The Story of the Marauders

Thirty-Five: Severus

SEVERUS

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Severus was not frightened by the escape of the murderer Sirius Black. He always knew that his old tormentor would get himself in trouble and become a criminal someday. The potions master was not concerned. Not concerned until he learned about the newest professors joining the staff. Of course it was Lupin. And it was almost worse that Daelynn would be sharing the class. Both were part of his past, and both knew of the events that happened between them.

"Severus, I wish to speak with you in private. Manners of business," Albus summoned him to the school the day after Sirius Black was announced escaped with that vague notion. Nearly every shop in Diagon Alley was closed. Extra Dementors were spared by the Ministry to be placed in many popular locations, including Hogwarts. Not everyone was very keen on that. Severus arrived via Floo into the Headmaster's office around 11:45. He has not eaten lunch yet, so he was mildly hungry.

"What is it, sir?" Severus got straight to the point. He wished not to be there longer than he must. Albus stood quickly and ushered him into a seat situated in front of the Headmaster's desk. Two more were set up, and he had a hunch on who they were for.

"You have history with the new professors from your school years. Rather unpleasant ones at that," Dumbledore began. Severus could only agree with the statement. "In order to create a more friendly conduct with our new staff members, I simply request that you talk with your old schoolmates. Make sure to establish healthy terms and leave on a happier note."

Severus hid his displeasure. He did not want to talk to them. Nevertheless, Severus knew it needed to be done. Otherwise, working with Lupin and Daelynn would be much harder to endure. "I shall be awaiting it gladly," He told his employer monotonously. Albus grinned.

"Wonderful. I asked them to be here around noon. So sit tight, pour yourself some tea perhaps," Albus offered, flicking his hand over the items displayed before him. "Now I must check up on the delivery of kitchen supplies. When the others arrive, give them my greetings," Severus was left alone to wait for the pair of professors.

Right on the dot at noon, the fireplace was ablaze with green flame that accompanied the use of the Floo network. Severus turned his head towards the two stepping away from the cloud of smoke in the chimney, both swaying their hands near their faces to clear the air. Daelynn met his eyes first and they narrowed. Severus' eyes were immediately drawn to the rough-looking scars on the left side of her face and could not remember if they had been there the last brief moment he saw her. They made her seem almost menacing. Then Remus Lupin followed, his features littered with scabs and scratches. His condition took a toll on him; they made the man appear older than the woman at his side.

"Morning," They chorused. Severus scowled absently and gave his head a minuscule nod.

"Glad to know one thing will be the same," Calysta said. This was exactly what Severus predicted would happen. "That same frown you always wear never fails to follow you around."

"Won't you sit?" Severus snapped. Calysta and Remus looked at each other and strutted forward at the same time. Their movements mirrored each other's and Severus thought it to be an action of sibling-like familiarity.

"Where is Dumbledore?" Remus inquired.

"Checking on deliveries," Severus said shortly. Remus nodded to himself. An awkwardly quiet period set over them until Caysta decided to speak, crossing her legs and placing each hand on the arms of her chair, puffing her chest slightly.

"How has Hogwarts been for you? Do you like it here?" Her questions were innocent, but her tone felt interrogating. Severus shrugged.

"Uneventful. But now that Black has escaped, it's going to be a different situation," Severus told her. Calysta's face darkened and her smile faded a little more and her fingers curled around the edge of the arms of the chair. Severus noted the elegantly flashy ring of sapphire on her left hand.