A/N: A new oneshot for my awesome readers. Hope that you all would like it. I do not own Harry Potter; it solely belongs to J.K. Rowling!
Warnings: Hurt, Comfort
Marvolo and Snape were sipping on a cup of hot tea in the latter's office. The tea was much needed after the hectic day they had endured with rowdy teenagers.
Salazar, how he hated those raging buffoons.
Marvolo glanced at his company, who was trying to grade the papers between his sips of tea. Trying was a strong word upon seeing Severus' grim and unimpressed expressions.
"I can't understand a word written on this parchment," Severus groaned, passing the paper towards Marvolo, wanting him to decipher the writing.
He was confused; never had he seen such a mess of words on paper. He wondered why he had wanted to become a teacher when he graded such papers himself. It wasn't that the students were interested in learning magic these days.
Things were much better in his schooling days, Marvolo thought.
"Just fail the poor lad, would you?" Marvolo gave the paper to him, Severus happily complied to his suggestion.
"We have more pressing matters to attend to for the Wizarding meeting on Friday," Marvolo said. That was the reason he was there.
After much thought, Marvolo had decided to sign a treaty and end the war. His conditions—to give the Dark and Grey sect equal rights, voting for women, magical orphanages—things he had originally planned before going crazy and insane.
"Yes, my Lord. I've heard Augusta Longbottom would..." Severus' words were cut by a rapid knock on his office door.
Severus checked the time—9pm. He wasn't expecting anyone at this hour. With a sigh, he got up from his very comfortable position and opened the door wide.
"Of course, it is you two," Severus muttered annoyingly, making even Marvolo chuckle. "What is it, Miss Potter and Mr Longbottom?"
The smile vanished just like that from Marvolo's face. Unconsciously, he sat up straight and glanced towards the door.
Of course, it had to be her.
As if sensing eyes on her, Harriet looked in Marvolo's directions, and he could easily see the shift in her behaviour. She became alert and took a sharp breath, then averted her gaze.
Things were different between Marvolo and Harriet. She had been an advent supporter of his ideas when he'd come to Hogwarts to propose the Treaty. Dumbledore too, supported him. Corlineus Fudge, not so much.
Marvolo had first-hand witnessed the backlash Potter and Dumbledore had received upon the signing of Treaty. There were harmless words tossed around, but there were death threats too. Dumbledore had been removed from his Chief Wizengamot Position, and Harriet had lost all her friends. Only Granger, Longbottom and that weird Luna girl understood her decision.
So, he wasn't sure what the dynamic of their relationship was now. He just knew that he did not want to kill her.
Also, that respected her. Immensely. Because what she had done was brave.
"Good evening, Professor. We. uhhh..." It was clear that Longbottom was nervous.
"I haven't got all night," Severus drawled out."
"It's about the assignment you gave us," Neville blurted anxiously.
"You will not be getting an extension," And just like that, Severus closed the door in their faces. Just as he turned around, the knock came again, this time more persistent.
"If you knock on this door again," Severus said aloud whilst opening the door, when two assignments were pushed in his face.
Marvolo looked upon the commotion amusingly. That is the reason he became a teacher—to see students pushing around Severus' buttons.
"Our assignments. We did not want extension. We just came in to submit it earlier," Harriet spoke in one tone. She knew how to handle Severus. Marvolo felt a little proud at that.
"The date is tomorrow; you can submit it tomorrow." Severus was not accepting it.
"Please, Professor Snape."
"No."
"Harriet and I are on leave tomorrow, sir; an official on. That's why an early submission."
"If you two are getting the leave to get ready for tomorrow's stupid Samhain ball party..."
"We are taking leave to go meet our parents, Sir," Harriet said, a total silence fell upon the room. "Neville wants to visit his parents in St Mungos, and I want to visit my parents' grave in Godric's Hollow for their death anniversary."
Marvolo wasn't ready for that. For all these years, he had dreaded Samhain because he had lost everything that night. He never realised that Harriet and Neville also lost something that night.
It was silent, too silent. The two students waiting for their teachers to say something, but it was all very awkward.
With a tired sigh, Harriet turned around, taking Neville's hand along with her. She had half expected for Snape to be a little understanding; her mistake.
"Miss Potter." It was Marvolo who had stood up from his seat then. Taking the assignments from her hand, "I will grade the papers myself. You may take that off tomorrow."
Even Severus accepted this time.
"I am very sorry for your loss, both of you." It was the first time he had acknowledged his mistake. The first time, he had apologised to the two people who mattered.
Harriet and Neville were both at a loss of words. Marvolo's apology seemed genuine. But they did not know what to say. They only knew that their parents would have wanted them to move on. To not a grudge against anyone.
That is what they should do.
"Thank you, Professor." Harriet said.
"We accept your apology," Neville added sheepishly. He was still intimidated by Marvolo.
And just like that, with an understanding nod, the two students went their way, leaving behind Marvolo a little guilt-free.
"My Lord?"
"It's the least we can owe them, Severus."
-A/N: Let me know what you guys think about this one! Reads, followers, favorites and reviews are always appreciated! Good day to all! :)