innerslytherin (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
innerslytherin) wrote2007-10-31 12:02 am
innerslytherin) wrote2007-10-31 12:02 am
Entry tags:
Redemption - Part 33 - Respect
Respect
Prompt: 85 - Friendship
Pairing: Remus/Severus
Warnings: Slash
WC: 2,165
Redemption - PG to R (WIP) - After Voldemort's defeat, Remus--crippled in his last battle--and Severus--pardoned but a pariah--manage to forge a connection, despite the expectations of the world around them.
Series so far:
1. Reconciliation 2. Rehabilitation 3. Recovery 4. Reply 5. Rediscovery 6. Receiving 7. Repartee 8. Relapse 9. Requisite 10. Retreat 11. Refining 12. Repose 13. Reconsidering 14. Renaissance 15. Retribution 16. Return 17.Rematch 18. Redefining 19. Relishing 20. Recognition21. Remembering 22. Refrain 23. Reformation 24. Recrimination 25. Reliance 26. Reverting 27. Repercussion 28. Reminder 29. Retracing 30. Reassurance 31. Restoration 32. Reverence
Notes: Thank you to![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-syndicated.gif)
mnemosyne_1 for a fabulous and quick beta. This installment is my birthday present for ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
_lore. ^__^
"I'm so glad you were free this evening," Hermione says, holding the door open wide. She is as big as a Hungarian Horntail, Severus thinks. He imagines she is also feeling as mean as one, though, so he thinks it the better part of valour to say nothing. He glances down at Remus, who doesn't look quite as stunned as Severus feels; oh, of course, Remus had been friends with Lily when she was pregnant.
Hermione is still talking. "Come in, let me take your cloaks. Ron is in the kitchen. He says tea will be ready soon."
Remus smiles and surrenders his cloak, but Severus can see the tiny lines of strain around his eyes. This is difficult for Remus, leaving the house in his wheelchair. All the same, Severus likes the touch of pink the wind has brought to Remus' cheeks. It is a fairly warm day, but the rain is cold enough that they've both worn their cloaks just to stay dry.
Severus rests his hand lightly on Remus' shoulder, and, though Remus doesn't look at him, Severus feels some of the tension drain from his lover's body. He hopes Remus' pain potion will kick in soon; he has held off on the dose until shortly before they left, not wanting to feel it wearing off while they are eating. Of course Severus has a second dose in his waistcoat pocket, but he sees no reason Remus has to know this, if he doesn't end up needing it.
Hermione ushers them into the dining room, where one of the chairs has already been pulled away to make room for Remus. She vanishes into the kitchen and comes back with a line of dishes following her in the air. Ron is behind the dishes, only limping a little. It is still a shock to see the young man's hair mostly white, and the beard makes him look even older. Severus finds he can't quite meet his gaze.
Once Hermione has the dishes settled, she kisses Ron sedately on the cheek and lets him help her to her seat.
"Remus," Ron says, smiling at them. "Severus. It's good to see you."
Severus is unable to speak for a moment, taken aback at how easily Ron has stolen his Christian name. He simply nods and leaves Remus to make conversation, watching quietly as they speak without him. He dishes himself food and eats automatically, but he is thinking of the way the boy had whimpered, his breath rasping, the darkness pressing in around them. Severus had been so tired, so frightened, and he had been unable to catch his breath--
No. He can't do this. With a deep breath, he forces back the memories that want to rush in and the panic that clings to their back. Remus needs him; Severus hasn't the luxury of falling apart. He closes his eyes briefly, and, when he opens them, his lover is watching him in concern.
"All right?" Remus' voice is soft, but there is no way the Weasleys haven't noticed. Severus tries not to care.
"Don't fuss," he mutters in reply. From the corner of his eye, he sees Ron's anxious expression clear. And since when has Ron Weasley given a damn about Severus Snape?
But, of course, he knows. It's part of why he wants to keep his deeds to himself. People have always hated him, and he is comfortable with that. He doesn't want things to change, doesn't want to learn a new way to act around these people, who have been his allies and still hated him. He doesn't want to stop hating them. At the same time, he can't help but feel vindicated.
They finish the meal with sticky toffee pudding, for which Severus has always had a secret passion. He wonders if he has told Remus this, but when he looks up from scraping up the last of the ice cream and toffee sauce, he sees a heart-wrenchingly familiar twinkle in Ron's blue eyes, and he knows Dumbledore's portrait has been telling tales. He licks his spoon and decides he can live with that, if he gets sticky toffee pudding.
Afterwards, they retire with coffee and tea to the front room, which is comfortable and subtly decorated. A stack of journals is next to the recliner, and a Quidditch rag is balanced on the arm of the sofa, but it is an otherwise tidy, welcoming room. Severus thinks Hermione has grown into her womanhood very gracefully, which is more than he had expected of her.
She takes the recliner, explaining it's best for her back, but when Ron would let Remus and Severus take the sofa, Severus gestures for him to take it. He can see the chagrin when Ron realizes it is too difficult for Remus to transfer himself from the floating chair to the sofa, but to Ron's credit, he doesn't apologise and bring attention to his gaffe. He just nods and sits.
Hermione smiles. She is knitting, which Severus finds incongruous, until he remembers the way the house-elves had threatened to strike a few years ago because of the bobble hats being hidden all over Gryffindor Tower. Ah, that explains that.
"I know I've mentioned this to the two of you before," she begins, "but Ron and I wanted to emphasise that we're quite serious."
Ron nods and leans forward, leaning his maimed arm on his knee. "We'd like the two of you to name our son. And we would like to name you as his godparents."
Remus blinks. "And which of us is to be the godmother?" he asks in gentle amusement.
"Oh, nonsense." Hermione waves a hand. "This is the Wizarding world. We can have two godfathers and no godmother if we want."
Severus thinks it is mad.
"Don't argue, Severus," Ron says, and there is a note in his voice that almost takes Severus' breath away. He realises suddenly that his former student is no longer in the least afraid of him.
Severus falls silent. Remus tilts his head and looks from Hermione to Ron and back. "If it's really what you want," he says finally. "But it won't be a popular choice. A crippled werewolf and a former Death Eater--we haven't much to recommend us."
Hermione's eyes flash, and she snorts. "As if I have ever worried about what is popular," she says. "I am interested in doing what is right, what I want to do. And this is Ron's idea, so don't think you can talk him out of it."
Remus nods and folds his hands in his lap. "Very well."
Severus can only nod. Hermione Granger-Weasley has gone mad. He has always expected it--too much drive, too much revision, too little fun. It has driven her round the bend.
"I'm due in less than a month," Hermione says serenely, as if she hasn't just outed herself as a nutter. "So you haven't much more time to think of a name."
"Are you planning to have the full ceremony?" Remus asks. Severus blanches; he can actually feel the blood draining from his face. She will expect them to stand up in front of everyone and declare themselves fit to oversee the child's religious and magical education. In front of everyone.
Remus' hand closes over his and squeezes slowly. Severus is grateful, but at the same time he just wishes to say something dreadful and Disapparate. He doesn't want this!
He realises suddenly that he hasn't heard Hermione's response. He looks at her, noticing the way strands of her frizzy brown hair cling to her neck even though most of it is drawn up in a bun.
"I think that should be enough to make it perfectly clear where Ron and I stand on the subject," Hermione finishes.
Remus is frowning. "I don't want this to be a...a political statement," he says.
"It isn't, mate," Ron says, shaking his head. "We're asking you because we respect and like you both. Well," he amends, grinning, "Liking Severus is trying sometimes. But respect is easy." He winks at Severus, which sends Severus back into silent shock.
"It's just that the ceremony itself is rather fortuitous," Hermione says. "We can prove to Harry that we're beyond the war."
They will never, Severus thinks, be beyond the war. But some of them have changed for better in the war. He looks at Ron and says quietly, "I will do it. We will do it."
The conversation flows for a time without Severus, who has fallen into contemplation of Mulciber's wand. He thinks he wants Hermione's help.
"Mrs--Hermione," he says abruptly, cutting off whatever Ron has been saying about the Cannons. "I should like your opinion on something."
She smiles and tilts her head, birdlike. It makes her look fragile somehow, which startles him. "Of course, Severus."
He looks at Remus, who at first is looking puzzled, but, as Severus holds his gaze, gradually understands. Remus nods.
"Have you ever heard of Dolens Senium?"
Hermione frowns. "No," she says after a long while, obviously reluctant to admit there is something about which she doesn't know three facts and at least one application. "Dolens...that is 'pain', isn't it?"
Severus nods. "It's a spell to rapidly and painfully age someone," he says. "I have a wand that has cast it, but the spell appears to be complicated with another. Something to paralyse, I believe."
Comprehension is dawning in Hermione's brown eyes, and suddenly she lets out a small scream. "You've done it!" She pushes herself to her feet and waddles over to seize his hands. Her own small hands have a stronger grip than he had expected. "You found the wand that cursed Remus!"
Ron is looking a little bewildered, but, when she says that, the Lumos obviously goes on. "Good on you!" he cries, grinning.
"I am not sure," Severus hedges hastily. "It is too soon to know for certain. But I would appreciate your input."
"Yes, of course! When? What can I do?"
"I would prefer sooner rather than later," Severus admits. "I dislike seeing Remus at a disadvantage like this."
She nods. "And there's always the chance that the joint ageing will spread into other things."
Severus is relieved she understands so quickly and completely--though of course he has expected no less. "Exactly. For now the curse is limited to the joints from the waist down. I would prefer Remus not have to suffer any further setbacks."
Remus is shifting in his chair, and Severus wonders if it is embarrassment or the pain potion wearing off. They have been here quite some time. As Hermione sends Ron to the bookshelf and directs him to a book that is on the top shelf, Severus leans over.
"All right?" he murmurs. "Are you in pain?"
Remus' expression is wry. "Apparently I dislike asking for help by proxy as much as I dislike asking myself."
Severus smiles faintly at him and takes one cold hand in his own. He doesn't even care what the Weasleys think.
Hermione has the book open now, resting on her belly, and is flipping through pages. "I think I have something on commingled spells," she says, her voice barely a mutter. "Dutton and Sawes, something in 1894, I think...let me see..." She finally clicks her tongue and goes to the index. "It's on the top right of the page...Oh, page 783...No, here it is, on the left, all right..."
Severus is amused, mostly because he has seen Remus do this very thing. Severus' method is very similar as well, but he never speaks it aloud. He waits for her to look up and speak to them. Finally she sighs.
"Well, he cites several authors, most notably Dupre, Canfield, and Flitwick." Severus nods slowly. He doesn't want to ask for help from Flitwick, particularly since the last time they saw each other Severus was about to hex him, but he will do it, if necessary. "I think it best," Hermione continues, "if we ask the professor what he can tell us. It will save research steps if we go straight to the source."
Remus shifts again, and Severus glances at him only to see the faint tightening around his mouth and eyes that means the pain is returning.
"Very well," Severus says. "I will contact him." He hesitates, then rises. "It...I had an enjoyable evening," he says. "But it is getting late." It isn't, but he thinks they will go along with him.
Ron nods and stands. "Of course, you'll be wanting to get home to feed that kitten of yours."
Severus snorts, but nods. To his surprise, Ron puts out his good hand to shake, so Severus does. Then Hermione kisses him on the cheek. He has been preparing himself for a hug, the way she did not so long ago, but the kiss startles him beyond words.
He goes to stand behind Remus, both hands on his shoulders, and they Disapparate.
Prompt: 85 - Friendship
Pairing: Remus/Severus
Warnings: Slash
WC: 2,165
Redemption - PG to R (WIP) - After Voldemort's defeat, Remus--crippled in his last battle--and Severus--pardoned but a pariah--manage to forge a connection, despite the expectations of the world around them.
Series so far:
1. Reconciliation 2. Rehabilitation 3. Recovery 4. Reply 5. Rediscovery 6. Receiving 7. Repartee 8. Relapse 9. Requisite 10. Retreat 11. Refining 12. Repose 13. Reconsidering 14. Renaissance 15. Retribution 16. Return 17.Rematch 18. Redefining 19. Relishing 20. Recognition21. Remembering 22. Refrain 23. Reformation 24. Recrimination 25. Reliance 26. Reverting 27. Repercussion 28. Reminder 29. Retracing 30. Reassurance 31. Restoration 32. Reverence
Notes: Thank you to
mnemosyne_1 for a fabulous and quick beta. This installment is my birthday present for _lore. ^__^"I'm so glad you were free this evening," Hermione says, holding the door open wide. She is as big as a Hungarian Horntail, Severus thinks. He imagines she is also feeling as mean as one, though, so he thinks it the better part of valour to say nothing. He glances down at Remus, who doesn't look quite as stunned as Severus feels; oh, of course, Remus had been friends with Lily when she was pregnant.
Hermione is still talking. "Come in, let me take your cloaks. Ron is in the kitchen. He says tea will be ready soon."
Remus smiles and surrenders his cloak, but Severus can see the tiny lines of strain around his eyes. This is difficult for Remus, leaving the house in his wheelchair. All the same, Severus likes the touch of pink the wind has brought to Remus' cheeks. It is a fairly warm day, but the rain is cold enough that they've both worn their cloaks just to stay dry.
Severus rests his hand lightly on Remus' shoulder, and, though Remus doesn't look at him, Severus feels some of the tension drain from his lover's body. He hopes Remus' pain potion will kick in soon; he has held off on the dose until shortly before they left, not wanting to feel it wearing off while they are eating. Of course Severus has a second dose in his waistcoat pocket, but he sees no reason Remus has to know this, if he doesn't end up needing it.
Hermione ushers them into the dining room, where one of the chairs has already been pulled away to make room for Remus. She vanishes into the kitchen and comes back with a line of dishes following her in the air. Ron is behind the dishes, only limping a little. It is still a shock to see the young man's hair mostly white, and the beard makes him look even older. Severus finds he can't quite meet his gaze.
Once Hermione has the dishes settled, she kisses Ron sedately on the cheek and lets him help her to her seat.
"Remus," Ron says, smiling at them. "Severus. It's good to see you."
Severus is unable to speak for a moment, taken aback at how easily Ron has stolen his Christian name. He simply nods and leaves Remus to make conversation, watching quietly as they speak without him. He dishes himself food and eats automatically, but he is thinking of the way the boy had whimpered, his breath rasping, the darkness pressing in around them. Severus had been so tired, so frightened, and he had been unable to catch his breath--
No. He can't do this. With a deep breath, he forces back the memories that want to rush in and the panic that clings to their back. Remus needs him; Severus hasn't the luxury of falling apart. He closes his eyes briefly, and, when he opens them, his lover is watching him in concern.
"All right?" Remus' voice is soft, but there is no way the Weasleys haven't noticed. Severus tries not to care.
"Don't fuss," he mutters in reply. From the corner of his eye, he sees Ron's anxious expression clear. And since when has Ron Weasley given a damn about Severus Snape?
But, of course, he knows. It's part of why he wants to keep his deeds to himself. People have always hated him, and he is comfortable with that. He doesn't want things to change, doesn't want to learn a new way to act around these people, who have been his allies and still hated him. He doesn't want to stop hating them. At the same time, he can't help but feel vindicated.
They finish the meal with sticky toffee pudding, for which Severus has always had a secret passion. He wonders if he has told Remus this, but when he looks up from scraping up the last of the ice cream and toffee sauce, he sees a heart-wrenchingly familiar twinkle in Ron's blue eyes, and he knows Dumbledore's portrait has been telling tales. He licks his spoon and decides he can live with that, if he gets sticky toffee pudding.
Afterwards, they retire with coffee and tea to the front room, which is comfortable and subtly decorated. A stack of journals is next to the recliner, and a Quidditch rag is balanced on the arm of the sofa, but it is an otherwise tidy, welcoming room. Severus thinks Hermione has grown into her womanhood very gracefully, which is more than he had expected of her.
She takes the recliner, explaining it's best for her back, but when Ron would let Remus and Severus take the sofa, Severus gestures for him to take it. He can see the chagrin when Ron realizes it is too difficult for Remus to transfer himself from the floating chair to the sofa, but to Ron's credit, he doesn't apologise and bring attention to his gaffe. He just nods and sits.
Hermione smiles. She is knitting, which Severus finds incongruous, until he remembers the way the house-elves had threatened to strike a few years ago because of the bobble hats being hidden all over Gryffindor Tower. Ah, that explains that.
"I know I've mentioned this to the two of you before," she begins, "but Ron and I wanted to emphasise that we're quite serious."
Ron nods and leans forward, leaning his maimed arm on his knee. "We'd like the two of you to name our son. And we would like to name you as his godparents."
Remus blinks. "And which of us is to be the godmother?" he asks in gentle amusement.
"Oh, nonsense." Hermione waves a hand. "This is the Wizarding world. We can have two godfathers and no godmother if we want."
Severus thinks it is mad.
"Don't argue, Severus," Ron says, and there is a note in his voice that almost takes Severus' breath away. He realises suddenly that his former student is no longer in the least afraid of him.
Severus falls silent. Remus tilts his head and looks from Hermione to Ron and back. "If it's really what you want," he says finally. "But it won't be a popular choice. A crippled werewolf and a former Death Eater--we haven't much to recommend us."
Hermione's eyes flash, and she snorts. "As if I have ever worried about what is popular," she says. "I am interested in doing what is right, what I want to do. And this is Ron's idea, so don't think you can talk him out of it."
Remus nods and folds his hands in his lap. "Very well."
Severus can only nod. Hermione Granger-Weasley has gone mad. He has always expected it--too much drive, too much revision, too little fun. It has driven her round the bend.
"I'm due in less than a month," Hermione says serenely, as if she hasn't just outed herself as a nutter. "So you haven't much more time to think of a name."
"Are you planning to have the full ceremony?" Remus asks. Severus blanches; he can actually feel the blood draining from his face. She will expect them to stand up in front of everyone and declare themselves fit to oversee the child's religious and magical education. In front of everyone.
Remus' hand closes over his and squeezes slowly. Severus is grateful, but at the same time he just wishes to say something dreadful and Disapparate. He doesn't want this!
He realises suddenly that he hasn't heard Hermione's response. He looks at her, noticing the way strands of her frizzy brown hair cling to her neck even though most of it is drawn up in a bun.
"I think that should be enough to make it perfectly clear where Ron and I stand on the subject," Hermione finishes.
Remus is frowning. "I don't want this to be a...a political statement," he says.
"It isn't, mate," Ron says, shaking his head. "We're asking you because we respect and like you both. Well," he amends, grinning, "Liking Severus is trying sometimes. But respect is easy." He winks at Severus, which sends Severus back into silent shock.
"It's just that the ceremony itself is rather fortuitous," Hermione says. "We can prove to Harry that we're beyond the war."
They will never, Severus thinks, be beyond the war. But some of them have changed for better in the war. He looks at Ron and says quietly, "I will do it. We will do it."
The conversation flows for a time without Severus, who has fallen into contemplation of Mulciber's wand. He thinks he wants Hermione's help.
"Mrs--Hermione," he says abruptly, cutting off whatever Ron has been saying about the Cannons. "I should like your opinion on something."
She smiles and tilts her head, birdlike. It makes her look fragile somehow, which startles him. "Of course, Severus."
He looks at Remus, who at first is looking puzzled, but, as Severus holds his gaze, gradually understands. Remus nods.
"Have you ever heard of Dolens Senium?"
Hermione frowns. "No," she says after a long while, obviously reluctant to admit there is something about which she doesn't know three facts and at least one application. "Dolens...that is 'pain', isn't it?"
Severus nods. "It's a spell to rapidly and painfully age someone," he says. "I have a wand that has cast it, but the spell appears to be complicated with another. Something to paralyse, I believe."
Comprehension is dawning in Hermione's brown eyes, and suddenly she lets out a small scream. "You've done it!" She pushes herself to her feet and waddles over to seize his hands. Her own small hands have a stronger grip than he had expected. "You found the wand that cursed Remus!"
Ron is looking a little bewildered, but, when she says that, the Lumos obviously goes on. "Good on you!" he cries, grinning.
"I am not sure," Severus hedges hastily. "It is too soon to know for certain. But I would appreciate your input."
"Yes, of course! When? What can I do?"
"I would prefer sooner rather than later," Severus admits. "I dislike seeing Remus at a disadvantage like this."
She nods. "And there's always the chance that the joint ageing will spread into other things."
Severus is relieved she understands so quickly and completely--though of course he has expected no less. "Exactly. For now the curse is limited to the joints from the waist down. I would prefer Remus not have to suffer any further setbacks."
Remus is shifting in his chair, and Severus wonders if it is embarrassment or the pain potion wearing off. They have been here quite some time. As Hermione sends Ron to the bookshelf and directs him to a book that is on the top shelf, Severus leans over.
"All right?" he murmurs. "Are you in pain?"
Remus' expression is wry. "Apparently I dislike asking for help by proxy as much as I dislike asking myself."
Severus smiles faintly at him and takes one cold hand in his own. He doesn't even care what the Weasleys think.
Hermione has the book open now, resting on her belly, and is flipping through pages. "I think I have something on commingled spells," she says, her voice barely a mutter. "Dutton and Sawes, something in 1894, I think...let me see..." She finally clicks her tongue and goes to the index. "It's on the top right of the page...Oh, page 783...No, here it is, on the left, all right..."
Severus is amused, mostly because he has seen Remus do this very thing. Severus' method is very similar as well, but he never speaks it aloud. He waits for her to look up and speak to them. Finally she sighs.
"Well, he cites several authors, most notably Dupre, Canfield, and Flitwick." Severus nods slowly. He doesn't want to ask for help from Flitwick, particularly since the last time they saw each other Severus was about to hex him, but he will do it, if necessary. "I think it best," Hermione continues, "if we ask the professor what he can tell us. It will save research steps if we go straight to the source."
Remus shifts again, and Severus glances at him only to see the faint tightening around his mouth and eyes that means the pain is returning.
"Very well," Severus says. "I will contact him." He hesitates, then rises. "It...I had an enjoyable evening," he says. "But it is getting late." It isn't, but he thinks they will go along with him.
Ron nods and stands. "Of course, you'll be wanting to get home to feed that kitten of yours."
Severus snorts, but nods. To his surprise, Ron puts out his good hand to shake, so Severus does. Then Hermione kisses him on the cheek. He has been preparing himself for a hug, the way she did not so long ago, but the kiss startles him beyond words.
He goes to stand behind Remus, both hands on his shoulders, and they Disapparate.
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I've apparently read too much to trust that a calm domestic scene can be much more than the calm before the storm... there will be a happy ending, won't there? *stern, yet appealing, look*
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Meow:
Re: Meow:
Thank you for the reassurance!
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*happy sigh*
That is all.
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Until then, though, I adore the stubborn bugger like no other!
Remus' discomfort, both physical and mental, was palatable. And now the horrific twist - what if the spell keeps progressing? EEEEEE. I'm with busaikko! *stares at you hard*
Thank you so much, Steph! I adore this fic beyond measure, and each chapter is one precious gift. *HUGS*
love, lore
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I have a weakness for Hermione and Severus in fics, though of course my first Snapeship was Hermione/Severus, which may explain that. *grin*
*hugs back* HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
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Severus can only nod. Hermione Granger-Weasley has gone mad. He has always expected it--too much drive, too much revision, too little fun. It has driven her round the bend.
Hee! Still my favorite part...
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I shall look forward to all of the dips and turns in the trip toward that Happily Ever After.
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This one was almost cosy. I enjoy Severus' Development, but I feel just so sory for Remus. He was doing so good towards the beginning, and now it is getting worse. And then you even threaten us with a creepy, ascending disease. Really, I want him healed.
By the way, there is this other illness - shouldn't be a fullmoon there, soon? How will it affect him? Or did I overread this?
Can't wait for you to continue this fiction. ;-)
By the way, pregnant women can be really beautiful, maybe you'l let Severus know, one day?
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((JKR was really wrong with him!))
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