The Potion Master's Thank-You
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The Potion Master's Thank-You
Summary:
A sequel to "The Potion Master's Appliance". Learn more about the relationships between Severus and Stella... and between Severus and Remus, who must enter into an odd alliance of sorts.
Disclaimer:
Of course, these characters (except for my copyrighted creation, the character of Stella) are J.K. Rowling's and belong entirely to her and to her rightful agents and assignees... I am making no money from this endeavor and I intend no copyright or trademark infringement(s) upon her rights.
This story (and the character of Stella) is copyrighted and is intended for personal distribution only. Any other distribution is prohibited without the author's explicit consent.
Author’s Note:
This is a sequel to "The Potion Master's Appliance", and you should read that first.
Thanks to my husband, and to my betas -- Mincot of the Werewolf Registy & Sugar Quill, and Zsenya of Sugar Quill, and to my special Latin beta -- Versipelles of the Werewolf Registry, and to Kate Griffith & Durayan of the Werewolf Registry for giving me the idea of this story in a thread over there. That thread, and these two resulting stories, gave me the inspiration to give Severus Snape his romantic partner. As a result, "The Potion Master's Easter Holiday", a novel-length fic, is curently in progress.
The Potion Master's Thank-You
Severus Snape was sitting sat in his office, staring sightlessly at the flames in his fireplace. He leaned back in his chair, his long legs stretched out before him rather casually. Only when he was completely alone -- and expecting no company -- was he ever this relaxed.
It was well past nine o'clock; he knew this much, although he had no idea exactly what time it was. Dinner had been several hours ago, and the two second-year Gryffindors who had earned a detention with him earlier that day had just left his classroom. He'd let them go earlier than he usually would have, since he could no longer concentrate on the essays he had been marking, and he desperately wanted to read Stella's letter over again, and write back to her. He would be damned before he'd do that in front of students -- especially Gryffindor students! He had had quite enough of the snide whispers and glances he'd suffered all this long day!
He took the pink envelope out of the inner pocket of his robes once again, enjoying the perfumed scent wafting delicately from it. He ran his fingertips lightly over his own name written in her careful script, a look of awe on his harsh features. She really does care for me! It's inconceivable that such a wonderful woman should care for me.
He took the letter out and unfolded it again. He had already done so at least a dozen times today, in moments when he was alone. He stared down at it, at the words, at her handwriting. I can actually hear her voice speaking the words as I read them from the paper. That rich contralto voice of hers that is complex, like thick sweet caramel...
He wondered, as he had before... How does a woman with so deep a speaking voice sing in such a high register? She is, after all, a soprano with a very high range. I've heard her practice many times, and I've even attended some of her performances. She is, without a doubt, what they call a "dramatic soprano". She's among the few who actually can hit the highest notes in the aria, "Un bel de vedremo", from Madama Butterfly with ease; she just sails into the piece, and hits those high notes with such seemingly effortless grace and precision. How does she do it? I suppose that there are many who would love to know the answer to that.
He began to read her letter yet again.
Dear Severus ...
I can hear her voice in my ear. Gods! I can almost feel her body's warmth near mine.
I wish you a very merry Christmas. ... I'm sorry that you couldn't be here to celebrate it with me, as we'd originally planned. ... Just know that I have been thinking of you, and miss you.
Indeed, Stella, I have thought of little else but you today. I could barely keep my mind focused enough to function as I normally do, today... You couldn't be here with me, my dear, yet you made this the best holiday I can ever recall. How do you do this sort of thing? A sharp pang of regret pierced his heart, as he felt the chill of his loneliness settle in.
You really seem to like my food processor, and you keep telling me about all the things you could do with one... and so, I hope you like this.
Stella, you may actually have given me the idea... and the wherewithal... to revolutionize Potions-brewing... and by doing so, you may well have given a great gift to the wizarding world. Not that they deserve it... I wonder, my dear... Could it possibly be time to bring you into my world, just to see how it agrees with you? But -- what if you dislike it? What if you dislike it sufficiently to decide that our relationship would never work out? I wonder how I could live, knowing that I'd never see you again... never hold you... Merlin's balls! What is this?! What are these feelings?! When did this happen?! He had no idea how long he pondered these sudden new ideas before he turned his attention back to the letter, back to the sweet scent of her perfume.
I know you've said that there is no electricity in that old castle, and that Muggle electric and electronic things won't work there, but I am sure that some of your colleagues can help you to figure out a way to charm this to work properly. You know how it's supposed to work. I'm sure you, and they, will somehow manage.
Ah, yes, Stella... You're not one to let rules stand in your way, are you? You are much like crafty old Dumbledore; You're both expert at bending... twisting... rules, rather than outright breaking them. You are so unlike me in that respect. I bend and twist situations -- and manipulate people -- to attain certain results, rather than rules themselves. Yet both you and I manage to always get what we want -- somehow -- don't we? We merely employ vastly different means. Does that really matter? The end result is the same. May the Gods help anyone who attempts to get in the way of something that you and I both want, my dear! A grim chuckle escaped Severus' throat.
I look forward to your visit at Easter. I will be here, and will not be going back to Jamaica until later... most likely in June and July.
Gods! I miss you so much -- and Easter Break seems so far away. Just to be with you is worth having to deal with the noise, the crowds, the crush of people that is New York City. I know full well that you'll want to take me to this place and that, all over the city you love so well... At least your home in New Jersey is quiet and peaceful. Roseland -- even the name of your town is beautiful, just as you are. He pushed away the heavy pain of his loneliness and consciously replaced it with treasured memories of her beautiful home, tranquil in it's suburban setting.
Would you care to spend some time with me in Jamaica? Do let me know.
Would I care to? Care to?! My dear, I'd love to! That fact is, in itself, frightening; I am quite certain that the tropics would not agree with me at all -- I don't deal well with extreme warmth... or high humidity... but nothing matters, save being able to spend that time with you. I've never felt like this before! What have you done to me, Stella? What spell have you -- somehow -- managed to cast on me? How can a Muggle do such a thing? 'Let you know', you write... What shall I write back to you? What shall I say? I don't even understand these... feelings... myself; how can I possibly explain them -- act on them! But he knew that she hadn't cast any spell upon him; whatever had happened, it was... natural... somehow -- a natural outgrowth of their many years of friendship.
Yours, Stella
'Mine'... Are you truly 'mine', Stella? Do I wish you to be 'mine', my dear? Would you wish to be mine... if you knew what I really was... Or would you flee in disgust... I don't know if I want to know the answer to that -- or if I could bear that knowledge! I only know that, somehow, I've begun to crave you... need you... and I don't know when that happened. A chill of dread began to grow deep within his belly. Would she indeed abandon him, turn away from him, forever, if she ever discovered how despicable a man he truly was -- or had been? I've never shared with her the horrors that I experienced in my youth, and she has no knowledge of them. She only knows of my better qualities, those which I have shown her -- and I was so very careful to show her, at first, only kindness. I was an interesting conversationalist to her. Later, I offered her my strength, when she needed it to support herself emotionally, after her terrible tragedy. After that... sometime after that (and I truly am not certain just when that had been, exactly), I... I began to show her more than mere kindness -- actual tenderness and caring.
Severus Snape was still lost in his musings, still smelling the sweet scent of Stella's perfume when a light rap at his office door tore him from his reverie.
"What is it!" he snapped sharply, irritated by the interruption. "Go away!"
The door swung open just enough to show who was at the door. Severus sighed. Of course, it was Lupin. He won't go away, either, until he's satisfied. I might as well get this over with. Besides, I must talk to him sooner or later...
"What do you want?" Snape demanded in irritation. "It's rather late..."
"Is it, Severus?" Lupin entered the office anyway, and sat down, without waiting for an invitation.
Oh, do let yourself into my office and make yourself at home, as you please, Lupin! Would you care to curl up on my hearth rug, while you're at it?! Shall I get you a bowl of water, perhaps? Snape was feeling quite vindictive at this point.
"I just saw a couple of Gryffindor students leave the dungeons a while ago. They must have done detention. I thought you'd still be in your office... as you are." Lupin wasn't at all apologetic. In fact, he looked quite pleased with himself.
Ah, Lupin thought to himself, I see he's got that letter out, and he's been reading it. No wonder he's ready to hex me for interrupting his reveries! For Lupin had indeed noticed Severus' obvious rage. I wonder who she is... Mmmmmmmm... that sweet floral scent is… quite distracting! Snape's voice cut into Remus' thoughts.
"Since you are here, Lupin, sit down. Let's get this over with," Snape snarled sourly.
Lupin nodded towards the letter, still clutched in Snape's hand.
"I see you've got that letter out. Who's it from, Severus?" He spoke his words lightly, but he knew that Severus would most likely take them as those of a prying busybody. And perhaps he wouldn't be too far wrong...
Severus flinched, and his eyes widened. Then, carefully, with the ease of long habit and practice, he erased all traces of emotion from his face. Only when he knew it to be completely blank did he speak.
"Actually, Lupin, I meant to talk to you about that. I suppose that now is as good a time as any... At least, we won't be interrupted. Sit down." Severus very carefully placed no inflection whatsoever on his words, and his eyes gave nothing away. He slowly folded the letter and put it back in its envelope, and placed it back inside his robes.
Remus was stunned. Severus wants to talk to me about his female acquaintance?! Why? What's this all about? He warily watched Severus -- his facial expression, his entire body posture -- for any clues as to what Severus might be feeling. Remus sniffed the air carefully -- more carefully than usual -- and he smelled a lot of tension... and anger, although that was dissipating... and something else... was that... Remus recognized the distinct odor that any animal gave off when it was trying to appease a more alpha -- or agressive -- animal! Why would Severus possibly smell like that?! He felt the hackles of the wolf rise up...
To buy a few moments, in which he might settle his nerves, Remus said, "Perhaps some tea, Severus?"
Snape grimaced, but he started for the door. "I'll be back in a few minutes, Lupin, with some tea," he said over his shoulder. He left, leaving his office door wide open.
Snape returned in a short while, with a tray, on which was a teapot, cups and saucers, spoons, a bowl of sugar, small pitcher of milk, and a small plate of biscuits. He set the tray on the edge of his desk before walking around it to the far side. Still standing, he poured two cups of tea.
"Sugar? Milk?" he asked Lupin.
"Plain, Severus. Like you, I take my tea plain." Lupin responded with a slight smile playing about the corners of his mouth.
'Oh, I'm supposed to remember how a werewolf takes his tea?' Severus thought angrily. A moment later, he wondered why Lupin would ever bother to notice how he preferred to take his own tea. He pushed one teacup on its saucer towards Lupin, who took it from the edge of the desk, and held it in one large hand. Lupin took a biscuit, and sat back, settling himself comfortably. Finally, he looked Snape in the eyes, and waited.
Severus sipped his tea, and then placed his teacup on his desk, steepling his fingers. Lupin knew this to be an almost subconscious act that Snape only did when he was seriously concentrating on something, and Lupin sat quietly, waiting. A quick sniff told Remus that Severus was working up the nerve to do -- or say -- something.
"The woman... who sent my... Christmas present... today... is... a friend... a dear friend," Snape began slowly. "Her name is Estelle -- Estelle Barrone. She is an American -- and a Muggle."
Snape looked up, locking eyes with Lupin. "I knew Stella's husband professionally -- she is a widow -- and was friendly, on some social level, with the two of them for many years."
A look of pain crossed Snape's features as he spoke his next words.
"He died... in... an accident. Muggles often travel in large flying coaches -- they call them airplanes-- when they need to cross long distances rapidly. The contraption crashed to the ground outside of Paris in July 2000. Everyone there perished."
Severus took another sip of tea. 'Merlin's teeth!' he thought, 'This is harder than I thought it would be -- being this honest with Lupin.' He took a deep breath to steady his nerves.
"At any rate," Snape continued, "He was a biochemist, and I kept in touch with Stella -- at first, to finish retrieving his notes, as we were working on something... important... together -- and later... Later, because she seemed to need my friendship, and I could not abandon her."
Remus felt the corners of his mouth turn down in a slight frown. Snape had begun to look openly distressed as he spoke those last words. 'Severus really doesn't understand his feelings for her, does he...' Lupin thought, with a jolt of realization, 'He has no idea what to do! He's got no grasp of how deep his own emotions towards her actually run!'
Lupin noticed Snape looked at him with obvious puzzlement. "I just couldn't abandon her..." Severus was repeating, in confusion.
'So, Severus...' Remus thought, 'You really do have a heart somewhere deep down, underneath that hard, cold exterior. You apparently do have some 'basic human kindness' -- even if you don't deign to show it to anyone except one single woman. She must really be something special -- to get your attention, to evoke your sympathy, like this! I wonder what she's like? Is she like you in personality -- cold and calculating and ascerbic? Or is she soft and gentle and sweet like her perfume?'
Remus suddenly realized that Snape was looking for an explanation, or reassurance, or something. He had to say something to Snape. But what could he say?
"Severus, that's the nature of... people... human beings... We help one another when needed." Remus tried very hard to phrase his words in a gentle, non-accusatory voice, quite aware of how he -- a werewolf, a Dark Creature legally considered less than fully human -- must sound lecturing to a fully-human being about human emotions and behavior, especially to Severus Snape.
His fears were confirmed as Snape's eyes narrowed in suspicion. 'Oh, no!' Remus thought, 'Don't become defensive now, Severus, not when we're finally having a civilized and interesting conversation! Not when, for once, you might just let me close, just a little... You've always pushed me away -- even when we were boys, even when I might have been willing to be your friend!' Remus offered the man across the desk a warm, kindly smile, and he tried his best to keep his expression open and friendly.
After a moment, Snape relaxed slightly. He had evidently decided not to take umbrage at Lupin's comments. Lupin also relaxed and continued.
"You couldn't help but want to try to make things easier for Stella. That's natural." Lupin said in a very matter-of-fact voice.
As soon as the word 'Stella' came out of Remus' mouth, Snape stiffened, and his eyes flamed with anger. 'What?' Remus thought, as the unmistakable stench of pure rage assaulted his olfactory sense, 'He's absolutely furious. What did I say to anger him so?'
Before he could ask, Snape snarled, "Her name is Estelle. Don't you dare to call her 'Stella'!" How dare the werewolf call her by my private name! That is ours alone.
Severus thought back to when he had first called her 'Stella' ... it was some time after she'd been widowed. When he said it, she had laughed and said, "Oh! People always call me 'Estelle'. I never expected that you would give me a nickname, Severus!" He explained to her that 'Stella' meant 'star' in Latin, and, because her name -- 'Estelle' -- meant 'constellation' in Latin, and because he thought she was as beautiful and bright as a star in the night sky, he... just... said it. The truth was that he himself was surprised when he'd said that, and he had no idea where that had come from, but, having said it, he found that he liked the sound of it. He also liked the idea that he had his own very special name for her, a name that no one else used, something that was special and just between the two of them.
Remus was quite taken aback. Severus is so possessive of her! Well... if it bothers him that much, then -- for now -- I'll stick to using her full name. Why on earth should my having called the woman 'Stella' bother him this much? He sniffed the air, careful not to make it apparent that he was doing so. I smell raw anger, raw hatred... Good Gods! I'd best mind how I refer to her.
"I'm sorry, Severus. I didn't realize that... That is, when you referred to her as 'Stella', I just naturally assumed that it was Estelle's public nickname. I beg your pardon."
Lupin tried to look penitent. His thoughts were racing. Severus is this concerned about whether I use the woman's nickname, rather than her full given name?! Is this the same cool, calculating Severus Snape that I've known for these past twenty years -- worried about the use of a simple common nickname? What is he on about! This must be more than merely a nickname... it must be!
Snape's only response was a low growl.
"I have a reason for telling you this, Lupin. Let's just get down to it," he said, his voice once more even and controlled. "What do you think might happen -- theoretically -- to a Muggle who is discovered by any of the Dark Lord's minions to care for me?" Snape looked pointedly at Lupin.
"Oh..." Understanding was beginning to dawn on Lupin.
"Yes," Snape snapped. "Now, after the scene you caused this morning -- what do you suppose is the likelihood that any number of the Slytherin students will owl home to their Death Eater parents that Professor Snape has a Muggle lady-friend?"
Remus was dismayed.
Snape pushed on. "And how long after that do you suppose it will be before all the Death Eaters know? Or the Dark Lord himself?"
Remus began to fidget, shifting nervously in his chair.
Snape continued to push. "How long after that do you suppose it will be before the Dark Lord gets the grand idea to test my loyalty with her? Or to ensure my loyalty by holding her hostage? How hard could it possibly be for him to find an unsuspecting and unprotected Muggle woman... and take her... And, you know bloody well what the Death Eaters are permitted to do with Muggles, Lupin!" Snape's black eyes blazed in fury, and his face grew much paler than usual.
"I see." Remus' voice was small. Dear gods, he's right! I never meant to place this woman in harm's way! Perhaps... if she came here -- where it's safe... But, then, the importance of her relationship to Severus would be very much out in the open, as opposed to being mere conjecture. No, I can't suggest that -- it might be a very poor idea, after all! Besides, what about the fact that she has a life of her own? How will she feel if she's forced to hide here indefinitely?
"As usual, Lupin, you failed to think sufficiently ahead, before playing a stupid prank, as to what the consequences might be!" Snape's voice dripped with the contempt he felt.
Sounding defensive, even to his own ears, Remus replied, "That's unfair, Severus! I've never done anything that was particularly cruel... or dangerous... or harmful..." 'Besides,' Lupin thought, but kept to himself, 'I always thought out my pranks rather carefully.' Seeing Snape's scowl darken considerably, Remus hurried to finish what he meant to say.
"I know you still blame me for the incident at the Shrieking Shack, Severus. It's true that Sirius was... unfortunately... thoughtless. But it's patently untrue that I ever was! I had nothing to do with that! I truly didn't know..." He became flustered and fell silent.
"Ah, yesss," Snape hissed. He mimicked Remus' voice, his tone cruelly accurate. "You didn't know..."
Snape's voice dropped back to its normal timbre. "... what that great bloody prat, Black, had done, did you..."
"You weren't part..." Again, Snape did a good imitation of Remus' voice, before dropping back to his own normal speaking voice. "... of that little plan to kill me -- were you? Young Mr. Lupin was so innocent, wasn't he! He was far too 'good' a boy, wasn't he! Dumbledore's favorite! ... But you did remain best friends with that -- that murderous..."
Snape's hatred was so palpable that Remus could almost reach out and touch it, feel it in the air; The room reeked of it -- and he couldn't bear it for one more second. He hurriedly interrupted Snape.
"Severus." Pausing to take a deep breath, Remus collected his thoughts and chose his words with great care. "I did not know what Sirius had done, until the next morning when it was all over; what he did was despicable. I was the one who stood to lose the most -- besides you, of course. Had I -- as the wolf -- torn you apart... Well, Severus, they would have executed me as a Dark creature run amok!" Remus shuddered before continuing.
"Yes, I did ultimately forgive him... And I've more than paid the price for that, too. Has it never occurred to you how guilty I felt -- how guilty I still feel -- that Sirius so traitorously sold James and Lily out, and murdered poor Peter? Don't you think that I wonder, every day, every night, if things might have been different -- if I only had had nothing else to do with Sirius after that incident? ... That perhaps, then, neither Peter -- or James and Lily -- would have had anything more to do with him? Perhaps that he then would never have been in the position to have given the Dark Lord their location?!" Lupin looked truly anguished.
Snape was shocked. He'd never seen Lupin like this -- so openly emotional. Perhaps he really was innocent of that... 'prank'. Perhaps Lupin really does feel guilt -- and for no reason, since all that followed certainly was none of his doing…
Snape spoke quietly. "It won't change things, anyway, Lupin, so there's no use in rehashing all of it."
He looked across his desk at the other wizard in a conciliatory manner.
Lupin slumped in his chair, refusing to meet Snape's eyes.
"Lupin..." Severus waited. "Lupin. Remus, look at me!"
Startled by Severus' use of his given name, Remus looked up.
Once he'd gained eye contact with Lupin, Severus continued, "The issue at hand now is this: What can we do to minimize the attention drawn to Stella, now that we unfortunately have drawn some attention towards her?"
Lupin thought about it. What can we do -- Severus and I? What can we do to cause everyone to forget about 'Professor Snape's mysterious Muggle American lady-friend'? Besides starting a torrid public affair between us two, that is... A snort of laughter escaped Remus at that thought.
Severus looked up inquisitively. "What? What could possibly be so funny, Lupin? It must be grand, considering the look on your face! I wish you'd share it with me. I could use a laugh right now!"
Lupin was obviously unwilling to share whatever he found so humorous. Perhaps he's afraid of offending me, Severus thought. He finally said, "Lupin -- what is so funny?"
Lupin merely shook his head. His face grew redder by the minute, though, as he tried in vain to stifle his laughter.
"Lupin... Remus, Please! I could use a chuckle myself right now. Come on -- Give..." It certainly would be nice, for once, to be a part of Lupin's joke, rather than the butt of it -- for him to laugh with me, rather than to laugh at me!
"Severus..." Lupin stopped doubtfully. He tried again, "Severus, do you swear to me -- on your wand -- that you won't get angry, if I tell you?" He still looked doubtful.
"It's outrageous, Severus... although it's bloody funny, as well..." Remus broke up laughing once more.
Snape was now far too curious to let it go, even if the joke was obnoxious.
"Lupin, I... I won't get angry," he promised.
"On your wand, Severus!"
Snape rolled his eyes. "Oh, for goodness... Yes! Yes, Lupin. I swear -- on my wand -- not to get angry with you, Remus Lupin, for whatever it is that you're about to say!" He sighed dramatically. "Are you now satisfied, Lupin?"
"Yes." Lupin looked rather smug, actually. He started to grin slyly.
"Er... what I was thinking... well, Severus, when you said, 'Now that we've accidentally drawn attention to... er... Estelle... What shall we do to minimize it?' ... Well, I was thinking to myself, 'What can we do to make everyone forget this morning's events.. to forget about your... so-called 'mystery lady'... and, ahh..." Remus stopped. Gods, I hope that Severus is sufficiently in need of a good laugh that he will find this at least marginally funny!
Severus was beginning to realize that whatever it was that Lupin had been thinking,it must have been terrible indeed, considering the fact that he wouldn't just out-and-tell-it to him. Merlin's beard, make it something that I can laugh at -- or at least something that I won't want to murder him for!
Remus was waiting for Snape to catch his eye, before blurting it out. "So, anyway... It occurred to me that... er... it might be that one sure-fire way to accomplish that... would... er... be... for the two of us to... ahh... have a very public... ahh... 'affair' of our own..."
Now that it was out, Lupin held his breath, waiting to see what Snape's reaction would be.
Severus froze. He sat stock-still for a long few moments. His mind was racing. Perhaps... Just perhaps... Oh! No one would ever suspect it...
Severus suddenly roared with laughter. Remus began to laugh all over again. Before long, the two of them were howling -- shrieking -- with laughter. After a while, the laughter subsided. Remus wiped away the tears that streamed down his cheeks. They both sobered, deep in thought.
"You know... Remus..." Snape began slowly, his brow knit with deep thought. Here I am, laughing -- with Remus Lupin! Gods! Whoever would believe it?! What a mad idea Lupin had had. But -- It just might work! But ... dare I trust Lupin around my dearest Stella? Nonsense; she can take care of herself. Besides, I believe that Lupin is honorable... even if I'd rather die than admit it to him! It would be the perfect cover -- no one would ever guess the truth!
'Oh dear Gods,' Remus thought in panic, 'Please tell me that he's not going to seriously consider that!' He began to worry. What was he going to say if Severus...
Snape was still speaking. "I don't think that anyone would seriously believe -- for a minute -- that we'd ever be lovers..." He snickered. "But," he continued, "How believable would it be if... if you stole my Stella away from me?"
He looked straight into Lupin's caramel brown eyes. "If you did seem to manage to do steal her from me, then why would the Dark Lord have any interest in a foreign Muggle?" Snape was positively triumphant.
Lupin was startled. Severus would trust me... in so close as position to Ste--- Estelle... as that? He would actually let me that close to a woman with whom he is so obviously in love?! He began to see the beauty of Snape's plan, however. It was truly Slytherin! Well, I did want to get to know this woman... And I've always wanted to be friendlier with Severus... Perhaps this is a way to achieve both of those goals at the same time!
Snape was eyeing Lupin closely. He was watching the emotions flicker across Lupin's face as Lupin stared back at him in shock. I wonder what he's thinking. What does he make of this... absurd... idea? It's so outrageous that it's really quite viable! How did Lupin ever get sorted into Gryffindor, rather than Slytherin, with a mind that works like that?! Why -- he's as devious as I am! Severus was impressed. He also made a mental note to remember this in the future, so as to avoid underestimating Lupin. No wonder I never caught on to the pranks he was involved in, until it was far too late!
Lupin held Severus' gaze steadily as he slowly spoke. "I suppose, Severus, that it would work quite well..." His voice trailed off. After a moment, he straightened his spine and continued. I know that Stel -- Estelle -- means a lot to Severus, and that he must be quite worried that all this may backfire, and that he stands a chance of actually losing her. How can I reassure him that I will not abuse this trust? I will have only one chance to say this, and I'd better get it right!
"Severus... I... er, that is..." Remus took a deep breath, and said rapidly, "Severus, I'll do it. I also want you to know... that... I wouldn't do anything... anything... to harm Estelle. Nor would I do anything to... risk... our 'association'."
Holding out his hand to Severus, across the desk, Lupin looked at Snape hopefully as he said, "A truce, then, Severus?"
Snape paused only a moment before he took Lupin's proffered hand.
"A truce, Remus." I only hope that this is a good idea -- and that Lupin is as trustworthy, when it gets right down to things, as I believe him to be.
They both sat back, and breathed deep sighs of relief.
Snape spoke first. "It's late, Lupin. I should write Stella tonight before I retire. We can speak more about this... tomorrow..."
"Tomorrow, then, Severus." Lupin rose and turned to leave. At the office door, he paused, and turned halfway to face Snape once more. "Good night, Severus," he said over his shoulder.
"Good night... Remus."
Alone once again, Severus Snape took the pink letter from his breast pocket. He laid it down on his desk, and, choosing a piece of parchment from his top drawer, he picked up a quill. He paused, thinking. Finally, he dipped the tip of his quill in the ink.
My Dearest Stella,
I received your gift this morning, at breakfast. I cannot tell you how
wonderful a surprise it was. It cheered my entire day.
I do miss you so, my dear, and I look forward to spending Easter week with
you, wherever you are. Perhaps you might consider spending that week here
with me? It's just a thought, but, if your schedule would allow for it, it
might be a nice change of pace for you. We can make that decision later. But in
the meantime, my dear, do consider it.
I haven't yet determined what I shall be doing during my summer holiday,
but rest assured that I would like nothing better than to spend it with you.
Thank you very much for the potions ~ I do mean food ~ processor. Professor
Flitwick, who teaches Charms, will, I am sure gladly assist me in casting a
spell to make it function properly. Perhaps I shall start a new trend in
Potions-brewing. Who knows?
I will write again soon, my dearest, and we shall discuss the matters of
the Easter and summer holidays further.
Until then ~
I remain yours,
Severus Snape
Severus re-read the letter. Satisfied, he rolled it, sealed it, and put it aside. He cleaned the tip of his quill, and laid it down on the side of his desk before covering the inkpot.
All that done, he sat back in his chair, musing. Perhaps... Perhaps it is time to bring Stella here. I need to introduce her to the wizarding world. And Lupin and I need to put our plan into motion. I hope that Stella is as understanding as I think her to be. Please, any Gods who are listening: I, Severus Snape, implore You -- Let Stella be understanding. Let her co-operate with our plan. Above all -- Protect her!
Picking up the pink letter and the one that he had just written, he headed to his private chambers.
~
Finis ~
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