Where Your Loyalties Lie - {Severus Snape x Reader}

-104-

There is now a flame dancing in Remus's chamber's fireplace while we are discussing what I've planned. "Vanishing Cabinet?" Remus repeat baffled what I just told him as he hands me a cup of tea before getting his own cup. I nod and take it while sitting in one of his armchairs:"Uh-huh. I remember vaguely how Draco revealed to Dumbledore how he managed to smuggle Death Eaters into the castle the night what happened the Astronomy Tower.". He says nothing and pours himself some hot water, so I continue to tell how one of the cabinets is in the Common Requirement Room - also called as the Room of Hidden Things, which is a storage room with a vast amount of miscellaneous items that had been stored there over the years. I've visited there maybe once or twice during the time I've been in here whenever I've needed to look for a new desk or a chair for my class.

After the Death Eaters invaded Hogwarts thru the cabinet, and are now able to walk in and out of the castle however they pleases, they pretty much forgot it and left it there unused. "...and its 'sister' is in Borgin and Burkes shop." I end my speech with proud grin on my face. Borgin and Burkes, a dark magic antique shop in Knockturn Alley - which leads into Diagon Alley. It would be perfect way to get out of the castle without anyone's notice! But... Remus lets out a long exhale as he lets his weight down onto the armchair opposite of me:"How do you think the owners of the shop would think if we'd be the ones walk thru that into their shop?". He then takes a small sip of the tea, waiting for me to continue. Lowering my gaze down defeated:"I..- I'm not sure. Haven't figure that out yet.". I take a sip of the warm beverage as well while we both try to figure out how'd we deal with the owners once we would step into the shop.

While sipping the tea and being deep in our own thoughts, I won't notice how the night robe on me slides a bit off the shoulder, revealing part of the skin. Remus notices this and something caught his eye:"Where did you get that bruise?". My head turns to him, looking confused:"Hm?". "Bruise. On your shoulder." he points it. It takes me a moment to understand what he's talking about, but then it hit me. He means the one Severus left on me back when we..- My whole face turns red, but try my best act normal:"O-oh..! M-must've came back when Neville and I were at the Ministry.". Quickly, I pull the robe back on and wrap it tighter around me. Bad moment have a nightshirt with loose neckline.

To distract him of thinking any deeper how I got the mark, I ask:"How have you been?". Both of his eyebrows raise, little bit taken aback by the sudden question. But he knows my question is regarding his wellbeing of being away from his family. I just know it kills him not be able to be with them. Specially when Christmas is only a week away. Wish there was something I could do. Clearing my throat a bit before speaking with soft tone:"I mean, if you need someone to talk to... I'm here.". A small smile raises up on his lips and he lets out a weak chuckle:"I know.". He then leans more on the chair and sighs deep:"Got any plans on Christmas?". That makes me let out a laugh since we both know there is nothing we can do:"Sit here with you, I guess.". We then share this gentle smile which tries to give both of us hope that everything will be alright. In the end.

The next day, after the classes were over, Remus and I managed to sneak into the Room of Hidden Things without anyone's notice. Maybe the best way to describe this whole place is a very neatly organized mess. There are piles on piles of all kinds of furnitures here and there. Anything you can think of, really. Chairs, sofas and books, towering over each other. Tables and desks full of different kinds of lamps and other decorations just laying around. All kinds of mirrors and picture frames leaning against the walls that are not covered with other things. Anyone could get easily lost in here. Corner of my eye, I notice there are some brooms in here, leaning against one of the piles that is so high it almost touches the ceiling which is quite high. I could give one of those to Harry. After all, I do own him a broom... "So, where do we find this famous Vanishing Cabinet in middle of all of this... Junk?" Remus keeps looking around as we walk. I sigh deep, also looking around us:"Good question.". I'm not even sure what it looks alike.