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 #9: Christmas Crackers Word Count: 364 Genre: Alternate Universe; EWE; Pre-slash; Adventure; Romance Warnings: none A/N:Pop! goes the Christmas cracker when two friends pull from either end.
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“Darkling! Darkling!” Currycombed called out. Severus looked up from his potion, the stirring rod slowly swirling in the liquid. He cast a timing spell that would remove the rod if he weren’t there to do it himself.
Gideon was thrashing in the straw, his eyes wide and staring, sweat pouring off of him. “Darkling, Giddy stinks of bad things,” Currycombed whimpered. His short arm patted at Gideon’s flanks.
“Lupin!” Severus wasn’t surprised when Remus’ hand fell on his shoulder a second later. “Grab the mugwort—but not with your hands—and bring that clear potion base as well. We’ll just put a layer on the skin to draw off what heat we can.” Severus shrugged out of his robes quickly, a button popping off with the sharp sound of a Christmas cracker; he’d forgotten to unbutton it.
Remus gathered everything—the mugwort levitating in a cleaned cup—and was back at Severus’ side in minutes. Currycombe shifted and Remus knelt next to him. Severus’ head came up just as the timing spell ding-ed softly.
“Lupin, take the brass ladle and pour some of the potion into a clean bowl. Gather some of those mistletoe berries for me, and make certain they’re free of imperfections. I need thirteen. Don’t add them, I’ll do it myself.” Severus rolled his sleeves up, for once not concerned about the faded brand on his forearm. Remus’ eyes lingered on the exposed skin.
Currycombe bit his lip and mewled, still patting at Gideon. “Darkling heal Giddy?” he asked softly.
“I will, if he’s strong enough.” Severus winced as the centaur kicked out, narrowly missing Currycombe. “Move along his back, Currycombe,” he said. “You’ll be less likely to distract me.” Severus turned his head and glared at Remus. “Lupin! Put a move on, man!”
Rushing out to find the mistletoe, Remus almost howled when he saw Peeves gathering up the berries. He growled, “Peeves! You’ll put that down or by Merlin’s beard, you’ll spend your days stuffed into a bottle at the bottom of the Black Lake.” Remus held his wand up, a faint reddish glow emanating from the tip. Peeves dropped everything and screamed his way through the stable wall.