@severelysnapped | cont.
The absolute venom in the response was so unexpected that Remus paused in wringing his hands to stare at the man as he puzzled out the response- which seemed out of step with what he’d said. Of course, if he was afraid or nervous, he wouldn’t share that with me, he thought, but this seemed like more than that.
And then it clicked. Severus seemed to think Remus meant to reassure that he wouldn’t physically harm him. He knew- he knew that many would be taking advantage of those the Ministry chose to place in these vows. Many would be using the false marriages as an excuse to mete out vigilante revenge against the ex-Death Eaters they believed had done more wrong than could be compensated for. And of course Severus would expect the worst, particularly from someone who had been among those that had tormented him since childhood.
“That isn’t what I meant.“ Though his voice was quiet, it was much firmer than his earlier statement. “I only meant to say that I don’t intend to force anything on you in this. The whole thing’s a disaster waiting to happen, and I know that- the Ministry seems to be expecting those in your position to be treated poorly. And I know you must be assuming the worst of me. I just- wanted to assure you that I’m going to make sure you’re treated with respect, regardless of the Ministry’s intentions, or the- usual traditions of marriage. That’s all.”
Severus kept his head down, though he hardly left himself open to attack despite this as he chopped at the vegetables beneath his hand almost cruelly. He said nothing as Remus seemed to find his voice again, though he did sneer a little at the reassurances.
“Spare me your Gryffindor nobility,” The response at least lacked the venom of earlier – it held something closer to exhaustion, if truth be told. “The hypocrisy in all of this is galling enough without it.” Indeed – his name had been cleared, and he remained a dutiful employee within the Ministry’s own Department of Magical Law Enforcement, but even he was being dragged down by this law thanks to the mark on his arm. He had known he couldn’t get away scot free – but there was a cruelty in this that was very difficult to stomach.
“I don’t need you to protect my dignity,” Severus assured, finally looking over at the man, his dark eyes narrowed in cold fury, “Not only are you in no position to defend it without making a vast hypocrite of yourself, but the days in which anyone’s opinion of me mattered died with Albus Dumbledore.”
He levelled his knife at the man, pointing it almost like a wand as he added firmly, “And if you think for one second I’ll be wearing anymore dresses for your entertainment you can forget about it. This marriage is a farce, and I;ll be damned before I play wife to you and your sick ideas of what’s funny.”
Severely Archived 