The Fat Lady gawped at me. I ran past the man.
'Apple! Wait!' he called, running after me.
I didn't stop until I bumped into Snape.
'Apple? What's wrong?' he asked, grabbing my shoulder's gently.
I shook my head and hid behind Snape as the man came charging into view. Snape looked at the man, and drew his wand, a look of utmost disgust on his face.
'Apple? Come here.' said the man.
I shook my head.
'It's okay Apple, it's okay.' said Snape softly, patting my shoulder.
'What,' said a voice, 'is going on here?'
I smiled as Remus came into view. The man took on look at Remus, turned and left. I breathed a sigh of relief.
'Are you okay Apple? Did he hurt you?' asked Snape, turning to me.
'I'm fine.' I whispered, shaking slightly.
Snape did something very unexpected. He gave me a hug. I stood there, my head on his chest, amazed. First a smile, now a hug? What next, a kiss?
Snape let me go, embarrassed, turned and swept off.
'What the fresh hell?' I asked as soon as he was out of ear-shot.
Remus was looking at the spot where the man had disappeared. He turned to me.
'Apple. Thank heaven's you're okay.' said Remus, hugging me tight.
'That man, he called me his 'Apple Pie.'' I whispered.
'You don't have to worry about him. I'll protect you. And, from the looks of it, Snape will as well.'