Astronauts

2/3

Indeed the Defence against the dark Arts professor and the Potions Master were entering the classroom, discussing something animatedly. Nothing amusing by the looks of it.

"—irresponsible and careless—.."

"—..just a boy—"

They neared the storage room door and its occupants held their breaths. It would look really awful if they were seen. Hopefully the newcommers would not want to enter. No, they were gathering around Harry's cauldron. Now the boys could understand better what was said.

Snape was pointing at the potion.

"Now it will stand here for days and disturb my classes, taking away space! What about that, Lupin?"

Remus Lupin wasn't impressed. "Admit it, you are just concerned that something could have happened to the boy."

"Hmpf."

"Why don't you dispose it? Nothing simpler as that."

Snape was sporting his trademark sneer.

"I wonder how you passed your Potions NEWTs, really. Lava potion is highly instable and explodes when it gets moved."

No problem. Honestly, I wonder how YOU passed your CHARMS exam. Sometimes wands are useful, you know. A simple "Wingardium Leviosa" and-" During his speech Lupin swished and flicked his wand, a mocking smile on his face.

"Noooo!!! Don't-"

Too late.

The boys, used to fast reacting when around potions (and Neville Longbottom) slammed the door shut. They waited.

No explosion.

No pained shouts.

The two students eyed each other questioningly.

"Should we help them?" Harry fought with his better self. He didn't particularly cared for Severus Snape but he was fond of his DADA professor.

"There is a Potions Master out there. Who do you think will be able to manage whatever your botched potion and this flea-bitten werewolf caused better? Mister C- or a master of the art. And I tell you, if something happened to my head of house, my father will make sure that you will be punished!"

"Oh, shut up. Let's have a look."

They carefully opened the door for just two centimetres.

Inside the classroom a crimson cloud prevented them from seeing anything. Where were the teachers?

The door crack widened.

A curious grey and a concerned green pair of eyes observed the scenery, ready to shut the door if something threatened to harm them. The cloud vanished slowly and they got a first good look.

Everything was floating.

Including the two professors.

Both students had to stifle a chuckle. It was hilarious. Remus Lupin was trying to get down again (or at least to his wand which was floating near the floor) moving his limbs like he was swimming but it didn't seem to help. Near him a very disgruntled Severus Snape was floating upside down, the scowl of scowls plastered on his lips and the greasy hair for once not obscuring his face but surrounding his head like a very dark and dirty halo.

"Severus!"

Silence.

"Severus, (a little helpless) would you please get your wand, I cannot reach mine and—"

"And what?" Yes, the black haired man was fuming. "Cause more havoc? Floating charms, every active spell, and lava potion don't mix."

Lupin pouted.

"Now you tell me."

The brunette grasped the (now literally) floating black robe of his companion and tried to pull himself in a better position. He was rewarded with a swat on his fingers.

"How long does it last? It isn't permanent, is it?"

"No. I would react differently if it was, you imbecile."

Lupin grinned at the other man and seemed to be oblivious to Snape's bad mood.

"And?"

"Two hours. Some minutes more or less.."

The werewolf was experimenting with the unusual situation, making swim movements and trying summersaults.

"It feels ...interesting...

"Grow up."

Another pause.

"Can you spell lock the door?"

"Why should I?"

"Really interesting indeed. Sev?"

"What now, and don't call me by that stupid nickname."

A whining sound. "Severus."

"No. Nobody will come here outside class time anyway, so what's the point?"

"Good." This time the answer was more a purr than anything else.

"Lupin?"

Remus was grinning and wriggling out of his outer robes-

"Lupin!"

-tied one of the sleeves to a hook on the ceiling-

"Remus, you cannot be serious!"

-slipped into the garment, minus the sleeve, and closed enough buttons to anchor him and then-

"You are out of your mind, put that robe on again immediately!"

-began to open the rest of his clothes under the eyes of a very flustered and sputtering Severus Snape.

A feral grin was the only thing Severus got for his demands.

And the eyes of the two silent observers grew wide

TBC