* * *
~ Delicious Irony and Other Acquired Tastes ~
By: Oy! Angelina
* * *
Once Professor Dumbledore and other members of the faculty arrived upon the scene of Serpen Nott's accident, questions started flying through the air about what had happened that no one possessed the answers to.
Or were refusing to be forthcoming with. . .
As soon as it was determined that there was little the students could contribute for the time being, Professor Dumbledore instructed everyone to go about their business and avoid the corridor until for the time being. Professor McGonagall informed Lily that she would like to address her House on the matter shortly and especially wanted the 6th Years to be present.
Asking James and Sirius to make sure everyone heading back to or already at the dormitories know that Professor McGonagall wants a word, Lily headed off to the Great Hall and Library to find as many stray Gryffindor as possible.
A little over a half hour later, Professor McGonagall, along with a majority of her House, stood in the common room facing one another.
"I'm sure as you all are most likely aware of by now, a Slytherin 6th Year by the name of Serpen Nott was found unconscious at the bottom of the dungeon stairwell," Professor McGonagall spoke in a clear but urgent voice.
"It is the opinion of the faculty at this moment that what happened to Nott was probably an accident until he comes around to provide us with any evidence to the contrary. It should be said that if anyone either saw or heard anything that would suggest something, or someone, other than misfortune itself is responsible for Nott's current state, I would advice you to come forward at once. It would be better for all people concerned if any information is volunteered rather than found out and I would personally be disappointed to discover that anyone in this House had something to do with such a vicious act."
Scanning the room for any suspicious reactions, Professor McGonagall sighed as she was met with a sea of blank stare.
"No then?" Professor McGonagall observed. "Well, hopefully this will be the last I have to say on this matter. Everyone but the 6th Years are dismissed for the moment."
With the remainder of their House filing out towards the Library or to their rooms, the Gryffindor 6th Years remained with their House Head in the tower commons expectantly.
"Your detentions are scheduled to start tomorrow morning after breakfast. I expect you all to remain in the Great Hall until I collect you," McGonagall announced. "You all, along with the Slytherins, will be divided into three separate groups that will assist Professor Brewsteem in her Potions work. You will be given the details of such tomorrow, but anticipate on this occupying a majority of your morning and afternoon. I would hope you do not need to be reminded that you are expected to behave to the best of your abilities."
A round of "Yes Ma'am"s circulated throughout the room with the exception of Gwen McGinnis who was raising his hand. Receiving a nod from McGonagall, Gwen spoke up.
"But what about Nott, I mean with him being in the hospital wing and all?" Gwen questioned.
"I'd like to think, Miss McGinnis, we'd be more worried about Mr. Nott's health than his discipline at the moment," Professor McGonagall sharply commented, prompting Gwen to fall sheepish and silent. Scanning the other 6th Years, McGonagall drew her statement to a conclusion. "We'll I believe I shall take my leave of you for the evening so you can attend to your studies and be well rested for tomorrow."
Once it was certain that Professor McGonagall had departed from the dormitories, the 6th Year Gryffindors began addressing the topic of Nott and one another.
"So what's everyone's take on this?" Cassidy prompted.
"Maybe there isn't one." Peter suggested in his usual awkward manner. "I mean, Nott could have just tripped. I do it all the time."
"That would be too bloody convenient if you ask me," Arabella shook her head. "Come on, what are the odds Nott takes a friendly tumble in the same week he attacks Lily?"
"I think attack might be a strong word, Arabella," Lily interjected.
"He broke your arm, Lily and he did it on purpose!" Sirius reminded indignantly. "I don't care what it sounds like but I'm not going to be losing any sleep over poor Nott tonight and how he reaped what he sewed."
"Sirius, you shouldn't talk like that," Millicent frowned disapprovingly. "What if someone hears you and thinks you did it?"
"No one will," Gwen countered, "I'll bet it was the Slytherin."
"I don't know if they've taken to turning on their own after they were so quick to back up that wanker Avery in Potions," Remus pointed out skeptically.
"Well maybe not all of them," Sirius relented. "But I can name one who'd be inclined."
"And here's where we blame the woes of the world on Severus Snape," Lily guessed, rolling her eyes.
"Don't be naïve, Lily," Sirius replied gravely. "You may wish to believe otherwise, but I wouldn't put much past Snape when it comes to you."
"Stop it," Lily glared, "you want to have your feud with Snape, I can't stop you, but I refuse to be an excuse for you two to bicker any more than you both already do."
"Sirius might have a point," Arabella gently stated, "I know you think of you and Snape as just friends or whatever you call it, but maybe Snape doesn't feel the same way. And maybe he didn't take to kindly to Nott dropping you like a stone off a bridge."
"But I don't think he would," Millicent argued. "He's a Prefect and attacking a member of his own House is just so - "
"Slytherin ?" Cassidy threw out sarcastically.
"Assuming " Lily began in an extremely skeptical voice. "That Severus did harbor some not entirely platonic feelings for me and those sorts of emotions provoked him to attack Nott then shouldn't we be suspecting James as well? He is my boyfriend but none of you are pointing any fingers at him."
James felt every eye in the room turn on him.
"Don't tell me you think I did it," James scanned the faces of his friends and peers.
If they did, no one admitted it aloud.
"Of course not," Lily affirmed throwing a cross look at everyone who was quiet to James's question. "I know you're not capable of something like that, James. I was merely using you as a counterpoint for faulty logic is all."
Feeling slightly guilty about his previous inclination to duel Nott, James returned to being silent as he listened to the opinions of those around him.
"Well if it's not Snape then who?" Sirius demanded a little irritably.
"Maybe he DID just trip," Lily shrugged, "in any sense, I'm sure Nott will be able to mention something to the contrary once he comes around."
"What if he tries to blame one of us?" Remus mentioned thoughtfully. "I wouldn't put it past Nott to try and save face or just get the lot of us in more trouble than we already are."
"Well he'll just have to prove it won't he?" Lily noted. "Most of us have more than one person who can lay claim to where we were."
"Not all of us," Cassidy reported grimly. "Peter went off ahead of the House back teh the dorms, Sirius broke off from the group fer a bit, and James didn't come about fer dinner at all."
The three boys turned to Cassidy with scandalous expressions before the tall, dark girl waved them off.
"Oh stop it, I'm not accusing yeh! Even I left the table fer a bit teh powder my nose, yeh gits." Cassidy scowled defensively. "I'm just saying it's going to look suspicious fer the lot of us if Nott takes to pointing fingers."
"Well, there's no sense in worrying about it unless that actually happens," Lily sighed. "Let's just do a bit of homework and try to take our minds off this night and the day we can expect tomorrow."
Murmuring in agreement, the Gryffindors made there ways up to the dormitories to retrieve their study supplies. Lily placed a hand on James's shoulder to keep him back with her for a moment.
"Where exactly were you around dinner, James?" Lily inquired softly.
"Lily, you're not suggesting - " James's voice was wounded.
"All I know is Peter and Sirius claimed you were feeling ill and weren't up to dinner," Lily locked eyed with James, "but I find you bounding up with Sirius once Nott was discovered not seeming all that under the weather to me."
"I - " James wasn't sure what to say for himself.
He didn't want Lily to think he had anything to do with Nott's fall but he worried that the truth would get her more than cross with him since he doubted Lily would sing his praises as her gallant hero once she found out he had set out to hex Nott. Still, James had long since gotten out of the habit of using lies and misdirection to handle his problems with Lily. James felt his hand rake self-consciously through his hair.
"Alright," James agreed softly, "I cornered Nott this afternoon and challenged him to a duel on the Pitch. That was the last I saw him though, he didn't show for the fight."
Lily's mouth fell slightly open as she listened to James in evident disbelief.
"Did you threaten him?" Lily pressed.
"Yes," James admitted. "I told him I'd, well, that I'd hunt him down if he didn't show for the duel."
Lily's eyes were huge as she stared at James.
"I didn't, of course!" James insisted quickly.
"But why did you do it in the first place?" Lily demanded in a distraught tone.
"Why do you think?" James couldn't meet Lily's eyes at the moment. "He hurt you, Lily. He meant to do it and he took pleasure in it. I'm not going to pretend it was my finer moment in life, but I couldn't just be content with glaring at him and crossing my fingers that retribution would come around his way."
"James," Lily brought a hand to his face as a sympathetic overtook her expression, "I don't want you to go about avenging me. That sort of thing poisons a person. I don't want you to tarnish the noble man you are on what you think is my behalf."
"I know it's not what you want to hear or think of me, but I'll be damned if anyone thinks they can hurt you and get away with it. I'm sorry; I can't pretend you aren't the most important thing to me," James whispered. Gently, James placed a hand his own hand over the one Lily held against his face and closed his eyes, absorbed in the comfort of the touch. "You could ask me to give up Quidditch, break my wand and live as a Muggle, or even stop breathing if it suited you, but you can't tell me to forsake you like that. If you have any idea of how it is I feel for you, you'd know its impossible Lily."
Lily studied James's conflicted expression even as he kept his eyes close and understood his plight.
To honor someone or to protect them.
There was nothing fair about such a choice so how could Lily fault James for getting stuck with it?
Lily believed that he hadn't done a thing to Nott aside from challenge him and would defend his character as much as she could if Nott tried to push the issue.
We protect those we love in our own way.
Lily chose to face most every peril with her own love for those involved while James would stare down certain death if the right conviction was behind him.
How could she ask him to betray that courage anymore than he would have her abandon her compassion?
Although both had their own ways of going about it, the important thing was that Lily and James cared for one another.
Placing her other hand on James's cheek, Lily drew his face down a bit so she could meet her lips with his. Placing his hands around her, James drew her up a bit more as he leaned in closer so he could extend this kiss more passionately.
As Lily's mouth embraced James, she hoped he would feel just how much she understood him and her willingness to stand at his side with the expressive motions woven into her kiss.
As James mouth embraced Lily, he prayed she knew how precious she was to him and how her presence somehow made his a life worth living as he returned every intimate gesture Lily paid him with equally adoring ones of his own.
* * *
As most of the students began clearing out of the Great Hall after breakfast on Saturday, The 6th Year Gryffindors and Slytherin's lingered at their tables with an utter lack of anticipation for what their day would mostly entail. Eventually, their respective Heads came around to collect their students and usher them to the main corridor to be assigned their detentions.
Trailing after Professor Heilsing the Slytherins, with the exception of Serpen Nott, all had mutinous expression with Snape bringing up the rear along with his cousin, Winifred Wilkes. Snapes motivation was he his lack of desire to be anywhere in close proximity to Heilsing if he could help it while Winifred simply decided to keep him company.
"You didn't explain to me why you're serving detention with the rest of us," Winifred noted curiously.
"Professor Heilsing didn't approve of my subduing Black," Snape reported dispassionately, although a flicker of amusement passed over his eyes as he recalled the event. "Apparently she considers salting Black's wounds to be a cruel and unusual means of rendering someone inoperable."
"I thought it was a little funny considering how much he antagonizes you," Winifred smirked. "Besides, it's no worse than Evans showering Mary with leeches. Which was ALSO a little funny considering how much Mary antagonizes HER."
"Pity you aren't the disciplinary figure at Hogwarts," Snape smirked as well.
On occasion, Winifred's ironic taste in humor reminded Snape of why he didn't loath interacting with her.
"Tragic that Serpen couldn't be here. Whatever will we do without his shrill whining?" Winifred observed insincerely before glancing over to her cousin. "Do you suspect someone did attack him? One of the Gryffindors?"
"It's doubtful," Snape decided, "Nott's a fool; I wouldn't be surprised to learn he tripped over his own two feet."
"What makes you so certain?" Winifred probed. "Evans is a popular girl with many chivalrous friends and lovers."
"There was nothing chivalrous about Nott's attack assuming that was, in fact, what it was. Although he doesn't lack the imagination for such a plot, Potter is far too direct in his approach for something so underhanded. While I don't find this sort of thing to be beneath Black, he's being run on a short leash these days which makes him unlikely. As for the rest, well, they're either too inept or weak-stomached for such a thing,"Snape rationalized. "If this was planned, it's better suited for our House more than the Gryffindors."
"Regardless of who did it, I really don't know why people are so beside themselves; Serpen is just unconscious and is expected to come around in a day or so." Winifred commented casually. "I swear, you'd think he actually broke his neck by the way everyone's acting."
Snape recognized that dialogue.
It was a paraphrase of Nott's comment about Lily only a few days earlier.
Was Winifred just being ironic, as she had a habit of being or was she hinting that she may be implicated in Nott's current state?
Before he could inquire into what Winifred meant, Heilsing and McGonagall beaconed for their collective attention. Once everyone was silent and facing forward, Professor McGonagall addressed the students around her.
"Professors Brewsteem, Heilsing, and myself have devised three separate tasks of which you will be assigned to for the larger portion of the day," McGonagall announced. "Potter, Black, Lestrange, and Macnair."
The four boys snapped to even further attention at the mention of their names.
"You four will report to the Gameskeeper's hut," Professor McGonagall instructed. "From there, you will follow the directions of Rubeus Hagrid in retrieving potions components from living specimens as specified on these lists."
Distributing four sheets of parchment to each of the boys, they scanned the lists with inquisitive eyes.
"Excuse me, Professor," James interjected. "Most of these creatures are in the school stables, but there are a few - "
"Yes, Mr. Potter," McGonagall cut James off. "I suppose you four can expect to travel into the Forbidden Forest to acquire the rest unless Hagrid is aware of any viable options that I, myself, am not."
Most of the students shifted uncomfortable at the thought of venturing into the Dark Forest neighboring Hogwarts and purposefully seeking out the inhabitants of it. For their part, James, Sirius, Lestrange, and Macnair did their best to look undaunted by this assignment.
"Return to your dormitories and gather your outdoor apparel and wands if you are without them," Professor McGonagall ordered. "You four are expected to join the Gameskeeper in no more than ten minutes or there will be severe consequences to be faced."
Shrugging, Sirius threw a confidant smile and a wink to the other Gryffindors while James passed close enough to Lily to touch her hand briefly before he and Sirius headed off. Aaron Lestrange waved to Mary Tudor with a reassuring smile that she could only nod in response to.
"Figg and Snape," Professor Heilsing's grey eyes darted between the petite blonde and the dark and lean Prefect. "You will go to the Herbology Greenhouses and extract outlined potion elements from there. Shouldn't be too much of a chore since Miss Figg is apparently well-versed in Herbology and Mr. Snape lacks any ignorance of Potion making."
Snape gave no response to this pairing other than his lips pressing into a firm, down-turned line. Arabella rolled her eyes and made a disgruntled noise. Several Gryffindors and Slytherin began to shake their heads as they could only imagine the quarrelling that was expected to occur between these polar opposite personalities. Apart for Arabella and Snape themselves, Remus appeared to be the most outwardly affected person by this arrangement as he distinctly frowned with his brow furrowed.
"Get your Dragon's hide gloves and meet up at the Greenhouse," Heilsing insisted. "I or Professor Sprout will check on you from time to time to make sure you're both contributing and being productive."
Watching Snape and Arabella take their lists from Professor Heilsing and walking off without looking at one another, Remus felt Peter nudge his side.
"Do you suppose Snape will tell Arabella about your, er, condition?" Peter asked his friend in a nervous whisper.
"I can't say," Remus admitted. His jaw moved as though it were firmly locked in place. "But I doubt there's very little Snape would stop sort of to antagonize Arabella this afternoon."
"The remainder of you shall join Professor Brewsteem in the Potions classroom where you will be making potions according to her specifications for the remainder of your detention." Professor McGonagall notified the remaining Gryffindors and Slytherins, before her eyes stopped on Millicent Meeks. "Except for you, Millicent. Haven't you been told that you are exempt from this detention?"
"Oh, I know that Professor," Millicent smiled politely. "However, even though it is not required of me, I would feel guilty to abandon my Housemates."
"Very well then," McGonagall nodded with approval at Millicent's sense of loyalty.
"Cauldron polisher," Hekate Undercross breathed to Mary Tudor and Florence Copia who started to snicker.
"Now if everyone would follow me, I shall escort you to the dungeons," The Deputy-Headmistress called as the remaining Slytherins and Gryffindors proceeded behind her.
* * *
It was little surprise that James Potter, Sirius Black, Aaron Lestrange, and Walden Macnair were assigned to enter the Forbidden Forest. Of their Year, the four of them were all athletic and solid in build with Sirius and Macnair broad shouldered and sturdy from roughhousing and James and Lestrange spry and reflexive motions thanks to their years at Quidditch. And, with the exception of Macnair, were all very talented in wielding magic.
Still, the four weren't particularly eager to have something wander up to them in the Dark Forest with the intention of testing them on these things.
Sirius and James had found their way out to the Gameskeeper's hut before Macnair and Lestrange, and neither of the boys missed the Slytherins' company. Discovering that Rubeus Hagrid was not in his hut or anywhere else in sight, James and Sirius felt straying about to look for him would only land them in more trouble. Standing with the sharp and cold wind piercing at them, Sirius and James hugged their winter cloaks to them as they waited for their detention to start.
"You reckon we could get in a quick game of 'Spark in the Dark' before everyone meets up with us?" Sirius questioned as his teeth chattered through his broad grin. "Probably warm us up a bit."
"Yeah, well I don't find spontaneous combustion to be a particularly appealing plan to run with," James replied shaking his head, slightly amused. Feigning disappointment, Sirius pulled out his wand and summoned some Bluebell flames to keep them company and provide a little warmth.
"We'll it's certainly a pity that we're heading out into the forest with Lestrange and Macnair for company," Sirius scowled. "Speaking of which, what's keeping those gits? Always said they couldn't find their way out of the dungeons with two hands and a lantern."
"I really don't mind them not being around. I've wanted to talk to you in private a bit since yesterday," James led in cautiously as he stole a glance at Sirius. Noting the earnest in James's voice, Sirius provided him with his full attention as James continued. "You and I are the best of mates and we've stood by one another through many a stupid thing and have never kept secrets between us. And I wanted to make sure you knew that as far as I'm concerned, that hasn't changed."
"I couldn't agree more with you, James," Sirius nodded solemnly as he studied his friend.
A strained silence held between them as James and Sirius both appeared to be waiting for the other to speak. Finally, Sirius pressed the conversation on.
"So you did attack Not," Sirius stated quietly.
"I most certainly did NOT!" James spat out indignantly.
"Well Bloody Hell, Prongs!" Sirius retuned agitated. "What was with your 'Best Friends Forever' pep-talk then?"
"I thought you did it, so I was just showing you that I'd be understanding about it and it was okay for you to admit it!" James explained.
"Why would you think I did it?" Sirius demanded. James simply raised his eyebrow with a skeptical expression, causing Sirius to roll his eyes.
"Okay! I could think of about a half dozen reasons why I'd pummel Nott before he dropped Lily, but I'm still innocent!" Sirius insisted. "I just barely avoided expulsion for 'attacking' one Slytherin and I don't feel particularly like antagonizing everyone on the subject by roughing up another."
"So neither of us did it?" James confirmed running his hands through his hair. "Sort of begs the question of who did, now doesn't it?"
"I don't know, but I'd probably shake the bloke's hand on it," Sirius shrugged half-serious. "I reckon Nott will mention who it is once he comes around."
"Yeah, I'm sure my name will pop up once or twice in conversation," James muttered, fully expecting Nott to pin the whole incident on him. It wouldn't be all that hard to once he told the faculty how he had threatened him in the library, challenged him to a duel, and vowed awful consequences if he failed to show.
"Yeah, well he's going to have another nasty trip if he even considers it." Sirius shared James's dark sentiments.
"So did Evans get the hang of flying yet, Potter?" Macnair questioned, causing Lestrange to snort a laugh as the two approached the Gryffindor boys. "Seemed as though she almost had it right before she hit the ground."
"Don't be so demanding of her, Macnair," James returned with a wicked grin. "Considering she had just got done smacking you about, I imagine Lily was a tad worn out."
"Truly!" Sirius agreed. "After all, there's barely enough of Lily to pour into a cauldron. Sundering a troll like Macnair probably took a lot out of the wee girl."
It was Sirius and James turn to laugh. Scowling Lestrange glared at James.
"Yeah, well Evans must be positively exhausted after what she did to Serpen," Lestrange sarcastically interjected. James and Sirius's expression went stony.
"Lily didn't touch Nott," James bristled. "It's not in her character."
"Yeah I'll be sure to hang a halo over her head after she threw a liter of leeches on my girlfriend," Lestrange threw back with a flare in his eyes.
As unconventional as Lestrange's relationship with Mary Tudor may be in the minds of most others, they still cared for one another as best as their positions and demeanors would allow.
"Not like Tudor gave her much of a choice," James snorted. "Your poor love was fixing to hex Lily even though she KNEW she didn't have a wand."
"All's fair, Potter," Lestrange smirked.
"Yeah, well I imagine a second-rate Witch like Marylyn Tudor needs all the advantages she can get," James spat. "And, as Lily was gracious enough to demonstrate through Tudor back in Potions, you need more than a sadistic personality, deranged mind, and a wand to hold your own in most scrapes."
Lestrange practically growled at James's criticisms of his girlfriend as his displeasure was written clear across his face.
"Well next time you get back to your resourceful, Mudblood darling, Potter, why not ask her when I get my turn in the rotation?" Lestrange snarled with a cruel smile on his lips.
"What the hell are you prattling on about?" James knew he'd probably regret whatever Lestrange was plotting to say, but he wanted to know why, exactly, he was about to kick his teeth in for.
"I'm just saying Evans seems to have a few inadequacy issues around compensating for her dirty blood. Pathetic enough she plays at being able to prance on water and whatnot for the Professors, but she's got to prove she's good enough by trying to shag every pure-blood with top marks at Hogwarts," Lestrange was taking great pleasure in his theories about Lily and even more by James's reactions to them.
"You're going the right way for a bloodied up nose, Lestrange," James warned through a snarl. Sirius nodded at his side and looked more than prepared to jump in if another fight broke out with the Slytherins.
Shrugging with a satisfied grin, Lestrange faced Macnair but spoke more than loud enough for James and Sirius to hear.
"You know what I'm talking about, Walden. First she was about with Black, but he was too bloody thick to take proper advantage of her attentions. Then Severus, of course he's far too smart and refined to fall for some Mudblood tease's advances. I reckon Potter's the only one stupid enough to actually believe Evans is interested in anything more than his good blood and better name," Lestrange spoke casually to his Housemate who was broadly smiling at the Gryffindors expense. Stealing a glance at James, Lestrange added.
"Of course, if Lily ever gets bored comforting orphans, I'm sure I can talk Mary into letting bygones be bygones in the interest of some behind closed doors sort of fun."
Unable to stomach this slander of Lily any longer, James started making long strides over to Lestrange while grabbing for his wand.
"SAY IT AGAIN, LESTRANGE!" James challenged seething. "I'LL CURSE YOU SO BLOODY HARD YOUR ENTIRE SODDING HOUSE WILL FEEL IT!"
"There's the James Potter we all know and adore!" Lestrange taunted as he moved to meet James. "I'M SURE SERPEN NOTT COULD TELL US ALL ABOUT YOUR NOBLE SENSE OF JUSTICE!"
Retaining the sense to keep their respective friends apart, Sirius grabbed hold of James as Macnair restrained Lestrange. Catching sight of Rubeus Hagrid emerging from the woods, the boys quickly adjusted themselves to appear less like being at the verge of blows.
"Don' even bother play'n innocent with me," Hagrid warned. "I imagine yeh had half the creatures in the forest all riled with all yer shouting."
The boys said nothing in response; James and Sirius had slightly apologetic expressions on their faces while Lestrange and Macnair didn't appear to be especially thrilled with having Hagrid reprimand them.
"Well, no sense in dawdl'n 'bout!" Hagrid sighed as he gestured for the four to come along with him. "Probably best if we go an' find everything we'll be need'n from the Forest being as that's the hardest part in all this. I've spent most of the morning track'n down some of the creatures we're expected teh find an' I have teh recommend yeh stay close teh each other."
Trekking after Hagrid into the untamed terrain of the Forbidden Forest, Lestrange and Macnair feel a few strides behind the Gameskeeper and the Gryffindors as they had little desire to share either of their company. Walking on either side of Hagrid, the gigantic man glanced between Sirius and James.
"So, yeh Gryffindors are with me fer fight'n with the Slytherin are yeh?" Hagrid observed. "Good to know some Hogwarts traditions never die out."
James and Sirius shared a grin before turning back to Hagrid.
"We pride ourselves on showing off school spirit." James joked.
Sirius extended his gloved hand to Hagrid.
"I'm Sirius Black and this is my friend, James Potter," Sirius introduced themselves formally.
"Ah, so yer the lads the teachers speak 'bout half the time!" Hagrid smiled knowingly. "When they're not talking yeh two up as their best students I get an earful on how yer driving the lot of them up the castle walls."
Sirius and James grinned more at their fame and infamy.
"You know what they say about brilliant minds; tend to do bad things when they get bored," Sirius smirked before checking to see if Lestrange and Macnair were listening before he got a bit more serious. "Anyway, Mr. Hagrid, I had the intention of seeking you out to thank you for your help with what happened New Years, but I've been kept under pretty guarded lock and key these days."
"I'd imagine so," Hagrid nodded his bearded head. "Still, no need teh be thank'n me. If it's one thing I'm familiar with its biting off more than yeh can chew from a situation."
"You're certainly a very sympathetic sort of man!" Sirius marveled. Hagrid was probably the only person who hadn't responded to his prank with understanding, rather than overwhelming outrage or disappointment.
"Well, I'm o' the mind that few people are in the position teh be judg'n others too harshly," Hagrid rationalized thoughtfully. "And if it's one thing the great Albus Dumbledore has taught me, it's that some people are due a little bit of compassion their way. Along with second chances."
"Well said!" James praised. Professor Dumbledore had a habit of saying extraordinarily wise things and anyone who cared to recognize that was more or less alright in James's book.
"Yeah, well - " Hagrid trailed off, remembering his position as an authority figure. "I imagine we should be putting an end teh this social call since yeh two are supposed to be in detention and all. But if yeh two are ever so inclined or available teh do so, why not stop by my hut fer afternoon tea."
"Certainly," James agreed.
"Once Professor McGonagall lets up a bit, I'll be sure to, Mr. Hagrid," Sirius promised apologetically. "However, I wouldn't count on that anytime soon."
"Ah well, young Master Black, just stop in once yeh get chance." Hagrid patted him on the shoulder in a good-natured kind of way. "But enough with this 'Mr. Hagrid' talk, plain ol' Hagrid will due just fine!"
Glancing over his shoulder, Hagrid called to Lestrange and Macnair.
"Yeh two better hurry along in pace," Hagrid warned. "Lots o' creatures 'round here like teh pick off the stragglers. That way the rest o' the group doesn't notice right away."
Taking quick strides as they glanced about, Lestrange and Macnair rejoined the others.
* * *
It was a muggy climate in the Herbology greenhouses as Arabella and Snape attempted to complete the tasks on their list without having to interact with one another any more than necessary. True to her word, Professor Heilsing or Professor Sprout poked their heads in periodically to give the two students further instructions or just make sure they hadn't turned their gardening spades and pruning sheers on one another yet.
After an hour of silence, Arabella paused to rub her tired fingers through her Dragon's hide gloves.
"I can tell you this much, I have no desire to openly brawl with your House if this is what I have to look forward to," Arabella sighed aloud.
"Forgive me, Figg. Were you under the impression I cared to have a discussion with you?" Snape replied dismissively.
Glaring hostilely at Snape, Arabella was impressed by his natural talent for always managing to be horrible company.
"Fine, be the nasty little man you are," Arabella observed sourly as she was pruning some Alihotsy from presumably a Hysteria potion. "I really don't know where you get off being cross since this is barely a punishment for you, in my opinion. I mean, you'd have probably spent the day making potions for fun anyway."
"I assure you, Figg, gathering pus from Bubotubors so our oily skinned peers can treat their acne is not my idea of an enjoyable Saturday," It was impossible to discern whether Snape was sneering at Figg or the disgusting looking plant he was milking pungent smelling yellow pus into a flask from.
"Yes I can see how doing something that benefits someone other than yourself would be such a waste of your time," Arabella sarcastically commented. "After all, if you weren't cutting up others with your snide remarks, how else could you raise your self-esteem if it wasn't at another's expense?"
"Don't even pretend to know me, Figg," Snape hissed, irritated by her chatter. "Not when you're too thick to notice what's right in front of you."
Rather than play Snape's usual round of mind games, Arabella flashed a smirk his way.
"Oh now, Severus, if you're planning on coming on to me, you should know I'm spoken for," Arabella teased to harass Snape.
"By my lunar calendar you're free at least once a month," Snape muttered dryly before shuddering in a repulsed manner and returning to his work.
Arabella raised her eyebrow to this, unable to decide that Snape had meant by his comment. It was hard too concentrate on that too much since she was a little preoccupied with being indignant about Snape acting so appalled by the thought of ever dating her. Not that she wanted Snape to be attracted to her, but Arabella resented being thought of as anything other than the smashing, adorable girl she knew she was.
Pausing for a minute to compose herself, Arabella swallowed a little bit a dislike and a whole lot of pride as she approached Snape.
"Look, our usual mean-spirited banter aside, I need to know a few things that you might have the answers to," Arabella confessed seriously.
Moderately intrigued by her unexpected request but still utterly annoyed by her presence, Snape turned to Arabella.
"And what makes you think I would have knowledge of anything you would wish to know?" Snape demanded in a silky voice. "More importantly, what makes you think I would tell you even if I did?"
"Because, you notice things I simply don't. It's just in your nature," Arabella admitted with a slight loathing at having to. "And I'm willing to bet your brutal honesty coupled with your need to wound people makes it likely you'll tell me."
Considering this momentarily, Snape stared at Arabella.
"Well, Figg, what do you believe I know that you don't?" Snape prompted.
"What happened New Years Eve?" Arabella asked softly.
"Your friends didn't tell you?" Snape was noticeably amused by this. "Lupin didn't tell you?"
"No," Arabella adverted her eyes, "all I know is Remus hated Sirius for a bit because of it but now they're fine and everyone just tip toes about the subject like its some grand secret. I just hate the feeling that everyone knows something but I'm not good enough to be let in on it."
Such an incredibly tempting invitation, Snape thought. He was curious what Figg's reaction would be once she learned about Remus's cursed plight as werewolf. More so, he was curious why Lupin was keeping her in the dark. Guessing that Lupin didn't trust Figg with the knowledge of his condition or suspected she would reject him upon discovering it, Snape mulled over being firsthand to witness the shocked if not appalled expression Arabella Figg would produce.
"If Lupin won't tell you then it's not my place to," Snape's tone had a finite quality to it.
He had little interest in being caught up in the lovers' quarrels of Gyrffindor House. More importantly, he had been instructed by the Headmaster himself to be discreet about Lupin's lycanthropy and if a blindly trusting individual such as Lupin didn't see fit to trust Figg with his secret, Snape saw no reason whatsoever why he should.
Figg herself seemed entirely displeased with this reluctance.
"You're just looking to be a bugger about all this, aren't you?" Arabella placed her hands on her hips angrily.
"However you prefer to look at it," Snape said with complete indifference. "Anything else you care to inquire about, Figg, or can we return to much appreciated silence?"
"I wanted to ask you about Nott," Arabella insisted.
"I'm sure you meant accuse ," Snape's eyes narrowed.
"I'm sorry; I don't recall seeing you in Divinations class ever so don't go around and predict the things I intend to say!" Arabella snapped. "If Nott had been poisoned, I'd suspect it was you but that's not the case. All I wanted to know is if you have any idea who might be responsible."
Snape had his suspicions, but he had little desire to hinder his investigations with Arabella blabbing his theories about.
"Nothing certain," Snape told the blonde. "I imagine my theories are no different from the ones you and your friends have been entertaining in your common room."
"Well, since you ARE a Prefect and since I told Lily this earlier, I may as well offer up my theory to you also," Arabella didn't wait for Snape to invite her opinion. "Whoever attacked Nott, assuming that's what really happened, was impulsive about it. That's how I know it's not you. The cold and cunning would have just hexed the prat in a subtle fashion. Let's face it, a shove down the stairs lacks any tact or plotting and leaves a lot of questions to be answered."
Leave it to a fool to point out something in plain sight that everyone else had missed.
"Interesting perspective, Figg," Snape mused, lost in his thoughts.
"Did YOU just compliment ME?" Arabella spoke as though it were a truly comical notion.
"Return to your pruning, won't you?" Snape rolled his eyes.
As astounding as the idea was, Figg had given Snape something to think about. The attack did lack a certain finesse, which narrowed down the suspects quite a bit. Although he had never suspected them truly, Lily or Potter would have executed a better plot if they had been so inclined. He had considered Aaron Lestrange or Mary Tudor using Nott to bring suspicion on Lily, Potter, or Gryffindor all together, but this lacked their black touch.
The assault was sloppy, which brought Peter Pettigrew or Gwen McGinnis into speculation. But it was also brash and aggressive, which meant Walden Macnair, Cassidy Kinkade, and most specifically Sirius Black were very likely.
But what about Lupin and Figg?
Stealing a glance at the blonde, Snape remembered it had been the two of them that had ganged up on Serpen Nott during the Potions brawl. Perhaps unfinished business for one or both of them?
And this wasn't even bringing mention of his own possible hand in all this.
Although his relationship with Lily greatly resembled a splintering pane of glass, threatening to break with every additional sign of stress to it Snape was beyond displeased with what Nott had done to her. Retributive measures had crossed his mind more than once. And many students at Hogwarts entertained vivid assumptions about his regard of Lily that some whispered while other taunted. All this made him a very plausible suspect.
So many motives.
So many suspects.
And Snape had to recognize that he, himself, was amongst them.
* * *
The detention in the Potions classroom was exceptionally monotonous labor as the students present were assigned to make various mixtures to restock the medical potions and drafts in the Hospital Wing that they had used after their fighting as well as an extra surplus to keep in supply. Considering they had learned and perfected making these specific concoctions in their first few years at Hogwarts, the 6th Year Gryffindors and Slytherins were more than productive but entirely lacked stimulation by the project. To make things more boring, Professor Brewsteem had them all stationed off on their own and were forbidden to speak unless it had something to do with potion brewing as a precaution against anyone enjoying themselves or starting any more fights.
Just past noon, Brewsteem announced a half hour break from their detention for lunch. Leaving their cauldrons to simmer, the students sat themselves at whatever tables weren't being used for potion work and ate sandwiches. Since the Gryffindors and Slytherins had taken the liberty of separating themselves and their conversations were quiet and civil, Professor Brewsteem figured it wasn't worth the effort and argument it would require to make them eat in silence.
"Bloody hell, I think I would have preferred the Forbidden Forest to making countless flasks of welt ointment," Gwen McGinnis announced with a mouth full of turkey and swiss.
"Yeah, be sure teh send us all a post from between the teeth of whatever big and nasty thing gobbles yeh up," Cassidy rolled her eyes, before catching sight of Lily dawning a concerned expression. "I don't mean James of course. I only said that about Gwen because she couldn't find her way out of her work robes without a map and a guide."
"Hey!" Gwen cried indignantly, spitting half her sandwich out on Peter in the process.
Both Gwen and Peter turned bright red as the rest of the Gryffindors snickers a bit, as well as a few Slytherin who noticed.
"Oh, Peter, terribly sorry!" Gwen apologized.
"Not at all, Gwen," sighing, Peter removed his handkerchief and began dabbing at the pieces of food. Standing up, Peter smiled weakly to the rest of the table. "Pardon me while I clean up."
Making his way over to the nearest sink, Peter wet his handkerchief to get at the mustard on his shirt. Rising from their own table with a pitcher, Winifred Wilkes strode over to join him with, what appeared to be, the intent to refill their table's water. Casually Winifred began talking with Peter, but they kept their voices far too low for them to be eavesdropped upon.
Warily the Gryffindors watched the interhouse fraternizing.
"Now what's she up to?" Gwen sneered, finally swallowing her food.
"Knowing Wilkes I would guess teasing or flirting but perhaps I just have a vulgar mind," Remus interjected with a smile to show he was only half-serious.
"Peter better watch himself," Millicent commented with concern. "I hear such scandalous rumors about those Slytherin girls it wouldn't be proper for me to repeat them."
"We've all heard those rumors, Millicent," Lily observed as she poured herself a fresh glass of pumpkin juice. "I would wager they're incredibly sensationalized."
"You would know, what with consorting with the enemy and all," Gwen joked with Lily.
"Severus isn't all that bad if you show him there's more to you than opposing House colors or a will to antagonize him," Lily insisted. "And Winifred typically keeps to herself or Copia and was even big enough to apologize to me yesterday for what happened in Potions Class earlier."
"Well, gee, Lily, I reckon I just found my new best mates," Cassidy grinned sarcastically. "Look, I know yeh may not have a problem with them, but I'll be needing more than just yer approval if they want me teh stop expecting them teh coil and strike."
Stealing a glance toward the classroom sink, the Gryffindors saw Peter return to the table with a flustered look to him as he retook his seat.
"You alright there, Peter?" Remus studied him.
"Yeah," Peter shrugged.
"Well, what did Wilkes want?" Gwen persisted.
"Nothing particularly horrible, just a bit intrusive is all," Peter appeared very anxious. "She just wanted to corner me to ask about Sirius."
"Sirius?" Remus repeated quizzically.
"Yeah. She wanted to know what he did over winter holiday to Snape so that took a bit of fancy wording to get her to back off," Peter explained, before quickly adding. "I didn't mention anything of value to her though."
"Was that all she wanted?" Remus stared thoughtfully over at Winifred.
"She asked if Sirius was seeing anybody," Peter offered up.
"Yeah bloody right!" Gwen scoffed at the thought of Sirius, lead advocator of the Slytherin resistance movement, and Winifred Wilkes, Cousin of Severus Snape getting together under any means.
No one appeared to notice Remus and Peter exchange meaningful glances.
* * *
By three in the afternoon, the students were all excused from their various detentions and were allowed to return to their common rooms before supper was prepared. Worn and very happy to be done, both the Slytherins and Gryffindors were mostly resolved to do little of importance for a bit and simply relax.
In the Slytherin's dormitories, Aaron Lestrange and Mary Tudor disappeared somewhere to do something probably unmentionable, Regius Avery and Walden Macnair invested their dialogue in a discussion about Quidditch off in the corner of the common room. Florence Copia and Hakate Undercross were drifting off to the girls dormitories with Winifred before Snape requested her company for a bit.
Promising to meet up with the girls in a little bit, Winifred occupied one of the leather sofas in the commons while her cousin appeared content to stand.
"How was your detention with Figg?" Winifred inquired politely.
"No pleasantries, Winifred," Snape insisted. "I have something I want to ask you."
"Oh?" Winifred studied Snape with interest.
Taking a quick glance to be sure no one was listening in; Snape aired on the side of caution and leaned in closer to Winifred.
"Did you do something to Serpen Nott yesterday?" Snape asked pointblank.
"Of course I did," Winifred replied with a casual nod. "We are referring to his unfortunate accident, aren't we?
Snape was taken aback slightly by how flippantly she had just admitted to her crime. Pulling his composure back to him, Snape eyed Winifred.
"You willfully harmed Nott?" Snape wanted to be clear on the subject. "A member of your own House ?"
"Oh please, the only reason Serpen Nott's in Slytherin is because he happens to have a forked tongue," Winifred tilted her head and dark hair to the side to smile at her cousin.
"Did he attempt to do something to you?" Snape inquired, trying to understand her actions.
And to determine if he needed to further complicate Nott's medical status.
"Sweet of you to ask, but no," Winifred corrected. "I just wanted to play karma personified for a bit."
"You injured Nott on account of what he did to Evans?" Snape began searching Winifred's expression for possible motivations towards such an act.
"I thought it would make you pleased," Winifred justified with a slight pout, as though he had just rejected some sort of gift.
"Why?" Snape glared as he didn't particularly like being the catalyst of Winifred's sociopathic behavior.
"Evans," Winifred stated simply with a sympathetic expression.
"If I was so inclined to get my pound of flesh from Serpen Nott, Winifred, I would have done so myself," Snape hissed at her presumptuous deduction.
"But then the blood would be on your Prefect hands, Cousin," Winifred noted. "This way you get to have your vengeance, I get to fully atone for putting Lily Evans in the position for Nott to drop her in the first place, and we both get to have our cake and eat it to."
It was cold-blooded, shrewd, and almost rational the way Winifred said it.
"And what happens when Nott awakens?" Snape caught hold of the snare in Winifred's plan.
Winifred sighed and stretched out on the leather couch.
"It doesn't really matter, Severus," Winifred assured. "Nott will just blame Potter. I doubt he would like to admit a woman got the best of him."
"Why would he accuse Potter?" Snape questioned.
"Because Potter threatened him in the library and challenged him to a duel. He mentioned it to Aaron and Mary, I happened to overhear it," Winifred reported. "I imagine he ducked out and will use this as a means to get back at Potter."
In spite of his loathing for James Potter, Snape had a far superior hatred of those who would stoop to any level of cowardice and dishonor to save their own hide. Nott was such a poor example of what some Wizards were.
"And you're comfortable with Potter taking the fall for your actions?" Snape studied his cousin for any sign of hesitation or remorse
"It's unfortunate since he didn't have the satisfaction of actually doing it," was all Winifred would admit.
"I don't think that will happen," Snape informed as he began to sweep his way out of the common room.
"So then you'll tell them it was me?" Winifred's voice was more curious than concerned. Snape turned to look at her.
"I should. I am a Prefect," Snape reminded.
"But will you?" Winifred pressed.
Snape didn't answer her as he left for the Hospital Wing.
* * *
It had taken Snape a while to persuade Professor Heilsing to allow him to remain in the Hospital Wing to await for Serpen Nott to wake up around the time Madam Pomfrey predicted he would; however she eventually relented seeing as he was the House Prefect and under the condition he inform her of whatever Nott had to say on the matter of his attack immediately after he received it.
Preoccupied with removing large patches of hair from the arms and legs of several younger Years who had attempted to grow facial hair preemptively with disastrous results, Madam Pomfrey trusted Snape to stay with Nott without disturbing him. After only an hour's stay in the Hospital Wing, Nott stirred and opened his eyes. Drowsily he focused on Snape's face and appeared more than slightly surprised.
"Severus?" Nott croaked out. "I didn't expect to see you."
"I suppose you wouldn't," Snape agreed.
Glancing around him to gain his barring, Nott paused on his nightstand.
"Who left me flowers?" Nott raised an eyebrow to the vase neighboring his bed. "What are they?"
"Asphodel," Snape informed as he glanced at the card at the side of the bouquet. "Evidently Winifred brought them for you."
"Winifred," Nott smiled a bit. "You suppose your cousin fancies me."
"Not as much as she does irony," Snape replied, a smile twitching on his own lips. "Winifred is rather well-informed on matters of botany. If I recall properly Asphodel is the flower of the underworld and means 'My regrets follow you to the grave'. It's also a member of the lily family."
"Blood hell," Nott cringed at the innuendos around Lily Evans and his death. "Is your entire family this morbid and mocking?"
"Yes, however we are getting a bit off topic," Snape decided dryly. "I came to ask you about what happened when you fell down the stairs."
"Potter ambushed me from behind," Nott stated. "I was already on the stairs when he hexed me and the last thing I remember was tumbling down the flight."
Snape waited for Nott to finish before he crossed his arms and loomed over the bedridden boy.
"Try again," Snape urged, his black eyes narrowed.
"Pardon?" Nott questioned.
"Potter didn't attack you," Snape pointedly informed. "And I'd advise you not to insult the intelligence of myself or anyone else by attempting to persuade otherwise."
"What do you care if Potter gets blamed?" Nott demanded irritably. "Unless you two suddenly became mates while I was unconscious, I thought your pet project was getting him and his lot expelled."
"I very much doubt they'll need your colorful interpretation of events in managing that for themselves," Snape mused in a cool voice.
"Potter threatened me!" Nott hissed. "He told me that I was to duel him on the Pitch at supper or he'd come after me!"
"And you didn't show," Snape guessed.
"No," Nott admitted.
"Your cowardice would shame invertebrates, Nott," Snape observed darkly.
"Yeah, well it certainly gives Potter motive," Nott smirked.
"And you the opportunity to strike underhandedly at Potter. It would be complicated for Potter to defend himself against such an attack. I imagine this would be your only means of showing up Potter since he would utterly humiliate you in any other regard," Snape cocked his head. "It's reminiscent of what you did to Evans, wouldn't you agree Serpen?"
Nott was growing noticeably uncomfortable by Snape's judging eyes and looming presence.
"It was meant as a joke, Severus," Nott's tone was almost pleading.
"Pity the two of us don't share the same sense of humor," Snape's lips barely moved as he spoke. "You will not incriminate Potter since I know for a fact it was Winifred."
"Winifred?" Nott appeared genuinely bewildered.
"By her own admission," Snape replied.
"That doesn't mean she did it," Nott scoffed as Snape waited for him to explain. "Okay, maybe I don't know for CERTAIN that Potter attacked me because I was walking down to the dungeons when I was hit with the Leg-Locker curse. I heard the hex and tried to turn around, but I didn't get much of a look. But the voice and glimpse I caught was DEFINITELY male."
Snape's intrusive stare burrowed into Nott to discern whether or not he was being sincere. Once satisfied, Snape found himself questioning why Winifred had lied.
"Here is what's going to happen, Nott," Snape began in a silken pitch. "When asked what happened, you will explain that you simply tripped over your own clumsy feet upon the steps. If I hear James Potter come into conversation, you can be assured that I, unlike Potter, am entirely capable and delighted in making good on my threats."
"But why would you - " Nott began to protest until he remembered Lily Evans and stopped his sentence. "Alright, I fell."
"And I better not hear anything to the contrary," Snape warned as he strode away from Nott's bedside.
Less concerned as to who attacked Nott as he was with how Winifred was plotting to exploit it, Snape debated his cousin's motives. Snape began to question why he had confronted Nott at all. Was it solely to ensure he didn't falsely accuse Potter given the opportunity or had he intended to keep Winifred out of trouble also. Deciding that he would have insisted on Nott's silence even if Winifred HAD been the one to assault him, Snape believed Winifred had anticipated this action on his part.
Winifred expected Snape to protect her. Did she know her cousin would find it hypocritical to have her punished for simply beating him to an act he had every intention of committing?
Was she testing him? Testing his loyalties to their blood?
Or simply to her?
Only Winifred knew the rules now and only she could see the prize. Although Snape doubted Winifred would ever attempt anything deliberate against him, he knew this would provide him little solace most likely if Winifred succeeded at whatever gambit she was employing. Uneasy at the thought of his cousin running the board several moves ahead, Snape resolved himself to play along with the girl and draw her out rather than tip her off that he was aware of something.
"So what game ARE we playing, Winifred?"
* * *
There was almost an audible sigh of relief on February 1st as the 6th Year Gryffindor and Slytherin were no longer confined to their dormitories all hours they weren't in class and had more or less earned back the points they had lost for their Houses halfway through January. Sirius was still confined to the common room in his spare time as his punishment from New Years had no foreseeable end in sight. Still, he didn't really complain. Although they would not be able to fully realize their newfound freedom until that afternoon, breakfast was a noticeably cheery affair at the Gryffindor table.
A sentiment that was not entirely shared by certain members of the Slytherin House.
"Oy, Serpen!" Macnair smirked down the bench at Nott. "Would you be a mate and pass the butter this way or do you reckon you'll fall if you attempt it?"
Avery and Undercross snorted a laugh as Nott rolled his eyes but obliged the huge Slytherin's request. It had been over a week since Nott's recovery and ever since he had returned to the House, insisting repeatedly that he had fallen down the stairs all on his own, the 6th and 7th Years from Slytherin and Gryffindor didn't miss an opportunity to take a jab at him along with a few daring underclassmen.
Nott stole a glance at Snape before he returned to his breakfast. Snape only stared at Nott before he allowed his gaze to shift to Winifred. She watched the conversation from the corner of her eye but continued chatting with Florence Copia. Snape had caught her intrigued expression on the subject of Nott more than once. It was the same stare he'd notice her directing from him when she thought he was oblivious.
Snape assumed his cousin was attempting to figure out what, exactly was going on as neither her nor Potter had been incriminated.
Winifred knew he had a part in all this, Snape was certain of that.
Since discovering Winifred had misled him, Snape had uncovered very little in ways of revealing what goal she was working for. He entertained numerous theories that were all plausible but completely ambiguous in the way of proof.
It was possible Winifred was covering for the real assailant as she rightfully anticipated that Snape would help to sweep everything under the rug for her, however that still left the question of why. Extortion? Affection?
Who knew with Winifred?
Perhaps it was nothing more impressive than a means to test Snape's loyalty to her. It was possible she was feeling neglected by him or threatened by Lily Evans. Winifred was a jealous creature whom was accustom to her cousin paying attention to her. Especially considering she was more or less ignored by a majority of their House and family as they assumed her to be too ordinary and lacking of ambition to be worth investing attention in.
Sentiments of those who truly didn't appreciate the capabilities pf Winifred Wilkes. Snape was cognitive enough to his cousin to never underestimate her. Although most of his life had shared her company, Winifred remained an enigma for her cousin to consider but Snape knew two things for certain about her:
Her blood ran cold as her passions flared hot.
A lethal combination.
The arrival of the morning post distracted Snape. The flapping of dozens of Owls echoed off the stone walls, but it was a small, out of placed bird that caught Snape's attention. Fluttering towards him, Snape noticed it was a Morning Dove and carried a letter in each of its small talons.
Dropping one of the envelopes into his hand, Snape ignored the quizzical looks of the other Slytherin as he watched the dove fly to the Gryffindor's side of the Great Hall and landed on the shoulder of Sirius Black who offered it a slice of toast in exchange for his post. Suddenly, Black was staring at him with suspicious, narrowed eyes.
Snape marveled at how completely uninventive Black was in every other facet of life yet managed to notice a small bird amidst the flock deliver a letter to each of them. This probably meant Black would be going out of his way to be an annoyingly intrusive git later.
Great.
Tucking the letter into his robes, Snape refused to open it with half of his House watching with unblinking eyes.
Particularly one from the eldest sister of Sirius Black.
* * *
It was poor luck that their first day free of confinement the Gryffindor 6th Years had exams in both Transfigurations and Charms scheduled for the next day. Lily and James had attempted to study with their friends but found everyone's tendencies to joke about or easily become distracted with their reacquired freedom to cease being as entertaining as it was frustrating. After an obnoxious hour of attempting to get everyone back on track, Lily and James decided there was little reason for them to fall behind along with the rest of the Gryffindors if they were inclined to actually study and brought their lesson books up to Lily's room for some peace.
Resisting the urge to take improper advantage of their privacy after they had just got done complaining about everyone else being irresponsible, Lily laid on her stomach across the foot of her bed with her Charms text and notes while James sat propped against her headboard with his materials from Transfiguration. They studied mostly in silence, occasionally asking or answering one another's questions, but being two of the brightest students at school there was little that could stump either James Potter or Lily Evans.
Feeling her thoughts begin to drift as she reread her notes for the third time through, Lily felt her eyes stray over to James who was completely invested in his own work.
His black bangs were draped over his eyes and spectacles, causing Lily to wonder how he managed to read at all like that. She noticed that he kept tracing his thumb in a pendulum motion along the side of the book in his lap in an evidently unconscious gesture. James's mouth twitched as his mind was evidently processing something he was reading in his book. Without taking his eyes off the page, James pulled a sheet of parchment and checked his notes against the literature.
With a weary sigh, James removed his glasses from his face and squinted at the lenses before he began to use the end of his shirt to wipe them clean. Closing his eyes briefly James, stretched out his neck and this somehow caused Lily's heart skip a beat as her chest seemed to close up in on itself.
That was when Lily became consciously aware that she was in love with James Potter.
She had only suspected and assumed such before that brief moment one listless Thursday afternoon, but now she knew for certain that she was in love with James. Lily almost felt stupid that it was something as unimpressive as cleaning his glasses that made her so confident in her feelings for James but then she decided that was just how love worked.
Not when someone was at their best.
Or when they were trying to impress those watching them.
Or when they were just being otherwise perfect
When you're with someone in a completely ordinary situation and they're doing something so entirely mundane. When you watch that specific person in the middle of some gesture that millions of people had done before them and millions would do after, like drying their hair or buttoning a shirt or reading a book. When they somehow manage to make the most unimpressive motions seem somehow so extraordinary, simply because they're the ones performing them.
That's a hint at being in love.
Now that Lily knew that she was in love with James. Now that she had this revelation about her chivalrous, brilliant, handsome, generous, and witty boyfriend who still managed to be so brutally common in spite of all his talent and prestige, Lily didn't know what to do with it.
Was she expected to just blurt it out then and there?
"I love you, James. Can I glance at your Transfiguration notes from yesterday?"
Not all that romantic is it?
Mulling over all the effort and care James invested in attempting to make the milestones of their relationship so special and memorable, Lily began to feel as though she wasn't pulling her weight as much as James. It was always him who went out of his way to pull of some grand gesture. James was always the romantic one who said the right words and did the sweet things that made her the envy of most the girls at school. The most she could claim to was reacting graciously or positively to every endeavor James performed in the name of their relationship.
That wasn't anything special.
Any girl at Hogwarts could do that.
Lily felt entirely ineffectual and obsolete at the moment.
She wouldn't last long with James if this was how she felt about things.
Committing herself to becoming the romantic one this time around and sweeping James off his feet for a change, Lily's mind worked to engineer the perfect setting for her to declare her love to James. To let James know just how predominant he was in her life and vital he was in making it worthwhile.
How completely irreplaceable James was to Lily.
"Stuck on something?" James asked, glancing up from his book. Lily smiled and blushed slight at James catching her staring at him like that.
"Um, no," Lily shook her head. "Just letting my mind wander a bit, I guess."
James shut his book, smiling also.
"We could probably risk a break, don't you think?" James suggested. Lily nodded and closed her own book. Pulling herself over to James's end of the bed, Lily let James put his arm around her as she leaned into him. He began nuzzling against her hair affectionately and she sighed.
"This is nice," Lily murmured, enjoying being held by James.
"You know, I reckon we're so fabulously brilliant that we could take a long rest from our studies and it wouldn't have the least bit affect on our work," James whispered in her ear.
Lily could hear the smile in his voice.
"And what did you have in mind?" Lily coyly played along.
"Well," James turned to face Lily straight on. "The first thing that came to mind was kissing you a bit but that came off as such an ideal plan that I didn't bother to think of anything else."
"I suppose we'll just have to run with that," Lily grinned as she closed her eyes and met James with a kiss. She felt James begin to slouch onto the top of her bed more and allowed him to pull her down with him. Leaning in slightly so he was over her, James kept his hand behind her head and his mouth gently enveloping her own. Her hand sought his as she felt their fingers intertwine. James began to grip her tighter as though he feared she would somehow be pulled away. He allowed a broken sigh to slip past her lips.
Before she allowed the bliss of this moment with James and the acute sensations her being in love with him brought with it seize her, Lily recognized one thing.
In romantic gestures of the heart, James Potter was a tough act to follow.
* * *
* * * * * *
* * *
Criminal
By: Fiona Apple
* * *
I've been a bad, bad girl
I've been careless with a delicate man
And it's a sad, sad world
When a girl will break a boy just because she can
Don't you tell me to deny it
I've done wrong and I want to suffer for my sins
I've come to you 'cause I need guidance to be true
And I just don't know where I can begin
What I need is a good defense
'Cause I'm feeling like a criminal
And I need to be redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love
Heaven help me for the way I am
Save me from these evil deeds before I get them done
I know tomorrow brings the consequence at hand
But I keep living this day like the next will never come
Oh help me but don't tell me to deny it
I've got to cleanse myself of all these lies 'till I'm good enough for him
I've got a lot to lose and I'm bettin' high so I'm begging you
Before it ends just tell me where to begin
What I need is a good defense
'Cause I'm feeling like a criminal
And I need to be redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love
Let me know the way
Before there's hell to pay
Give me room to lay the law and let me go
I've got to make a play
To make my lover stay
So what would an angel say the devil wants to know
What I need is a good defense
'Cause I'm feeling like a criminal
And I need to be redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love
What I need is a good defense
'Cause I'm feeling like a criminal
And I need to be redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love