Pains and Contradictions

A/N: Thank you to all the wonderful reviewers who sent their thoughts on the last chapter. Thanks especially to Lisa and Sneakyfox whose reviews were so very kind.

I'm very sorry for making some of you cry, but I do take it as a compliment that you were so affected by the story. Many thanks must go to Laurenke1 who gave this chapter a nice read and Torina Archelda who once again gave a up her time to scrub the grammar and make sure everyone stayed nicely in character. I've tried to make this chapter a bit lighter. Please review and let me know how you liked it.

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Listen to your enemy, for God is talking. --- Jewish proverb


The headmaster paused a moment and, with a wave of his hand, closed the door on a retreating Harry and Remus, turning again to face Snape on the bed.

Seeing his own retreating form walking about and on its way to a public setting was difficult enough to witness while he lay in bed virtually infirm. What was even more insulting was knowing it was Lupin walking about in his skin and playing the role of Harry's protector as though he had always done so. It was absolutely maddening to watch as Harry's fair-weather friend swooped in like some sort of Johnny-come-lately to patch up the grieving young wizard and act the hero. No mind being paid, as usual, to the fact that Snape was left feeling violated by Lupin as he had been several times in the past.

The fact that this judgment was slightly unfair to Lupin did occur to Snape but he was feeling so put out by the events of the day that he couldn't bring himself to care. The fact that it was only half past nine in the morning did nothing to bring any kind of ill-advised optimism.

Knowing by now that there was no way to stop the two men and he would have to suffer through this indignity the way he had all the others, he turned to the other matter that was weighing on his mind.

"How in the seven levels of hell did you get past my wards?" Snape growled at an unflinching headmaster.

Dumbledore only nestled himself further in the chair next to Snape's bed and laid his hands on its arms. "Magic," he said, simply.

"And what exactly does that translate to? You didn't just call out 'Accio Snape's hair brush and most funeral appropriate dress robes' and be done with it."

Dumbledore chuckled and said matter-of-factly, "Actually, Severus, I'm quite sure all of your dress robes are funeral-appropriate. It would hardly be a difficult spell to cast."

Snape growled. "You had a house elf do it, didn't you? They're the only ones who ever go into my quarters without my express permission."

Dumbledore just shrugged his shoulders noncommittally. Snape did realize that the headmaster most likely had some sort of universal password to every room in Hogwarts in case of emergencies, but he doubted he would go so far in his invasion of Snape's privacy. Or perhaps that was just hope.

Snape huffed a very sardonic laugh and let the subject drop. As much as he'd love to wheedle the information out of the headmaster, he knew that if the man did not want to tell him he would not. There were very few people on this earth that Snape would allow to get the better of him. The man in front of him was one of them.

Though 'allow' would signify his acceptance. 'Suffer' might have been more appropriate.

Snape rolled his eyes and again chose to ignore this new slight against his person. It hardly mattered, in the grand scheme of things. He turned his thoughts to what he knew to be the most important issue of the day.

"This cannot end well, Albus. It stands to reason that Potter is some sort of attractive force for trouble and with Lucius Malfoy still about-- "

"You're worried about Harry?" The Headmaster was grinning at him like the madman Snape knew he was.

Snape scoffed. "The boy can barely take two steps without falling into some adventure. I'm willing to lay a wager that Potter comes back bearing some tale about meeting a troll under a bridge..."

"Now, Severus..."

"'Answer me these riddles three' or some such nonsense. Really, Albus, nothing good can come from my absence."

If Dumbledore's grin got any larger it was going to begin to overtake his forehead, Snape thought.

"Severus, you're not well enough to even think of getting out of bed, let alone attending the funeral with Harry. I trust Remus with him. He will protect Harry with his life."

"And what if that's not enough? Nothing is ever enough when it comes to Potter." Snape said this last morosely, as his thoughts strayed to the past.

Dumbledore thought he recognized that far off look on Severus' face as he began the self-flagellation that he engaged in routinely. Wanting to steer his friend off that topic and onto a different subject, he said, "If you're feeling up to it, Severus, I'd like to discuss what happened the other night with you now."

Snape raised an eyebrow. "Why? Surely Potter told you everything you needed to know, perhaps even more than I could seeing that I was unconscious for a great deal of what transpired."

Dumbledore nodded. "Perhaps if I tell you what Harry told me, we can refrain from hearing the same information twice."

Dumbledore leaned back a bit in his chair and began to tell the tale Harry had confided in him yesterday. He informed Snape of the vision Harry had while on Privet Drive, of being privy to the torture Snape had endured. He told Snape his own version of seeing Harry's terrified face in his hearth that night and contacting Lupin and the other members of the Order for a rescue mission, only to not be able to cross the wards to enter Riddle Manor. Finally, he told Snape about Harry's failure with Occlumency and, though it was hardly a surprise for the man, his face bore an expression of absolute horror as he took in this last statement.

Snape looked up into Dumbledore's eyes, willing to bet his right hand on what the headmaster's next words would be.

"I'm afraid I have to ask you once again, Severus, to teach Harry Occlumency."

Snape put all of his considerably lessened strength into putting a sneer on his face that he did not feel and readying himself for a fight, but Dumbledore held up a hand and said, "I think this time will be different, my boy. The past few days have brought about a number of changes, I believe. Please do not try to convince me that you feel the same way about Harry that you did only days ago."

It wasn't merely the headmaster that Snape was trying to convince. He knew that he could keep any untoward emotion he had towards the young man from the headmaster. What he was quickly coming to realize was that he was totally unable to control his own feelings. The very idea of teaching Harry Occlumency again filled him with a sense of hope and dread at the same time.

The very idea of being in a room with Harry was nerve-racking. His thoughts just then did not flash to scenes of those failed Occlumency lessons from Harry's fifth year. Nor did they shift through images and feelings of the James Potter look-alike that went marauding around Hogwarts without a care in the world or one thought on the matter of a Dark Lord trying to murder him.

No, Snape's thoughts immediately went to the past two nights. Of green eyes and strong hands that had held his so tenderly and those few moments he had allowed himself the weakness of enjoying what Harry had to offer.

He put those thoughts out of his mind forcefully, fully aware that the headmaster was staring at him with something like concern in his eyes.

He brought himself back to the present opportunity. He would have a second chance to teach the young man Occlumency. After admitting to himself and Potter that he really hadn't tried his best to educate the young man in the delicate mind magic, he was more than ready to accept the challenge of trying to teach Harry again. It almost felt like he was being given another chance to take an opportunity he has squandered the first time around. He'd have the chance to do things differently this time.

The fact that he had never had the occasion to correct his mistakes was not lost on him. He usually ended up paying for them over and over again instead of being able to go back and fix them. He had failed Harry the first time and the result had been Black's death and Harry's year of death-like stillness. Now that he had been given the opportunity, he vowed he would not fail Harry again. This was one thing he could do for Harry to repay the tremendous kindness he had bestowed upon him both on the train to King's Cross as well as the other night.

"I will admit that Potter was not the loathsome little sod I thought he was, nor is he completely lacking in mental capacity. His actions towards me on the train alone would have... encouraged me to try to teach him again."

Dumbledore smiled again, something like pride in his eyes. "I'm very glad to see your feelings towards Harry are changing as well, Severus." The headmaster steepled his fingers and rested his chin on his hands. Snape knew the headmaster well enough to know that he would not like what he had to say next.

"Do you finally feel ready to forgive yourself, Severus?"

Snape snapped his head quickly and felt his vision spin for a few seconds before he could snap out a reply. "I believe we've already had this conversation, Albus. I do not wish to delve into this topic a second time."

Dumbledore put his hands in his lap. "I worry for you, my boy. When will you finally let this go? Forgiving yourself does not mean you would have to give up your position in the Order or stop protecting Harry. You can still fight this war and protect him but will you not let yourself have some peace?"

Though the topic of this conversation had originally been like pouring salt on fresh wounds, Snape realized he was glad of it after a moment. If he needed any reminder of why he could never even allow the thought of Harry in a less than platonic way to cross his mind, all he needed to think of was his past. Not only was he a tainted man, but he had also caused Harry's life irreparable harm that fateful day. He owed Harry too much to ever think of burdening him further.

Severus snorted. "Peace? The concept is foreign to me, as it should be. I loathe the word as I loathe meddlesome old men and small, furry animals."

Dumbledore did not so much as crack a smile to that comment. "Perhaps spending some time with Harry will be good for both of you. I believe you can both benefit from each other greatly."

Snape huffed. "That remains to be seen. I will try to teach the boy, Albus, but it will up to him as to whether or not he will actually learn."

"I believe the events that transpired a few nights ago as well as the outcome of the battle at the Department of Mysteries were more than enough to convince Harry of the importance of Occlumency. I should not have let the issue go for so long."

There was silence for a moment and Snape struggled to stretch his limbs on the bed. He tried in vain to keep his struggle from the older man, but when a loud groan was ripped from his throat, he knew he had lost the battle.

"Will you let me help you?" The fact that Dumbledore asked instead of simply grabbing him and moving his limbs into a different position surprised Snape. As loathe as he was to admit he needed help to anyone, the man in front of him had seen him in far dire straits.

Snape nodded.

"Again, I am sorry it took me so long to reach you. I hold myself partially responsible for your current predicament." Dumbledore looked sad to Snape as he stood up and pulled the man up by his shoulders so he could relax in a sitting position instead of being completely horizontal like he had been for the past day and a half.

"Thank you, Albus. My current status is hardly your fault. However, the next time I see Lucius Malfoy I'll be sure to illustrate how difficult it is to best me when it's not a dozen to one and I am in possession of my wand."

"Speaking of Malfoys, Severus, what did Harry tell you about his conversation with Draco yesterday? Remus sent me a message that he would tell me later, but in all the stress of the funeral today, I did not have the heart to ask Harry about it."

Snape was hesitant to relay that information to the headmaster. He had been trying to ignore the growing emotions he was feeling for Harry all day, they being especially hard to ignore when he saw the young man suffering before his eyes. For the first time, he found himself wanting to comfort another person as he had been comforted, though wouldn't dare do so unless they were alone. The headmaster may have been an old man, but was astute when he so desired. Dumbledore knew Snape's feelings for Harry had changed, but he did not know the depths of those changes. If he had acted to comfort the young man, if the cold-hearted Potions Master offered a kind word to the Boy Who Lived... There would have been no denying his feelings to either of the other two men in the room. The knowledge that he feared others knowing his feelings for Harry were proof that those feelings were deviant.

Snape cleared his throat. "Apparently Draco came to Hogwarts yesterday to return my wand."

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, I had noticed its reappearance." He nodded to the dark wood not far from Snape's hand.

"Yes. Well, he brought my wand but he also came to have a counsel with Potter."

Dumbledore gave him an inquisitive expression that seemed to say, 'go on.'

"He asked that Potter look out for me." Snape cleared his throat yet again, though he had no need to, in order to gain a moment for himself before he had to reveal the uncomfortable and distressing information. "He informed Potter that he's in love with me."

Dumbledore's eyebrows almost literally shot straight off his face. Really, if he kept doing that they were going to stay that way.

"He actually said that to Harry? Plainly like that and without reservation?"

Snape said, "Yes."

There was silence for a moment as both men took in both the absurdity and the seriousness of the situation.

"And Harry believed him?"

"Apparently he was quite convincing and it would explain... his behavior towards me this past year."

At Dumbledore's incredulous look he pressed on. "His... attentions towards me have been very obvious. I thought it only a harmless school-boy crush--"

"Balderdash. Nothing the Malfoys do is harmless. Tell me the truth, Severus."

And just like that, Dumbledore transformed from grandfatherly, benign headmaster to hardened, battle weathered leader of a secret organization hell bent on destroying the one true evil plaguing the world. He was looking at Snape as though he was the only thing standing in the way of attaining some vital information. Snape knew enough about their current situation to say that might have been true.

"You are aware of the dance I have to continually perform in front of the Slytherins?" Snape questioned. "Half of their parents are Death Eaters and the other half are sympathizers. Draco Malfoy is their leader; turning him against me would be a death wish. It would put a target on my back in my own home, Albus."

"You've been encouraging his affections then?" Dumbledore asked this in a cautious tone.

Snape shook his head, the dizziness he felt last night not returning this time. "Not encouraging, just not denying. Trust me, I have no interest at all in any student..."

Liar.

Snape's head snapped up as he thought the headmaster had made that statement against his person before he realized it was his own conscience.

The headmaster seemed not to notice his voice breaking off, instead waving a hand in front of his face and saying, "Of course not, Severus. I'd never believe that for an instant."

Guilt made its way to the forefront of Snape's mind before he could properly quash it down.

"Did Draco give Harry the impression that he may be willing to give us information if it was for your protection?" the headmaster asked.

"From what Potter told me, yes, he seems to be willing to aid in keeping me alive." Snape thought for a moment before he pressed on. "Potter came to an agreement with Draco about my welfare." Without even stopping to really think about it, Snape knew he would not divulge the confidence Harry had given him yesterday. Dumbledore needed to know what happened with Draco, but not Harry's adverse reaction to what was a very noble sacrifice on his behalf.

"I told Potter that had been the wise thing to do. I seriously doubt that Draco will be able or even willing to risk his spotless and well adorned neck for me. Merlin knows he stayed in line like a pretty little Death Eater the other night. I'm more concerned of how turning him against us would play out."

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, well, I'd really rather not close the door on the idea of Draco changing sides. I had hoped that he would not take this path."

"He isn't marked yet, Albus, and he's not likely to be while he's still in school. But that's of little matter. His family is involved in the war to the point of no return and it would take a man with a great deal of backbone and courage to take sides against his father and all his friends. Draco Malfoy has all the spine of a jellyfish."

Dumbledore's face looked tumultuous as he listened to Snape's words. He nodded but said, "Be that as it may, he is still a young man and he may yet recognize the error of his ways. If he can be saved, will you help him?"

Snape scoffed. It seemed to be his lot in life to save young men from themselves. But Harry and Draco were like night and day. Harry had all the strength and courage of the symbol of his house. And while Draco may be sly and cunning, he had none of the strength of will that Snape typically found in Slytherins. Snape didn't dare to hope there was anything worth saving.

"Of course I'll try. The boy is in my own house, Albus. It's my responsibility to counsel my students. However, I very much doubt that it will be an issue. I can't force Draco to make a stand and turn against his entire life."

Dumbledore nodded again. "Yes. The issue may never come up. I only wanted your assurance that you would help him if you could."

Snape said, "You know I would."

Snape stretched and flexed his hands on the bed. The tremors were slowly lessening, his control of his body growing stronger. Poppy had come by in the morning and told him what he had already known about his recovery. Though it would be a month or so before he was himself again, he hoped to at least be out of this bed and back into his dungeons by tomorrow.

His eyelids began to slowly flutter.

"Why don't you rest for a while, Severus? Harry and Remus will be gone for at least another hour."

Snape laid his head back a bit more and silently agreed. He couldn't help but notice the headmaster did not remove himself from where he remained nestled comfortably in his chair.

************

Harry and Remus walked the path away from the Burrow in silence, making their way slowly past the lawn to cross the wards. As they came to a place where they could to apparate, Harry turned towards the home of the family that had welcomed him into their lives and hearts for so many years.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were standing on the porch watching them leave. When they saw Harry turn back, they both waved to him; Mrs. Weasley with a handkerchief in her hand.

Harry smiled a bit and waved back. While they had been mostly silent during the short time Harry had been in their company after that odd conversation with Hermione, they had been no less kind than usual. Harry had been immensely relieved at that, his fear of the only family he'd ever been welcomed in turning him away being quashed at last. It was with a slightly lighter heart that he apparated with Remus.

They landed just outside the wards of Hogwarts, on the path to Hogsmeade. Remus turned to Harry and gave him a scowl before starting up the path without him. Harry didn't so much as lift an eyebrow.

Harry picked up his pace a bit to catch up with Remus. He heard the man mutter in the hushed tones of Snape's voice, "How was your conversation with Hermione?"

Harry flinched a bit but answered in a tone just as quiet, "It was... odd."

Remus tilted his head minutely so he could get a glimpse of Harry with more than just his peripheral vision. "Odd how exactly?"

Harry had no idea how to describe what had happen so he just blurted it out, hoping Remus would understand the utter strangeness of the incident. "She, uh, kissed me."

One slender, dark eyebrow rose at least an inch on Snape's face.

"Did she? Well, I agree, that is odd."

"Yeah." Harry sighed and looked down at Remus' hands. They were almost as large as Snape's, he realized, but nowhere near as long and elegant looking.

"You do realize that she's likely feeling very confused right now? She did what she did out of her grief for Ron," Remus said.

"No, I know that. She told me as much, but I had figured it out. It was just... really, really unexpected. I kind of freaked out a bit."

If that eyebrow went any higher it would merge with Snape's hairline. "You freaked out 'a bit'? How?"

Remus' face turned a bit red and Harry ran a hand through graying hair as he said, "I kind of pushed her away and jumped off the couch we were sitting on. I didn't mean to be so cruel to her, she just shocked me, is all."

Harry heard a very dark chuckle next to him. "Yes, I can imagine that was quite a shock. All in all though, how was it?"

Harry sputtered for a minute. He then said in a whispered hiss, "What do you mean how was it?! My best friend and her... well you know... had just been laid in the ground not an hour before. How do you think it was?"

Remus put a long fingered hand up to stop Harry's angry tirade. "I know, Harry. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I meant the actual kiss. It wasn't your first, was it?"

Harry felt a bit guilty at having snapped at Remus like that. He should have known Remus wouldn't have been so callous, especially after a day like today. "No, there was a girl in my fifth year." He paused as he thought about Remus' question. He'd been much too shocked to actually gauge how the kiss may have been if circumstances had been different.

"Wrong. It just felt awful. I mean, I love Hermione, she's my friend. If she had wanted me to kiss her, like a friendly kiss, I would have, I mean I do love her." Harry realized he was rambling and was quiet for a minute.

"But..." Remus prompted.

"I could never think of her like that. It wasn't a friendly kiss, Remus. I mean, it didn't go far at all, it was... innocent, I guess, but it wasn't friendly. It just felt wrong. I mean, she was Ron's girl. She's always been Ron's girl."

Remus nodded his head, the black hair again swishing a bit. "Yes, but that wasn't my question, really."

Harry really wanted to give Remus a bit of a slap on the back of that greasy head of his. He knew what his friend was asking but was hesitant to go into it. Knowing Remus wasn't likely to back off, he deliberated his answer.

"It was like kissing a sister."

Remus nodded again, lost in thought.

"I'm sorry to needle it out of you, Harry, but I don't want your friendship with Hermione to suffer because you brushed over that incident without thinking about it."

Harry frowned, which caused Remus' face to appear as though he was very confused about something. "What do you mean our friendship to suffer?"

Remus put his hands in Snape's pockets. "Only that you, Ron, and Hermione were nearly inseparable for years. Now it's just the two of you and she's going to be very lonely and distraught. I just wanted to make sure your feelings for her are clear. I doubt she could stand to have her heart broken twice."

Just as Harry was about to open his mouth to ask Remus what he was talking about, the unmistakable crack of apparition was heard.

Both men immediately had wands out and up and stood back to back, surveying their surroundings. It was Remus that first saw Draco Malfoy coming up to greet them.

Before this moment, Remus had considered himself very fortunate all day in one respect. He had been prepared to act like Severus from the moment he heard Dumbledore inform him as to his polyjuiced identity for the funeral. But other than a few snide remarks and having to perform Severus' long gait, he hadn't had to practice his ability to actually act like the man.

Draco Malfoy's presence was about to change all of that. Every bit of cunning he possessed was about to be put to use.

Summoning every memory of his old school mate that he could, he addressed the young man. "Mr. Malfoy. May I ask to what do we owe the pleasure of seeing you at Hogwarts during the summer holiday?"

Draco approached the two of them from afar. He wore dark blues robes that were of the same style and cut as the ones he wore yesterday. Conscious that Harry was still beside him and was attempting to wear a pleasant expression on his face, he stepped ahead a bit to draw attention to himself.

"Professor Snape," Draco acknowledged Remus. He turned to Harry and cocked an eyebrow at him. Remus had never been extremely friendly towards Draco during the year he had been his teacher. The thirteen year old aristocrat had no problem of talking down to his professor and calling attention to the tattered robes that he wore, but Remus hadn't been bothered by his behavior one bit and had always been polite, if not kind to his student.

Thankfully, Harry seemed to remember this and gave his own characteristic soft smile to Draco.

"Mr. Lupin," Draco acknowledged Harry in front of him.

"Mr. Malfoy," Harry nodded.

Draco continued to study Harry for a few seconds before returning his attention to Remus. "I'm glad to see you're well, Professor. I had been concerned--"

Remus cut him off and said quietly, "Now is not the time or place for this conversation, Mr. Malfoy. If you'd like to owl me--"

"No, I really need to speak with you now, Professor." Draco's voice was clear and would brook no argument. Remus was very hesitant to offer to speak to Draco. He was sure he could pull off Severus' attitude and emulate his vocabulary but he was unsure if he would have to speak about things that only his old school mate would know as a part of Voldemort's inner circle.

Seeing that arguing would be useless and that they were still outside the wards, he waved the young man to walk in front of him. "Then let's continue this discussion in the castle where we'll be free from wandering eyes."

The three men set out to continue the short walk through the front lawn of Hogwarts.

As they past the doors of the castle, Remus turned and, with a long stride, made towards the Great Hall, not waiting to see if Draco was following him.

Harry continued walking towards the infirmary. When he heard the footsteps that had been next to him fade away, he stopped and looked towards Remus. Remembering himself, he said a word so unfamiliar, his tongue almost stumbled on it; "Severus?" he questioned.

"Do you require me to hold your hand all the way to your rooms, Lupin? I'm sure you can inform Potter of all the lovely details of his friend's funeral all on your own. I have no desire to see the brat anymore than necessarily, I assure you," Remus sneered.

For a split second, Harry was completely baffled as to what Remus would have said to that. A moment later, he seemed to remember that his older friend took everything Snape said in stride. He smiled and nodded before walking away.

Harry took a few steps into a side hall before pulling out his wand and muttering, "Accio invisibility cloak."

*************

Snape was just waking up from his nap, and Dumbledore was leafing through some bits of parchment that had not been present when Snape fell asleep.

"Feeling a bit more like yourself, Severus?" Dumbledore smiled.

Snape snorted and shifted in the bed. He was attempting to pull himself up into a full sitting position again when suddenly a bolt of shimmering fabric that had been lying on the bed next to his went by his head in a flash.

Snape was instantly on his guard though who it would benefit, he could not say. He rolled his eyes as he heard the headmaster mutter next to him, "Well, that can't be good."

************

Remus used the time that Draco watched Harry walk away and down another hall to quickly pull out his polyjuice flask and take a quick sip. He knew that he'd taken a drink just a little less than an hour ago and he had no idea how long this conversation would last. There was no telling how Draco would react if he knew he was being deceived by his former professor and member of the Order.

"Now what was so important that it could not be discussed by owl, Draco?"

Draco turned from his study of Harry, having heard his footsteps fade away. "Do you think we could talk in your office, Professor?"

Remus shook his head. There were many reasons why that would be impossible, the first of which being that he had no idea what the password for Severus' office was.

"No, Draco, whatever you have to say, say it quickly. Once Lupin lets the headmaster know that I've returned he'll wish to speak with me."

Draco scoffed and said, "You should have just told him to wait for you to report. That man has all the brains of flobberworm."

Hardly caring what the Malfoy heir thought of him, he considered his next remark carefully. He knew that Severus disliked him, but how far would he slander a former professor? It was a very fine line he was walking.

"Perhaps, but I doubt even my powers of persuasion could convince him to keep something from the headmaster for even a moment. And besides, it would not do for me to appear as though I was holding confidences against Dumbledore."

Draco nodded. He seemed to steel himself for to ask what he had come here for. "I just wanted to make sure you were alright. Are you?"

Remus answered him, "I am fine, I assure you. The headmaster was able to reverse that rather nasty curse your father cast on me before any significant damage was done."

Draco lowered his head and said, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't have done more but--"

Remus put up one long-fingered hand. "Do not bother with apologies, Draco. There was nothing you could have done."

Draco scoffed. "Yeah, I had to leave that to Potter. He had no problem saving you. I just wish it could have been me. I didn't want to see you be tortured."

When Draco looked up at Remus, the older man had no problem accepting what Draco had told Harry yesterday as the truth. The young man was looking at Remus like he was completely in love with him.

Remus had never really had that look thrown in his direction before, but he imagined that's what it would have looked like. He barely managed to quash a shudder that went through his body at the thought of this cowardly boy and his old school mate.

Realizing he had been quiet for too long, he softly muttered, "Yes, but then Potter has always rushed in where angels feared to tread."

Draco's eyes went wide for just a second before his face went back to relative impassivity. His eyes had lowered to a glare in that instant and Remus again held his breath, afraid he had somehow given himself away with his comment about Harry.

"Potter and I had a bit of a talk yesterday. He seems to be at least somewhat grateful to you for saving his worthless hide again." Draco again looked Remus in the eye as he said, "I can't tell you how relieved I was when I saw my father miss you and hit Weasley. It was like my life had flashed before my eyes. The worst thing almost happened and then the best thing occurred. Or second best thing. First would obviously have meant Potter's corpse rotting in the ground right now."

Remus used every ounce of strength he had to keep his face emotionless. He fought every desire to curse the spineless child in front of him, but if he was honest with himself what he really wanted was to hit him in the face. He had known that Draco had been lying yesterday. He remembered all too well the animosity between Ron and the youngest Malfoy. But disliking your school rival and being glad they had been killed were two different things altogether. Even Sirius hadn't actually wished Severus dead. He was horrified and amazed to hear the words that had come from Draco's mouth.

Before the silence extended too long, he responded, "I believe that pleasure will be reserved for the Dark Lord. You should be glad your father was unable to kill Potter, as it would have certainly meant his own death." Remus sneered a bit. He knew Severus would have no problem letting Draco know exactly what he thought of his father. After all, it was because of Lucius that he was in his current predicament.

"Why does my father hate you so much?" Draco asked.

Remus lifted an eyebrow and tried to sound as nonchalant as possible. "You'll have to ask him that, Draco. And do be sure to give him my regards."

"Right... Well, I was thinking about my father and some of the other Death Eater's reactions to you and... well I thought that maybe I could help you."

"Help me?" Remus said in a dry tone, as though there was no possible way Draco could ever help Severus.

"Yeah. I know I was useless the other day, but I was thinking that maybe we could be seen together. You know, make it seem like you're more on our side. You know what they're saying about you being in Dumbledore's pocket. We could just spent a few nights together here and there over the summer. I think it would be to your benefit."

Remus really had to hand it to Draco. He was laying it on rather thick, but he did give the best excuses for trying to get a date with the man. If he had any kind or sympathetic feelings left for Draco, he would have been glad that it was him and not Severus who was here with him. He was about to be much kinder than he knew Severus could have ever been in turning down the person who had just witnessed his torture and did nothing to stop it.

"I'm afraid I must decline, Draco. I will be quite busy over the course of the summer, you see. The Dark Lord's instructions were very clear. I may have saved Potter's life but I doubt very much that it will be easy to gain the brat's trust."

Draco looked at Remus like he was insane. His nostrils flaring once was the only outward sign of his rage at Remus' refusal. He seemed to get a hold of himself quickly enough to make one last try.

"I don't want to interfere with your mission for our Lord, Professor. On the contrary, I think it would be very refreshing for you to spend some time with a like-minded individual after having to suffer that little twit. Think of it as a requirement to keep your sanity for the job," he chuckled a bit at the end of this statement. Remus thought it sounded a bit desperate.

He smiled what he thought was that deadly smile of Severus' right before he went in for the kill. He did not want to have to be crueler than he thought Severus would be but he did have to make sure Draco wouldn't be poking his nose around the man while he was trying to recover.

"Again, thank you, Draco, but no. There is a great deal of work for me here. I will see you in September, as usual."

Draco managed to school his face to passivity quickly this time and Remus had to squint in order to see the wrath in those cold, gray eyes. "Alright, Professor. I'm glad you're doing well. I'll see you in September."

With that Draco turned and began to walk away slowly. His steps slowed down a bit before he stopped altogether. Remus fingered the wand in his pocket as Draco turned to face him.

"Would you mind asking Potter a question for me, Professor?"

Remus responded quickly. "Do I bear any resemblance to an owl, Draco?"

Draco's laugh was a bit too forced, which caused Remus to raise an eyebrow. "No, actually, but this might sound better coming from you. You know, you being his greatest protector and all."

Remus was instantly on alert at the ominous sounding declaration. "What exactly would you like me to say to Potter?"

"Only that I'd like to meet with him here tomorrow, if I can. If he's willing, ask him to owl me. Please," he added on to the end.

Remus didn't like the sound of that at all. "You do recall what I just said about leaving Potter to the Dark Lord?"

Draco nodded. "Yes. I just want to talk to him. Privately. I think he's beginning to trust me." Draco smiled and looked proud of himself. "It was easy. All I really had to do was express some fake regret over the Weasel's death before he started shuddering like some little girl. I even got him to shake my hand. Finally."

Remus cast a dark laugh at that. It wasn't too difficult to fake since he had been present for Harry's reaction after the fact. He knew that Harry was as disgusted by Draco as he was.

Nevertheless, he knew it was good for the Order to keep Draco Malfoy close. He might be wanting to meet with Harry in order to discuss Severus, in which case it was a good idea to listen to what he had to say.

"I'll inform him of your wishes. I cannot say whether or not he will accept."

Draco nodded. "Thank you. That's all I ask."

With that he turned on his heel and quickly exited the castle.

Remus waited a full minute after he heard the doors close before he began walking the path he had seen Harry turn on to. He turned the corner and walked slowly down the hallway.

Listening closely, he stopped as he heard quick, shuddered breaths coming from thin air. He reached out and pulled off the invisibility cloak from his own likeness.

It was indeed odd to see his own face contorted in such rage. Even while angry, he knew his face never looked quite so disturbing. Knowing that no words would comfort Harry, he pulled his arm around him own shoulders and started walking towards the infirmary.

***********

Remus had his arm around Harry as they walked up the hall towards the infirmary. Nothing came out of Malfoy's mouth that Harry hadn't already guessed. When Remus first pulled the cloak off Harry's head, he knew his friend had thought he was seeing his own face screwed up in grief. What Remus didn't realize was that the only thing keeping Harry from throttling Malfoy was the knowledge that doing so might endanger Snape's life.

Harry accepted the firm weight around him but was muttering, "Really, Remus, I'm fine." He brought his arm up to pat the slender, cloak-covered back Remus was currently wearing so for a split second it looked as thought they were walking arm in arm.

The door to the hospital wing opened and Snape and Dumbledore's faces swung around to meet theirs.

Dumbledore immediately gave a wide grin and Snape looked absolutely horrified. At first, Harry had no idea why but then realized that Remus still had his arm over his shoulders.

"Lupin, I insist you unhand Potter at once!"

"Please, Severus, let me just enjoy this for a moment longer. It's such a lovely sight to see." Dumbledore's eyes were most definitely twinkling.

Remus smiled and took his arm off of Harry just as the younger man's hair began to shorten and turn black.

"Oh thank Merlin," Harry muttered, as he broke into a run for the washroom. Sounds of the lavatory being used could be heard and Remus issued a very dark chuckle.

"Well, I suppose that would have been awkward for him. People never think of the little things when polyjuice is involved, do they?" Remus said, thin lips smiling all the while.

"Yes, most people may not, however some people are very aware of the indignity they are being forced to suffer while trapped in the infirmary!" Snape's voice from the bed had started out soft but grew into a growl as he took in Lupin's widening smile.

Harry returned from the washroom looking very much like himself and wearing the clothing he had been wearing for the past two days. He was hesitant to bring up the idea of gathering his trunk from Privet Drive, fearing that once he brought that place up he'd be forced to return there. He realized that this fear was mostly irrational; there was no way he could ever return to Surrey. Not with Snape still injured the way he was; he wouldn't leave the man who had saved his life in this condition.

"Well, now that you've used the facilities, Potter, would you mind explaining why I had to duck my head in order to avoid a wayward bolt of fabric that threatened to assault my person?" Snape could make even an inanimate object seem like a deviant, Harry thought.

Harry looked over to Remus, which was very much like looking from one man to his identical, but totally different, twin. He tossed his chin in Remus' direction, asking silently that he address Snape's question.

"The funeral was very lovely, Albus, very respectful. It also went very smoothly." Remus looked over at Harry, who was keeping a very straight face but whose crossed arms made him look defensive.

"That's good to hear, indeed. And after?" the headmaster asked.

"After we had lunch at the Burrow with the Weasleys and a few others from the Order. It was all very calm." Remus was looking at Snape on the bed with a calculating look. It was extremely disconcerting for Snape to witness his own face look at him as though plotting something.

"We met Draco Malfoy on the way into the castle," Remus said plainly.

The silence that statement was met with spoke multitudes.

Harry turned to Snape on the bed and was surprised to see the look of shock and what may have been fear grace the Potions Master's face. Snape bore an expression of barely masked horror. As Remus continued to almost glare at Snape, the man on the bed continued, "And what was the outcome of that conversation? Is the youngest Death Eater in training now on his way to inform the Dark Lord that I've been replaced by some impostor or that I'm surely deserting their cause? Please tell me that you didn't do something so monumentally stupid like call Potter by your first name."

Remus was silent for a moment. Harry couldn't read the look that Remus had on Snape's face. Remus gave a dark grin and said, "I believe I did a fair enough job of being you, Severus." He looked down at his feet for a moment and paused in his speaking. When he looked up he had a very straight look on his face.

"I know that we didn't get along in the past, Severus, but do you truly think me so incompetent? There was a point in the conversation where Draco said some very harsh things about me and I honestly had to ask myself how would you respond to an insult against me. I really had no idea how you actually felt towards me."

Harry and Dumbledore were quiet and seemed to become smaller somehow and sink into non-existent shadows. For that moment, it was as though Snape and Remus were alone in the room.

Snape scoffed and snapped, "Surely my opinion can't mean so much to you, Lupin. Do not pretend to be so very broken-hearted if I fail to break out the good brandy every time you swing by the castle for a quick visit."

Ignoring the snide comment, Remus spoke loudly and plainly in Snape's deep voice. "Albus is right. You need to let this go. I won't apologize again, not for what happened in the past. I've apologized too many times already. You're better than this, Severus."

Remus and Snape were staring at each other and though it may have only been the fact that he currently wore the Potions Master's face, Harry though Remus looked down right terrifying in his own right. He heard Snape take a deep breath from his bed as the man said in a droll tone, "You are not as obnoxious as you were in your youth, Lupin."

That seemed to be enough for Remus because he nodded but did not smile.

"Well, that was promising," Dumbledore said, reminding everyone he was still in the room. "Now, back to our former topic. What did you speak about with Draco, Remus?"

Remus looked to the headmaster. "He wanted to make sure Severus was alright but mostly he came with an invitation." At Snape's questioning look he answered the unspoken question. "He asked you out on a date. Several dates actually, over the summer, in order to--- how did he put it--- lessen the appearance that you are in Dumbledore's pocket."

Snape looked horrified. "I take back everything I said to you today, Lupin. I am extremely relieved that I did not have hear the youngest Malfoy's invitation to-- court me."

Remus and the headmaster chuckled, but Harry was on Snape's side. He had never hated Malfoy as much as he did at that moment. The idea of him being anywhere near Snape made his hands shake with rage. He was grateful to Remus too, if only because Snape hadn't been in the presence of that little ferret.

Harry knew Remus was forgetting something and so he spoke up. "One other thing." He waited until the three men were all looking at him to speak. "Malfoy wanted Snape to ask me for a meeting for tomorrow. I'm supposed to owl him back if I accept."

Dumbledore crossed his leg over his knee and sat quietly. His eyes met Snape's on the bed before he looked over at Harry again. "I think it would be wise for you to accept that meeting, Harry. Severus told me about your conversation with Draco yesterday. I highly doubt he would engage any kind of attack on the person who is supposed to be aiding him in protecting Severus."

Harry nodded. He would have to control his emotions in an almost Snape-like fashion, but he would suffer through the meeting if that meant the Potions Master would be safe.

Remus broke the short silence. "Well, I think the hour is almost up. If you'll excuse me, gentlemen," Remus said as he took off Snape's outer cloak and placed it neatly on a nearby chair.

"Wait just a moment, Lupin. There's no need for you to change now; simply wait for the potion to wear off as Potter did," Snape said from the bed.

Remus smiled. "Well, I would, Severus, except that I'm not as thin as you are and these are very nice robes. I'd hate to ruin them when I change back."

Dumbledore threw his head back and laughed loudly from his chair by Snape's bed, much to the man's chagrin.

As Remus went into the washroom, Snape called out, his face red, "For Merlin's sake, Lupin, keep the shorts!"


******************

Thanks and acknowledgment must go to Lupa the White Wolf who helped with Snape's slight homage to the line from Romeo and Juliet: "Peace? I hate the word..." She and the Marriage Stone group all threw their two cents in on what things Snape should hate but hers won in the end.