Honor

Chapter 49

A New Queen in Town

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It was well into the following week of classes, but Severus and Remus were still in somewhat of a fog from the weekend's celebration of Severus' birthday and the unexpected events thereof. Some noticed their distraction, and attributed it to the business of classes and other school-related activities. But those who knew them well, noticed immediately, and chose to just observe… for the time being. The happiness of the two men was contagious after all, and the incidents of problems in their classrooms seemed to decrease.

Wednesday morning, as the Owlpost was being delivered to the sound of beating wings, a small scroll of fine parchment tied with a red ribbon was dropped into Minerva's lap by a familiar hawk. Luckily, Aremus' presence went unseen by either Severus or Remus, since the men had their heads together, quietly discussing something only they were privy to. Minerva tossed a bit of bacon to the hawk, before he flew off, and opened the scroll. Soon she was poking Poppy in the ribs and shoving the parchment under her nose. Minerva kept an eye on the Headmaster, as Poppy read. Poppy finished reading and her bright smile matched the one on her mate's face. She squeezed Minerva's arm, barely able to contain the squeal of excitement she felt welling up inside her. They both chanced a glance toward the young men sitting to their right. Heads still together, the men still talked quietly as they sipped their tea, totally oblivious to the attention directed their way.

"I shall write Luisa back this afternoon, during my free period." Minerva whispered, as she pushed her dishes away then watched them disappear.

"Please pass on my delight as well. It this works out, it will be so wonderful for Tori!" Poppy exclaimed quietly.

"Yes, but only if we can keep certain old fools from interfering."

"Very true. I have confidence. We have had much practice over the years." Poppy smirked. Glancing over at the Headmaster, she rose to head off to the Hospital Wing. "Come by my office for tea during your free period."

"I believe I will. Have a splendid day, dear." Minerva exchanged warm smiles with her mate as they both exited via the Staff door.

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The next few weeks pass quickly and the fourteenth of February was drawing near, which meant plans for the ball needed to be finalized so they could be executed.

"I know we've gone through several plans for the St. Valentine's Ball, but I believe I have resolved the issue!" Albus stood at the head of the Staff table, in his usual lurid robes, his eyes twinkling madly.

"Albus, I've seen that look. It usually doesn't bode well. What have you done?" Minerva asked cautiously, sliding a quick sidelong glance toward Poppy.

"There is no need to be concerned Minerva. I have found someone who is an expert in the ways of love and the celebrations there of, who has offered his services, for a nominal fee, to handle everything for us. The weight of the preparations will be taken from our shoulders, and the children will have a splendid time!" He grinned widely at each staff member around the table, which did little to comfort those who knew him well.

"And whom, pray tell, Headmaster, have you engaged for this endeavor?" Severus asked, warily. He didn't have a good feeling, and Remus was shifting uncomfortably next to him. Their unease and curiosity was reflected in the gazes of their colleagues.

A knock was heard on the doorframe, bringing everyone's attention to the caretaker who stood in the doorway.

"Headmaster, you wanted to know when…" Argus Filch began, before he was shouldered aside, by the most flamboyant man any of them had ever seen. Mr. Filch sputtered, but withdrew at a subtle wave from the Headmaster. Albus would placate the man later.

"Headmaster! How good it is to see you again! I hope I am not late." He smiled widely, the pearly white of his teeth almost blinding. Nodding at each person, causing his long blond curls to bounce, all the staff could do was gape. He walked toward the Headmaster, his hand out.

Albus met the man halfway, grasping his hand warmly in both of his gnarled ones. "Mr. Lockhart, Gilderoy, welcome! No, no, you are just in time. Come meet our staff." He made a sweeping motion toward the table as he pulled Lockhart toward the empty chair next to his.

"Lockhart…Lockhart…Please! Tell me that's not…" Severus began as he hissed in Remus' direction.

Remus placed his hand on Severus' arm and shushed him, "Unfortunately, I have to confirm your suspicions. The picture I saw in last weeks Prophet confirms it, sadly."

Severus groaned and rolled his eyes. "We're doomed."

Gilderoy turned to Minerva and Poppy who sat beside him, opposite the Headmaster, taking Minerva's hand, he kissed it then turned a dazzling smile on her and winked at Poppy, "And who might these lovely ladies be, Headmaster?"

Minerva jerked her hand away, and surreptitiously wiped it on her robes. Leaning toward Poppy a bit, as Gilderoy leaned in, she replied in a voice devoid of friendly emotion, "Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts. This is Head Mediwitch Poppy Pomphrey, who is in charge of our Hospital Wing."

Poppy remained silent, but her eyes flashed a warning as she nodded in acknowledgement, her hand grasping her mate's under the table.

Not to be dissuaded, he turned up the charm as he looked around the table, stopping long enough to wink and smile at Professors Sprout and Trelawney, who both nodded as a courtesy. He then winked at the Muggle Studies professor, before his gaze fell on Severus. It was like watching a train wreck. One just couldn't avert one's eyes.

Severus cringed inwardly, attempting not to show his reaction outwardly. Remus sensed his discomfort and the wolf's hackles rose. As Lockhart's gaze glided hungrily over Severus, he felt dirty, and his hand brushed Remi's leg under the table, looking for comfort.

Albus continued introducing the staff and talking about the preparations, totally oblivious to his guest's perusal of his staff members.

"And who is this handsome professor, Headmaster?" Lockhart purred, as he preened, not taking his eyes from Severus. The other staff members watched, shocked at his blatant show of interest in their Potions Master. Minerva poked Poppy in the leg and nodded her head toward Remus, whose gaze was beginning to turn golden. He was exercising amazing restraint but it wouldn't last. They would need a distraction—something to break up the meeting.

Poppy made a show of pulling out her wizarding watch from the chain around her neck. She tsk-ed, and waved to get Albus' attention. "Excuse me, Headmaster, if I remember correctly, Professor Snape mentioned he had to leave the meeting in 45 minutes to finish a potion I need for the Hospital Stores. It is almost that time now."

Severus stood quickly, "Thank you for reminding me, Madam Pomphrey. I shall see to it now and deliver it to you later this evening."

"Yes. Yes. By all means, my boy, off with you. Far be it from me to keep you from your potions." Albus waved Severus toward the door.

Remus stood as well, following Severus out of the door. "Please excuse me as well, Headmaster. I have a demonstration to finish setting up for tomorrow's classes." Before Albus could answer, they were both gone. Gilderoy looked crestfallen at the loss of the delectable potions professor. The look on his face made Minerva and Poppy smirk to themselves, and the rest of the staff sighed with relief as they all began to excuse themselves.

"Well, noone rejected my plan, so it seems you have the go ahead to get started. Please keep me apprised of your comings and goings and your progress, Mr. Lockhart. I look forward to seeing your work." It was then, that Mr. Filch reentered the room. "Argus, please escort Mr. Lockhart out. Thank you. It was good seeing you again, Gilderoy."

The Headmaster turned and walked quickly to the gargoyle, waiting as the stairs started to move. Gilderoy hesitated a moment to watch, then turned to the caretaker. "Hmmm. Mr. Filch, is it? You don't happen to know if your potions professor is seeing anyone do you?"

Argus only frowned and harrumphed at the man, gripping his arm firmly and leading him to the front doors of the school.

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Remus heard the door to his office slam, and looked up to see Severus, with his back pressed against the door, eyes closed, chest heaving, cheeks flushed and his braid a mess. Remus stood immediately and rounded his desk to take Severus into his arms.

"Sev, what's wrong? What's happened? Is that flamboyant freak chasing you again?" Remus' eyes flashed gold and the wolf growled possessively.

"He snuck up on me, in the Staff Lounge, while I was grading papers on my free period. The elves are cleaning up a potions accident one of the Third year Hufflepuffs caused." He wrapped his arms tighter around Remus' body. "He started talking about how lovely he thought my hair was… then… then he started stroking my braid. When I demanded he stop, and tried to pull it forward into my lap, he refused to let go!"

Remus growled, as he stood back, looking into Severus' dilated eyes. "He touched you?"

"Hagrid came it at that moment, and it distracted him, so I was able to get up and exit into the hallway. It was my intention to head to my rooms, but I heard him behind me almost immediately. I ducked down several of the side halls and couldn't lose him until I slipped behind that tapestry on the second floor. I came here directly from there."

Remus pulled Severus to the sofa in the corner of his office, pushing him down, and conjuring a cup of tea for him. Severus accepted the cup, sipping slowly, trying to calm himself. He reached up to smooth his hair and made a disgusted sound.

"Don't worry Love, I will rebraid it for you." Remus rubbed Severus shoulder affectionately.

"Remi, I'm getting fed up with playing cat and mouse with that supercilious, overly-gregarious, irascible, pretentious dandy! If he doesn't leave me alone, I don't care what Albus thinks. I'm gonna hex his arse to the Seven Hells. Dammit, I have bruises where he's pinched me!"

Remus started to pace and was just building up a full head of angry steam, when they heard a knock at the door. Remus cast "Revealo" and saw it was only Minerva and Poppy. He opened the door and motioned them in quickly, eyeing both ends of the hallway before closing the door behind them. Noticing his agitation and Severus' disheveled appearance, Poppy sat with Severus as Minerva planted her fists on her hips and eyed Remus.

"I take it, our Mr. Lockhart has been at it again?" She looked back and forth between the two men. "Severus, you look like you've been manhandled—no pun intended my dear." Severus glared at her then sighed. "And you, my little Wolf, look like you want to bite someone—a specific someone."

"I certainly wouldn't mind if he bit him." Severus mumbled into his teacup. Poppy's eyes danced merrily as she looked at her mate, from beside Severus, her hand rubbing slow comforting circles on his back.

"He needs to leave Severus alone… if he knows what's good for him!" Remus snapped, at noone in particular.

"Well, we can't have that. You are both important members of our staff. We can't do without either of you, and Lockhart is the Headmaster's guest…as offensive as he is. We do not want to draw Albus' attention toward us. So… we need another solution." She tapped her lips with a fingertip for a few moments as she thought. Then her eyes lit up and she smiled, as she clapped her hands together. "And I may have just the one."

Both men eyed her curiously, but her mate just smiled, suspecting she knew exactly what Minerva had in mind. Minerva snapped her fingers, and Toria appeared. "Please bring Puck here, Toria."

"Si, Professore. Right away." The small elf popped away, only to appear moments later with the large black part-kneazle by her side. She patted the large head before disappearing with a pop.

"Auntie Min, what- ?" Severus began, before Minerva's upheld hand stopped him mid-sentence.

"But, Màthair—" Remus stepped to the sofa and stood by Severus.

"Shush child!" She eyed them both, making sure they would be quiet before she continued. "Do you remember last week, when he followed you to your rooms, Severus? We happened to be there for our weekly card game."

"Yes, but what has that to do with- ?"

"Shush. Just listen." She rolled her eyes at his impatience. "Do you recall what happened when he stepped through the door, into your rooms?"

Remus' eyes widened, as he remembered something. He looked at Severus excitedly then at Minerva. "Puck leapt at him from the top of Severus' chair. She put herself in front of him so he couldn't enter the room!"

"Yes. And if you remember, she also kept herself between him and Severus, no matter which direction the man paced in." She smiled smugly. "So, I will inform the Headmaster, that your Familiar will be accompanying you from now on until after the ball is over."

"He'll want to know why." Remus interjected.

"Oh I'm sure my Kitten has that all worked out already." Poppy's eyes danced with pride as she looked at Min.

"Now let me explain this to Puck, so you can get on with your duties." When she finished speaking, Minerva promptly assumed her Animagus form and began communicating to Puck what she was needed for. When Minerva was done, Puck meowed very loudly and rubbed against the large grey tabby, before turning and jumping onto Severus' lap. Minerva returned to her human form and laughed when she saw Puck standing on her hind legs, her paws on Severus' chest, rubbing her head against his chin, only stopping periodically to 'kitty kiss' him on his chin. His started stroking the long dark body as they all chuckled at the kneazle's antics.

"You'll be fine, dear. And the problem will be gone in a week." She held her hand out to Poppy, who rose and grasped it. "Come Gràdh, let's see if we can't hurry Mr. Lockhart along, so we can all enjoy a quiet evening." She winked at the men as they exited Remus' office.

Remus sat next to Severus on the sofa, conjured a brush, and turned Severus so he could reach the long hair. Remus released the remainder of the braid and began to slowly brush Severus hair, as Severus released a relieved sigh. Puck curled up on Severus' lap and went to sleep.

Tbc…