Half a Life Without You

Chapter 7: "Truce"

Severus's POV:

I'm exhausted as hell; I feel as if all the energy has been drained from me completely. I trudge slowly up the Slytherin tower, eager for sleep. Stepping tiredly into my room I drop heavily onto the four-poster bed, my eyes close instantly and I sink deeply into the soft mattress.

Instead of falling into a blissful sleep my mind fills up with images from the past two days, refusing to allow my overly stressed body to relax.

Sighing in frustration, I stare blankly at the plush velvet curtains draped lavishly around my bed. The material snakes elegantly around each pole, small intricate designs meticulously stitched into the silver and jade fabric. A soft breeze sweeps into the room causing the curtains to billow and swirl overhead like storm clouds.

I try closing my eyes once again, "Oi, Snape!" My eyes pop open to see Regulus Black striding confidently into the room. "What?" I growl at him.

His eyes widen slightly at my tone before replying with a clipped upper-class accent, "Professor Slughorn wishes to see you straight away in his office."

I watch him move arrogantly past me to sit at the desk, his movements precise and posture perfectly ridged. Proper etiquette and manners having been ingrained in him since birth, the result of being born into one of the most powerful pure blood families in the wizarding world.

"Thank you" I mutter finally.

He only shrugs and pulls a book from his bag. "Do you know why he wants to see you?" He asks with all the curiosity and calculation of a true Slytherin.

Too tired to say more, I only utter a single word. "No". I turn away and close my eyes once more effectively ending any further conversation.

The desk chair scratches loudly against the floor, angry stomps exit the room taking Regulus with them. I cringe when a jarring echo resounds through the room as he descends the short spiral staircase back to the common room. Great, simply great. Why can't everyone just leave me the fuck alone, is it so much to ask? Sighing, I rub my hands over my face in irritation.

Knowing I can't delay the inevitable any longer, I swing my legs to the floor, head down the recently abused staircase, through the common room, and down to the dungeons.

I move briskly along the cold narrow passages, the flaming torches lining the walls do little to warm the chilled air. I easily navigate the maze of passages and tight spiral staircases finally reaching my destination.

Slughorn's office sits behind a massive white oak door, the Slytherin insignia scorched ornately into its center. I reach out and rap sharply against it. "Enter", I hear a muffled voice call out from the other side.

I step into the office only to see Professor Slughorn peek his head out from behind a small opening in the back corner, "Mr. Snape come in, come in, I'll be with you in just a moment." His head disappears back around the corner as suddenly as it had appeared.

My eyes travel over the windowless office as I stand awkwardly waiting for his return. I notice the dark green walls have been updated since my last visit. They are now covered in a lime green wallpaper decoratively patterned with cobra lilies. Golden tapestries hang elegantly along the newly patterned walls, embroidered figures of wizards and witches move around it magically reenacting various ancient wizarding battles. Their stitched wands create little green and white flashes that spark sporadically around the room as they cast spells at one another.

Stacks of books clutter the spaces along every wall and corner, even the giant mahogany desk dominating the center of the room has stacks of books covering every inch of its open space. Several tiny black cauldrons are balanced precariously on top of the books littered across it, each overflowing with dozens of quills and stirring sticks.

My observations are broken as Professor Slughorn dashes into the room, "So sorry to keep you waiting. Please have a seat." He gestures over to a small seating area located in front of an enormous, but beautifully unique, fireplace. A pure white marble mantle fades seamlessly into deep ebony columns. Two large serpents weave majestically around them, their white scaled bodies standing out starkly against the dark ebony. Their heads rest regally on top of the mantle, looking out over the room with menacing yellow glass eyes.

We settle into a pair of dark burgundy colored wingback chairs flanking the fireplace. I anxiously run my hands along the smooth gold buttons sewn into the leather trim. My feet sink deeply into the dark green shagged carpet, wait shag carpet. I can't help from raising my eyebrows.

Chuckling at my bemused expression, "It's a muggle decoration, a former student gifted it to me just this past Christmas."

"My parents actually have a brown shag carpet at home, it was just surprising to see here."

"Ah, right. Your half-blood, muggle father if I remember."

"Yes sir" I reply stiffly.

"Tea?" he asks.

Before I can answer a loud pop sounds in the room, a little house elf carrying a silver tray almost as big as she is, appears next to Professor Slughorn. She sets the tray carefully down on the coffee table between our chairs.

Slughorn reaches out grabbing a steaming cup, "Thank you Zillah, right on time."

Zillah blushes and dips her head shyly, "Zillah is pleased to be of service. Is there anything else Zillah can do for master Slughorn?"

Slughorn waves his hand dismissively, "No, no that will be all".

Another pop sounds, and with-it Zillah disappears.

"I presume you know why I've called you here tonight Mr. Snape?" He asks before sipping his tea, carefully watching me over the rim of his cup.

My first thought is of Everly, does she need me again has something else happened? "Is everything ok with Everly, sir? Do they need me back in the infirmary?" I grip the armrest prepared to launch myself from the chair.

He frowns in confusion, "Who?"

"Everly, the girl who helped the night of" …ugh, I'm a fool he wants to discuss what happened last night with Potter and his idiot friends.

Awareness lights up his face, "yes, yes I remember her. Lovely girl. I heard she had an episode this morning, terrible news to be sure… I'm sure she'll be fine, nothing to worry over young man." He smiles reassuringly taking another sip before placing it back on the tray, "I'm afraid the matter I wish to discuss only concerns the events which occurred prior to you and the others requiring her assistance."

A calculating gleam suddenly appears in his eyes, "Mr. Snape before we get into the details of what transpired that night, I want to make you aware of a rather interesting conversation Professor Dumbledore and I had today. We believe this whole messy affair can be resolved in a way everyone will find…uh…let's say…mutually beneficial." His smug tone shows he's exceptionally pleased with himself.

I'm instantly suspicious and intrigued by the type of agreement they've made. I have my doubts everyone will find it mutually beneficial, but I remain quiet and continue listening intently as Slughorn goes into more detail.

"A contract will be drawn up detailing out a truce between yourself, Mr. Potter, Black, Lupin, and Pettigrew."

When I hear the word truce I can't help but interrupt, "What exactly are the details of this… truce?" I ask with narrowed eyes.

He crosses his legs appearing untroubled, "Not to worry, not to worry. I promise you will be pleased. However, you must wait until tomorrow as the details are still being put together. I do know each of you will be required to sign the contract, and if any of terms agreed to are violated it can lead to severe punishment including the possibility of immediate expulsion."

I slouch back into the chair, "I don't have a choice, do I?"

He shakes his head, "No, Mr. Snape you do not...if you wish to remain at Hogwarts that is"

I want nothing more than to walk out of the door and never return, but I have nowhere else to go - my parents - are not an option I'm willing to entertain, plus now I couldn't imagine leaving here without her.

"When do we get to actually review the terms?" I ask in resignation.

"Tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock sharp in Headmaster Dippet's office."

I frown in confusion, Headmaster Dippet hasn't been back to Hogwarts since the end of last term due to health reasons. "Wait, I thought Professor Dumbledore was taking over as headmaster?"

He reaches for his cup again before replying, "Yes, he will be, however, until the end of this school year Headmaster Dippet is officially still the headmaster and it's technically still his office. It's just proper to continue calling it his office…for now".

I resist the urge to roll my eyes at Slughorn's adherence to such absurd formality when it's practically Dumbledore's office now.

Unexpectedly, he hands me a piece of parchment and quill, "I will…uh… need your written testimony of the events."

"May I ask why? If you and Professor Dumbledore already have a…mutually beneficial solution planned?" I ask, unable to keep the bitterness from dripping over my words.

He fretfully twists his cup on the little saucer he's holding, "It's just a formality I insisted on." Here we go again with the fucking formalities, my thoughts are interrupted when he adds more, "also, it will be used to determine level of…guilt."

I can't stop the glower from darkening my face, "Guilt?" I whisper dangerously.

He shifts uncomfortably and titters nervously, "In addition to the truce each student involved will be given a separate punishment for their individual… crimes."

He holds his hand up to stop me from saying anything, "now before you say anything, let me assure you the punishment will be determined by the student's head of house. Between us… there is absolutely nothing to worry over seeing as I am your head of house." He replies with smug confidence once again.

His assurances fall short for me and a pit of dread settles in my stomach just thinking about the possible outcomes tomorrow may bring. Anything is possible when it comes to Dumbledore, I for one do not trust him when it comes to deciding my fate.

Slughorn stands up and stretches, "Right then, I'll just leave you to it. You can bring over your completed written testimony when you're finished." I watch him walk over to his desk before turning back to face the fireplace, the hot flames coil around wooden logs turning them to black ash. Flickering light illuminates the snake's yellow eyes causing them to glow sinisterly down at me. An icy chill runs over me despite the warmth being produced from the crimson embers. I manage to tear my eyes away from their hypnotic stare and look down at the blank parchment in my hands.

Reluctantly, I begin to write out my testimony of what occurred that night, the night I met her…my Everly, I smile at the thought as I continue writing.

Next morning…

I hesitantly approach the imposing gargoyle guarding the entrance to the headmaster's office. A stone griffin dominates the circular entry way, its massive wings spread wide as if preparing to attack. The noble creature almost appears to be watching me, assessing my intent as I draw closer.

My voice trembles slightly as I say the password, "Cherry Crunch Bars".

The stone giant rotates reveling a curved staircase, as I head up the stairs, I can hear raised voices coming from the headmaster's office.

"How could you Albus!? I have every right to be part of this decision as you and Horace."

"Minerva while I understand you're upset…"

"Upset! Upset! I'm well past upset", her screeching words cause me to pause my ascension, the right thing would be to make my presence known, but instead I draw back against the wall and listen.

Dumbledore's firm voice cuts her words off mid rant. "It's been decided, there will be a truce signed between them today. The current head of house will decide additional punishments as they deem necessary." His words while spoken quietly, were said with an air of finality effectively silencing anymore protest.

I heard the gargoyle begin to shift behind me and took that as my queue to continue up. I quicken my steps and knock briefly on the partially opened door before entering.

Dumbledore greets me with a mischievous smile, "Good morning Mr. Snape, good of you to join us."

Did he know I was listening? the knowing glint in his eyes gives me my answer.

McGonagall still agitated by her earlier conversation simply sneers in my direction before looking away.

Professor Slughorn enters right behind me his breathing heavy from his journey up from the dungeons. He claps his hand on my shoulder, "Are you ready my boy?"

I shrug my shoulder hoping it will dislodge his hand, "Yes, sir."

He walks over to the other two professors oblivious to the tension exuding from McGonagall, if glares could kill Slughorn would collapse dead where he stood.

"Where are the other boys Minerva?" Slughorn asks still ignorant of her mood.

She glances over at Dumbledore before giving out a resigned sigh, "They'll be here shortly, I wanted a word with our acting headmaster before the meeting began." She replied curtly.

Slughorn grins, his hands clapping together in anticipation. "Wonderful, I'm exceptionally pleased we'll be working this out", giddy joy evident in his voice as he rocks back and forth on his heels in his eagerness.

McGonagall's eyes narrow into tiny slits, her mouth pressing into an extremely thin line while her hands curl into balls by her side. I can practically feel the anger radiating from her in waves.

Slughorn still oblivious, doesn't understand how dangerous his smug smile is to his health in this moment. An image of McGonagall choking him with his ridiculous silk cravat flashes through my mind, it would probably be no less than he deserves, I think spitefully. However, she simply walks over to the window facing away from us, her hands continuously clenching and unclenching the only observable indication of her anger.

All too soon the others join us, it becomes clear they were not given the same pre-warning I was awarded the night before.

Black and Potter's obnoxious voices ring out in unison, "He bloody well could have killed us with that Confringo spell! How can we be expected to…"

"SILENCE!" Dumbledore's normally quiet voice booms over the room, hushing everyone immediately. "This is not up for discussion, I'm also fully aware of the events leading up to the spell being cast." throwing a meaningful look their way.

Lupin lowers his head in shame darting a quick glance my way, apparently, he's still upset it was his spell that broke my nose. Good, he should feel bad. It still fucking hurt. I absently touch my bruised nose glaring back at him in return.

Potter and Black have the decency to at least appear properly chastised, if not truly sorry for their part. Pettigrew only slinks further back into the corner trying to avoid detection. I purposely turn my glare his way. He lets out a high-pitched squeak when he notices me watching him. Fucking shifty rat, go on hide in your corner coward. How in the hell is he a Gryffindor? I wonder, and not for the first time either.

Dumbledore's voice calls back my attention, "I will now review the terms of the truce, if you do not agree to sign the contract you will be asked to leave Hogwarts grounds immediately, is that clear?"

I can hear gasps of disbelief coming from the others, I stand quietly ignoring their sounds of protest. I'm just eager to get on with it, sooner we sign the sooner I can go and check on Everly.

Black's voice interrupts my thought, "why are you so calm about all this Snape?" he asks demandingly.

I simply sneer at him, sending him a silent Fuck You look, causing his face to turn red. I replace my sneer with a condescending smirk when I see his reaction, which only produces a deeper shade of crimson to spread over his arrogant face. Potter grabs his shoulder redirecting his attention back to Dumbledore, who has been silently watching our interaction with amused interest.

Dumbledore raises his eyebrows as if to ask if we're done so he may continue. Once he's assured all our attention is now focused back on him, he begins to read the terms of the truce.

"The following are the terms of the contract."

Any spell / hex cast with the intention to harm and/or maim will be a violation resulting in immediate expulsion. Note: The ONLY exception will be spells cast while attending Defense Against the Dark Arts or Dueling class, these spells are allowed as they are supervised by a professor.

Any magically charmed item or potion given to another with the intention to harm will be a violation resulting in immediate expulsion. Note: There are NO exceptions to this rule.

Any physical altercation (examples: punching, pushing, tripping) will result in punishment, which will be determined by perpetrator's head of house based on the action committed and severity of injury incurred.

Any verbal name calling, or mocking is considered a violation to the truce agreement and will require a public apology plus detention.

Dumbledore pauses to examine our reactions, "are there any questions?" he asks with his whisper soft voice. Everyone remains silent as he scans the room staring intently at each of us before speaking again, "very well, in the absence of any additional questions… I find I must provide a couple clarifications to ensure absolute transparency of the agreement in which you will shortly find yourselves bound to. First, this contract will remain valid only during the time you attend Hogwarts, it will become void the day after your graduate."

He pauses to see our reactions; the significance of the contract's expiration date is not lost on me nor is it lost on Black and Potter by the deep frowns now etched into their faces. Dumbledore gives me a small smile and a barely perceptible nod before continuing.

"Secondly, with all magically binding contracts a protection spell is woven into the agreement."

Huh? What does a protection spell have to do…my inner questions are cut off by Dumbledore's next words, "I can see by your confused faces you do not understand the significance of the protection spell. The easiest way to explain its… purpose… is to simply say it helps you keep your word by protecting you from yourself. Should you find yourself tempted to break your word, a gentle…reminder…will be provided. Now I hope I do not need to go over the types of reminders a protection spell can be capable of, but if you need…reminding…now is the time to ask your questions."

I kept my silence as did the others; protection spells could be unpredictable in the quest to guard those under its spell. Any culprit daring enough to go against it could expect something as minor as a forceful shove to being seriously wounded, only the wizard who enacted the spell knew the extent of the consequences. If we had a question, it would only be how far the spell could be pushed without issuing a reminder, but this was only information Dumbledore possessed and would never provide to us.

"Are there any questions?" he asks once again. When no one says anything, he reaches for a golden quill and holds it out to me, "Mr. Snape you may be the first to sign." Taking the pen from his hands I scratch my name at the bottom of the contract. Once we've all signed, Dumbledore returns the golden quill back to his desk looking pleased by everyone's agreement to sign.

He then turns to face us, a new calculating gleam shines in his eyes as he looks us over. I tense in preparation for what he's about to say, "As you know in addition to the truce agreement there was discussion around individual punishments. As the head of house for Gryffindor, I'll be delivering the punishments for my house first and then Slughorn will do so for Slytherin."

"Mr. Lupin please step forward." Lupin jolts unexpectedly at hearing his name called first, he steps nervously forward until his standing directly in front of Dumbledore.

"Mr. Lupin, you will serve one-month detention at the start of the new year and will be required to return to Hogwarts four weeks before term begins to tutor a younger student, Miss Beatrice Humphrey, who will be entering her third year."

Next to me, I can hear Potter whisper over to Black, "isn't she the girl who accidently performed a glowing spell on herself?" Black sniggers, "yeah, she didn't need candles for a month." Potter coughs into his hand trying to cover up a laugh. Lupin glares over at his friends unamused. They only shrug at him innocently.

"Mr. Potter you're next please step forward. You will also be given one-month detention at the start of the new year and will be required to return to Hogwarts four weeks before term begins to tutor a younger student, Mr. Xander McCullough, who will be entering his fourth year."

Black lets out a short cackle of laughter, "Isn't he the bloke that miniaturized his wand in Charms class?"

"Yeah, I heard they never did find it." Pettigrew's squeaky voice adds from the corner.

Dumbledore's mouth twitches with amusement, "yes, the important part is he will have a new wand before your lessons begin, that is all Mr. Potter. Mr. Black you're next please come forward."

"Laugh it up Padfoot, it's your turn." Potter says with delight as he walks past.

Still fighting his own smile Dumbledore continues, "Mr. Black, as with your other housemates you will be given one-month detention at the start of the new year and will be required to return to Hogwarts four weeks before term begins to tutor a younger student, Mr. Cornelius Holiday, who will be entering his fifth year."

Potter slaps Black on the back with unrestrained glee causing him stumble, "Hey Pads, isn't he the one who had the…incident…in flying class?". The whole room erupts into giggles, I want to stay straight faced but find I can't help letting out a short laugh despite myself, even stuffy Professor McGonagall is smiling at the mention of poor little Cornelius.

As the laughter dies down Dumbledore's voice reaches our ears, "Mr. Black, you will also be asked to assist the student Slughorn will be assigning to Mr. Snape. She will need lots of practice to prepare for the upcoming year and it will be too much work for just one tutor." Black only mumbles and goes to stand back beside Potter and Lupin.

I knew it, I'm getting the worst of the bunch. I can't help wondering what kind of simpleton they are going to saddle me with.

"Lastly for my house, Mr. Pettigrew, you will serve the same one-month detention and will be required to return two weeks before term to assist Professor McGonagall in preparation for the first year's arrival."

Pettigrew throws a skittish glance at McGonagall before darting back to his corner. Ha! Must be too stupid for tutoring, I think spitefully. McGonagall looks extremely displeased by the announcement, her stare over at Dumbledore holds the promise of a future discussion.

Adjusting a tightly fitted purple suede jacket over his belly, Slughorn finally steps forward to deliver my punishment and assign the idiot I'll be tutoring.

"Mr. Snape, you will receive a one-month detention at the new year will be given to you as well, and you'll also be required to return to Hogwarts six weeks before term begins to tutor a new Hogwarts student. However, if you agree to remain at Hogwarts during summer break to help tutor this student, you may skip the one-month detention at the start of the new year."

I'm doubtful remaining over the holiday to tutor an imbecile will be worth skipping a month's worth of detention. I first want to know more about who I'll be tutoring before agreeing. "May I ask who this new student is and what exactly I will be required to be tutoring them in?"

Slughorn smile grows wide, answering with relished cheerfulness, "Miss Everly Quinn will be a new 7th year student, you'll learn more about her background prior to beginning the tutoring sessions, but she will need help catching up in all areas."

My heart leaps and I nearly burst with eager excitement and anticipation. I rush to agree "yes, I will return stay and help, it's not a problem."

Black suddenly pushes his way up to the front, "I can stay over the summer and help with Everly's tutoring too." He says enthusiastically.

Dumbledore pleased by his announcement smiles in appreciation, "Good, you may assist me with the classes I have planned with her over the summer."

Black shoots me a look of triumph before joining his friends who are now busy clapping him on the back in celebration. I can only summon a half-hearted scowl at their antics, my thoughts now solely on her. Plus, he's only assisting with her classes, I get to have private lessons with her. Wonder how long it will take him to figure that part out, I think smugly.

Before dismissing us, Dumbledore calls over Black and I for one final word, "I will ask you both to refrain from speaking about the tutoring sessions with Everly until I've had a chance to talk with her about it. As you know she's still recovering, so she is not yet been informed of these plans."

We both nod our agreements, and finally are dismissed. I hurriedly exit the headmaster's office and charge down the corridor, my brisk steps taking me closer to her.

In my rush to get there, I don't notice the footsteps following me.