Twiglefix

Twiglefix- Chapter 5.

"Come on, Severus."

"And where, might I ask, are we bound?" Severus asked with a glare on his face as he glanced at the passing Muggles.

"We're going to a place where Muggles go for entertainment."

Severus sneered.

"Not one of those lewd and disgusting places that you hear about in the papers, is it?"

Harry stopped pushing through the crowd and turned to face him, a grin crossing his face.

"Depends on which place you're asking about..."

Severus frowned.

"One of those places where there is vulgar dancing, obnoxious music, and an infantile amount of lung, heart, and head poisoning?"

Harry's face brightened until his eyes shone like glittering gems.

"Remind me to take you to a rave," was all he said as he turned around and wrestled through the crowd.

Severus stood routed to the spot, unsure if his legs were still under him. Harry's face flashed through his mind, replaying the twinkling green light.

'This boy has completely undone me.'

'It wasn't the boy, Severus. You changed long ago,' came Twiglefix's voice, reverberating inside his head.

Severus frowned again.

'Coming with me on my outing with Potter?' he silently sneered.

'Of course! You can't expect me to sit at home and allow you to snarl and lose your temper on the dear boy after what he went through to get you where you are at the moment! I won't have you blunder this whole thing. You need this, Severus. You need him.'

Severus's temper flared.

'How dare you? Now you listen here, feline, and you listen well. You will not be following me about in my mind all evening. I am a man, and very much able to take care of myself. Leave me be!'

'Fine. I'll leave you on the condition that you don't scare the boy off. He deserves more than the retorts from the tip of your tongue.'

With that, Severus felt his mind lighten, and her presence disappeared.

Making a mental note to inquire about all the sympathy towards Potter, Severus focused on his surroundings.

He resumed his march, spotting the messy black hair at the corner up ahead.

He walked until he was nearly there, when he felt an arm wrap itself around his shoulders and pull him sideways into a narrow alley. Severus smashed into the wall, the power of the shove nearly making it impossible for him to raise his hands to shield himself from the brick.

After lowering his arms slightly and turning to face his attacker, he raised an eyebrow while sneering as fading daylight glinted off pale blonde hair and silvery gray eyes.

"Evening, Severus. I couldn't help but notice your little Potter stalking," came an ever familiar drawl. "I thought it best to... interrupt."

"What do you want, Draco?" Severus asked, glaring at his former student.

"I want what Potter wants, Severus," Draco drawled, putting an emphasis on the old Potion master's name. He took the rest of the invisibility cloak from his shoulders and draped it over his arm.

Severus frowned. "And what does Potter want?"

Draco smirked. "Why, you, of course. Anyone can see it in his eyes when he looks at you. The only question that remains is what you want."

Severus could not help the raise of an eyebrow.

Draco's smirk grew wider. "You didn't actually think that no one would see the way you looked at him and not think to see if he returned your feelings, did you? Come on, Severus, be sensible. You've been pining after him for a few years now."

Severus's frown deepened. "And just what are you going on about?"

"I know you're in love with him, there's no point in denying it. Besides, there's no shame in it--after all, he is rather pretty--though not my type. I know he fancies you, though. I've watched you for a very long time now."

Severus sneered. "What is mine, remains mine, and I do not appreciate being told that others have been watching me for a prolonged period of time."

Draco laughed. "Yea gods, you are thick. You think no one's been watching you all this time? You think the Ministry merely allowed you to stalk Potter for four years without someone watching you as well?"

Severus snapped his mouth shut that was beginning to wag.

'Don't lose control, Severus,' caressed Twiglefix's voice.

'I'm not about to. I'm going to give this boy exactly what he deserves.'

'And what would that be- a hex into oblivion?'

'Bugger off,' he snarled mentally.

'Touchy... Use your brain. Don't do anything stupid.'

Her presence disappeared again.

Severus straightened to his full height, although it was only so Draco would remain an inch under eye level.

"It was a pleasure to see you, Draco, after all these long years. Now I know why it is I have not heard from you in so long--you have devoted your life to making mine a hell. Goodbye, Draco. I expect I will be seeing you again."

Severus had taken but two steps before Draco cheerily said: "Ah, that's right. Potter's waiting for you. Best not to keep him. He might find some other bloke to fancy."

Severus kept a tight lipped frown upon his face as he marched from the alley, and blended into the crowd in the direction he'd last seen Harry.

He arrived at the corner and stepped to the side of the building, scanning everywhere for a glimpse of the man. No Harry.

Mentally about to curse Draco, he felt a firm hand on his shoulder, spinning him around. Harry.

"You know, you really ought to pay attention more. You disappeared on me. Did you get lost?" asked Harry, standing before him with a smirk on his face.

"Lost? Absolutely not. Something caught my attention, is all."

Harry grinned, once again setting Severus's heart into overdrive.

"Right then... stay close, this time." Harry reached forward and latched onto Severus's sleeve, pulling the man behind him like a mother with her toddler.

Shocked into submission by the bold move, Severus moved with the man, his feet subconsciously in motion through the bustling community.

They crossed the street and Harry stopped three buildings down, Severus still attached behind him.

"We're here. Let's go," Harry called and continued to drag Severus into the building. Inside stood an old fashioned usher with a red dress jacket and pants, gold studs lining the seams. His white shirt and navy tie contrasted with his yellow hair and brown eyes.

Severus glanced past the insanely outdated costume and stared at a small counter with assorted Muggle treats. Squinting against the dim lighting, Severus noted two sets of doors- one set of thick oak with two ushers manning them, and the other a metal one with a neon 'EXIT' sign.

'How appropriate,' thought Severus, smiling in spite of himself. 'They mark a door specifically for me.' He curved slightly away from Harry and began to head towards the bright sign.

"Oh no you don't!" yelled Harry, wrapping a hand around Severus's arm and the other pressing into the small of Severus's back, gently coaxing him towards the sweet counter.

"Now, Severus, what do you want?" Harry asked, his arm never leaving the stunned Potions Master's back.

Severus stopped concentrating on the feeling of Harry's hand, and glared at the cheery face staring back at him.

"I would like to go home, but it's apparent that you are not going to allow me such a thing." Harry grinned at him. "Fine, what is it that you are getting?"

Harry smiled and looked at the lady at the counter.

"Hi. Can I get two gelatos, one large popcorn with butter, and a pack of Twizzlers, please?"

While the girl sorted through the order, Severus followed her every movement, trying to figure out exactly what she was preparing.

He watched her with fascination as she prepared the popcorn from a large glass machine and used a container with a nozzle for butter. He eagerly noted her every move as she picked a pack of Twizzlers from another glass case and began pulling out cups.

Harry eyed the eager look on Severus's face and smothered a laugh. He picked up the package of Twizzlers and opened them; pulling one out, he began the process of eating it. He offered the opened package to Severus, who eyed the red candy with distaste.

"And what, might I ask, is this offensive looking piece?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

Harry bit off another morsel and chewed it for a minute before swallowing. Severus watched every motion closely.

"It's licorice."

The eyebrow went up further. "Licorice?"

Harry rolled his eyes. "Sheesh, Severus. Not everything's bad or suspicious. It's a sweet. You know, like Dumbledore's toffees?"

It was Severus's turn to roll his eyes. "As you should be aware, Mister Potter, I am not incompetent. I am merely inexperienced in the ways of Muggle sweets."

"Harry."

Severus turned to focus on Harry more. "Pardon me?"

"You called me 'Mister Potter'. My name is Harry, if you don't mind."

Severus bit his tongue to hold back a retort.

"Here you are, gentlemen," interrupted the woman behind the counter as she placed two open cups with white ice cream on top with the rest of the purchases.

As Harry paid, Severus cautiously took a piece of Licorice. He eyed it carefully first, then slowly brought it to his lips and tentatively nibbled a bit off. It was surprisingly not that bad.

"How is it?"

Severus looked up to see that Harry was watching him closely.

"For something as plastic-like and mal-nutritious as this, it is remarkably tasteful."

Harry laughed. "You'd make a pretty good critic. Everything you say sounds as though it belongs in a food magazine."

Severus's eyes widened, causing Harry to laugh harder.

"Here, hold these," said Harry, pressing the buttered popcorn and licorice into Severus's hands. He proceeded to pick up the open cups and lead Severus to the ushered doors.

"Harry? What are we doing here?"

Harry grinned. "You'll see."

They were directed up a flight of steps to a four-seat balcony compartment and given the two front seats.

Severus glanced over the edge and stared into the main audience which consisted of nearly seventy-five people. Staring into the pre-set stage, Severus realized that it was a play of sorts, modeling a western theme. Harry handed Severus a program which the ushers had supplied. Severus looked down at the neatly printed paper and read the title: The Taming of the Shrew- adaptation of a timeless Shakespearian classic.

'Is there any particular reason that Potter brought me to see this?' he mentally questioned as he felt Harry move beside him and the lights began to dim.

He put the question aside and focused on the opening performance. It was a rather good play; with the subtle mockery of Shakespeare. The play had been adapted to a western theme with perfect sounds effects and synchronization of props. The comedic lines were tasteful and the actors were superbly cast.

The plot consisted of a fiery woman who refused to marry, and of a con man determined to marry her sister who cannot be married until her older sister is wed. He manages to trick her but found many problems with his plan. In the end, however, she managed to trick him, and they were wed with many deceptions along the way. Altogether though, Severus thought it was a good play, demonstrating some mental capabilities for Muggles in something other than biscuits.

////

As they walked along the street, Severus finished off his gelato. It was delicious. His first sip had been wary, but the moment the sweetness of the concoction had touched his tongue, he'd begun to drink it in earnest. In fact, he'd drunk it so quickly, that he'd finished his, and had taken the untouched one that Harry had bought for himself.

Now, he finished off the last mouthful and tossed it into the nearest trashcan.

"Where are we going now?" he asked, staring at the approaching Muggles in the street.

The entire city had been cloaked in darkness, with only the bright incandescent streetlamps to illuminate the roads.

"Well, since you are in an oddly relaxed mood, I'm canceling out the dance club. Hmmm..." Harry paused in his speech, contemplating their next move. "Ah ha! I have it now. Come along, Severus, it's nearly 8:30."

He began walking towards the subway, the mode of transportation now familiar to Severus. They had taken it to arrive at the theatre, and it was apparent that Harry meant to take it again, although their destination once again remained obscure.

Quickly striding to catch up to Harry, he glared at a peculiar teenager with a green Mohawk.

'What is it with kids today?' he asked silently as he trudged along.

"Are you going to inform me of our intended destination?"

Harry smiled at him, making Severus slightly giddy.

"Well, I don't think I'm going to tell you, but, I hope that you will like it."

Severus raised an eyebrow.

"And why do you care whether I like it or not?"

Harry ignored the question.

They paid their fare and traveled many stops until Harry declared they had arrived. After a short bus ride from the station, they found themselves outside a building marked Ontario Science Center.

Severus raised both eyebrows in surprise as he took in the extremely large building with sphere attached.

Without another word, Harry led him into the building to the ticket counter.

"Two for Forces of Nature," he told the teller, making sure to keep an eye on Severus, who was staring at a group of children playing on an extremely large lever.

"Should children be allowed to climb on such equipment?" he asked as Harry returned with their tickets.

"It's what it was built for. Come on, Severus. Our show is starting- it's the last one of the night."

Severus followed Harry through the darkened doorways, allowing himself to be led into a large spherical room, complete with comfortable reclining chairs. The dome rose nearly 30 feet above them, a film screen appearing to layer the inside of the sphere from top to the floor bottom. Small lights decorated the film screen edge, creating the image of small fountain lights on the screen behind with the shadow.

They sat in two large chairs in the second row. Severus glanced around the dome to discover that other than four other people (presumably couples), they were the only ones in the place.

"Why is it so empty?" he asked after a moment.

"Because it's so late. All the children are going home for the night, and all that remains are the adults who enjoy the Omnimax experience."

"Omnimax?"

"This," Harry said, waving his hands in gesture of the entire dome, "is the Omnimax."

"Ah, so you've bought and paid for a look at a sphere. It is highly insulting that you would hope for my appreciation with something as mundane as this."

Harry rolled his eyes and huffed a bit.

"You know, with a little more patience, you'd understand why I've brought you here."

Before Severus could find an appropriate retort, the lights dimmed, bringing a light darkness that left a soft blue glow from the top of the dome to the floor.

A friendly voice resonated throughout the structure, echoing from side to side.

"Welcome to the Ontario Science Center. Please be courteous and turn off your cell phones and pagers. Now, sit back and relax as we explain what this theatre is all about."

The voice moved on to explain the image projector from the room at the back of the rows of seats, and the sound system (large speakers built just behind the film screen}.

Then the show began- first with a preview of an upcoming picture, and then the feature presentation.

Harry, having seen the show numerous times before, took the opportunity to observe Severus more closely while the other man was enthralled with the movie.

As the show ended and Severus began blinking quickly, Harry sighed disappointedly, and began to compose himself.

"Well, how was it?"

Severus shook his head.

"For lack of anything better to say, that was very well done."

Harry raised an eyebrow.

"Severus Snape? At a loss for bitter sarcasm? Who would have though it possible?"

Severus glared at him.

"What? Does the snappy potions master take offense?"

"Mister- Harry, kindly remind yourself to whom you are speaking. I am not one of your Muggle friends who will take your mockery and insults in stride. I do not jest in what I say, nor do I purposely ignore any snide comments that are made."

He looked at Harry closely, hoping he would see the truth behind his words. Harry merely looked back at him with unblinking, laughing eyes.

"I already knew all that. That's why I said what I did. You are awfully fun to provoke."

Severus's eyebrows flew up in surprise.

"And what exactly do you mean by that?"

Harry ignored the question with a smile.

"Come, Severus, shall we go?" He looked at his watch. "It's getting late."

Severus gave up pressing the matter and stood up, taking his jacket with him. They left the building and caught the bus, taking it for a quarter of an hour before exchanging it for a new one. When they were finally on the street outside their buildings, Harry surprised Severus by inviting him up for a drink.

At Twiglefix's insistence, he accepted, and soon they were seated comfortably on Harry's white leather couch, drinking glasses of brandy, and talking quietly.

"Severus, why did you accept my offer of an evening out?" Harry asked.

Severus, feeling the remote warmth that liquor brings, decided to answer.

"Well, actually, it was at the insistence of a certain feline in my household, if you must know."

Harry's eyes widened. "You mean, she talks to you?"

Severus shrugged. "Mentally, yes. She uses telepathy of sorts."

"So, she just kind of jumps into your mind?"

"In a matter of speaking."

"So it's not just me," Harry muttered, a look of mild relief passing over his features.

"I assure you, it's nothing to be happy about. You'd understand if you had to deal with her as often as I."

"No, it's not that. I was worried that it was just me again."

Severus frowned. "I'm not sure I follow. Just you?"

Harry gave him a sheepish look.

"Well, every year at Hogwarts, something happened that involved me. The first year was the Philosopher's Stone, the second, the Chamber of Secrets. And every year afterwards there was always something. I'd thought I'd finally gotten away with nothing out of the ordinary happening to me. And then, earlier this afternoon, I met Twiglefix, who, despite my damndest attempts at Occlumency, still managed to enter my mind."

Severus nodded slightly.

"Yes, she does have a knack for that. And what exactly did my little menace of a houseguest say to you?"

Harry's cheeks tinted pink so quickly that Severus raised an eyebrow.

"She told me about myself, things that I was in denial about and just generally gave me advice."

Severus frowned.

"I doubt that is all she told you. Your embarrassment is apparent on your face."

Harry shook his head, a stray lock of hair loosening from his pony tail to frame his face.

"No, it's all she spoke of. Of course, it was enough. I have enough trouble with my own voice in my head without hers included."

Severus smiled faintly. "It's not very often that others see things through my point of view."

Harry grinned. Suddenly, a thought seemed to come to him, and his grin faded to a grim smile.

"Severus? May I ask you something?"

Severus smirked at him.

"I believe you just did. But, I am assuming that that is not your question. Therefore, if I am able to answer, then I might. Ask."

"What do you know of Arianna Mishka?"

Severus paused with his glass halfway to his lips and spoke in a pained voice: "Why do you ask?"

Harry took a deep breath.

"I've been receiving letters--letters of hatred from her mother. I don't know who she is, but I was apparently the one to kill her during the war. None of the letters have been Howlers, or hexed, but I still keep getting them. All they say is that I should be sorry. I don't even know who she is."

Severus sighed heavily. "There's only so much I can tell you about her."

Harry nodded eagerly. Severus sighed again.

"Arianna Mishka came from a pureblood family. Her life was one of riches and love. Her mother was beautiful, with brown hair so dark it was thought to be black. She had blue eyes so intense that they were like the sky, always changing with her mood. You could see everything in those eyes." He paused. "Her looks were not wasted on her daughter. Arianna's hair was as black as night, darker than yours or mine. She took a mixture of eye color from both her mother and her father, mixing blue and black into a piercing sapphire. She went to school at Durmstrang, though only to live closer to her mother. She studied Potions, Divination, and Auror training. Halfway through her Auror training, she changed sides, deciding that Voldemort was the better ruler and making her mother proud." Severus stared into his glass for a moment. "You killed her on the battlefield."

Severus took a deep drink, emptying his glass. Harry stared at him.

"How do you know so much about her mother? Were you close to her?"

Severus looked down at his empty glass. 'Why Me?' he silently demanded.

'Because he wants to know' put in Twiglefix's voice.

'He doesn't need to know.'

'Severus, after everything he's been through, the least you could do is talk to him about it. You know, keeping it bottled up inside isn't going to help anything.'

'Keep what bottled up inside? It can't be done with you about. Besides, you should be quiet. I think you've done a little too much talking today. Incidentally, what the hell did you say to him?'

Evil laughter. 'I'm not telling.'

She disappeared.

"Severus, are you okay?"

Severus shook his head to clear the remnants of Twiglefix's presence.

"I'm fine. I was just having another heartfelt conversation with our beloved intruder."

"Oh? And what does she say?"

"She says I should be more open with my thoughts--not that she has any right to say such a thing."

"Oh."

"Harry, I have my reasons for not answering your question," said Severus, his heart twisting at the sight of the ever-growing sadness crossing his companion's face.

Harry looked up.

"I know, I had just hoped that you had enough faith in me to tell me. I guess not."

Severus closed his eyes at the sorrow in the voice. Hating himself for becoming soft, he put his glass down on the table.

"Not that it makes much difference to me, but I need you to understand that it was my choice to make."

Intrigue replaced sadness, and Harry leaned forward, while nodding eagerly.

"Well, as it stands, I made the mistake of giving attention to a girl, one Roberta Mishka, to be exact. At the time, we were both working as Voldemort's minions, and we soon slept together. Of course, for every action, there is a consequence. Arianna was my daughter."