Fall into Madness

“Any idea who could have sent it?” Hermione asked.

“You know who sent it.” Ron said. “Dorian had to. He’s the only one who could have.”

“Ron, it isn’t signed. We can’t prove that.” Harry folded the letter up and slipped it into an envelope. “However, given that he is on report, it does make him the most likely candidate.”

“You can’t do anything can you?” Ron asked, already knowing the answer.

“We could bring him in and ask him, but he will deny it, and there is no way to prove it or force veritaserum.” He left the letter on his desk, intending to take it with him to the Ministry. “Listen Ron, let us handle this, but turn in anything you get. If he approaches you, try and leave, and whatever you do, don’t get into an argument or confrontation. Getting you talking is what he wants.”

“He’s right. Refusing to talk to him is the best thing to do.” Hermione agreed.

Ron only nodded, thinking he had a major problem on his hands and it was killing his good mood. A wonderful evening with Severus down the drain because of Dorian. Harry knew it was from Dorian, but he had to remain objective and look at fact.

“I’m gonna get some sleep.” He went to his room. He eventually put all thought of the letter out of his head. Severus had made the night memorable and he would not let Dorian destroy it. He smiled as he remember the kiss and being held. He slept with thoughts of what kind of date they would have next.



Luna showed up at Ron’s studio to see the painting he was working on. He had chosen a shot of her with her heels resting on the edge of the boulder and her arms wrapped around her knees. Her dress was spread against the boulder from the wind and her hair was blowing. He still had a lot of work to do but it looked good even in the most basic stages.

“Here you are Luna.” Ron handed her several galleons then took a seat on a nearby stool and opened the butterbear she had brought him.

“Thank you.” She glanced at the work in progress. ‘What will you do with it?”

“I have an idea that may have potential. I may need you to pose again.”

“Really?” She tilted her head, in her typical fashion.

“Yes, I may turn it into a calendar month.” He said.

“Who else will you use?” She asked.

“I will let you know when it all works out, but for now I want to finish that and use it as an example.” He told her.

“That’s great.” She grinned at him. “So, are you looking forward to the date?”

“How did you know?” He returned her smile.

“Hermione told me when we met for lunch.” She stood and walked over to him. “I think it’s great, you too would be good for each other.”

“Really?” He stood and brought her cloak over.

“Yes, really.” She turned and let him slip on her cloak. “He’s much more mature then the other man you were seeing. You need a man Ron, not someone still trying to become one.”

He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Thank you Luna.” She gave him a smile and left his studio. He spent the rest of the afternoon working on the painting. The images of the other months began forming in his head. Variations in that same spot, but with other ladies and different seasons. He didn’t want to stop but he had to get ready for his date.

He chose black trousers and a white shirt with a black jacket. He had chosen to forgo the tie, leaving the top button open. He hadn’t worn a tie since Hogwarts and if luck was on his side he never would. With a spritz of cologne he left, heading to the apparition point Severus told him to meet at.

He was already there, in a black suit with a dark blue shirt. Like Ron he had gone tie-less, but he was in a color other than black. “I like the blue.” He said walking up and taking the hand he held out.

“I thought you might.” He leaned in and kissed him. “Are you ready?”

“Yes.” He said, letting his fingers weave with Severus’s. “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.” He said, and apparated them both to a busy walkway. It was high class and full of people strolling, some merely groups of friends, some couples, but all dressed for the night.

“Where are we?” He asked, standing in awe of his surroundings. The fanciest he usually got was gallery openings and it wasn’t his art being displayed. He had yet to have an opening or a showcase since he didn’t feel ready for it yet.

“We are in Wiltshire. There is a place here that I love.” He slipped an arm around his waist, and together, they walked to a nearby restaurant. They drew a few looks, but Ron was used to it by now. Apparently so was Severus.

“It’s an Italian place, and considering how you enjoyed what I cooked, I think you will like it.” He said, holding the door open for him.

“I love Italian.” He couldn’t help but feel light on his feet at the door being held open for him. Severus was being attentive and he was so appreciative. He liked being treated well, since it was something that had been given with restrictions in his prior relationship. He forced the thought from his mind. He had promised himself that he would try and not think of Dorian tonight.

“Snape, reservation for two.” He told the hostess without removing his arm from Ron’s waist.

“This way sir.” A smiling woman led them to a table in the corner, not separated from everyone, but private enough. They could still hear the music from the string trio. Severus again held out his chair before taking his own seat.

“This is brilliant.” Ron said, picking up his menu.

“I’m glad you like it.” They ordered and were soon eating sumptuous fair and talking with ease. While several couples had risen to dance, Ron wasn’t that light or coordinated on his feet, and he refused when Severus asked, explaining his insecurity when it came to a dance floor. He was understanding though, and they merely continued on, deserting with cheesecake.

They spoke casually about current events, the new ideas for his painting, and how excited he was at his progress. Severus was equally proud of how his new potion was coming. He was getting close to a new patent, and Ron was equally happy.

Ron was wearing a huge smile as they spoke, then his eyes shifted and the smile vanished. Severus leaned forward. “Ron, are you alright?”

Ron said nothing, so he followed his stare and found a handsome young man speaking to the hostess. Lean and trim, he had dark hair and olive coloring. Severus would have guessed Greek or Italian since Ron mentioned a predilection for Italians. His appearance was well groomed and he looked as if he took his image seriously. He carried a newspaper under his arm and from the looks of his clothes, he knew how to dress well. He walked with a confident carriage but he also noticed that this young man was taking in the sites more than a normal diner. He looked at the décor, the band, he even took a glance at the hostess stand just before she led him to his seat. He looked carefully at where he was placed and the setting that was laid out. Something wasn’t right there.

“Who is that?” He asked Ron.

Ron finally met his eyes and Severus could plainly see the worry. “That’s Dorian.”

Severus felt his own heart speed up. He looked back at the other table. Dorian was glancing at the menu with careful considerations, turning the page and looking at what seemed to be every item. His finger ran down the columns, taking in everything. “What’s he doing here? I thought his family had a restaurant of their own?”

“They do.” Ron explained, not taking his eyes from Dorian. “He goes to other restaurants sometimes to see what they offer and how well they do business. It helps him perfect his own. He will sometimes……..” Ron trailed off and just stared.

When Severus looked back, he saw that Dorian had spotted them and was fixing Ron with glare. His eyes darted to Severus’s own and then back to Ron, with a harder look. It was plain to anyone who looked that he was reining in his anger. He didn’t like Ron here with someone else, and he appeared to blame both of them for that.

“He may come over here,” Ron said, “I don’t want to argue.”

He reached out and took Ron’s hand. “I think we should head out now. I have champagne waiting at home.”

Ron forced his eyes away and saw the comfort that Severus was offering. He gave him a genuine smile and squeezed his hand. “That sounds wonderful. Let me run to the gents, I’ll be right back.” He took a look at Dorian focusing his hatred at Severus. “Maybe I should just wait.”

“Don’t. Just go, everything will be fine.” He gave his hand another squeeze. “Trust me, I can handle him.”

Ron gave him a smile. “I know.” He didn’t want to leave Severus alone with Dorian targeting him, but he did have to use the gents, and he appeared to have everything well in hand.

He nodded and gestured to the waiter. “Can I get the bill please?” When she left, he looked up and found Dorian walking over.

He approached the table and held out a hand. “My name is Dorian Di Vincenzo.”

Severus shook his hand and nodded. “I know who you are. What can I do for you?” He maintained a gentlemanly demeanor no matter what. It always paid to maintain control. He had learned that over the years, sometimes in very difficult ways.

“You can explain why you are having dinner with my boyfriend.” He said, returning to his look with a harsh glare.

“I was under the impression you had split.” Severus said lifting an eyebrow.

“You were under the wrong impression.” He said.

“Ron says otherwise.” He kept his voice calm. This man was showing his irritation and that never boded well. He probably lost his temper easily. The fact that he came over to the table was telling enough. He couldn’t keep it together and merely talk to Ron later, he had to have his say now.

“Me and Ron may be having some problems, but many couples do.” He stared down at him, and Severus could easily see the play he was using. By continuing to stand he was trying to maintain an upper hand. He was looking down at him, but Severus had seen this before and it didn’t effect him. He could look down all he wanted, Severus was still leaving with Ron, and that was enough for him.

“True enough, but most couples are considerate enough of each other give respect.” He noticed the twitch in his new adversary’s jaw. “There is also something to be said for dignity under fire.”

Dorian’s brow furled. “Dignity under fire?”

“Knowing when it’s over, and not wallowing in denial.” Severus explained, then he stood, depositing several galleon coins on the bill slip. He faced the man, eye to eye. “From what Ron has told me, and I tend to believe him at the moment, whatever you had is now over. Refusal does not make circumstances change.”

“Refusing to give up on someone I love is commendable.” He said, taking a step closer. “Ron appreciated loyalty.”

“I know he appreciates loyalty, I saw that years ago when I was his teacher.” Dorian grew incensed. Severus smiled, knowing that he was fuming at something as ridiculous as a man knowing Ron longer than he did. “Refusing to give up on someone is commendable, I agree but not when that person doesn’t want to try anymore.” He kept his voice monotone. “He doesn’t want you. He doesn’t want to keep what you claim you had. You lost your chance, and I am not about to lose mine. He will be going home with me tonight, did you know that?” Severus watched his eyes take on a murderous glare. “I can see you hate that thought, but it’s true. You see I find Ron fascinating, and he has grown to a fine man from the boy I knew him to be. To have a handsome, intriguing young man like that interested in me is something I am not going to pass up.” He watched the range of emotions play out on his face.

“It won’t last.” Dorian spoke with firmness but Severus was unaffected. “He will get tired of the novelty of an old man and he will return to me. We are still a couple, that hasn’t changed.”

“Then why isn’t he here with you?” Severus challenged. He merely smiled when he saw Dorian’s eyes bulge. “Why is he here with me? Why did you wait until he left to take a piss to approach.” Dorian remained silent, and that was an answer as far as Ron was concerned. “He has moved on I suggest you do the same.”

“Is something wrong?” Both men looked at Ron. He was looking from one to the other but his eyes soon fixed on Severus, who held out a hand.

“Nothing is wrong. Shall we?” Ron took his arm and allowed himself be led out, grateful for his presence. He was quiet as they apparated to his home, and as Severus poured them each a flute.

“Tell me.’’ Ron looked up at him. “Tell me how you and Dorian ended. I know you have gone into it a little, but there‘s more to it, I can tell.”

“I had thought I gave enough detail.” He said, watching his eyes.

“Get it all out. Considering he has testicular courage to approach me as he did, I think I should be apprised of the whole story.” He watched as Ron chuckled.

“Testicular courage?” He asked.

“It fits doesn’t it?” He lifted an eyebrow.

“I will if you tell me about the talk you just had with him.” Ron offered.

“Deal.” He sat beside Ron on the couch and gave his full attention.