One Fate Leads To Another

Chapter 5: Social Circle

Two days later, I went to the headmaster's room.

"I understand your wish to withdraw from our deal, Miss Dumaine," said Dumbledore.

"That's not why I'm here, professor."

"Your friend had a chat with me. A very talented young man indeed."

I knew Severus wouldn't be able to refrain from confronting Dumbledore. "Professor, regardless of what he told you, I prefer to keep my word," I continued, wearing a confident smile. "However, I do need a solution for me to recuperate and attend all the classes at the same time."

The next month, I received a time turner from Professor McGonagall, who believed that I had trouble keeping up with my studies. "Take it slowly, Miss Dumaine. You can always rely on your friends and professors for help."

"Thank you, Professor. I'll try reaching out to someone."

With the time-turner, my schedule became much more flexible. I seized the chance to ask Severus to help train my battle skills as a white wolf in the Room of Requirement. He was reluctant to let me get back to this risky mission at first, but he couldn't argue with my stern determination and submitted at last.

As time went by, I was getting better at battling as a wolf. After every full moon battle, Severus would come to find me, always holding a medical box. James Potter agreed to lend us his cloak every month as well. His acts of bullying lessened significantly ever since he found out how I put myself at unimaginable risk for his friend.

As for Lily, I didn't get to see her as much as I used to, even though I could double all my time with the time-turner. Yet, she was still the person I would talk to about my insecurities and delightful encounters. Our strong bond remained.

Something regarding Severus began to bother me. It was his personal hygiene. It had worsened recently.

When we first entered Hogwarts, he was aware of the power of first impression and would at least kept himself tidily dressed. Yet, with all the hostility from the Marauders, and his work on potions and dark arts that kept him always busy, his care for a regular wash was gone.

"It's about time that you take that bath. You promised you'll do it when the potion is done."

"It's not done yet."

"Yes, it is. I've read your notes and I've been watching you for days now. I know the steps. The potion has turned emerald green. That's the last step!"

"I have to bottle it."

"How long is it going to take? A few minutes at best."

He pretended not hearing me.

"Look Severus, your hair is getting all greasy. Aren't you uncomfortable at all? I've been grabbing dinner for you four days in a roll, that's it! You're going to shower and dine with me in the Grand Hall tonight."

"Why do you care so much about my hygiene? Should I polish my nails as well so that you won't feel embarrassed having to stand beside me?" He was irritated.

"I'm not asking you to look like a peacock or, like Malfoy. It's basic hygiene and no one is going to come near you if you stay this way."

"Said the person who came by every day to check on me."

"That's because I'm already your friend! You know what, I am done arguing with you."

"Very nice, now would you please leave me alone and go mind your own business, Miss."

With a 'petrificus totalus", a nice "wingadium leviosa" and the disillusionment charm, which blended us with the background and turned us invisible, I took him to the bathroom reserved for prefects as there was no one there at this time of the day. Almost everyone was off to the Quidditch game.