Fic: WIB - Part II Title: WIB - Wizardsinblack [Part I|Part II] Characters: Remus/Severus, past Lucius/Severus mentioned Rating: NC-17 Warnings: Alpha!Remus, a bit of (mental) torture and H/C. Word count: 19,500 Challenge: Trading Places Notes: For karasu_hime's WIB. Beta by imma. The Neuralizer is stolen from the film MIB. Summary: Just after Sirius' escape from Hogwarts, Dumbledore discovers a Death Eater conspiracy. Hidden so well that not even super-spy Severus Snape knows about it, somebody is planning to ruin Dumbledore's, Hogwarts's and the Ministry's reputations, easing the way for a more... fitting rule. Of course Albus Dumbledore is not inclined to let that happen, and he forms his own little very-secret-agent unit to prevent the disaster.
A few days later, Severus was able to get out of the state of angry meditation he had fallen into after the visit in Azkaban. Lupin had turned out to be a quiet and considerate annoyance, bringing Severus tea at the exact right time, urging him to eat or bathe. Lupin just in general stuck his nose into things that weren't his business, but the outcome was pleasant enough. Reluctantly, Severus had to admit he didn't mind being fussed over. Of course Lupin did it because he was worse than a clinging puppy - if puppies were able to cling. Severus wasn't sure. Usually they just humped one's legs and created an uncomfortable mood. Severus vowed he would kill Remus Lupin and Obliviate himself, should the man get ideas in that direction.
They had had several meetings with Albus and Minerva. They hadn't been able to determine how the Death Eaters would attempt to get inside Hogwarts. Lucius had spoken with Crabbe and Goyle - the Seniors, of course. Their off-spring was utterly clueless about anything but finding the most delicious biscuits and as many as possible. All they knew was that Crabbe, Goyle and Macnair were planning something, and Bellatrix was behind it. Kingsley Shacklebolt kept an eye on Macnair, hoping they would be able to find out something that way. They had decided not to arrest him - Shacklebolt was remarkably flexible when it came to bending the rules - Macnair was clever enough to be involved with the more important plotting, but stupid enough to get caught. It would be more valuable to let the man stay, unaware that he was under surveillance. The Goblet was locked into one of the dungeons, only Albus and a few House-elves knew where it was hidden.
Severus spent increasingly more time in the Room of Requirement. It seemed that the House-elves had forgotten about setting quarters up for Lupin who hadn't complained, either. Compared to Severus' own cold dungeon, the Room was nice and warm and cosy, and Lupin really wasn't the worst to be with, especially in the evening when they were both sitting quietly, reading, in front of the fireplace. Even August was chill inside the old castle's thick stone walls, but the hours spent with Lupin felt warm.
The next morning was Saturday, and Severus didn't care to get up early. Lupin could eat breakfast without him. Severus just pulled the duvets over his head and refused to acknowledge the bright summer day, at least not until the clock was a bit more than half past nine. He needed to be alone for a little, to think and rest and be without Remus Lupin, and try to sort out why the man suddenly had gone from 'absolutely appalling company' to reach a level of 'relaxed annoyance'. There was also the fact that Severus' dreams had changed lately, it had not just been once that Remus Lupin had made a naked appearance in them.
What worried Severus most was that thoughts about Lupin was to be preferred to the solving of the Death Eater conspiracy. Maybe it was because Crabbe and Goyle seemed to be involved - Severus honestly had trouble taking anything the two wizards did seriously. It was dangerous enough, though, since Bellatrix was the instigator. She might be insane, but she had not lost the cunning mind. It was just somewhat more disturbed.
Severus was ripped out of his dreams by an eager House-elf.
'Sir must come! Sir have guest! Professor Snape have guest!' The critter was almost bouncing.
Severus considered whether an Unforgivable would be forgiven if it was cast on one of the ugly little buggers. 'Yes, I think I might have understood that by now.' Severus pulled the duvet away, barely enough to send the elf a grumpy glare. 'Who is it, and get me some coffee in my office.'
'Is Mr Malfoy and Mrs Malfoy! I has served tea for Mr Malfoy!' The House-elf began pulling Severus' robe over to the bed.
'Thank you, I believe I am entirely able to dress myself. Now, off with you and make sure Mr and Mrs Malfoy have everything they want.'
The House-elf scampered off, leaving Severus to dress.
Fifteen minutes later, Severus had showered and pulled on a fresh robe. He went into his office, finding Lucius and Narcissa waiting for him.
'Severus, dearest,' Narcissa said, and offered her cheek for Severus to kiss. 'I do hope our visit is not inconvenient, I need to have a word with the headmaster about Draco's accommodation next year, and Lucius... he wanted to speak to you about... something.'
'Of course not,' Severus managed. 'I was about to get up early on a Saturday morning, anyway. The early bird, and all that.' Severus' displeased face contradicted the words.
'Since when did you get up early on any day that would allow you to sleep in?' Lucius smiled, then took a sip of his tea. 'Narcissa, why don't you go speak with Dumbledore while Severus and I tend to our business?'
Narcissa nodded, summoning a House-elf to lead the way.
When the door had closed behind her, Severus asked, 'does she know anything?'
'No,' Lucius said. 'There is no reason to, she will just worry.'
Severus doubted it. He had never known Narcissa Malfoy to be the worrying type - on the contrary. Narcissa dealt with things like a true Slytherin. But if it made Lucius feel more manly... Taking a large drink of the coffee the House-elf had served, Severus leaned back in his chair. 'Have you found out more? We went to Azkaban, Lupin and I, and spoke to Bellatrix. She is somewhat broken, Lucius. Insane.'
'Yes, I have heard. But do not underestimate her. She is probably not more insane than she is able to work for the Dark Lord's return.'
'I won't, Lucius. I know her. Far too well.'
'Good, just be careful.'
They discussed the situation, Lucius mostly agreeing to what Severus said. Severus was careful to let out anything that would make Lucius able to guess that Severus was truly Albus' spy, other than for the occasion. He was as usual playing along to the tune of "Lucius as the man behind the Minister" - a tune Lucius adored. They both agreed that a vanishing Goblet wouldn't do much for that. It was better to stay calm, especially if the Dark Lord was on the rise. They would both be caught in the net if that happened in the middle of a plan that would direct attention to them.
Lucius stood. 'I better find Narcissa. We've been here almost an hour, and I don't want to cause any problems.' Lucius took his light cloak. 'I am throwing a small party at the manor tomorrow. If you have the time...'
'Thank you. It might be an opportunity for digging deeper into this. And... Lupin? Would it be wise to bring him?'
'Lupin? Oh, of course. The werewolf.' Lucius looked a bit confused. 'Please do. Fenrir Greyback will be there as well.'
Severus watched Lucius' back as he left the office. He was certain Lupin would be hilariously happy at the thought of spending time with Greyback. Hopefully the wolf would do as its new masters told it to and behave like a nice puppy. Severus sighed and considered going back to bed. He dismissed the thought and went out to find the Room of Requirement. Spending an hour bullying Lupin a bit might lighten up his day considerably. Severus tried to dismiss the fact that he actually liked being with Remus Lupin. Quite a bit more than expected.
Severus had barely greeted Lupin and sat down in his usual chair, before a great commotion broke loose outside the Room.
'Severus! Remus!' Dumbledore was banging on the wall, even before the door had shown itself. It was a distressed headmaster who strode into the room. 'It is gone! They got to it,' he almost shouted, the white beard swinging frantically as he paced the floor with a crying House-elf attached to his lavender robe.
'But Sir said so!' The House-elf looked as if it needed a wall to bang its head into and pointed at Severus. 'Professor Snape said "make sure Mr and Mrs Malfoy have everything they want"! Mrs Malfoy say "Where is Goblet, elf? Fetch me the Goblet of Fire, or show it to me!", and I did!'
'I understand you had a visit from Lucius Malfoy today,' Dumbledore said, his eyes cold and not the least twinkling. 'It seems like he and his lovely wife might have taken something of ours, by mistake.'
Severus just closed his eyes and wondered if the immense headache he would have in approximately two minutes would go away if he drank a whole bottle of Firewhisky. Probably not. 'I'll find out.' There was nothing else to do. 'I could Owl Lucius immediately, and find out what in Salazar's name he is doing. Using force and raid the manor will just make it worse, I believe.' As if anything could be worse than being fooled by the man he had once had in his bed and regarded as his friend. Severus felt very, very tired. 'Lucius has invited us to some kind of gathering tomorrow. I don't think it is a trap, but it might be the best approach, going there, better than Owls and Aurors and confrontation.' Severus opened his eyes. 'I suggest Lupin and I attend as planned and act as if we haven't yet found out about the Goblet.'
'I trust you, Severus,' Dumbledore said. 'We need to have the Goblet of Fire back here before the students return. Take your time, as long as it is no longer than a week. I don't even dare think of how irritatingly upset Fudge will be if he finds out. I believe in you, my boy.'
Severus just sneered something very rude as Dumbledore left, still with the House-elf gripping his robe, whimpering and muttering about the Malfoys.
- 0 -
Remus turned in front of the large mirror, seemingly admiring his own arse. He wore an elaborately embroidered black dress robe, black with golden leaves and specks created from a sprinkle of green gems. The fabric fell soft, following the curve of Lupin's admittedly nice arse and long legs, clinging to his slender body.
Severus was considering whether he had a problem or not, regarding Remus Lupin with a... positive attitude. No, actually, he had a large problem already; one achingly hard problem he was trying to arrange so Lupin wouldn't see it. Lupin, well-dressed in quality robes was almost as good-looking as Lupin-and-nothing-but-a-flimsy-curtain. Mostly, it was a problem how the wolf had wormed his way into Severus' life again, stoking a fire Severus hadn't known was burning at all. But it was flaring now, the fire, at the pleasant sight of Remus Lupin dressed in a perfect robe that left but one or two things to Severus' imagination, although he tried to deny it to himself.
The unfortunate conclusion was that Severus wanted Remus Lupin's body. No doubt about that. Next, he didn't want to let go of the quiet hours they had together, or even the hours pressed against Lupin on a Thestral, which basically meant that Severus wanted all of Remus Lupin, not just the long legs and the lean body.
So... yes, Severus had trouble. Big ones. He did not want to admit any of it, and he was increasingly worried about the odd feeling which had been pooling in his stomach the last few days, a feeling of hunger. Either he had developed an ulcer, or he was hungry for something. Dismissing the theory of ulcers, Severus knew the feeling was directed at the most unlikely person - Remus Lupin.
Of course Lucius had been kind enough to reveal tempting titbits for said hunger to the wolf. Severus decided he was going to kill Lucius for this. Twice. Nevertheless, Lucius' tactlessness had provided Severus with the information that Remus was gay. At least Lupin hadn't denied it, neither had he mentioned anything to Severus about it. Severus didn't know whether he was to worry about the fact that Lucius had outed him as well. But since nothing had happened, it was hard to do anything and Lupin had just continued to be the bothersome Gryffindor he had always been.
'These are nice robes,' Remus said, looking over his shoulder. 'I don't think I have ever owned something that pretty.' He smiled, and Severus' heart made a strange flutter, as if was ready to leave his chest and fly to rest in Lupin's hands. 'Maybe Dumbledore will let me live here, this room is brilliant.'
'I doubt it,' Severus sneered, trying to hide his budding attraction to Lupin. 'You're a werewolf, we're on the verge of war, and you have already been banned from Hogwarts once.' He stood, let his hand move over the backrest of the heavy chair. He wanted to move, to get the restlessness out of his body.
'Thanks to you,' Lupin said quietly, 'I am not welcome anywhere. Unless, of course, we count Lucius Malfoy's house.'
'Let's not. He is still our enemy.'
'Funny how things change. You despise me, yet you have to work with me. Malfoy... ' Lupin hesitated for a moment. 'You have to fight him, and he is your former... lover?'
Severus thought he could sense the same longing in Lupin's voice that he felt in his own heart as the man pronounced the word lover. Severus looked searchingly at the wolf.
'Does it bother you, that he and I... that I'm...' Severus' voice was insecure, as if Lupin's reply meant something to him.
'Here I thought you would have asked me to mind my own business.' Remus' smile was back, a small, crooked curl of his lips. 'But since you haven't... No, it doesn't bother me. Not at all.'
'So it is true what Lucius implied? That you and Sirius...' Severus shuddered at the thought. He hated Sirius Black with an intensity that overshadowed the hate he felt for Lupin, although said hate had changed into something else lately.
'No. We have never been lovers. Sirius is my friend, despite...' Remus looked down, his eyes suddenly sad.
'...despite his attempt to murder me.' Severus discovered his voice was sad too. This was what had kept them apart, kept them enemies, even in the middle of being united against the same goal. Severus realised he didn't have to forget, but that he had to let go if what he had seen traces at the last few days were to be more than traces. Severus, however, wasn't certain he had reached a point where he would be able to take that decision. He was unsure of how Lupin saw him, although there had been times where the golden eyes had turned soft or hungry at the sight of Hogwarts's Potions master. 'But the other part then? That you are... gay?'
'You really want to know?' The smile hadn't wavered. 'Personal interest or just curiosity?'
So Lupin was sneaky? Well, if the Gryffindor hadn't learned one or two things, lately... Severus took a deep breath, bracing himself, hands resting on the back of the chair he had sat in. It was time to take a chance. 'Both.' Now it remained to be seen if the strange undercurrent of interest really meant something - or if Severus once more had been made a fool of by the werewolf. It wouldn't be beneath him, Severus was certain.
'Good,' Lupin said, and his eyes shone. 'Maybe we can discuss that fact at some length, later?' He sent Severus a smile that made the Potions master glad he was already holding on to something, since his legs suddenly felt a bit weak. 'But first we have a job to do.' Lupin held a hand out for Severus to take. 'Allow me to accompany you to the Apparition point,' he said softly, 'I don't think dress robes and a Thestral go very well together.'
Severus shivered as he took Lupin's hand. It was the first willing touch they had shared, and Severus realised he was indeed willing to share more touches with the werewolf. He bit back a sigh as Lupin's arm slid around his waist.
The short walk to the spot outside the Hogwarts grounds from where they could Disapparate was entirely too brief.
- 0 -
The manor's great hall was filled to the brim. Candles hovered under the ceiling; shone in candelabras, prisms were reflecting the golden light. Gilded Rococo furniture glittered; lush brocade twinkled, embroidered in gold and silver. Small tables were set with large silver plates: canapes, small sandwiches, crackers, caviar, cheese... Crystal glasses and gem-stone-decorated goblets were filled with Champagne, with Elf-made wine, with old claret or ancient brandy. Amongst the tables, Death Eaters and their wives, minions and pure-blood supporters mingled, none of them less colourful or rich than the manor's interior. Yes, the Malfoys knew how to throw a party, and their guests knew how to honour the obligation of being included in the shining inner circle. It was abundantly clear Lucius Malfoy was set up to be the next Minister for Magic.
Severus looked briefly at Remus Lupin as they entered the hall. The werewolf looked relaxed and calm, and Severus felt a tinge of admiration for the wolf. It wasn't easy to go into the wolf's den, so to speak, not knowing whether Lucius had betrayed them or not. Severus still wanted to believe that his life-long friend had another agenda - and agenda that didn't make him look like a bloody fool. As Lucius approached them, Severus' hand closed hard around his wand, brushing against the small package with Invisibility cloaks and the Neuralizer he had shrunk and hidden in his pocket.
'Severus! What a pleasure to see you!' Lucius smiled, looking so utterly gorgeous that Severus lost his breath. Lucius regarded them both with an expression of something akin to apprehension. 'Why are you looking at me like that?' he said, voice low. 'Afraid I have revealed our little private conspiracy.'
'Lucius, our little conspiracy, as you call it, is over.' Severus glared at his friend. 'You most certainly turned out to be the epitome of a Slytherin back-stabbing bastard!'
'Severus, please.' Lupin put a hand on Severus' back, calming him, as he had done when Severus was close to losing his temper over Bellatrix Black. 'Don't.'
'Are you well, Severus?' Lucius looked concerned. 'It is quite your own fault if there is something I don't remember. It was you who decided you needed to Obliviate me in the first place.' Lucius held up a hand, as if to stop any arguments Severus had. 'I have, due to our... friendship, forgiven you that, although I might demand compensation at a convenient time.'
'Compensation? Compensation?' Severus could feel rage well up inside him, and only Lupin's hand kept him from hexing Lucius. 'Haven't you had compensation enough when you stole the Goblet?' Severus hissed, his cheeks flushed from the reined-in anger.
Lucius stepped closer, his sleek robe swishing against Severus' leg. 'Severus... please stop. I have no idea what you are talking about. As far as I know, the Goblet of Fire is safely hidden somewhere... Hogwarts, maybe?' Lucius put a hand on Severus' shoulder. It lay there, heavy and warm, reminding Severus of other touches, other kinds of warmth they had once shared. 'If you don't believe me, then use what power you have to reveal the truth.' Lucius looked Severus in the eye. 'Do it,' he demanded. 'I won't fight you.'
Severus looked searchingly at Lucius. 'All right then. But I warn you, Lucius... If you have betrayed me...'
'I haven't, my friend. Our goals are the same, you know that. The Muggle-borns must go, but quietly. War does not benefit the likes of us. It is for thugs and fanatics like Bellatrix and her foot-soldiers. Unelegant, if you ask me.' Lucius smiled. 'Now, Severus, before anybody finds out what we're doing.'
Severus clutched his wand, as he stepped a bit closer, still with his dark eyes meeting Lucius' steel grey ones. He spoke the single word that would give him access to Lucius' mind. Legilimency was such a useful talent. Severus plunged into the complicated mess that was Lucius' mind, staying away from everything that wasn't very recent. Quickly, he found the memories of their visit at the manor, then memories of Owls written and sent to Severus. There was no trace of the hour Lucius and Narcissa had spent on Hogwarts. Strange, Severus thought, that Lucius' memory was blank, as if the memory had never existed. Had he been Obliviated by somebody to hide what had happened? Severus poked around a bit longer, and suddenly he found a tiny memory of Lucius, kissing Narcissa before he sat down to eat breakfast. A clock on the wall stroke nine. Severus bent forward to look at the breakfast table. The Saturday's edition of the Prophet lay on the table, ready for Lucius to read as he ate his bacon and eggs.
Severus had seen enough. He pulled out, straightening, carefully watching the other witches and wizards around them. 'You didn't take it,' Severus said. It was not a question.
'I told you so,' Lucius said. 'Now, how do we find out who did?'
'I don't think it is going to be a problem.' Severus eyes strayed, until they fell upon Macnair. 'If you didn't do it, you - or your Polyjuiced doppelganger - arrived with a similarly Polyjuiced Narcissa. As she was with Draco and you, here at the manor, at the time of the crime, it cannot be her.' Severus tilted his head, looking searchingly at Lucius. 'You invited me to come tonight, or rather the wizard who were impersonating you did.' Severus took a glass from a nearby table, raising it, as if they were talking about something else than a criminal investigation. 'Now I feel offended you actually didn't invite me.'
'Just a moment,' Lupin said, interfering, as he tapped his lips with a long finger. 'I wondered who among your... friends might have had access to Polyjuice Potion. Also, who might have been able to get the hairs for it?'
'Goyle was here... before the Goblet was stolen. And both Crabbe and Goyle have been here, at the manor, since Vincent and Gregory visited Draco during the summer. Macnair hasn't, not lately. Then there is your werewolf,' Lucius said, smirking. 'He could have taken them. And, by the way, I did invite you both. I sent an Owl. Actually, I was offended you didn't care to reply.'
'Ah,' Severus said. 'Maybe somebody managed to get their hands on that - the Owl?'
'It isn't unheard of,' Lupin said. 'A quick broom, and you can snatch the message right off the owl's leg.' Lupin smiled. 'Sorry about that, Mr Malfoy, but you may need to be a bit more careful and spell your Owls so they are hidden better these days.' Then Lupin seemed to get an idea. 'You brought the invisibility cloaks, didn't you?' he asked Severus, his eyes gleaming with mirth. 'Maybe someone with a light step and an acute sense of hearing could hide in one and maybe listen in a bit to what your little friends are talking about?'
Lucius grinned broadly. 'Professor Lupin, you have surprisingly interesting ideas. Remind me never to underestimate you again. Unfortunately I have the feeling we might cross wands one day.'
'Perhaps,' Remus said, his face didn't reveal any feelings. 'Until then, we might join forces. Even if our goals might not be the same, none of us are interested in the result of this little theft.'
Severus had found the shrunken cloak and - hidden by his voluminous robe - handed it to Lupin. 'Outside, in the hall,' Severus said. 'Keep the door to the great hall open, so you can enter without anyone noticing doors that open and close magically.
'No, we can't have that. Magic...' Remus laughed and took the tiny invisible piece of cloth. 'I better not drop it. We'll have so much fun finding it again.'
Lupin disappeared and, once more, Severus wondered how the wolf had become so resourceful. It seemed as if the wolf had grown up a bit.
'You're regretting you revenged yourself on him now?' Lucius' voice was low, neutral.
Severus turned half way to look at his friend. 'Yes and no. He was a danger, and he had to go. But... I am not sure I don't regret that I made certain he will never have a decent life.' Severus sighed. 'I am not taking betrayal and-'
Lucius held up a hand. 'You're in love with him.' It wasn't a question. 'I know very well how you deal with being wronged, my friend. But maybe you should begin to realise that letting go of some of the old grudges might benefit you, quite a bit. Or at least get you laid.'
'You're insane! Take another brandy, maybe your brain will function properly, then.' Severus glared, outraged, at Lucius. 'I do not deny I have a more... positive impression of Lupin than last year, not that it means much. The man is a Dark Creature, Lucius!'
'As I recall it,' Lucius purred, 'you didn't mind the darkness much. On the contrary.'
'I am sure Narcissa would love to hear about how much you liked darkness, so unless you want me to explain it to her, at length, I suggest a change of subject.' Severus knew very well exactly what kind of darkness Lucius referred to; none of them had held back when it came to experiments in bed. The suggestion that Severus would want Lupin in his bed was annoying, though. Severus had acknowledged that he was thinking of Remus Lupin, already; Lupin with or without clothes, either being with him, or... being with him in a more carnal way. In short: Severus had to consider there was more to his infatuation with the bloody werewolf than just the feeling of a bed wet with come, or a long wank in the shower, thinking of what Lupin would do to him, did Severus give him leave. If Lupin was interested, that was.
Severus realised - half way listening to Lucius' musings about the current political situation at the ministry - That things had evolved to a point where he had lost control. He wasn't certain Lucius was right about his feelings for the werewolf, but something inside Severus told him that Lucius hadn't been wrong, either. Following Lucius, Severus mingled with the other Death Eaters, talking about the Dark Lord, about how the Muggle-borns had invaded the wizarding world and similarly boring small-talk. A bit trite, but it kept them occupied until Lupin finally returned from the hall outside the great hall - after having removed the invisibility cloak, of course.
Severus couldn't stop himself from sending Lupin a small smile. 'So... wolf?'
'Macnair.' Lupin returned the smile. 'Have you ever considered calling me Remus? The wolf is fine, but maybe we should keep the endearments to when we are alone,' Remus said softly. 'If you'd like to use it, then, of course.' There was an oddly possessive impression about the way he leaned in to whisper in Severus' ear, and the hand that rested on his hip wasn't really unpleasantly warm.
'Macnair?' Severus repeated, surprised over the intensity in Lupin's voice. Lupin was close enough for Severus to realise the man smelled slightly of soap and lemon. 'What about him?'
'He was bragging about how Crabbe and Goyle had used Polyjuice to get the Goblet out from Hogwarts. They have it, Severus. They were talking about Orion Black, they seem to have made him hide it.'
'But Orion Black is dead,' Lucius said, pursing his lips. 'And no one knows where his house went. We... Narcissa has been searching for it for years.'
'So we must assume the two morons have found it? Or Macnair? I don't think so,' Severus said, looking at Lucius. 'The Goblet has to be hidden somewhere else. Do you think they might have brought it here? Or hidden it at the manor? It would be the most clever thing to do, in case Albus had involved the Ministry. All the blame would fall on you and Narcissa.' Severus reached out and took a glass of Firewhisky from a House-elf. 'It might have been stored away anywhere...'
'They mentioned a spell I haven't heard before.' Lupin sent the small group of guests surrounding Mr Crabbe and Mr Goyle, who seemed to be the heroes of the day. 'Collo...' Lupin paused, looking very thoughtful for a while. 'Collopicere!'
'Collopicere? A variation of the door-binding charm? Why on earth would they use that?'
'"Picere", Severus. Not "portus".' Lucius slid a hand through his hair, casually tying it with a grey ribbon, as if he was readying himself for something. He raised an eyebrow haughtily. 'I think we need to take a little walk-'
'-to the gallery. They have hidden the Goblet in a picture,' Severus interrupted. 'Bloody brilliant. Probably Bella's idea.'
'Orion Black's portrait.' Lupin looked at them, inquisitively. 'Is there one, here, at the manor?'
'Yes. Narcissa brought it with her from her home. Orion was her favourite uncle, one wonders why. The man was a raving lunatic, and a paranoid to boot.' Lucius looked around, nodding to Narcissa, giving her some kind of sign. 'Let's go,' he demanded. 'Narcissa keeps things calm until we return.'
Quickly, they ran up the stairs to the long, dark corridor where Lucius' ancestors had decorated the oak-panelled walls with portraits of one fair-haired wizard after the other. There were quite a few witches as well, showing clearly that the Malfoy women had not not only expected respect, but demanded it. In the far end - between a portrait of Abraxas Malfoy and another, one of a stately looking witch - hung a painting of the infamous Orion Black. He scowled at Lucius as the three wizards stepped closer. 'You brought a bastard werewolf?' Orion Black snapped. 'Isn't that the Dark Creature Si-' Black stopped himself. 'Why?' he demanded. 'Why have you taken a werewolf to see me?' Orion Black looked at Lucius and Severus. 'On the other hand... isn't that young Mr Snape?' Orion made a slight bow. 'I heard horrible things about you from people I truly dislike. A pleasure to see you again,' Orion said.
'The werewolf is assisting us in reaching our goal,' Severus said, not elaborating on the subject. At least it was partly true. Lupin had been really helpful, and he was assisting Severus in finding the Goblet.
'I see,' Black nodded. Well, if he is making certain my niece and her husband are staying in power... What can I do for you, gentlemen?'
'Mr Crabbe and Mr Goyle... Have they visited your portrait lately?' Lucius looked up at the large portrait. 'Or maybe they have hidden something in there?
Orion Black turned and looked at a jewel-encrusted chest. 'Yes. That one. Abundantly rude, if you ask me, since he did not get my permission, he just threw it in here, did Goyle, earlier today. But those two idiots... they were never really our class.' Orion huffed. 'And now I tripped over the bloody chest when I was to go visit your father's portrait, Lucius. Actually, you would do me a favour if you would remove it. I have tried, but I cannot move it out of my painting.'
'Have you any idea how it got in there in the first place?' Lucius asked, drawing his wand. He tapped at the painting lightly.
'No. I wasn't here when it was done. Abraxas had found a painting of a French vineyard. We were a bit late from our visit there, and I only saw Goyle running away from my frame.' Orion wrinkled his nose at the chest. 'Distasteful design,' he said, kicking softly at the wooden case.
'After all we are three accomplished magicians. We should be able to come up with something,' Lupin said, confidently.
Severus looked at the chest. It certainly was the Goblet of Fire, the chest was a part of the magical artefact. He glared down the dark corridor. The noise from the party sounded dull and muted up here. 'We better hurry. Somebody might wonder where we went and come to look for us, or for the chest.' No matter they were in Lucius' home, there were Death Eaters enough to make it unpleasant if it came to a fight and more had joined Macnair and Bellatrix's little plan.' Severus waved his wand too. 'Let's get to work!'
They tried just about every spell connected to merging things, transforming them, and even a few household spells (painting walls and ceilings), but nothing happened, except that the painting was thoroughly cleansed and had a slightly pink tinge added in the upper left corner, and a scorched spot near the frame at the bottom right.
'This is frustrating,' Lupin admitted, and pulled the painting out from the wall to look at the backside. 'Maybe we should bring the painting with us to Hogwarts?'
'Under no circumstances!' Orion looked appalled, although quite undignified so. He tilted a bit as Lupin moved the painting back, and had to lean against the gilded frame. 'I will not be forced to endure the company of Muggle-lovers, and worse: Gryffindors! No!'
'No!' Lucius echoed. 'It is my painting, and no one brings my painting to Hogwarts!' Lucius seemed to be warming up to deliver a longer rant about Albus Dumbledore when Severus spotted three small lights at the end of the gallery.
He grabbed Lucius' arm. 'Quiet. We are in trouble,' Severus murmured, 'we have to get the chest out. Now.' Only they had no sodding clue how to. They had tried every advanced spell that might possibly work and a few that might not. Then it suddenly hit Severus: they had used far too advanced means. This was Macnair, Crabbe and Goyle, none of them remotely more intelligent than a glass of lukewarm Butterbeer. 'You and Lupin... cover me,' Severus demanded of Lucius. 'I have an idea!'
'Good,' Lucius said, stepping in front of Severus, wand at the ready. He looked over his shoulder. 'Just hurry. I have no plans declaring a war in my own house!'
Severus flicked his wand. This had to work. They had opened the picture to put something in there, and the easiest way to open something... the simplest? The one Crabbe and Goyle would use? 'Alohomora!' Severus said, and a shimmer materialised itself in the paintings lower part. 'Help me, Orion,' Severus demanded and thrust a hand into the silver shimmer. His hand hit the chest. 'Push, damn it!' Severus pulled hard at the iron handle he had been able to reach. Orion Black was on his knees, pushing the bejewelled chest out. Then, suddenly, with a loud pop, the chest slipped out. Severus landed on his back with the chest on top of him. He managed to get up, looking between Lucius and Lupin at Crabbe, Macnair and Goyle.
'Oi!' Macnair shouted. 'What are you doing?' He began to run, followed by the two older men. 'Stop that, it is not supposed to be outside!'
'Really?' Lucius drawled, 'As I understand it, this is my house, my painting, and you are merely guests. I would appreciate it if you considered acting like my guests. I admit I dislike being told what to do by people who neither have the social standing, nor the authority to do so. I suppose that is what happens when one lets the working class wizards in where they don't belong.'
Behind Lucius' back, Severus turned to Remus, whispering. They had to act fast. 'Take this,' Severus said, handing the chest to Remus. 'Run. Fast. Make the three fools follow you, be sure they have seen you carry the chest. Go to the great hall, put your sunglasses on, I'll be right behind you. I'll deflect any unfriendly curses.'
'Okay!' Remus took the chest. 'I trust you, Severus. With my life!' Then he sprinted down the corridor, chest under one arm, wand out. Severus managed to be amazed for a moment, by the werewolf's strength. Crabbe, Goyle and Macnair turned, surprised. As they discovered Lupin had the Goblet, they began the pursuit.
'Come,' Severus said, pulling Lucius with him. 'Run. Quick!'
They followed Lupin as fast as possible, soon catching up with Crabbe and Goyle, staying just behind them as they ran down the stairs. Macnair was close enough to Remus to hit him with one or two curses, luckily Lupin was quick enough to reverse most of them before they did any serious damage. Severus sent a few stinging hexes at Crabbe and Goyle Srs, just to be sure they kept up and ended up in the great hall. Severus turned around sharply as he reached the bottom of the stairs, using the banister, making the old Aubusson rug slide over the marble tiles. Lupin, Macnair, Crabbe, and Goyle were wreaking havoc in the hall, the unsuspecting guests shrieking and shouting as Lupin defended himself. Severus and Lucius almost tripped over Narcissa as they strode in.
'Get the door, Narcissa,' Severus ordered. 'Lucius, stop Crabbe and Goyle!'
The Malfoys didn't question his orders and Severus pushed a few Death Eaters away, making his way to Lupin. He pulled the Neuralizer out of his pocket, then put on the odd sunglasses that went with it. 'Ready, Lupin?' he shouted, using a curse to get Macnair out of the way.'
'I am now,' Lupin growled, and put on his sunglasses too.
Severus flicked the Neuralizer wand and a bright flash illuminated the entire hall for a moment. Severus hurried to put the sunglasses in his pocket. 'Thank you, Lucius, for a wonderful evening,' he said, smiling politely, as he turned around and patted Lucius on the shoulder.
'Er-' Lucius said, looking utterly lost for a moment. 'What are we doing here? What are those people doing here, Severus?'
'You are having a party to celebrate the upcoming Quidditch World Cup, remember?' Severus waved Lupin through the door to the hall. 'Wonderful party. Great cocktails, give Narcissa our thanks.' Then Severus closed the doors, and let out a deep, relieved breath.
'The Neuralizer worked... let's get out of here,' Lupin said, looking pale. 'I think I've been hit.' He swayed a bit, as if he was dizzy.
'It did. Nobody can remember a thing.' Severus stepped closer to Lupin, suddenly worried. The wolf didn't look too well. 'Are you hurt? Seriously hurt?' Severus didn't wait for the reply, just put a hand around Lupin's waist to support him. 'Ready? We just need to get to the Apparition point outside. Can you walk that far?
'I think so,' Lupin said, and fainted in Severus' arms.
- 0 -
Severus ran, pulling Remus' levitated body with him. There was no time for finer sentiments of how to carry an unconscious werewolf. A thought hit Severus. He changed direction and turned left instead of running towards Hogwarts's main entrance. It had to work. It had to! Severus ran over the meadow to the spot where the Room of Requirement had let them out when they had used the Hippogriff. He banged on the heavy granite wall as if it would help the Room understand the urgency in this. 'Open up, damn it! Open up!' Severus breathed hard, not understanding himself. A week ago he would have cackled with glee at the thought of a hurt Remus Lupin.
The wall decided Severus' plea was honest enough. There was a low rumble as stones rearranged themselves to let them in. Severus didn't hesitate, he stepped through the opening, relieved to see they actually had ended up in the Room once more. He threw the chest in one of the chairs then, carefully, managed to maneuver Lupin to lie on the bed, before he drew his wand and vanished the black robe and most of Lupin's other clothes. Severus examined Lupin's chest and legs, avoiding the man's groin. There were limits.
Using his wand to turn Lupin over, Severus found a damaged spot, just below the shoulder blade. It was slightly red, and the small wound was almost closed. It had bled a little. Severus scratched at the coagulated blood. The wound seemed to be deep, as if the spell had created some kind of spike that had stabbed Lupin in the back. It was too close to the heart for Severus' liking. Remus' breathing was irregular, but his pulse steady. Maybe it was the lung? Maybe it was serious? An iceberg of fear suddenly decided to make an appearance in Severus heart. He didn't like this. He didn't like being worried, he didn't like the fact that something bad had hit his partner. If they hadn't Neuralized the Death Eaters so they couldn't do anything to direct attention to themselves, somebody would have had to pay for this! No one damaged Severus Snape's things without facing the unpleasant consequences!
Summoning several potions from the shelves, Severus put down the vials on the bedside table, ready to use when Lupin gained consciousness. He fetched a bowl of water and a flannel. Almost gently Severus cleaned the wound, satisfied when it began to bleed once more. Lupin still seemed to be gone, not even close to being awake. Severus took his wand and one of the vials. He began a low chant, making the liquid seep over and into the wound. Warmth spread, so much Lupin's back reddened as the wound began to close. It was a healing that had to be done from inside, and it took a long time before Lupin's skin shimmered and closed itself over the wound. Severus sat back, rubbing his hand over his face. Done, than Merlin!
He tugged Lupin under the duvet, fed him as much Blood-replenishing potion as he was able to, but with a spoon it wasn't much. Severus hoped it was enough. Lupin seemed to breathe easier, and Severus dared leave his patient to Floo Albus. They had a brief conversation of what had happened, before Albus sent a House-elf to fetch the chest with the Goblet inside it.
Severus sank down in a chair. He poured himself a glass of brandy. He knew he should move Lupin to the infirmary, then go down to his cold dungeon and rest, but he was too tired to do so. He didn't want Poppy to fuss over Lupin, either. The man was fine, as long as he had someone to watch over him. Severus decided to stay. After all, the wolf had worked hard to solve their little problem. He was Severus' responsibility. Severus stretched, crossed his legs in front of him and took another sip of the brandy. The fireplace sent out a pleasant warmth, and he was nodding off, unable to stay awake. He pulled himself together and stood. He glanced at Lupin, asleep in the large bed. Maybe... if Severus lay down next to him, he would wake up if Lupin moved...
The bed was large. He didn't even have to touch Lupin at all, just to sleep in the same bed. Just to be sure he was all right. It didn't mean anything.
Severus pulled off his robe, shoes and trousers. He kept on the black shirt. He crawled under the duvet. God almighty, the bed felt soft and accommodating. Severus' head had barely touched the soft pillow before he fell asleep.
When he woke up, Severus wasn't sure if Lupin agreed with the "doesn't mean anything". There was a warm, naked body pressed against his back, and Lupin had thrown an arm around Severus' waist. Lupin was breathing softly, his lips against Severus' neck. He froze, afraid to move. Then Lupin moved behind him.
'Are you awake, Senior Agent S?'
Severus could hear the laughter bubble in Lupin's voice. He let out the breath he had been holding. 'Exactly what do you think you are doing, Lupin?'
'You don't know?' Lupin moved a little, enough for Severus to feel something hard rubbing against his arse. 'You are more inexperienced than I thought you would be, then.'
'Hah-hah,' Severus sneered. 'You know very well with whom I have gained my experience. What I am asking is why you are rubbing yourself against me, claiming an intimacy I have not in any way encouraged or wished for.'
'Maybe not. Maybe I have just dreamt up the moments where you were looking at me with that soft expression I am certain you'll deny being able to make. Or I have just imagined how you caught me in your arms, or it happened in an alternate reality? The way you rested in my arms when we returned from Azkaban? That was make-believe too?'
Severus turned a bit, looking over his shoulder at Lupin. 'A bit demented after your encounter with the nasty spell that hit you? Maybe the Blood-replenishing potion has gone to your brain?' Quite an awkward way of asking whether Lupin was all right.
'If I may say so, it has hardly gone to my brain, but maybe a floor or two lower.' Lupin laughed, a clear happy laughter. 'I feel fine, Severus. Thank you for taking care of me. Maybe I can do something for you in return, not that I will regard it as a chore.'
'I do not sell, nor buy, what you suggest.' Severus was offended. What did Lupin think he was? 'And I most certainly do not engage in... I prefer to be without if there are no true feel-' Severus stopped himself. First of all, what he thought was none of the retarded werewolf's business. Secondly, Severus realised he would be lying if he stated there were no feelings present. There were. Damn it, but there were! How they had developed to make Severus feel such a longing for Lupin, he had no idea. He just knew he did. And of course Lupin had read Severus right. He was slipping if the wolf had seen it. How could he let his mask slip in front of the wolf? 'Why, Lupin?' Severus asked, less angrily, but angry at himself. It had cleared his mind to realise he had failed. 'Why do you want to do this?'
'Are you blind,' Severus? 'Or just ignorant and unable to see when somebody is interested in you? And deaf? Refusing to hear when somebody tells you he likes what he sees?' Lupin's voice was turning into a purring growl that made Severus breathe faster. 'Or do you just see it as beneath you to let go of your disgust and judge me from what we have accomplished together?' Lupin grabbed Severus' shoulders and turned him before he could stop the man.
Facing Severus, lying half on top of him, Lupin whispered, 'I think you are too busy protesting. I like that. The wolf likes it. It will be so much better when you give in to us. We can smell your desire,' Severus. 'Your body doesn't lie.' Lupin slid a hand down to Severus' hip, gripping it tightly. 'Now tell me what you like, Severus Snape, and I might give it to you.'
Lupin's eyes had turned feral, and it made Severus gasp, as a sensation of anger and fear and desire welled up inside him. It was too much. He couldn't manage. In an instant he was up and out of the bed, pulling his robe on. 'I'd like to be left alone,' Severus shouted, knowing it was a blatant lie. He wanted Remus Lupin, but he was too scared to act. He grabbed his wand and strode over to the spot where the door usually was. 'Open up,' Severus said, wondering why the door had gone. 'Open!' He glared at the wall. Nothing happened. 'Alohomora!'
Still nothing.
'Would you mind trying something?' Lupin asked and slid out of the bed. He was naked apart from the pants.
'Why?' Severus sneered. 'I just want to get out.' He turned his back to the wall, glaring at Lupin. What did the wolf want from him now? Hadn't he understood Severus couldn't do this?
'Trust me,' Lupin said. 'I know what I'm doing.' Then he just kissed Severus, hard and demanding and utterly delicious. Severus stood, petrified for a moment, as Lupin's warm tongue slid over his lips. Of course the wolf used the small moan Severus couldn't hold back to push his tongue inside his mouth. It was as if the determination Severus had melted as Lupin's lips moved against his. Warm arms went around his back, and the robe mysteriously fell to the floor. Severus let out a louder moan.
'Look,' Lupin said, as he pulled away. 'Turn.' He didn't let go of Severus who had lost any need for complaining.
Severus did as Lupin asked. He turned to look at the wall, and the weak outline of a door was visible.
'We are not getting out before we have finished this, Severus. I'm quite sure,' Lupin said. 'As I see it, you cannot escape me. Not unless you truly wanted to, that is.'
Severus rolled his eyes. He had no choice and it felt good. It wouldn't be his fault if everything went wrong. 'All right, then. What are we going to do, Lupin?'
'First of all, it would be nice if you would call me Remus. That would be a good place to start.' Lupin pulled Severus with him to the bed, not hurrying the least.
'Very well, Remus.' Severus had given up. The wolf could take what it wanted, as long as Severus was able to get out of the bloody Room at some point. It didn't seem to end up in something unpleasant, though, so it didn't matter if it took a little while before the door materialised itself again. It seemed surreal, but now he could have what he had dreamed about, and his wish - and Remus' - had been true, otherwise the Room wouldn't have trapped them in here. 'We both feel... want... the same?' Severus asked, insecurely, not wanting to reveal too much.
Remus smiled softly and pushed Severus down on the bed. 'Yes. I want this. I want you,' Remus said, and crawled, almost prowling, into the bed. 'And maybe you should just accept what you want as well?'
Severus couldn't reply, since Remus had the most arousing way to stop him from doing other things than kissing. Remus unceremoniously ripped Severus' shirt open. The obvious desire made Severus close his eyes and moan again. It felt good to be desired so much. Then there were hands on his body, stroking and caressing and pinching, and Severus gave back, finally being able to touch the man he had longed for since the moment he had seen Remus in the bath, his skin and hair golden from the sun.
Soon what little they had on was off, and Remus was holding Severus, lying between his legs, rubbing against him. Severus felt paralysed, he wanted to touch and lick and bite, but the need Remus showed was like a whirlwind, picking Severus up and to carry him away, making him unable to do much more than kiss back and slide his hands over Remus' slender body.
'I want you,' Remus repeated. 'God, Severus. I want to take you, fuck you... to let us have the release we both need. I want to lie with you in my arms, fall asleep with you, and wake up tomorrow, finding you next to me.' Remus moved down a bit, licking Severus' neck before he found a nipple to suck on.
Severus moaned again. It was becoming a habit, the moaning. He definitely liked Remus' suggestions and also one or two of the more physical aspects. 'Yes!' he whispered. 'Please, Remus!' Severus whimpered, wanting more. Remus' kisses and bites became more rough, just as his caresses. Severus didn't mind. He liked it that way, and he was not made of glass. 'More,' he demanded. 'I want to feel this.'
'Oh, so you like it the hard way?' Remus' voice was but a growl. 'The wolf likes that too,' he murmured darkly in Severus' ear. 'And so do I.'
Before Severus could react, Remus had flipped him on his stomach, without caring if he hurt Severus. Merlin! If Severus had known the wolf was this dominant... He let out a cry as Remus pulled him up on his knees.
'I am going to take you like this,' Remus said, kissing Severus' shoulder. 'Reach back and show yourself to me.' There was no doubt the order was not up for debate.
Severus reached back, parting his cheeks. He felt open and vulnerable and exposed, and it aroused him, just as much as Remus' dark moans did.
The wolf made a longing, howl-like groan at the sight of Severus' hole, ready for him to breach, to push into. 'Gods, Severus...' Remus slid a finger down Severus' body, tracing the little hills of his back-bone, down to the slick entrance. Without warning he pushed two fingers inside Severus' tight arse.
Severus gave a small cry. It was impossible to stay silent. He had been longing for this, ever since he realised that Remus Lupin was something else than the spineless monster he had thought him to be. 'Fuck me,' Severus groaned, his face half-way buried in the pillows. 'Hurry, damn it!' A hand landed on Severus' buttock with a loud smack, making Severus let out a surprised yelp. Merlin, if the wolf carried on like that, Severus wouldn't last two minutes.
'When I want to,' Remus growled. 'But I like how eager you are.'
'Yes,' Severus managed, his breathing ragged and loud. If Remus knew how much it aroused him...
Remus thrust his fingers in and out, not really being careful. It only inflamed Severus' lust, that Remus wasn't a soft and caring and tender lover, but rough and demanding and hard. Gods, yes, how he wanted it hard! Severus moved a little to be able to see Remus. His cock definitely was hard - and long and just right. 'Please, Remus? I want your cock inside me!'
'Really?' Remus whispered, pulling his fingers out. He cupped Severus' cheeks, groping them, spreading them as wide as possible, then digging his fingers into Severus' flesh until he let out a deep cry, urgent and wild. 'I don't want you to disappoint you,' Remus said, and moved closer, the tip of his cock brushing over Severus' quivering opening, 'and I want to find out how tight you are, how you sound when you come.' Remus let go and fisted his cock with a slick hand. 'I want to come inside you, watch you fall apart, watch you unable to keep that mask of yours.' Remus leaned forward, pressing a kiss to Severus' back. His lips were wet and warm and soft.
Severus shivered, turning his head so he could kiss Remus. The anticipation made his body tense, strung hard, before Remus stroked his back with one hand, guiding himself inside with the other. The pressure was nothing less than marvellous. The insistence, the merciless widening of his body to accommodate Remus' cock, pushed Severus further into the haze of desire and need Remus had created.
Remus leaned over Severus, wrapping his arms around him. A slow rhythm began, bringing Severus a deep pleasure. He had thought Remus would just fuck him and get it over with, but the lazy dance of their bodies was so intimate, so perfect. Severus could feel Remus' muscles flex against his naked skin, and the strength with which he was held was almost preternatural. It made him feel safe and wanted and protected, and at the same time it was wild and rough - it was as if Remus took him in possession, as if Severus had no choice. There was no way he could fight against the wolf's power. There was no way he wanted to.
'I've longed for this,' Remus growled in Severus' ear, making him shiver. 'For a long time.'
It was strange to hear those words from a man he had loathed and hated, but they were there, spoken aloud, and Severus knew he had a similar longing. 'Yes,' he managed, the words little more than sighs. 'I have too.'
'Good,' Remus said, almost inaudible. He kissed Severus' neck, then nibbled on it as he increased the pace.
Severus moaned even louder now. Remus' bollocks slapped against Severus' arse as the wolf began to fuck Severus roughly, harder and harder, as his growling increased. The flicker of anxiety it sent through Severus only made him more aroused, and he was gasping and unable to hold back a stream of dirty little words, begging Remus to fuck harder, to split him open, to bite and tear and make it hurt and to make it feel so bloody brilliant as it did.
It was as if bodies and sweat and pain and kisses mingled into a sensation of the deepest pleasure. When Remus began massaging Severus' cock, there was no way in hell he could hold back. He came in a mess of whimpers and moans and sobs, Remus pounding into him, wilder and wilder. The wolf's dark growls were aggressive and demanding; Severus was sure his neck would be marked with several visible bites when they were done.
Remus cried out as he came, holding Severus tight until the last tremors of their mutual pleasure subsided. For a moment they were almost paralysed, as if none of them knew whether they were going to rip each other apart or not. Then Remus carefully slipped out and pulled Severus with him, not letting go of him. None of them said anything, but Severus didn't mind that Remus stroked his back and kissed him softly. It wasn't the worst thing that had happened, this. Severus relaxed, since it didn't seem as if Remus was against cuddling. The warmth and the satisfaction lulled them both into a state of calm enjoyment that Severus couldn't remember ever having experienced. They stayed that way for some time.
Remus finally stretched and yawned, trying to sit up in the large bed, and as he didn't let go of Severus it seemed a bit difficult. 'I think the Room might let us out now,' Remus said, nuzzling Severus' neck. 'At least the door is visible.'
'I don't sodding care,' Severus growled and turned, half asleep in his lover's arms. 'If I can get some decent coffee here, that door can just vanish itself and come back when the term starts.'
Two cups and a large pot of deliciously smelling coffee popped out of thin air to place itself on the bedside table.
'Oh, good,' Remus said. 'I was actually afraid I had to get out of bed.'
'Shut up,' Severus snapped, and kissed Remus. 'Get some coffee. I need you awake and ready in ten minutes.'
'Ten minutes?' Remus asked, smiling that predatory smile. 'I don't think I can wait that long.'
As it was, neither could Severus.
Epilogue: 5 years Later...
Severus pulled the duvet over his head. It was snowing outside, for the first time that winter. The wind was playing with the naked trees in their small Cambridge garden, pulling the branches and shaking the last few leaves off the twigs. Severus snuggled up to his lover, relishing his warmth and the safety in his arms. Severus didn't want to get up at all. He didn't have to, luckily. It was light outside, and it would probably only take minutes before their House-elf (paid and properly hired, mind) served their morning coffee. It was Saturday, and Severus wasn't going to work at the Institute. Chemistry and physics were fascinating subjects, so he actually liked working, Muggle adults weren't as annoying as wizarding children. He cherished the mornings when he could stay in bed, and just relax and read the paper, getting up exactly when he wanted to.
Unfortunately Remus had to go; the chocolaterie didn't take care of itself, and Saturday was one of the best days of the week. Apart from the fact that Remus had to leave for a couple of hours, Severus was pleased with his life. Having been a spy who pretended to be a spy who pretended to be a spy had been straining. To furthermore hide they were Wizardsinblack who were in love - it had been hard. The sacrifices they had made to hide it had been... vast. But their days as Dumbledore's secret task force were over, and the reward had been worth it.
Planning their deaths and the disappearance of their bodies had been easy, especially with some help from the very cooperative Room of Requirement. Severus didn't miss it - the Room.