Chapter 10: Holiday Housing
Severus I
Tuesday, 9 November 1976
"It's one thing to be the one to find Mr. Creevey," McGonagall argued, "but it's another to be the one to find Cresswell. Out of the hundreds of students attending Hogwarts, what are the odds of the same student finding both bodies?!"
"Yes, this is rather peculiar," Slughorn added, giving Severus a wary look. "Are you certain Mr. Snape isn't responsible?"
"I am positive," Dumbledore said as he paced back and forth in the office. "I have it on good authority that Mr. Snape warned Miss Evans to be cautious, and to use a hand mirror to look around corners. However, if Mr. Snape is responsible, as you believe, then he seems to be doing a fairly poor job of keeping it a secret, considering the writing on the wall."
"But that doesn't explain how he was the first person at both scenes," McGonagall objected.
"No," Dumbledore admitted, "however, Professor Vablatsky has been rather impressed with Mr. Snape's performance in Divination. She believes he has the Sight."
McGonagall and Slughorn both looked at Severus with skepticism, although Severus could tell that both had already heard this. McGonagall asked, "Are you suggesting that Mr. Snape can sense the attacks?"
"I believe it's possible," Dumbledore answered, "although his abilities in the field are rather young and inexperienced. While he has no difficulty interpreting dreams, he can only sense immediate, present danger. I trust that both of you can keep this information in this room?"
Slughorn nodded and said, "Oh, of course, Headmaster. Sensitive information, yes?"
"Indeed," McGonagall said, her eye still on Severus. She wasn't hostile, and for a moment, Severus swore he could see concern. "What are we to do in the meantime?"
"You are to encourage the students to return home for the holiday," Dumbledore replied.
"Should it not be a mandate?" McGonagall asked.
"If it was a mandate, then it may cause panic," Dumbledore explained. "And there are still those who may be unable to return home for whatever reason. Let it be a suggestion instead."
"What else are we to do?" Slughorn asked.
"Over the holiday, we will conduct a search throughout the castle," Dumbledore answered. "And I would ask that we all exercise the same caution that Mr. Snape has asked of Miss Evans."
Both McGonagall and Slughorn nodded and left, and Severus was left alone with Dumbledore. He asked, "You don't want to mandate it?"
"Voldemort may suspect that we know too much about the threat," Dumbledore explained. "Two attacks is enough to warrant a search of the castle, which he would expect us to do for a variety of reasons apart from the presence of a basilisk."
You didn't mandate it before, either, and the Dark Lord was still vanquished.
"And that is something that surprises me," Dumbledore admitted. "Perhaps I had hoped for young Harry to solve the mystery, or perhaps I was unaware of the nature of the threat."
"Either way," Severus said, "Lucius convinced the Board of Governors to force you out of your office. And Mr. Hagrid was taken to Azkaban."
"It's possible the future will repeat itself," Dumbledore said. "Abraxas Malfoy is a member of the Board, so it's only a matter of time before we see how much Lucius takes after his father."
Severus hoped that history didn't repeat itself. Dumbledore was the only person at Hogwarts who trusted him, and he was the only one who knew the truth. If he was forced out, who else was there to take his place?
Dumbledore interrupted Severus's thoughts by saying, "I think that, for now, you should return to your room."
Severus nodded. "Yes, sir."
"And do remember that you have that conversation with Miss Evans to look forward to."
"... if she doesn't distrust me by tomorrow."
Dumbledore looked at Severus with a revolting hint of pity. "Very true. Good evening, Severus."
"Good evening." Severus stood from his seat and left, making his way back to his room.
Regulus I
"Gather around," Professor Slughorn ordered. "I have something to announce to all of you."
Regulus set his book down, memorizing the page number before shutting it. "Is something the matter, professor?" he asked.
"I'm afraid that there has been another attack," Slughorn answered. "Dirk Cresswell was found petrified in the Potions classroom."
There was a small gasp from Talkalot and some of the younger Slytherins, while the older students remained silent. Regulus felt his blood run cold; he had overheard the conversation between Snape and Talkalot, and they had mentioned Cresswell and his role in Talkalot's dream. Had Snape really predicted the attack before it happened?
Rosier, who hid his pleasure, asked, "Sir, how is this possible? Shouldn't he have been in bed?"
"I'm afraid I had permitted Mr. Cresswell to check on his potion; he'd neglected to do so when he had the chance during class." Slughorn was looking notably uneasy, almost as much as Regulus felt. "In any case, I am recommending that anyone who had planned to stay at the castle over the holiday to please reconsider."
"Is it mandatory?" Mulciber asked. The way he asked sounded odd, but Regulus wasn't sure why.
"No, but it's recommended. The other House Heads will be sharing this news and suggestion to the other students. Now then, off to bed for now. I will make sure to inform you on any developments that I can."
"Sir, what about the Christmas party?" Regulus asked.
"I will be hosting it on the train to London, in our compartment."
Regulus nodded. "Have a good night, professor."
"And you, Mr. Black." With that, Slughorn left.
As Regulus left the common room in favor of his dorm room, he heard several voices come to life. Many were apprehensive and frightened, while older voices sounded excited. As for Regulus, he was having trouble breathing.
Regulus found himself in bed, curtains drawn, and staring up at the ceiling again. Snape said he wasn't responsible, and yet he'd found Creevey and predicted the attack on Cresswell. Talkalot believed Snape was some sort of Seer, as did Vablatsky based on her excitement. So either Snape was innocent, and he was able to detect the attacks, or he was lying and using his power to avoid detection. But the latter shouldn't make sense at all, as that would mean he had implicated himself and then carried out the attacks while feigning innocence… or was that the plan? Framing oneself to cover up one's crimes? It was such a mind-bending gambit that Regulus forced himself to stop thinking about it. He needed to write to Lucius.
Regulus got out of bed and began writing his letter.
Dear Lucius,
It may be possible that discussing this issue with you is frowned upon by the school, but its nature is something I can no longer ignore. On Hallowe'en night, after the feast, the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw students discovered writing on a corridor wall near that haunted bathroom. The writing said that the Chamber of Secrets had been opened, and that the enemies of the Heir of Slytherin should beware. The message seems to implicate Snape, but he has naturally pleaded his innocence. But that is not what bothers me.
Two students have been attacked and left in some form of stasis, which I believe to be petrification. The students in question are Adrian Creevey and Dirk Cresswell, both of whom I believe we both know. I have to determine if the attacks are linked by their blood status, or if it is for a separate reason; as you know, both Creevey and Cresswell are members of the Slug Club. I hesitate to believe the former reason is true, as Snape has shown kinship with one Mary MacDonald, a third-year Gryffindor of Muggle birth. It would seem that he is tutoring her, and he has even agreed to tutor Gilderoy Lockhart, a second-year half-blood Ravenclaw.
If, by chance, we have an opportunity to speak more on this issue, then I certainly wish to do so. I am beginning to feel unsafe, even in my dorm room. If there is a way to combat this issue, then I certainly wish it to be done so. But I will keep this letter brief and await your response.
Sincerely,
Regulus
Mary I
Mary wasn't sure whether to fear for her life or to leap with joy when McGonagall announced that students would be recommended to return home for the holiday. But it was fairly obvious that the other Gryffindors weren't too keen.
"You're not cancelling the Quidditch season, are you?" Potter asked.
"Not yet, Mr. Potter," McGonagall replied. "But I can assure you that, should these attacks continue, I will."
"Attacks?" Lily asked. "Do you really think something's attacking students?"
"Dumbledore believes it to be the case," McGonagall answered. "And so, I will ask that no one in this House walk alone."
"Sounds like Snape's one step ahead," Black muttered.
"What was that, Mr. Black?" McGonagall's voice had an edge to it.
"Severus told me to be careful," Lily explained, giving a dirty look to Black. "He said something similar."
More whispering could be heard among the students, and Mary heard her own name thrown in as a few pairs of eyes glanced at her and Lily.
"That's enough," McGonagall said, silencing the students. "If that is the case, then Mr. Snape seems to understand the severity of the situation. And I expect the students of my House to do the same! Now, off to bed." With that, she departed, leaving the Gryffindors to explode into a cacophony of conversations and arguments while the Prefects struggled to calm everyone down and send them back to their rooms.
Mary got into bed, turning on her side as she thought about what had happened tonight. Severus had told her she should return home for the holiday if there was another attack, and McGonagall was now recommending that students reconsider staying at the castle not even a day later. There were rumors that Severus really had opened the Chamber of Secrets, and Marlene had heard from Boyfriend Black that there was some sort of monster that hunted Muggle-borns on the loose.
Mary had considered what might happen if she decided to go home; Mulciber might keep true to his word and pay her home a visit. If she stayed, her parents would be safe, but then she would be at the castle with Mulciber…. She pulled the cover over her head as her chest grew tight, and she shut her eyes. She didn't want to stay. She wanted to go home.
Mary stopped herself. How could she be so selfish when Adrian and Cresswell were in the Hospital Wing, petrified by some sort of Dark Magic?! And what if these attacks continued? Mary began thinking about both incidents and tried to find something in common between the two. If she could figure something out, maybe she could do… something. Anything.
Adrian and Cresswell were both Muggle-born, they were both in the Slug Club, they were friends, they… oh, what else? Adrian was found in the basement level, and Cresswell was found in the Potions classroom; so, both were found below ground level? Was that where the curse, or attacker, was? They both seemed to argue about some girl they both knew… but that didn't seem like a reason… unless they were talking about Lily. If Severus was the culprit, which Mary doubted, then that was a possible lead… but was he the sort to do any of this for a girl?
No.
Mary was too confused by her thinking, so she settled for concrete facts divorced from any speculation: Muggle-borns, Slug Club, found below the ground floor. That, including the writing on the wall explained by Black, implicated Slytherin. Slytherin was known for its strict views on blood purity, Slughorn was the Head of Slytherin, and the Slytherin common room was located in the dungeons.
It seemed too obvious for a Slytherin to pull off, unless it was either a statement or some sort of bluff. Then again, Mary didn't really know how Slytherins thought, barring Severus, and he seemed to be an outlier on account of having a Muggle-born friend. Well, two Muggle-born friends; one of them was questionable. As much as she loved Lily, the older girl needed a good talking to about a few things.
Thinking about Lily caused Mary to think about Marlene, and what the other girl was doing. She didn't even know if she wanted her to get along the Severus or if she should just leave him alone; she knew Severus was reaching his limit, and it was frustrating that Lily couldn't see that.
No. No, this couldn't wait any longer.
Mary got out of bed and left the dorm room, making her way to the sixth-year girls' dorm before knocking. She heard some shuffling from behind the door before it opened, revealing Lily.
"Mary?" Lily looked confused. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Mary said. She glanced at Lily's desk and saw that she had been writing in one of her notebooks. "I just wanted to talk about Severus."
"Why?" Lily's brow furrowed with confusion.
"I know that you're going to have some sort of talk over the holiday-"
"Did he tell you that?" Lily sounded surprised.
"... yes?" Mary answered with uncertainty. "Wasn't he allowed to?"
"I didn't think he'd be so… open with you."
"It's important to him," Mary said. "Wasn't he open with you?"
"He tended to keep things to himself," Lily said slowly. "But anyway, why do you bring it up?"
"Well," Mary said hesitantly, "he…" She knew Severus didn't want Lily to know too much, so she had to be as vague as possible. "The talk he wants to have with you…."
"Yes?"
"... it's everything to him. Especially now, with everyone thinking he's attacking students."
Lily opened her mouth, as if she was about to respond, but she seemed to stop herself.
"Anyway," Mary continued, "I just… want to make sure that whatever you two talk about goes well."
"We have a month until then."
"I know. But I just… Lily, what do you think of Potter?"
Lily blinked. "What?"
"You know Severus hates him-"
"James is trying to change, and he's been doing a good job."
It was Mary's turn to blink. "Severus is working just as hard, if not harder."
"James was a bullying toerag, and now, he's not."
"Are you serious?" Mary shook her head. "You think someone like Potter can go from stripping someone naked in front of a crowd to a role model in less than a year?!"
"Severus turned his back on his Slytherin friends in that amount of time, didn't he?"
Mary took a moment to think about it. She remembered the night that Severus had come up to apologize to Lily….
Mary had returned to the Fat Lady's portrait later than Lily and Marley; she had been talking to Xeno outside of the Great Hall after dinner about joining the Gobstones Club, something that she'd considered for quite some time. She'd been playing with Xeno in her spare time, but she hadn't wanted to join until she was comfortable with the people at Hogwarts.
Arriving at the portrait, Mary was about to speak the password when she heard footsteps approaching at a sprint.
"MACDONALD!"
Mary turned and baced away as she saw Snape running toward her. She knew he was one of Mulciber's friends, and that he used to be Lily's friend until he'd called her a mudblood in front of everyone. She was about to quickly say the password and hurry in, but Snape was disturbingly fast on his feet.
Snape came to a skidding halt, and Mary got a better look at him. He was trembling, his breathing erratic, and he had a thousand-yard stare as he looked at her. "MacDonald," Snape said shakily. "I-I need to speak with Lily!"
"Y-you're not supposed to be up here," Mary said unsteadily. "And Lily-"
"I know," Snape interrupted. There was a whimper in his voice, and for a moment, Mary thought she understood why everyone called him Snivellus. "She- I need to see her."
"She doesn't want to talk to you-"
"I'm not leaving until she comes out," Snape said desperately. "I'll sleep here, if I have to!" He looked down at the ground, and his hair started to hang over his eyes as he let out a shaky breath before he looked back at Mary and said, "I-I can't-"
"I'll tell her," Mary quickly said. She needed to get into the common room. "Just give me a minute."
Snape nodded quickly and backed away, allowing Mary to whisper the password and go inside.
Mary hurried in and found Lily and Marley in their dorm room. Marley looked furious on Lily's behalf, while Lily had a particularly cold rage. Mary said, "Lily? Snape's saying he'll sleep outside the portrait until you go talk to him."
"I don't care," Lily said coolly. "Snivellus can freeze out there, if he wants."
"... it's almost summer," Mary said.
"... fine, I'll go drive him off." Lily got up and went downstairs, leaving Mary and Marley in the room….
"Severus changed before then." Mary wasn't letting this go.
"What?"
"When he came to talk to you that night, he looked distraught. He's not as bad as you thought he was."
Lily didn't say anything. Instead, she looked awkwardly away at her desk.
Mary sighed. "If you're too busy-"
"No," Lily said. "I just… let me think something over tonight, yeah?"
Mary nodded. "Alright. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Night."
"Night." The door shut, and Mary took her time in returning to her dorm room. As she got under the covers, she pulled them over her head once she realized she'd stood up for Severus. She knew he didn't want that, and if he found out, she didn't know if he'd forgive her. It almost felt like a betrayal, revealing how he'd behaved when Lily wasn't around.
And if Mary had accidentally let slip that Severus was in love with Lily….
If ever there was something to keep to herself, that was it.
Lily I
"Night."
"Night."
Lily shut the door and went back to her desk to write, when she heard Marlene draw the curtains back. She quickly pulled a loose sheet of parchment over the book and turned her head. "Hey, Marley."
"Hi." Marlene didn't have her usual cheer.
"You didn't want to talk to Mary?"
Marlene avoided eye contact. "She doesn't want to talk to me."
"... if you want to make things right, you should try getting along with-"
"I won't talk to him anymore," Marlene said. "I can work with him in class, but I'm not…."
"What?"
"What if Sirius loses interest in me?"
"Marl-"
"I know, but… I've been trying to get his attention since our first year, and now that he sees me… now that he wants to go out with me-"
"We both know this isn't about Sirius."
Marlene's eyes widened a bit. "He's one reason-"
"I'm trying to be patient," Lily said. "You need to know that whatever you've done hurts Mary."
"I don't know what's going on!" Marlene exploded. "Everyone except for Mary thinks Snape's the one attacking students-"
"McGonagall thinks Severus is innocent-"
"Probably because Dumbledore said so," Marlene shot back.
"And Dumbledore thinks he's innocent."
Marlene's face went red. "Lily, everything, everything, points to Snape being the culprit!"
"Why would he-" Lily stopped what she was about to say and held up a hand. "Look, I have to study for Charms tomorrow. Don't you have a birthday party to plan for Sirius?"
Marlene's face, which was already red, turned crimson as her face relaxed a bit. "I… I already have something in mind…."
"Good," Lily said. She didn't know what that meant, but at least not everything was about Severus. Sometimes, it was about Sirius.
"... good night." Marlene quickly shut the curtains.
Lily turned back to the parchment and moved it out of the way before writing.
Are you still there?
Always.
Dirk Cresswell was found. Petrified.
Severus?
He found the body.
Two for two.
He's not guilty.
Then it must be a coincidence. What are the odds that the same student finds two victims?
I have to admit, it's suspicious.
Has James commented?
He's more upset that Quidditch might be cancelled if the attacks keep up.
Does he have no other hobbies?
I'm not sure; ever since he stopped bullying people, he's been rather subdued. He only really talks about Quidditch or the upcoming holiday.
Are you sure you wouldn't want to go to his home for dinner?
I've already made plans with my family. And I want to have that talk with Severus.
I see. Is there anything else?
I'm still a bit upset.
The cockerels?
What do you think killed them?
Maybe Acromantulae?
But we didn't find any.
No, but according to Kettleburn, there were two incisions on each body, yes?
And a snapped neck. On every body.
True. Yes, this is odd.
I must've been out of it; I don't remember too much of what happened.
Perhaps you ought to retire earlier?
I think you're right. Good night, Tom.
Good night, Lily.
Remus I
Friday, 12 November 1976
Remus was busy sipping his hot cocoa while reading the paper. It had taken most of his self-control not to leap out of his seat and shout to the high heavens when he saw Damocles Belby's picture on the front page, accompanied by the following title:
A CURE FOR LYCANTHROPY, OR A WEAPON FOR WEREWOLVES?
Two arguments were being presented from opposing sides. One side proposed that the production and sale of this new Wolfsbane Potion would destigmatize lycanthropy and help victims of the curse live fulfilling lives. The other side proposed that the potion would allow werewolves more autonomy during the transformation, allowing them to target and kill with greater intelligence and precision.
Needless to say, it was a point of contention.
Apparently, the test had been performed the previous Sunday night, and each test subject exhibited greater awareness and control while under the effects, albeit not entirely. The subjects in question had been required to take the potion once a week, and they had started just two weeks before the full moon. Belby was explaining that, due to the proximity to the full moon, the subjects had been given more potent doses, and that future tests would use weaker doses over the course of a month. Remus didn't know the recipe for it, so it seemed like it could be difficult to make on his own. He hoped it was cheap.
"Alright, Moony?" James sat down at the table.
"Did you read this?" Remus showed him the front page. He watched as James's eyes widened.
"This is it!" James said, smirking. "I think they've done it!'
"Your parents were sponsoring Belby, weren't they? Didn't they know?"
"No one knew, much. Belby's sponsorship wasn't that costly. Actually, pretty cheap. Then again, he had other people giving him money. I thought he was making something for witches for that time of the month."
"So did Snape," Remus mused, thinking back to the Hallowe'en Party. He thought James's demeanor shifted a bit at the sound of Snape's name, but he couldn't tell.
"Padfoot's sleeping in," James said. "I think the party yesterday tuckered him out."
"Sirius Black, tuckered out? That'll be the day."
"It's not every day that a boy becomes a man," James said suggestively. He leaned in and whispered, "Did you hear that Marley went upstairs with him?"
Remus almost choked on the cocoa he was drinking. "What?!" He had gone on his patrol sometime during the party in the common room. God knew what the two of them had gotten up to.
"I don't know the details," James said, "but they were up there for a bit."
"Morning." Remus and James turned to see that Sirius was descending the staircase with an odd… relaxed posture. He slid into one of the vacant chairs and leaned back. "So… last night went well."
"Sirius. Friend." James turned in his chair and leaned closer. "What exactly happened between you and Marley?"
"Why Prongs, a gentleman never kisses and tells!" Sirius feigned offense before smirking and put his hand over his mouth as he whispered something into James's ear.
James's face went red, something Remus hadn't really seen, and the bespeckled boy said, "She really-"
"Yep."
"Are you serious?"
"Of course."
"With her-"
"Indeed."
"But how-"
"She was very enthusiastic."
"... do you think Lily and I could get that far?"
"Before graduation? Absolutely."
"Sirius," Remus said gently, "maybe she wouldn't appreciate you being so… candid about your time together?"
Sirius shrugged. "It's fine if neither of you say anything."
"On my honor," James said, raising one hand while placing the other on his heart. "Remus?"
Remus groaned. "Doubly."
"One more month," Sirius said, grinning. "Moony, you've no idea how good the food is at James's house."
"I can only imagine." Remus was still feeling uneasy, for a multitude of reasons he didn't want to think about. "James… do your parents know?"
"About…." James's voice trailed off. "Oh. No, they don't."
"... oh my God."
"What's wrong?" Sirius asked.
"I've been saying that I go home once a month to help Tad through… you know."
"And he's been invited too…." Sirius seemed like he understood. "Mate, maybe you should let him know in advance?"
"How am I supposed to explain this?!" Remus's voice was a hoarse whisper, despite the amount of cocoa he'd had. "If he finds out that I've been using him as an excuse-"
"Maybe write to him?" James asked.
"And risk someone reading the letter?!"
"I don't think they read our mail," Sirius said in a reassuring manner. "Write a letter, and then when he writes back, have one of us read it out loud for you."
Remus nodded reluctantly. Maybe having someone else read it would make it easier.
"Don't worry about bringing anything to dinner," James said. "Mum and Dad have everything we need."
"I think Peter's mum might be bringing trifle," Remus said.
"Should he have any of it?" James asked. "He's been doing pretty well with his weight recently."
"It's Christmas!" Sirius said. "Let him live a little."
"Where is he, by the way?" Remus asked.
"He's preparing for this morning's outing," James said. "He won't be available for breakfast."
"Speaking of investigating, I did some reading." Sirius leaned in a bit as he said, "Slytherin, Petrification, the Cock Massacre-"
"The what?"
"Let me add some levity. All of it points to the attacker being… a basilisk."
James's mouth dropped open, and Remus thought his mouth dropped open too. "A…."
"Basilisk," Sirius repeated. "I'm certain."
"That doesn't make sense," Remus said. "If that was the case, then wouldn't we have two dead students? Unless…."
"If it's indirect eye contact, like a reflection, then it could result in petrification," Sirius continued.
"Hold on," James said. "What are the odds that both Creevey and Cresswell looked at the basilisk in some sort of reflective surface instead of eye contact? Doesn't that seem a bit too convenient?"
"You have a point," Sirius admitted.
"Do you mean to tell me that Snape unleashed a basilisk on the school?" Remus asked.
"Sounds like it," James said.
"Really? Severus Snape, known for his hatred of Dark Creatures and overall paranoia, would unleash the most dangerous Dark Creature known to man in a school that he himself attends?"
"Well, if he's stupid enough to go down a tunnel-"
"Enough," James said, cutting Sirius off. He turned to Remus and said, "Think about this, then: if Snape isn't involved, then why would he suggest to Lily to keep a hand mirror on her?"
"To look around corners…." Remus trailed off.
"Reflective surface," Sirius said. "He knows."
"If his goal is to kill people," Remus asked, "then why suggest the mirrors?"
"Well, he told Lily so that he can save her from being killed," James explained. "Then, all he has to do is… I don't know, take her away?"
"You think he's doing this to get his hands on Lily?" Remus couldn't believe he almost believed them. "Come on, you know that's rubbish."
"Is it?" Sirius asked. "You can't expect people to change overnight, do you? For all you know, he could be lying about his change of heart."
"By that logic, I shouldn't trust you and James," Remus shot back.
"Are you saying I'm not doing enough?" James's voice was calm, too calm for Remus's liking.
"W-well, how else do you expect me to react?" Remus asked. "Unless you two can find- wait, you're not even supposed to be involved with any of this!"
"We're not chasing basilisks," Sirius said dismissively. "We're just researching. If you're patrolling the halls, who knows what you'll find?"
Remus sighed and took a sip of his now-cold cocoa. "I guess."
"Breakfast?" James asked. "I think they have kippers today."
"I'm set," Remus said, gesturing to his cocoa.
"See you in class." James and Sirius left the common room, leaving Remus to ruminate on everything he'd just heard, barring the loss of Sirius's virginity (presumably).
Tad would need to know about what Remus had been saying. It was one thing to fake visiting home, whether Mam had been ill or not. It was another thing to take advantage of Tad's grief…. The more thought Remus put into it, the sicker he felt. Was he really reaching the point where he would use something like this as a cover story? If he was, he didn't like it.
The silver lining was that neither Remus nor Tad would be alone for Christmas. They were both looking forward to visiting the Potters for Christmas dinner, and even more now that Sirius and the Pettigrews would be there. He'd only heard about Enid Pettigrew's famous trifle; it was the sort that would make house-elves blush, and one bite had almost made Remus give up on chocolate. Almost.
As for Sirius's working theory… it didn't sound wrong, but it didn't sound right. Remus was, by all means, better in Defense than the other three boys, especially when it came to Dark Creatures (for obvious reasons). But he hadn't heard of or seen any instances of spiders fleeing from the castle; it didn't mean that it hadn't happened, but currently, there were no reports. But if a basilisk was on the loose, surely more people would be dead by now. And if Snape was involved, how could he control such a creature?
And as for Peter… what the hell was he doing on that outing?!
Severus II
"... you have ten seconds to explain yourself," Severus said to Pettigrew. Regulus had only just left, and he himself was just about to leave for breakfast when the fucking rat ran in. It was nothing short of a miracle that the Slytherin Prefect hadn't noticed.
"They told me to come," Pettigrew explained. "Since you're going to the Great Hall for meals now, they wanted to use the chance for me to search the room."
Of course."Very well. Before I leave, do you have anything to report?"
"Nothing, really," Pettigrew answered nervously. "Well, Mary's not staying at the castle for the holiday anymore… we celebrated Sirius's birthday… I've lost about half a stone…."
Severus didn't know whether to be disappointed at Pettigrew's information, or disappointed in himself for expecting anything better. Anything useful had already been gleaned; he knew that there would be a party involving the future Death Eaters, and he knew Lucius was hosting it at the Manor. He also knew another party would be held during the Easter holiday. The only good part of Pettigrew's update was knowing that MacDonald would be going home for the holiday.
"Very well." Severus stood and grabbed his outer robe from the wardrobe. "For future reference, I have photographic memory. If I find anything moved or missing… I'll know."
Satisfied with Pettigrew's fearful expression, Severus made his way down the staircase and into the Great Hall. As he sat down, he could practically feel the animosity in Mulciber's glare.
"Easy," Rosier said, and Severus felt the glare vanish and turn away. Rosier then continued with his conversation. "With one month until the holiday, I expect each and every Slytherin here to perform well in their exams. Talkalot, Snape, I hope the two of you will assist in reminding the others in our House?"
"Certainly," Talkalot replied.
Severus nodded.
"Also," Rosier continued, "perhaps it may be prudent for Snape to aid in tutoring the younger students. Preferably those in subjects where they may fall short?"
"If they can afford three knuts an hour," Severus replied.
"A bargain," Rosier remarked. Severus could hear the false smile in his voice. "Very good. In that case, you could host lessons in the common room."
"I would prefer a more public location," Severus replied. "That way, I can expand my services."
Rosier's good mood seemed to shift, but it was Regulus who responded. "Would it not be best to focus on your own House?"
"Perhaps," Severus admitted, "but if I can tutor from every House, I can get more money. Not to mention Dumbledore would see it as a service to the school and award me in some way."
There was a brief silence before Rosier said, "Practical. Very well. Just keep in mind the sort of people you'll be tutoring."
"I always do." Severus scooped some porridge into a bowl before grabbing some of the bacon and sausage, cutting them into pieces and mixing them in. He did the same with any available vegetables at the table.
"What's this, then?" Regulus asked. He sounded genuinely confused.
"The house-elves don't serve groaty pudding," Severus answered. "I have to improvise."
"You're a Brummie?" Talkalot asked.
Severus made eye contact with her. "A Yam-Yam, if you don't mind."
"What's the difference?"
"Yam-Yams don't live in Birmingham."
"Oh." Talkalot looked at the bowl and said, "Well, it looks… traditional."
Severus ignored the obvious discomfort in her voice before he dug in. It wasn't the same, but it was manageable. He stood and said, "I need to prepare for class."
Severus got up and began walking out of the Great Hall when he heard footsteps follow him. He glanced behind as Lily and MacDonald approached him. He wasn't sure why, but he stopped and asked, "Is something the matter?"
"No," Lily said. "I was just wondering what you and the other Slytherins were talking about."
"Rosier wants me to start tutoring the younger students," Severus explained. "My going rate is three knuts per hour."
"... oh." MacDonald didn't sound happy.
"I'm not happy about it either," Severus said, "but it's decent money."
"But…."
"What is it?"
"How many people do you expect to show up? Everyone thinks you sent Adrian and Cresswell to the Hospital Wing." MacDonald brought up a good point. Rosier had initially intended for Severus to tutor the Slytherins, and Severus had only really pushed to tutor from other Houses so that MacDonald could continue her lessons. He supposed it didn't really matter too much, but it would place MacDonald in a literal den of vipers.
"Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw may be more hesitant," Severus admitted. "And I doubt that any Gryffindors, other than you, would show up. But I'm still getting paid, which is good."
"Are you sure you should be doing this?" Lily asked. The disapproval in her voice was palpable.
"Am I not allowed to charge people for tutoring?" Severus asked. "Or is it because they're Slytherins?"
"I was going to say it's because you're taking thirteen advanced classes," Lily answered. "And so close to the holiday-"
"It's only for remedial students," Severus insisted. "There aren't many of those in Slytherin."
"Am I remedial?" MacDonald asked.
"Technically, you were," Severus replied. "Give it a month, and you'll be giving everyone else a run for their money."
"Even you?"
"Let's not get carried away."
MacDonald laughed a bit. "Oh, I'm heading home this year. Could I have your address?"
There were a few things Severus wouldn't expect to be asked, and this was something he hadn't even considered as part of that list. "Why?"
"I'm writing Christmas cards to my friends," MacDonald explained.
"Ah. Well, I'll write it down for you when I have the time."
"Thanks!" MacDonald turned to Lily and said, "I have to go to Potions."
"We'll walk you back," Severus said. "Lily needs her things for Transfig-"
"Mary and I can go," Lily interrupted.
"No, don't worry," MacDonald said hurriedly, nudging Lily hard. "I'll be fine. Plenty of people are heading back."
"Alright," Lily said. There was a hint of discomfort. "I'll see you later."
As MacDonald left, Severus started feeling off again. This was obviously an intentional move made by MacDonald, meaning that there had to be something he and Lily needed to talk about. Severus asked, "I'm assuming you're not going back to your common room just yet?"
"Not yet, but I should," Lily replied. "Um… do you remember the night you found Cresswell?"
"No, I'd quite forgotten finding a petrified student in Slughorn's classroom."
"No need for snark. Well, Mary came up to talk to me about James for some reason."
"... and?" At this point, Severus had given up on the fact Lily referred to Potter by his first name.
"Well, it… Mary told me how much this talk we're going to have means to you."
Severus felt his pulse quicken, and his blood began to simmer. "What did she say?"
"What?"
"How much did she tell you?"
"Nothing much," Lily answered.
The hesitancy in her voice made Severus realize how he was behaving, and he steadied himself. "She wasn't supposed to say anything to you about it."
"That's a ridiculous thing to say-"
"It isn't for her to say," Severus doubled down. "I told her as much." While it might have truly been nothing, it didn't change the fact that MacDonald had even alluded to how important the conversation was. Of course, it was also his fault for opening up to her; he would have to correct himself in the future.
"Did it really bother you that much?"
Severus refused to answer, as if every fiber of his being contracted to stop him from speaking or moving. However, he made the mistake of glancing away. Not that he didn't want to be open with Lily, but that if she knew too much about how he felt, it would turn into pity. Again.
And unfortunately, it started looking that way.
Lily's eyes softened, and Severus could already feel the pity hitting him. He forced himself to speak, if only to stop this display. "Whether or not it bothers me is irrelevant. Obviously, I don't want other people talking about me, given what's going on right now."
"Obviously." Lily gestured to the staircase. "Walk me up?"
Severus nodded and followed her. He asked, "How do you think the party will go?"
"What party?"
"Slughorn's."
"Oh. I-" Lily paused, and Severus could tell that something was wrong.
"What is it?"
"... I completely forgot."
"What?"
"The party's being held on the train."
"Fuck!" Severus startled himself with his outburst. "That fucking man with his-"
"Hold on," Lily said, stopping and resting a hand on Severus's arm. She certainly knew how to shut him up. "Maybe we'll have time to talk? I don't think the party will be that long."
"Oh really?" Severus asked.
"You could sneak away-"
"Don't be ridiculous," Severus shot back. "Do you honestly think that, given my current schedule and performance, that Slughorn would let me out of his sight?" He hadn't meant to sound so harsh, but he knew he was right. What made it worse wasn't only that it would take time away from the conversation he wanted to have with Lily; it was also that he knew he had to make a good impression.
"Look," Lily said, her voice hardening. "I know that you're not looking forward to the party, but you don't have to stay if you don't want to."
"Yes, I do." Severus had to be there, if it meant regaining Slughorn's trust and procuring that memory.
"No-"
"Slughorn thinks I'm guilty, Lily. My own Head of House thinks I'm the culprit. I have to stay."
"But Dumbledore-"
"You think Dumbledore's opinion matters to him? Unlike most people, Slughorn doesn't hold Dumbledore with the same saintly reverence. He only cares about the students he can collect into his club."
"You accepted his invitation, didn't you?" Lily's voice had become accusatory. But Severus wouldn't have it anymore.
"I joined because of you!"
Lily's expression stilled, and she looked at Severus with uncertainty.
Severus could tell she was about to take a step back, but he beat her to it; he was just as shocked as she was. But he continued. "I didn't want to join before, but you encouraged me to do it. I started thinking that I could be more than I was."
To Severus's surprise, Lily took a step forward. "Maybe you joined because of me. But you started liking it, right?"
"... no," Severus admitted. "I… I don't like the club that much."
The two of them stood in silence for a moment, until Lily turned and continued walking. Severus followed behind silently, ruminating on what he'd just admitted to. The Slug Club meant a tremendous amount to Lily; she dedicated more time and effort into planning parties than anyone Severus knew, save perhaps for Slughorn. With each step, Severus realized the mistake he had made, and by the time they reached the Fat Lady's portrait, he knew that he had to say something.
"Lily-"
"I'll see you in class," Lily said. She didn't turn her head, but Severus could hear her voice waver. Normally, he would leave her be. But now wasn't that time.
Before Lily could say the password for the portrait, Severus stepped forward and in front of her. "Stop."
Lily's eyes were damp. "Severus, let me-"
"I know how much the club means to you. And I never meant to suggest that I don't appreciate what you do. I only…." There was no good way for Severus to justify it. "No, no excuses. I'll try harder. I have to."
Lily's eyes met his, and Severus struggled not to look away. She said, "For Slughorn?"
"For you."
Lily's scoff sounded weak. "You'll just do it out of pity."
"No. I want to be there with you. Will you be my date?"
Lily's mouth dropped open as her eyes widened a bit. "Sev-"
"I made a mess of things last time," Severus said. "I should have made different choices. Can I make it up to you this time?"
"... okay." Lily nodded hesitantly.
Severus felt his face warm up, and he said quickly, "It'll be just like old times, right?"
"Right," Lily said, nodding. "I should go get my book."
"I'll see you in class, then." Not sure what else to do, Severus walked away, hurrying down the steps as he processed what he had just done.
Is this a date?
Not really, no.
How encouraging.
Should I lie to you in the future?
A fair point. Even if it was a date, it shouldn't be. We have too much to worry about.
Slughorn.
Exactly. What's our method of approach?
I don't think we should push too hard at this party. Or any party, for that matter. Our best option would be to wait until he invited us for a casual conversation; that would prove his opinion of us.
That sounded like the best course of action as it snapped into place. The more relaxed Slughorn was, the more open to suggestion he would be. That was one of the lessons Severus and Professor Snape had learned from Lucius and the other future Death Eaters: trick someone into a false sense of security and slowly push their boundaries without them noticing.
The Slytherin way.
Lily II
Even after dinner, Lily was still processing Severus's invitation to the party. She hadn't told Marley; if she did, she'd put the other girl into a deeper funk than she currently had now. If she told James, he might take it the wrong way and suspect that Severus fancied her. And if she told Tuney or her parents….
Lily got out of bed and opened up the black book.
Tom?
Yes?
Severus asked me to the Christmas party.
The one you've started planning?
Yeah.
Is it a date?
No; we used to go together before we had our falling out.
Did he say it was a date?
Lily?
I take it that's a yes?
Do you think Severus fancies me?
In what fashion?
Romantically.
Are you worried that James will be jealous?
Or perhaps that Severus just wants to get into your knickers?
STOP
Too far?
YES
I apologize; I'm just thinking of all the possible explanations for this.
He said he didn't like Slughorn's parties. Any of them. And he knows that I'm the one who plans them with Slughorn. Most of my suggestions are part of the final plan. And he doesn't
You're hurt by it.
Lily, don't cry.
Sorry. I
Lily?
I tried so hard in the past because I wanted to help Severus open up.
In my experience, people like Severus don't change. They usually mask who they really are around certain people.
Lily?
I
Lily, are you alright?
Good night, Tom.
Lily didn't wait for Tom to reply before she shut the book and went back to bed. Drying her eyes, she pulled the covers over her and began thinking about the holiday. Either this would repair her relationship with Severus, or it would be the most stressful weeks of her life.