Unwanted pet (Snupin) *Complete*

Part 48: Getting to know Severus...

Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters from the Harry Potter world, which is trademarked by J. K. Rowling. This story is purely for entertainment purposes, no money is being made from it.

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Remus sighed - their research was at the full stop. Somehow, it was obvious that they cannot find the solution, that solution lied in Pomona and Filius respective fields. But for some reason, they still keep up with pretences and continued.

He sighed again. Where is that scroll? Severus must have it in his workroom.

He walked into the room only to find Snape and one of his students. The boy had a bloody nose. After his offer for help was refused by Snape in a rude fashion, he lingered a bit wondering. Seeing Snape with his students, after all this time he spent in Snape's quarters, he remembered how many times calls echoed from workroom in all times day and night.

Severus seemed so out of his usual self with these kids. He would jump and meet every call. He would give advice or comfort them. Knowing a surly Potion Master better now, he could notice the small twitches of self-control. He blinked away the image, vividly played in his mind, of Severus actually hugging a student in a fatherly manner.

Snape growled and he left the room.

Walking back in the living area, he banished the mess from the worktable. He would love to go out and take a stroll by the lake but that was impossible. Trying to find something to amuse himself, he turned his attention to items that replaced a collection of torturing devices on the wall. The majority were books and more scrolls, some of them looking ancient and rare.

An expensive antique chess set with still ongoing game draw his attention. He stared at the pieces playing the game to the finish in his mind. Reluctant to touch the chess board, partially because it was placed under the strong protective charm.

With whom do you play this game?

He walked to the armchair and sat in it, looking at the fire. As much as he now knew about Snape, the man was still a mystery to him. A nagging voice in his head sounded repetitive in its mantra trust friend and nothing more. Feeling much like his old self lately Remus started to question his inclination to befriend Snape. He nearly jumped when Snape's voice rumbled.

"You wanted something Lupin."

"I think that you are not interested in working on our paper anymore." He smiled.

"No, indeed I am not."

"Chess?"

"Yes, I would prefer a game of chess."

Snape looked tired beyond reason. Listening, he could hear slow and suffocated heartbeats, as if the man was carrying some heavy load. Remus started to worry. Snape did not take any potions save from those to heal himself and for the first time he wondered, did he denied him of something he used in days like this. Snape slumped in the armchair, tossing out his robe and coat.

"Do you want us to play a new game or we could finish this one." He suggested, aching to play at least once with the antique set.

"Do not even dare to touch that chess set" Snape was suddenly standing with a wand in his hand "Touch it and I will turn you into a pile of ashes."

Snape's demeanour was treating, sucking up all warmth from the room. So much so that he felt a need to cast a Patronus charm. Pulling back from the antique set, he raised his hands defensively.

"I didn't touch it. Just a suggestion."

"Bring the old set here and do not even dare to touch that one." Hissed Snape and sat back.

With a sigh, he took the old chess set lost in thoughts.

One more mystery to crack, there is not enough time in this lifetime. Why is that game so important?

They sat the game and his sullen companion played half-heartedly in silence.

It was the second game that evening, when other fireplace erupted in flames, head of Lucius Malfoy emerged.

"Severus," Called Malfoy's voice, Snape nearly jumped from his chair, giving him a signal to be quiet and stay put.

"Lucius, what pleasant surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Replied Severus

"We are having a party at the Manor, I thought you might want to join us, Severus."

"I would love to. Sadly, I will not be able to, Lucius. You know as well as I do that I cannot socialize with you. Not for another four years."

"Nonsense, Severus, I am a member of the board."

"And are the other professors invited?" Smirked Snape. "As long as I am a professor and your sons Head of House, I am afraid that I am not able to indulge in social pleasantries."

"Such a shame." Sighed Malfoy "I've heard of your...predicament, Severus"

"Then you know how busy my schedule is."

"Yes. I will send you another bottle of Ogden's, the new batch just arrived."

"I would not go that far, you know I do not like to drink more than a glass of vine."

"Alright, then I'll choose one of the bottles from my cellar. I take it that Draco is doing fine."

"He is a true Malfoy," Replied Snape cruelty

"Always a stickler for rules Severus."

"Thank you for the invitation Lucius, I have to return to my project now, I am sorry for cutting this conversation short."

"I understand. Then, another time perhaps?"

"Most certainly. Do convey my regards to Narcissa."

"I will." With that Malfoy's head disappeared.

Snape was still standing in front of the fireplace as if he was suspecting that he would reappear again. Remus looked at the fire, feeling uncomfortable. Snape's demeanour was completely different from what he would expect. The tone was light, friendly and distant. From what he just heard, it sounded as Snape and Malfoy were close, and yet, Snape was distant. Never even cracking a notion of a smile.

Severus returned to the game, but until the end of the evening, he wore a frown wedged between his brows.