Disclaimer: I sadly do not own anything Harry Potter. The only things I do own are an imagination and impatience for book 6.
For all of you who reviewed The Protectors and helped me with my opinion poll: This story is about Snape, with some Analise/Remus mixed lightly in there. That seemed to be the common request. Thank you for your help.
So I hope you all enjoy and please don't forget to review!
Formidable Liaisons
Preface/Chapter 1
"I'm moving to Hogsmeade for a new job. I just have to find a flat. I'm having some problems locating one though." Iris Navarro told her pal excitedly.
"Congratulations! That's excellent news! Why don't you stay with me Iris?" Analise asked her friend through the flames in the fireplace.
"Analise, I couldn't intrude like that." Iris answered.
"Now really, it's no intrusion! I insist. Until you can find your own place you're staying with me." Analise ordered.
"If you're sure..." Iris hedged reluctantly.
"I'm positive. Get yourself packed and get here soon." Analise said happily.
"How's Remus?" Iris asked.
"Wonderful. It's going so great between us. Last week he...." Analise prattled on.
Iris rolled her eyes subtly and sank further down on the sofa as her friend rambled on about what a catch Remus was. Here we go again, she thought only somewhat bitterly. She used to be perfectly normal before love knocked her wonky. How can people let that happen?
"Iris? Are you paying attention?" Analise asked after about ten minutes of her talking being met with silence.
"What? Oh, yeah. I'm listening." Iris replied guiltily.
"So any men on your front?" Analise asked casually.
"You know me, nothing serious." Iris replied flippantly. And I don't intend to start now either, she thought resolutely.
"Now you can't judge all men by one" Analise said wisely.
"I'm not judging anyone." Iris said stiffly and ran a hand nervously through her thick black hair. "I'm just....enjoying my freedom."
"Right." Analise said, entirely unconvinced. "Listen, I have to go. Remus just came in. How long do you think it will be before you get here?"
"Two weeks maybe. I'll let you know for sure." Iris said, grateful to escape Analise's prying. "And thanks for the invite. I appreciate it."
"No problem. Bye!" With a pop Analise disappeared from the grate and Iris rolled her eyes, silently willing herself patience for the love-struck sucker. I love her to death but I'll have to find my own place quick.
"Who were you talking to sweetheart?" Remus asked Analise curiously.
"My best friend Iris Navarro." She replied. "She's coming to live in Hogsmeade but will be staying with me until she finds a place of her own."
"That's nice." Remus said as he noticed the conspiratorial twinkling in her eyes. "Why do you look so sheepish?"
"I don't." Analise said as she tried to fight off a grin.
"Now Analise, I told you no match making schemes." Remus said insistently when he realized her intent.
"I'm not scheming." Analise retorted with mock indignation. I'm planning. There's a difference. Poor Iris won't know what hit her, she thought with wicked delight.