Walk the Shadows

'Now that you've gone and broken it into smithereens, you mean.'

Severus gave him a sharp look, and was gladdened to see the faintest hint of a smile at the corner of his lips. He answered in kind. 'Just so.' He looked around the sitting room and considered. 'Let's get out of here. I think we could both use a change of scenery.'

'Where?' Harry asked.

'Outside, or maybe have dinner in the Great Hall this evening?' Severus held his breath, almost, waiting.

'Is . . . is Remus still here?'

'I believe so.' Overcoming his first impulse, he didn't sneer as he said, 'Would you like to see him?'

'I don't . . . I don't know.'

'Why don't you get cleaned up a bit and think about it.' Severus rose and held out his hand, again, and this time, Harry stared at it for a long time, and then took his hand, accepting the offer of help. Severus could have cheered.

'Okay.' Harry started toward his room, but stopped when he got to the door. 'Professor?'

'Yes, Harry?'

'Thanks.'

Severus sighed, and wanted to say his gratitude wasn't necessary, that anyone with a modicum of decency would have done the same, but Harry seemed to put great stock in niceties, and besides, he knew more than most that such common decency often simply wasn't enough. 'You're welcome,' he said instead, and waited while Harry pulled himself together. Again.

End Flashback

Aug. 15, 6:30 pm, continued . . .

Fuck.

That really sucked, big time. I'm scared and I'm tired and I hate pretty much everything, especially me. But the Professor . . . he never left me alone. I think . . . I think I can really trust him.

I hope Remus is around.

TBC . . .

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A/N: This chapter was wicked hard to write. But cathartic, if you know what I mean. Next one should be out Wednesday or Thursday.

*Chapter 27*: Chapter 27

Walk the Shadows -- Chapter 27

By jharad17

Disclaimer: None of this is mine. Honest. She's rich, I'm not.

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Aug.15, 6:30 pm, continued

I haven't seen Remus since the day I almost killed Snape, when we were flying, and before that, not since just after I got Sirius killed. Will he even want to see me? What if he hates me? I wouldn't blame him, not really. He and Sirius were really close.

But Snape said he was asking after me. So maybe it'll be okay. He didn't seem too mad when we talked in the infirmary. Well, Snape is waiting, so I better go . . .

Harry quickly washed his face and peered at himself in the mirror. God, he looked awful. Just the thing to go and talk to Remus and make him all worried. He splashed more cold water on his face and deliberately kept his eyes open to let the water cool them, too. Then he went out to join Snape in the sitting room.

'Are you sure you're ready?' Snape asked.

'Yea— er, I mean, yes, sir.' He hitched a shoulder up. 'It'll be okay.'

Snape gave a grunt of acknowledgement, and Harry didn't bother to ask what he meant by that, merely followed the man out of his quarters and towards the stairs leading from the dungeon.

'Sir, when do you suppose we'll know?' he asked.

Snape looked at him. 'Know what?'

'If the Ministry has approved you as my guardian?'

With a small sigh, Snape held up his hands. 'I'm not sure, Harry. They will undoubtedly send someone to question your . . . and my sanity with regard to this plan,' Harry snorted a laugh as Snape continued, 'and they may want some proof that I have nothing nefarious in mind for you.'

Harry gave him a sidelong glance. 'Well, I'll be sure and not mention the times you've threatened to use me for potions.'

Snape's lips twisted in the familiar almost-smile, and Harry was glad to have seen it.

As they neared the second floor, Harry realized they were heading towards the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor's office. He glanced at Snape again, to find the Potions Master watching him. 'Is Lupin . . .?'