Uncanny Snake

XII - Second Task

"Albus! You can't!" I pleaded knowing that even if I begged, my side of the argument didn't stand strong. 

"Rynne, it's for the better. And the headmaster didn't make this decision, I did." Remus coaxed. That still didn't make it any better.

"But where will you go, huh? And what will you do?" Remus stared at me, obviously conflicted as he didn't know himself, and then he averted his eyes. He too was lost.

"It was his decision not to take the potion just as it is his decision to leave, Salazar. As you've always said, actions have consequences." Why did Severus have to apply that rule now? I was the one who got hurt, and I could deal with that. They were just minor injuries, and I could hardly feel them anymore. I knew I was being irrational, but I had never seen Remus so happy, despite his condition, and it was heartbreaking.

"For once, I agree," Remus whispered. "Actions do have consequences, and the fact that I hurt you, my conscience will not let me forget that easily. I do not wish to harm my friends," he said sternly, and I bit the inside of my cheek. Albus glanced between the three of us, his eyes contemplative, but I already knew his decision. Remus was a dear friend, but the school's reputation and the student's safety came first, and no matter how much I selfishly pleaded, I knew it would change nothing. And yet I kept trying.

I quieted myself and listened as the three men talked, Severus, seeming a little too overjoyed by the departure of the werewolf. Damn him, if I didn't know any better, he probably planned all of this. And if I did know better, then he most certainly devised this whole lopsided scheme. I stared the brooding man down, and at the mention of having to fill Remus' position, his eyes narrowed in deep interest, his dream job now on the table. That slithery snake, how dare he! Two birds with one stone, was probably what was running through that foul mind of his. 

However, Lockhart cleared his throat, and I glanced over my shoulder, having forgotten the man was in here with us as a fellow staff member. So was Minerva, but she remained seated, her hands firmly clasped together, she looked amused if anything. "Considering Severus here has his hands full as Potions Master, it wouldn't be very fair to put such a burden on him. Merlin knows how overwhelmed he is with marking alone. I, however, am a perfect candidate for the full-time position, who better than I, Lockhart, a quite legendary wizard, if I do say, so myself—having faced so many dark wizards and beasts over the years." And case closed. I smirked at Severus, and he glowered both at Lockhart and me, and if looks could kill...but fortunately they couldn't.

Severus looked to me almost pleadingly to make my case against Lockhart, and perhaps put in a good word for him, but he asked for this. I glanced to Lockhart, a genuine smile on my lips and spoke my thoughts. "Why that sounds like a brilliant idea, doesn't it Albus?"

"Indeed," the headmaster agreed, reading the situation like the back of his hand. Sure Remus had not taken the Wolfsbane potion, but it wasn't a coincidence that we happened to be out the night of Remus' transformation, and I was a little upset that Severus put me in the middle of his childish spite. He probably hadn't meant for me to get harmed, but I did, and that was on his hands. Severus' eyes narrowed in contempt, but he composed himself, took a deep breath and nodded in agreement making his way to the door.

Remus had already packed his bags and was ready to head out; he hadn't wasted a single second after shifting back to his human form. I couldn't blame him, if the news of him being a werewolf leaked, his life would be miserable here at Hogwarts, between the parents, students, and the overall judgment of pure-blooded wizards, it would never end. I walked up to him and gave him a great big hug, and I was reluctant to let go because if there was one thing I knew, it was how dreadful being alone could be when crushed by the weight of the world. And for Remus, it was the case; no one liked a werewolf.