Befriending The Wolf

Summary: Remus finds his mate. Severus finds his protector.
Warning(s): AU; Disciplinary Spanking of adults; M/m; sexual situations; Potential spoilers for Harry Potter; D/s; binding spell; consensual biting to form a mate bond; possessive behaviour

###

Seeing the Marauder's Map again, after so long, had taken Lupin by surprise. He'd taken the map from Harry, claiming that it was too dangerous for the youngster to use...and that the creators of the map were people who would be happy to cause chaos in the life of the boy. Which wasn't entirely a lie; they wouldn't have seen a problem with sending Harry Potter out of the safety of Hogwarts. Of course, now two of them were dead...and one was in Azkaban, imprisoned for giving away the location of his best friend and his best friend's wife to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

At least, that's what Lupin had thought...right up until he'd recognized the name of one of the people shown on the map. Peter Pettigrew was dead, was supposed to be dead...so why was the map showing him running around Hogwarts?

Spreading out the map on the desk in his room, Lupin sat down and tried to figure out what his next move was. What his next move should be.

***

Snape narrowed his eyes then rubbed his head furiously, fighting a headache. The drawer where he'd put the insulting map was missing. There was only one person who knew about the map and who would have a reason to try and take it. The problem was, if said person had the map, keeping said person safe became even more difficult than it already was.

"Fifty points from Gryffindor..." Snape growled softly, only slightly appeased to know the points were immediately deducted. He stalked out of his office to do rounds. If he caught Potter out of bounds, the young man would be serving detention for the rest of the year.

***

Folding the map up and tucking it away under his jacket, Lupin slipped out of his room. The map had showed Peter Pettigrew roaming one of the halls of Hogwarts. It had also shown Snape leaving his own room, but Lupin wasn't too concerned about running into the potions master, although if he did happen to come across the other man, maybe it would give him the chance to apologize. He hadn't been the one to lure Snape to the forest while he was changing into a werewolf, but he'd definitely contributed to making things so much more difficult for the other student.

But tracking down Peter and getting answers had to be the priority. Because if Peter was at Hogwarts and wasn't dead...that potentially meant there'd been a major miscarriage of justice.

***

Snape didn't know whether to continue to be frustrated that he was finding no one wandering the halls or not; he was certain they were out and about and somehow hiding. His mood was very sour.

***

Lupin's own frustration was hard to ignore. According to the map, he was standing right on the spot where Peter was supposed to be...and yet there was no sign of the man who he'd once considered one of his closest friends.

Opening the map once more, Lupin scanned it with a frown and eyes narrowed with frustration. He knew to look out for Peter's Animagus form, but since there was no sign of human or rat, he honestly didn't know what his next move should be. And there was Snape, still wandering the halls.

Snape was just about to go back to his own quarters to get a little much needed sleep. But then he turned the corner and saw Lupin... with the map. A scowl marred his face as fury filled him. That map had insulted him repeatedly, bringing all the helpless anger and feelings of isolation he'd felt as a student back to the front. "I should have known... even as an adult and faculty, you would see nothing wrong in going into other professors' locked space and taking what you want..." he drawled acerbically.

Lupin had been so focused on trying to figure out where Peter was, he'd neglected to check where Snape was. As a result, the other man's appearance and words caught him by surprise.

Glancing at the map and noticing that Peter's name was no longer showing, Lupin tried not to let his frustration show. Tried not to let his grief and guilt and other emotions he felt show. He rolled up the map and took a deep breath. "I confiscated this map from a student." He didn't mention who. Harry seemed to dislike and distrust Snape. From what Lupin had seen, he wasn't entirely sure the feelings weren't mutual.

"Which student?" Snape's eyebrow rose. It was clear he believed he already knew. If Lupin confirmed that Potter had been in possession of the map, Snape would have the evidence needed to put the brat into detention until summer. (He would never push for expulsion, as the boy would never be safer anywhere else, though he was sure everyone would assume that his goal.) The only way Potter could have had the map was if he or a friend had stolen it out of Snape's locked drawer.

"Does it matter?" Lupin returned, unwilling to get Harry into trouble. "The matter's been dealt with. This isn't in the hands of anyone who could use it to cause problems." At least not anymore. Remembering the insults, he and his friends had charmed the map with...well, he was grown up now. Old enough to remember his past behavior and feel ashamed of it. Now was as good a time as any, he supposed. "I'm sorry." The apology was quiet, but sincerely meant. Clearing his throat, he added, "I know it means very little, coming now, but I've always regretted my past actions towards you." He knew an apology was almost laughably inadequate, but it was all he had to give.

"Yes. It matters..." Snape's voice was as cold as his eyes were fiery. "That was securely locked in my office desk after having been confiscated earlier this week. The student who you took it from either broke into a locked office and a locked desk to get hold of it, or they know who did. Or are you saying breaking and entering is acceptable student behavior?" He finished sarcastically, "Oh... but I forgot who I was talking to. Of course, breaking all school rules and even laws is acceptable if the student is a Gryffindor...."

"I never said it was acceptable behavior," Lupin said mildly. "But the item has been confiscated and the student dealt with. I don't believe it's fair for someone to be punished twice over, no matter what house they belong to."

"Dealt with insufficiently, I imagine... since you didn't know the extent of the crimes committed when you took that back. But I also imagine you wouldn't do any more than you absolutely had to, to avoid being accused of letting it go completely..." Snape spat. "Congratulations. I'm sure the boy will turn out just like his father or godfather. We all know how they ended up."

Lupin's eyes turned to flint, as he pushed down that grief, that pain. Even if Peter was still alive, he'd lost his best friends. James was dead. Sirius in Azkaban. "I know how you feel about me, how you felt about James, but you shouldn't blame the son for the sins of his father. Or his father's friends," he added.

"I blame him for his own actions... I can't help those actions are so similar to past miscreants' actions." Snape sniffed disdainfully. Inside, he felt his own grief and pain and a slight bit of guilt. Harry wasn't only James' child, after all. He couldn't let that show, however. Too many eyes and ears would report any hint of care for the boy-who-lived and that would make his already precarious position untenable.

"Taking the map has been dealt with," Lupin said. "I don't play favorites. And I won't shield someone from the consequences of their own actions."

Snape's look was sour, and he obviously didn't believe or trust Lupin's assessment. "I will have to accept your word for it then, since you are effectively preventing me from seeking recourse for my office having been broken into...." His voice was silky but acidic. "I bid you adieu." He stalked around Lupin to continue to his quarters.

Just then, his arm began to burn where the mark was. He barely managed to avoid wincing, though his face did tighten slightly. He needed to sneak out so he could Apparate to the dark lord.

Lupin sighed quietly to himself, wondering if there was any way he could bridge the gulf between him and Snape. Of course, he already knew an apology wasn't enough...could never be enough. He really had no idea what to extend to the other man as a peace offering.

There was nothing he could do about the guilt from his past...but maybe he could deal with the other problem.

Taking the map out once more, Lupin surveyed it. If Peter was still on the grounds of Hogwarts, it would show clearly on the map. The fact that he wasn't made him wonder if the man was outside...where the map didn't cover. Unwilling to just let things go when here was something he could perhaps deal with, Lupin headed outside the school.

***

Snape had quickly made it to his quarters, where he'd grabbed the robes and mask of the Death Eaters, then snuck out through a secret entrance in his quarters, heading toward the perimeter of the castle, where the anti-apparition wards ended. He moved quickly and as stealthily as possible, not wanting anyone to see him. As soon as he was outside the wards, he glanced around, to be certain he wasn't being watched, then put on the mask and robes. The moment he touched his wand to the dark mark, he was transported directly to the dark lord's position.

***

Lupin headed out of the school and began walking towards the dark forest. He wasn't sure if that was where Peter might be, but it was the best possible idea he had to find the man he'd believed was dead.

***

It was exactly and nothing that Snape had expected. He'd expected to be Crucioed because of the 'lack of progress' he'd made. He hadn't expected to be spared the worst of it, though; all the other Death Eaters had gone through several rounds, while Voldemort had only subjected him to two very harsh times. He at least was able to remain upright. By the time the meeting was over, nearly everyone else had to Apparate straight home, from a position laying on the ground. As soon as he'd apparated back to just outside the castle's boundaries, he removed the cloak and mask, secreting them on his person, and began to slowly limp back to the secret tunnel, where he would sneak back into his quarters. He'd need to take a healing potion, or he'd not be able to teach; and the dark lord had kept them late enough he only had two hours before he needed to be in the great hall to help supervise breakfast.

Lupin hadn't managed to get any sleep himself. He'd spent most of the night searching for any sign of Peter. And then searching for any sign that something was amiss. It was two hours before breakfast, and he was no closer to getting answers. No closer to finding out if they'd all been wrong about Sirius and an innocent man had been sent to Azkaban...and it was hard not to feel frustrated about it.

As he began to head back to the school, Lupin frowned as he spotted Snape. The other man was limping...and looked even worse than Lupin felt. A stab of concern went through him, along with a guilty realization that Snape had seemed similarly harmed when they'd been at school and that no one had done anything about it.

Lupin quickly sped up his steps to join Snape; not hard, given the other man was moving slowly and carefully. "You're hurt? Are you injured anywhere?" As he asked the question, he quickly scanned Snape's form...for any sign of visible injuries.

Snape silently cursed his luck as he realized Lupin had seen him and was coming in his direction, but there was little he could do about it. "I am fine..." he said, the words short and not at all in his usual smooth timbre. "I was looking for potions ingredients and stumbled upon Doxies." It was obviously a lie, as there were no physical marks on him at all. Whatever his ailment was, it was spell induced. "Why are you out at this time of night?" he asked suspiciously. "Did a student leave the castle?" He couldn't hide a hint of worry that one of his Slytherin had taken the mark, despite his trying to unobtrusively dissuade them. Given how enthusiastically Voldemort had cursed those present, if any of the students had been there, he'd have a difficult time covering for them if they got caught returning and had to go to the infirmary. Poppy would notice immediately why they were ill.

Lupin raised his eyebrows. "I wasn't out here because of a student," he replied. "I was looking for someone." And looking for answers...but he wasn't sure he'd get those. Shaking his head, he commented, "I can tell you didn't run into any doxies. You're in pain, but you don't have any injuries on you." His voice was filled with concern. He didn't even try to hide it. He couldn't do anything about Peter right now, or about getting Sirius out of Azkaban if it turned out he was innocent. But maybe he could do something right when it came to Snape. Even if it was years late.

Snape recoiled at the concern in Lupin's voice. Not only was he unaccustomed to anyone putting his safety above anything else, but he also had a hard time trusting that one of his childhood enemies cared enough to show such concern. "What? Why...? No! I'm fine. Nothing to concern yourself with and if I wanted to give you ammunition to ridicule me, I would have told you the first time you asked!" he spat.

"I'm not going to ridicule you," Lupin replied calmly. "And I can see you're not fine. I'd like to take you to the infirmary. At least so you can get the help you need, even if you'd be more comfortable alone there."

"There is nothing Poppy can do that I can't do myself. Or did you forget who supplies the school's potions?" Snape asked dryly. "Now... if you don't mind, I would like to retreat to my room to obtain said potions. Before breakfast, preferably." His hands clenched painfully as another after-shock of the Cruciatus caused a spasm. It caused the mask to slip out of hiding and onto the ground.

Lupin saw the mask and his eyes widened before he took a step back and drew his wand. "You're a death eater." It was obvious he was shocked. For all that Snape was hard, bitter, cold...Lupin had never imagined he would be on Voldemort's side. Then again, he would never have imagined it of any of his closest friends being a death eater...and if it hadn't been Sirius who had betrayed Lily and James, he knew it had to be Peter.

Snape's own wand was out in an instant. He couldn't risk Lupin knowing the truth, at least not out in the open where anyone could hear. Bitterly, he thought about the fact that if he truly was a Death Eater, Lupin would have been dead by now.  As it was, he could only think of one thing to do. "Obliviate!" He quickly attempted the spell, hoping it wasn't dodged.

Lupin had expected Snape to attempt to cast, even if he had expected a more lethal spell than obliviate. So, he was moving as soon as Snape had his wand out and casting his own spell. "Expelliarmus." He couldn't have said why he simply went for a disarming spell rather than any number of offensive spells he could have used, only that...he still couldn't quite believe that Snape was truly on Voldemort's side, no matter what the personal history between them was.

Even with as good a dueler as he was, Snape was hampered by the fact he'd undergone several rounds of Cruciatus without taking the needed potions. On top of that, he had to avoid harming Dumbledore's pet werewolf. The limitations made it entirely too easy for Lupin to disarm him. Putting a stony expression on his face, though he was beginning to feel overcome by hopelessness, Snape bent over and retrieved the mask, shoving it back into hiding. 

He glanced around nervously. Usually, the headmaster would have sent his Phoenix by now, to call Snape to his office for debriefing. That the older man didn't was disconcerting. It was as if he wanted Snape to have to crawl out of this mess on his own, instead of the headmaster telling Lupin the truth. Snape knew he'd never be believed if he told Lupin.

Lupin quickly retrieved Snape's wand, although he was at a loss of what to do next. Killing Snape was out of the question. Even if he didn't feel guilty about his actions towards the other man in the past, it wasn't in him to turn judge, jury and executioner. And now that he was second-guessing whether Sirius actually was guilty or not, turning Snape in without getting answers could be another miscarriage of justice.

Taking a deep breath, Lupin decided to take care of what was the most important thing first. Snape hadn't actually attempted to kill him, only erase his memories. Lupin clung to that to convince him he wasn't making a mistake in the next words he spoke. "You're still in pain. I need answers, but first things first. We'll go to your office so that you can take the needed potions."

Snape couldn't quite mask his surprise at those words. He decided further antagonizing the one who now had his wand would be foolish, so he briefly nodded and began to walk to the front entrance. He'd not lead Lupin to the secret tunnel.

Lupin quickly fell into step beside Snape, eyes scanning the other man's body. He could say it was in case Snape made any movement to either attack or escape...in reality, he was watching with concern. In case the pain got to be too much. In case Snape might need physical support.

Snape managed to make it to his office without falling. Once he and Lupin were safely inside, he wandlessly put up wards against eavesdropping. No one outside the office would hear anything of what was said or done. It was difficult not to demand the return of his wand, but he refrained. Instead, he carefully hid the mask and cloak, then retrieved the potion needed to counteract the effects of Cruciatus. His body was tremoring by this point, so he had to move slowly not to spill the potion. He said nothing, waiting for Lupin to talk first.

"Before we talk about anything, you need to take that potion," Lupin said firmly. "I can see you're in pain." He couldn't mask his concern and he didn't even try.

Snape hated being weak in front of the werewolf and he hated more doing anything the other man directed him to... but the wolf was right. He took the potion, breathing slow and deep until it began to work, and the tremors eased. "What do you plan to do now?" His voice was resigned.

"I don't know." The response was given honestly. Breathing in deeply, Lupin said, "Killing you isn't an option. And after I've learned things that have me second-guessing...." He shook his head, choosing not to finish that sentence. There was nothing he could do for Sirius right now. "I would never have believed you were a death eater. No matter our personal history, no matter how surly and bad-tempered you've appeared on the outside...I truly never believed any student here was in danger from you."

Snape considered Lupin for a moment before shoving his sleeve up so the other man could see the mark. He kept expecting Dumbledore to come by, or request his presence, but so far nothing. Before he said anything, he wanted to see how Lupin would react to him being a death eater. Spy or not, he had joined of his own free will when a teen. Regretting it didn't matter.

Seeing the mark didn't surprise Lupin. After all, the mask had already given away the reality. He just hoped, just clung, to the idea that maybe there was more to it than what appeared. "You didn't try to kill me." He didn't point out that Snape could have made the attempt, easily. Only the two of them had been there. No one else was close enough to stop it.

"You would have been missed..." Snape pointed out, waiting to see if Lupin would give him the benefit of the doubt. No one had before, after all... partly why he'd joined. Why fight doing something when everyone assumed you were guilty of doing it anyway?

"It isn't like you couldn't have hidden your responsibility," Lupin said. "You could have killed me. You didn't. It's why I only disarmed you. Everything points to you being on the dark lord's side...except for that. That and my instincts. I hope I'm not wrong about you, Severus." He sighed. "I think I've been wrong about a lot of things."

Snape paused at that. "So... if I told you that I had joined the Death eaters after graduating... but came to regret it...?"

"I'd believe you." Lupin spoke quietly, his tone sincere.

Snape swallowed, glancing away. "And if I told you I was spying on the dark lord for the headmaster?" The novelty of being believed and not having Lupin accuse him of the vilest things had thrown him slightly. His voice was hesitant and not acerbic in the least.

Lupin frowned at that and took a step closer towards Snape. "You're putting yourself in danger...every day?" Once again, his voice was filled with concern.

Snape's smile wasn't happy. "How did you think the order came by their information... last war and now?"

"I believe you," Lupin said. "It's the fact you're endangering yourself I have a problem with. I assume the dark lord was responsible for the pain you were in when I saw you...and that was without him knowing the truth. What if he finds out? Do you have a way of escaping if you need to? A way to stay alive?"

"I was never going to make it out alive..." Snape said calmly. He'd accepted long ago that he'd die making up for his youthful mistake.

"I don't think that's acceptable," Lupin said quietly. "Too many people have died already who didn't deserve it. I don't think you should be added to that number."

"But don't I? At least my death would be the result of my own choices." Snape paused, then sighed. "At any rate, you will of course need to keep this knowledge to yourself."

"I'm not going to do anything that will put you in even more danger," Lupin said quietly, his words clearly a promise.

"I... thank you. You'd be within your rights to hate me..." Snape admitted. "You were never like the others, but I treated you as if you were."

"I should have been better to you," Lupin said quietly. "I regret that I was a part of making your life here so miserable. I wish I could make that better."

"Yes, well." Snape winced. "If wishes worked, I wouldn't be where I am now."

"I'd settle for making things better between us, somehow," Lupin said.

"… I wouldn't know where to begin. But it's a nice thought." Snape stretched with a wince. "I need to be in the great hall to supervise my snakes in a little over an hour. As it is too late to sleep, I will need to take a pepper-up potion, but I'd at least like to get clean using non-magical means. If there is nothing else?"

"I suppose not." Lupin placed Snape's wand on the table. "I would like to talk. Later, once we've both been able to rest," he added.

"Yes... very well. That can be arranged, I am certain," Snape agreed.

"I will see you then." Lupin slipped out of the room, determined to join the rest of the students at breakfast and make sure that Snape actually ate something.

Snape stood still a few moments longer, going over what had just occurred in his head, before taking the pepper up potion and going to his rooms to bathe.

***

Lupin had got washed up and changed his clothes. He was tired, but it wasn't like it was his first sleepless night. After all, when there was the full moon, he never got any sleep when he changed into his werewolf form.

Once he was dressed, Lupin headed to the great hall for breakfast. Now that he knew the truth about Snape, he was keeping a more careful eye on the other man.

Snape hadn't spent more than the needed amount of time cleaning up and was already in the hall by the time Lupin arrived. He never ate much, but he was eating. Most of his time was spent watching the students like a hawk and pretending not to see the dirty looks the Gryffindors were sending his direction.

Lupin noticed the dirty looks the Gryffindors were sending in Snape's direction. Once he'd collected his own food, he moved and took the empty seat next to Snape, beginning to eat without a verbal comment.

Snape gave Lupin a sidelong look but continued to eat. He'd wait for Lupin to speak. He had to keep his reputation for surliness or questions would be asked.

Lupin didn't say anything but kept his seat next to Snape. He wasn't going to make things more dangerous for Snape, but hoped that by showing acceptance, it might make the Gryffindors more tolerable of the other teacher.

Snape was relieved Lupin didn't attempt conversation. It made it easier. Minerva was talking and asking questions of both of them, so he could communicate without seeming chummy with the wolf. The headmaster wasn't there, which didn't set him at ease.

Lupin's responses were given calmly and without showing much in the way of emotion. Even though he was tired, he seemed fairly relaxed. Eventually, however, breakfast was finished, and Lupin stood. He had some free time and planned to use it for rest. However.... "If you need to speak to me, I'll be in my room." The words weren't directly addressed to Snape, but he hoped the message would be clear to the other man.

Snape lowered his chin in acknowledgement. He waited until Lupin had left to stand up himself, heading to his classroom. He wouldn't be free until after the noon meal.

Lupin headed to his room, taking out the map to search for Peter's whereabouts in vain. Eventually, his tiredness overtook him, and he fell asleep at his desk.

***

Snape's last class had been stressful, the first year Hufflepuff having accidently poisoned herself requiring a trip to Poppy, along with an antidote. By the time she was squared away, lunch was over, and he was exhausted. He wearily began to walk toward his quarters.

***

Lupin had managed to rest...and when he woke up, it was to see a familiar figure showing up on the map. Quickly standing, he carried the map from his room. He didn't know if he would be able to get to Peter before his former friend was gone again, but he had to try.

***

Snape went into his quarters to sleep, knowing nothing about what Lupin was doing. 

***

Lupin had used the map to track Peter's progress outside of the grounds of Hogwarts. He'd followed the trail until the map ended...but still hadn't found Peter in person. But the direction he'd been going to on the map indicated that his former friend had gone through the forest. Drawing his wand and putting the map away, Lupin headed into the forest.

This probably wasn't a venture he should be taking alone, knowing that Voldemort was out there and that he'd had a meeting with his death eaters only the night before. But Lupin had to make every effort to find Peter. He needed to know the truth. He needed to know if Sirius was innocent.

***

It was nearing dinnertime when Albus had finally contacted Snape for his report. And... dinner was over by the time he'd finished giving it. Snape went back to his quarters. He'd missed both lunch and dinner, but it wasn't like he hadn't missed meals before.

***

Lupin hadn't found Peter. And he'd managed to run into some of the more unfriendly creatures in the forest, which had resulted in several bruises and cuts. By the time he returned to Hogwarts, he was tired...frustrated...disgruntled and hungry.

Stopping by the kitchens, Lupin collected two plates of sandwiches. He carried them with him to Snape's room and knocked lightly on the door. He was hungry, having missed out on the later meals, so there was plenty of food there if Snape happened to be hungry as well.

Snape reluctantly answered his door, not really feeling up to visitors, but there was always a chance that it was one of the prefects with a problem that needed his attention. Or Minerva. Or... as it turned out... Lupin. "May I help you? he asked, with a hint of surprised confusion. Why was the other man seeking him out so often? Usually, they avoided each other.

"You agreed we could talk later," Lupin said. "I've been out all day, trying to find someone, so I missed lunch and dinner. If you're hungry too, I brought food." He held up the plates.

Snape blinked. "You brought me food?" He still looked surprised and confused, even as he stepped back to allow Lupin to enter.

"Yes. In case you're hungry as well." Lupin stepped into the room, moving a little stiffly due to the bruises he had.

"I am... thank you." Snape watched Lupin, noticing the way he was moving. "What happened to you?" he drawled, preparing to get a healing potion if needed.

"Just some bruises," Lupin replied, setting the plates of food down. "I ran into some of the more unfriendly creatures in the forest."

Snape snorted. "Easy enough to do. Why go into the forest at all? You weren't looking for potion ingredients, were you?"

"No," Lupin replied. "I was looking for Peter. I have reason to believe he's still alive." Pausing briefly, he continued, "And I think an innocent man might be in Azkaban." He didn't see any reason to hide it from Snape. After all, now that he knew the truth, Snape was the one person he was sure he could trust.

Snape's eyes widened slightly. "The Mutt was put into Azkaban for Pettigrew's murder, was he not? And you believe he still lives, why?"

"Because of this." Breathing in deeply, knowing that he was about to show Snape one of the biggest secrets of his childhood, Lupin unfolded the map. He spread it out on Snape's desk, careful to avoid knocking the plates of food to the floor and touched his wand to the parchment. "The four of us made this map while we were students here. It shows everyone and everything in Hogwarts. Well, everything we were able to find." He paused, briefly, and then spoke the words to unlock the secrets of the map. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." He watched as the map revealed its secrets...revealed the location of every student and every teacher. Disappointingly, there was no sign of Peter. "Last night, Peter showed up on the map. It's why you ran into me. He wouldn't have shown on here if he wasn't alive. If he wasn't here."

Snape felt the familiar sense of umbrage at seeing the map, especially at hearing the words to activate it. Of course, the map wouldn't insult one of the creators, but it just reminded him of all the ridicule and being bullied he'd gone through. That was neither here nor there, though. "You are certain it was his name you saw?" he asked quietly.

"About as sure as I can be of anything," Lupin admitted. "It's why I missed lunch and dinner. When I saw his name appear, I had to at least try to find him. I'm not proud of the actions I took in the past and I know seeing me so much isn't doing a lot to help you heal from our past...but I don't have anyone else I trust," he said honestly.

"Surprising... I would have thought Minerva or Albus more trustworthy in your eyes..." Snape sniffed, beginning to eat slowly. "If what the map is telling you is true, the question becomes, how is he able to hide without anyone seeing him? Is he always alone on the map?"

"Both times I've seen his presence on the map, it's not been with any other names," Lupin answered, beginning to eat from his own plate of sandwiches. "As for hiding his presence...it's fairly easy for an unregistered Animagus."

Snape blinked at that. "What form...?" he asked, suspiciously and somewhat nervously.

"A rat." Taking another bite from a sandwich, Lupin looked towards Snape, noticing the look on his face. "You look almost nervous about something."

"If he lived and let the mutt languish for so long when he could have cleared him, it could only be because he was helping the dark lord." Snape paused, thinking back on the previous night's 'meeting', trying to remember who had been there. "If he is here hiding, it makes my position even more precarious."

Lupin nodded slowly. "There is very little of Hogwarts that isn't shown on the map, which means that currently, he is not in Hogwarts." He shook his head. "And if he is working for the dark lord, then perhaps Sirius was never the one who had James and Lily's location to give up."

Snape nodded. "Honestly... as much as I despised the mutt, I believed he was loyal to a fault. He wouldn't have betrayed Potter. He would have died before giving their location up." He shook his head. "I don't recall Pettigrew being at the meeting, but if he was there as a rat, he would have stayed as far away from Nagini as possible... so, he might have been, and I just didn't see."

Lupin frowned. "If he was at the meeting, I wouldn't have thought he'd be able to hold the form through the torture spell. It's possible that he may not have revealed himself to Voldemort." He glanced down at his plate. "He's always been one to let fear rule him. Still. When he appears again on the map, I have to find him."

Snape nodded and shrugged. "It is also possible he was one of a few hooded individuals that I couldn't decipher the identity of. If that is the case, you may not see him return for a few days as everyone but me received the full brunt of the dark lord's ire. The only reason I was 'spared' the worst of it is because too many questions would be asked if I returned to work unable to function. And he wants me where I can keep an eye on Dumbledore and Potter." Snape sounded tired.

"How much sleep did you actually get today?" Lupin asked, noticing the tiredness.

"I was just about to retire when you arrived. It has been an eventful day..." Snape admitted.

"I apologize for keeping you awake," Lupin said. He'd finished his food by now and stood, retrieving the plate and the map. "I'll leave you to rest."

"No... this conversation has been most edifying and useful. And I have gone without sleep for longer periods of time..." Snape waved away the apology.

"Still. As there seems to be no excitement due for tonight, there's no reason to keep you awake any longer," Lupin said. "I'm sure I will see you at breakfast tomorrow."

Snape nodded. "Yes. Very well. If you have no questions for me, I will see you in the morn..." He stood to escort Lupin to his door, leaving the empty plate for a house-elf to retrieve.

"Good night," Lupin said, before slipping out of Snape's room. After one last vain check of the map, he folded it up and went to retire to his own room.

***

It was several days... several breakfasts... later. Lupin had made a point of sitting next to Snape at every turn. At first, Snape was wary. Then he became less wary but was still confused. It was now the weekend, and the students were going into Hogsmeade. He figured it was the perfect time to ask. "Why do you suddenly wish to be around me?" Snape inquired, after making certain no one else was listening in.

Lupin looked at Snape in surprise, clearly having not expected that question. "Once you get past the surliness and your acerbic nature, you're pleasant to be around," he replied. "Besides. I figure you could use a friend."

"Friends are a luxury I can't afford..." Snape said wistfully, before adding in a surlier tone, "besides which. You never seemed to care if I needed a friend before... so why now?" He couldn't help being suspicious.

"I was wrong," Lupin replied. "I can't make up for the past hurt I helped to cause you, as much as I wish I could. All I can do now is prove that there is someone who cares that you live, who doesn't believe a mistake you made in your youth should end with your death."

Snape eyed Lupin for a slight bit longer before relaxing. "Okay. I believe you." He turned to start heading back to his quarters. A day where he was free of students and could focus on personal pursuits was rare and he wanted to take advantage of it before someone (namely Voldemort) messed it up.

Lupin cleared his throat. "Would you like to meet for lunch?" he offered, not wanting to encroach on Snape's private time, but unwilling not to extend any kind of invitation.

Snape paused for a moment. "I had planned to go to the forest for ingredients. If you would like....” 

Lupin smiled at the offer. "I would like to accompany you," he said.

Snape nodded again. "I need to pick up a few containers from my lab, but then we may go."

"Would you like me to hold anything for you?" Lupin asked.

"That will not be necessary..." Snape shook his head. It didn't take long to gather his containers and soon, they were on the way into the forest.

Lupin walked next to Snape as they made their way into the forest. "What ingredients are you collecting?" he asked.

"Pixie Nettle, Wart Fungus, Blight Bulbs..." Snape began to rattle off numerous items, half of which most people would have never heard of.

Lupin listened intently to the list of ingredients. Yes, there were a lot he hadn't heard of...but he was enjoying listening to Snape talk and learning more about the other man.

Snape was used to working in solitude, so he didn't talk a lot, unless Lupin asked questions.

Lupin asked some questions, but mostly just enjoyed the company with the other man. Some of the questions he asked were so that he could recognize the ingredients and help Snape by picking some of them as well.

Snape was thankful Lupin didn't talk. He still didn't completely trust the man wanted to be around him without ulterior motives. He'd never wanted to before, after all.

Lupin stayed close, helping to gather the ingredients where he could. He was still worried, still bothered, about the fact that Sirius was in Azkaban...that he hadn't managed to find Peter...but he let himself just focus on spending this time with Snape. When he did talk, it wasn't about death eaters, or the dark lord, or his worries about his former best friend. He was conscious that tonight was the full moon...and he'd have to face turning into the wolf. But with the potions, he at least would be able to keep his mind and sanity intact.

"I will have your potion delivered to your quarters tonight, by the way," Snape promised. He wasn't worried now, but he had no intention of going anywhere near Lupin the closer to night they got. Facing the wolf again was not something he'd willingly risk.

"Thank you," Lupin replied. Briefly, he wondered if he might end up encountering and Peter while in his wolf form. His senses were stronger then and if he was able to keep hold of his sanity, he might be able to get some information.

"Just make sure you take it..." Snape said, in a slightly snippy voice. "I make it to protect the students...."

"I know," Lupin replied. "And I don't intend to do anything that will endanger anyone." He left unsaid that it shouldn't have happened when they were students. It had taken a long time to be able to forgive Sirius for his best friend's actions. It had taken even longer for him to accept that he didn't have to be a monster just because he was forced to change when the full moon occurred.

Snape nodded once, briskly, then went quiet again. He might be accepting Lupin's presence now, but there were a lot of bad memories associated with him, so he wasn't able to be chummy.

Lupin's sigh was barely audible, but he wasn't really that surprised. After all, there was a lot of bad memories he had to overcome to try and mend things between him and Snape. He continued to help the other man gather the ingredients.

Eventually, all of Snape's vials and bags were filled with ingredients and he was ready to head back to the castle. As it was nearing lunch, he glanced toward Lupin. "I could have a house-elf deliver lunch to my quarters, if you want to avoid the Great Hall."

Lupin nodded. "That would be nice," he agreed, before offering to help carry some of the items back for Snape.

"There is no need, but thank you..." Snape remembered his manners, after a few seconds of ignoring the offer.

Nodding, Lupin fell into step beside Snape once more, so that they could head back to the school. He was lost in his thoughts, remembering the history between them...the prank Sirius had played and the near disastrous outcome that had come from it.

Snape stopped by his lab to drop off the ingredients before leading Lupin back to his quarters. He summoned an elf to bring them their lunch.

Lupin was quiet as they reached Snape's quarters and lunch was brought. Then, as they began to eat, he spoke. "I wanted to thank you. For providing the potions. I know you were in real danger when we were students and although I would never have tried to hurt you in my right mind...I'm sorry that you did get hurt. That I did hurt you."

Snape swallowed hard, pausing, and placing his fork down as he tensed up. "I appreciate that..." he finally said, in a low voice. "Do you realize, this is the first time anyone has acknowledged what was done to me? Albus was always more concerned about what might happen to you... to the point I was threatened with expulsion if I told anyone, ‘Due to my leaving the castle without permission'. Never mind that I was lured there by the mutt. He never received any punishment at all...." It was that night he'd decided to align completely with the other Slytherin, for protection, which led to his joining Voldemort.

"He should never have done what he did," Lupin said. "He should never have put you in danger. But...while you're right that he didn't receive much in the way of official consequences, he didn't exactly get away with what he did."

"What? He got his feelings hurt because Potter got mad at him?" Snape asked sarcastically. It was hard even thinking about what happened without being upset, let alone talking about it. He'd always known he wasn't as important as the golden Gryffindors, due to being a snake, but that night was the first time he'd realized he could die, and it wouldn't matter as long as Dumbledore's favorites were okay. Even now, he was certain the headmaster would rather he die than any of his favorites, even if the man might actually grieve him now.

"No," Lupin replied. "I was the one who got mad at him." He hadn't actually planned to tell Snape this, but maybe sharing it would help the other man heal, in some way...even if it was because he knew that someone had ensured Sirius had received consequences for his actions.

***

Lupin didn't know if he'd ever been so angry...so hurt...before. He'd assumed he could trust his best friends. That he could rely on them to protect not only him, but others from the wolf that could so easily harm or turn another person. But now, Severus Snape was in the hospital wing. And Lupin wasn't talking to Sirius, withdrawing into himself. The only time he left the dorm room, apart from for classes, was to check the hospital wing, to make sure that Severus was healing. He knew the other student wouldn't welcome concern or care from him, so he always timed his visits for when he could be certain Severus was sleeping.

He was out of immediate danger, but Lupin couldn't help feeling guilty. Severus could have died, and it would have been his fault. Not only that, but he could have turned into a murderer because the person he thought was his best friend had decided to manipulate Severus into going to the shack on the night of the full moon, knowing that Lupin's wolf could so easily lose control.

Sirius knew he had screwed up big time. He hadn't intended to put Remus into that situation, though. He'd thought Snape would be caught by the Whomping Willow! He'd had no clue the git had overheard how to get past the murderous tree. But even so, he'd been confident in their ability to scare off the other boy before he even got close to Remus.

They hadn't, though, and now the slimy snake was in the hospital wing, slowly recovering. And Sirius felt awful; not that Snape was hurt... stupid creep deserved it for spying on them, but that it had put Remus in danger. The headmaster had managed to ensure Snape's silence about his friend's 'furry problem', but that was only due to James' quick thinking to protect Snape. The Slytherin boy was seriously injured, but not killed. Or bit. Either of those two occurrences would have led to Remus being executed, given the current climate.

Sirius never would have willingly endangered Remus. He just hadn't known that was what he was doing! He had to get Remus to see that! "C'mon, Moony! It all turned out okay! The headmaster has made sure he won't tell anyone. And the slimy git will be back in class next week!” 

Lupin had barely spoken to his best friend since the disastrous events of that night. He thought about ignoring Sirius again...pretending that he didn't hear the other student. It didn't matter that he hadn't been in control of himself...that he wouldn't have harmed Snape had he been in his right mind. He already thought of himself as a monster. This just cemented that fact in his mind.

"And what if it didn't?" he whispered, guilt thick and heavy in his voice. "You would have turned me into a murderer. And you've exposed my secret to even more people." He couldn't even look at Sirius; wasn't sure he could even have this conversation without getting angry and saying or doing something he'd later regret.

"It didn't, though... only Severus found out and he won't tell anyone else. And... even if something worse happened, it wouldn't have been your fault. It would have been mine. You aren't a murderer... you don't need to feel responsible or guilty." Sirius was beginning to feel guilty himself, about what he'd done to his friend.

Lupin shook his head. "You really don't know me very well if you think that would make any kind of difference," he whispered, before heading towards the door of the dorm room. He needed to be alone...away from people.

Sirius frowned, biting his lip. Of course, he knew that wouldn't have made a difference. He just hadn't thought about any of the possible outcomes when he was planning the prank, beyond getting one up on Snape. He quickly followed Remus. "No... I know it wouldn't... but nothing horrible did happen, so you don't need to feel guilty. Ninety percent of Snivellus' injuries were from the Whomping Willow!" he whispered furtively as he followed Remus, after looking to be certain no one was listening in.

"And the rest of them were from me," Lupin hissed back. "Just because it wasn't worse doesn't mean it was okay. You broke my trust and you put someone else at risk. If you don't give me space, I'm going to do or say something I'll regret."

"Moony! You've been ignoring me or avoiding me since it happened. I didn't mean to make things bad for you... at least let me apologize! Try to make it up!" Sirius begged, continuing to follow Remus to whatever secluded, out of the way spot he was headed.

"You still haven't even accepted what you did wrong," Lupin replied. "All you're doing is making excuses. You could have ended up getting two people killed. At least." He shook his head. "We're not at the point where words can make this right."

"So... you're just going to keep avoiding me? Ignoring me? What can make it right?" Sirius asked, honestly scared he was losing one of his best friends. He didn't mention his inability to accept being wrong. To be honest, that confused him. He'd only done something similar to things he'd done in the past. None of the others had ever cared about him hurting Severus before. Granted, the chances of him dying or someone else dying hadn't been as high... but that didn't mean there was no risk. And since no one had died this time either, it meant the prank had worked well... why was Remus so upset about it still?

Lupin looked away. He'd been walking still, while they were talking, and they'd wound up in one of the more secluded spots that only the four of them were aware of. For privacy's sake, it was probably the best place to have this conversation. He wasn't sure he was in the right mind he needed to be to deal with this. Emotions were roiling around inside of him, a mix of anger...guilt...fear. It was true that he'd not stepped in to try and stop Sirius from picking on Severus. Clearly, that had been a mistake. Who knew what would happen next if Sirius was this blasé about what had happened?

"You want to make this right?" Lupin finally turned to look at Sirius. "Really? Because if so, the first thing you're going to do is promise to leave Severus alone. You understand? No picking at him. No teasing him. No encouraging any of the others to do it instead." He paused, waiting for Sirius' response. Waiting to see if his friend would be willing to take that first step towards healing the rift between them.

Sirius blinked at that. He would have made a comment about it being Severus' fault for always trying to get them in trouble, or a joke about how hard that would be, and could Remus choose something easier to do... but he could see Remus' face and could see doing anything but agreeing would lose him his friend. "Yeah. Okay... I promise... just. What if I mess up? I'm not used to ignoring him...." Sirius asked, obviously worried.

Lupin eyed his best friend for a few moments. "If you mess up, there's going to be a repeat of what I'm about to do right now. You put Severus in danger. You put me in danger, not just of being exposed but of being executed. So, if you want to truly make things right between us, if you really want to heal this rift, then you'll let me punish you. You'll let me spank you."

Sirius eyes widened, as Remus' words startled him. "You want to.... Really?"

"After what you did, can you really say you don't deserve punishment?" Lupin returned, fully aware that Sirius would have received very little in the way of actual consequences.

"No... I mean. You really want to spank me? Instead of beating me, or something else harder?" Sirius blushed and winced. If Remus was so upset at Severus ending up in the hospital wing, shouldn't he want Sirius to suffer more?

"I want you punished, Sirius, not broken," Lupin responded. It was why he'd spent the majority of the time avoiding his best friend, knowing how angry he was and that he could end up losing control.

Sirius sniffed, rubbing at his face, and looking down. "Okay, Moony..." he said, in a subdued voice. "I just want us to be right again. If a spanking will make it possible, I'll take it and not fight...."

Lupin let his breath out slowly. "We'll take care of it now, then." He didn't think anyone else would stumble across the area, but just in case, he used his wand to cast a silencing and do not disturb charm.

Sirius swallowed and gave a shaky nod, before squaring his shoulders. He waited for Remus to give instructions.

Lupin moved over to sit down on the bench and addressed his friend in a voice that was nearly stern, even if his expression was soft with affection. "Come here."

Sirius let out a tiny whine, but obeyed, immediately moving to stand next to Remus' leg.

Reaching out, Lupin gently grasped Sirius' wrist and guided his friend into position across his lap. Once Sirius was settled in place, Lupin proceeded to bare him.

Sirius whimpered again, but didn't argue, even if being bare was humbling.

"There can't be a repeat of this, Sirius. I believe you didn't intend things to go as far as they did, but you can't risk someone else's safety. I don't care what you might think of them personally." Lifting his hand, Lupin brought it down in a first firm, hard smack that he then repeated, on top of the first. He landed a third swat in the same spot and then moved to repeat the pattern on the opposite side.

"You aren't just talking about when it involves you?" Sirius yelped. He might be thoughtless, but he wasn't stupid.

"I'm talking about when it involves anyone. You didn't think, Sirius. You need to think." Lupin continued to swat in the same pattern, working his way down to Sirius' sit spots and thighs before he started again from the top.

"But... Snivillus...!" Sirius whined. He wasn't saying Remus was wrong, but the git made it so easy to dislike him and he was a Snake on top of it, so....

Lupin began to swat harder, Sirius' backside quickly turning to a darker pink under his hand. "This is about you. About your behavior and your actions. The fact that you nearly caused the deaths of two people."

Sirius winced at that. As much as he disliked Snape, he didn't want to be a murderer. "I didn't mean... mean to..." His voice caught and he began to cry. "Didn't think... need to think..." he choked.

Lupin couldn't help but wince at the sound of Sirius' tears. Sirius was his best friend; no matter how much his actions had hurt, Lupin believed Sirius was sorry. He gentled the smacks a little, even though he was still swatting firmly. "You're my best friend, Sirius. I don't want to lose you. But I won't let you be responsible for anyone dying. If that means I have to do this again, I will."

"Yes, Moony! Won't... will be so, so careful! Pr... promise! I'm sorry. Please fo... forgive!" Sirius sobbed; not sure Remus could forgive him.

Lupin finished with a final flurry of swats to Sirius' sit spots and thighs. Then, he quickly gathered his friend into his arms, hugging Sirius tightly. "You're my best friend," he whispered. "I can't do anything else."

Sirius clung to his best friend. It took a while, but when he finally calmed, he whispered, "You're right. Even if I don't like Severus, I don't want to cause his death. I don't want to be like my family."

"You're not. As long as you don't let there be a repeat of this." Lupin hugged Sirius tightly. "I know you're better than this. But I meant what I said," he added. "Any repeats will get you in the same position. Any more picking at or teasing Severus will as well." He should have stopped it before, instead of letting it get to this point. This was as much on him as it was on Sirius.

"Okay, Moony." Sirius sniffled. "I'll be good, though. I'll avoid him if possible and ignore him if I can't..." he determined.

"Thank you," Lupin replied. "When you're ready, we can go find James and Peter," he suggested. "Let them know we've made up."

Sirius hugged Remus a bit tighter before standing and fixing his pants with a tiny hiss. "I'm ready....”

***

Severus stared at Remus, not entirely certain what to say. "I... I have you to thank for him avoiding me?" he asked hesitantly. "I had thought he had taken to avoiding me because Lucius took me under his watch after that night. Up till then, Lucius didn't notice me; I was several years below him and didn't play Quidditch, but when I got out of the hospital wing, he... well, he said it was obvious whatever had occurred, I'd lost my blind faith in the headmaster. Like the rest of Slytherin. He figured I needed help adjusting."

"I wasn't going to stand by and let it happen anymore," Lupin said quietly. "You didn't think he received any consequences for what he did. I hope you realize now that I cared. That I care. I would have apologized at the time, but after what happened...I thought it was better you not see me any more than you had to. I didn't want to make things worse."

Snape swallowed and nodded. "Who's to say what I would have done? I wasn't in a good place. And I... I never actually blamed you... even if I feared what you became and loathed you for seeing what the others so easily did, despite my efforts to come out on top." He paused. "Knowing now... does help a little. Thank you."

"I'm glad it does help a little," Lupin said quietly. "If I could do more to help, I would." He shrugged, knowing that was all but impossible. Still, Severus was giving him a chance by letting them spend time together. It gave him some semblance of hope.

"Yes, well. Your only crime was not standing up to your friends. I'm certainly not one to cast stones for that, given my inability to stand up against those who weren't friends." He hadn't really had friends after Lily; other than Lucius, of course, but in Slytherin, even your friends weren't always safe.

"I think you're doing what you can to make up for what happened in the past," Lupin said quietly. "Of course, I imagine it's been quite a lonely venture, if no one but Albus has been aware of the truth until now."

Snape smiled faintly. "Save for the short time I had Lily as my friend, I've always been alone. I am used to it."

"You don't have to stay used to it," Lupin responded softly.

"I am not a nice man... I can't be... not with my position so precarious. And being friendly with me only puts you at risk. Besides. I don't think Potter would approve." Snape smirked.

Lupin shook his head. "I've been at risk since the first time I came to Hogwarts, as a student. Knowing that one wrong step, one wrong move, could get me executed...even now, I'm safe only as long as I can keep that part of me under control. I know how you have to act when others are around." He shrugged. "But then, we've spent today together with no one around that you have to act for."

Snape nodded. "It... it has been nice. To have someone I did not have to act for."

"And I've liked spending time with you," Lupin added. "It would be nice to carry on doing so."

"I would like that..." Snape admitted.

"Then there's no reason not to spend the rest of today together," Lupin commented. "And I'll go to the forest before night falls and take the potion, so no one will be in any danger."

"The shack... has been repaired. And would be safer for you..." Snape said quietly.

Lupin nodded slowly. "With the potion, I should be able to keep enough presence of mind that, if I spotted Peter, I might be able to learn something. The wolf's senses are stronger."

Snape nodded. "I suggest you stay there, then." He paused. "If you don't mind, I could watch the map and keep an eye out as well... at least while you are indisposed." 

"I would appreciate that," Lupin replied. "I'll retrieve it from my quarters before I go to the shack."

"Very well," Snape said. "Thank you for trusting me."

Lupin nodded. "You're welcome. Thank you for being open to spending time with me."

Snape nodded again.

They spent the rest of the afternoon in companiable endeavors before heading to the great hall for dinner. Snape made certain to give Lupin the wolfsbane potion before they went.

Lupin took the potion and made sure he put it away safely before they went for dinner. Once again, he took one of the seats next to Snape.

***

Dinner and the rest of the evening had passed fairly uneventfully. Lupin had gone to his quarters, fully intending to take the wolfsbane potion and drop the map off with Snape before he left for the shack.

And then he saw Peter on the map, with Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

Standing at the door of his room, Lupin's mind made several connections all at once. Peter was an Animagus whose form was a rat. And Ron had a rat that he was carrying around with him. A rat that was disfigured in a specific way...and according to the reports of Peter's death, all that had been left behind of him was his finger.

The three students were heading out of Hogwarts. They were going in the direction of the forbidden forest. And Peter was with them.

Lupin didn't waste any time. He believed that Peter was working for Voldemort and that his presence with the students couldn't be anything good. Forgetting completely about the wolfsbane potion, about taking the map to Snape, he began to head out of Hogwarts...going towards the forest, going after Peter.

***

Sirius had done it. After years of being in prison, believing he had been the reason two of his best friends had died, he'd seen a photo of Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the paper. And seen Peter staring out of Ron's pocket. He'd immediately realized what had happened and planned his escape to go after the rat. And he'd succeeded. And he was finally back at Hogwarts, watching for the right moment to swoop in and save the day.

***

Meanwhile, Severus had waited for Lupin to bring the map by on his way to the Shrieking Shack. When he didn't, a resigned disappointment filled him. "Should have known better," he softly ridiculed himself, as he began his rounds... noticing the Golden Trio heading out of the castle to the forest. "Dunderheaded brats!" This was said more loudly, as he quickly began to pursue. Remus wasn't the only dangerous creature on a full moon, and they were headed to the home of several of those dangerous creatures. "They'll be scrubbing cauldrons for the rest of their time at Hogwarts...."

***

Lupin made use of the map to ensure he wouldn't be seen by student or fellow teacher alike. He was able to keep easily hidden as he followed the three students towards the forest. Even as he did so, he drew his wand, making sure he had it ready and to hand.

Even so, he got there nearly too late. Harry had tried to attack Sirius, only Hermione's cat managing to stop it long enough for Lupin to get there. Quickly, Lupin placed himself between his best friend and the young boy. "Harry, wait. It wasn't Sirius."

Sirius stared wide-eyed at Harry. "Prongslet?" he whispered.

By this point, Snape had caught up with the three. "You will go back to the castle now." His voice was a low hiss. His priority was to get them to safety. An escaped convict and werewolf only moments from his change were not safe. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a rat trying to escape and sent a quick spell at it to freeze it in place.

"Hey!" Ron protested. "That's my rat you just attacked!"

"That's not a rat," Lupin said shortly. Seeing Snape there suddenly and abruptly reminded him that it was the full moon...and he hadn't taken the wolfsbane potion. His wand faltered a little and he drew in a sharp breath. "Padfoot." His eyes darted towards Sirius. His friends had been able to help divert the wolf when they were at Hogwarts. He trusted Snape to get the students safely back to the school. But he needed help from his former friend to make sure the wolf didn't try to attack.

Sirius' eyes widened and he glanced up toward the moon. Nodding, he immediately changed into his Animagus form 

Snape shot a quick look at Lupin. "You didn't take it?!" His voice was incredulous, and he was obviously perturbed. "Castle! Now!" he growled at the three children, attempting to get them to safety before it was too late.

Lupin didn't have the time or energy for more than an apologetic look. All of his energy was on holding back the change...for long enough to allow Snape to get the children safely away. He backed towards Sirius as the change began to take shape.

"Let's go." Hermione quickly tugged Harry and Ron's arms, so that they would follow Snape with her. For all that none of them liked or trusted the potions master...right now, he was the safest adult there.

Snape snatched up the petrified rat when it looked as if Ron was going to argue again. "Run!" he ordered, making certain to keep himself between them and the wolf.

Meanwhile, Sirius was standing between Remus and the others, growling, and refusing to let him past.

By this point, Lupin had changed fully to the wolf...but he made no attempt to get past Sirius. No attempt to get to the others who were running away. His eyes tracked Snape's movements until they were out of sight. Then, he turned and loped off into the forest.

Sirius followed Remus.

***

Snape didn't stop once they were in the castle. He marched the three students up to Dumbledore's office. He'd no doubt the three would get away with breaking school rules again, but at least he could put a little more fear into them. If it kept them safe and out of trouble, it would be worth it. The door to the headmaster's office was open when they arrived.

Ron was still grumbling under his breath about his rat, not happy that Snape had taken Scabbers from him. "He's just a rat!" he protested. "I don't know what Professor Lupin was talking about!"

Harry's own expression was confused. He'd trusted Lupin...trusted the professor more than most of the other teachers, apart from Dumbledore. But Lupin had turned to Sirius for help. And everything Harry had learned had told him that it was Sirius who had been responsible for his parents' murder at Voldemort's hands....

"Not all is as it would seem, Weasley..." Snape drawled, herding the children to stand in front of Dumbledore's desk. "They were outside, heading toward the forest..." he said to the headmaster, before quickly continuing before the older man offered them an excuse. "Black was on the grounds. He held off Lupin long enough for me to get them back inside. And then there's this rat..." He plopped the petrified Scabbers onto the desk, before doing a quick wand motion, causing the Animagus form to revert back to normal form.

Peter sat on Dumbledore's desk, beady eyes looking for an escape.

Ron's eyes widened. "But...Scabbers has been with my family for years!" he protested.

Dumbledore didn't seem all that surprised. One might even think that he'd suspected this long before now...or at least had anticipated something like this. "Thirteen years, to be precise," he said.

"So, it wasn't Sirius at all?" Harry whispered hesitantly. "He didn't give up my parents to Voldemort?"

"As loathe as I am to defend that mutt... no. It appears that he did not do what he was accused of," Snape said irritably.

"I bet that sticks in your throat to admit it," Ron said caustically, irritated that he'd been proved wrong, both about Scabbers and about Crookshanks.

"Crookshanks knew there was something off about him from the first," Hermione said proudly.

"Harry, Ron, Hermione." Dumbledore looked towards the children. "It's late. You need to return to the dorms. Starting tomorrow, for the next two weeks, you will be reporting to Professor Snape for detention."

Harry stiffened slightly. "What about Sirius?" he asked.

Dumbledore's eyes shifted towards Peter, who was beginning to edge off the desk, and cast to keep him in place. "Sirius Black is not a danger to you."

Snape relaxed slightly as he realized that they wouldn't be getting away with breaking the rules after all. "I will see you in the potions classroom tomorrow after dinner," he drawled, waiting for them to leave before he continued his conversation with Dumbledore.

Harry looked like he wanted to argue some more, and Ron looked like he might be tempted to say something else to Snape. But Hermione grabbed both of their arms and quickly dragged her friends from the office.

Waiting until the three were out of hearing range, Snape turned toward Dumbledore, lowering his shields so the older man could perform legilimency. He allowed Dumbledore to see his worry that Peter would tell the dark lord that Snape had helped the children.

Glancing at Peter, Dumbledore cast a silencing charm around him and Snape, so that anything they said wouldn't be overheard. "As far as any of the death eaters are aware, as far as the dark lord is aware, you need to keep up appearances," he said. "It would have raised too many questions were you to leave them in danger."

"And the fact I exposed him instead of allowing him to escape?" Snape asked, before pausing. "I suppose I can claim ignorance that he follows the dark lord. I certainly never saw him at the meetings."

Dumbledore nodded slowly, eyeing Snape. "Yes. How did you become aware that he existed as Ron's rat, Severus?" he asked.

"Lupin mentioned seeing him repeatedly show up on a map. Said if it really was him, that meant an innocent man was in prison." Snape wrinkled his nose disdainfully. "I pointed out that it would be difficult to hide if that were true and he said, not if he were in his rat form. When I went to retrieve the three students, I noticed a rat that was behaving very not rat like and... took a chance."

Dumbledore raised his eyebrows at that. "Then he trusted you not only enough to confide his suspicions in you, but also to tell you one of his and his friends' biggest secrets," he observed, already wondering if he could use that trust to work further against the dark lord. Lupin had learned of Snape's duplicity and chosen not to do anything to harm the other man, but this ran deeper than just being unwilling to cause harm.

Snape eyed the headmaster suspiciously. "I'd venture to say telling me Peter was a rat didn't divulge any secret that could harm him or his friends. Not if he believed Peter a traitor. After all... I already knew of his monthly problem." He shrugged. "If you've some grand scheme to get me to be more friendly to him, you might as well hold your breath...."  He wouldn't encourage Dumbledore's machinations, if he could avoid it.

"Oh, I don't expect you to be more friendly to him." Dumbledore shrugged. "Merely thinking out loud." And making plans in his mind. "Is there anything else?"

"No... but you may want to make certain the trio does not sneak out again tonight. Lupin failed to take his potion." Snape sneered. He wasn't as disgusted as he seemed, more worried, but given everything that had just happened, he was willing to 'forgive' the lapse in judgement; if Lupin acknowledged he'd messed up, anyway.

"I see," Dumbledore replied. "I will make sure the wards around the school are strengthened."

Snape nodded briskly. "If that is all, sir..." He waited to be dismissed.

"That is all," Dumbledore confirmed.

***

When Lupin came to, it was dawn and he was curled on his side in the shack, feeling somewhat disorientated.

"Hey, Moony... " Sirius said from the side, almost nervously.

Lupin looked up, focusing on Sirius; on his best friend. "Did I hurt anyone?" His last memory was of Snape and the three students...he knew the change had come over him, but if he'd tried to attack, he had no memory of it. Pushing himself to his feet, he stepped towards Sirius and wrapped his arms around the other man in a tight hug. He didn't know how his friend had escaped from Azkaban...but he was relieved to have him there.

"No... Snape got the kids back to the castle..." Sirius said. "Took the rat with him, too..." He frowned faintly, before holding just as tightly to Remus.

"Peter," Lupin said. "Snape would have taken him to Dumbledore." He winced, thinking about the promises he'd voiced to Snape the night before. He'd had every intention of taking the potion; of taking the map to Snape. He needed to apologize to the other man. "We can clear your name," he said hopefully, before adding, "I'm sorry I ever believed you could betray James and Lily. I knew better."

"I don't blame you. How could you know? Everyone thought I was the secret keeper. That's what we wanted them to think." Sirius smiled crookedly.

"I know you. I should have known better." Lupin sighed. "I need to return to the school." He needed to speak to Snape...they needed to talk to Dumbledore. But he didn't want to step away from Sirius. Didn't want to let his best friend out of his sight. "No one would really question me bringing a dog inside," he said hopefully, offering a way to take Sirius into the school that wouldn't cause a panic.

Sirius nodded. "I want to clear my name. Dumbledore might know how..." he said, shifting into 'Padfoot'.

Lupin walked next to his friend's canine form. "I need to speak with Severus. I'll take you to my quarters while I go there," he said, his voice quiet enough to only carry to Sirius' ears, as he headed inside the school with Sirius.

Padfoot looked up curiously and whined. He obviously didn't like the idea of Lupin seeking out Snape first.

Looking around to make sure they were alone, Lupin spoke to Sirius in a low, reassuring tone. "I just owe him an apology. As soon as we're finished talking, I'll come and get you and we can talk to Dumbledore." He wasn't prepared to give away Snape's secret, not even to Sirius. He would keep his promise to avoid putting the other man in any more danger.

Reaching his room, Lupin opened the door so that Padfoot could go inside. "I won't be long," he promised.

The dog huffed, then went in and jumped up on the nearest chair, curling up and falling asleep.

Closing the door, Lupin took a deep breath and walked to Snape's room. It was still early enough that breakfast hadn't started yet, so he hoped that he could speak to Severus without issues. He knocked lightly and waited.

Snape opened the door a minute later. At first, he just stared at the other man, but then he stepped back to let him enter.

Lupin stepped into the room, waiting until the door was closed and the silencing charm was in place before he spoke. "I owe you an apology, Severus. I had every intention of taking the wolfsbane potion and of bringing the map to you before I ventured out to the shack. But I saw Peter on the map again. When I saw him with Ron, I realized how he'd been hiding here. Why I hadn't been able to discover him. I know it's not an excuse, but I never intended to endanger you or them."

Snape blinked, then hesitantly nodded. "Thank you. I didn't expect you would apologize to me, and it is appreciated. You may be relieved to know that Albus has Peter in custody now and knows Sirius was set up. He also knows Sirius is here. I... I attempted to keep up the illusion that you and I aren't friends. As soon as he realized you had told me of Peter being a rat Animagus, he got a gleam in his eye I didn't quite trust."

Lupin frowned, but it wasn't at Snape's comment about keeping up the illusion that they weren't friends. "You don't entirely trust Albus either?" he asked softly. His own trust issues stemmed from learning that Snape was working against the dark lord, but that Dumbledore had done nothing to encourage Snape to see a future after Voldemort's demise. "Sirius is in my quarters," he added. "He's in his dog form. He doesn't know the truth about you, but as far as I know, he also doesn't believe you're a death eater. I won't tell him anything you don't want to, but I might need some help in making sure you get out of this war alive." His voice was slightly wry, as he accepted that he'd be the only one trying to make sure this didn't end in Snape's death.

"I... trust the headmaster to do what he thinks best to defeat Voldemort. The best thing for that might not be the best thing for me or you." Snape sighed. "I've been a pawn for both sides of the war and being Dumbledore's pawn is only slightly less painful."

"I'm going to do the best thing for you," Lupin said. "I won't let this end in your death. I care about what happens to you."

Snape stared at Lupin. "I believe you..." he finally whispered. "Thank you."

"Can I tell Sirius?" Lupin asked, aware that working together, he and his best friend stood a better chance of making sure Snape got out alive.

"If you think he'll believe you, be my guest. I doubt he will, though." Snape knew a younger Sirius wouldn't have believed anything good about him.

"He has grown up," Lupin said, a bit dryly. "Do you need anything from me before we talk to Albus?"

"No. Thank you..." Snape paused. "I'm glad you got your friend back."

"I'm glad I can count you as my friend too," Lupin said seriously, walking towards the door.

Snape only paused slightly at that, before turning to finish getting ready for the day. He was beginning to believe Lupin really was a friend.

Lupin headed back to his own room, so that he could retrieve Sirius.

Sirius had taken a hot shower while Remus was gone and borrowed clean clothing from his friend. But he was changed into Padfoot and ready to go by the time Remus returned for him.

Lupin didn't waste any time in walking with the dog in the direction of Dumbledore's office, but there was a distant, nearly troubled look on his face. He'd already guessed that Dumbledore viewed Severus as collateral damage; knew already that Snape expected this mission to end in his death and that he might not get any help from the other man in saving him. But knowing that Dumbledore might be prepared to use Lupin's own care, concern, affection....

Shaking his head, Lupin sighed. His emotions ran deeper than mere friendship. The more time he spent with Severus, the more he found himself wanting. But at least at the moment, he was going to have to navigate Dumbledore very carefully.

Sirius could see his best friend was troubled, but he didn't know why. He whined softly, nuzzling at Remus' hand in a show of affectionate concern, to remind his friend that he wasn't alone.

"I'm glad you're here, Padfoot," Lupin murmured, relaxing a fraction at his friend's show of concern. He tried not to let his tension show as they entered Dumbledore's office.

Albus had provided a cage for Peter's Animagus form and the rat was held frozen in stasis. The headmaster looked up at them and spoke quietly. "The ministry will be here soon. Once they have Peter in custody, your name will be cleared, Sirius." He spoke to the dog.

Sirius looked around to be certain no one was watching who shouldn't be before reverting to his own form. "Should I stay out of sight until it is actually official? No offense, but it is hard to trust that I will be free..." His voice was shaky.

Albus nodded. "Seeing you in person might cause some panic among the students, at least until the truth can be revealed." He looked towards Lupin; spoke in a voice that carried only a hint of curiosity. "I am surprised that you revealed to Professor Snape that Peter Pettigrew is an Animagus."

Lupin forced a smile to his lips, even though it was hard to seem relaxed and not tense. "Since I neglected to take the wolfsbane potion and Sirius helped keep the wolf under control, it turned out to be the right choice." He wasn't going to voice his trust in Snape. Not knowing that Dumbledore might use that against them. It was a bit disconcerting that he had to pretend to both sides that he didn't truly care about Snape.

Sirius snorted. "Snivilus might be an annoying git, but even he wouldn't want an innocent man in Azkaban. And why would Remy care about keeping Peter's secret? The rat pretended he was dead for fifteen years, letting me rot in prison the entire time for his supposed death and the deaths of those he killed. Remy isn't stupid!" Sirius narrowed his eyes at Dumbledore. "Once he saw Peter was alive and realized what that meant, he had no reason to keep Peter's secret...." He sniffed in affront at the idea there was any other reason for Remus to tell Severus.

Lupin tried hard not to show his wince at the name from Sirius. Given the sharp look from Albus, he wasn't entirely sure he succeeded. The headmaster was far too knowing and observant for Lupin's liking. He didn't do or say anything in response to that, though. Instead, he asked Sirius, "Do you need to ask anything else? I'm not sure about you, but I'm hungry. And tired. Figured I could grab some breakfast from the Great Hall, and we can eat in my room."

"As soon as I've been officially cleared, you'll let me know, yeah? Then I guess I'll go to Grimaud..." Sirius didn't sound overly happy about that, but he didn't have a home of his own and there were benefits to staying in the family estate.

"I'll let you know," Albus replied. "And your godson is also now aware that you're innocent of the crimes you were accused of. I'm sure he would be happy to meet you."

Sirius smiled at that. "Would it be possible for him to visit me at Grimaud? There is a holiday coming up, isn't there?"

"I'm sure that can be arranged," Albus answered. "I will let you know once I have handled things with the ministry."

Sirius grinned brightly. "Thank you!" He quickly morphed back into Padfoot, so they could leave the headmaster's office.

Lupin walked out of the office alongside his friend, relaxing a bit as soon as they were out of Dumbledore's sight. "I'll let you back into my quarters and then I'll get breakfast," he murmured to Sirius.

Sirius wagged his tail in agreement. As soon as Lupin opened the door for him, he went in.

***

It was a week later, and Snape had sent the trio back to their dorm after another detention. He was certain the two boys were busy commiserating over the 'greasy git' and how unfair it all was... and he was just as certain Lupin and Black were also getting an earful about how mean and unfair, he was. He tried to tell himself it didn't matter. It didn't matter what they thought about him, as long as the dark lord didn't figure out what he was up to.

He had noticed Granger giving him sidelong, knowing looks and after the first detention, she'd seemed eager to be there. It didn't surprise him in the least that she'd been the one to quickly realize he was teaching them how to make a very potent Wolf's Bane potion with easier to find ingredients. He knew one day. he wouldn't be around to make it and... well... it wasn't Lupin's fault he'd been bitten. If a potion allowed him to keep his mind, so that he didn't bite another innocent person, or helped him not do further injury to himself, it would be a shame if only one person knew how to make that potion. Especially if they died.

Lupin wasn't entirely sure he liked the way Hermione was looking at him. His own quarters had quickly become the 'meeting place' for the Gryffindor trio and for him and Sirius. He did little to discourage Ron and Harry from complaining about Severus. After all, his intention was to keep the man as safe as possible...and that included playing along with the reputation Snape pulled around himself.

The problem was, Hermione was smart. She might not be able to read people with magic, but she was observant. And she was watching Lupin with a speculative expression on her face while Ron complained that Severus had scolded him for mixing the ingredients wrong.

"Really, Ron." Hermione finally turned on her friend, pulling her disconcerting gaze away from Lupin. "If he'd let you carry on, you would have ended up causing an explosion!"

"Yeah? Well, he didn't need to be so horrible about it!" Ron retorted.

"I'm not sure Snivilus knows how not to be horrible..." Sirius said, in an offhand voice. He was so used to calling the Potions Master names, he didn't think about the appropriateness, or inappropriateness, of calling him names in front of students.

Lupin frowned. At least this, he could do something about...even if the reasons he voiced weren't exactly honest. "He's still a teacher here, Sirius. And handed Peter over to the headmaster so that your name could be cleared. Please don't call him names." He pretended not to notice the fact that Hermione was watching him again. There was a gleam in her eye that he wanted to avoid doing anything to encourage.

Sirius had the grace to look apologetic. "Of course, you are right Remy. Kids. Don't call your professor names."

"We should go to bed." Hermione glanced towards Ron and Harry. They'd already received detention for sneaking out to the forest, after all. And there wasn't any reason for them to be sneaking out now.

"Can I really come and stay with you for the holiday?" Harry asked Sirius, still not quite able to believe it.

"Yes! The headmaster agreed. I plan to go over tomorrow to make sure there aren't any traps and such and then Remus will bring you over. We might have a bit of cleaning to do, but I think once the kitchen is clean, and whatever room you choose for your own, we'll have the rest of the holiday to just hang out." Sirius grinned. "Of course, the headmaster added some conditions... he wants a Fidelious charm put in my home, so you can't be found. Which probably means you can't leave to explore the town. And he said something about having a few trusted people there, just in case..." Sirius wrinkled his nose. "Something about orders and such...." He'd been too excited about Harry staying with him and honestly not paid close attention, past the requirement to add the charm and having 'guards'.

"I suspect he might want to use it for meetings of the order," Lupin said, hiding his true feelings about Dumbledore.

"Great!" Harry looked really happy as he turned to go with his friends.

"I think Professor Snape was talking about going to the forest tonight for some ingredients that have to be collected at a certain time of night." Hermione said the words casually enough, but slanted a glance towards Lupin before she, Ron and Harry left the room.

Sirius looked confused at Hermione's comment. "Why does she care about that?" he muttered, in confusion.

Lupin glanced sideways at his best friend, but he didn't put voice to his suspicions. It was bad enough that Hermione seemed to be scheming something. He could only hope that whatever thoughts were going through her mind, she wouldn't voice them to anyone. "Do you need anything?" he asked Sirius instead. "I think I might go for a walk."

"No, I'm good. I'll come with you!" Sirius grinned, automatically shifting into Padfoot.

Lupin nodded and walked towards the door of his quarters. He'd thought, briefly, about trying to put Sirius off. After all, he'd wanted to time his walk to 'run into' Snape. Then again, he and Sirius had spent years apart while his best friend had been in Azkaban. He could take the walk with Sirius now; perhaps go and see Severus later on, when they came back 

Sirius wagged his tail and followed Lupin out.

***

Severus had indeed gone into the forest for potions ingredients. He wasn't one to take unnecessary risks while there; his life was dangerous enough. Still, accidents happened, and nothing could have prepared him for the log he was using as a bridge over a 10-foot crevice to suddenly plummet, as the dirt it rested on broke and avalanched down. He was lucky he only broke his leg rather than his neck. Still, Apparating with a broken bone was not advisable, he didn't have a potion to heal broken bones with him and he was not the best at healing spells. He needed to get back to the castle but didn't want to let anyone know what was happening in case it got back to Voldemort. He could only think of one person to ask for help. Biting back his pride, he sent his Patronus to find Remus. "I need help. Please bring him here...."

***

Lupin had ended up not far outside the school, actually close to the forest, as he and Sirius were walking. So he wasn't that far away when Snape's Patronus appeared.

"Severus needs help." The concern in Lupin's voice would be obvious to someone who knew him well. Darting a quick glance towards Sirius, he prepared to follow the Patronus.

Sirius heard the concern and would have raised an eyebrow if he weren't currently a dog. Instead, he whined softly and followed his friend.

Lupin quickly but carefully followed Snape's Patronus. When he reached the crevice, it was immediately obvious what had happened...though if Snape was conscious enough to send his Patronus, Lupin hoped that meant he wasn't too seriously injured. Still.... "I'm here, Severus," he called out. "I'm going to make my way down to you." He looked towards Sirius. "We'll probably need Madam Pomfrey."

Sirius barked once, before heading back to the castle to get the school nurse.

Severus swallowed. "I'd rather no one else know, if it can be avoided..." he said, his voice tight from pain.

Lupin carefully made his way down to Severus. "I'm afraid that might not be possible," he said quietly. "I can cast to bandage and splint the break, but I'm not that skilled at the more complex healing spells." As he spoke, he carefully looked over Snape's leg, making sure the bone wasn't sticking out and that the skin hadn't been broken. Then, he cast, causing bandages and a splint to form around the leg.

Snape grunted as the spell set his leg, groaning softly as it was bandaged. "Poppy, I don't mind so much. Anyone else, though...." He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. "Luckily, the holidays begin tomorrow, and I'll have two weeks to heal. Assuming I don't get called."

"Sirius was with me when I saw your Patronus," Lupin said apologetically. "But I doubt he will say anything." He carefully sat close to Snape, keeping watch for any signs of shock. "Do you plan to go anywhere in particular?" he asked.

"If I am not called, I will lock myself in my quarters. I don't really have anywhere else to be..." Snape admitted.

Lupin frowned at those words. It didn't really sit right with him that Snape would be alone for the holiday...but he couldn't exactly offer up Sirius' home without his friend's permission. "I'll stay at the school as well. That way, you won't have to be entirely alone while you recover." He could get to Grimaud easily if he was needed there.

"There is no need... I have the house elves to assist me if I need aid. This will be the first holiday you will be able to spend with your friend in 15 years," Snape argued.

"I don't want to leave my other friend to recover alone," Lupin replied. "I can divide my time between both places."

"Seriously... I'm better off alone... I'm not a good patient. If you think I'm surly and disagreeable on a normal day..." Snape said drolly, teasing.

"Well. I've already seen you surly and disagreeable. And it's not put me off yet." Lupin smiled before adding, "I don't agree that you're better off alone, even if you think it might be easier. I know why you need to keep everyone at arm's length, but given I already know your secret, there's no reason to do that with me."

"No reason other than it will mess up your holiday and it isn't needed for you to do that!" Snape sniffed.

"How about the fact that I care about you and would like to spend time with you?" Lupin replied.

Snape flushed faintly. "You really shouldn't. It will only bring you pain in the end."

"I told you, Severus. I'm not going to let this end in your death. I'm going to keep you alive," Lupin said. "Besides. It's too late to tell me not to care about you."

"Well, don't say I didn't warn you..." The potion master's normal snarky tone was threaded through with a warmth that usually wasn't there. He believed Lupin and knowing at least one person cared what happened to him felt good, if unusual.

"Don't worry. You've warned me. It just makes no difference." Lupin shrugged and smiled. "It shouldn't be much longer and then you can get some help with the pain," he added.

Not more than a minute later, Padfoot was returning with Poppy, who was grumbling about fool wizards going off into the forest alone. She quickly scanned over Remus' work, pronouncing it satisfactory, then stabilized Severus' limb so Remus could use Mobilicorpus on him to take him back to the castle. "Who will you be joining for the holiday?" she asked Severus.

"No one. I plan to stay in my quarters..." Severus said warily.

"That won't work. I can either give you the potions that work quick, so you are back on your feet when school resumes, or those that take longer. But the quick acting potions require you be monitored at all times, and I am visiting family, so won't be here," Poppy said.

Severus swallowed. "I am capable of monitoring myself..." he said stiffly.

"Why do it if you don't have to?" Sirius blurted. "Come to Grimaud." He'd picked up enough cues to realize Remus would stay at the castle if he thought Severus needed him. He wanted his friend with him. "You can help me remove any of the nasty curses that I might have missed," he added on, so Severus wouldn't get prissy about him giving pity or charity.

"That would make the most sense," Lupin commented, agreeing with Sirius. He left unsaid that Severus wouldn't have to worry about Lupin giving up his holiday. It would allow him to spend time with both of them...and hopefully allow him to work more towards his goal of keeping Severus alive.

"I don't have a choice, do I?" Severus sounded resigned.

"No!" Poppy responded cheerfully.

"Not really," Lupin commented. "If you tell me what you need, I can get it packed for you."

"Very well," Severus said, subdued.

Sirius nodded. "We'll be going over by floo in an hour from the headmaster's office."

Snape winced at the headmaster knowing, but little could be done about it.

"Let's go and get what you need packed," Lupin said to Severus, going to do just that.

At the edge of the woods, Sirius turned into Padfoot again.

"Am I allowed to walk now?" Severus asked.

"As long as you move slow," Poppy ordered.

Lupin nodded, eyeing Severus with worry he couldn't quite hide. "Just be careful not to strain yourself."

"Of course..." Severus agreed, standing carefully as soon as the Mobilicorpus was ended. As soon as he was steady, he began to limp to his room to pack.

As promised, Lupin followed to help Severus.

***

An hour later, everyone was meeting in the headmaster's office to floo over to Grimaud. Severus didn't like the sidelong glances Dumbledore was giving him, but he did his best to ignore them.

Lupin stood close enough to Severus to be able to support him if needed, but not so close as to give anyone the wrong impression. Well, mainly Dumbledore; he didn't particularly care about hiding his feelings from Sirius. Clearly, his best friend had already picked up on some things.

Dumbledore handed each person going a piece of paper with the address. Soon, they were all going through.

Lupin made sure to go through as close to Severus as possible, so he could help the other man if needed.

Once everyone was through the floo, Sirius lead them on a tour of the house, showing them where the kitchen, library and study was and then showing them their rooms. Despite his claims of needing help to clean up, it appeared someone had come through and cleaned well. "I... uh... it's been a long day, so I'm going to go take a nap. Dinner will be in four hours. I believe that's when your family is planning to floo in," Sirius said to Ron.

Snape, meanwhile, carefully went to the room he'd been given, which suspiciously connected to Remus's room.

Hermione had been watching Lupin and Snape as much as she'd been paying attention to the tour of the house. The gleam in her eyes suggested that she was in the process of scheming something.

Lupin tried to pretend he didn't notice Hermione's expression. He settled his own things in the room he'd been given, then knocked lightly on the door to Severus' room.

Severus opened the door connecting the rooms. "Was... this... planned?" he asked hesitantly, about the fact they could access each other's room without having to go into the hall first.

"Not by me," Lupin said. "I can't deny that it makes it easier to ensure you're recovering, though."

"Black is more observant of late... he somehow knew what to do to make you comfortable with the situation..." Snape smiled faintly.

"Knowing that you're next door, where I can check on you easily, does set my mind at rest," Lupin admitted.

A warm feeling spread through Severus at the words, and he cleared his throat, almost nervously. "Well, I still think I could have managed, but I am happy not to worry you unnecessarily."

"I appreciate that," Lupin said. "How are you feeling? If you'd like, you can sit and rest in my room and we can talk," he offered.

"That would be acceptable." Snape nodded. "I find it hard to sleep in new places, so a nap wouldn't have worked..." he admitted.

"That's not so unusual." Lupin moved so that Severus could easily come into his room. "Sit wherever you feel most comfortable."

Snape came into the room, noting that there were a few chairs, but none of them had a stool to prop his leg on. He finally chose one that he might be able to stretch the leg out, at least.

Once Snape had settled on one of the chairs, Lupin used his wand. "Accio stool." He summoned a stool that Snape could use to rest his leg.

"Thank you..." Snape nodded at Lupin. He felt more warmth spreading through him at the care Lupin was showing.

"Would you like something to eat or drink?" Lupin asked.

"No, thank you. The healing potions tend to make me queasy, so I'll wait till dinner to eat." Snape smiled at Lupin.

Lupin nodded. "That's fine." He sat down in the chair opposite Severus. "I'm guessing you weren't able to get the ingredients you needed. When we return to Hogwarts, I can go with you into the forest to get them," he offered. "At least that way, there's less of a chance of injury."

Snape nodded. "I would appreciate that. I feel like a foolish dunderhead that I was injured in such a manner. I've gone out hundreds of times alone and never even was scratched."

"Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, things can go wrong," Lupin said. "Maybe going with a second person regularly will be beneficial. And it will allow us to spend more time together," he added.

Snape nodded. "Perhaps. I only ever went out alone because I had no one to go with. If you want to go...."

"I want to go with you," Lupin responded.

"I... I want you to," Snape admitted. "I've come to appreciate your company."

"That's good to know." Lupin smiled. "And I'm glad you're here, too," he added. "Not just so that I can keep an eye on you and make sure you're healing well. At least here, you don't have to worry about Albus and his scheming, however temporary that relief might be."

"Very temporary, I fear. He used Harry being here as an excuse to get young Weasley an invitation... which, of course, meant the whole Weasley clan being invited, as they couldn't spend the holiday apart. I'm certain he'll find a way to get invitations to everyone else he wants." Snape paused. "The headmaster means well. I am naturally paranoid, but you do not need to distrust him. Just... be careful."

"I'm not happy with the situation he's placed you in," Lupin said. "That's why I distrust him." He wasn't entirely sure being careful was that high an option, considering the look he'd continually noticed on Hermione's face.

"Make no mistake... while the headmaster has fully taken advantage of the situation, I am the one who placed myself in this situation," Severus said tiredly, unable to face Remus.

"Making a mistake shouldn't cost you the rest of your life," Lupin said.

"Maybe not, but sometimes that is what happens..." Snape sighed softly. "At least I still live...."

"And I'm going to keep it that way," Lupin promised.

Snape looked up at that. "Thank you...."

"I've mourned enough people I care about already," Lupin said quietly. "I won't add more to that number."

Snape blinked his eyes and swallowed. "I... I find myself caring about you as well. I will do my best to keep you safe...."

"I believe you," Lupin replied. "And I trust you." He might have said something slightly different but didn't want to scare Severus off.

Snape nodded briefly and settled back into the chair. Normally, he wouldn't relax in anyone's presence. Until recently, he wouldn't have relaxed in Remus' presence... but the last week or so had put the werewolf into a new light. He trusted Remus more than anyone else in his life. Being in the other man's presence left him feeling warm and safe and like he had a chance at happiness, when the whole sordid mess was over.

"If you need or want anything, let me know," Lupin said. "Anything I don't have, I'm sure I'll be able to summon here."

"Thank you... just being able to feel safe... it's enough..." Severus closed his eyes, trusting his companion to make sure he wasn't bothered.

Lupin moved just enough to gather one of the blankets from the bed and cover Severus with it, so he'd be warm while he slept. 

Severus hadn't been lying when he said he didn't sleep well in strange places. The truth was, he didn't sleep well at all in general. Between constantly being on alert in case a student needed him, he was also constantly on alert due to knowing one wrong move, one moment of letting down his guard, could result in his death. That's why he was shocked when the banging on Remus' door and Sirius yelling through the door, "Dinner is on!" woke him. He hadn't expected to sleep, let alone sleep the four hours there had been before dinner.

Lupin hadn't left Severus alone, instead taking care of some of the work he had to do while Severus slept. When Sirius banged on the door and Lupin noticed Severus wake up, he reached out and gently clasped the other man's shoulder. "Do you want some support getting to the dining hall?"

Snape blinked and took a moment to assess himself before nodding. "I would appreciate help, yes...."

Lupin stood and moved over to help Snape to stand, so he could support the other man to the dining room.

Snape heavily leaned on Lupin. The rest hadn't been enough to make up for lost sleep, but it was enough to aid in the return of his appetite. "Dinner smells good..." he said inanely.

Lupin nodded his agreement, supporting Snape's weight. "It sounds like you're feeling up to eating now."

"I am... for the first time in a while, I have an appetite," Snape stated.

"Even before your injury?" Lupin asked.

"For a long time..." Snape nodded. "I am seldom at ease enough for my nerves not to affect me."

"You were able to sleep for a while in my room," Lupin said quietly. "Maybe that's an answer. Instead of being next door, you could sleep in my room. I can easily set up a mattress on the floor."

"That is not necessary. You need to sleep comfortably as well." Snape shook his head. By this time, they'd reached the dining room. He looked around, noting the Weasleys had arrived. Unexpectedly, so had Hermione's parents and Sirius' cousin Andromeda and her family.

Sirius glanced at everyone sheepishly. "So, we may need to have some of us share rooms a bit more than originally planned..." He bit his lip. "I hope that is okay?"

"We were just discussing that, actually," Lupin commented, as he helped Snape over to one of the seats...noting that there had been two left together. He wasn't sure if it was by accident or design but judging by the knowing look on Hermione's face as she watched him and Snape, he suspected the latter.

"I mean, I don't mind sharing a room with Ron...if he doesn't mind." Harry glanced at his best friend.

"Course not." Ron grinned at Harry. "Besides. Not like I'm not used to sharing a room."

"Good... good... Hermione and Nymphadora could share a room..." Sirius glanced toward his cousin, as if seeking agreement.

"That's Tonks," his cousin stated, before adding, "But yes. I will share with Hermione."

"And Professor Lupin could share with Professor Snape, due to the injury and it'll be easier to help him," Hermione said brightly.

Sirius blinked... he'd planned to ask Remus to share with him, but Hermione's suggestion did make sense. "If that is alright with Remus and Severus, but I am also willing to share.... "

"It will be easier for me to keep an eye on things if I share with Severus," Lupin commented. Looking towards Sirius, he added, "Since your name's been cleared, there's no reason I can't come here on future occasions."

"It's settled, then! You can shift Severus' things to your room and that will let Fred and George use the room Severus was in..." Sirius clapped his hands once, to signify a done deal.

Severus looked a bit shell-shocked at how he was 'being handled' with no input whatsoever. 

"I think they broke Professor Snape," Fred whispered loudly to his twin.

George snorted in agreement. "Yeah." He reached for some food and began filling his plate.

Others around the table did the same.

Snape was relieved when most of the focus ended up on Sirius. He could only allow himself to unwind so far before people might begin questioning his normal behavior. But he didn't feel up to being his normal, surly self. That felt like poor repayment for Sirius attempting to be a decent person, or Remus for standing up for him.

While Lupin didn't push for Snape to join in the conversation, he did make an effort to include the other man, engaging him as well as Sirius.

It wasn't as difficult as it could have been. There were enough people there that no one noticed that Severus remained quiet except when asked a direct question. Sirius took up a lot of the conversation, telling Harry about his father.

Harry listened, enrapt, to Sirius' stories about his father. He asked a lot of questions, wanting to know everything he possibly could about his parents.

At one point, Severus whispered, "Your mother was a brilliant witch. Miss Granger reminds me of her a lot in some ways, her constant seeking of knowledge and bettering herself. The worst thing that ever happened to me was when she was placed into a different house than me...." His voice trailed off and he became lost in his thoughts.

"Um... did someone slip potions into Snape's food?" Sirius asked, wide-eyed. The Snape he knew would never say anything that made him that vulnerable.

"Er... maybe?" Ron said hesitantly. "But it wasn't to make him talk! It was s’posed to make him giddy...."

Sirius pinched the bridge of his nose. "When did Severus take his last batch of potions for his leg?" he asked Remus. "Cuz you may want to get him to your room with a silencing charm, in case he says something he'll have to kill us for once he sobers up...."

Lupin nodded quickly to Sirius. "I think he's about due for another one." He stood up and carefully helped Severus to his feet. "Come on, Severus. It looks like you've finished eating anyway." He began to guide the other man from the hall.

"I miss Lily..." Snape said, in a sad voice, as Remus led him away.

As they left, Mrs. Weasley's voice could be heard, loudly chiding Ron for potioning someone when he didn't know how it would affect them and then telling Sirius that Ron would help clean the scummiest room the next day, as punishment for not thinking before acting.

"I'm sorry," Lupin said quietly, guiding Snape to their room. Once they were inside, he put a silencing charm up around the room. There was no reason to leave to collect the potions and he quickly summoned them so that Snape could take it.

"It's not your fault. If I had been braver... better... I would never have lost her friendship. I would have never been convinced to join the dark lord... would never have told him the prophecy...." Snape's voice caught and he wiped at his eyes, before quickly taking the potions Remus summoned and swallowing them down. "I was a horrible friend in the end...."

"You made a mistake," Lupin said quietly. "A mistake that came about because of the way you were treated by my friends. No one can be blamed for her and James' death apart from the dark lord." He stood closer to Severus, letting his hand rest lightly on the other man's shoulder, squeezing gently.

"Maybe. But it was a horrible mistake. Not even my death would make up for it." Snape swallowed hard, leaning toward Lupin, for once the affection and support not making him feel the need to pull away. He needed to feel like someone cared, even if he didn't deserve it.

Responding to Severus moving, Lupin wrapped his arms around the other man and hugged him. "I'm not going to let you die, Severus. That's not how you make things right. I already know what you're doing to make it right. I know you've been trying to protect Harry. For Lily's sake."

"I'm so afraid I'm going to fail..." Severus voice shook and then a choked sob escaped. Then another. Soon, he was crying out all stress and fear that he'd been under since beginning his tightrope act... and all the fear that he would fail.

Lupin didn't let go of Severus. He led the other man over to the bed and sat down, gently pulling the other man down with him. Sitting would let Severus take the weight off his leg. And it also enabled Lupin to cuddle him tighter. "You aren't alone," he whispered. "Not anymore. I won't let you be."

"You'll be there?" Severus asked quietly, wrapping his arms around Remus and holding on 

"I'll be there," Lupin promised, hugging Severus tighter. "I care about you. I don't want to lose you."

"Okay..." Severus said, snuggling. Maybe if he wasn't high from potions mixing, he would have better control over himself, but right now, it felt very important to show Lupin as much affection as he was receiving. He nuzzled against the other man's shoulder.

Lupin gently rubbed over Severus' back, holding him close and tight. He let himself nuzzle against the other man's head, situating the two of them to be more comfortable. It ended with him reclining back on the bed, Severus pressed against him, almost sprawled on him.

Severus relaxed, not pulling out of Remus' grip. He thought he should probably pull away, should change into night clothes before he became too sleepy to function, but he was too comfortable. He slowly fell asleep.

Without moving Severus, Lupin summoned the other man's belongings from the other room, making sure they were out of the way. Once that was done, he let his own eyes close, drifting into sleep.

***

Once again, Severus was surprised by the fact he was able to get good sleep, when he usually never slept well at all. It was becoming clear to him that it was Remus' presence helping him feel safe enough to sleep. The only reason he woke before morning was the potion had worn off and his leg began to hurt. That and he'd had a very erotic dream about the man enabling him to feel safe. He had to face it; he was attracted to the wolf. Too bad his life made telling the other man impossible. Slowly breathing out, he attempted to get his next dose of potion without waking Remus up.

Lupin woke up as he felt Severus stirring, blinking a few times before looking towards the other man. "Time for another dose?" Even as he asked the question, he summoned the potion, so that Severus wouldn't have to put any strain on his leg retrieving it.

Severus relaxed as Remus began to help him, some of the pain from straining to move easing as he held still. He quietly took the medication. "Thank you..." he whispered, as the pain immediately eased. It was then he realized he was even more attracted to Remus. It wasn't just because of the dream, then. "Thank you " he repeated, before giving in to impulsive desire and clumsily kissing Remus on the lips. It was awkward and too chaste to be arousing. It was what he needed to do, though. He waited, holding his breath, for Remus to gently push him away and 'let him down easily'.

Lupin was surprised by the kiss, but it was in a good way...not bad. Responding, he reached out and gently clasped Severus' face, leaning forward and kissing him tenderly. His other arm wrapped around Severus, gently pulling him in closer.

Snape closed his eyes in relief that he wasn't being rejected as expected and gave himself away to the kiss, leaning into Lupin and opening for the other man. He was still too nervous about 'pushing too hard' to take charge of the kiss- too used to knowing how most people viewed him as undesirable and weird to want to take charge and risk chasing Remus away- but he'd been used to following orders for years and, if he were honest with himself, it was more comfortable and comforting to let Remus lead him. Especially when he was choosing to let Remus control, instead of having to let him control due to a role he was playing.

Lupin gently increased the pressure of the kiss, stroking down the side of Snape's face. He allowed his other hand to gently touch and stroke; not demanding, but because touching and exploring the other man's body felt good. Where he could, he touched and stroked along bare skin.

Snape gave a pleased purr at Remus' exploration, hesitantly letting his own hands grip, stroke and explore. His responses to Remus were needy and more submissive than his reputation would have indicated they'd be.

Lupin encouraged Severus to explore as well, even as he responded to the other man by moving more of his clothing, allowing him to touch, squeeze and caress more bare skin. At the same time, he continued to kiss, more deeply and intense.

Severus' breathing increased and he became bolder in his exploration, even as he continued submitting. He shifted to allow Lupin easier access, or to undress him completely if the other man chose. He'd decided to give himself to the werewolf; even if it turned out that Lupin only wanted him for a night, it would be a night where he felt desired and wanted, so it would be worth everything.

In response, Lupin began to slowly strip Severus of his clothing. He took his time about it, touching, stroking, and squeezing bare skin as it was uncovered. He tugged Severus in closer and tighter, though he was careful not to put too much strain on his leg.

Severus let out a tiny whimper of need, pressing as close as he could while trying to leave himself open for the gentle touches. He carefully removed Remus' clothing as well but made certain he had Remus' approval with each piece he removed, wanting the other man to know he was giving Remus control over him. It was the fastest and best way he could think of to show his complete trust in the other man.

Remus encouraged Severus to remove his clothing, welcoming the other man's touch and the contact between them. He carefully pulled away from the kiss, but that was only so that he could explore Severus' body with his mouth as well, kissing the bare skin he'd explored with his hands.

Severus didn't view himself as a desirable man, physically. He had numerous scars, evidence of the hard life he'd led. Remus made him feel desirable. Instead of attempting to hide what Remus uncovered, he found himself uncharacteristically leaving himself open and exposed, submitting to Remus' exploration. He was completely vulnerable, and it aroused him further.

Remus treated the scars exactly the same as the rest of Severus' body. He didn't shrink back from touching them, instead stroking, caressing, kissing over every bit of skin. And when he needed to, he shifted Severus enough to get to more. It was clear that Severus' submission was arousing him.

Severus may have been submitting, but he continued to explore Remus' body as much as he could while doing so. The life of a werewolf was not easy and there were plenty of scars for Severus to memorize with lips and fingertip. He was achingly aroused by this point and could tell Remus was as well.

Remus could tell that Severus was aroused and he let his fingers glide towards the other man's member, touching gently. "I want to claim you fully," he whispered, asking for permission...making sure that Severus was okay with this as well.

"I want you to claim me..." Severus admitted, his voice low, thick, slightly shaky with need. His breathing hitched and he groaned softly as Remus' fingers wrapped around him. Precum pooled at the tip of his member, and it twitched against the werewolf's palm.

That was all the permission that Remus needed. He summoned a bottle of lube to his hand and leaned forward, kissing Severus deeply. Then, he positioned the other man so that claiming him would be easier.

Severus eagerly kissed back, opening his legs as wide as he could, so Remus could do what was needed.

Remus made use of the lube and then slowly pushed inside Severus, gently grasping his hips so that it made it easier.

Severus held still, forcing himself to relax as much as possible so Remus could push in easily. He was technically a virgin, even if he wasn't naive or innocent. With his life being the way it was, he'd found it easier to avoid all romantic entanglements and didn't trust anyone enough to be vulnerable, either as giver or receiver. He trusted Remus completely. It was that trust that enabled him not to clench tight and instinctively try and halt the 'intrusion' as Remus slowly stretched him open around his shaft. It stung slightly and there was a sensation of 'too full', but he breathed slow and deep and remained relaxed, so his mate (he knew in his heart that's what Remus was) could push all the way in.

Remus gently squeezed Severus' hips. "Good. You're so good for me," he whispered encouragingly. He continued to move slowly, giving the other man time to adjust.

Severus huffed out a slightly amused, but pleased, "This is the first time I have been called good..." He smiled up at Remus, shifting just enough so the other man could push deeper. "I think I'd like being good for you..." he whispered, a hopeful note to the admittance giving away that he didn't want the coupling to be a one-time event.

Remus leaned down to kiss him tenderly. "I don't want this one time with you, Severus. I want everything. I've fallen in love with you," he admitted softly.

Severus didn't try to hide the tear that slipped down his cheek. "I love you too... I want forever too..." he whispered.

Remus kissed away his tear. "You belong to me now," he murmured, even as he began to thrust that bit deeper and harder.

"Only yours..." Severus gasped as Remus began to thrust. The slight sting turned into a wonderful friction that warmed him, causing his belly to flutter from pleasure and need. "...Forever yours," he moaned, beginning to clench and squeeze around Remus' member, to hold him deep inside and feel every movement his mate made.

"So good for me," Remus murmured, kissing his lips again. "You feel so good."

Severus groaned softly at the words and hungrily returned the kiss. It was clear it felt very good to him too, his member fully aroused, swollen and glistening where pre-cum dribbled freely down his shaft. 

"Let go for me, Severus." Remus whispered the words against his lips. "I want us to let go together."

Severus' breath hitched in his throat and then he was releasing, spilling onto his and Remus' stomachs. As he released, he clenched around his mate, holding him tight inside, his body greedy to hold his mate's seed deep within, where it would 'mark' him as Remus'.

Remus' own release came over him at the same time and he let go inside of Severus, gripping the other man tightly.

Severus slowly relaxed as his climax ended. He could feel Remus' release coating inside, warming him. "Feels good..." he whispered tiredly. "Perfect...."

"It's still very early," Remus murmured. "I think I should get us cleaned up. Then you can sleep in my arms."

"You are going to clean me?" Severus blinked, wondering if he should be embarrassed at that, but too tired and feeling too 'loved' to mind.

"Both of us. I don't think being stuck together will be all that pleasant." Carefully pulling out of Severus, Remus summoned cloths and towels so he could clean them both up.

Severus didn't disagree, instead laying still while Remus gently took care of them both. The intimacy of the care further drew him in, cementing the trust he had in Remus. "Yours..." he whispered, as Remus ran the cloth over areas, he would never have allowed anyone else to touch.

"Mine," Remus whispered back. He finished cleaning them both up and then stretched out on the bed with Severus, wrapping his arms around the other man in a close, tight embrace.

Severus snuggled close, twining his legs with the other man and resting his head on Remus' chest. "You're warm," he purred sleepily, closing his eyes in contentment. Remus' warmth made being naked pleasant.

Remus kissed his head gently. "I'm glad you're comfortable," he murmured.

"Not going to be able to go back to sleeping alone when we return to school..." Severus mumbled, before falling asleep.

Remus kissed the back of Severus' neck and closed his own eyes, slipping into sleep as well.

****

Severus didn't wake again until it was time for another dose of potions. He'd taken them without complaint as soon as Remus had handed them to him, then done a quick cleaning charm on himself before getting dressed. Normally, he would have taken a shower, but the idea of waiting in line with twelve other people to use the facilities didn't appeal to him. He waited for Remus to be ready before heading to the dining area for breakfast. It was easier to face the others with Remus beside him.

Remus walked close next to Severus as they headed to the dining hall. Once again, he noted that two chairs had been deliberately left next to each other. He didn't hesitate in walking over to them and taking a seat, knowing Severus would sit next to him.

Severus carefully walked to the empty chair next to Remus and sat. He was still moving slowly, but he wasn't hobbling as bad, and Sirius noticed.

"The potions are working! Good!" The other man looked genuinely happy, which surprised Severus.

Remus smiled at the response from his best friend, though he saw no reason to comment. Instead, he reached out and began to fill his plate.

Hermione cocked her head to one side, like she was thinking of something. After a moment, she blurted, "Professor Lupin? Do werewolves mate for life?"

Remus paused in surprise at the question. "I don't know," he finally admitted. "I didn't have any reason to think about that before now." Hermione could assume he meant because she'd asked the question. He hoped Severus would realize it was because of what was happening between them.

"Blimey, Hermione... why you suddenly interested in Professor Lupin's love life? You been giving him weird looks since we got here!" Ron complained, looking jealous.

Severus hid his expression behind a mug of hot tea, using the pretense of blowing on it to cool it.

"I'm curious, Ron. I like to learn new things," Hermione retorted. "Just because we're not at school doesn't mean I should stop learning."

"Quite right!" Sirius interjected, to stop the potential argument. "That is why you three can help me go through the boxes in the attic! I'll teach you the spells needed to check for curses and all the other nasty things and, depending... the counter spells for whatever we come across!"

Hermione grinned and quickly began eating her breakfast, clearly eager to get started.

As they finished their breakfast, Severus turned toward Remus. "If you would please assist me to the library, I think I am in need of some solitude and I'm sure Sirius would appreciate you being there, in case some of his family's heirlooms literally attempt to eat them..." he said drolly, to seem like himself. He was attempting to let Remus know he'd go along with whatever he decided without saying the words. The suddenly worried look on Sirius' face made him realize his hypothetical might be truer than any of them were comfortable with.

Remus nodded to Severus. "Of course," he said calmly. "If you need me, you know how to reach me." When both of their plates were cleared, he stood to help Severus.

"Of course." Severus nodded, leaning on Remus more than was strictly necessary; the potions were working, but the others didn't need to know that. Soon, he was alone in the library... looking up mating practices of werewolves. Granger had him curious now.

After making sure that Severus was settled, Remus went to join Sirius and the students.

***

Several hours later, Sirius, Remus and the children had gone through and cleared several boxes and items of some truly nasty curses. Some items would be useful, and Sirius made a point of setting those aside to be taken downstairs. Even so, there was still a large portion of the attic left to go through. "Eat lunch, then return here after?" He looked at Remus. "Or eat lunch and have fun after and return to this tomorrow morning?"

"I would say that taking a break and having fun would be good," Remus commented. "We don't want the holiday to entirely be wasted, after all."

Sirius nodded, noting with amusement that while Harry and Ron looked relieved, Hermione looked disappointed. "Okay. Lunch, then! And after, we can play some of these wizarding games we found!"

"That'd be good," Harry agreed quickly. Many of the games were ones he'd never heard of before. He was eager to try them.

"Then hop to it! We're all covered in cobwebs and dust, so I suggest showers before lunch. We'll meet in the dining room in an hour!" Sirius shooed the kids out of the attic, following behind with Remus. He turned toward his best friend. "I can have Kreacher bring a tub with warm water to your room? So, you don't have to fight three teens for the shower..." he offered.

"I'd appreciate that, thank you," Remus replied. "And thank you for inviting Severus here," he added. "It means a lot."

"I'd do anything for you, Moony. And... he isn't as annoying as I remember him being. So... it's all good." Sirius smiled crookedly, patting his friend on the shoulder as he left him at the room he shared with Severus. "I'll see you in an hour." He turned and walked to his own room, that had its own ensuite bath.

Severus had returned to the room fifteen minutes before, to stretch out on the bed, as his leg ached faintly. He glanced over as the door opened, at the exact moment a house elf popped in, placed a tiny tub of steaming water down, then stepped back and enlarged it to the point two people could easily fit inside, before leaving two towels, two washcloths and shampoo and soap on a tiny stool beside the tub. His eyebrows rose in confusion, before he took in Remus' appearance and he chuckled softly, a fond look on his face as he said, "You've brought half the attic back on you!"

Remus laughed softly in response. "The other half is on Sirius and the children." Since it was just him and Severus in the room, he began to strip off his clothes. There was no reason for shyness or modesty anymore, after all.

Severus smiled and carefully shifted to sit up, before hobbling over to help Remus. He was so focused on his mate, he didn't notice he was walking stiffly. "Let me get you clean clothes so those can be washed," he offered.

"You're limping." Remus reached out and gently grasped his arm. "Did you take the next potion yet?" His face and voice were full of concern.

"Not yet... I'm not due till lunch. I just sat in one position for too long," Severus admitted. "I found a very interesting book." He paused. "Shall I get your clothes while you get into the tub?" He gave a slow, lingering, appreciative look over Remus' body as he asked.

Remus smiled and drew Severus in for a deep, lingering kiss. "Why don't you join me?" he suggested. "The tub's big enough to fit us both."

"Maybe we can get a new tub of water after you are clean..." Severus said in amusement, as he flicked a cobweb out of Remus' hair.

"Or I can simply cast a charm to refill this one. Saves having to put clothing on again." Remus carefully got into the tub.

Severus nodded. He moved to stand behind Remus, carefully filling a cup with warm water and pouring it over Remus' hair, before beginning to massage shampoo through the strands and over his mate's scalp. Once he'd thoroughly washed Remus's hair, he carefully poured water over to rinse. He then picked up a washcloth and soap and began to wash his mate’s body gently but firmly. By the time he was done, Remus was scrubbed pink, and the water was a murky color.

Remus relaxed and leaned back as Severus washed him, trusting his mate entirely to take care of him. "Feels good," he murmured, appreciation in his voice. Once he was entirely clean, he used a charm to empty the tub and then refill it with clean water.

Severus moved around to where Remus could see him and slowly, carefully removed all his clothing before walking to the tub and stepping into it, facing Remus. If his mate wanted him back to chest, he'd wait to be told. A small part of him wanted Remus 'in charge' again. Meanwhile, he had some things he needed to tell Remus about werewolves and mates.

Drawing Severus in close, Remus kissed him deeply and then began to wash his mate in the same way that Severus had washed him.

Severus let out a tiny sigh as Remus bathed him. "It feels good..." he whispered softly.

"It feels good that you trust me to take care of you like this," Remus murmured, washing Severus gently though firmly.

"I trust you with my life," Severus admitted. "Trusting you with my body only makes sense... especially when it feels so good..." Severus almost purred. "Never thought I'd like being taken care of like this...."

"I'm glad I can make you feel good. That I can take care of you," Remus murmured. "You aren't alone now. I won't let you be alone."

Snape smiled, leaning forward to kiss Remus before shifting in the tub so he was between Remus's legs, back against his lover's chest. He stretched his sore leg out in front of him and did a quick reheat charm on the water. "Werewolves do mate for life..." he said, out of nowhere.

"Were you looking into it?" Remus asked curiously, wrapping his arms around Severus' waist. "As far as I'm concerned, we're mated for life," he added. "I'm not going to claim anyone else."

"Granger got me curious. I know Sirius turns into a dog so he can be with you during your transformation... even if you don't take your potion. I can't change into anything. That wasn't something the school taught, as it is considered higher level magic and after graduating..." He shrugged faintly, looking back over his shoulder into Remus' face, before resting his head in the crook of his mate's neck. "I want to be able to be around you, even if you don't take your potion. Especially since it really isn't safe for you to constantly take that potion without any breaks at all. Wolfsbane is, at its base, poison for the wolf. I'd be happier if you were able to run free, so you didn't hurt yourself or others, but the ministry has made that impossible." Severus was upset at that. Now that he knew Remus and had fallen in love with him, he hated what he had to go through every month. He hated that he'd contributed to the necessity of Remus having to go through it. His voice sounded worried, sad, and guilty.

He sighed and continued, "But... the werewolf mates for life; and if the wolf can smell that I'm your mate... his mate... I could be with you no matter what, without fear. The book said the werewolf would never harm its mate. And in fact, if the mate is present during a transformation, the need for the werewolf to run disappears. And the werewolf is less likely to self-harm trying to get free if they are locked up. Which means, you could lock yourself up without taking the potion and not have to worry about chewing or tearing yourself up to escape. You just need to claim me as your mate..." he said hopefully, in a small, subdued voice.

Remus brushed a gentle, tender kiss against Severus' hair, letting his arms tighten around his mate. "I would want that," he admitted. "I want to claim you." He whispered the next words into Severus' hair. "If we did this, Sirius would have to know. He's been there for me...is as important to me as you are. I can't hide what you are and what you will be to me. Not from him."

"Of course. I expected nothing less..." Snape immediately agreed.

"There's also something else that you need to know," Remus continued. "You've been very submissive to me, which is...it's a good thing, actually," he admitted. "When the full moon draws nearer, I become more...well, dominant is the right word, I suppose. Sirius and James called me 'bossy' and 'controlling'. I suspect it will be stronger when it comes to me and you."

Severus licked his lip at that. "How submissive would you need me to be? I... for all my reputation of being a controlling bastard... it was very easy to submit to you. I wanted to. If you need more...."

"I do need more," Remus admitted. "I need to be in control of you. I already feel very possessive of you. If we do this spell, those feelings are going to increase." He gently kissed the side of Severus' neck as he added, "It would include taking you in hand if you did something you shouldn't."

"Taking me in hand... by spanking?" Severus asked in a whisper, slanting his head so his neck was more exposed. "I have to do a lot of things I shouldn't just to keep my role as spy hidden."

"By spanking," Remus confirmed, nuzzling Severus' neck. "I think maybe it would be a good thing for those actions to be responded to. To have consequences. Because then you'd be able to remember that you're wanted and loved."

"It would help... I feel so guilty sometimes and even though I know I have to do them to not be found out and get vital information... it doesn't always help," Severus admitted, laying his head back against Remus shoulder so his pulse point was laid bare.

Remus gently kissed the pulse point in his neck. "It helps as a release of guilt. A release of negative emotions." He whispered the words against Severus' skin. His hands rested gently on his mate's hips, squeezing every so often.

"I need that..." Severus admitted, in a shaky voice. "I need to belong to you. I want to be claimed by you and be your mate. Even if it means you're in complete control and I end up over your knee numerous times, it will be worth being your mate...." Severus paused. "To be your mate magically... without you turning me... you have to bite me. Here..." Severus pointed at a spot at the juncture between neck and shoulder. "You have to bite hard and deep, with the intention of making me yours, and I have to submit to the bite with the intention of becoming yours. And it has to scar...."

Remus gently kissed the spot that Severus indicated. "I can charm my teeth to grow larger and sharper, so that it will be easier to break the skin," he said. "You'll have to come up with an explanation for the scar to give anyone who might get suspicious. And we might have to be prepared for Hermione guessing," he added. "If she does the same research as you, all she'll need to do is see the scar to know."

"I tend to wear high collars and long sleeves when outside of my quarters, so the only one likely to see outside of you is Poppy. But I will think of something, just in case..." Severus agreed. "Will you claim me now?" he asked hopefully.

Remus nodded. "There's no reason to wait." He carefully stood and helped Severus out of the bath as well. "Do any charms need to be spoken? Or is it only the intent by two wizards needed?"

"According to the book, only intent..." Severus followed Remus, standing as close as possible. "It did say that if the bond forms correctly, it will... um... make me extremely... er... randy. For several days, if not longer." He blushed.

"It's just as well we're here, then, since it won't matter too much if we're in here for a longer period of time." Remus led Severus over to the bed and settled them both on it, so that they could be comfortable. He kissed the spot he needed to mark again, before casting the charm to make his teeth grow sharper and larger.

Severus chuckled softly, letting Remus position him, then focused fully on his need to belong to Remus. He held as still as possible, even though he knew Remus would likely hold him still as well.

Remus held Severus close and tight, making sure his mate wouldn't be able to jerk away. Then, focusing on his need to make Severus his, he bit, charmed teeth making it easy to pierce the skin.

Severus couldn't help the intake of breath, or the slight whine as Remus's teeth pierced and went deep. He focused on the teeth and the fact it meant Remus was his mate... on the fact Remus owned him now, as far as Severus was concerned. He focused on how strongly he belonged to his mate; and that singular focus enabled him to push the pain down.

Remus didn't know how long he had to bite for, but he knew he wanted to make sure that the spell did its job. So, he stayed in place, concentrating on how much he wanted Severus to belong to him. On the fact that Severus was his now.

Eventually, the pain numbed into a slightly pleasant itch... and Severus noticed his stomach fluttering with want. And in that moment, he realized that he was fully aroused, rock hard, and wanted nothing more than for Remus to fuck him into the mattress, taking him until he couldn't walk straight. He groaned softly as he realized; he also had this unbearable urge to confess every wrong he'd ever done to his mate. He immediately told Remus of both those urges. "I think it worked..." He finished the explanation.

Remus carefully withdrew his teeth, allowing them to return to normal, and summoned supplies so that he could clean and bandage Severus' neck. "I think you're right," he agreed. "I have the same urge...to take you hard." But his main focus was on taking care of his mate first.

"So, the urge to confess is only me?" Severus teased gently, as he held still for his mate to care for the wound.

"I suspect that might be to do with the fact the bond is about you belonging and submitting to me," Remus commented.

Snape smiled faintly. "Should I confess while you are pounding me into the mattress, then?" he asked, only slightly teasing.

"That depends on which of your needs is strongest." Finished bandaging the bite, Remus leaned forward and kissed Severus tenderly.

Severus returned the kiss before admitting, "My strongest urge is to let you decide what I get or do first...." He blushed.

"I want to pound you hard into the mattress," Remus admitted. "But I also want to take care of you emotionally. I've been taking care of your physical wounds. I'd like to take care of your emotional ones too."

"I belong to you now. I've no doubt you will be taking care of them frequently." Severus gently kissed Remus. "If you pound me now before lunch, we can come back here after lunch for a 'nap' and I can confess then...."

Remus nodded and kissed him tenderly. "That sounds more than good to me." He summoned some lube to his hand once more.

"Me too..." Severus said, almost panting with need. "On my knees or on my back?" he asked, swallowing hard as he watched the lube float to his mate's hand.

"On your back," Remus replied. "I don't want to put anymore strain on your leg." He began to coat himself with the lube.

Severus immediately obeyed, rolling onto his back, and opening his legs wide, raising his knees toward his chest so he was wide open for taking.

Remus coated himself with the lube and then gripped Severus' hips firmly, immediately beginning to push inside his mate. He leaned over to kiss Severus. "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you..." Severus breathed against Remus's lips. "And I need you so badly. Please... fuck me hard..." he begged softly.

Responding to the need in Severus' words, Remus tightened his grip on his mate's hips and began to thrust, deep and hard.

Severus groaned long and deep, his hands gripping Remus's shoulders. "Feels so good," he moaned softly.

"You feel so good," Remus murmured. "You're being so good for me," he added, wanting Severus to hear that positive reinforcement.

The warmth that blossomed in Severus's chest at those words surprised him, causing tears to pool in his eyes. He hungrily kissed Remus, trying to show him how much he wanted that, to be good and belong and give everything he was to his mate.

He could feel the magic connecting them, the bite throbbing in time with Remus's thrusts, his own body seeming to try and pull his mate inside to never let go. He shifted slightly so Remus's thrusts began to pound against his prostate; it made him incoherent from need. All he could do was beg, "Please," moaning and writhing on his master's shaft. He never wanted to be free again... wanted every moment they were together for Remus to be buried in him, pinning him down, unable to move without the werewolf's permission.

He looked into Remus' face, a natural legilimency taking place that allowed the wolf to look into his mind and heart and know everything he was feeling and thinking. Know that he considered himself Remus' and that he would obey and love. Know that physically, he needed the rough, dominant taking as much as he needed the gentle loving care, because he needed to feel his mate control him to feel safe. His entire life was unsafe, but if Remus had control of him, maybe there was hope.

Finally, on a primal level, he needed to feel his mate deep inside, where no other being had touched or possessed, and he needed to feel it even after his mate had withdrawn. He needed Remus to stay in him for as long as possible, making him sore and sensitive to the point every moment he was awake, and maybe even when asleep, all he could focus on was the feeling of his mate possessing him; a constant reminder that he now belonged. They wouldn't be able to hide it from anyone in the house who was observant. He would have to stay in the room until Remus decided who he trusted with the information. Severus didn't care. He needed to be taken apart and Remus put him back together, wholly his.

Remus felt and experienced everything from Severus and he leaned down, kissing his mate hard and deep, almost like he wanted to devour the other man. Responding to Severus' needs, he thrust deeper, harder, faster, so that the effects would be felt long after they both were able to release. His own shields dropped, allowing Severus to feel everything from Remus too. He loved Severus; needed his mate to belong to him with an intensity that was almost frightening.

Severus had never felt such connection to anyone before. Such belonging. It was almost an out of body experience, his arousal and need growing until he teetered on the edge, only holding on because his mate hadn't given permission yet. He watched Remus with love filled, lust-drugged eyes.

"Let go," Remus whispered hoarsely, voice filled with love and devotion. "We'll let go together."

At Remus' command, Severus' body began to spasm uncontrollably. He clenched tight around his mate's member, his body trying to keep the other inside him while his own release sprayed out of him in streams, coating both of them in the sticky fluid.

Remus had held back only so that they could release together. At the same time as Severus released, Remus let go as well, fingers tightly gripping his mate's hips. 

Severus shuddered in pleasure as his mate's seed flooded him inside. "Yours..." he whispered in a husky voice, after his climax subsided and he lay wrecked under Lupin, legs splayed open and the man's cock still buried inside of him. "Stay in me? Just a little longer?" he softly begged.

"Of course," Remus murmured. He stretched out on top of Severus, kissing him tenderly.

Severus' happy little sigh, plus the way he relaxed, even as he opened up for the kiss, offering everything to his Dom, made it clear he considered Remus agreeing a gift.

"I love you." Remus whispered the words against Severus' lips. "Thank you for giving yourself to me."

"I love you. I belong to you. Forever...." Severus nuzzled. "Thank you for wanting me."

"I will always want you," Remus promised. "You're my world now. We're mated, bonded, for life. And when the war is over, we can have an official ceremony."

"That will give me something to look forward to..." Severus smiled, giving Remus a chaste kiss. "Do we have time for another bath before lunch?" he asked, almost bashfully.

"I think we can just about squeeze one in." Remus withdrew from his mate and stood, before helping Severus to stand as well and leading him over to the tub once more.

Snape quickly waved his wand, vanishing the dirty cold water and refilling the tub with warm water. He then waited for Remus to decide how they would get in.

Remus helped Snape into the tub, settling them in facing each other. He then began to wash his mate's body.

While Remus bathed him, Severus let himself explore his lover's body with his hands, seemingly memorizing him. "You are in charge in our mating..." he acknowledged, without hint of disagreement. "What are your expectations of me?"

"I expect you to keep yourself as safe as possible," Remus answered, bathing and touching Severus. "I expect you to be honest with me and I expect you to take care of yourself. And once I have made a decision about something, then I expect you to follow my directions, but I will always listen to what you have to say."

"What if I am given conflicting directions by Dumbledore or the Dark Lord?" Severus asked softly. "My desire is to obey you, but unless we tell Dumbledore of our relationship and that you are in charge... and the Dark Lord can't know.... so...."

"Then you let me know as soon as it's safely possible to do so," Remus answered. "And I'll tell you what you need to do."

"Yessir… " Severus agreed. He could feel the mate bond magic. It made him want to obey. "I assume if I fail in my endeavors to obey you, I will be punished. If... if I fail and you are not present to see, how should I confess? Our quarters at Hogwarts are not near...." He wasn't happy about that.

"You can send me a message," Remus answered. "Though I plan for us to spend time together when we return to Hogwarts. There are secret passages and other places that aren't known to most of those at Hogwarts."

"Could one be found that connects only our quarters? Or connects our quarters to an unused room? So, I can come to you at night and sleep in your arms?" Severus asked hopefully.

"I'm certain that would be possible," Remus replied.

"I want that..." Severus whispered, shifting to lean against Remus.

Remus kissed him tenderly. "Then when we return to Hogwarts, we'll seek one out." He finished washing Severus and then helped his mate out of the bath, drying both of them off.

Severus snuggled and kissed as often as he was able, but soon they were both dry and it was time to dress. He put on his high collared shirt with long sleeves and black trousers. The mate bite was sore and likely would be for a few days. "It's tender..." he said, with a smile. He was tender inside too. He liked the feeling of tenderness. It reminded him who he belonged to.

"It'll help you remember even when we're not together," Remus said softly. He drew Severus in for a deep kiss before leading the way out of their room. 

Severus leaned on Remus as they went into the dining area. His leg was healing nicely, but it still ached, and it hurt less with support; plus his leg was the best excuse for being able to hold onto Remus, or Remus hold onto him, without anyone saying anything. As he sat down, he couldn't help the slight wince, though he didn't squirm. He really was going to be reminded who he belonged to now for several days, but if anyone asked, he'd blame his leg. Once sat at the table, he immediately took his potions, then glanced at Sirius. "Would you allow me to read any of your family books in the bedroom? I would like to continue perusing this afternoon while you all play games, but I'm starting to feel weary."

Sirius blinked. "Sure... I know you are able to tell which ones are dangerous and should remain where they are..." Sirius shrugged.

Ron looked surprised and very suspicious, but one of the twins elbowed him in the side before he could say anything hotheaded. "Hey!" He turned toward them, distracted.

Remus was curious about what Severus was planning to look up, but he didn't ask a question. Instead, he filled his plate with food and began to eat. He was obviously much more relaxed and happier. Claiming Severus as his mate had settled something deep inside him.

Sirius noticed how calm and at ease his best friend was. "This vacation is doing you good, Moony. Maybe you should come here more often," he commented.

"It's nice to be here," Remus agreed. And, of course, it helped that he didn't have to hide the fact he was sharing a room with Severus.

"Well, we've only been here one night... we have, what...two more weeks before you have to return to the school?" Andromeda asked.

Remus nodded. "We have time," he agreed.

"So, we can play games after lunch? Instead of cleaning?" Ron looked at his mother hopefully, since she'd deemed his prank on Severus deserved him doing chores.

"If you apologize to Professor Snape and he accepts it, then yes," Molly replied.

Ron looked like he'd eaten something sour and was about to face a dementor at the same time. Swallowing hard, he took a breath to bolster his courage and turned toward Snape. "I'm sorry, sir. I shouldn't have fed you a potion like that as a prank. It... it was dangerous, and I should have thought of that...." It was clear someone had talked to him at some point and explained, because he obviously meant what he said.

Blinking in surprise that the apology was genuine and Weasley apparently regretted his actions, Severus nodded. "I accept your apology..." he said quietly.

Glancing around at everyone else, Snape narrowed his eyes slightly. Except for Remus, it was apparent everyone else had expected him not to accept the apology. Feeling a bit irked at the fact, he continued quietly, in a conspiratorial manner, "There are potions that can produce the results you were seeking that do not interact with other potions or magical items. If you are interested, I could teach you some of them later this week." Seeing the horrified looks on the other adults' faces made having to spend an afternoon with the 'dunderheads' worth it.

Remus snorted softly at Severus' response, hiding his grin behind his drink.

The twins looked immediately interested, clearly plotting some mischief or other.

"Really?!" Ron almost vibrated with surprised excitement. "That would be great, sir! Thank you!"

"Yes, well. Can't have you accidently poisoning people if I can teach you how to avoid doing so..." Severus said, before clearing his throat, suddenly uncomfortably self-conscious.

Remus smiled at that. "Quite right." He agreed with his mate's comments. "I'm sure I can show you a few extra tricks, too...Padfoot?" He glanced towards his best friend, raising his eyebrows.

Sirius just looked as if he thought he was being pranked by everyone. "Uh... sure, Moony...."

Remus chuckled softly and resumed eating. Between mouthfuls, he said, "I need to talk to you about something after lunch anyway, Padfoot."

Severus quietly ate his food, content to remain quiet unless asked a question.

It wasn't long before they finished eating and began clearing up after themselves.

Severus disappeared into the library again.

Sirius looked at Remus. "You wanted to talk?" he asked.

Remus nodded. "We can go to my room," he suggested.

"Sure!" Sirius agreed, following his friend back upstairs to the rooms. Once they were inside, he glanced at Remus. "What's up, Moony?"

"It's about me and Severus." Remus spoke clearly and plainly. "We're in a relationship. Mated now. Officially."

Sirius blinked, just staring at Remus before sighing slightly. "I'll try to get along with him for your sake. But if he does anything to hurt you, I reserve my right to make him regret life." He paused. "When you say you are mated...?"

"It was a spell," Remus answered. "When Hermione asked about whether werewolves mated for life, Severus looked for more information. He knows you can change so that you can be with me on the night of the full moon. According to what he found out, now that we're mated through magic, the wolf will not only recognize him, but will be calmer and easier to control once the change occurs. Even without the wolfsbane potion."

"He looked that up and decided to mate with you to help you?" Sirius blinked. "I knew both of you were friendly, but that seems a bit far to go unless you've become best friends..." He sounded a bit jealous.

Remus shook his head. "We'd already figured out our feelings for each other and acted on them. Severus looked up that information because he'd already given himself to me physically." He hesitated. "We have to keep our relationship from everyone else, but I already told him I couldn't keep it from you."

Sirius blinked again. "You both were attracted to each other and had sex before he found a mating spell?" He wasn't sure how he felt about that. On the one hand, it meant Remus had found someone who knew what he was and still wanted to be with him, despite the risks and hardships involved. And wasn't trying to replace him as Remus' best friend and brother. On the other hand, it meant his best friend was having sex with the 'hated bat' of the dungeons and Sirius had heard all the rumors and stories told by students as he was 'hiding' as a dog at the school. He didn't want to think of his brother doing those types of things. He shuddered. "You know what? I don't want to know details. The mating bond enables him to be with you even during the change and helps keep the wolf calm even without your potion?  That can only be a good thing. If both of you come here the nights of the full moon, you could stop poisoning yourself!" Sirius perked up. "Does he control your wolf?" he asked, suddenly curious how the mating bond enabled Remus to remain calm.

"According to the research he found, just having him there as my mate, as the wolf's mate, will keep the wolf calm and remove the need to run," Remus answered. "There'd be less chance of me waking to having torn myself up. Or someone else up," he added, given that the wolf's idea of 'play' had often ended with one of his friends bleeding, even if the injuries were only as a result of rough play and not dangerous.

"And you are certain he looked that up to help you... because he really cares about you?" Sirius asked hesitantly, trying to be supportive, but fighting years of built-up mistrust of the Slytherin. "He's not playing a game, or didn't do this in an effort to get control over you as your master?" He may not know a lot about the spell used, but he'd heard about 'mating spells' growing up and they nearly always had a component of Master/slave when he'd overheard his parents talking of them.

"It's the other way round," Remus answered honestly. "The mating ritual puts me in control. Severus is submissive to me. As for playing a game...no, he's entirely sincere. I was able to read him fully right after the spell took hold, so even if I'd had any doubts...that would have removed them."

That caught Sirius up short. "He submits to you?" he asked, for confirmation. "The boy who went out of his way to try and one-up us to show that no one was over him.... willingly tied himself to you in a position of being under your control?" He swallowed. That more than anything convinced him of Severus's good intentions.  "I hope you aren't too harsh with him. I get the feeling his non-magical masters aren't overly kind. You have more power over him than anyone, so... you could destroy him if you aren't careful...." Sirius said somberly. He knew Remus would never hurt the other man willingly, but he needed to know how much power he now wielded.

"I love him," Remus replied seriously. "He's been harmed enough already. I won't add to that." He paused, but he'd already determined that he was going to tell Sirius everything. "He is in danger, though. He's spying on the dark Lord for Albus. That's why we can't reveal our relationship yet. Albus is using him as a pawn. When I first discovered the truth, Severus told me that he won't survive this war. I won't let him die." His voice was low. Intense. As strong as it had ever been.

Sirius narrowed his eyes. "I'm not sure Albus is much better than the Dark Lord when it comes down to it. Better for the world in general, sure, but he doesn't seem to care for his people any more than you-know-who does the Death Eaters..." He sighed. "I'll try and help you keep him safe, if I can."

"I appreciate that," Remus said quietly. "I can't lose him. I've told him already that I will keep him alive, even before we came here and acted on our feelings for each other."

"I'll be an extra set of eyes. I'll 'tell on him' to you as often as he told on us," Sirius said, with an impish smirk. "I will also make sure I knock on your door and wait before coming in from now on. Just in case you ever get locked together, you can warn me to stay out."

Remus laughed outright at that. "I'm sure you'll appreciate getting your own back. And if it's not safe for you to come in, I'll let you know," he added.

Sirius pouted that Remus had deftly ignored his comment on being locked together. "How much of your wolfiness carries through to you when you aren't changed?" He decided to just ask.

"Are you asking if I knot?" Remus asked.

Sirius smiled sheepishly. "Yes?" He quickly continued, "This cute witch and I got together after graduation, before James and Lily were married, and she was an Animagus too! A golden retriever. And, well... we decided to do it as Padfoot and Silky and got locked together and... it was awesome. Just... I can't in human form. Just wondered if you could... since you aren't an Animagus..." He sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. He'd actually been dying to talk with his friend about 'encounters' for a long time, get advice or give it... but Remus never dated anyone, and it felt mean to bring it up. Now Remus was married. There were a lot of 'guy talks' to make up.

"It hasn't happened yet," Remus replied. "I don't know if it's something that could happen eventually. Apart from Severus, I've never really had anyone else. I always knew the mechanics of sex, of course, but he was the only one who ever wanted to be with me, knowing what I am. You, James...even Peter...I never felt like a monster with you. Severus gives me those same feelings."

Sirius's whole demeanor shifted, softened and he gave Remus a fond and loving smile. "I'm glad you found each other. That you have this now. And I wish for you that every possible, pleasurable act that is possible for you to experience with each other happens. You deserve to be happy, Moony. You deserve to have pleasure. And the fact you have it now... thanks to Severus? Well... I promise to do whatever I can to make sure you don't lose him."

"Thank you. Your support means everything to me," Remus said seriously. "I am happy...the only thing that casts shade over that is knowing the amount of danger my mate is in." He would be happiest if he could pull Severus out of the dangerous situation, but he couldn't do that to the man he loved.

"Does he want to continue being a spy? Pretty sure mate magic trumps anything Dumbledore might be holding over his head. You could probably order him to get out and he'd have to...." Sirius suggested hesitantly. He knew Remus wouldn't want to force obedience. But Remus needed to know what his options were in case the worst started to happen.

"I know I could order him," Remus replied. "And I know that he'd obey. But it would hurt him and make him miserable. I can't do that to him."

"Are you sure about that?" Sirius asked quietly. "How much of what he's doing now was because he felt guilt and Dumbledore took advantage? Seems like a conversation you should have. Because if the only reason he is doing it is because he sees no other options, you ordering him to save his life might be a relief to him."

"You're right," Remus agreed. "It would be better to talk to him, even if I don't intend to force him to obey me."

Sirius nodded. "You'll probably want to talk to him anyway. Read that book he borrowed together. So, you both know what to expect."

"I plan to," Remus replied. "I'll also let him know that we've talked. Considering how a lot of other people view him right now, I hope it will help him to know there's another person who knows the truth and won't use it against him."

"I probably can't be overly friendly around other people if he needs to keep his cover... but maybe both if you can come here alone some weekends and I can actually treat him the way I should have years ago...." Sirius offered.

"I'm sure he would appreciate that," Remus replied.

"It's a plan, then." Sirius smiled.

"It is." Remus smiled. "I'm so glad you're on my side, Padfoot." He chuckled softly.

"Always, Moony. Always." Sirius grinned. "Now... I promised my godson some games.... and pretty sure your mate wants to get stuffed by you again..." Sirius smirked. "So, I will see you at dinner. Unless you'd like me to have it brought to your room by Kreacher, so you can show your mate who's boss the rest of today and tonight." He chuckled.

Remus snorted softly. "That's a very tempting idea," he commented.

"It can be done... alls you gotta do is say..." Sirius grinned as he moved toward the door. "Just send a message...."

"Will do," Remus promised.

Sirius went to find the kids. He knew Severus was in the library with the 'mate' book. He was pretty sure Remus could find him, though.

Remus left his room and headed to the library to find his mate.

Severus was sat at a table, reading the mating book. He wanted to find out as much about the bond as possible. See if there were other ways, he could help Remus.

Putting a blocking and silencing charm around the library, Remus walked over to his mate, careful to make noise so that Severus knew he was coming. He wrapped his arms around Severus from behind and kissed his shoulder.

Severus turned his head enough to kiss Remus's cheek. "Did you and Sirius have a good discussion?" he asked with a smile, before pushing the book over slightly so Remus could sit beside him and read it with him.

"We did. He knows everything." Remus took the seat next to Severus, but since they were alone and he was feeling the need to be possessive with his mate, he tugged Severus into his lap.

Severus let out a tiny squeak of surprise, but quickly settled back against Remus' chest. "He knows we are mates? That I belong to you now?" He was pleased that Remus had told his chosen brother.

"He knows," Remus confirmed, kissing Severus' neck. "He knows that you belong to me. That I love you. That we're bound together."

"Good. I am glad..." Severus slanted his head to give Remus better access. "I found some interesting perks of the mating; beyond you having a calmer, safer change, I mean."

"What perks?" Remus nuzzled against Severus' neck, his arms wrapping firmly, possessively, around his mate's waist.

"We can send emotions to each other..." Severus shivered at the nuzzling, a happy little sigh escaping. "So, if something happens and one of us needs help calming down or something, the other can send the needed emotion to influence...." He pointed out that section in the book.

"It doesn't look like I can do this..." he continued with a slight disappointment, pointing to another section, "but you can send actual physical feelings to me. I guess so you can send physical reprimands without anyone else seeing, if necessary. Least, that's what the note in the margin says." He blinked, seeing another note, and cleared his throat. "Or you can just use it to make me horny and ready for you at any time...."

Remus continued nuzzling his mate's neck, noticing Severus' reactions and wanting to make him feel good. "So, if you're feeling guilty, I can respond straight away. I don't know if I'd want to arouse you when we were around most people...not unless the intent was to then carry you to our room so I could have my way with you."

Severus hummed softly, a pleased moan escaping. "Pr... probably not. But maybe if it was close to a time where I could disappear back to where I wasn't in public." He turned the page and stopped, staring at a very graphic illustration. "I think we're into the picture portion of the book." He swallowed and cleared his throat, blushing. "How is that even possible?" he whispered to himself.

Gently moving the collar of Severus' shirt so he could kiss and nuzzle more bare skin, Remus murmured, "I'm certain we could find a way."

"Y... you want to put me into that position?" Severus asked, a hint of arousal in his tone. The position required complete trust in Remus on Severus' part but looked like it would feel wonderful.

"It would make you completely reliant on me. Leave me in complete control." Remus whispered the words into his neck. "I want that."

Severus shivered and groaned softly, before standing quickly and beginning to unbutton his shirt with shaky hands. "No time like the present... he said, in a shaky voice filled with lusty need.

Remus stood and reached out so that he could help Severus remove the rest of his clothing, kissing, touching and stroking as he did so.

It didn't take long before Severus was completely naked. Giving Remus a look filled with trust and desire, he conjured the ties they would need and handed them to his mate.

Taking the ties, Remus began to move them into the position that had been indicated in the book. He kissed, touched, and stroked his mate, using the bond to send feelings of love and desire to Severus.

Severus' whole body flushed with love and pleasure, as his mate bound him in such a way that he couldn't move at all. Remus would have to move him. And then he was up in the air. High enough Remus could kiss without having to sit down or bend over. High enough that if the ties broke and he fell, it would hurt badly; especially given the way he was tied wide open. He felt exceedingly vulnerable to his mate.

Remus didn't just use the ties; he also used magic to ensure they were strong enough to hold Severus' weight. He began to touch, explore, kiss...focusing on all of the sensitive areas that had now been left open and vulnerable to him.

Severus let out a tiny sob of need as he felt Remus's lips and fingers against his most vulnerable areas, not able to hide them or pull away. He had to take whatever Remus decided to do. It was equal parts frightening and arousing, having no 'choice' in what Remus was doing. And it felt so good.

"You're so good for me, Severus," Remus murmured. "So very good for me. I love you so much."

"L... love you... so much..." Severus said in a shaky voice, body quivering. He was fully aroused, his erection dangling down like forbidden fruit.

Remus glided his fingers along Severus' erection. Then, he leaned forward and kissed the tip, before drawing it into his mouth.

Severus let out a choked sob as his member was surrounded by the wet heat of Remus' mouth. He couldn't move. Every nerve screamed at him to either begin thrusting gently to feel friction, or to pull away because of sharp teeth. But he couldn't move. Not even an inch. He was fully at Remus's mercy. "...Master..." He whimpered; the name drawn out of him instinctive. It felt right on his tongue, and he repeated it in a longer whine. "....Maaaster..."

Remus' hands moved to grip Severus' hips, holding onto his mate tightly, as he began to suck at his mate's member. Severus couldn't move and that felt right to Remus.

Severus quivered, feeling the suction on his member, feeling the tight grip of Remus's fingers, and he groaned. The fact he was immobile and had to take it wasn't just scary. It was liberating. The knowledge his mate had the power over him to pleasure him or hurt him... and he could do nothing but accept Remus's decision felt right.

Still gripping Severus tightly, Remus continued to suck his mate's member, fully intending to wring out all of Severus' release from him, drop by drop.

Severus' member continued to swell, growing, and thickening on Remus's tongue, laying heavy. He was a decent size, but not so large Remus couldn't take him all in. The hot suction on his shaft felt so good, but the gentle press of Remus's lips against his swollen balls also felt good, driving him to distraction. He began to softly babble.

This particular position had provided three extra spells beyond the ones needed to bind and lift him up and had suggested when to use them. He was fast reaching the point for the first spell. He didn't know if Remus would take a chance on a spell they didn't know, but some small, reckless part of him hoped he did. If it added to the pleasure he felt or added to the complete sense of helpless reliance on his mate, it would be worth it.

Remus had noticed the extra spells, but he wasn't planning on using them...at least not for this first time. Severus was showing a huge amount of trust in him already, without Remus adding in extra expectations. Besides. He planned to take his mate as often as he safely could and in as many ways as possible. He was in no hurry to rush through anything.

Continuing to suck his mate's member, Remus gently squeezed Severus' hips, trying to tell him without words that he could let go any time he was ready.

Somehow, maybe it was the mating bond, Severus knew what Remus meant when he squeezed his hips. His climax hit him hard, the fact he couldn't move causing it to draw out longer and harder. He emptied for his mate, spurting like a fountain.

Remus took every bit of Severus' release, holding onto his mate's hips. Once he'd taken everything, he pulled back and kissed Severus' chest. "I love you."

Severus quivered, still held immobile. "I love you... so much."

"What would you like me to do to you?" Remus asked.

Severus let out a breathy chuckle. "You just gave me a blow-job that shook me to my core. I want you to do whatever will make you feel just as good...."

"Giving you pleasure makes me feel good," Remus answered honestly, allowing his fingers to gently grip and play with his mate's nipples.

Severus's nipples were hard as pebbles and began to ache at even the slight touch. "I..." Severus gasped and swallowed hard. "...I am not able to move and am completely at your mercy. You can do anything at all that you might think of, and I have to take it... and it is the most arousing feeling in the world. I want to be owned by my mate in every way possible...."

Remus smiled at those words and spoke in a soft voice. "Those spells in the book...I am tempted to try at least one of them. But I don't want to cause you any harm. I need to know that if something is uncomfortable or distresses you, you'll let me know."

"If it gets to be too much and I need you to stop... I'll say Snivilus. You know I would never say that without reason..." Severus promised.

"You could also just say stop." Remus reached out and stroked his thumb over Severus' cheek and lips, then leaned forward to kiss his mate tenderly.

Severus kissed back tenderly. "I could. Do you prefer that? It is more straight-forward."

"It is," Remus agreed. "And less likely to bring up bad memories."

Severus gave a soft smile. "Then that's what I'll do. I don't want our love to have any connection to bad memories."

"Neither do I." Remus kissed him again, even as he returned to tweaking and playing with his mate's nipples.

Severus made moaning and whimpering sounds as Remus touched him. The fact he couldn't move intensified the sensations and feelings.

Remus leaned forward and engulfed one of Severus' nipples in his mouth, even as he continued to tweak and squeeze the other one with his hands.

"F... feels good..." Severus whimpered, excited and curious to see what Remus wanted to do. Curious and excited to see how far his mate would take him and push his limits when he was helpless to him. Yes... Severus could stop things if he became frightened or didn't like something, but... he only intended to stop his mate if it became obvious any pain was from dangerous damage. He would not stop if he was afraid because... he wanted to prove to his mate that he could handle the fear if Remus was there. That he trusted Remus would take care of him during and after.

"Good." Remus pulled away from Severus' nipple long enough to murmur, "I want you to feel good." Then, he resumed sucking and gently nipping. His hands explored, stroked, caressed, and squeezed Severus's flesh, scarred skin and whole alike.

Severus' moans became increasingly louder the longer Remus worked on him. Not being able to squirm away ensured some areas that he normally hid received attention. His body was very sensitive.

Finally satisfied with the state he'd reduced Severus' nipples to, Remus released the hard nubs from his mouth. He then began to kiss and nuzzle other parts of Severus' body, taking the same path his hands had.

Some areas, to Severus surprise, weren't just sensitive. They were slightly ticklish, and he let out tiny huffs of enjoyment, even as that aroused him as well. He was slowly hardening again, swelling, his member still dangling like an offering. "...Remus..." he whined softly, to let the other man know it felt good.

Remus paid careful attention to Severus' reactions, so that he knew what brought his mate the most pleasure and could make sure he repeated those actions. He kept the mating bond open between them, so that Severus could feel how much Remus loved him. How much he was needed and wanted.

Feeling Remus's emotions while the other man pleasured him was another layer of arousal. Severus began to feel high from emotion and endorphins.

It was obvious that Remus was gaining as much pleasure from this as Severus was. He wanted to do this for his mate; wanted to reward Severus' trust in him by making his lover feel good.

Every part of Severus that could be hard, swollen, or red from arousal was. His hole quivered, the need to feel his mate inside growing.

Remus continued to gently torment Severus for a few more moments, before he finally summoned some lube to his hand. Coating himself with a liberal amount, he positioned himself so that he could easily push inside his mate.

Severus shivered as Remus repositioned him so he wasn't raised so high and was in a good position for his mate to take. He was still magically bound and so had to be patient. It wasn't easy. "...Need you, lover..." he whimpered, begging.

Remus pressed a kiss to Severus' shoulder and grasped his mate's hips, pushing into Severus easily. It was obvious how good Severus felt to him, as his arousal immediately spiked.

Severus groaned and clenched around his mate's shaft. The inability to do anything but take what Remus gave him was so exciting and he was so aroused, he was teetering on the edge of falling.

"I have you." Remus whispered the words against Severus' neck. "I'm here. Whatever you need to do, however you need to act, you're safe. I love you." He began to thrust inside his mate, gripping Severus' hips tightly.

Severus shivered at the words, a tiny moan escaping, then dropped. The only person in the world was his mate. The only thing happening in the world... the only thing existing.... was his mate pushing, thrusting into him, over and over. His body clenched without thought, instinctively trying to make it tight and good for the man taking him. It was beyond good for him; he couldn't focus or think and his emotions were scattered.

Remus held Severus tight and close, even with the spell, so that there was no chance his mate would slip or potentially injure himself. He opened himself up fully through the bond, surrounding his mate with loving, protective emotions.

Severus grunted softly with each thrust, a tiny whispered, "Yours," expressed with each exhale. He felt nothing but contentment. Felt his mate's love and accepted it fully, his own trust and love leaking through to Remus. His member was leaking steadily, almost angry in its arousal, bobbing with each firm thrust. He didn't notice. All his focus was on Remus sliding in and out of him and how right it felt to belong to the wolf.

"Mine." Remus whispered the word, a low growl escaping his lips along with the words. He moved his hand round towards Severus' member, fingers ghosting over it before gripping and gently stroking.

Severus' breathing was erratic, and he began to softly sob with need; the only thing he was able to do, still bound for Remus to control. The sobbing was interspersed with breathy, "Yes!" His member was wet, a puddle forming on the floor from the copious amount of precum he was giving. His channel tightened farther still, squeezing Remus tightly as he continued to thrust.

"Let go." Remus whispered the words against Severus' skin, gently kissing his neck. "Let go, so we can release together."

Shuddering, Severus obeyed, releasing hard.

Remus let go at the same time, releasing hard inside his mate. He wrapped his arms more firmly around Severus, kissing the back of his neck and nuzzling there.

Severus' breathing evened out and he sighed softly at the kiss. "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you. So much." Remus began to carefully remove the magic and ties that held his mate bound. "I think we should go back to our room. It'll be more comfortable, and recovery will be easier there."

Severus breathed out and moved slowly, so he didn't seize up from being able to move. "That will be most welcome." He smiled crookedly at Remus, before leaning in for a chaste kiss.

Remus kissed him in return, tenderly and lovingly, before he picked up his mate's clothing and began to get Severus dressed. He'd been taking charge anyway; it felt natural to continue doing so.

Severus didn't argue he could dress himself. Having given such complete control to Remus, it was easy to continue giving that control. Plus, he was wiped out from the rigorous lovemaking. He did take the time to do a quick cleaning spell on the floor of the library.

Once Severus was dressed, Remus dressed himself as well. Then, he retrieved the book. Taking hold of his mate, he apparated both of them to their room.

Severus held tightly to Remus, swaying slightly when they reached the room. He noted Remus still had the book and grinned. "By the end of this vacation, I will be completely mated... and your transformations should be so much easier."

"I'm more concerned with claiming my mate than anything else," Remus admitted. "The transformations being easier is an advantage, but my priority is you." Knowing that Severus couldn't be comfortable, he began to get his mate out of the clothing, so that he could clean the other man up and dress him in fresh clothes.

"I could do with a soak, actually..." Severus admitted, looking at the tub. "And a small nap...."

Remus nodded and cast a charm to refill and reheat the water in the tub. Then, he helped Severus into the tub, making sure his mate could fit in there comfortably.

Severus moaned softly as the heat eased any lingering soreness he had. "Do you want to join me?" he asked Remus softly.

"I would." Remus carefully got into the tub with his mate, drawing Severus in so that they could soak together, his mate pressed as close to him as possible. 

Severus leaned back into Remus, turning his head just enough to kiss under his chin. He didn't push for anything; it was enough to be snuggled by his mate.

Remus was more than happy to just snuggle with his mate, brushing his lips against Severus' hair. He left the mating bond open, allowing Severus to feel just how contented and happy Remus was just to be with him.

Severus left his mental and emotional walls down so his mate could feel everything he felt as well. He made sure Remus could feel how contented and satisfied he was that his mate had taken over completely and that he was more than on board with the idea of giving up total control more often... and potentially outside of sex.

Gently kissing Severus' hair, Remus murmured, "I'm sure it won't surprise you to know that I don't want you to continue spying on the dark lord for Albus." They were both relaxed and satiated from sex; he figured now was as good a time as any to bring this up.

"I'm not surprised. I don't know how I would stop, though..." Severus said apologetically, the immediate urge to do what his mate would prefer hitting him hard. He didn't try to hide the fact he wanted to do what Lupin wanted. "Even if the order could get by without the information I provide, the Dark Lord would never let me leave alive. Even if he is defeated and destroyed, it's hard to believe I'd get out alive...."

"You don't have to respond to his call," Remus replied softly. "You can ignore it. As others who were death eaters have done. I can't lose you, Severus. You mean too much to me. I couldn't survive it," he admitted hoarsely.

"He's killed all those who refused his call..." Severus whispered. "He made the rest of us watch..." His voice sounded guilty and haunted. He felt guilty and haunted. There wasn't anything he could have done, but it always felt as if he should have at least tried to help those brave enough to leave his service.

Remus wrapped his arms tighter, protectively, around Severus. "You're mine." He spoke with a possessive note in his voice. Underneath that and clear through the mating bond, he was scared. Terrified of losing Severus. "I'll protect you," he added. "Sirius will too. He already told me as much."

"What about information for the order? Albus won't be happy. He'll find some way to make me return..." Severus sounded resigned.

"You belong to me, Severus. Not to him. Not to anyone else," Remus said quietly. "I won't let anyone else have control of you or send you into dangerous situations. Albus wants to use this place as a base for the Order meetings...but if I ask Sirius, he won't allow it to happen. I will willingly use every tool at my disposal to keep you safe."

Severus twisted enough to look into Remus' eyes. "I belong to you and only you have the right to order me," he acknowledged quietly. "I need to obey you. I'm sorry I argued," he apologized.

Gently clasping the side of Severus' face, Remus murmured, "It's okay to tell me what you worry about. What concerns you. But the ultimate decision is up to me. You won't be working for Albus anymore. You won't be spying on the dark lord for him. And while we're here, we'll work with Sirius on ways to protect you from both of them."

"Yessir..." Severus felt relieved; not only that he wouldn't have to return to the dark lord's presence, but that Remus was taking control over him completely, not just during sex.

"I love you," Remus whispered, kissing him tenderly. "And I'm not going to hide it anymore."

"I love you too..." Severus returned the kiss hungrily. As tired as he was, his body wanted to be claimed, possessed, again.

Even despite noticing how Severus' body reacted, Remus knew that recovery was important. "I'm going to get us both dried off...then you'll sleep in my arms. We don't have to join the others for dinner. Sirius offered to have Kreacher bring food here."

"Sirius really is trying to help..." Severus sounded equal parts surprised and relieved.

"He promised me that he would be an extra set of eyes on you for me...and tell on you to me, I believe he put it, 'as often as you told on us' when we were students." Remus spoke with a heavy trace of amusement in his voice. "He was worried about you, too," he added, in a more serious tone. "Said he hoped I wasn't too harsh on you."

"How could you be too harsh on me?" Severus wrinkled his nose cutely, trying to understand why Sirius would worry about that.

Remus smiled, unable to help but gently kiss Severus at that. "He said he got the impression your non-magical masters aren't overly kind." He held his mate close for a few moments and then got them both out of the tub to begin drying them off.

"The Dark Lord is cruel. Albus is... single-minded. It is not that he tries to be cruel, but what he believes is needed outweighs everything else, so he is not careful of me...." Severus explained.

"Neither of them will be in control of you, or have any control over you, any longer," Remus promised, carefully drying them both off. He then settled on the bed, drawing Severus into his arms as he'd promised. 

Severus crawled up next to Remus, shifting until he was pressed head to toe to his mate. As Remus had left them naked, he snuggled close for body warmth.

Kissing him softly, Remus murmured, "I love you." He let his hands rub gently over Severus' back; not demanding or sexual, but just because he wanted to give his mate affection.

"I love you... so glad I belong to you..." Severus responded.

Remus continued the gentle stroking and touching, every so often kissing Severus' head, hoping the affection would soothe his mate to sleep.

Severus was very tired and as sleeping in his mate's arms made him feel safe enough to completely relax, he was soon asleep.

Closing his own eyes, Remus felt sleep overtake him, the presence of his mate soothing him deep inside.

****

Albus had called a meeting of the order and then had flooed Sirius, requesting permission to use his house after the fact. Sirius wasn't in a terribly good mood. The headmaster had made comments meant to guilt Sirius into allowing it, making him feel obligated. Sighing, he sent his Patronus to warn Remus and Severus they would be having even more company at dinner.

By the time the Patronus came to the room, Remus had woken up, though he was still holding onto Severus. Blinking sleep out of his eyes, he sighed. "Tell Sirius to come here so we can talk," he requested of the Patronus, before gently waking his mate up.

Severus was a light sleeper, even if he was sleeping better with Remus. He immediately woke. "What is wrong?" he asked hesitantly, sensing Remus was unhappy about something.

"Albus has requested a meeting of the order to take place here," Remus said. "Since you will no longer be spying on the dark lord for him, I've requested that Sirius come here, so that we can discuss how best to handle this." He began to dress his mate and himself, touching and stroking Severus' body to reassure him.

Severus sighed. "I had hoped to have a few more days before we had to face him, but I suppose getting it done with is better," he whispered, not fighting Remus dressing him. He found he liked being cared for in this way, even if it was a bit childish of him.

"I agree," Remus said. Once he'd finished getting them both ready, he gently pulled Severus into his lap. After all, his best friend knew their relationship now. Remus had no intention of hiding. 

Severus blinked at finding himself held like a child. He didn't fight it, but he couldn't help but worry what Sirius would say.

By that point, Sirius had arrived. Knocking on the door, he waited just long enough for an invitation to enter before walking in, closing the door firmly behind him and quickly putting up silencing charms. He didn't even blink at how Severus was sat. "So. Tonight. What's the plan?"

"Severus won't be spying on the dark lord for Albus anymore." Remus spoke firmly, his arms wrapped possessively around his mate's waist. "Albus isn't going to like it...I'll need your help to protect him."

Sirius glanced toward Severus. "And you accept this? Moony isn't forcing you?"

Severus blinked in surprise. He'd expected Sirius to just accept it and go along, not care if Severus really wanted it or not. "I accept it," he finally answered softly. "My place is with my mate and... I never truly wanted to go back to spying. To being in his presence. I just didn't have a choice. Now I do." He looked at Remus gratefully, almost shyly.

Sirius nodded. "Okay, then. We now have the conditions for Albus to use my house. He leaves Severus alone about spying. If he doesn't, he can't use the house. I just change secret keepers on it. If he persists, Severus stops teaching and you and he go into hiding."

"Thank you, Padfoot," Remus said quietly. "The dark lord will likely try and get Severus back; I don't doubt that. But I hope that the mating bond will be strong enough to allow my mate to resist." He nuzzled against Severus' shoulder.

Sirius nodded. "Um... how far did you get in the creature bonds book?" he asked hesitantly.

Severus glanced toward the book Remus had left on the table and flushed.

Sirius glanced toward the book. His eyes widened and he gave both men an impressed look. "Okay. Not the book I'm talking about, but way to go! No, the book I mean is..." He wrinkled his nose. "Hold on."

Suddenly, he apparated out of the room. Severus barely had time to give Remus a confused look before he was Apparating back in, holding something invisible.

"Sorry. Forgot this was under a charm so only Black family could see it." He looked at his hands. "Remus Lupin and Severus Snape are my chosen family and are allowed to see you." Suddenly, an old, thin book became visible in his hands. How to Make the Most of Your Creature Mating Bond, by Mecurio Black. He handed it to Remus.

"For all the blood purity rot my family liked to spout, there is an amazing amount of 'other' creature blood in our past. You know werewolves form magical bonds to their mates. So do Veelas, giants, centaurs... pretty much any magical being other than humans. Each bond is unique to whichever type of being they are- most likely because the bonds are to ensure the safety of the mates." Sirius shrugged. "The chapter on werewolves might give you an idea how to strengthen the bond so it is the only one Severus has any longer. It's been a long time since I read the book; my parents hated it. Thought it was a blemish on the family name. But I vaguely recall the best way to strengthen the bond is to let your wolf out to claim Severus as well."

Severus got a disturbed and slightly worried look on his face that Sirius didn't notice.

Remus took the book from his best friend and brother, slowly turning it over in his hands. "I think we should look at the book and exactly what all that entails before making that kind of decision," he said, having noticed the look on his mate's face.

Sirius noticed the look finally. "Um... you do realize when I say let the wolf claim his mate, I don't mean as the wolf, right? Moony... you do realize you can let the wolf out without actually changing into the wolf?" He glanced at Remus.

"No?" Remus spoke with a slightly hesitant note to his voice. "Mostly, I'm so focused on trying to keep it under control. The only times it wasn't was when I became...well, bossy and controlling leading up to the full moon."

Sirius just stared at Remus. "I... have been a horrid friend..." he finally said, with a sad sigh. "All those times James and I told you, you needed to accept Moony was part of you and stop fighting him, I thought you knew what we meant. I thought whoever explained werewolves to you would have explained how to be a werewolf. Well, I guess that is the reason muggles have that saying about asses and assuming." Sighing again, he said, "Hold on," before Apparating out again.

"Why do I get the feeling we will be reading an inordinate amount the rest of vacation?" Severus said drolly.

"It looks like both of us will be learning a lot more about the mating bond now," Remus said softly. "It's good. We're in the right place to learn, to experiment...and now that you won't be working for Albus anymore, there's no reason to hide. And no reason for you to keep up your reputation of being a surly bastard," he added, with a faint trace of amusement, before continuing in a more serious tone, "You don't need to do things that will cause you to feel guilty and emotionally hurt."

"You are assuming 'surly bastard' is not my normal temperament..." Severus said in amusement, before sobering. "There has been too much in my sordid past to ever stop feeling guilty, but it will be good to not add to that guilt."

"I've been around you long enough to know that the temperament you put on as an act is not your true nature." Remus rested his chin on Severus' shoulder. "If you still feel the need to confess to me, I can help with some of that guilt."

"I'm afraid to confess..." Severus admitted brokenly. "The things I did... the things I stood by and watched, doing nothing... it will leave you so disappointed in me. Even if you understand why and forgive it. You'd still be so disappointed...."

"No." Remus spoke softly. "If you didn't stand by, if you didn't do those things, you would have been killed. Or, worse, tortured into insanity. You did what you had to so you could stay alive. I can't be disappointed by that. Not knowing that if you hadn't, I wouldn't be able to claim you now. "

Severus swallowed hard at that, turning in Remus's arms so he could press his face into his mare's neck and cling.

At that moment, Sirius popped back inro the room with one last book. "Sorry I took so long. This one was a bit harder to find, but it explains how to become friends with the wolf in you so you can both work together instead of you constantly fighting it." He looked up. "Oh... I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to interrupt... I can leave you two alone..." he stammered, noticing Severus looked upset and not knowing why.  He quickly put the book down.

In response, Remus wrapped his arms tighter around Severus, pressing a kiss to his head before looking up at his best friend and brother in all but blood. "We just have some things that need to be dealt with," he said softly. "We'll join you for dinner. I think it will be good for both of us not to hide anymore."

"Okay. I'll see you then... er... good luck, I guess?" Sirius winced slightly in uncertainty, before Apparating out and to his own room.

Remus immediately turned his attention to Severus, holding his mate close and tight. "I love you," he whispered. "No matter what you did, no matter what you've done, that won't change."

"I love you too... so much... but I don't deserve you. Not everything was done to hide my role or keep myself safe. This whole mess started because I did join the Death Eaters. Regretting and repenting doesn't change the fact I originally got the mark because I wanted some semblance of power...." Severus swallowed back tears.

"Severus, no one's life is perfect," Remus said quietly. "Everyone has made mistakes. Done things they later regret. You weren't the only one to join and then regret that decision." He kissed his mate gently. "Making a mistake is normal. And it doesn't matter what you did. It doesn't matter what scars you carry, inside and out. I love you and I'll take care of all of your wounds, whether they're physical or emotional."

"I love you so much and am so grateful you can forgive me..." Severus whispered. "I'm sorry I made life harder for you...."

"That wasn't your fault." Remus held him for a few more moments before speaking in a tender voice. "I'm going to help you with some of that guilt, Severus. I'm going to put you over my knees and I'm going to spank you. Not to harm or hurt, but because it's loving discipline that allows you to release negative emotions."

Severus sniffled softly as he thought about it, then nodded. "Yessir... it's your right to decide if I need something or not... if you think I need to be spanked, I won't argue or fight."

"I think you need help." Remus kissed his shoulder again, then gently moved Severus into position across his lap. He stroked his mate's shoulders and down over his back, then proceeded to bare him.

Severus took a slow breath and reached down to hold onto Remus' leg. He wasn't scared. He suspected any pain would be negligible.

"I love you, Severus. You belong to me now. No one will torment you, or make you do things that will scar your soul," Remus promised. He lifted his hand and brought it down in a firm smack. He rubbed the spot he'd swatted for a few moments, then delivered a second smack.

"I love you. From now on, you are my only master. The only one I will obey. You'll protect me from myself...." Severus whimpered.

"I'll protect you and keep you safe," Remus promised. "Because you're mine." He continued to swat and gently rub after each one. After all, this was about loving discipline. Not causing his mate pain.

"I am... I am totally and forever yours..." Severus promised, shivering as his bottom was warmed, feeling himself falling inro a reliant, obedient mindset. Facing Albus would be easier if Remus was in full control.

"No one else will have you. No one else will control you. Only me. And I only have your best interests at heart," Remus promised. He continued the swats and gentle rubs down to Severus' thighs and then started over from the top.

"I'm safest with you..." Severus whispered. "Even more than with myself. Obeying you means I'll be taken care of and not hurt "

"I won't ever harm you," Remus promised. "And I won't ever decide I don't want you. You're mine and you always will be." He began from the top a third time, swatting a little more firmly, though still giving comfort and affection.

"Th... thank you..." Severus whimpered. His bottom was sore now. Knowing it was in response to what he'd done, or not done, in the past was helping ease the guilt a very little bit. Helping to ease the guilt more was the knowledge that Remus forgave him, still thought he was a good person and would help him be good from here on out. He slumped, accepting his master was in control and accepting the spanking without even a squirm.

Remus stopped swatting and rubbed Severus' back and bottom. "You're a good man, Severus. Making a mistake doesn't define you. I will never blame you for what's happened in the past. I would and will forgive you for anything."

"I... I'm counting on you to help me not make those kinds of mistakes again," Severus admitted quietly.

"I'll help you. You won't be alone. You belong to me," Remus promised.

Severus sniffled and swallowed, his relief at the words obvious. Clearing his throat, he asked, "How long do we have till dinner? Do you want to read one of the books Sirius brought?"

"We have time to do that, if you'd like." Remus helped Severus onto his lap, cuddling him close, and summoned both of the books to them.

"Sirius seemed so surprised that you weren't working with or in sync with the wolf. Makes me think maybe, if you were able to be, you wouldn't be so tired from fighting it. It could help you," Severus said earnestly.

"I've been fighting that part of me for so long, I'm not even sure I know how to work with or be in sync with it," Remus admitted. "To me, it's always been monstrous. Something to keep hidden. Something I had to tolerate, but otherwise hide and control. It's why I was so relieved that Albus promised a full supply of the wolfsbane potion. Even though it's poison...keeping the wolf weak and far below the surface, where no one can be hurt again, is worth that to me."

Severus frowned unhappily. "From what Sirius said, had you been trained how to be friends with your wolf, the poison wouldn't have been necessary. You wouldn't have to be afraid of it. I could help... I am an expert Occlumen and nearly as good at Legilimency. Both of those require a strong will and an ability to maintain calm. I could work with you in befriending your wolf."

"I trust you," Remus said quietly. "I just...have a harder time trusting that part of myself. After what happened to you, after how close you came to dying at my hands...I told myself I would never let the wolf have control. I would never let anyone get hurt by it again." He stroked Severus' hair. "I only hope that the ritual we did means that there is no danger from that part of me."

Severus looked sad. His mate had, for the largest part of his life, pushed his wolf down, trying to control it into non-existence. Not only was that not possible, but it made the times when the wolf couldn't be contained more dangerous and violent. Sighing softly, he pulled the latest book Sirius had brought up to him. Maybe it would give information that would help.

Remus didn't stop or try to control Severus looking at the book. The thought of trying to link with his wolf, to be in sync with it, was scary, but he was willing to try. Those emotions came clearly through the bond, even if, underneath, was still the worry that the wolf could hurt Severus...that Remus would never forgive himself if his mate came to harm at his own hands.

Severus sent his own love and adoration back through the bond, along with a sense of his belief that the wolf would not hurt him.

"I still want to take every possible precaution if we're experimenting with this," Remus whispered out loud. "No matter what happens, I won't put you at risk again." He frowned. "Maybe Sirius should be there. He's had the most experience when I've changed."

Severus wrinkled his nose but didn't protest. "I can't say that it excites me for your best friend to watch you fuck me senseless.... but if it helps you feel more secure to let the wolf out to claim me, I won't argue."

"I was thinking more of working towards harmonizing us both," Remus said, a bit wryly. "By the time it came to sex, I'd hope it would be easier for me to let the wolf out, without feeling the need to have Sirius there."

"Oh..." Severus flushed scarlet. "Of course. I should have realized."

"It's all right." Remus kissed the side of his neck. "This is all very new for both of us. I've really only just claimed you. I can't say I'm an exhibitionist, but since claiming you, I've found myself wanting to act in front of others. To hold you, to place you on my lap...to constantly touch you, so that I know you're with me and that I don't have to fear losing you."

"You know how reserved and... reticent I am for physical touch of any kind. But... I find myself wanting to constantly be held by you. The idea of others seeing makes the desire stronger," Severus admitted.

"You seemed okay with it when Sirius was in here and witnessed it," Remus commented. "If you hadn't been, I would have adjusted your position."

"It felt good, having him see and accept us..." Severus nodded. "I suspect Albus will try and separate us for the order meeting. If he does try and sit us separately, I have every intention of sitting on your lap."

"I won't let you be out of touching range," Remus promised. His hands gently stroked over Severus' body, squeezing every so often.

"Good. I've gotten quite used to you touching me whenever and however you wish." Severus smiled.

"Good. Because I intend to keep doing so." Remus let his hands rub gently up under Severus' shirt, stroking and squeezing along bare skin.

Severus hummed softly, pressing closer to his mate, not pushing for more, content to just be touched gently and cuddled.

Remus was perfectly content and happy just to stroke and cuddle Severus. Through the bond, it was clear that he enjoyed just touching and holding onto his mate.

Soon, it was time to go down for the dinner/order meeting. Despite trying to arrive early, Albus had apparently contacted everyone but Sirius, Remus and Severus and given them an earlier time. By the time they came down, expecting to arrive before everyone else, they were the last three to arrive. Sure enough, Albus had made certain there were no open seats next to each other. "Severus, my boy, come sit here. I have some questions about the last meeting...."

Remus had been expecting there to not be any seats next to each other...but then again, Severus had made it clear what he would do. Lightly squeezing his mate's arm, Remus moved over to one of the empty seats, fully expecting his mate to settle on his lap.

"Thank you, Albus, but I have a seat." Severus gave a benign smile, following Remus. As soon as his mate was sat, he sat on Remus' lap.

Those who had been around the last several days with the two men weren't surprised. The order members who were just seeing the new dynamic for the first time were staring in open mouthed shock. Albus had a disapproving, sour look on his face. "I must insist you sit here. How is Remus to eat with you blocking him? Plus, I do have questions."

"They're fine, Albus. They've worked out how to eat that way," Sirius interjected. "And you can ask your questions with him there as easy as beside you."

Remus wrapped his arms around Severus' waist and gave Albus a bland smile. "Severus and I are mated now. He belongs to me." Moving slowly, so that Severus had full warning of what he was about to do, he pulled the collar of the shirt down enough to show the mating bite.

Albus' eyes widened and his lips narrowed. "Remus Lupin! How could you bite him and make him go through what you've gone through? Even if you don't care that the ministry could execute you if they found out, he is needed to obtain us valuable information. This will make that job much more difficult."

"I'm so pleased to see how concerned you are for me, Headmaster," Severus drawled sarcastically. "I do need to inform you that I won't be spying for you any longer, even on non-full moon nights. Not that the moon phase matters since he didn't turn me."

"It's a mating bite. No wolf involved," Remus said. "Severus will be staying with me from now on. And if you have any problems with it, we don't have to stay at Hogwarts." His arms were still wrapped possessively around Severus' waist. He had the sudden urge to growl possessively and couldn't help but wince a little. At least it seemed like his wolf was fully on board with keeping Severus safe.

"Now really, Severus... Remus. Of course, I wouldn't keep a mated pair apart!" Albus looked hurt at the suggestion he would. "But is there really a need for you to refuse to help? We need information to stop You-know-who! Surely you aren't going to be so selfish!"

"I'm protecting my mate," Remus replied, not quite saying the words, 'protecting him from you.' "Severus has been harmed more than enough already. Getting information isn't worth allowing someone to be tortured. And it's not worth me allowing my mate to be hurt more than he already has been. I won't discuss this with you any further. My decision has been made."

"Severus. Surely this should be your decision. Are you really going to allow Remus to just take over your life and boss you around like that?" Albus appealed to Severus's independent and proud nature.

Before Severus could respond and to his greatest surprise, Molly jumped in. "Albus Dumbledore! I am amazed and ashamed of you attempting to manipulate Severus into disobeying his bond mate. You know very well that bonded mates from magic creature pairs always have a leader, and it almost always is the magical creature! Asking Severus to go against Remus' wishes is like asking him to cut off his arm and leg for you! You will leave them alone this instant! And let everyone eat before starting in on order business. The children are still present!" Her eyes flashed irritably. Anyone who knew her well knew Albus better listen. With an irritable look of his own, he did.

"If I might ask, how do you know about the workings of mate bonds between magical beings and wizards? We have a book, but...." Severus spoke hesitantly.

"Oh... my second cousins twice removed on my mother's side..." Molly smiled. "...All five of them either married a magical creature or, due to bad luck," she glanced at Remus, giving away what type of bad luck, "they became a magical creature themselves. Luckily, they lived in Canada. Their Department of Magic isn't so archaic, and they were able to get the help they needed to become friends with their creature side, as well as learn all about bonds."

Remus gently squeezed his mate's waist, even as he filled his own plate with food...and did the same for Severus. Now that everyone knew his relationship with Severus, there was no reason to hold back from caring for the other man...though he didn't intend to outright feed his mate. "I'm glad your family have had an easier time of it," he said quietly to Molly. "Sirius." He looked towards his best friend. "Later, I'd like to speak with you."

Sirius nodded. "Sure thing..." he quickly agreed.

The rest of the meal was actually calm, maybe even happy. Albus, apparently realizing his typical bulldozing, guilt-tripping methods to gain Severus's cooperation had upset Molly (and, from the looks of it, several other members of the order), had left the potions master alone. Even once dinner had ended and the children had all been ordered to go to the den to play games, he hadn't mentioned Severus returning to Voldemort's side to spy, though he did request a report from the last time he had been called.

"Maybe it is best you do not return," he finally said begrudgingly, after hearing the report. "If the scant information you have is anything to go by, he no longer trusts even his inner circle and doesn't share anything that might be useful. And the warnings you have been able to provide have been so close to the events you warn about that we can't prevent them anyway." Dumbledore sighed. "How do you plan to deal with the Dark Mark?" he asked. "When he calls and you don't answer, he will punish you through it. You know this." For all his manipulations and one-mindedness on the Dark Lord, Albus did care about all his 'children'. The worry for Severus was clear in his tone. He turned toward Remus. "Are you prepared to witness his torture and pain? Is your wolf able to handle it?"

"Wouldn't the mate bond break the dark mark's bond?" Molly asked, in confusion. "It would be more powerful and take precedence. In fact, it should have already occurred."

"Only if the wolf is bonded fully as well. Remus hasn't made friends with his wolf, so the bond is only half complete," Sirius said sadly. "No one ever told him you could make friends with the creature, so he thought he had to fight and control it to keep it from taking control over him." He looked apologetically at his friend, wishing again that he hadn't assumed Remus knew. It had never occurred to him that only pureblood families with experience in magical bindings would have that information.

"It's not your fault, Sirius," Remus said quietly. "But that's why I'm asking for your help. You're the one with the most experience with the wolf. We're going to work on the bond, me and Severus. But I need someone else there I can trust to protect my mate. In case the worst happens." He knew Severus trusted that the wolf wouldn't harm him, but Remus couldn't bring himself to fully trust that side of him.

Sirius nodded. "Of course, I'll help!" He smiled brightly.

"Thank you, Padfoot." Remus' smile was filled with gratitude.

Albus sighed. "Please keep me informed on your progress. As you are attempting something that apparently should have been done long ago, I will give you extra time off from your teaching duties," he said to Remus. Turning toward Severus, he added, "You will of course stay with him. I hope for your sake that you-know-who does not call his followers until the mark has been destroyed and removed from you," he said sincerely. "If it is not, however, you may send a message for Poppy to attend you if needed."

"Thank you." Despite his frustration with Albus' machinations, Remus' gratitude was sincere. It would be far easier to manage if he and Severus could stay with Sirius while trying to tame the wolf.

"Of course, my boy. I hope you realize... even with my single-minded focus on stopping you-know-who... I do care for both of you a great deal. I'm sorry I contributed to your pain and difficulties," Albus said sadly, genuine in his remorse.

"Just let me protect and be with my mate and we'll say no more about it," Remus replied, wrapping his arms that bit tighter around Severus.

Albus sighed and nodded, seeming to have aged years in the short evening after realizing how everything was spiraling out of his control and how badly he had hurt the two men. He hadn't realized and now that he knew, it was obviously one burden more than he could keep hidden.

Remus let his chin drop to Severus' shoulder, gently nuzzling his mate's neck. He couldn't really say much else to assuage Albus' guilt. Even if the older man's manipulations had affected him, they'd been so much worse on Severus, allowing his mate to believe he was expendable...that the only way this could end was in his death. If Remus hadn't discovered the truth, he would never have found his mate...and Severus would have continued suffering and believing he deserved to die in his attempts to make up for the mistakes of his past.

The urge to take his mate was strong, but Remus wasn't entirely certain those feelings weren't also coming from his wolf. He felt a deep, almost primal urge to, quite literally, throw Severus over his shoulder and carry him up to their room, so that he could spend the rest of the night proving that Severus was his.

Severus could sense Remus's mood and wrapped an arm around his mate, gently rubbing his shoulders attempting to soothe.

"Thank you, Sirius... for allowing the order to use your home, despite how badly I have handled things. I appreciate it..." Albus smiled faintly. "If you would humor an old man, I would appreciate if we could continue to meet here. Even without a spy in the Dark Lord's ranks, we still will need to meet and compare what information we can gather."

Sirius nodded. "As long as you accept Severus is no longer available to use, I see no reason to prevent it."

Remus relaxed visibly and obviously at Severus' touch. His hands shifted a little on his mate, enough so that he could touch bare skin. It soothed him even more, leaving him able to ignore the more primal urge. "I love you." He murmured the words against Severus' skin. They weren't uttered loud but would be enough to easily carry to others.

Severus smiled happily. "And I love you." He glanced around the room. "If the meeting is finished...."

"Yes. I believe no more needs to be discussed currently." Albus slowly stood to head towards the floo. "Please let me know how your attempts proceed. I would be most interested to know when the mark no longer has control over your health," he said to Severus, before throwing powder into the flames. "Hogwarts Headmaster's Office!" He stepped in and disappeared.

"Do you need to eat anything else?" Remus asked his mate softly, wanting to make sure his mate's physical needs were taken care of.

"I ate plenty, love. I want to go upstairs and read the books... help you become friends with your other half..." Severus reached out, taking Remus's hand, and squeezing gently.

Remus gently gripped Severus' hand, raising it to his lips and pressing a kiss to it. "We'll go to our room, then."

***

They had spent the remainder of the evening and night in their bedroom, studying the books Sirius had brought them. It was after midnight when Remus had shut the books, insisting Severus needed rest; he was still healing, after all.

Severus didn't want to sleep, however. "I am not tired, Remus... and I'm certain I'm close to a discovery!" he argued.

"Severus, your health and wellbeing are non-negotiable," Remus said firmly. "The books will still be there in the morning. But I won't allow you to risk harming yourself."

"Thirty more minutes won't harm me..." Severus disagreed. He had no clue why he was arguing with Remus. He was tired. He'd been out of sorts since the confrontation with Albus, though he'd managed to ignore the feelings until this moment. But it had finally caught up with him how little control over his own life he'd ever had. So, even though he was happier than he'd ever been and wanted to belong to Remus and wanted to obey him... part of him felt a need to push.

"Severus, when we came here and you slept in my room, it was the first time you got any and proper sleep," Remus said. "Even if I believed you didn't feel tired-and I can feel through the mating bond that you are-your body is so used to going without, the messages from it that should be there aren't. As your mate and the one in charge of you, I'm not going to let you harm yourself any further. Even if that means I need to take a stronger hand with you."

"Mate or not, you can't make me sleep, Remus!" Severus snorted. He couldn't sense it in himself, but the bond allowed Remus to sense it quite clearly: like a toddler who had passed his endurance hours before, Severus was in the throes of a tantrum. It wasn't loud and it wasn't full on stomping, screaming, or crying (yet), but it was a tantrum.

"I'm not going to argue with you, Severus," Remus said. "This is the last warning you get, before I turn you over my knees and spank you for disobedience."

Severus believed Remus would try to do as he said. He didn't believe his mate would succeed; Severus could get away long enough to convince the older man he was being unreasonable. "I'm not tired!" he declared firmly, raising, and putting his foot down- in what he felt was most decidedly not a stomp- for emphasis.

Remus raised his eyebrows but didn't try to verbally argue. Instead, he moved towards his mate and grasped Severus' arms. Moving towards the bed, he sat down and gently pulled Severus across his lap.

Severus blushed as an undignified squeak escaped him as he was quickly caught and positioned. He'd honestly believed he'd be able to move more quickly and convince Remus from a position of 'safety'. Having to convince his mate not to spank him when he was already in position would be more difficult. "Remus!" he whined. "You don't have to! You can't...." He ended in a whimper, already trying to squirm free.

"I warned you, Severus. And when you asked me what my expectations were, I told you that I was going to make sure you were cared for. I told you that I would listen to what you had to say, but that the ultimate decision would be mine." Remus proceeded to bare Severus, rubbing his mate's back gently before delivering the first firm swat.

Severus yelped softly. He didn't protest again; Remus had told him all of those things and he had agreed to them. Worse, he had agreed to obey Remus's final decision. He hadn't this time. Instead, he'd argued. Guilty regret speared through him, and he threw his hands back over his bottom; not with the intention to stop what he knew he deserved, but to slow Remus enough that he could talk first.

Remus took hold of Severus' hands and squeezed them gently. "I didn't have the power to step in with you before now, but I cared. I was already in love with you before we came here," he admitted. "I just didn't want to scare you away by wanting more than you were willing to give."

"I'm sorry..." Severus whispered, clinging to Remus's hand. "I don't know why I argued. I agreed that you were in charge and could control me. I promised to obey you. I don't know why I decided to be a disobedient brat..." His voice was small and filled with shame.

"It doesn't matter if you argue or disobey me. It won't change anything between us, even if you do end up in this position again." Still holding onto his mate, Remus continued to swat firmly. As he had the previous time, he rubbed gently too, giving comfort along with the punishment.

Severus sniffled but held still for the punishment he knew he deserved. It was easier to hold still when Remus kept hold of his hands. It was easier not to be afraid he'd push his mate away.

"I love you, Severus. So much." Remus continued swatting, until he'd covered his mate's backside twice. When he began a third circuit of swats, they were a fraction harder. "I'm going to look after you. Take care of you. Make sure you're not harmed or hurt, even if you're your own worst enemy. When we're finished here, I'm going to strip you of the rest of your clothes and then you'll be sleeping in my arms, pressed against me as close as it's possible to be."

"Y... yessir!" Severus sobbed out, what little resistance he'd kept in his body to hold himself in place seeping out of him as he surrendered fully to his mate. His bottom stung badly... ached... but he felt better. He was no longer anxious. He didn't feel the need to argue or push. He could admit he was tired. "Sorry I was naughty..." he whispered, before just laying limp and crying.

Remus stopped spanking and immediately moved Severus onto his lap instead of over it. He wrapped his arms around his mate and hugged tightly. "I forgive you," he whispered. "I love you. I won't let you go," he promised.

Severus snuggled as close as he was able. "Love you too... so much..." He sniffled, nuzzling Remus's neck.

Kissing the side of his head, Remus moved Severus just enough to remove the rest of his mate's clothing. He kissed and nuzzled his mate, keeping the bond open so that Severus could feel how much he was loved, wanted, needed.

Severus calmed at feeling his mate's love and acceptance. He pressed as close as possible, tangling his limbs with Remus's, wanting to be held so tight, it was as if they were one being. The only way they could be physically closer would be if Remus pushed into him and stayed there while they slept.

Remus removed his own clothing, so that they could have full skin-on-skin contact. He settled them both on the bed, tangling them both together. He pressed affectionate kisses to Severus' neck and shoulders, one hand rubbing down his mate's spine and squeezing gently.

Severus shivered, burrowing against Remus, finally resting his head on the other man's chest in a needy way. "I love you... sorry I was disagreeable," he whispered, nuzzling a bit more before closing his eyes.

"You're forgiven." Remus kissed his hair. "Sleep now. You're safe. I've got you."

Severus relaxed at hearing the words, snuggling closer and obeying his master and mate. Any desire to argue or be disagreeable had been spanked out of him. He was easily able to see Remus was right and that he needed to listen. Closing his eyes, he soon fell into a peaceful rest.

Remus cuddled his mate close and tight, letting his eyes drift closes and slipping into sleep as well.

The End