Survival Bonds

Chapter 64: Sorry Severus

Some called us liars. Some believed that Severus had somehow corrupted me and used his potions to alter my perception of the world around me. Some remained loya lto Dumbledore, but some voices came forth. Not enough, but every person on our side is another step closer.

Severus is watching me closely to make sure that I do not go off on my own again. No, I've learned my lesson. I can't do this without him. I need him.

Our little army still mostly stays in our little safe house. I think we all know that this war isn't really over, but there is a bit of peace. We all know that Dumbledore does not want to draw attention to himself right now. He isn't going to be as obvious in his take over of the magical world as Voldemort was. He will move slow because he's crafty. He isn't going to make a rash decision that will put his ideals in danger.

That doesn't mean that we are safe. Who knows what that man is capable of. Who knows what that man will do now that we are publicly outing him for the evil that he is. More than that, who knows what those fiercely loyal to him will do in his name. Or what he may encourage them to do. I don't want to drag this war on any longer than necessary, but I also know that I can't be rash either.

Dumbledore has been taken into custody at the ministry of magic. Which is a fancy way of saying he's staying in a cushy room befitting his status while this 'slander' against him is squashed. He should be going to trial soon though. Rita lost a lot of her credibility in writing such a 'blatantly false' article. It was when we got an owl from her asking for protection that we invited her to our safe house. She apparently was getting death threats and although she's not someone I initially trusted, I do believe she cares more about the truth than the money. There was enough space in the- not as secret anymore- safe house for her.

I think Severus is starting to feel just a bit uncomfortable surrounded by so many people- friend or otherwise. At his core, he isn't an extravert. At his core he prefers smaller groups, and this is the exact opposite of that.

"We are going to have to get another safe house once this war is over. To many people know about this one."

"We?" I ask him.

"Well yeah. You, me, the elves, of course Princess and Draco... but if we bring Draco then he will insist that Neville come as well. I'm sure you will insist of Weasley and Granger, and naturally that means all of the Weasleys. Certainly Poppy cannot be left out either. She is the only medical professional that I trust." He's grimacing. "That isn't really cutting down on the amount of people that know about our future safe house though."

"I'm just glad to be included in that batch."

"It was so much simpler before you became involved in my life." The words are said with a playful edge to them and he's actually half smiling.

"Face it Snape, you're popular now." I say nudging him for good measure. He lets out a puff of air and rolls his eyes.

"Well Potter it was bound to happen with my winning personality and dashing good looks." His sarcastic tone gives me mixed feelings. On one hand, I'm glad to be around a playful Severus- it doesn't happen often, but on the other hand. I know that there is an edge of self-loathing in his words.

"I have to admit, you had all of us fooled for the longest time pretending to be a sour-faced mean man, but you just couldn't hide the real you forever." He opens his mouth to unleash no doubt a sarcastic retort, but instead he pauses as if he isn't sure how he wants to respond. "For the record, you might be hard to get to know, but you are a good caring person and I find you very attractive."

He crosses his arms defiantly. "I don't suppose you are trying to flatter me in order to worm your way back into my bed?" His eyes narrow at me accusingly.