Slytherin & Gold

Slytherin & Gold
chapter 12


Viviane

Viviane awoke in her glade and looked around. She had expected to see Severus, but found herself alone. She stood up looking around, and sensed ……. what ? She wasn’t alone. She looked through the trees, feeling drawn …. where ? She had never left the glade before. Walking through the trees she noticed the landscape changed drastically. It was barren and rocky, looking out she saw a figure standing at the edge of the cliff. Viviane was drawn to the figure. As she walked closer, she saw he was wearing a faded blue pair of pajamas, his long brown hair blowing in the breeze. She drew closer, but the figure gave no indication he heard her. She stopped a few feet from him, not wanting to startle him, he was so close to the edge.

“Remus ?” She said softly. He turned towards her, his eyes empty, then he turned back, looking over the cliff. She could feel the pain radiating from him. The sorrow, the emptiness and the wish for……… death ?

“Moony …..please, step away from the edge.” He winced as if he had been slapped.

“Go away ! You are not in this dream.”

“Moony ……. please, you are scaring me.” He turned to look at her again, his expression softening.

“Don’t call me that Viv. You don’t know….” He turned back to the wide crevice that lay beyond the edge of the cliff.

“Tell me then. I’m here Remus, really here. This is one of my ‘natural talents’, as you like to call them.”

“Then turn it off and go back to Severus………” He shook his head, his long brown hair hiding his face.

“I can’t turn it off. You drew me here. You wanted me to be here, Moony. Talk to me.” Viviane said it softly, but firmly. He turned back thinking, then walked towards her, as he unbuttoned his pajama top. He took it off and helped her put it on. He looked down at her, giving her a weak smile.

“You are not usually naked, in my dreams. At least not .. ……” Remus trailed off and sighed. Viviane took his arm and steered him over to a large rock and they both sat. She took one of his hands in hers and brought her other hand up to cup his cheek. She saw and felt a flash of pain again, but he leaned into her open hand.

“Why were you standing on the edge ? Where you going to jump ? Is this a place you have been before ?” She had to get him to talk.

“This is just a place I come to in my mind. It helps me get things back into perspective. I feel some control here.” He said.

“Why ? Because you don’t jump ?” Viviane asked, dropping her hand.

“I…… I have a choice here. There is so little in my life I have a choice about. Becoming the wolf, is never a choice, living or dying is.” Remus looked at her sadly, but with no apology. Tears were coming to her eyes, quietly rolling down her cheeks.

“Did I drive you here tonight ?” Remus didn’t answer, he looked down at their hands. “Why didn’t you ever tell me ? You know I love you.” He stood up suddenly walking off running his hand through his hair.

“Don’t say that Viv. You kill me every time you say that.”

“But it’s true. You were the one who sent me away. I thought when we made love, that first time…..… I wanted to be with you, Moony. You pushed me away.” Tears still rolling down her cheeks she looked up at him.

He was staring out at the harsh landscape, not looking at her. “I couldn’t bear the thought of you being with another man, that first time. Then, I couldn’t bear the thought of you being with me. I’m too dangerous to be around. I couldn’t put someone I loved in that kind of danger.” He sighed and sat down next to her. “Besides, I would always have been second best, I know that. I am happy for you and Severus, really.”mus mus put a hand over her swollen belly. “I want you to be happy and have all the things I can’t give you.” He rubbed her belly affectionately.

Remus kissed her on the cheek, lingering a moment, pressing their cheeks together. Then he got up and walked away. Stopping, he turned back.

“Goodbye, Viviane.” He took off at a run, jumping over the edge.

“NO……Remus ….No…” Viviane screamed. She was sobbing and someone was shaking her. She felt herself being wrapped in comforting arms. She couldn’t stop the sobs, her heart was breaking for her friend.

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Severus

Severus woke up to hear Viviane screaming and crying. He immediately grabbed his wand, but saw there was no danger. She must be having a nightmare, he thought. Putting down his wand, he shook her to get her to wake, but she just sobbed harder, so he held her. Remus ? Why would she be having a nightmare about Remus, he thought.

Eventually, when Viviane quieted Severus asked her about her dream.

“It’s Remus, Severus. I had a shared dream with him.” Severus tensed, knowing what her shared dreams usually entailed. “I think…….he may….oh Severus we can’t let him do it.”

“Do what, exactly ?” Severus said a bit sharp.

“If we can’t find a way to stop him from transforming, Remus is going to kill himself.” She broke into a new round of sobs, quieter than before.

“Why ? Why now ?” Severus asked. His mind was working quickly. For the shared dream, Viviane had to love the person, feel connected to them, and they had to love her. He noticed Viviane wasn’t answering his question. The answer springing suddenly to his mind.

“It’s our engagement, isn’t it ?” He said watching her for her reactions.

“Not exactly.” Not the right answer.

“I’ve been blind, haven’t I ? What were you to each other ?” He said accusingly.

“We were ….. each others first lovers.” Viviane said slowly, but looking him in the eye.

“WHAT ?” Severus shouted, getting out of bed.

“Severus, you knew I was not chaste, when I came to you. I have never asked who your first lover was.” She said.

“Well she is not living in the bleeding castle. You did not think I should know this ?”

“What difference does it make ? You weren’t this upset when you thought I’d slept with Sirius.” She threw back at him.

“Sirius has a knack for talking pretty girls into bed. I’d of forgiven you that. But Remus ……Remus would have loved you.” Severus said having a hard time letting it sink in.

“So better a pretty fool, is that it ?” She spat back at him, as she threw on her robe and grabbed her wand heading for the door.

“Where are you going !?” Severus demanded, blocking her way.

“Obviously, you don’t want such a foolish whore in your bed. I’m going to my own rooms.” She stood glaring at him. He glared back at her, until she bent over holding her stomach. Severus went over quickly to support her.

“Viviane ? What’s wrong ? Is it the babies ?” Suddenly he felt panicked. Viviane grabbed his hand, opened her robe and placed his hand on her belly.

“There ….. did you feel that ? Oh ….” She took his other hand and placed it on the other side of her belly. Severus pressed both his hands against her and he felt light nudges under each of his palms. He looked up at Viviane in wonder.

“Apparently, your children do not like it when we argue.” She said laughing abruptly. He was too filled with awe to remember what they had been arguing about. This first contact with his children had shaken him to the core. Somehow, feeling them made them seem more real. He knelt down in front of her, placing his cheek against her bare belly feeling them move. Viviane stroked his , he, he put his arms around her and hugged her.

“I’m sorry.” He said.

“I know….I’m sorry, too.” They stayed that way for some minutes until Severus didn’t feel anymore movement. He stood taking Viviane’s hand, leading her back to the bed, stripping her of her robe and helping her to lie down.

“What can we do, Severus ?” She asked.

“About Remus ? I don’t know. The wolfsbane potion is helping, but it doesn’t solve the problem.” He said.

“What if it were combined with a spell, something to extract the wolf.” Vne one offered.

“The wolf is part of Remus, you’d leave half a man.”

“Someg tog to lock him in his human half, then.” She said.

“I don’t know, we will have to research it.” Severus said settling down and pulling her close to him again.

“I’m sorry I never told you about Remus and I.” Viviane said. Severus sighed.

“Is Remus still in love with you ?” He didn’t want to know, but had to ask.

“I ….. I don’t know. I think maybe he’s feeling hopeless, like love and a family will never happen for him. He said he was happy for us, but then he …. in the dream, he jumped off the cliff. I am really afraid for him, Severus. I have never seen him this low.”

Severus was still trying to get used to the idea of Viviane and Remus together. He knew they had been friends but………. Sirius he could have forgiven her for sleeping with easily, but Remus ? Remus would not have taken Viviane, if he didn’t love her. Severus knew that was a long time ago, but the thought still riled him. He was glad she had cared about the man she had been with her first time, but it d had have been bettif Sif Severus didn’t know him. Just a faceless man would have been no threat to him. She loved Remus, Severus knew that, as a devoted friend. And Remus had come to the castle to help protect Viviane. For Viviane’s sSeveSeverus would have to try and put this aside. He knew she had been with other men, but …….. He had to have more faith in their relationship. She was having his children, after all. Severus sighed deeply, knowing it would be sometime before his mind would calm enough to allow him sleep.


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Harry

Harry woke up and looked over at Ginny sleeping. He had really enjoyed last night with her, but he was having second thoughts about their activities. He had not meant for things to go so far. He hadn’t coerced her, but he wondered if maybe it was too soon. They’d only been seeing each other a short time.

Looking at the light coming in the window, Harry got up to get dressed, knowing it was still early. As he was just tying his shoes, Ginny woke up. Harry went over and knelt by her side of the bed.

“Good morning.” He said kissing her lightly on the lips.

“Were you leaving ?” She asked noticing his clothes, but still looking half asleep.

“I thought I shouhanghange for breakfast. I’ll meet you in the common room. How are you feeling this morning ?” Harry asked. Ginny had the covers pulled up to her chin.

“Fine.” She said. “How about you ?”

“Wonderful.” He said kissing her again. “I’ll see you in the common room.” He stood up and left. He hadn’t really known what to expect for the ‘morning after’, but she seemed fine.

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“Harry, what have you done to Ginny ?” Ron asked him as Harry stepped into the common room later that afternoon.

“What do you mean ?” Harry asked defensively.

“Well… you stayed with her, in her room and today she’s all weird.” Ron said. “What did you do last night ?”

“Look, I stayed there. I couldn’t very well come back to ouom, om, now could I ?” Harry said and he noticed Ron’s ears turning a deep shade of red. Just then Hermione came down from the girl’s dorm.

“Harry, what have you done to Ginny ?” Hermione asked.

“What’s with you two ? Ginny was kidnapped last night and molested by Crabbe, maybe she just needs some space. Why do you immediately think I’ve done something horrible to her ?” Harry left his two friends in the common room and headed up the stairs to his room. Why were they trying to make him feel as if he’d done something wrong ? Or did he just feel that way anyway ? Harry plunked down on his bed and sighed. Ginny had seemed fine to him, if somewhat quiet. Maybe he should go have a talk with her. She might be frightened about Crabbe coming back to school.

Harry went back downstairs and was gratified to see Ron and Hermione were not there. He went up the stairs to the girl’s dorm and saw Ginny’s door was open. He looked in and saw her sitting in the window seat staring out at the gray December day. She did seem preoccupied and quiet he noticed, now that it had been pointed out to him. He knocked lightly on the door. Ginny turned her eyes to him and gave him a half smile.

“Hi Harry.” She said not moving. Harry walked over and sat in the window seat with her.

“Are you alright, Ginny ?” He asked. She looked down at her hands, then back out at the landscape. Harry felt as if he’d swallowed a rock. The last thing, the very last thing he wanted to do was hurt Ginny. “Is it about last night ?” She nodded her head without looking at him.

Harry reached out and took her hand, feeling his eyes start to burn with tears of regret. “I’m sorry Ginny. I never should have ………….. I wouldn’t blame you, if you never wanted to see me again.” She turned to look at him confused, tilting her head to the side.

“What are you on about ?” She asked.

“I thought…… maybe you…..I didn’t mean to take things so far….. last night.” He said having a hard time looking into her eyes. Comprehension dawned on hece. ce. She smiled and squeezed his hand.

“Harry, I’m not upset about that. I wanted to…….as much as you did. I’ve been sitting here puzzling about Draco. I can’t figure out why he would help. Especially help me.” Harry felt so relieved he nearly hugged her.

“I don’t know.” Harry had been wondering the same thing. “I think……I’m going to try to find out some answers before term starts. I’ll let you know what I find out. But don’t talk to him, or treat him any differently. We can’t do anything that might tip off the wrong person.”

“You’re right, I know.” She said and sighed. “Did you really think I was upset ? About last night ?”

“I ….um …… wondered if ……we might be moving a little fast. Don’t get me wrong, being with you is wonderful and I really enjoyed ……well, anyway. I’d like us to really get to know each other. Maybe we shouldn’t do ………um that again…… at least for a while.” He felt so stupid. They had seen each other naked, why couldn’t he talk to her all of a sudden ?

“I think maybe you’re right.” Ginny said with a grin. “I don’t regret it though.” She leaned over and kissed him softly. Harry smiled feelinch bch better.

“How about a game of chess in the common room ?”

“I’d like that.” She said getting up. “Have you talked to Ron about he and Hermione’s evening ?”

“No, not yet.”

“Well when you do I want full details. Hermione never tells me anything.” She said lang. ng. Harry laughed too, as they descended the stairs to the common room.

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The new term would be starting in a few days. Harry had been trying to figure out a way to talk to Malfoy. Finally he had an idea he hoped would work. He was waiting now, outside the Slytherin common room. If he was right, this would be about the time Malfoy left for lunch in the Great Hall. Harry stood against the wall, under his invisibility cloak, waiting.

When Malfoy did eventually come out, Harry made sure the hallway was clear. Then he stood nearly in Malfoy’s path. He sprang into action quickly, putting a hand over Malfoy’s mouth to keep him quiet and pulled him into Snape’s empty classroom. He closed the door and released Malfoy.

“What the devil ?” Malfoy said reaching for his wand. Harry removed his cloak and cast locking and silencing spells on the room.

“I just want to talk, that’s all.” Harry said putting away his own wand. Malfoy relaxed and slipped his wand back into his pocket. Malfoy leaned on the nearest desk, crossing his arms in front of him. He stared at Harry with his typical sneer.

“I …. I wanted to thank you …. for helping us get Ginny back, the night of the Yule Ball.” Harry said offering Malfoy his hand to shake. Malfoy looked at the hand, but didn’t move.

“I wasn’t helping you, Potter. Sorry to disappoint you.” Malfoy said with his usual distain.

“Then why would you risk your life ? “ Harry shot back. Malfoy looked down at his feet, his expression pensive.

“I just couldn’t ……. let them do that ……. to Ginny.” Swiftly comprehension came to Harry. Malfoy …… Draco liked Ginny. His mind reeled at this new information. Realization must have shown on his face. “Don’t worry Potter, I’m not going to steal your girlfriend. I know she hates me.”

“Ginny doesn’t hate you.” Harry blurted out, still trying to process this new information. Draco looked up at Harry. Hope, that’s what is in his eyes, Harry thought. No, he doesn’t just like her.

“You’re in love with her, aren’t you ?” Harry said disbelievingly. Draco didn’t answer, but shifted uncomfortably.

“Look……this doesn’t change anything between us.” Draco said starting towards the door.

“Yes doe does.” Harry said firmly. He went to Draco offering his hand again. Draco stared at him, then shook it quickly. “We’ll keep your secret. Snape told me, what might happen if it got out you helped us.”

“Thanks. Look……. don’t tell Ginny, alright.”

“I’ll have to tell her something, but ……… I won’t tell her how you feel about her. I’m that selfish, at least.” Harry said. Draco chuckled, nearly smiling. FiniFinite Incantatem” Harry said from under his cloak. Draco opened the door and left. Harry stood pondering for a moment. Draco admitted he was in love with Harry’s girlfriend. Shouldn’t he be angry ? Harry felt more bewildered than anything. He’d hardly ever thought Draco capable of love. But if Snape was, why not Draco ? This was turning out to be a really weird school year.


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Viviane

New Year’s day found Viviane, Severus, Harry and Remus out at the front gates of Hogwarts saying goodbye to Govannon and Melissae, who were leaving to go home. Remus had come down to bid her parents farewell, but he had not talked to Viviane, since the Yule Ball. Severus told her to give him tim time, but the pain she felt from him was unbearable, and to know she caused it was torturous.

Da was having a talk with Harry. Da and her mum had grown very fond of Harry. Viviane thought briefly of all the things Harry’s real grandparents were missing, but better not to think about that now. Her mum was walking over to her.

“Now, you will let us know the date of the wedding soon. We have much to prepare.” Melissae said hugging her daughter.

“Yes mum. I’ll send an owl when we’ve decided.” Viviane said.

“And let me know how you are progreg, dg, dear. I want to hear everything.” Melissae said patting her daughter’s tummy.

“Yes mum.” Viviane said laughing and hugging her mother again. Melissae turned to Severus.

“Now you take care of our Vivvy.” Severus took Viviane’s hand and brought it up to his lips.

“With my life, Madame.” He said with all sincerity. Mum appeared pleased with this response, hugged Severus, then went to hug Remus goodbye.

“If you have need of us, son, anytime, just let us know. I know you have things well in hand, but …..” Da said putting an arm around Severus’ shoulder.

“We will keep you updated, as best we can, sir.” Then Severus actually turned and hugged Viviane’s father. Her heart swelled at seeing the two of them together. She also saw her Da brush a small tear from his eye, before he hugged Viviane.

“You be safe.” Her Da told her earnestly.

“I will Da. You will be back soon, don’t worry.” Finally the Trisstt’s were ready to leave. They walked outside the gate and disappeared with a couple of large pops. The four left turned to walk back into the castle. Severus looked sidelong at Viviane and sped up to engage Harry in conversation, leaving Remus following Viviane by a few feet. Real subtle Severus, she thought. She turned and let Remus catch up to her, he was looking more at the ground than her. When he realized she’d stopped, he looked up and saw they were alone.

“Thank you…… for coming to say goodbye.”

“I like your parents a lot, Viv.” Remus said. He was trying to sound normal, but the pain welled up inside of him making Viviane’s chest hurt and tears come to her eyes. Remus looked at her for a moment, then moved on walking slowly.

“Is this how it is going to be ?” Viviane asked. Remus stopped, but did not turn around. “I can not lose you again, Moony. Not now.” She said softly to his back, as tears flowed down her cheeks.

“What does Severus think ll tll this ? I am sure you have told him.” He turned his head to the side, but did not turn around.

“He …….. understands…..now. We are doing research. Trying to find a way to keep you in your human form.” Remus laughed, but it held no mirth, it was a dark and haunted laugh.

“I have been hearing that for years from the wizarding community, but werewolves are not exactly top of the list, especially now with the Dark Lord back.”

“No…..Severus and I are going to find a way.” Remus spun around to face her, looking confused. “I can’t lose you again. Your too special to me. You know I……” But she couldn’t finish the phrase she told him so often. Remus’ head snapped to the side and Viviane clutched her chest, falling to her knees. Remus looked back and saw her on the ground. He immediately went to help her up, looking into her face strangely.

“You can feel it, can’t you ? Like with Harry.” Remus looked at her intently. Viviane nodded reluctantly. Remus helped her to her feet. “I am sorry, Viv. I can not change the way I feel.”

“Neither can I. I need you, Moony. If you to…… I couldn’t live knowing I’d driven you to it.” She said. Remus let go of her.

“I have to work this out for myself, Viv. Maybe you should stay away from me..……for a while.” Remus walked away slowly again, she let him go this time.

“It won’t matter where you go, I will still feel it.” She said to herself after he was far enough away. Viviane walked back into the castle and headed down to the dungeons. She and Severus had planned on working on alterations to the wolfsbane potion. She wanted to do all she could, even though she had never been very good with potions. Spells, hexes and charms were more her forte.

As Viviane walked into the potions classroom, she saw Severus rustling through papers on his desk. He looked up at Viviane, put everything down and went to her. He took one look at her face and hugged her.

“What did he say ?” Severus asked wiping tears from her face she didn’t know where e.
e.

“He told me to stay away from him for a while.” Viviane sighed putting her head on his chest.

“Perhaps it’s for the best.” He said.

“Let’s just get to work.” She said.

“You, my love are going to get some rest. I already have some dreamless sleep draught on the bedside for you. Just enough for you to get a couple of hours of sleep.”

“No Severus. I want to help.” She said protesting.

“About that..…. you see, I have recently enlisted the aid of an assistant.” Severus said.

“An assistant ?” Viviane asked not believing her ears. Severus hated working with anyone on potions. She had had a hard time convincing him to let her help.

“Good afternoon, Professor Trisstt.” Hermione said coming out of the storage room. Viviane raised both eyebrows and looked questioningly at Severus. He seemed mildly uncomfortable.

“Well, if she’s going to be an insufferable know-it-all, she might as well work for me.” He said taking Viviane’s hand and leading her into his private quarters. When he closed the door he definitely had the don’t-you-dare-laugh-at-me face. She just smiled.

“Thank you, Severus. Have I told you lately, how much I love you ?”

“I had heard rumors.” He said with a half smile, leaning down to kiss her. “Now rest. You have barely slept in days. That can not be good for you or the babies.” He kissed her again and left. Maybe he was right, she was tired.

Stripping down to her chemise, Viviane crawled into bed. She held up the potion looking at it. It tasted so horrible, but if she didn’t have to worry about getting pulled into another shared dream, it was worth it. She downed it in one gulp.

“ Pleck !!” Viviane said to herself, then she lay down waiting for sleep to come. She giggled to herself about Severus’ new assistant. He was so fiercely proud of Hermione’s accomplishments, but he would never admit it. Viviane succumb to sleep with a smile on her face.

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As always please review !! I am getting a bit discouraged with the minute amount of reviews. Please help me out here !!


Glinda



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