Chapter One – You're Not Listening
"Through a martyr's eyes I can see, I've seen the best of love, the best of hate, the best reward is earned and I've paid for every single word I ever said." - (Chase This Light - Jimmy Eat World)
Summer was officially over and it was now the start of a new school year. The once quiet castle was now bursting with the sounds of excited and happy students greeting one another after being apart for a few months. Severus Snape watched them file into the Great Hall of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Being careful to appear as nonchalant and as grumpy and indifferent to the students as best as he could, because worried was what he was really feeling as his eyes scanned over the crowd, trying to spot a certain Gryffindor with messy black hair and green eyes behind round glasses.
And when he couldn't spot Harry James Potter, Severus forced himself to remain calm, telling himself to stop acting like an overbearing mother. It was very possible that Harry was still on his way to the castle with his annoying bunch of Gryffindor friends. What was it with Gryffindors and their desire to always be surrounded by a bunch of people anyways? Severus thought, purposely letting his mind wander a bit, only to distract himself from his escalating worry and the fear of his son going missing again.
He quickly glanced down at the staff table. Albus was at the center of it, followed by the heads of houses; Professors Flitwick and Sprout on the left, and to Albus' right was Professor McGonagall and Severus, himself. Past Sprout and Flitwick was Remus Lupin, who was in a deep conversation with Professor Vector.
Severus deeply regretted that they weren't able to sit together, and jealousy made his heart thud against his chest. Severus tried to not let the sight of Remus chuckling at whatever Vector was saying to him bother him, he wanted to be the one who was making Remus laugh like that. And he didn't like how close Vector was leaning towards Remus, the way he was looking at him and how Remus' cheeks seemed to blush a bit. Severus glared at Vector, waiting, hoping the Arithmancy Professor would look up and see it, that way he could back off. But then Severus drew his gaze away before that could happen, he reminded himself that Remus could speak to whomever he likes. It was not as if he and Remus were anything… They'd only agreed to take things very, very slowly, to become friends and co-parents to Harry, and just see where that takes them. No promises, no expectations, but there was a bit of hope.
Severus forced his glare away from them and down to his empty golden plate. His distorted reflection glared back at him. He knew he didn't really have anything to worry about. It was just harmless flirting. He knew what Remus felt about growing close to another person like that. After what happened between him and Black and the trauma he'd gone through being held as Greyback's prisoner, Remus wasn't ready for a relationship again. He had made that quite clear to Severus. And Severus understood completely. Despite his feelings towards Remus, he wasn't sure if he was ready for a relationship either.
The memory of last night was not forgotten however, despite them sitting apart during the start of term feast.
That very morning before the students had even started boarding the train to Hogwarts, Severus, with a cup of coffee in one hand and his scrolls of parchment, lesson plans and schedules in the other, had found a saved seat next to Remus at the start of their first staff meeting. Severus recalled the way his stomach had flipped over as soon as he walked in through the doorway, their eyes instantly finding each other and Remus silently gestured at an empty seat next to him, his brown threadbare robes hanging over the back of it, obviously showing others that it was saved. Severus took the seat, shyly handing Remus back his robes.
Some of the staff members had looked questionably at them, immensely surprised to see Severus and Remus wanting to sit together. Of course they had expected Severus to be sour towards Remus, like he'd been for weeks.
It was very well known that Severus was after the DADA position amongst the staff, especially because Severus had shown nothing but hatred towards every single new professor Albus had hired for the position instead of him. Also, it was Remus Lupin, the Defense Professor Severus had shown the most hatred towards out of all of the others. And some of the older professors like McGonagall, Sprout and Flitwick still remembered the history between them when Remus and Severus were school children together. It was common knowledge among the staff, just how much Severus Snape despised Remus Lupin.
But those weren't the real reasons why Severus had appeared mean and cruel towards Remus during the last few weeks. Remus and Severus had accidentally kissed at Grimmauld Place. Then that kiss had turned into an ugly argument between them, leading to Severus reverting back to his old behavior towards Remus again, and it seemed convenient enough to Severus at the time to let the staff assume that his hatred over Remus was still for the very simple reasons of him taking the DADA position and that Severus was still resentful over him of their school years.
Severus and Remus had ignored the staff murmuring together and the gossip that was surely spreading. They didn't really speak to each other much, they couldn't with so many eyes watching them. They didn't want to add more fuel to the wildfire. It was enough to just be near each other, confirming the new bond of friendship they had formed the night before in Remus' office.
Pulling himself back to the present, Severus forced his glare back to the students, who were all mostly seated at their assigned tables now. It wasn't until the large heavy doors of the Great Hall were closed, then Severus realized that his son had yet to arrive. He glanced quickly at Remus again, to see if he had noticed as well. The werewolf's eyes were fixed on the doors, his eyebrows furrowed with worry, no longer listening to what Professor Vector was saying to him.
Leaning forward to Albus, Severus immediately caught the old wizard's eyes. Albus gave him a nod, signaling Severus his permission to leave and find Harry. Unlike anyone else, Albus could see the state of worry Severus was in, and he knew why without any explanation. Severus wasted no time in getting out of his seat and off the raised platform and stormed out of the Great Hall, and so lost was he in his thoughts on his missing son, that he did not feel the concerned hazel eyes watching his departure.
.
.
As Severus made his way out of the castle with the chatter from the Great Hall growing softer with each step away from it, he couldn't help but look back on the past summer with his newly-adopted son.
It seemed like an eternity when he'd found himself in Harry Potter's small bedroom all those months ago. Hoping with annoyance, bitterness and hatred, that James Potter's son was only throwing a tantrum to seek attention from Albus. What he'd found instead, Severus could never have dreamed of. He had found Harry… A boy as lost, afraid and abused as Severus was at that age.
Harry was ready to give up, ready to die and leave this world full of hate, war and darkness as he had always known it to be… But Severus grabbed a hold of Harry and pulled him out, showing him that besides the darkness, there was light. There was hope, love and family. Severus showed Harry that there was no reason to give up. He had to keep fighting. And in each other, they'd both found a family.
The Boy-Who-Lived was never who Severus had thought him to be. He had learned the true person Harry was, making him realize how much he cared for the boy. Severus was so proud of his new son. They still had stuff to work out, but they would figure it out within time. Despite the time limit caused by the war, Severus still did not want to rush Harry… Those thoughts then led to darker thoughts as Severus now stepped out of the castle, the chilly air signifying the official start of Autumn. There would come a time when Harry might hate him, believing that Severus betrayed him, but it was all for the war…for the greater good.
Severus thought of the terrible promise he'd made to Albus. According to that old coot, it was the only chance Harry had to survive, and Severus trusted Albus that his plan would work. That the light side would win and Harry would understand in the end, even if Severus himself did not survive. It tore Severus up inside thinking about his promise to Albus. He hated himself for it, but he had to fulfill the old wizard's wish.
A glowing bright light suddenly illuminated the darkness around him, pulling him out of his brooding. Severus stopped walking, eyes fixed on the patronus heading his way. It was a large dog-like creature. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was a wolf. Severus wondered whose patronus this was, since the only person he knew who owned a wolf patronus was sitting at the Great Hall, in the opposite direction.
Severus waved his wand, ordering the patronus to deliver its message.
"Hagrid, this is Tonks. I have Harry. We are outside the Hogwarts gates," the patronus spoke. Deep relief went through Severus. His son was safe, although he still couldn't help but wonder at Tonks' interesting patronus.
Once Severus reached the closed entrance gates, he could see his son taking off his invisibility cloak, standing outside the gates with Tonks.
Thank Merlin, he's alright, Severus thought, remembering the raw fear he'd felt when his son was taken by Greyback.
"You're late, Potter," Severus growled, glaring at Nymphadora Tonks who was sporting light-brown hair that was almost golden when it caught the light. He hadn't failed to notice that her patronus was a rather large dog. He hoped this had nothing to do with a certain werewolf.
"Sir, I…" Harry started, taken aback by Severus' tone.
"I don't want to hear it, Potter!" Severus snapped as he opened up the gates. "Get inside!" His worry and fear was now turning into irritation at the boy's carelessness. Anything could've happened! Why couldn't Harry just stay out of trouble for once?
Harry glared at him with bright-green eyes as he stepped inside the gates, mumbling a goodbye to Tonks.
Severus completely ignored Tonks who was trying to make conversation with him as he shut the gates. He was starting to realize that the witch might be harboring a crush on Remus, and Severus was not liking it. He would have to warn the werewolf as soon as he'd get the chance.
Severus and Harry then made their way back to the castle. Severus could feel Harry studying him, perhaps trying to figure out if Severus was acting or really angry at him. Severus had to admit he was torn, torn at being angry at Harry's foolishness of not being careful, and concerned for why he was late and sporting a broken nose.
The walk to the castle was tense, tense like when they'd first started living together in Severus' quarters. He glanced at Harry, whose eyes were now on the ground, blood still on his face.
"What happened?" Severus finally asked, his anger now slowly ebbing away.
Harry scowled, "So I guess you're done acting the evil Potions Professor, then?"
"Do not take that tone with me, Harry!" Severus snapped. At his son's glare, he forced himself to calm down, not wanting to start the beginning of this term with a bloody argument.
"I know I acted a bit brash back there with Tonks. You'll have to excuse me. I was overcome with worry for your wellbeing, since you've failed to show up on time to the feast with your annoying bunch of Gryffindor brats!"
"Don't insult my friends!" Harry scowled.
Severus glared at Harry, feeling an ugly argument starting to rise. For a brief moment, he wondered what had happened to the sweet boy whom he called his son before Severus had dropped him off at the Burrow yesterday. Suppressing an impatient sigh, Severus tried to force his sharp words away. "We don't have time for this… Tell me what happened to cause your delay from the train!"
"It was Draco!" Harry snapped back with exasperation in his voice
That stopped Severus in his tracks. The blonde Slytherin had spent several weeks with them during the summer. Both Draco and Harry had fought a lot at the beginning, until Harry had spent several days at the hospital wing for slicing open his wrist. After that, the boys had both formed a truce which led to a close friendship. He knew Draco's departure was hard on both of them, especially since they were both on different sides of the war. He couldn't believe that Draco would hurt Harry physically, even if it was to cover himself from his Slytherin peers.
"What happened between you two on the train? I'm guessing you were fighting? It didn't take long for you to become enemies again, did it?" Severus sneered. He couldn't help being an asshole, it was in his blood, and the worst of him always came out when he was stressed out or angry.
Harry didn't say anything, only glared at the castle in front of them. They continued walking in silence. Severus was about to give up on an answer, until he heard Harry say, "We were fighting, dad, it was as if nothing ever happened, like we were never friends…"
Severus could hear the hurt in his son's voice, and that was what freed him of his anger completely. He pulled Harry into a one-armed hug, not saying anything else. Tensing at first from the sudden contact, then letting his body relax, Harry quietly returned it, their harsh words to each other momentarily forgotten.
Once they reached the stone steps of the castle, Severus stopped walking.
"Hang on a moment, son," Severus said, taking out his wand.
Harry flinched, stepping back. Severus gave him a questioning look.
"There is no need to fear me, Harry, despite my sharp words. I still care for you very much. Let me heal your nose. I expect you must be in pain."
Harry looked at him, then looked away, running his hand through his messy hair. It was something Severus soon learned was a habit of Harry's when unsure or nervous; completely opposite of James Potter who'd mused up his hair with arrogance.
"For a moment back there, I couldn't figure out if you were acting or if you really despise me," Harry said quietly as Severus lifted his chin. His heart broke at Harry's words, and Severus wished for the millionth time that he could just take his son and go into hiding, let the rest of the world fight out the war for them.
Their eyes met, and Severus wished Harry could see what he was feeling as he silently said in his head, Episky!
Harry's nose snapped back into place, causing him to shout out in pain.
"I'm sorry, it's better when you don't expect it," Severus said, he then muttered another spell to clean the blood off his face. Harry gingerly touched his nose.
"It's not crooked, is it?" Severus half-heartedly joked.
"Are you attempting a joke?" Harry smiled a bit shakily. "The world must be ending."
"Ah well, I tried…" Severus said, "And as for earlier, I am sorry. I know you don't like it when I act my old-self towards you. Come down to my office tomorrow during your free period and we'll figure this out. I'm afraid we won't have time for a conversation such as that right now."
Harry nodded.
"Now, can you tell me what happened with Draco?"
"I followed him back to his compartment on the train, under my invisibility cloak."
Severus frowned. That was very foolish, but he did not say a word. He just let Harry continue because, Merlin, he'd finally got the boy to speak!
"He's up to something, Severus! I told you yesterday I think Draco might have the dark mark! On the train, he was talking about not returning to Hogwarts next year, that his mum said he would have better and important things to do!"
Severus glared at him. "I thought I'd told you before to drop the notion of Draco being a Death Eater. It is none of your concern."
"He's one of my best friends! Look, Sev, I know you don't want to believe it about the dark mark… But, I'm trying to tell you, Draco's up to something for his task! Aren't you a bit suspicious about what I said yesterday? Have you told Professor Dumbledore yet?"
"Harry…" Severus said slowly, frowning at the blood stains on Harry's shirt. "Some friend Draco is to have given you a broken nose, even if he has to act like your enemy."
"He had to…" Harry shrugged.
Narrowing his eyes, Severus asked, "Were his friends with him?"
"No, they left…" Harry said meekly.
Severus sighed at that. "Look, kid… I know you still care for Draco. I know you're worried about him falling into Lucius' footsteps, but Draco is no longer the boy you know. If he does have the dark mark already, then that means he is on the Dark Lord's side and trapped by his family and their expectations. Until this war is over, you must tread carefully around him. It is safer for Draco and for yourself."
"I know…but please, trust me when I say that Draco is up to something, probably for Voldemort's task! We need to figure it out before someone gets hurt or he hurts himself! Or his task fails and Voldemort kills him!"
"Fucking hell! Stop saying the Dark Lord's name out loud!" Severus snapped, louder than he attended it to. "I've told you so many times! You don't listen, kid! Did you forget everything I told you yesterday?!"
Harry ignored him and continued, "I bet my broomstick Draco has the dark mark! How can I not try to help him? I know he doesn't want this! If I can only get him alone, try to talk to him…"
Finally having enough, Severus snapped, "Listen to me, Potter! If something is going on, and I say IF! I will be there to watch him, and Albus knows everything going on in this castle. Whatever Draco is up to, we will take care of it. Now stop worrying over this, and for Merlin's sake! Just stay away from him! It's obvious he doesn't want your help right now!"
Harry shot him a hurt look. "Why won't you listen to me?"
"I have listened! You're the one not listening to my orders!" Severus snapped out. Anger was already rising up in his chest. He forced himself to stop shouting. He forced himself to not insult Harry like he would've in the past. It would only make things worse.
"I don't want orders, I want your help!"
"I am helping! You don't think I like seeing my godson go down the same path I had gone down at that age?! I'm telling you to stay away from him right now! That is an order, Potter, and I don't want to hear any more about how you want to help him! Leave it to the adults!" Severus bit his tongue, refusing to shout anymore.
Severus didn't want to be angry at his son or his son to be angry at him either. He wanted them to be okay, but was not sure how to fix this sudden growing rift between them. If only Severus could speak the truth and tell Harry that Draco was part of a bigger plan than he knew, but Severus couldn't because of Albus… And he was just so tired of the secrets and lies and Unbreakable Vows and promised tasks and tests of loyalty….
Severus reached out to touch Harry's shoulder, meaning to apologize and call a truce between them, but Harry stepped away. Severus was met by a hurt-filled and angry bright-green glare.
"Harry…" Severus said softly, guilt clawing up his insides.
Harry stepped away. "Fine," he muttered.
Severus could only watch as his son turned away from him, opening the castle doors and taking off to the Great Hall.
As he watched his son go, Severus sighed heavily, guilt and hurt prickling inside him.
Lily, why is your son so fucking stubborn! Severus thought as he followed after Harry.
Filled with concern over a missing Harry, Remus broke off his half-hearted conversation with Professor Vector as soon as Dumbledore began to prepare his speech. And right before Remus could decide if he should go out and join Severus on his search, Remus noticed Harry finally slipping inside through the doors, his face full of annoyance as he made his way to the Gryffindor table, with all eyes on him. He wasn't even wearing his school robes, making him stand out even more.
Remus let out a sigh of relief as Harry sat among his friends who were heatedly whispering at him for an explanation. It seemed as if Remus and Severus weren't the only ones worried about Harry's mysterious tardiness. And just as that thought passed through him, Remus caught the scent of blood. Alarmed, he looked closely at his cub, until he could barely make out the dark blood stain on his shirt.
Severus then came storming in, walking at his usual brisk pace with his black robes billowing around him and with a menacing glare to any student who had the misfortune to accidentally make eye contact with him. Once Severus sat down, Remus stole a glance at him, hoping whatever was bothering him wasn't too serious. He tried catching his eye, but the Potions Master only had eyes for his plate. Remus glanced again at Harry to see his cub in a similar mood. He guessed they must have gotten into an argument.
Remus had to admit, when he'd first found out that Harry was under Severus' care, he had his doubts. As time went on, he found that Severus was a perfect guardian for his cub. Harry needed someone like Severus, a strong father-figure who loved him for who he was. Remus felt bad to say that Sirius never saw Harry as just Harry, but as a reincarnation of James.
Once Dumbledore was done with his speech, (Remus receiving a loud applause from his former students for his Defense Against the Dark Arts post), everyone began to file out of the Great Hall.
Remus was the first one out of his seat among the professors, immediately catching up with Harry through the crowd. It was easy to his relief, just outside the Great Hall, Harry and Ron had been stopped by Hagrid. Hermione was grouping up the first years and shepherding them towards the direction of Gryffindor tower.
Remus frowned at the passing Slytherins, they were obviously laughing at his cub and reenacting someone getting hit in the nose as they passed to get to the dungeons. Draco Malfoy was in the center of the group with the hood of his cloak over his head, looking as miserable as ever with his hands in his pockets. He wasn't laughing like his peers and his gray eyes were fixed on the path in front of him. It didn't take much for Remus to put two and two together. He figured Harry got jumped by Slytherins or he and Draco had gotten into a fight on the train.
Once Hagrid walked away, Remus took his chance. "Harry!" he called out. Harry looked up, catching sight of Remus. He had an expression between a grimace of not wanting to talk to Remus about his tardiness and the blood covering him, and surprise and relief to see Remus healthy and awake and walking around. The last time Harry must've seen Remus was when he was unconscious in the hospital wing, Remus realized.
"Harry, there is blood all over you," Remus said, as he pulled Harry to the side, away from the dwindling crowd. Ron followed them. Remus knelt down and cleaned up the blood with a wave of his wand. He lifted Harry's chin, expecting his nose.
"What happened?" he asked, his voice coming out a bit sharply.
Harry pulled away, his lip curling with annoyance.
"Malfoy," Ron said when Harry wouldn't answer.
"Harry, I thought Severus had made it clear to stay away from him."
Harry just scowled at the mention of his adoptive father.
Remus frowned at Harry's behavior. "You know, you can talk to me, right? It's such a relief to see you back and safe after what happened with Greyback. How are you doing, cub?"
To say that Remus was overcome with relief to finally see his cub again after everything that happened was an understatement. Remus wanted to pull him into his arms and never let go. He was just so glad to see his cub safe again. The last time Remus had seen Harry, he was unconscious in that cellar.
But judging by the quiet and sullen mood Harry was in, closing up and refusing eye contact, there was no doubt about it that Harry and Severus had indeed gotten into an argument. And it didn't help that another group of Slytherins passed them, clearly laughing at Harry.
Remus snapped his head towards them. "Enough! Get to your dormitory!"
"Blimey," Ron said.
Remus turned back towards Harry, finding that Harry was gazing at him with hurt and gratitude and relief. "Thanks, Remus, but you don't need to do that…" he said quietly. "It's nice to see you out of the hospital wing too. Severus floo-called me about it this morning before I left with the Weasleys to King's Cross. I was worried you wouldn't ever wake up… I didn't expect you to already be walking around."
"Madam Pomfrey let me out on good behavior," Remus joked, only to lighten the mood between them.
Harry didn't even smile.
Remus sighed with defeat and shakily stood back up on his feet. "Go on, cub, get to your dormitory. We'll talk some more later, you have lessons tomorrow."
Remus reached out to pull him into a hug, but Harry stiffened and Remus withdrew without touching him, letting him go. Ron was watching all of this with concern. Harry turned away and stormed up the stairs.
"Keep an eye on him," Remus whispered to Ron, who nodded and ran after his friend.
Once the boys were out of sight, Remus climbed up the stairs towards his living quarters. He was starting to regret ditching his cane sometime after lunch. His leg that had the nasty bite was starting to bother him from all the walking around. Madam Pomfrey had sent Remus her best glare three times during dinner. And when she'd asked where his cane was, Remus said he'd left it on top of the Astronomy tower, causing a laugh from Professor Vector. Poppy scowled and turned away from him, wanting nothing to do with him anymore. Remus then apologized and she ordered him to rest his leg right after dinner and she better see him using the cane tomorrow or she was revoking his early release.
Remus was stopped several times from the crowds of Gryffindors and Ravenclaws still happily congratulating him on his return to Hogwarts, so he'd decided to take one of his usual shortcuts towards the Defense corridor.
Remus still couldn't believe his luck that he was teaching at Hogwarts once more. Memories of the time he'd turned into a werewolf during Harry's third year and the angry letters he'd received from parents afterward were still fresh, and Remus hoped that history wouldn't repeat itself.
The lanterns of the corridor were dimmed, casting shadows, as he turned the last corner. Remus noticed a black figure leaning against the wall of his portrait door that led into his living quarters, and all his worries about Harry's behavior tonight and the possible dangers of his new teaching position drifted away as Remus realized who it was.
"Hello, Severus," Remus greeted warmly with pleasant surprise as he reached his portrait door. "I thought you were retiring to your quarters after the feast."
"I prefer your company this evening, that is, if you don't mind?" Severus replied in his deep voice. Remus could see that whatever argument that'd happened between him and Harry had soured his mood tonight, it was still resting heavily on his mind.
"Of course, I don't mind," Remus said, then muttered his password, "Blackbird." The portrait door swung open, and he stepped inside. "Would you like some tea?"
Severus nodded, stepping in as well, looking around Remus' quarters.
And Remus realized that this was only the second time Severus was completely inside his quarters. He mostly visited Remus in his office. Remus tried not to think about the messy state it was currently in, books and parchment everywhere with empty mugs and a few empty wine bottles. He even had a few cages of dark creatures that were to be used for his lesson plans during the first few weeks. Remus had meant to move them in his office, but didn't have the time.
He watched Severus head over to the creatures, examining them with a raised eyebrow. "Interesting curriculum for the first few weeks."
"I like to keep my classes interesting. It wouldn't do for me if I wasn't the most favorite professor in the school."
Severus snorted at that.
Remus spied his cane on the floor, part of it was under the sofa. He raised his hand over it and it shot up to his hand. Remus gripped it tight and leaned his weight on it, feeling the instant relief. He was tired of being injured, using the blasted thing. It made him feel old and crippled.
"Please, sit…" Remus said over his shoulder, as he limped to the kitchen and placed the tea kettle on the stove.
Once he was back in the living room, he found Severus standing near the mantle looking at the few photographs Remus had of his family and friends. He picked one up of Remus holding a baby Harry. He stepped closer with the cane towards Severus and chuckled at the memory. It was Harry's first Christmas, and the five-month old baby could care less for the toys the Marauders had given him, only interested in the stuffed-black dog Remus had given him that year. He could see the baby Harry in the photo hugging it close. Sirius couldn't believe that his godson hadn't taken any interest in his own godfather's awesome Christmas present.
"How old was Harry in this photograph?" Severus asked, his eyes on his young son.
"Almost five months… I think…" Remus answered, looking at Severus' face, noticing the deep lines of stress and worry. "It's hard for me to not see Harry as that young happy baby that Lily carried everywhere with her… Sometimes, I can still see his innocence underneath all his burdens," Remus said, still observing the wizard standing before his mantle. He could see in Severus' demeanor how hopeless he was feeling right now, although he would never admit it. Harry must've been difficult tonight, and Severus as a new father, must be feeling overwhelmed.
"I wish you were given the chance to raise him after Lily..." Severus said, still lost in the photograph.
"I do too… Every day I wish that, so then he wouldn't have suffered..." Remus laid his hand on Severus' shoulder. "You're doing a great job. Without you, Harry would've been lost to us."
"I just feel like I'm not doing enough, like I'm messing him up even more. No matter what I say to him, he pushes me away!"
"You're doing your best!" Remus said, not mentioning the fact that he'd felt completely the same way when speaking to Harry tonight.
Severus just shook his head in frustration. Remus wished he could see what was truly troubling him. What was it that Severus couldn't say?
"Don't be so hard on yourself," Remus said gently. "Harry grew up without anyone taking care of him, he might still feel like he has to care for himself. It's going to take time for him to get used to the idea that now he has you… Just give him time, Severus."
Severus only nodded once, eyes still on the photograph.
"I've noticed Harry arriving to the feast late," Remus said, changing the subject a bit since Severus wasn't revealing what he was hiding. "I tried talking to him just now, but he was closed up and in a sour mood."
The Potions Master placed the frame back on the mantle, before turning to sit down on the sofa. Remus sat down next to him, placing the cane against the armrest, waiting for Severus to reply.
"He got into a fight with Draco, who gave him a broken nose."
Remus' frown of disapproval and concern didn't go unnoticed.
"Don't worry, I healed it," Severus said.
Remus knew that already, but he nodded anyway. "That explains the blood I smelled on him."
Severus gave him a wide-eyed look of surprise. "You could smell it from where you were sitting?"
Remus nodded, suddenly feeling like that was something he shouldn't have said. He forgot sometimes that he wasn't fully human. Thinking of himself as not human led to darker memories of the past couple of months. Where Remus' world was only of a dark stinking cellar and so much pain. The stench of blood and waste and sickness. The smell of burning skin and a fiery pain on his chest, right above his heart. The howls of the werewolves and blood-red eyes. The convincing oily voice telling him over and over he was nothing but a filthy animal who betrayed its pack. And the death of a young girl… Remus forced himself to breathe normally, forced himself to stay in the present. He did not want to lose it in front of Severus. Speaking of the Potions Professor, Remus realized Severus was still talking. He forced himself to calm down, pulling himself together so he could continue listening.
"...he seems to think Draco has become a Death Eater…"
Remus couldn't keep the shock out of his words. "Do you think Harry might be onto something?"
"I believe so, no doubt it's Lucius' punishment for his mishap at the Ministry. Albus and I are keeping a close eye on the situation. I tried steering Harry away from it, but he is stubborn like his mother. He wants to talk to Draco, maybe try to help him come to our side, but what he doesn't understand is that Draco is in too deep. If Draco is to come to our side, it will be with careful planning on mine and Albus' part, not on some mediocre plan from a bunch of teenagers."
"You got to have at least some faith in him," Remus said, feeling as though Severus wasn't giving Harry enough credit.
Severus shook his head, not listening to a word Remus just said. "He can really be a stubborn brat sometimes! I bet you my best cauldron he bloody hates me now!"
"Severus…" Remus frowned.
Severus' gaze landed back on the photograph on the mantel and he sighed with frustration. "I know Harry has the best intentions. I know that whatever plan he comes up with to help Draco may have potential, but for once, I just wish he can leave these problems for me and Albus to solve. I don't want him to feel responsible for anyone but himself. I want him to be the child he never got the chance to be. I know he feels like I'm not listening, I know I'm not giving him enough credit, but I just want what is best for him. I want him to be safe, and going after Lucius Malfoy's son is not what you call a walk in the park. It's bad enough Harry already has to worry about the Dark Lord, but to be responsible for Draco Malfoy's betrayal to the dark side… I just can't let him fall into that…"
"You're doing the best you can, Severus, I know you are. You have to talk to Harry, tell him what you'd just told me. Let him know that you're listening, that you don't want him in danger." Remus hoped his advice was right.
After a few moments, Severus finally tore his gaze away from the mantel and looked at Remus. He could see the stress and worry in the Potions Master's black eyes. He was touched that Severus Snape, who hid behind his mask, had decided to let Remus see a bit of the person he truly was. Remus could still remember a time where not even he could make out who Severus was underneath that mask, but as their friendship began to form, pieces were breaking off each day. There would come a time where Severus' mask would be completely broken. There would come a time where Severus would be able to tell him everything that was eating away at him inside, but for now, Remus accepted the pieces Severus was showing him, because he knew one day the mask would be gone, and there would only be Severus.
So lost in his thoughts, Remus did not realize how long he was staring at him. He found himself swimming in black ebony eyes, surprised that they were not cold dark tunnels, but comforting and warm, like a summer's night sky.
The sound of the tea kettle rang through Remus' quarters, causing them to both look away.
.
.
Once the evening began to grow into night and after two cups of tea, did Severus finally get up to return to his quarters. Remus walked him to the door with his cane, looking up to see a scowling Severus who said, "Do you know Tonks has a crush on you?"
Remus chuckled, "I do not, what makes you say that?"
"She was the one who'd dropped Harry off at the school gates." Severus gently tugged a lock of Remus' hair. It caused Remus' heart to leap out of his chest, and he forced himself not to blush like an idiot.
"Her hair was an interesting shade of color today, and her patronus has changed to a wolf form… Peculiar…yes?"
Remus laughed out loud. "That doesn't mean she might have a crush on me! There are loads of men with hair color like mine, with wolf patronuses!"
Severus shrugged. "Just be careful with the witch. I still remember her as my student several years ago, she was a walking disaster!"
Remus chuckled. "Am I sensing jealousy from you, Severus?"
"Severus Snape, jealous of that clumsy witch? I shall think not!" The Potions Master snarled in disgust.
Remus chuckled again. "Well, Severus Snape, you have me fooled," he said, gently laying his hand on Severus' arm. "Goodnight, my friend," he said.
Severus' eyes softened. "Goodnight, wolf, I wish you luck on your first day back tomorrow. And don't forget your bloody cane. I thought Poppy was going to murder you in front of everyone during the feast."
Remus mischievously smiled at Severus, who then turned around and opened the portrait door. He watched Severus walk down the hallway with black robes billowing around him, until he was one with the darkness of the hallways. Remus sighed and closed the portrait door behind him, hoping that Severus' words of luck were not needed, that he won't be greeted by angry letters from parents about his furry problem in tomorrow's post, and all of his lessons would go as well as he was hoping and that the cane wouldn't be a bloody nuisance and Harry…he would be in a better mood tomorrow.
A/N: First of all, thank you for all the new reviews! I truly love it when Already Home still gets reviews and favorites. I'm so happy to start writing about Harry, Severus and Moony again!=D I hope you guys are ready for the sequel! It's going to be canon and slightly AU to fit my story. Most of it is going to be in Severus' pov, also Remus'. You will see a little bit of Harry …. I guess we'll just see where this story takes us, yes? Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my first chapter. I wanted to keep it short, simple and a bit of a summary of Already Home. So please don't be mad lol. - Chase'sGirl19
