Chapter Eleven
"The Book of Love is long and boring" – Peter Gabriel
Hermione rushed down to the Great Hall, hoping to be in time for dinner. She was happy to see that the boys had saved her a spot once the doors opened. Harry greeted her with a smile while Ron ignored her. She expected that though, Ron was always had a cold shoulder if Hermione treated a Slytherin like a human. She sat next to Harry and helped herself to the salmon and potatoes that they were having that night. "So Mione' what are your predictions for Halloween this year?" Harry asked her after a few minutes. "What do you mean?" She asked slightly confused, "Well think about it, Every year something crazy has happened on Halloween." He told her. "First year was the troll, second year Mrs. Norris was petrified, third year Sirius broke in, fourth year my name came out of the Goblet of Fire, last year was quiet which only means this year will be terrible." Harry explained. Hermione thought for a minute, "I hope nothing happens. I'd prefer it stayed quiet." She told him as she took a bite of potato. She knew that wasn't going to happen though. After all she was working in the infirmary that night for a reason.
The remaining days before the 31st passed in a blur for Severus. He woke up Halloween morning with a brick in his stomach, he was not ready to face the day. Forcing himself out of bed with a groan he stumbled to the bathroom where he started his morning routine. He splashed water on his face and looked at himself in the mirror. Today was not his day, it never was. He got dressed and made his way to the Great Hall for breakfast. Thankfully, Albus understood how bad today was and Severus was never forced to make an appearance at meals or do patrols on this day, and since Slughorn was covering for him anyway while he worked in the Infirmary he didn't even have to do classes. He was sure that Hermione could handle the Infirmary by herself today.
He sat at the staff table and surveyed the room. His eye's fell on the Gryffindor table where all eyes were on Mr. Potter. It dawned on Severus that this day wasn't tough for just him. In all honesty he'd forgotten that this was the anniversary of their deaths. He hadn't acknowledged it in years. He'd gotten over Lily a long time ago as other things took his interest. Other people. No, today was bad for him because tonight's meeting would be terrible. He was sure he'd come back to the school in pieces.
After breakfast, Severus went back to his room where he found a glass of whiskey waiting for him. He grabbed a random book from his shelf and started to read. It was about 11 A.M. when his fireplaced roared and Lucius Malfoy stepped through. Severus set his book down and sat up a bit straighter.
"Ah, Lucius, what a nice surprise." Severus greeted.
"Yes, I figured it would be nice to have a drink before our inevitable incapacitation." Lucius said as he sat down. And a glass of whiskey popped into existence.
"Yes yes. Will your lovely wife be there with us tonight?" Severus asked sipping his drink.
"No, unfortunately. Poor thing came down with a surprisingly violent illness. Nose bleeds, vomiting, pustules, very nasty."
Severus chuckled lightly at the grin on Lucius's face. "I figured it would sound familiar to you, you know with you being the most disliked professor here." Lucius told him.
"Yes I believe my students used to come down with this all the time. Not so much anymore though. Where ever did dear Cissa come down with this?" Severus asked.
"House elf. Nasty things." Lucius said with a sly grin that told Severus that he was lying. The Weasly twins never ceased to amaze Severus.
The two friends sat and talked for a good two hours before Lucius flooed back home. It was good that Narcissa would be missing tonight. It was no place for her, she was not an evil woman like her sister, or a vindictive person like her cousin. Narcissa was a mother to anyone who would let her.
Severus hid in his room until dinner time where he chose to make another appearance. He sat and ate and glared at his Slytherins who dared give him looks of envy, or grins. Too many of them knew what was coming tonight. Halfway through dinner his arm burned signaling for him to make a depature. He excused himself from the table with a nod to the Headmaster. As he exited he made quick eye contact with Hermione who ever so slightly nodded her head at him in acknowledgment. He exited the castle and dawned his robe and mask. As he left the gates he apparated to Malfoy Manor.
He already knew that he wasn't prepared for what wait for him inside.
A/N: What's this? A chapter? I'm not dead? Wow! But seriously I'm so sorry. I haven't abandoned this it was just unreal at how difficult it was for me to write this short as hell chapter. I feel so bad. But the next one should be up soon. Please review!