Chapter 41 Cost of Forgiveness
Severus frowned at his mail.
Lupin wanted absolution, and generously offered one hundred galleons for him to sign this document. Even if he had no gold, a hundred galleons? Is that all his life was worth? Lupin's family undoubtedly spent time agonizing over their son in Azkaban to scrape together this offer.
There was condition upon condition on this paper. Damned solicitors. All six parties had to agree, or none would get paid. Severus felt that Parkin's family might never sign. Sirius Black was not relevant to this deal. Someone must have figured that Black was long gone, and not coming back to throw himself on the mercy of the Wizengamot and confess that Lupin knew nothing of his plan. Ah friendship …
Hopefully, Lily was offered more than one hundred since she had suffered an actual injury and cursed wounds that changed her. What about MacDonald? She needed definitely needed more than a hundred. Severus did not pay attention to her often, but she whinged on about her lycanthropy something awful.
Severus quickly found out that Lily was offered five thousand, and MacDonald ten thousand. They were both forthcoming with their offers.
"Is 10,000 enough?" Severus asked.
"I wouldn't have it otherwise," Mary replied. "I get nothing if he stays in Azkaban."
"5,000 is a lot to me," Lily said. "I wouldn't have to work this summer."
"I thought the primary reason to take the position was to line up an apprenticeship because fifty galleons is meaningless to you, Lily."
"It's not meaningless," Lily snapped. "It's just I'd rather not work, if I had all this money."
"The alternative is I ask to go back to the original offer, and stay there myself for six weeks straight."
"Why? You would get a hundred galleons for doing nothing."
"First off, it's not nothing. Secondly, I do need an apprenticeship. And in case you did not realize it, I already accepted the job."
"So? Tell him you changed your mind."
Mary butted in, "There is a matter of personal integrity here. I think Severus is right."
"Who asked you?" snipped Lily.
"I will work, whether you join me or not. Besides, it's premature to count any money until we know what Rosier, Wilkes and Parkin's family intend to do. Perhaps the five of us should write to the Parkins, as a group."
"To ask them to sign?"
"Not necessarily."
Lily sighed, "Are you getting all Slytherin?"
"I think a degree of caution is wise, along with a better understanding of the bigger picture. For instance, as far as we know, Lupin's family … do they have the money to actually pay this? Maybe they have an idea to pay it over time. Between us, it's over 15,000 galleons. What if they think Remus Lupin will pay it to us and our families over the course of his working career?"
"No one hires werewolves," Mary complained.
"There is no time limit set on how soon we need to sign these. Realistically, we could comfortably wait another year till we graduate."
"Can you talk to Malcolm and Evan?" Mary asked.
"I could inquire if they would like to jointly discuss this," Severus replied. "I don't believe I feel the same way you two do about this money, so I'd rather not represent your interests."
"Do they teach that kind of talk to Slytherins first year, Sev?" Lily inquired.
"The point is moot if Parkin's family does not sign. I think Rosier has the best case to make for or against convincing them. MacDonald -"
"Will you call me Mary?"
" - Mary then, has a convincing argument as well. With Lupin left in Azkaban, she receives nothing, and she has a poor outlook for future employment."
"I'd like Lupin and Black in Azkaban, and the money too," Mary stated, "but I have to be practical. Black will never be caught, and he was the one who planned it. I also don't know what will happen years from now, when my parents are gone and I'm left on my own. Maybe 10,000 is not enough, and if it's paid over a hundred years or so, it definitely won't be anything worth … signing for."
Lily made a face, and sighed, "I don't know. I don't think Remus Lupin is necessarily evil, but he definitely knew that Black could use him like that. Their stupid live for the moment crap."
Severus bit his lower lip to stop words from flying out of his mouth. Wasn't Lily going to live large on five thousand galleons for the rest of her life? That was the same live for the moment attitude. He was not jealous over the money. She was welcome to it, but her attitude that perhaps she was not willing to work towards her goals … would she prefer to be like Potter, Black, Mulciber and all the rest who had money and did nothing with themselves except be a burden to others simply because they expected everyone to cater to them? Maybe it was for the best that Severus did not consider all that money his to do whatever he liked. Lily would have spent it by the wheelbarrow. What was wrong with her? One day Lily talked about her goals and all the good she was going to do, the next, she waved them off.
He left them to work on Divination review, and to chat about what they were going to do with money that may never be theirs. Severus was tired from his own review and finalizing a project of his own that he did not have the patience left to listen to such drivel. Besides, with Divination couldn't they foresee what would come of this?
Severus decided to put this solicitor of his to work to ferret out what this deal meant. The man suspected he had money, probably because he willed a number of vault numbers individually before leaving the rest to Lily. At this point, he had Lily or her parents, Argus Filch, Atlas Abstractus and Socrates Upsilon. If he wanted to give it some soul-searching thought, it was depressing. However, he knew the three staff members were not nice to him for any ulterior motive. He was of absolutely no consequence.
The solicitor claimed he could perform other services and had employees or colleagues that did investigative work. It had crossed Severus's mind that he could check up on Black, but Regulus said his brother was intentionally married to a half-veela so they'd never have to hear from him again. Word in Slytherin house was that Black did not leave the woman's side wherever they went, which was pretty much all over wizarding Europe. Was it a relief not to have to think or make decisions? Lily certainly felt she was qualified to decide for herself, him, and everyone she just met.
He did not know what to do about Lily. If she worked with him this summer, and lived with him, Severus was sure that he would be closer to a decision. He was afraid of spurning her irrevocably. The loss of his mother was different, but what if it became a similar obsession? He thought of his mother frequently. Sometimes his father, but mostly his mother. There was nothing he could do, nor any decisions he could have made differently since information was intentionally withheld from him.
Lily would be different. If he made the wrong decision, it would be no one's fault but his own.
The girls still talked about the possibility of thousands of galleons the next morning at breakfast, since they had to break to study for today's Divination final, over their sausage and bacon with some eggs and hash browned potatoes with a splash of gravy.
Lily contemplated a Belgian waffle with jam, butter and syrup when the mail arrived. Upon receiving mail from home in addition to the newspaper, she decided to slather one up to enjoy while she read the note from her mother. Petunia should be back from her honeymoon, and moved her bum and junk out of the house to clutter up wherever with Vernon … Little Wigging or something, south in Surrey. Who'd want to live in Surrey anyway?
Once her waffle was cut up so Lily could read without interruption, she opened the envelope. There was a letter from mum, and a smaller, thick, ecru envelope with her sister's cursive on it addressed to 'Severus Snape'. What the heck were they bothering her with now?
The sneer on her face grew because for some unknown reason Severus had left a gift for Petunia at the wedding. Freaking pressure cooker that she wanted, but probably never use. Her whole gift list was filled with that sort of garbage. Lily's mother was in a bit of a dither about him spending more money than he should have … well, if he didn't have it, he wouldn't have been able to buy that silly pot, would he?
Lily griped to herself. When were people going to realize that Severus did as he darned well pleased? If he did not want to give Petunia anything, Lily would not have been surprised if he left her nothing. Anyway, her mother thought Lily had something to do with it. Why? Lily's gift of a soup tureen, gravy boat and some stupid covered butter dish and probably some other crap were picked out by mum and paid for by dad. She didn't need Severus to do anything, and why would they think that anyway since Severus was only her friend … not anything else, as far as they knew. Well, best friend who saved her life, but if the tables were turned Lily could have saved Severus. After all, she was the Gryffindor, not him.
At least this time there were no cranberry bars, or she'd whack Sev in the head with the tupperware when she got to Potions. Nonetheless, she hit his bicep with the envelope when she joined him on the stairs.
"Yeah?" he asked.
"Mail for you from Tunie."
"Oh," he said and took it. He started to laugh, but then stopped. "It's still sticky. So I guess Petunia sent it out nice and clean?"
"It's just a little jam."
"And greasy butter."
Lily tutted. She doubted he was going to save the envelope. Sev could always charm it clean, if he wanted.
Initially, he had thought that Petunia had soiled the envelope to show her displeasure, but it was Lily again. It was not important, but it was just one more little vexation.
"Well, what she'd write?"
"If you insist," he said with a sigh and opened the envelope. The butter had soaked through to the stiff paper folded over into a note that had 'Thank You' printed on the front. What Petunia had written inside was brief and expressed some gratitude for his gift.
He handed it to Lily.
"Hmm, she could have been a little more thankful. My parents said you didn't have to give her a gift."
"I'm satisfied with it."
Lily huffed and folded the note back up. She held out her hand for the envelope, and Severus gave it to her. "You should be treated better."
Severus quirked an eyebrow at her. Petunia treat him better? Lily would say anything to start some friction. Petunia was Petunia, and he was used to her. Staying out of her way was the best method of dealing with her, and if he was in her path, be nice and polite. That ticked her off, but Tunie couldn't do anything about that. She had not struck or kicked him for years since age no longer made her bigger and stronger. Besides, she never hit him hard. Now that she was moving far away, it was not the time to escalate hostilities with Lily's sister.
For now though, there were Wilkes and Rosier, along with the small matter of their Potions practical brewing final. When his roommates said they weren't interested in signing anything for Lupin, Severus had suggested they jointly negotiate and give the amount to MacDonald. They were interested in that solution. There were two problems – Lily Evans and the Parkins. Neither knew yet. Sev could warn Lily, but she was more likely to argue with him. Maybe if the three of them suggested it together, Lily might consider it first without letting her mouth do her thinking for her.
Slughorn assigned them places alphabetically and then each of them flipped over their parchment to see what potion they were to brew from memory. Severus sneered. Wit-sharpening was a fourth year potion. Simple. From the looks around him, others may have been assigned non-NEWT level potions. There were too many Ravenclaws in this class.
While he waited for his turn to go to the supply cabinet for the scarab beetles, ginger roots, and armadillo bile, Severus set up his cauldron and other instruments. He would not create, measure, or warm the water till he returned. He did not think there was anyone left in the class that would mess with his ingredients, but testing his theory on the final would be reckless.
Severus saw Lily with puffer fish eyes. Swelling Solution? He hoped so because they weren't used for much else and that was the only potion he knew of taught at Hogwarts that used them. However, why would Slughorn assign a second year potion for a NEWT-level final? Lazy sod.
No one in the class was displeased with their potion results. Although some had a longer simmering time, all were completed well within the alloted period. The bad mood of the Ravenclaws at not truly being tested was infectious though, and not just Severus's dislike about anything Slughorn did or did not do.
The grading was quick and simple. Slug Club members got an O, and everyone else received an E, including Lily. Severus was not sure if she noticed the criteria. It really did not matter, as long as they were given passing marks.
Lily noticed that Evan Rosier stopped next her in the hall while she waited for Severus. Evan and Malcolm had been quiet since November, but sometimes would nod at her in the halls. Did Sev already talk to him? 'S' was right after 'R' so Lily did not have time to complete thinking of what to say when Severus came out.
"Well?" she asked.
"E."
"Me too."
"Hmm. Wilkes should be out soon, if you have time now, Evans."
Lily tried to discern why Severus had reverted to using her last name. Surely Rosier and Wilkes still knew they were together. "Yes, I have time ... Snape."
Wilkes was the last out of the Potions classroom. He rolled his eyes and said, "This class is not going to prepare us for our NEWTs next year. Maybe Flitwick and the Ravenclaws will light a fire under someone's arse."
Rosier answered, "I doubt it. What about all our lackluster Defense teachers?"
They all muttered their agreement. This year's had not been terrible so of course, he went for a row on the lake, fell overboard and drowned somehow. They took last year's sixth year final exam which was a disastrous year because it was taught by a ninny. Totally different curriculum, but why would that matter to anyone?
"So shall we go outside?" Evan Rosier asked.
"Might as well," Wilkes replied, "if it's all right with you two."
"Fine," Lily answered. She was slightly worried because it was her and three Slytherins. No Mary. Severus would not let them talk circles around her, would he? If they married, Lily's remaining windfall would be theirs to share.
Severus shrugged his shoulders. The walk outside to find a nice, quiet spot might be longer than the actual conversation.
They didn't need to go far because there were a lot of empty benches in the courtyard. Severus nonverbally cast muffliato so if Lily got loud, no one else would know what they were discussing. He also remained standing in front of the bench so he could see the others' faces.
"Did you tell her?" asked Rosier.
"I didn't get a chance. Lily, we are not interested in signing the documents to forgive Lupin for personal monetary gain."
"More like he's not forgiven," Rosier added as an explanation.
"But … I know a hundred galleons isn't a lot, but we don't know how much he's offered the Parkins. Maybe they are getting most of it."
"A hundred?" Malcolm repeated.
"That was my offer," Severus admitted, since Lily was so free with information. "Rosier and Wilkes were offered a thousand each."
"What?" Lily inquired in confusion.
"Perhaps the feeling was we would not discuss it," he replied with a shrug.
"That's not right." Why did Lupin still have to be a toerag? Bad enough Black wanted Severus dead, but Lupin can't offer the same amount to each of the boys? Lily was tempted not to sign purely on principle.
"So that's where us three stand. We would prefer the four of us unite and request a larger amount for MacDonald, and clarify the whole amount needs to be paid, without the Parkins and not over a period of time."
Lily stared at Severus. The four of us? "What about me?"
Severus paused before answering, "Although you were hurt, MacDonald's life was irrevocably changed. Did you want some time to think about it? We're trying to figure out how Lupin even has any gold to offer so that will take time."
"Maybe Black or Potter?" Lily suggested.
Wilkes said, "Maybe Potter. Black's supposedly locked out of his family vault except for a monthly allowance his mum sends him."
"From what we hear, he spends it all on his wife," Rosier muttered. "Black better hope his mummy remembers how much children cost. He's a complete idiot."
"Rumors. Anyway, there's a couple solicitors between us checking into it so we can request an appropriate amount for MacDonald," Severus commented. Regulus couldn't wait to cut off his brother's allowance. It would only sweeten it more for the younger brother if his older brother did not think to save a single knut. Severus might have to stay friendly with Regulus just to stay informed on how it turned out.
"I think I'll take up your offer to think about it then," Lily said thoughtfully. Why would Severus allow her to get no money? What was his real plan?
It wasn't until later in the day that Lily was able to ask Severus, once they were alone.
"Sev, what are you up to with negotiating only for Mary?"
"What do you mean?"
"What about my five thousand?"
"Is that more important to you?"
"I don't know. What if Lupin can't pay any of it?"
"It would have been rude of him to offer, if he couldn't."
"So you and I would get nothing?"
"Not with the current plan. Did you need the money for something specific, Lily, or just the comfort of having money in the bank?"
"Does it matter?"
"Yes. Is it a secret?"
"From you?"
"You can keep secrets from me, Lily."
"Oh come on. Aren't you afraid I'm planning some silly Gryffindor thing?"
"Those are usually free. Did you want a broom?"
"Oh ha ha. A broom."
"It's all right to want money. If you need money for something, but don't want to tell me what, you can tell me the amount. How's that?"
"I don't need any money specifically right now, Sev."
"All right. That's fine. Anyway, if I think we phrase this altruistically, we can ask for more than was offered to the five of us, and it should not be dependent on the Parkins. Out of us, MacDonald is the one that has the most pressing future need. Rosier and Wilkes have money, and you and I can earn it ourselves."
"But … this is so un-Slytherin, isn't it?"
"What do you mean? It's a counteroffer."
"But what do you get out of it?"
"A hundred galleons? Now that you went blabbing that that was all I was offered … hm, normally I would say a hundred galleons is something, but in this case, it is not worth it. I'd rather Lupin stay in Azkaban than settle for a hundred. That's probably why Rosier and Wilkes were offered more. They easily could have a hundred as pocket money. They would be insulted by such a low offer."
"Well, I'm insulted for you then."
"It was the offer to MacDonald that had me willing to sign. When Rosier and Wilkes said they were not going to sign, I mentioned that MacDonald needed money, even if they did not."
"They still like her?"
"Yes. what made you think they didn't?"
"They don't talk to us anymore."
"Don't worry about that too much. Appearances are important."
"No, they're not."
"Not to us. For them, it is."
"It's so stupid."
"Anyway, are you trying to say you are not interested unless you receive something?"
"No, I wouldn't do that to Mary."
"All right. It might take a while for us to come up with an appropriate figure, and I think they are also going to contact the Parkins to let them know. We don't want to go behind Parkin's family's back, if they are firmly against it without any explanation."
"That would be good."
"It would not be favorable to have each of us only looking out for our own interests. I'm not sure if that is why the term was written. To turn us against anyone who would not sign? The least likely to sign would be the Parkins. However, how could we blame them for not accepting whatever they were offered?"
"I doubt Lupin would think that way."
"Lupin and his family did nothing when he was first sent to Azkaban. Something's changed since then."
"So that's what you Slytherins are going to try to find out?"
"Yes, that way we can plan appropriately. If it's Black, maybe he'd find it easier to kill the five of us, rather than paying."
"How's that going to help? That would look suspicious, wouldn't it?"
"Wouldn't that be a minor detail to Black?"
"I suppose," Lily muttered. How she hated Sirius Black. Money. Sounded like Black, and that he'd offer Severus less than them. Sev picked up Helen's body, and inconveniently survived Black's stupid plan to kill him, using one of Black's own supposed best friends. He also saved Mary's and Lily's lives. And now Lily was worried about money, like a jerk.
After some lengthy consideration of how wrong this could go, Severus decided to attempt the spell with his mother's wand while at Hogwarts. It wasn't Dark Arts, just unorthodox to infuse a wand into a wizard's body. After years of being disarmed, who wouldn't want a wand that could not be removed? It was simply practical to Severus.
The spell hurt as the wand dissolved into his left hand. The pain would be worth it if the spell was successful. He concentrated on the spell's success. This wand was compatible with him.
When the pain subsided enough that he could breathe and close his mouth, Severus studied the darkness impregnating his left hand from the almost black wood. His finger nails were darker on his middle three fingers, and the knuckles were shadowed. Since he had poor skin coloring to start with, it was doubtful anyone would notice. Most people hardly looked at him because he was so ugly.
His first attempt at casting failed, but that was expected. MacDonald still was challenged by simple spells with her left hand.
For now, he was rather tired from the draining incantation. He could practice over the summer.
Lily was conflicted for the remainder of her finals.
Severus along with Malcolm and Evan sounded so much like they wanted to do the right thing. There was Lily's personal misgiving over giving up any money for herself, and the nagging feeling that Slytherins never did anything for other people. Well, maybe that wasn't quite true. If she asked Severus for something, he'd probably do it for her, if it wasn't totally unreasonable. Though with Severus, he thought a lot of things were unreasonable … thanks to freaking Albus Dumbledore getting caught spying on them! As soon as they were home, after Lily said hello to her parents, she was going to shag him so much, Sev wouldn't be able to get out of bed.
For now, Lily kept the boys' plan secret from Mary. Mary did ask Severus about the other Slytherins in front of Lily, and he responded that they were thinking it over.
Lily did slip on the Hogwarts Express on their way to King's Cross that Malcolm and Evan were offered a thousand galleons, instead of Sev's one hundred. It was an honest mistake, but Severus glared darkly at her, while Mary expressed outrage over Lupin slighting Severus like that.
Although Lily had been told that Potter's solicitor represented Lupin for the appeal. The Slytherins upped their request to an even half million galleons for Mary. Unbelievable. They were completely mad.
Lily and Severus had planned on a nice afternoon in Diagon Alley to look for a wedding present for Frank and Alice. That's what they were supposed to be discussing with Mary. Severus had said he could pay for whatever it was as long as it was not too expensive. She had already confirmed with her parents in advance, that her mum not meeting her at King's Cross. It was too long a train trip for her mum to take down to London alone anyway, now that her and Sev could get themselves home.
She sighed and excused herself to do prefect duties.
Severus was left alone with Mary MacDonald in the compartment. Lily's parting conversation put Mary's attention squarely on him, rather than on herself. Like Lily, MacDonald considered the world to revolve around her and her problems. It was tedious to listen to, but preferable over question about him.
"So besides you and Lily working for some potions geezer, what do you have planned for your summer, Severus?" Mary asked.
"Before that we're going to Longbottom's wedding, and maybe after we're done working, if we have all our assignments done, we might go somewhere for a week. Depends on what portkeys are open then."
"Like somewhere foreign?"
"Maybe not too exotic for our first trip. I only can get by in a couple languages, and Upsilon does not converse in completely modern Greek. Lily did not seem too interested in seeing the Parthenon anyway."
"I'd go to Greece with you."
Purposely Severus replied, "I'll mention it to Lily. Maybe that would change her mind, if the three of us could go together."
"Uh … so what else is there besides the Parthenon?"
"Well, Lily expressed an interest last summer in doing some sort of seaside holiday. There's beaches and boats there from what Upsilon said. That's why I thought we could go there since it would be something she'd like that also had some interest for me."
Mary frowned. Bathing suits. Not exactly something she could wear anymore. "That seems quite reasonable. The sun, sand and burnt skin aren't for me. I think I'd join you with the antiquities."
"There's a lot in the muggle British museums, and maybe other muggle museums. I'm not sure which."
"That would be a lot of fun," Mary said agreeably. "Even if it were just muggle artifacts."
Was MacDonald still fancying him? When Severus suggested they could go to a muggle museum or two in London, Lily said it would be boring. Wouldn't MacDonald feel the same way? She was still rubbish in Muggle Studies, even though her grade in that course was very respectable. She may be good for a laugh. MacDonald said whatever she thought, and there was not much real thinking going on in her head.
"With NEWTs, my assignments are going to have to come first."
"Hmm, yeah, you have what … seven courses?"
"Yes."
"And you're after a potions apprenticeship?"
"If it's reasonable. I don't want to sign up for ten or twenty years of indentured servitude."
"Some of those are ridiculous. From what I hear, when you start one of those, no matter what the field, there's a lot of busy work … like chopping ingredients all day, rather than actual teaching."
Severus shrugged, "If it's work that needs doing, that is what an apprentice is for. From what Regulus said, the apprentice at this place we'll be working has been there for years, so maybe us two doing the drudge work will free up her day."
"Well you are pretty industrious, Severus, so I doubt someone would find enough work that needs doing that would prevent you from getting on with things."
"I doubt that. It's more likely I would become such a nuisance, a master would want to train me up to get me out of their house."
"You? You're not a nuisance. You may be a bit too smart, and aren't afraid to let others know they're not."
"When mediocrity is rewarded, and dunderheads are labeled as experts, it's hard to stay quiet."
"Like half our Defense instructors?"
"We're due for one that can't read or write."
Mary laughed.
Mary still looked happy when Lily returned a short while later in a huff, disgusted by some younger Gryffindor boys. What the hell was wrong with her house? Did their whole lives revolve around food, toilets and cruel pranks? Oh, and quidditch. Freaking quidditch. Only one more year.
Ignoring Lily's sour looks, Mary suggested, "Severus was telling me that the two of you might get some vacation travel in this summer. If you decide on a place and when, let me know. I could join you."
"Huh?" Lily asked. In her book, two's company and three was a crowd. If they went somewhere, it would be the two of them. Or maybe somewhere with her parents. That was still a possibility. "Well, we can't let our schoolwork suffer, so it's a big if. I lost points on my Divination, so I need to pay better attention this year. And Prof. Kettleburn is letting me rejoin Care of Magical Creatures with a lot of make-up work."
"You sure you want to take that?"
"I do. I only dropped it because of those toerags attacking students."
Mary frowned. That's right, Pettigrew or Black knocked Lily down and exposed her knickers on purpose in front of a crowd of fourth years. Just months after they were put on probation for ripping open girls' blouses. Sixth years and they were still doing that nonsense. Seventh year was going to be so much better without them. If only they hadn't left so many lasting gifts, like Mary's lycanthropy. Mary truly wanted to be the one that caught Sirius Black. She might even turn in what was left of him once she was done. Once Lupin was out of Azkaban, he'd be fair game too.
Severus was glad the two of them ran out of things to talk about in their lives and attempted to explain MacDonald's Muggle Studies assignment so she would not start off with bad information. He didn't want to talk about himself, the Marauders, Hogwarts or spend the rest of the trip speculating on their summer job.
Once the train arrived, and they bid MacDonald farewell, Lily and Severus apparated together to Diagon Alley.
"Lily, I have a question for you."
"What, Sev?"
"Are you able to keep secrets and resist asking questions?"
"Of course."
"Really? Well, here."
Lily took the key from Severus and asked, "Is this a vault key?"
"Yes, it's yours. Now you won't have to worry about not receiving any money from Lupin."
"What's in it?"
"Gold. You can look at it while I'm doing something in my vault."
"But … where did you get it?"
"Goblins. I asked them to open it for you. It's completely yours, unless you give the key back to me now."
"Why would I do that?"
"Because you cannot stop asking questions."
"But I want to be sure I'm not taking money from you, Sev."
"Potter's money is better?"
"No, but I know you have a little money, but you'll need it."
"Lily, I wouldn't have given it to you if I needed it. You expressed worry over not having money so I took care of it. It should be the five thousand you wanted."
"Where did you get that?"
"Either accept the gift, or give me the key back," Severus threatened. He knew Lily wouldn't simply take it, but right now, he had way too much money and Lily had been harping about Lupin's offer for over a week. It was his fault that he suggested that all their money go to MacDonald, so he was trying to make it up to Lily.
"Did something happen that you didn't tell me?"
"Why would I tell you anything? You can hardly stop yourself from telling it to everyone you meet."
"I do not."
"Then take this key. Do what you want with whatever's in the vault. Save it, spend it, or add to it. But tell no one I gave it to you."
"Did you steal it?"
"Not that I know of. It's complicated, but worth moving the money, in case someone realizes I got it by mistake. How's that for an explanation?"
"Not a very good one, Sev."
"Well just consider it awindfall, and if you spend it, you now got a hint that it might be all there is. All right?"
"Did you keep any for yourself?"
"Why, do you need more already?"
"No."
"Then let me do what I need downstairs, and you do whatever you want with that. I'll meet you back here."
Lily made a face at Severus, but he was already presenting his own key to a goblin clerk. Stupid Slytherins and their secrets. What if there really was five thousand in here? What if Sev did get it by mistake? Was she helping him hide it from the real owner? What if he was right that this was all there was? Well, it was five thousand she didn't have before. Or they didn't have before.
Lily got in line and presented this new key. Well, it wasn't a newly cut key, but it was new to her. The goblin examined the key, and then asked her to follow him. After a bumpy cart ride, they arrived at Lily's vault. There was a lot of galleons in here. It could be five thousand. Even though Severus said it was a gift … maybe he didn't mean it. It was a lot of money. In real money … it was usually five pounds to every galleon so this was twenty-five thousand pounds? Crap. Her parents wouldn't trust her with this kind of money. Was Severus crazy? Maybe he did steal it. Though thieves didn't just dump the money on their best friends, or did they? If she took the money, did that mean she was now expected to marry him?
Down at the Lestrange vault, or the main Snape vault, Severus chose some books and gave the goblin with him a goblin-wrought helmet. Why did they keep all this crap in here? Many of the priceless valuables were downright ugly. Some had some sort of aura about them, but a lot were probably worth more with the stones pried out and melted down to make something useful.
Some things were undoubtedly stolen. Like this stupid cup with the badgers. It was delusional, if a cup could be. The first time he had moved it, it tried to convince him that with its aid, he could become all-powerful. Yeah, that's exactly what Helga Hufflepuff was known for … seducing everyone she met with food was more like it. It was a cup after all, not a weapon. Not even original in its story, since obviously this mad cup never heard of the Holy Grail. The Grail was more of a test for a hero, not a ticket to power. Probably some dimwit stole it after believing its claim to make the possessor invincible. Maybe Sprout would know who this really belonged to, or their family since who knew how long it was locked up down here. Of course, he'd have to have a plausible story how he'd come across it, or he'd be stuck keeping it. He didn't want to do that. It would be more satisfying to dismantle the treasure trove that the Lestranges spent generations accumulating. He had also speculated about seeing what books they had in their house, and then maybe burn it down after taunting portraits of their apish ancestors.
His musing on his hollow revenge on the Lestranges was interrupted by Lily's thunderous expression when he returned to Gringotts upstairs. "What now?" he asked her.
She crossed her arms over her chest and replied, "I don't know, Sev. I can't stand not knowing."
"Why? What does it matter?"
"What?"
"It was my idea to make sure MacDonald got something fair. Potter's loaded. His family inherited the Peverell fortune. But what was important to you was what you got. Now that you have it, you still aren't happy. Just another reason why you think I'm not as good as other wizards."
"What are you carrying on about now?"
"Nothing. You keep telling me that you need to meet better wizards, because I'm not the right one for you, Lily. But I'm to consult you on everything I do because you think I'm incompetent."
A goblin hissed, "Your voice is carrying, Mr. Snape. Would you like to use one of our offices?"
"No, I'm leaving."
Lily noticed that goblins were staring at them. Surely people argued here all the time. Finances were stressful. And this wasn't even an argument. Severus was just being cranky. He told her when he first gave her the key to not ask any questions, and she did. It probably was some deal between the Slytherins, and Severus was supposed to get Lily to go along with it, now that she got her money. However, what Lily wanted to know is what they were getting out of helping Mary.
Crap, Severus really was leaving. Phi had already rejoined him, and he was going out the door. She ran, or almost ran, because she was not going to run after him, and when she caught up to him, asked, "What are doing? Leaving me in there like that."
"I thought you were done with your banking."
"What? I was, but we were talking."
"We were not having a conversation. You were pestering me when I asked you not to."
"I want to know where this money came from."
"I see no reason why I need to discuss my finances with you, Lily."
"Your finances?" Lily asked sarcastically. "Since when do you have finances, Severus Snape?"
"I don't. There's nothing to discuss except that I'm still willing to pay for this gift, since I was the one to whom the invitation was addressed. All right? If it's not, I'll pick it without you."
"You can't pick out a gift, Sev."
"Why not?"
Lily fumed. Why was Severus being so argumentative today? Mary must have wound him up. Go on vacation with them. Really. Lily was a bit ticked at Mary herself. "Because it's supposed to be … you know."
He rolled his eyes at Lily, but did not reply. At least with her targeting his inability to choose a gift, she'd shut up about the money. Why did he bother doing anything for her?
Wizards should really get a simple, general store in Diagon Alley. Not books, pets, quidditch crap, potions ingredients, cauldrons, wands, ice cream, more books, fireworks or jokes. When Severus turned to go into a shop that had a table with a lantern upon it in the window, Lily hissed, "Not there."
"What?" he asked turning to look at the other choices nearby. "They might have something in here, or maybe we can go to a muggle store, and get something for their house?"
"Uh, I don't know about that."
"It doesn't hurt to look."
"All right," Lily groused.
Severus liked the thief-proof strongbox. Password protected to not even be moved, even if the floor was cut away. Although it was recommended for ground floor or basements. Fire, acid and water proof too.
"It's stupid," Lily complained.
"We can put something in it so it's just not a box."
"Like what?"
"How would I know? You're the expert."
"No need to get sarcastic, Sev."
"We can visit other stores, but I like this. Would you be able to find something that'll fit in it? Or perhaps bigger that we can just put this on top of?"
"Don't pressure me."
"We don't have to get something to put in it today, Lily. We got a week for you to think it over."
"Just buy it already since your mind is made up."
"Did you want to go anywhere else? I don't want to carry this far."
"Oh … uh, did you want ice cream?"
Severus lifted an eyebrow, then said, "I can go with you if you'd like some."
"Uh, just a scoop. They have flavors I can't get at home."
"All right, let me pay for this and then we'll pick it up last."
"OK, I'm going to get some owl treats. Do you need anything for Phi?"
"I'll meet you there. She's picky."
After the pet store, they sat together at Florean Fortescue's while Lily enjoyed her sundae. Severus studied her. Food and sex made Lily happy. It had to be the cursed wounds.
"What?" she asked.
"Hmm? I was thinking."
"About me?"
"What else?"
"I annoyed you earlier."
"Yes. You know I would not do something to intentionally harm you, Lily. No one is going to come after that money. It's yours."
"Why?"
"You continued to be upset over the werewolf thing, and wanted the five thousand. So now you have it."
"But it's not from Lupin."
"Lupin doesn't have it. Besides, Potter and Black both have loads of money so it would be nothing to them."
Lily sighed while trying to get the last of the fudge out of the bottom of her glass. "You are keeping a secret from me. I know it."
"So? I already asked you if you needed more money. Do you want presents? What is it you want?"
"Presents? Um, no … I mean, that's a lot of money, Sev."
"Yes, it is for us. But as I said, it's yours. You do whatever you want with it. I have enough for my current plans."
"We're still going to work?"
"I am. If you don't, I'm not going to force you."
"No, I'll come with you. I already said I would. If something's really wrong there, we can leave."
Severus looked serious as he commented, "Nothing trivial though. We have to be sensible. You still want to do the healing and help people, right?"
"Yeah."
"All right. Sometimes you sound like you'd give it up, if you didn't need to work. I don't mean that I want you to work constantly, but giving up helping others when you could do that, would be wasteful. You know what I mean? Maybe if you do well, you can be selective about how hard you work, or specialize even."
"Well, I doubt I'll have that option for a while."
"Have you stayed in contact with Pye from St. Mungo's? You liked her, right?"
"Yes, I did like her, but why?"
"She's a healer. Maybe she'll know someone looking for an apprentice, or honestly tell you about someone that makes you an offer."
"Hmm. Maybe. Still will need NEWT scores."
"Do you need any books, or you're all set?"
"I'm fine for now."
"Did you want to look around the jewelry store?"
"For what?"
"Because I have no idea what you like. Your earrings are always small, and not glinting with precious stones, when you do wear them, which isn't often. Petunia wears rings, but you don't usually. Nor necklaces or bracelets. Your mother favors pearls, but do you?"
"I don't know. What's magical jewelry like?"
"Ostentatious and obnoxious."
Lily laughed, "That's exactly what I'm looking for."
"Maybe a tiara that sings 'God Save the Queen'?"
"Oh yes, I really need a tiara, but I need it to do different songs, depending on the occasion. Can they load it like a jukebox?"
"Ah, that way there could be a coin slot for sickles so we can recoup the investment."
"As long as I don't start dispensing drinks and snacks like a vending machine."
"Creating food out of nothing … that's a problem."
"Lucky me. So what do you really want to do in there?"
Severus shrugged, "If you ever say 'yes' to my proposal, you might easily change it to 'no', if I got the wrong type of ring. You didn't like Petunia's."
"It's a giant claw holding a rock. That's not stylish."
"Not everyone can share Petunia's taste. I believe it was simple to show off the diamond."
"Yeah, right. It's boring."
"So you'd prefer loud, obnoxious, blinking with a spotlight on it, ostentatious thing?"
"Maybe. Maybe I should look. I don't know if I want it shooting lights and did you say loud? As in it makes noise?"
"Some talk to draw attention, some recite poetry, and others sing."
"Huh? But wouldn't muggles notice?"
"Yes, they would. It might also wake you up."
"Ah jeez!"
"It wouldn't be so bad if we taught it one of your favorite songs, would it?"
"Knowing you, you'd remember every silly song I was fond of, Sev."
"If your ring and tiara could sing a duet, that would be spectacular."
"Let's go so I can say 'no' to everything that makes a peep. And all the claws. And don't go buying me anything because …"
"I know. I know. Besides, after six weeks of living together, we could come to our senses."
"We'll have weekends off."
"Thank goodness."
"Oh, already with the 'thank goodness'?"
"I'm not as lucky as your parents. They get rid of you for five days a week."
"Oh ha ha. Mum's probably bored to tears without Tunie."
"Maybe not yet. After the way you made all that wedding planning sound, maybe she's enjoying a bit of a vacation. You're about to barge in on her peace and quiet."
"I can spend time over at your house."
"Since when? Who's going to watch you?"
"I'm seventeen, Sev. Besides you can't take your eyes off me."
"I doubt your mother will take that as a recommendation."
"Neither would my father," Lily added. "So … ewe … why not stick some of those sugared butterfly wings on a ring, rather than that thing."
"So nothing bigger than your hand?"
"Nah. No emeralds, no snake bands, no whatever that is …"
"It may be a preserved eyeball of some sort."
Lily opened her mouth to disagree, but after reminding herself about the butterfly wings, why chance that it really could be an eyeball? "Well, nothing too you know … magical or stands out."
"Screams when stolen or lost?"
"Uh, maybe with a command word."
"There's wedding bands that get hot or cold, depending on the other's mood."
"I'd burn your finger off, Sev."
"Undoubtedly."
"Well, maybe we need to go to a regular store, and then I'd get a better idea. This is a little too … crazy. I need time to think about this. Especially since I need to concentrate on torturing you for six weeks."
"In the normal manner … when no one is spying on us?"
"Normal?"
"For you."
"Oh, well, yeah, I'd like that and more. Much more."
"So before I pick up that box, you don't need any books, parchment, pens, ink or ingredients?"
"No, but you need pajamas."
"Why?"
"We're going to be working and living at the same place, they might see you."
"If any of them check up on us in the middle of the night, they're going to be in for a nasty surprise. I'm not going to tolerate it."
"I didn't mean that, Sev. Though I'll help you pummel, if someone does. I meant like pajamas for polite situations."
"I thought you'd prefer I wear nothing."
"I would, but I have to be practical. Even if we are in some shack alone. Probably a nightgown for me, that way you can get to anything, if the mood strikes you."
Severus sighed. His mood probably would have little to do with it. The only thing he knew, or he hoped he knew, was that Lily needed more sleep than him. Hopefully, that would still be the case. If she didn't get enough rest, she was irritable. Usually towards him.
Their visit to Madam Malkin's was blissfully short. Rather than hampering Lily, he matched her idea with a nightshirt. Nothing he wore would dampen her mood, so why fight it? She refused to let him wear black, so grey. Simple grey cotton since there was no way he'd imitate 'his betters'.
Lily was of two minds. Sev did get pajamas, as she asked, but they were plain and boring. Not that she had nightgowns that were exciting at this point in her life, but at least they were something she liked. Did Tunie wear sexy things to bed now, or nothing at all? Her mum sure didn't. And dad, well, he loved his plaid flannel. Severus was not a plaid flannel sort.
"So let's get the thing and then we'll floo. Are we apparating to your house or mine?"
"Either one. I can leave the box at your house, rather than lugging it back and forth."
"All right."