Author:bonfoi Rating: PG Pairing: Remus Lupin/Severus Snape Summary: This story takes place in an alternate reality where Remus’ spine is a bit stiffer, Severus’ heart a bit tender, and they see something about the other that makes it worthwhile. Challenge: lupin_snape RetroFest 2009, Prompt #6 (see inside for full prompt). Word Count: Part Eleven: 981 Genre: Alternate Reality; Romance; Angst; Humor Warnings: None A/N: It's got a mind of its own! I need a good whip...or a leash for this thing!
Disclaimer: The world of Harry Potter, its characters and settings are the copyrighted works of J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., her publishing companies and affiliates. No profit was made from the writing of this story nor was any malice intended in any way, shape or form to the author or the actors/actresses who so brilliantly have brought them to life.
This author is not responsible for underage readers. Please observe the ratings, warnings, and age of legal consent for your country.
Severus almost tripped over the weakly writhing sack as he entered his potions laboratory. The Ever-Lit Candles didn’t give enough light so he muttered, “Lumos!” The sack was burlap and there was a faint whiff of decay, a reminder of Bellatrix’s breath. He pursed his lips and ended the spell to light more candles.
The sack kept wriggling, but the movements were random. Severus cast several diagnostic spells and found nothing dangerous or lethal. Cutting the burlap, out tumbled three Kneazle kits and…a small skunk. He quickly cast a Bubblehead Charm, but the skunk kit just turned its head and lay still; the Kneazles were still half-blind and mewling in a pile. Ending the charm, Severus closed his eyes and took a cautious sniff; there was no stench, the skunk kit was still too young.
“I have no use for you things,” he sighed. Severus Summoned a woven basket from the corner and moved away to find some clean rags for it. Once the basket was lined, he put the kittens and the limp kit in it. He ran a gentle hand over the fur of the skunk, surprised when it seemed to writhe closer to the touch. “What am I going to do with you?” he asked the room.
Listening for any steps coming towards his lab, Severus held the basket to his chest and slinked down the hall. If nothing else, he’d take the animals to Wuffa’s Rest and Mimsy. He shook his head as he passed the Anti-Apparation wards, ignoring the fact he was acting more like a Gryffindor every day.
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Hiding someone inside Hogwarts was no problem; the castle had rooms to spare. Unfortunately, when that someone was cursed—and an Auror—precautions had to be taken. Albus nodded at Minerva and released Tonks from the Stupefy.
When Tonks relaxed into the bed they’d laid her upon, they stepped back. Minerva had her wand tucked away in her desk drawer, in another tower, and too far to Summon easily. Neither one trusted the witch on the bed and just waited for whatever was coming next.
Tonks rolled off the bed and under it, grumbling and cursing like a sailor. When she emerged, she was grey from dust—Albus would be talking to the house-elves about that—and wild-eyed. “Give me my bloody wand, you bastards!” she yelled. Pulling herself up, Tonks launched herself at Minerva only to bounce away. “I want my damned wand!”
“Nymphadora Tonks!” Minerva crossed her arms, face cold and hard. “Ye will restrain yerself, young lady.” Her brogue grew stronger as she scolded. “Set down and stay silent, gel. The Headmaster has some things to discuss wit ye.” McGonagall’s scowl would have done Snape proud.
“Minerva, please. The girl doesn’t understand.” Albus stepped forward and Tonks lunged once more. This time, Minerva whipped her wand in a figure eight twice and Tonks hung suspended in mid-air. “I hate to do this, but…” The Headmaster flicked his wand up and down, putting Tonks into a bewitched sleep.
Floating the now asleep witch to the bed, McGonagall smirked. “Never though’ I’d agree with Severus, but tha’ gel can be wearisome even cursed.” Dumbledore laughed.
A house-elf popped in with lemonade and tea and the two settled in for the afternoon. “So, Minerva, tell me about your young man…”
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“I thought I was kidnapping Tonks from the Ministry,” Remus said. He stood with his back to Albus Dumbledore. He was stiff and tired, his bones aching as the moon traveled toward the full.
“Harry needed to feel he was doing something, and Miss Granger…well, you know how knowledgeable she is.” Albus put a hand on Remus’ shoulder. “You are werewolf, and these days, the Ministry is full of spying eyes. I couldn’t lose you and your knowledge in that way, Remus.” He squeezed the other man’s shoulder and then moved away.
Sighing, Remus stared into the flames of the fire, looking for something that would make the arguments less valid. “I know, I know. It’s just galling.” He breathed deeply through his nose and straightened his shoulders. “All right, enough wallowing. I still have a part to play.” He turned around and looked Dumbledore in the eye. “Let’s get down to brass tacks.”
“Boo!” Sirius wafted over and through Albus’ body with a smirk. “Is this a private party or can a few wispy folks join in?”
Remus and Albus turned toward the Library door and their jaws dropped. In the doorway floated the misty forms of Emmaline Vance, Dorcas Meadows, and Gideon and Fabian Prewett. The ghosts waved and Remus stumbled back. “Emmaline?” he gasped.
“Hello, Remus, Headmaster,” Emmaline said with a smile. She popped in next to Remus and hovered close. “He didn’t kill me, Remus. No matter what Severus had to say, he’s not evil.” She turned to address Dumbledore. “Severus caught my killer, that’s all you need to know.” Her nod stopped any questions Remus may have had and quieted a fear he’d shoved under a great many other thoughts.
Dorcas chuckled and crossed her arms, sending her bobbing through the other ghosts. “Talk about reticent. Good to see you, old man,” she said to Dumbledore. A curtsy in Remus’ direction sent her in the other direction. “So, where’s the action? I have some things to tell that moldering pile of dark lord.” If a specter could crack its knuckle, Dorcas would have. “Oh, and the two mummers back here are Gideon and Fabian!” She wriggled her fingers in their direction and the brothers bowed.
The Prewetts grinned and just stood back until the others had had their say. When Dumbledore stepped through Dorcas, Remus and Sirius began talking quietly with the female ghosts. When Albus laughed, Remus had to smile. Talk about unlikely allies and assets, he thought as the ghosts were brought up to speed on the plan.