha asked me. Kind of," he said with a frown before shrugging his shoulders slightly. He glanced at her and nodded at the bandage on her cheekbone. "You feeling any better?"
;;;;;
Kelsey touched her fingers to the bandage. "Oh, yes, I'm much better, thank you." She stuffed her hands into the pockets of her black jacket. "But I don't mind saying now, I was really scared. Thought I was going to die, you know?"
Severus nodded slightly. "Right."
Kelsey looked up at the path ahead of them, wondering what on earth could've made James and Sirius so impatient that they'd left her behind. She hadn't been that late, had she? She wondered and wondered, dry leaves crunching under her purple sneakers.
"Well, I'm sure Avery won't be giving you any more trouble," Severus commented, trying to make conversation.
"I certainly hope not," Kelsey replied.
"Alisha was very worried about you."
She looked at him curiously. Anyone would've been blind not to notice how upset Alisha had been, but she thought it odd that he'd brought it up.
"It's not good for her to worry like that."
She paused for a moment before answering. "No, I agree. It's definitely not good." She looked at him. "But then you've been trying to alleviate that, haven't you?"
He started, looking at her. "I... I'm not quite sure what you mean," he said, trying not to sound defensive.
"Oh, don't get me wrong," she said quickly. "I just meant..." She gently tugged on the knitted beret on her head. "It seems she doesn't have many friends in Slytherin. And that makes me sad." She gave him a small smile. "But then I see how happy she is to be your friend, and it makes me feel better."
Severus blinked at her, a little surprised, then shifted his gaze away. "Couldn't the same be said for you?"
"Hmm?" Kelsey asked, tilting her head to one side.
"You don't have many friends in Ravenclaw, do you?"
She thought about that. "No close friends, to be sure. But friends, yes."
"You're lucky."
"How so?" she asked.
"Because..." He looked up at the overcast sky. "You seem so open and carefree. You're the type that makes friends easily."
She blushed a little, looking at her feet. "Really, I-I'm not," she said. "I suppose I seem that way because I'm with friends most of the time. But, left to my own devices, I'm quite anti-social. I hide behind my books and my homework, figuring it'll be less trouble in the end not to make friends. Fewer problems that way."
"Fewer problems, yes." He looked at her. "But completely uneventful, wouldn't you say?"
She laughed softly. "Yes, quite true." She looked at him. "Not meaning to pry or be mean, Severus, but...you seem like the reclusive type. I just hope that you'll continue to be Alisha's friend. She needs someone in her house who's on her side." Severus looked away from her. "I'll always be on her side."
He straightened up. "She's a Slytherin and I'm a Slytherin. It's only right that I support her."
She smiled a little, then looked at him. "But...your fellow house members don't see it that way?"
"Not all of them," he said.
She smiled. "Well, I'm sure you'll get through to them sooner or later."
He gave a very small smile, then quickly let it fall. "...Would you ever regret it? Supporting your friends through everything, even if something they did hurt you?"
She looked at him, wondering if this was a hypothetical question or not. "I'm speaking for myself here, but... To me, my happiness doesn't much matter. I care more about the happiness of my friends. So...no, I would never regret it. If it was right, and they were happy...I would be happy for them. I shouldn't concern them with my pain anyway. It's not important."
"It is to Alisha." He looked at her. "She's your best friend, and she cares deeply for you, that much I know. She cares about your happiness, even if you don't. Much as it pains me to say it, I think even those twats you call your friends care about you as well." He looked away. "So just...try not to get hurt again."
She nodded. "No promises, but I will try my best." She smiled a little. "Thank you, Severus."
"For what?" he asked.
She shrugged. "Just...thank you."
The two looked up as they stepped into the little town of Hogsmeade. All sorts of shops lined the one main road—clothing, books, a joke shop, food of all kinds, a pub called The Three Broomsticks, and many more. There was also a train station—the one that the Hogwarts Express had dropped them off at nearly two months before—, a post office, and, on the outskirts of the village, the infamous Shrieking Shack—famed to be the most haunted building in all of Great Britain.
But seven Hogwarts students there that day knew the truth. It was nothing more than an old shack that had been romanticized by the strange sounds coming from it once a month. But the rest of the students didn't know that, so they often took to daring each other to step closer or to even—Heaven forbid—touch the front door. Well, it gave them a good laugh or two anyway.
Kelsey looked around, searching for Alisha or any of the boys, but saw none of them. She exhaled quietly and turned to Severus. "If you'd rather go off on your own, you can," she said. "I can manage by myself."
Severus shook his head. "No, no... I should accompany you until we find them. You were in the infirmary for four days, after all. It's only right." There was a slight hint of, "I'm doing this because I'm obligated to" in his tone, but Kelsey didn't care.
Kelsey put her hands on her hips, looking around again, her streak turning orange as she searched the groups of students passing by again. Now, if I were a Slytherin and four Marauders, where would I be...?
Something told her that she might not want to know the answer.
;;;;;
The two continued walking around for a bit, wandering into shops to see if they could locate the others, but they had no such luck. Severus was beginning to get a little annoyed, when Lily bounded up to them and grinned like the cat who swallowed the canary. "There you two are!" she said with a smile, taking both of their hands in her own. "Come on!" she said, turning to drag them off.
"Lily! Where are we going? !" Severus asked, wide-eyed.
"You'll see!"
;;
Lily lead them to a little cave near the cliffs right outside of Hogsmeade. The cave was warm and lit, and, upon entering, music could be heard. Both Kelsey and Snape blinked, but before either could question what Lily was on about, Alisha bounded around the corner.
"Ah, you found them! Thanks for staying with her, Severus! Come on, Kelsey!" she said, snatching Kelsey's hand and dragging her around the corner, where she was greeted by a chorus of, "WELCOME BACK, KELSEY!"
Not only were the Marauders there, but so were some girls and boys from Ravenclaw. The cave had been lit up and small tables and chairs set up with snacks and drinks.
Kelsey blinked, totally taken aback. "W-what's all this?"
Sirius walked over and wrapped an arm around Kelsey's shoulders, careful not to squeeze too hard. "While you were in the infirmary, all of us here felt your absence. School just isn't the same without you around. So we're throwing you a party in honor of your good health." He smiled and shook her gently. "So try and keep it good, alright?"
Remus walked over and wrapped his arm around her shoulders from the other side. "It seems James and Sirius planned this whole thing all for you," he stated with a smile.
Alisha, who was standing off to the side a bit, still holding onto her hand, smiled as well. "We didn't even know about it. Were totally in the dark. I felt so bad leaving you behind."
James approached Severus and eyed him. "Did you know about it?" he asked, brows furrowed.
"Lily told me earlier this morning. I was originally going to just show up, but Alisha had me stay and wait for Kelsey, so it worked out either way."
Kelsey looked back at him. He'd known where they were the whole time, and yet he'd lead her around till it was time? She looked at all of them as tears welled in her eyes.
Remus bowed his head to look at her. "You okay?"
"You guys are so amazing!" she said as happy and excited tears spilled down her cheeks.
;;;;;
Kelsey could hardly stop the happy tears once they'd started. She still couldn't believe it. She'd expected to find them all in the joke shop or at the Three Broomsticks having some butterbeer, but no. They'd staked out a cave and set up a party for her. She was totally taken aback. (And not just by the fact that they'd brought the butterbeer to her!)
She wondered briefly about why they'd picked a cave, but she thought that maybe that was to prevent any disapproving glances—or any opportunities for someone to curse either her or Alisha...again.
Still, all thought of that was put away, if only for that day. All Kelsey could think about in that moment were her amazing friends—her friends who loved her enough to do all this because they'd missed her in class for a few days. It made all the bullying and the cruel words and the hexes and curses seem...completely and utterly stupid, and the people responsible inconsequential. What did their opinions matter? Did they have friends as awesome as she did? Probably not. So what did they matter?
Alisha watched Kelsey's happy crying with pure joy. She was glad to see her so happy and laughing and getting hyper like she always did when she was around friends. And, of course, she got lots of hugs and arms-around-the-shoulders and such. Kelsey was just the sort of girl that you wanted to hug, if only to make her smile (and/or blush) and maybe even get a little giggle out of her. Luckily, she was a huggy person, so she didn't seem to mind it at all.
Alisha walked over to Severus, who was standing by himself with a cup of butterbeer in his hand. "So you were gonna crash the party?"
He grinned. "Maybe."
Alisha smiled. "Thanks, Severus."
He nodded. "She looks really happy."
"Yeah, she does..." Alisha looked down into her own cup. "It's kinda bittersweet though, considering what tomorrow is."
"What's tomorrow?" Severus asked.
She lowered her voice and leaned in a little closer. "Tomorrow starts the week before the next full moon."
They both looked over at Kelsey, who was leaning against Remus' shoulder, both of them laughing about something with Sirius, James, and Peter. Ever since they'd found out about Remus two years before, they'd all come to dread the week before the full moon. Of course, no one said anything for Remus' sake, especially since they knew it was a more trying week for him than for them.
What Remus worried about most, though, during that week, Alisha could tell, was Kelsey. It was obvious he hated that she (anyone, really) had to see him like that. Maybe because he knew it made her worry, and he didn't want her worrying. Remus would be Remus... He went through a horrible, painful transformation, and he worried about someone else.
Alisha just hoped that neither Remus nor Kelsey was thinking about that right then, and that they were just enjoying the day.
;;
After the butterbeer had been finished off, the group headed down to the town to take a look in the shops before it was time to go back to Hogwarts. The Marauders insisted on going in the joke shop, naturally. They needed to restock on prank supplies, after all. Then it was to the sweets shop so Remus could get more chocolate. (He always seemed to be eating the stuff! And, giving as he was with everything else, chocolate was something he would rarely share.) More butterbeer was needed, so they went to the Three Broomsticks to buy more. Good thing it wasn't alcoholic. Otherwise, they'd have been too drunk to find their way back to Hogwarts.
Night started to fall, and large groups of students starting making their way back to the castle. The group sighed sadly, wondering how the day had gone by so quickly. But they figured they'd better head back so they wouldn't get into trouble.
Kelsey's breath formed in small clouds around her mouth and nose as they walked. It wasn't even that cold! It probably just felt colder because they'd been inside in the warm only a few minutes before. She knew she could make it, though. What was a little cold compared to what she'd been through the past week?
She looked up at the Shrieking Shack in the distance, and a chill ran down her spine. She stopped, eyes locked on the old house on the hill.
Remus stopped and looked at her. "You alright?" he asked.
She exhaled quietly. "It starts again tomorrow, doesn't it?"
He looked down at his feet. "Yeah, it does."
Kelsey looked at him, her blue-green eyes filling with worry as her streak turned a yellow-orange.
Remus gave her a reassuring smile and stepped closer, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Don't get all worked-up about it, okay? It's your first day out after being in the infirmary. Let's just be happy about that."
She looked back at the Shrieking Shack.
"There'll be plenty more full moons for you to worry about," he assured. "...Which doesn't sound like it should make you feel any better—"
"But it does." She smiled at him. "Come on, let's go catch up before we're left behind."
"Yeah, wouldn't want that happening again," he said, shaking his head and following her.
"Oh, don't worry about it," she said. "James and Sirius had good reason."
Remus smiled. "I don't think I'd ever come up with a good reason to leave you behind, Kelsey."
She blushed and turned away, clasping her hands behind her back. "Nor I you, Remus." Nor I you.
;;;;;
Dinner that evening was a loud and cheerful event for all. Students talked to their friends and turned to their neighbors, talking about the day's events or showing them things that they'd gotten while off school grounds. It was a rare occasion and thus enjoyable. Even the professors were in high spirits, seeing as some of them had wandered down to Hogsmeade for a butterbeer at one point or another.
The Gryffindor table was the loudest by far. Sirius was showing a group of third-year girls something he'd gotten from the joke shop, causing them to shriek and giggle. Remus was having a deep but obviously hilarious conversation with James, for every few moments he would buckle and burst out laughing, food forgotten for the time being. Peter, who was not really speaking, laughed at whatever it was James was talking about.
The Hufflepuff table was not quite as noisy as the Gryffindor table, but the students were talking and joking and a few even singing. They'd started a round of the Hogwarts anthem that never seemed to end.
The Ravenclaw table was quieter, with conversation going on all around them. Kelsey had been pulled into no less than twelve different conversations over the course of dinner. Those few other students who had classes with her or were somewhat friends congratulated her on her health and welcomed her back. A few seventh-year boys whom she wasn't familiar with had even wandered over and told her that they were glad she was back, and that they'd be sure no one did anything like that to her again.
Kelsey, once some of the conversation had died down—for the moment, anyway—, looked around at her friends at the other tables. She couldn't help a warm smile from gracing her features as she watched Remus laugh uncontrollably. It was a rare sight and quite beautiful to witness due to the upcoming week.
She glanced behind her towards the Slytherin table. Alisha was seated between Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape. Lucius was curiously looking over—trying to be inconspicuous—to see what the two fifth-years were talking about. Alisha was gazing down at a notebook in absolute awe as Severus explained whatever was on the pages in great detail, his hands waving just slightly while he talked. At one point, it looked as though he'd asked her a question, and she looked up blankly before smiling embarrassedly and shook her head, obviously giggling nervously. This caused a slight smile to form on Severus' lips as he chuckled and shook his head, as though it was okay that she didn't understand or didn't know what he was talking about, before he went back to explaining, pointing at a random part of the notebook.
Kelsey grinned and looked back at her food and began eating it, sighing contentedly. It really did feel good to be back in the mix again.
;;
As the Gryffindors and the Ravenclaws all ascended the stairs, having parted ways with their Slytherin and Hufflepuff classmates on the first floor, Remus stopped Kelsey on the second landing. Kelsey was only slightly annoyed since she had to climb up to the top floor, but, at the same time, she was excited to have a moment alone with the slightly older boy.
"Hey, Kelsey," he said. "I just... I wanted to tell you again how glad I am that you are feeling better," he said with a smile. "I have all of your notes for your classes on Monday," he said as he pulled a few rolls of parchment out of his robes and handed them to her. He pointed at one. "Oh, and that's actually the assignment for Professor Binn's class. I knew you wouldn't have time to do it, so I did it." He shuffled. "You can go over it and reword if you like. And, just know, I don't make it a habit to help my friends cheat." He rubbed at the back of his neck. "But I'm not the only one who's helping you out."
"Oh?" She blinked, looking up at him.
"I overheard Alisha talking to Severus at the party, and I guess she bribed him to do your Potions assignment. He didn't do the written part, but he brewed the potion that's due on Monday. I'm sure you'll find it on your person eventually since I know he won't hand it to you personally."
Kelsey grinned. She really did have the coolest friends ever, and her cool friends seemed to have some cool friends of their own.
Remus smiled and gently patted her shoulder. "I'm glad you're okay. I mean, you're the glue that keeps us all from killing each other. You're something special," he said before taking a step back and up onto the step just as the staircase shifted and began moving away. "Night," he said, waving before turning and climbing up the floating staircase that would take him to the floor he needed.
Kelsey smiled and waved at his back. "Night."