In Memoriam (Sequel To Hope For The Hopeless. Severus x Reader)

Less Than Wise

Remus chuckled along with you at breakfast the next morning, remembering the displeased look on Minerva's face.

Her good graces you were not in, it seemed, as she kept a watchful eye over the breakfast table. Specifically on you and the rogue who had caused the trouble.

Mealtimes had been a struggle since the commencement of term, naturally you would sit by Severus, for appearance sake, but he was nowhere to be seen that morning, so your duty to do so, had not been needed. It left you feeling far more free.

It wasn't until you were leaving, about to return to your quarters that Minerva caught up with you. She took you into an empty classroom, closing the door behind her.

"Everything okay, Minerva?" you asked politely, a little nervous on the inside.

She tapped her aging finger over the top of her opposite hand, both resting idly in front of her.

"Why don't you tell me, dear?" she started, though it wasn't a question to be answered, not right away anyway as she carried on. "You're an adult now...though, sometimes I can't help but see all my ex pupils as children still, from time to time. But I've always thought of you as wise...I can't help but think there are things happening," she paused, her old, all seeing eyes locked to yours, "that are maybe less. than. wise."

You furrowed your brows, and brushed some hair behind your ear. "I'm going to guess you're making reference to last night."

"It's been noticed by more than a few people that you are not yourself since returning to school. So, yes, with last night in mind, I am inquiring about your well being. I have not pried until now, but there are limits to even what I will turn a blind eye to." She raised her brow over her spectacles, like she would to a pupil being chastised. What she was turning a blind eye, she couldn't be sure, but she wanted to know if she was about to have some odd love triangle to deal with.

Unsure of what she was insinuating you questioned her. "A blind eye to what exactly?"

"Remus Lupin. I suppose Severus doesn't know about your dalliances with him...and I suggest he doesn't. If you know anything about the history of those two boys, you would know that driving a further wedge between them would be catastrophic."

Laughter broke from your mouth, so much so that you sat back on the desk behind you and crossed your arms over your vibrating stomach. "Oh Minnie, do you think so little of me?"

The older professor looked embarrassed. Of course she didn't think ill of you, but she was mightily confused and piecing together what she could from a tight lipped, moping Severus and you, someone who barely graced her presence anymore.

"Remus and I are friends, we met briefly before either of us were teachers and yes, I do know their history. And no, I wouldn't put Remus in a position to be ravaged by his temper." You rubbed your lips tightly together, regretting that last part of your speech. Worried you had pushed too far.

And it did arouse worry in Minerva, who moved closer to you, until she rested a hand near your shoulder, rubbing soothingly like a mother would. "Is there something you need to tell me?"

A shake of your head was all you could offer. You would not gossip about Severus, no matter how liberating it would feel to have it off your chest.

She nodded her head slowly, knowing your stubbornness would not allow you to speak of it, whatever it was, until you were good and ready to. "You know where I am."

With that she left. Leaving with the feelings that only the thoughts of Severus filled you. Sorrow, loneliness and anger. You gave yourself a few minutes alone in that classroom, until you were ready to leave your feelings at the door.