Dedication: To Shakespeare in thanks for writing Hamlet. The puns... I love the puns

January 6

Clement

Seething he slammed the egg shut. Nothing he had tried worked.

Not to mention he was still upset with Severus over their argument. He shouldered his bag and walked down the stairs to the common room. Though Severus had explained why he was keeping things a secret, Clement was still unhappy about the whole thing. He had yet to tell Hermione to stop her search. Being honest, he really didn't know if he wanted her to. But he wanted Severus to trust him and this was probably the best way to put an end to that. He wanted Severus to trust him, for them to be able to manage a relationship. But he also needed to know things that might have a huge impact on his life.

He sighed and sat across from Hermione who was checking Ron's essay.

'You could do it, you know.' Hermione whispered.

Ron didn't respond and glanced up at Clement. 'Hey Harry!' He exclaimed, obviously eager to leave his conversation.

Clement was interested to know what is about, but he didn't want to pry. He half suspected it had something to do with occulmency.

Hermione looked up, 'How did it go last night? There was,' she paused for a moment. 'A lot of tension I suppose when I left.'

'We argued. He has his reasons for keeping secrets and I have mine for wanting to know. Hopefully we'll get past it, though I really wish he'd see it from my perspective.'

Much to Clement's annoyance, Hermione rolled her eyes. She didn't comment, instead she pushed Ron's essay back at him.

Without looking at Clement, she pulled out a few notes. 'I did some research.' She met his eyes warily. 'Do you want to look at?'

That was the big question. Was his curiosity more important than the trust Sev had shown in all matters but this? Did it matter that Severus was only trying to keep him safe? Of course, Clement did appreciate it but he disagreed with the methods. A feeling of recklessness overtook Clement; he wanted to prove that he could handle these things.

'I'll look at them.' He stated boldly.

Hermione raised her eyebrows but said nothing. Ron watched avidly; his eyebrows were furrowed in confusion. A look of realization suddenly spread across his face.

'It's about what he was talking to Karkaroff about, right?'

Clement nodded, already absorbed in what Hermione had found out. He had known that Severus was a death eater, but not that Karkaroff had been. Nor had he known that Karkaroff had undergone a trail. Apparently, that was all Hermione had found there were no details regarding it. That had to be where they had met. The last sentence caught his eye.

'Death Eaters are marked on their inner left forearm'

He looked up at Hermione. 'Marked with what? By Voldemort?'

Ron scowled. Hermione flinched.

'I don't know it was very vague. I suspect the Ministry wasn't too keen on revealing that information.' Hermione explained apologetically.

Clement nodded, 'It explains a lot. Thank you Hermione.'

So Severus suspected his mark from Voldemort was getting darker. But what did that mean? Could Voldemort be getting stronger? Was that what Severus didn't want him to worry about? If so, it was a stupid idea. If anyone should be worried about Voldemort returning it would be him, Clement. He was the one who had nearly been murdered multiple times. He had been the one to defeat him. Not to mention he knew Voldemort would cone after him. He needed to be prepared.

January 12

Clement

He stared up at the Head Table, frowning. Severus was deep in conversation with the Headmaster, about what Clement could only guess. He did suspect it had something to do with the darkening mark.

Clement couldn't help but wonder how many other people knew. Had Severus told Dumbledore or some other authority? If really didn't seem like something Sev would do. His brother was rather private after all (and not inclined to share information with anyone). Of course Clement had also assumed that Severus would tell him about important events. That had obviously not happened. He could deal with serious issues; he had to be able to. He was a part of historic events and he couldn't just attend school and ignore them.

On top of all that, Clement had no idea how he was going to approach Severus with this. Or if he even would. After their last argument, Clement had no desire to cause another one. But he also wanted more information. Not that he thought Severus would be eager to offer it, but maybe with time Sev would see that it was best for Clement to know.

He watched as Severus strode out of the room, face inscrutable. Dumbledore, on the other hand looked slightly worried. The look passed quickly as he turned to talk to McGonagall. The Headmaster's reaction confirmed what Clement suspected they had spoken about. Apparently Severus felt Dumbledore was better suited to handle the news.

It was weird to see Severus at dinner. Normally, he spends most of this evening in his office, hopefully eating something. Perhaps he had taken the might off, though it seemed unlikely. He had probably come for a quick chat with Dumbledore, cutting his time in his office a little short.

Whatever it was Clement did have a meeting with Severus tonight and he didn't want to skip it. Well, perhaps he did a little, but they'd have to talk at some point. It might as well be today. He turned to Ron and Hermione.

'Are you two coming today?' He asked.

He hoped that at least one of the two would come and be a buffer. Not that he'd tell them that. He doubted Severus would argue with an audience, though he also suspected he'd be less likely to get any answers if his friends were there. Not like he really wanted to push Sev's buttons in front of the two, but maybe he could just ask about a more neutral topic that could lead to Voldemort's potential return. Clement felt that Severus was still worried about Ron and Hermione knowing. That and Sev obviously didn't trust them. But Severus didn't trust many people from what Clement saw.

'I'm coming. I've been practicing and I feel more than prepared.' Hermione replied as she finished off her meal. 'Are we going right away?'

'Soon,' Clement answered. He turned to Ron who was frowning.

'I don't think I'm ready yet.' Upon seeing the look of frustration on Clement's face, Rob hastily added, 'I've been practicing I swear. Hermione's been pushy. I just don't feel ready. Not trying to offend or anything but I still don't trust him all that much.'

Hermione opened her mouth to retort but Ron silenced her with a look and kept talking.

'I know what you're about to say. He hasn't taken advantage of what he saw, he pulls out quickly. Better him than an actual enemy. But how do we know he isn't saving all this info to use against us?'

'He wouldn't,' Clement commented without his usual vigor.

Deep down he wasn't sure what Severus would do regarding Ron and Hermione. He wanted to trust that Sev would keep quiet if asked, but he had also thought Severus would be more open and honest than he was being. At least, he had hoped that Severus would trust him enough to talk to about bigger issues.

'You can't know that for sure,' Ron pressed.

'I trust him.' Clement stated.

Ron gazed at him, eyes narrowed slightly. It was almost although he knew about Clement's doubts.

'It'd mean a lot if you'd do it.' Clement added.

He wasn't lying; he really wished Ron would learn. It would lead to Severus accepting him more and trusting him more. It'd make life more peaceful.

'Next week,' declared Ron. 'And I'm not just saying it, I swear. I just need some more practice.'

He glanced at Hermione as he spoke, smiling at the approval in her gaze.

'Well, we'll get going then.' Clement pushed his plate aside and stood up. 'See you in the common room.'

He was extremely happy that Ron was promising he'd try. He just hoped his redheaded friend would pull through. He had faith in his friend; Ron would pull through, he always did in the end.

Dumbledore

He watched Harry leave, eyebrows furrowed. Harry's appearance had changed. Dumbledore cursed himself for not seeing it. Having Harry at Hogwarts had led to complacency. Before he had ensured the transformative spells and charms were renewed every couple of years. He had thought he could catch the changes of Harry was here, yet he had missed it. Now it may be too late to fix it.

He turned to McGonagall, still pondering whether it was safe to renew the spells. It would not help anything if Severus were to discover who Harry was. He would be bound to oppose what had to happen. Harry was their best hope and therefore he would have to face Voldemort. If what Dumbledore suspected was true, Harry would have to die. Severus would be unable to let it happen and Voldemort would never be defeated. It was best that Severus continue to believe his brother to be dead.

It was worrisome that Harry had left immediately after Severus. Perhaps they were meeting. But surely he, Dumbledore, would know. Perhaps he would pay a visit to Severus this evening to settle his mind.

Clement

Together he and Hermione made their way down to the dungeons. Alongside his worry as to how Severus would react to what he did, Clement wondered if they would go at full strength again. He wasn't scared, rather he felt prepared. By doing this he would be more ready to face Voldemort.

They entered Severus' office and found him grading essays. Hermione glanced at them, face falling slightly when she saw they weren't for their class.

Severus set aside his papers and stiffly greeted the two. It seemed he hadn't forgotten their argument either.

Clement and Hermione replied politely and sat down.

'Will you be starting Miss. Granger?' Severus queried.

Hermione nodded confidently.

'Hopefully I'll be able to give you guys time to talk alone like last week. I feel bad for intruding, but...' she trailed off, eyes darting from Clement to Severus and then back again.

'No worries,' Clement stated. 'Besides it's important that you learn.'

Honestly, he was glad to have Hermione with him. Maybe teaching her would calm Severus down.

Severus merely nodded and drew his wand.

'Whenever you are ready.' He stated softly watching Hermione closely.

'Ready.'

Tonight Severus pushed her harder. By the end she was breathing hard, though Severus showed no sign of strain.

She stood up. 'Thank you again Professor. Ron said he'll come next week. I've been making sure he practices.'

'Good.' Severus stated, no real emotion entering his voice. Hermione looked slightly nervous as a result.

'I'll be going. See you later Clement. Thanks again Professor.'

Clement waved and she left the room. Severus stared at him, face inscrutable.

'I would not have been surprised if you had avoided me.' Severus commented quietly. 'Do you wish to discuss the events of last week? Or practice your occlumency?' His voice was neutral and his eyes, though not extremely expressive, were not closed off entirely.

'I-' Clement hesitated. 'We need to talk.' He decided firmly.

'After you,' prompted Severus, gathering the pile of parchment.

Clement held the door open and the two walked in silence. It wasn't the usual, comfortable silence; rather it was thick and full of tension.

The man in the painting nodded when Severus gave the password. Severus inclined his head in return before sweeping into the room.

It was Severus who broke the silence. 'We should begin with occlumency. That way,' he paused for a moment before continuing, 'you will still be able to practice.'

Clement was slightly hurt by the words. Severus apparently thought him incapable of having a serious discussion without stalking away afterwards. Admittedly that had been the case last time, but still. Maybe Severus only judged people based on their actions.

'Fine.' He snapped.

Severus raised his eyebrows but didn't comment. Instead he asked, 'would you prefer if I held back?'

Slightly insulted, Clement replied quickly. 'No, I did fine last week.'

Severus nodded and took a deep breath. Clement prepared himself, drawing on a multitude of feelings and memories. He would hold out far longer this time, he knew it.

'Legilimens.' Severus intoned.

Immediately the two were locked in an intense battle, neither willing to back down. Clement noticed with a heavy heart that it was no easier. It seemed with his brother entering his mind at full strength it took little time for Severus to push aside Clement's defenses. He did pull out faster than he had last time, seeing far less and nothing incriminating.

Like last week it wasn't only Clement who was breathing hard. If anything it looked like Severus was more exhausted then the last time. Maybe it was because he spent more time with Hermione. What would happen when he taught all three? What if they all progressed to where he was? Would Severus split it over two nights? Clement knew he would have to be there for both and he already had a lot on his plate.

'Does occlumency exhaust you that much too?' Clement asked curiously.

'I have always found defending to be easier than attacking.' Severus replied softly.

Clement didn't say anything. He wondered what would be easier for him. Maybe Severus would teach him legilimancy

'Have you persisted in you pursuit of uncovering what you feel I am unfairly keeping from you?' Severus questioned seriously.

'Er-' He should've put off this conversation. He wasn't sure if he wanted to give the truth right now.

His hesitation appeared to be all Severus needed. His eyes narrowed and he frowned.

'You have. I gave you many reasons why you should not.'

'Why are you just jumping to that conclusion?' Clement snapped. Even if it was true, it annoyed him that a small hesitation led Severus to the worst conclusion.

'Is it wrong?' Severus challenged.

Clement scowled. He really didn't want to lie to his brother. He also wanted to avoid conflict, but the truth would come out at some point. Maybe it would be best to just get it out of the way and hopefully he would be able to get some answers.

'I guess it isn't.' Clement replied resentfully. 'But I wouldn't have to go behind your back if you would've been upfront with me about it to begin with.'

Severus scowled. 'If you would have trusted my judgment we would not be in this position. I gave you good reasons and you went behind my back. Why do you not trust me?' Severus' voice nearly broke.

Clement hadn't known this would affect Severus like this. Anger he had expected, but Sev's apparent sadness surprised him. It made the guilt that had hovered in the outskirts of his mind come to the forefront.

'I-' His curiosity suddenly seemed to be a pretty poor excuse. 'I didn't want to hurt you, I just really wanted to...' His voice trailed off as he watched Severus' face twist. There was the anger.

'You must control these urges or one day your insatiable curiosity will get not only yourself but others killed. I won't murder you for knowing but others might. Or you may find yourself blundering into a situation that might have been avoided.'

Clement quickly added, 'But knowledge is really important, right? Then you can be prepared for situations that you can't avoid! You know, like Voldemort coming back!'

Severus flinched and snarled. 'How did you come to that conclusion from bits of conversations you were not supposed to hear?'

He might as well say it all. Besides he was angry and therefore eager to throw it all at Severus.

'Hermione did most of the research. Apparently Death Eaters have marks on their arms. I did some thinking and figured that if they were getting darker, that must mean the Master who put it there must be getting stronger.'

Severus' eyes narrowed and his fists clenched. Clement could tell what he said was true. He pressed on, the defensive anger fueling his words as the guilt left him.

'You don't think that it's important for anyone but you and Karkaroff to understand and realize? You don't think I have a right to know? He's tried to kill me three times!'

'You do not think I know that?' Severus hissed. 'I know it quite well. I am also aware of the stress this competition must cause. I saw no reason to add to it. I could tell you later in order to lessen the worry. Both myself and the Headmaster feel you should not be bothered about it at this point. Instead you should focus on getting through this tournament alive and on learning occlumency.'

'The Headmaster knows about these lessons?' Clement questioned, though he knew the answer would be no.

Severus didn't respond. He glared at Clement for a moment.

'I have nothing else to say. My arguments are all laid out.' Severus stated calmly, his expression carefully controlled.

Clement fumed in silence for a moment. His brother's complete control only made him more frustrated. Severus could show normal emotions, it made having an argument much more fulfilling. He knew going into this had been not entirely right. But he felt he wasn't entirely in the wrong either.

'I can see your points.' Clement grudgingly allowed. 'But I wish you would have been more honest with me. But I shouldn't have gone behind your back, I get it. I do trust you, I swear.'

'It did not seem like it.' Severus interjected softly.

'I know and I'm sorry. But sometimes I just got to find out for myself. It's just who I am.' Clement explained.

'I suppose I can see your perspective, though I truly wish it did not involve so much curiosity. I was not lying when I told you it could get you killed.' Severus advised seriously.

Clement frowned, considering it. It was sound advice. 'I'll try to keep it in mind. But for the moment, could you tell me if my suspicions were right?'

Severus sighed and rolled his eyes. 'I would rather not. Did we not just have an argument about you not needing to know or worry about it? Besides my reaction should have been more than enough for you to figure it out.'

They fell silent for a time. Then the portrait that served as a door swung open. Dumbledore stood in the doorway, shock colouring his face.

Dumbledore

How had they hidden this from him? He had thought it was under control, that a couple of renewal spells would be sufficient. To walk in on this was completely unexpected. That Severus trusted Harry enough to allow him entrance into his quarters and that Harry was comfortable there spoke volumes.

They must be getting along well. That did not bode well. He could not simply erase their memories not if these meeting had been occurring for an extended period of time.

Severus looked trapped, though the look was quickly replaced by a smooth, blank face. He nodded curtly.

'Of course you may come in, please make yourself at home.' He said sarcastically, waving his wand and conjuring a chair.

Harry shifted his chair slightly towards Severus' side. It confirmed Dumbledore's fear. Yes, he had wanted them to be allies, but Severus had to be able to let the boy go when the time came. If they cared too much, if they knew what Dumbledore suspected they knew, all could be lost. He did wish Harry could live a happy life, but such wishes had to come second. Sacrifices had to made.

'Why thank you Severus.' Dumbledore replied cheerily, watching for Clement's reaction to the name.

There was nothing, no surprise or curiosity. They were on a first name basis.

'I don't suppose you mind telling me why you two are sitting so calmly together here of all places.' Albus commented, twiddling his thumbs.

He presented a perfect image of being unconcerned, yet he was worried.

'And do not lie to me Severus.' He stated coldly, his eyes locking with Severus'.

'We were conversing and he was learning.' Severus replied distantly, tapping his fingers as he did so.

Harry's head turned to follow the conversation.

'Why here? Surely you do not trust him so? Only last year you told me he should be thrown out of Hogwarts.' Dumbledore reverted to a lighter tone.

Harry eyes widened as he turned to glare at Severus. 'You never told me that,' he accused.

'My opinion has drastically changed. I see clearly what I have missed.' Severus answered both of them, eyes darting back and forth. They settled on Dumbledore.

'Perhaps Harry should leave us to this discussion. Maybe you could wait in my office?' Dumbledore added gently.

Severus jerked and Harry shook his head furiously.

'I don't want to leave, I'm pretty sure I have the right to hear what this is all about.' He stated resolutely glaring at both adults as he spoke.

Severus nodded, 'Let him stay Albus. It concerns him more than it does you.'

Dumbledore eye's narrowed. 'How much do you know? And for how long? Do not forget that I will not tolerate any lies. You have made many mistakes Severus. Do not make this one of them.'

'I have known since the beginning of the year. I suspect you already know what I do.' Severus edged, clearly eager to avoid saying it.

'You know of your familial relationship with Harry?'

Severus nodded.

Harry spoke up, 'Clement. If we all know you might as well call me by my real name.'

What had Severus done? This could spell disaster for the entire future war effort. If Harry was prevented from meeting his destiny the world as they knew it could come crashing down. How had they found out? Only James, Lily, and he had known. James had promised to never tell a soul. Lily however had not. It must have been her.

'How did you find out about this?' Dumbledore asked, ignoring Harry's request.

'There was a letter in my vault. I decided to read it and I decided to tell Sev. He deserved to know.' Harry stated firmly.

'There was a reason he wasn't told.' Dumbledore replied, but before he could continue Severus interrupted harshly.

'You knew then? Of course you did. And yet you never thought it should be something I should be made aware of? Of course not! Why should I, your spy, be told anything? I have dwelled on his disappearance, wasted years resenting him all because of this. I suppose it your idea in the first place. You heard the prophecy and had to make sure there was boy did you not?' Severus glared at Dumbledore, breathing deeply.

'You should not bring up the prophecy. Whatever Harry may know, you ruined his chance at a better life.'

Severus' face twisted. 'Clement knows my biggest mistakes. He knows of my regrets.'

'Regrets do not bring back the dead. You accuse me of keeping secrets? You never came forward once you knew. Why should I trust you with this when you do not trust me?' Dumbledore commented sharply. 'I have little to answer for you. On the other hand have nothing but mistakes to correct.'

Severus stared down at his hands. Albus knew exactly were to hit him, how to manipulate him. It worked every time.

This time was different. There was another player in the room.

'It was none of your business. From what I'm hearing you don't like this. Well that's too bad because I do. He's helped me, comforted me. He's family and I don't see why it's such a bad thing in your eyes. You took me from him once and it won't happen again.' Harry was shouting by the end of his impassioned speech.

What could be done? The two were tightly bound now. Why had he not seen the signs?

Dumbledore stood up. 'You still have a part to play, do not forget that.'

With that he spun on his heel and strode out of the room. He would have to consider new plans for when Voldemort returned. It would happen and his two key players must be prepared to do what must be done.

Severus

Severus stared at the closed door. Dumbledore always got the last word. Severus knew his part but of Clement... Surely Dumbledore didn't expect him to take on the Dark Lord alone or to stay with his terrible family. It wouldn't happen. Severus would remove Clement from the country before he allowed him to be bait for a psychopath

He wished Dumbledore could understand the concept of privacy. If he offered some forewarning they could have kept this secret for longer. There would be repercussions for this deceit. Dumbledore had grandiose plans for his key players and now he had to time to alter them. Severus did not want his brother to be caught in the crossfire.

He turned to Clement, who looked slightly shocked.

'Does he always treat you like that?' He asked indignantly.

'No,' Severus replied quickly. 'Only when he wants something.'

Clement shook his head slightly but did not comment.

'Now what? Do we keep it a secret from everyone else? And what's Dumbledore going to do anyway?'

'We continue to keep it a secret. If the Dark Lord does return it will be advantageous if he does not know you are the Boy-Who-Lived. As for what Dumbledore could do, you should be wary of manipulation. He may try to turn us against one another as he just did. Or attempt to make us see that in the grand scheme of things this relationship has no place, this it will only slow us down.' Severus explained.

'So he'll either make us hate each other again or use our love to separate us.' Clement concluded.

'Precisely.'

The two sat in a calm silence. They did not know what they were up against but in the face of adversity they had stood together. Severus hoped this could continue. Protecting his brother and being there for him may not always coincide. But perhaps they would most of the time. That was really all he could hope for.

'He won't succeed.' Clement stated confidently. 'I won't let him. I love you. Things have changed but that won't anymore.'

Severus smiled. It had been so long since he had heard those words. Memories of them sometimes floated to the surface of his mind but that was painful. Now he felt only joy.

'I love you too.' He pulled Clement into a hug, reflecting on the ups and downs of the night.

They separated and watched each other silently.

'But we do need to be careful.' Severus stated, breaking the silence. 'Dumbledore is as dangerous as the Dark Lord, especially when he has an ideal to fight for or an enemy to oppose. Manipulation is his strongest weapon.'

'I never thought of him like that. I mean, sure he let me take risks, but I never thought he could be so focussed on his goals and so uncaring about the people he's surrounded by.' Clement commented sadly.

'It can be hard.' Severus mused. 'To lose faith in people you trust. One must move past it.'

Clement nodded.

'I would rather my faith in you remain strong.' Severus commented softly. 'And I would rather you trust me. I would like to think that I have your best interests at heart.'

'I'd like to think so too. And I am sorry. I was thinking, but most of it was focussed on the burning desire to know.'

'Reminds me of the time when you decided to climb to the top of a tree, after slipping twice.' Severus interjected, smiling at the memory.

Clement rolled his eyes. 'That was,' he paused.

'Not much different.' Severus finished for him. 'Responsibility is not just to a higher cause or your own desires. It is also to yourself; you need to keep yourself safe.'

'I guess so.' Clement agreed. 'I'll try harder, but no promises alright?'

'At least I can count on you trying.' Severus replied.

'Always. Anyway I had an idea, just know. Brilliant if I do say so myself.'

'I will withhold judgement until I hear it.' Severus stated sarcastically.

Clement rolled his eyes. 'I'm serious. We each ask each other a couple questions whenever we get together. Youre not allowed to lie but you can take an out. I'll start. Favorite colour?

'The colour of the sky before sunset. What is you favorite food?'

'Treacle tart, hands down. It's like food of kings offered to mortals.'

'I like the idea quite a bit. I would love to continue playing but, unfortunately, I have exams to grade.' Severus sighed. 'My least favorite part of teaching.'

'I'd like to stay but I got a huge pile of homework. How Binns even marks it, I don't know.' Clement groused. 'But I might come visit sooner than next week so we can just chat or something. No need for a reason.'

'I suppose not.' Severus agreed easily.

A/N Sorry this took so long, but things have been busy. I'll try to update quickly but my place of work has decided, 'hey five shifts a week should be okay.' Yeah, not like I have school or anything else. Anyway I'd love to hear what you guys think about this chapter. Next chapter Sev and Clement discuss the Golden trio, who show some cracks and unity. Ron should do some occlumency. Dumbledore should do some plotting. Thanks again for reading