For Love

Warning: mild language.

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Then it’s heard the voice of Hermione Granger “Yes, ma’am we are here to greet you too. And I’m anxious to see your demonstration, tomorrow.”
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“It’s good to hear that you are all interested in my demonstration. Everyone should understand that your studies must not end when you graduate here. There are many more things to learn before we are settled in this long life.”
“Can you talk about what you are going to show tomorrow?” Asked a curious Draco.
“What an eager student! Is he like this in Potions, Sev?”
“He, Mister Zabini and Miss Granger are my best students, and as far as I know, they are also top students in the other classes.”
The students gasped and gaped at the sudden compliments from the surly man.
“As good as me?” Susan asked teasing.
“Not even close!” Was the fast answer.
“Flattery will take you everywhere, my dear,” she said, enjoying a good banter with her surrogate older brother and the stupid looks on the faces of the students.
Now turning to a surprised Draco, she told him, “I will not say or talk about what I’m showing to you tomorrow. Think of it as a surprise. But be warned, I will request volunteers for some exercises. But you all will see it tomorrow. And please, Mr. Malfoy, don’t pout. It’s not becoming of a Slytherin.”
Everybody laughed at that playful advertency.
Susan then turned her attention to the other person on the room.
“And you Remus? Is there any reason for you to be here? Something I can help you with?” Susan asked smiling.
Severus snorted back a laugh, much to embarrass of Remus and astonishment of the students.
“Can you stop that Sev? You are embarrassing Remus, and you will kill your students,” Susan mock scolded.
“Fine, fine,” sneered Severus, but the sneer was spoiled by the amusement patent in his onyx eyes.
“So, Remus,” she coaxed gently, “what can I do for you?”
“Well, hum, I thought that you could used some helping unpacking your things, and if youwouldn’tmindbemyassistantinDADAclasseswouldyou,” he finished very fast.
“Sorry, I didn’t understand the last part of the sentence,” said a mildly amused Susan.
“What the wolf means is, if you wouldn’t mind, he’d like you to be his assistant in DADA classes, isn’t that correct Lupin?”
Glaring at Severus, a blushing Remus nodded.
“Well, why not? I think I can schedule the Potions classes I’ll have with Sev, around your DADA classes. It’s not like I have something else to do here! It will be my pleasure to assist you Remus!” Susan said, now blushing when she met the amused look on Severus and understanding dawned on her about what he had said earlier.
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“I believe that I will have competition for your help,” said an amused Severus.
“Who? I can’t think on anyone. Wait! Are you referring Minerva?”
“It’s not Minerva! Are you blind?”
“What do you mean?”
How can be that possible? After Mark’s death I’ve never thought that someone could ever feel something for me. I’m much too serious, quiet, and bookworm to have someone.
Maybe I’m reading too much in Remus attitude, and it’s Severus fault.
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“Susan! Hello! What’s the matter?”
She was jerked from her thoughts by the worried voice of Severus,only to see an also concerned look on Remus face.
“Sorry, I spaced out for a minute. I’m a bit tired from the trip from Japan, and tonight was a eventful night. But don’t worry, Remus, I’m not cowering from assisting you,” she said flashing, what she hoped it was, a brilliant smile to the worried man.
He in turn, relaxed and flashed her a beautiful smile.
Whoa there girl!!! A beautiful smile? Where did that came from?
“Well I think that is our cue to let Miss Kings to rest,” said an amused Severus, then turning to the bastard that they all knew and in a low waspish tone he snarled, “All of you out of here! Go to yours dormitories, if you don’t want house points deducted!”
As the seventh years were leaving, Severus turned to Susan, and kissed her face.
“Go rest until tomorrow, my dear. I’m going to do my rounds, and then I will go to my quarters. If you need anything scream!” he said joking and with a nod to Remus, he left.
“If you need anything scream?” Remus asked.
“It’s an old joke. We are in the dungeons, you know?” Susan answered arching her eyebrows.
Remus laughed. To Susan it sounded as the most beautiful sound.
Oh no girl! You will not go there. You can’t afford fall in love again and lose them, like six years ago!
“Well, I’m going to let you rest. Will I see you tomorrow at breakfast in the Great Hall?”
“Of course!”
Susan came close to him and kissed him in the cheek, causing a faint blush to appear in the face of the nice werewolf. Nevertheless, he kissed her back in her face. The kisses in their faces had an electrified effect, that neither one was prepared to deal in that precise moment.
Remus went to the door, and with a last smile, he said goodnight, left and closed the door, leaving a very confused, blushed and smiling Susan in his track.
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The next morning, Susan was the cause of preoccupation to Severus.
“What’s the matter my boy? You seem worried with something!” asked an also worried Albus.
“I’m not concerned with something, I’m concerned with someone. Susan’s is twenty minutes late for breakfast.”
“Calm down Severus, she still might be asleep. After all she was very tired last night,” said Remus.
“But I knocked at her door, and she didn’t answer. Her wards were up but I didn’t know the damn password. She doesn’t know the castle that well anymore!” Said an already exasperated Potions Master.
Even at the student’s tables, the fact that Susan wasn’t there yet, was theme of conversation.
When Severus started to leave, Susan entered in the Great Hall in a short robe forest green with a silver sash and wide - legged flowing black pants. In her hands she had throwing knifes, a sword of wood and a short sword in a beautiful black sheath.
“Good morning to you all. I’m sorry for my lateness, but normally I loose track of time when I’m training,” Susan said smiling.
“And pray tell, why didn’t you tell me? I was starting to worry about you!” Said Severus.
“I’m sorry, Severus, but it was very early, and I thought that you were sleeping,” Susan smiled and made a lost puppy look at Severus, “Am I forgiven, Severus?”
“Of course, but next time don’t forget to warn me,” Severus answered with a stern face.
Albus eyes were twinkling, and he was highly amused with the conversation.
At the students tables the conversation was also followed with amazement and amusement.
“I wonder how you do you keep him wrapped around your finger?” Asked an amused Minerva.
While Severus glared at Minerva, Susan laughed, but chose not to answer, and change the subject.
“Well, I know I should take a bath, but I’m starving. Just let me send my Kunai, my shinai and my wakizashi to my rooms,” in a wave of her hand, Susan banned her things to her room.
“What type of clothes are you wearing?” Asked Rolanda Hooch.
“These are my gi and hakama, I normally use them when I train,” she then notice that they are looking curiously at her, “Eeto…it’s Japanese clothing, ok?”
“We are sorry, but we still aren’t used to see someone using oriental clothes, and talking their language,” said Rolanda with a small smile.
“I’m the one who should be sorry. But being there for almost three years, learning all their culture and habits, almost made me forget how occidental life is different,” responded Susan, “But now it’s time for breakfast, and I’m really starved,” she continued, sitting between Severus and Remus this time, “I’ll have strong coffee without sugar, please.”
“Now I know why you and Severus get on well,” said Remus. Susan looked at him quizzically. “You seem to have the same tastes as him, even in clothes!” He said with a smile tugging at the corners of his delectable mouth.
Delectable mouth! Man, I think I must do some training to get over this. I cant have anything with anyone. The end is always painful.
“I’m a Slytherin! My favorites colors are black, green and silver. And the truly coffee connoisseurs always take it strong and no sugar. It brings out the flavor of coffee, not to mention energy in the morning.” Susan answered “ And even if Severus is a bakayarou, sometimes, for me he’s my beloved oniisan.”
“What are you calling me?” Sneered a suspicious Severus.
Susan only laughed, but chose to remain silent during the rest of the meal.
At the end, before everyone started to leave, she went to Albus and murmured something to him.
“Dear students, miss Kings has informed me that her demonstration will be at three o’clock this afternoon, at DADA classroom. The fifth, sixth and seventh years will be the ones to attend. That’s all. Thank you all for your attention,” with that, the students and faculty started to leave the Great Hall, going to their classes.
Susan waved a hand to the Slytherin and Gryffindors seventh years before leaving, and then turned to Severus and Remus. “I’m going to take my bath now. See you both later, ne?”
“Susan!” The both men growled.
Susan laughed, and kissing Albus and Minerva, she left the Great Hall without explain the meaning of her words to the two of them.
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After a bath Susan felt much more at ease to think about the sudden feelings that were emerging, and that she knew that she could not ignore.
She had felt Severus mate’s ki, but in her case it was more difficult, because since Mark’s death in Egypt, she didn’t want to find anyone else, even knowing that he wasn’t her mate.
Could it be Remus?
That’s something I prefer not to think about. Now, what to do about Sev and his mate?
Susan laughed. He’s going to be furious, after all, his mate is the Boy - Who ‘Bloody’ - Lived. Well, not that furious, because I‘ve already felt his ki around the boy, and I wouldn’t call it hate. Hmmm, definitely not hate. She laughed again. Maybe Albus could spare me a hand. The difficult one is Sev. The boy is more than willing to be with him.
With some machinations in her head, she grabbed her computer and started to work.
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While Susan was occupied, some of the objects of her thoughts were in class.
Susan’s appearance and clothes, plus the playful banter in front of everyone with the normally surly Potions Master, made the students talk.
In DADA, Remus had so many difficulties making them paying attention, that he quit trying and let them talk at will.
“Did you notice what’s she’s wearing?” Asked Pansy to Hermione. She nodded. “But they must be comfortable. And did you notice the colors?” Pansy continued.
“Yes, everybody can tell that she’s Slytherin. I bet that she will be a Snape in a skirt!” said Ron palling.
“Weasel, you are only saying that because she said that she didn’t like Quidditch, after you saying that you Gryffs are the best team,” answered a smirking Draco.
“Do shut up, ferret. That means that she will not support the Slytherins either!” Said a smug Ron.
“Boys!!!” exclaimed Hermione, “There’s more to her than that! She’s the only one who can openly tease Professor Snape and he lets her!”
“Hmmm, yes. Maybe if we talk to her, she will help Harry to get Professor Snape!” Exclaimed Blaise.
“Do you think so? And if she doesn’t agree with it? And if she thinks that I’m not what Severus needs? And if…,” asked Harry.
“Will you stop it? We will talk to her. She seems nicer than Snape!” exclaimed an exasperated Hermione.
“Hey, that’s our Head of House you are talking about here,” said Blaise.
“In what way does that invalidate that he’s a bastard to all of us? Including Slytherins,” asked Pansy.
Blaise only shrugged.
“Susan is like a sister to Professor Snape, and I’m sure that she will listen to you, but you have to prove to her that you really feel something for Severus,” Remus cut in, surprising them.
“Remus!!! You know?” Stuttered Harry
“About what? Oh, the fact that you are in love with Severus since the beginning of sixth year?” Remus smiled “I’m a werewolf, I’ve a different sense of smell. You are in DADA, you should have learn it by now. Are you sure that it’s love what you’re feeling, and not lust or even a crush?”
“No, it isn’t a crush and it isn’t only lust. I love all his bastard self,” answered Harry indignantly.
“So go after him! And I really think that Susan will help you,” said Remus, laughing at the small outburst of his surrogate godson. “Try talk to her after lunch or after the demonstration.”
“Do you think we can help him, professor Lupin?” Asked Draco.
“Help him prove to Susan that he really loves Severus. I will also talk to her, and let’s hope for the best.”
With that Remus let them out of class.
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Involved in her work, Susan didn’t notice that was already lunch time. So engrossed was she that she didn’t notice Severus and Remus in her quarters. When she felt a hand in her shoulder, she was scared and let a few expletives go.
“Ikan! Severus no baka! You and that ahou almost scared me to death! What are you trying to do? Kill me? Chikusho!”
“Do we want to know what that means or is it better not?” Asked a amused Remus
Susan flushed and with a shy smile answered “ It’s better that you don’t know what I’m saying. I normally don’t say these things. But I wasn’t expecting you here. What can I do for you?”
“Well, it’s lunch time, and we are here to remind you of it, because we don’t want a repeat of this morning, now do we?” Said Severus.
“Yes, but why the two of you? Or are you trying to make everyone thinks that there’s a ‘love triangle’, hum, Sev - nii?” Susan said grinning.
Severus glared at her, and Remus let a chuckle out, earning himself a patented death glare from Severus.
But then he smirked. “Love triangle? Not possible! But a love affair between you and Lupin, now that would be possible, and I’m sure Albus eyes would twinkling more than usual and blind all of us.”
Susan and Remus blushed, but not one to not answer in kind, Susan return the smirk with a hint of evil and said “Oh, I’m sure that what you’re saying is true, but I’m also sure that he would be blinding all Britain with his twinkling, if he knew who your soul mate is, and that you really don’t hate your mate that much. Do I need to say more?” She asked now with a smug smile in her face.
Remus were completely astonished with the conversation, and almost laugh out loud when he saw the smug look on Severus face turn in one of barely contained shock.
“So, Severus, were you disguising love with hate? Did you fall in love with my godson when you finally understood that he wasn’t James?” Asked Remus, smiling.
“I believe that now isn’t the time to discuss this,” interrupted Susan, “Let’s go to lunch and then we will discuss this thoroughly after my demo. All right?”
Both men agreed, and the three of them left Susan’s quarters.
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In the Great Hall, the students were arriving to start lunch. After the war, although there were separate houses, the students could sit here they please without looking at house affiliation. So it wasn’t unusual to see some Slytherins having lunch with Gryffindors. Draco, Blaise, Pansy were sitting with Hermione, Ron and Harry at one of the tables, waiting to see Susan, hoping to talk to her.
“She must be with Severus and Remus. They are the only ones that are missing at the teachers table,” said Harry,“ Do you think that Remus talked to her?” He asked.
As he said that, the subjects of his attention entered the Great Hall, by the professors entrance. While Severus seemed to glare to everyone, and especially at table where Harry was with his friends, Susan and Remus smiled at them and Susan even winked at Harry.
“Maybe Remus did talk to her. She winked at you Harry!” Exclaimed a delighted Hermione.
“Yes, and it seems that she accepted what ever he told her,” answered Harry.
“But Severus is another story,” said Draco. “Did you notice the way he’s glaring? I hope that he doesn’t know what we are doing. He’ll go to be mad enough when confronted with the fact that we are setting you both up.”
“How mad?” Asked Ron.
“Enough to hex us into next week. Or even use an Unforgivable,” answered Draco.
Pansy rolled her eyes and sighed, “You are being so dramatic. And it isn’t necessary! He will not be that mad. And I bet that Susan will not let him harm us.”
“Pansy’s right. And if Professor Lupin already talked with her, she might help us,” said Hermione.
Harry smiled and felt better. Maybe now he could get what his heart had being desiring for so long. A long life full of love with Severus Snape.


A/N: Here are the meanings of some of the words.

Bakayarou: jerk, twit.
Oniisan: brother.
Ki: aura.
Ikan: shoot, darn.
Baka: stupid.
Ahou: idiot.
Chikusho: fuck, shit, goddamnit.
Nii: brother (familiarly).
Gi: short robe tied with a sash worn as a shirt.
Hakama: Japanese style pants.