A Little Help from a Snake // Tomarry

Part 66

Reposted: January 26, 2022

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Summary: Dumbledore's trial is coming up; meanwhile, Harry tries not to think about it too much

"Any update?" Harry asked.

Severus suppressed a sigh. That was the fifth time Harry had asked about Dumbledore's upcoming trial, and once more, Severus could only answer with, "No. Lucius still hasn't come back with the trial date."

Harry slumped. "Sorry. It's just the sooner he's out of the way, the better."

"I know," Severus said, his tone softening a little. He changed the subject. "Barty spoke with his father."

Harry perked up, but Severus didn't look pleased. "It didn't go well?"

"He wouldn't say, which most likely means no."

"Well, Crouch Sr. has always liked his reputation more than his family," Harry said bitterly. "At least Barty's officially free now."

Several smaller sessions had taken place for the Death Eaters in Azkaban, and Bella and Barty went in as well to prove they were no longer loyal to Voldemort. Many of the Death Eaters, including the Lestrange brothers, were sent to Janus Thickey Ward in hopes they could be rehabilitated. The argument for it was if those deemed most dangerous like Bella were allowed to be out and about, perhaps others could follow given time.

The fireplace flashed and Tom stepped in. Ever since he first visited Hogwarts, he had been coming by more often to help Severus go through ingredients and throw out expired ones. Harry was there often as well, which meant Severus was driven up the wall by their constant chatter.

"Tomalongadingdong," Harry greeted him, standing taller to kiss him.

Tom sighed loudly but returned the kiss without hesitation. "Hello to you, too. Hey, Sev, got anything for me to do?"

"Yes. Shut up and let me read," Severus said, narrowing his eyes at them over the book.

"I don't know about shutting up..."

Severus left right then and there.

"Aren't you gonna take your book with you?" Harry called.

Severus paused, summoned the book to him without even turning around, and continued to leave to see Remus.

Upon entering Remus' quarters, Severus saw that Sirius was there as well, balancing precariously on the arm of the couch.

"You look like you're going to fall off any second now," Severus said, raising an eyebrow.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Sirius said. Remus put his foot on his side, causing Sirius to nearly fall over.

"What brings you here anyway, Sev? Or did you just desire my company?" Remus asked, batting his eyelashes.

"He clearly desired mine," Sirius bragged with a toss of his head.

Remus pushed him again, this time succeeding in making him fall and land on the floor in an undignified heap.

"I was trying to get away from the idiots you call your son and son-in-law, actually," Severus said. He sat down heavily next to Remus, rubbing his eyes. "I just don't get it," he went on. "Harry calls him Tomalongadingdong, which takes much more time and energy than just Tom."

"So would you be okay if I started calling you Sevvie?" Remus said. "It takes less time and energy than Severus."

Severus glowered at him through his fingers. "Not you too!"