Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone:  The Alliance

Severus was greeted with a large whisky of dubious quality, which he gladly accepted, and a rather misshapen treacle tart, which he summarily refused.

He had grudgingly accepted Filch's invitation to share a post-term drink. The caretaker's offer had been made as soon as the last of the little pests had vacated the castle.

The older man had shown Severus a measure of kindness and a fawning respect throughout this past and hellishly never-ending year. And after the debacle of the leaving feast and the blatant fraud perpetrated on his house...well, Severus dearly needed a drink.



Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets:  A Measure of Comfort

Severus handed Argus a large whisky with a generous splash of calming draught added for good measure. The man was inconsolable over the temporary loss of his precious feline.

After several refills, and all too much moaning about how he would be missing that cat, Severus was ready to give the old caretaker the boot.

“Get a grip man,” Severus said finally with an undisguised exasperation. “Mrs. Norris will be restored in no time.”

“Aye, you're right, and I've rounds to make,” Argus said as he set his glass aside and rose to leave, “You're a good man, young Snape.”



Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban:  A Grim Patrol

The castle had been thoroughly searched, but there was no sign of Black anywhere within. Argus joined Professor Snape as they left the great hall, each grateful to be headed to rest after their long night.

As they parted at the staircase to the dungeons, Argus muttered, “Least ways we know where the little buggers will be tonight.”

Severus looked up at the caretaker and nodded. “Indeed we do, Mr. Filch,” he replied. Then Argus swore he heard the younger man bid him a good morning, but upon further consideration, figured he was just imagining it in his weary state.



Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire:  Tattered Allure

Argus went about with his daily rounds, scowling fiercely at the foreign students who made even more work for him than the domestic miscreants. Every so often, a twisted smile would come across his face.

His smile was driven by the lingering visage of Professor Snape in his wispy and soft night dress which begged one to caress the abused flesh that was hidden beneath.

Severus, too, noticed that the caretaker had been gracing him with a smile or two as their paths crossed, a smile that would be reciprocated to the horror of those who were in their view.



Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix:  A Well-Deserved Break

Severus was hiding. After the commotion of the Weasley twins machinations, he knew that Argus would be primed with all of the vitriol the enraged caretaker could muster. Too be fair, it was completely warranted.

Still, he had a massive headache and though his friend deserved to vent, Severus wanted nothing more than to snuggle into his grotty little cot in the forgotten storage closet in the North tower.

No one would ever suspect him hiding just under Sybil's quarters. With a grimace, he downed the headache potion and pulled the quilt to his chin in anticipation of sweet oblivion.



Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince:  Something Far Worse than Peeves

Argus was mopping up yet another mess left behind by that irascible Peeves when Severus came barreling down the corridor. He looked wildly at the caretaker, then skidded to a stop, almost falling over the grimy wash pail.

“Argus!” Snape cried out, “Summon Madam Pomphrey to my office, there has been an accident.”

The look of longing that passed over Severus' face went undetected as Argus nodded and made his way to the infirmary.

Severus closed his eyes, somehow summoned the strength to continue up to the tower. He shook off the dread and steeled himself for the final act.



Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows:  Congratulations are in Order

Severus stalked through the dungeons, seeking out the only person who had truly welcomed his return. Argus had requested his company that evening, hinting at a surprise.

Argus opened the door as soon as he heard the knock.

"Headmaster, come in!” he said with a crooked smile.

As Severus greeted his friend, his attention was drawn to powerful magic emanating from a glowing green bottle sitting on the mantle.

Argus, happy with Severus' reaction, placed a hand on the Headmaster's shoulder and said, “Aye, just something I found in the Chamber, figured it was Slytherin's and rightfully belonged to you.”