Drabble: In the Red

[alisanne]

Title: In the Red
Author: alisanne
Word Count: 100 x 5
Rating: PG
Challenge: Written for snupin100/snupin100/snupin100's prompt #496: Red.
This is the next in my Snupin School Days Series (LJ/IJ/DW).
Characters: Severus Snape/Remus Lupin.
Beta(s): sevfan and emynn.
Authors Notes: AU. Help arrives.
Disclaimer: The characters contained herein are not mine. No money is being made from this fiction, which is presented for entertainment purposes only.


~

In the Red

~

After some initial surprise, McGonagall reacted favourably to the idea. Potter seemed fine with it as well. It was Black who, red-faced, pulled Remus aside for an intense conversation.

Severus watched from the sidelines, eyes narrowed.

“He’s just being protective.”

Dragging his gaze from Black and Remus, Severus looked at Potter. “Excuse me?”

“Siri.” Potter offered a faint smile. “He’d go to ends of the earth for a friend. He just doesn’t want to see Remus hurt.” His expression sobered. “Nor do any of us.”

“I’ve no plans to hurt him,” Severus said.

Potter nodded. “No one ever plans to.”

~

Whatever Remus said to Black worked since, with the exception of shooting some dark looks at Severus, he didn’t express any other misgivings.

McGonagall made arrangements to spirit them out of the castle before the holidays, citing a mysterious ailment that necessitated their transfer to St Mungo’s.

“The stories are mad,” said Lily that evening. “Everything from dragon pox to male pregnancy.”

Severus huffed. “And who’s supposed to be pregnant?”

Lily grinned. “The going theory is, you are.” She leaned in. “According to James, it’s not for lack of trying with Remus.”

Severus thought his face would be permanently red.

~

Escaping the castle was surprisingly easy. Severus half expected a confrontation with Avery and Yaxley, but their trip to McGonagall’s office was uneventful. And, with the headmaster conveniently away, she didn’t have to report their transfer to anyone. “I’ll tell Albus eventually, of course,” she said. “But by then you’ll be gone.” She gestured. “You’ll Floo directly to Mr Lupin’s.”

Remus went first, followed by Regulus.

Severus, his meagre belongings clutched in his hands, stopped before going through. “Thank you.”

McGonagall smiled and, pulling a red scarf from around her neck, wrapped it about his. “Thank you for trusting me.”

~

Remus’ house was cosy, his parents friendly. They seemed thrilled Remus’d brought friends home. “I’ll show you boys where you’ll be sleeping,” said Mrs Lupin once they arrived.

After putting their things away, Severus and Regulus returned to the main room. Remus was waiting. “All right?” he asked, coming up and taking Severus’ hand in his.

Severus could feel himself going red. “I’m fine.” He coughed. “Should we be, erm, touching like this?”

Regulus snorted.

Remus shrugged. “I told my parents about us,” he said. “They--” He hesitated. “They weren’t especially surprised.”

“Oh.” Severus imagined his father’s reaction. He shivered.

~

Dinner was delicious. Afterward, they gathered in the living room. Remus’ father seemed nervous. “What’s wrong, Dad?” Remus asked.

“Professor McGonagall said we’d have visitors, but they’re late.”

“Visitors?” Remus exchanged looks with Severus and Regulus. “Who?”

“People who can help your friends.” Mrs Lupin smiled. “Professor McGonagall said if anyone can help, it’s them.”

Who? Severus frowned.

The Floo sounded and everyone sat up straight. Into the room strode two men with fierce, identical faces and red hair. “Gideon and Fabian Prewitt at your service,” said one, sweeping into a low bow. “We hear you’ve a dark wizard problem?”

~

Continued in On the Offensive (LJ/IJ/DW).