Author:bonfoi Rating: PG Pairing: Remus Lupin, Severus Snape Summary: Given the chore of collecting mistletoe for Christmas decorations, Lupin and Snape come across something interesting. Challenge:adventdrabblesPrompt #3: Snow Word Count: 334 Genre: Alternate Universe; EWE; Pre-slash; Adventure; Romance Warnings: none A/N: It’s snowing here so it’s influenced my “frozen water” descriptions of the December 3rd prompt.
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Severus looked toward the hollow as he cast another warming charm on his boots and robes. The afternoon advanced, growing darker as snow began falling in gentle puffs. He stood at least twenty feet away from the hidden hollow, his shoulders catching the snow so that it limned his form in the dwindling light.
The muffled moans were punctuated by shrill screams every once in a while. Severus huddled under his robes, tugging at his scarf—really a gift from Lupin that year—over his ears and chin. “C’mon, Lupin, c’mon,” he muttered. “Standing out alone in the Forbidden Forest isn’t my idea of grand time.”
“It’s a good thing that werewolves can move fast when necessary then,” Remus said softly. Severus flinched and then turned slowly to glare at Lupin’s insouciant grin.
“Did you get everything?” Severus asked. Lupin handed over a satchel without a word and then crossed his arms.
“I tucked in some comfrey and coltsfoot as well,” Remus said. He gestured toward the hollow with his chin. “Go on, I’ll be ten steps behind, downwind.”
“Keep that wand handy, Lupin. While the porlock doesn’t bother me, a wounded centaur can be…worrisome.” Severus turned and shrugged off the snow that had collected on his shoulders, his robes flaring out dramatically.
The wizards stepped into the forest, this time snapping twigs and branches to announce their coming. The porlock screamed and rushed at Severus even as Remus stood back, beyond the ring of mistletoe berries and pine needles. “Currycombe, stop!” the centaur called out weakly. The porlock skidded to a stop and bared its teeth at Severus and pawed the freezing ground.
“What matter of men brings a wizard and a beast into the forest?” the centaur demanded. Unfortunately, the fact that the centaur looked enough like a Weasley at his petulant best spoiled the effect.
Severus stopped in his own tracks as he drew his wand. “What the hell?!”