Redemption / DRAMIONE (COMPLETE)

Chapter Twenty-Four

Severus had been marking essays the fireplace suddenly crackled.

"Severus," came a hiss.

Lupin's head was bobbing in the fire. 

Severus cast his eyes around before answering.

"This is risky, Lupin, even for you," he replied. "She is monitoring the fires."

"I fear You-Know-Who more than Umbridge and so should you," the werewolf said inanely.

Severus sighed.

"Of course I do. I only fear unemployment and a ministerial trial as a result of consorting with a known supporter of Dumbledore!"

"I appreciate that the situation is hard, Severus," Remus said earnestly, his face flickering in the orange glow, "but I need your help."

"That's a first," Severus muttered, scribbling a P on one paper and an A on another.

These students really were terrible.

"I know Dumbledore told you not to intervene but Dumbledore's plan is to wait. We cannot afford to wait."

"Yes..." Severus said, wondering where this was going.

"I think I know how we can find the information we require and push the plan forward."

"The plan we don't yet have," Severus pointed out sarcastically.

"Yes."

"I'm all ears," Severus replied, pushing the essays aside and steepling his hands.

"I propose that you find out the exact location of this prophecy through Harry. You can use Legilimency and infiltrate his mind."

"Legilimency requires precision, Lupin, and few have managed to control their victim's mind in order to find specific information."

"Yes, few have," said Lupin, "and I know you are one of them. You-Know-Who used your skills during the first war, I know."

Severus sat back.

"I did my job, and I was good at it."

"I know. I need you to use your skills. Harry will be fine."

"I'm not worried about the boy. The Dark Lord has a connection with him. This connection might enable him to see my interference in his mind."

Lupin sighed.

"That may be a risk we'll have to take. I know it's dangerous, Severus, I really do. But this might be the final push. We might all be home by next Christmas."

Severus, too, sighed.

"I really hope you're right, Lupin. Not just for my sake."

Severus paused.

"If even the slightest thing goes wrong I am dead or incarcerated by the Ministry. If more than one thing goes wrong... I am afraid it will not just be my funeral you'll attend."

Remus smiled slightly.

"But at least you know I'll be there."

He paused too.

"I know we were enemies in the past and you probably only view us as colleagues or associates now. But I'd really like to think of us as friends. When this is all over you can be who you want to be, and present how you like. You'll be a hero, like it or not."