Author:bonfoi Rating: G Pairing: Remus Lupin, Severus Snape, Gideon Prewett Summary: Given the chore of collecting mistletoe for Christmas decorations, Lupin and Snape come across something interesting. Challenge:adventdrabblesPrompt #5: Eggnog Word Count: 548 Genre: Alternate Universe; EWE; Pre-slash; Adventure; Romance Warnings: none A/N: Eggnog?! Rats! Now to work eggnog into this series.
Disclaimer: The world of Harry Potter, its characters and settings are the copyrighted works of J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., her publishing companies and affiliates. No profit was made from the writing of this story nor was any malice intended in any way, shape or form to the author or the actors/actresses who so brilliantly have brought them to life.
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“So sorry. It has to be tight,” Severus said. He caught Gideon’s eye and had the grace to flush, loosening the linen knot slightly.
“Snape. You were there, at Dumbledore’s side. Good man.” Gideon wavered, his hindquarters shaking and his torso bending to the side. “Damn, that stings…” he gasped as he tumbled over onto his side, three legs kicking at nothing.
“Severus, what’s going on?” Remus asked. He scooted closer, his hands curling around Gideon’s shoulders to lay him into a better position. “What did you put on that leg? It smells like eggnog from here.”
Severus looked up as Currycombe growled by his ear. “I crushed some vervain and coltsfoot into the poultice, and there may be some egg whipped with brandy in one of the bases as well. That might lend credence to that eggnog supposition.” Severus looked down, shoulders hunched and wand ready.
“Severus, I just want to know. Gideon was a good friend to me after Sirius went to Azkaban. He and Fabian kept me sane for several months, otherwise I wouldn’t here.” Remus reached out and plucked at Severus’ sleeve until he looked up. “I wouldn’t have been here walking with you without the Prewetts,” he said softly. Severus gave a sharp nod in acknowledgment and went back to repacking his satchel.
“We have to move him to Hogwarts. Charlie Weasley needs be called.” Severus stood up, his wand slipped back up his sleeve. “We need fresh Chinese Fireball scales to reverse the stone curse.”
The snow fell in larger flakes, until all four of them were like small moving snowdrifts. “C’mon, Lupin, move those bones. You’ll levitate the centaur while I…” Severus looked at Currycombe, who bared his blunt teeth at him, and sighed. “I’ll walk ahead with the porlock.”
The three wove their way through the edge of the Forbidden Forest, trying to avoid the grasping branches. Currycombe hung back, maneuvering the stony leg around obstacles. Severus and Remus walked at Gideon’s sides, Remus levitating the centaur while Severus kept a weather-eye out for trouble.
Once they came into the glade, Remus let Gideon float down into the snow. “Severus, I don’t think this will work,” Remus said with a groan. “His magic is fighting mine.”
“If you think I’ll leave you here with him—” Severus stopped and swallowed the rest of what he wanted to shout. Remus’ eyes widened as Severus visible calmed himself. Severus began again, softer. “I’ll take him then.”
“Darkling and Wolf need one stall,” Currycombe said suddenly.
Remus stared at him and then turned toward Severus. He grinned as Severus blushed, the tips of his ears turning a brilliant red still visible in the gloaming. “Thank you, Severus.” He stepped around Gideon, to Severus’ side. “I’ll make it up to you tomorrow.”
“Harrumph!” Severus cleared his throat and cast Mobilicorpus on Gideon and stalked away, making Currycombe scurry to catch up and hold the stony leg steady.
Remus watched the three moving away, a soft smile on his face.
“On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…five golden rings… Four French hens, two turtledoves, and a partridge in a pear tree…”
“Are you going to sing all the way to Hogwarts, Lupin?” Severus called.