It's not easy to explain, but . . .

Chapter 10

Emma rose and walked to Professor McGonagall and whispered in her ear.  Minerva's reaction was to clamp her hand over her mouth and break out in hysterical laughter.

Albus listened to what Rupert quietly told him and nodded, shutting his eyes and taking a deep breath. When he opened them again, there was a twinkle in them and a small smile on his lips, that hadn't been seen in a while. 

Tom poked Severus on his arm and motioned him to lean closer. When Severus complied, Tom cupped his hand and whispered into the Potion Master's ear.  Whatever he told Severus got a violent reaction;  he swung around and stared at Tom, then stood and walked to the end of the room, muttering to himself, turned and started back, only to stop, his face contorted with rage and before anyone could move, he slammed his fist into the door of a cupboard, smashing the glass, splintering the wood and nearly knocking the door off its hinges.  Cries erupted from the startled group watching his uncontrolled display of emotions, some of them jumping to their feet.

"Severus!" "Bloody Hell!" "Professor!" AHH!" "Blimey!" "You're bleeding!"

Molly grabbed a tea towel and approached Severus, who turned away from her, then pushed past her, heading for Tom with his wand out.  Hermione shrieked a warning even as Emma threw herself in front of Tom, both hands held up to stop Snape, who hesitated for just a fraction of a second.  But it was long enough for Emma to grab Severus around the waist in a furious hug.  Totally startled, he tried, unsuccessfully, to pry her off of him.

"Unhand me, you silly girl!' he blustered.

"Not until you behave like a civilized human being!"  She looked up at him and stuck out her tongue.  Severus froze, staring at her, literally nose to nose, not believing what he'd just seen and then seemed to deflate in her embrace.

"That's better.  Now, put your wand away and sit down . . . whatever it was that your portrait told Tom to say was, obviously, the correct thing to send back."  She took his arm and made him sit down.  Molly came over with the towel and started tending to his hand.

"I'm . . . sorry for my outburst . . . I just . . . " Severus was obviously mortified at his actions.  "Thank you, Molly," he muttered.

"If it's any consolation, you made me swear, as an honorary Slytherin, to not repeat your message to anyone.  And since we'll be 'Obliviated' when we go back, your secret is safe with me."  Tom reassured Severus.  "I'm just glad you didn't kill the messenger!"

"I don't know what to say, I'm terribly . . . ashamed at my loss of control . . . please forgive me."

"Severus, my boy, it is obvious your future self wanted to make sure, beyond a doubt, that you realize these young people are here to help us, am I correct?"  Albus looked around at Dan, Rupert, Tom and Emma, who nodded.

Severus put his face in his hands for a moment and then looked around; all eyes were on him, but not with pity, but with understanding and empathy and a bit of nervousness. 

"You know what this proves, Remus?" Sirius turned to his friend.

"I know I'll regret asking, but  . . . what does this prove, Sirius?"

"That we were wrong about dear old Severus all these years!"

"WHAT?" Everyone had swiveled to stare at Sirius, as he leaned back in his chair.

"Yes indeed . . .  all this time we thought he was a snarky old git, when all he wanted was a hug!"  Getting up, he approached Severus.  "Come on, Sev, old man, give us a hug!"

"Get away from me, Black, or I will hex you into next year!!'"  Severus growled.

"Aw, come on, just a little hug?"

"There is not the faintest possibility  . . .  " Severus started to protest, his hand tightening on his wand.

"Well, then you two shake hands,"  said Emma, who was standing next to Severus' chair, as she put her hand over his hand  to calm him.   "I'm Professor Snape's official hugger, and don't either of you argue the point," she directed at Severus, as he turned to her with a surprised look on his face, mouth open to protest, then turned to Sirius, eyebrow arched.

Sirius looked at Emma, grinned and stuck out his hand to his former enemy.  "It appears what these youngsters are saying is the truth, which means we've got a lot to talk about and some ancient baggage to rummage around in and then get rid of, Severus.  They've already called me on the carpet about several things, so we'd all better listen and learn.  Otherwise, Albus, Remus, you and I are all dead within three years, me sooner than you three.  Let's start out on the right foot, shall we?"

Severus looked up, first at Sirius and then at Emma, who nodded with a small smile.  A glance at Tom, who winked,  seemed to help him make up his mind, as he stood and extended his hand to shake Sirius'.  Then he walked over to Remus and shook hands with him, too, before returning to his seat. Emma patted him on his shoulder and leaned down to whisper in his ear, "Well done, Professor."

"Where's a video camera when you need one," said Rupert, throwing up his hands. "No-one will ever believe this happened!"  

"We won't remember any of this, anyway, mate; so enjoy it while we can!" laughed Dan.