The Third Suspect

All canon characters belong to JKR.

Thank you once again to June for all of her wonderful suggestions and all of her help.

The Third Suspect

Two more days passed for Severus. He’d kept the ring that he duped Neville into giving him, and found himself playing with it absentmindedly. Sometimes, he stared at the onyx nestled inside the white gold setting. The fire in the hearth could be seen reflecting on the small stone, and he wondered if the ring’s owner was feeling its absence.

As he readied himself to pour a second glass of brandy, he heard a knock on his door. Cursing whomever it was for interrupting his relaxing evening; he strode towards the door, ready to hex his unwelcome guest. He opened the door and saw Albus’ outlined body standing in the low lit doorway.

“Severus, my boy. How are you?” Albus’ words were clearly slurred, and as he walked past, the smell of what seemed to be tequila permeated the Potions master’s nostrils. Severus rolled his eyes and shook his head.

‘Wonderful,’ he thought. ‘Just what I need. A drunk lemon drop junkie.’ Severus closed the door and turned to look at the Headmaster of Hogwarts leaning against his sideboard. He knew that Albus was either fighting with Minerva, or — as it was nearly time for the yearly Victory over Voldemort celebration — he was feeling nostalgic.

“Albus,” Severus said as he walked towards the swaying Albus. “To what do I owe this visit?”

“Do I need a reason to visit?” Albus leaned forward and put his hand on Severus’ shoulder.

Thinking it may be a good idea to steer the old man away from the fireplace, just in case the fumes coming from his mouth caught his beard on fire, Severus took him by the arm as they moved to the couch.

Albus fell in a heap on the far side of the couch and began to laugh.

“Ah, Severus. You always know how to make a person feel welcome. You know, I’ve been wanting to say something to you, my boy. Something…something I have felt for so many years.” Albus moved himself to a sitting position and faced Severus. “It is difficult for me sometimes to discuss my feelings openly.”

At that last sentence, Severus began to feel uneasy. ‘Feelings? What the bloody hell is he on about?’

“Albus, perhaps I can get you some coffee, or tea?” asked Severus, hoping to steer the older wizard’s thoughts from talk about feelings.

Albus waved him off and patted the cushion next to him. “Come over here, Severus, closer to me.”

“Nnnnoooo, I ah…I’m rather comfortable over here, thank you.” Severus moved farther back against the armrest where he’d been sitting on the other end of the couch.

“Severusssss, as the Headmaster of this school, I order you to sit here next to me.” Albus pat the cushion harder, and Severus thought he had also seen him pout.

Severus rolled his eyes and moved slowly next to Albus. He instantly placed his hands on his lap just in case. He wanted to make sure the only hands on his crotch that evening would be his own.

Albus immediately put his arm around Severus’ shoulder.

“I remember when you were a young boy, Severus.” Albus pat Severus’ knee with his free hand. “So shy, yet I could see in your eyes, you wanted so much to be liked. I was glad that a few of your fellow housemates befriended you.” Albus smiled as he remembered the thin, pale young man who had grown into the imposing figure of a Death Eater. “Not much different than the scared young man that came to me the night the Potters died.”

“I know,” whispered Severus as he remembered that evening. It was as though it happened yesterday. He’d heard about Voldemort’s plan to raid the Potters’ home. He desperately tried to get to the Potters with enough time to get them out of the home, but no sooner had Severus arrived than he heard the front door being blasted open. Lily pushed him into a closet, telling him to hide, yet she unknowingly tripped him and he hit his head against the back of the closet. When he woke up, all he heard was baby Harry crying in terror. He picked up the crying child and immediately Apparated him to Hagrid. He then made his way to Hogwarts, to give himself to the Order and help them anyway he could.

“I love you, Severus.”

Severus would later realize that it was whiplash he felt when he turned so fast towards Albus.

“What?” Severus felt his body stiffen. His mind was reeling. ‘Maybe I can tell the Ministry I had Albus under the Imperius Curse when he defended me. I can still get the Dementor’s Kiss.’ He backed away slowly, only to be held by Albus’s strong grip.

“All I wish for is to make you happy, Severus,” said Albus.

“Albus, I can assure you, I am quite happy.” Severus wondered if it would be against his contract to Obliviate the Headmaster.

“No, no no. You need companionship, and I want to give it to you.”

‘Kill, me. Someone please kill me now.’ Thought Severus.

“Severus, I never had children of my own. You are like a son to me. I want to see you happy. I have heard of a place called Club Med. It’s in the Bahamas.” Albus again patted Severus’ knee. “I know, I know you don’t much like the sun, but I have heard that many beautiful women go to this place. Take a holiday, have some fun, my boy. Meet some lovely women.”

“Oh, thank the gods!” moaned Severus in relief.

“There! You see, I knew you would be willing to go. And here Minerva said you would sooner kiss Hagrids hairy bottom. She owes me five galleons.” Albus stood. He swayed a bit, but once he got his bearings he walked towards the door. “Tomorrow I will bring you the brochures I received yesterday. You can leave after the yearly celebration.” Albus let out a belch that would have made Ron Weasley proud, then opened the door and walked out, leaving a still shocked Severus sitting on the couch.

“I need a drink,” Severus said as he stood and grabbed the firewhisky from the sideboard. Not bothering with a glass, he took one long swig straight from the bottle, vowing to put an identity charm on his door. Next time a drunken Albus came down to his rooms, he’d know better than to answer his door.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Well, I'd say Severus deserves more than just a drink after that.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I'll have more up soon.