Snape/Lupin Drabble Community

Title:

Severus’ Seven Labours

Author: bonfoi
Rating: PG13
Pairing: Remus Lupin/Severus Snape
Summary: The first day of courting didn’t go as planned...at least, not until later.
Challenge: snupin100’s Challenge 337: Love's Labours
Word Count: 100 x 7 (give or take a word or two)
Genre: EWE; Post-Second Voldemort War; Romance
Warnings: none
A/N: I couldn’t resist.

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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.

This author is not responsible for underage readers. Please observe the ratings, warnings, and age of legal consent for your country.

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Love’s first labour: attraction.

Severus Snape brushed an imaginary speck of lint from his dark green robes. He tugged his shirt collar straight, making certain the fine lawn was even above the wool collar of his robes. Then he pinched the pleats of his dove grey trousers, an invisible set of fingers continuing the line from hip to ankle on both legs.

At his mirror’s whistle of approval, Severus allowed himself a small smirk and summoned the ironwood box he’d chosen to hold his courting gift from his paper-strewn desk. Lupin would be proud to be at his side.

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Love’s second labours: acceptance.

Box in hand, wand secured in a specially-tooled holster, Severus left his rooms in a swirl of wool and the faint scent of cardamom. He dodged runny-nosed, sticky-fingered students with a scowl, a wandless spell protecting him in a bubble of magic.

When he stopped in front of Remus Lupin’s classroom, the crowd seemed to disappear and there was only Remus to dazzle, to entice. Or so he thought.

Finding Lupin with a woman in his arms, head on his chest, was not how he’d imagined his first attempt at courting to go.

“I see you have your hands full, Lupin.”

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Love’s third labour: communication.

Remus looked up and saw his lover, dressed so finely, his hair shining with health and cleanliness. Then he saw the bright look of those dark eyes dim and the shutters fall over Severus’ face. He took a deep breath and smiled.

“Severus, I’d like to introduce you to Pansy Parkinson-Longbottom.” He turned the small woman in his arms to face Severus. “She’s come to ask for guidance in a personal matter.”

Severus raised one eyebrow, recognizing his former student now. “Mistress Longbottom,” he said. “May I be of assistance as well?”

“I need Neville as a man and not a plant.”

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Love’s fourth labour: adventure.

Severus drew the story out—and the woman from Remus’ arms—with concise questions and pointed observations. He sighed as he saw the green wool of his robes and pulled his wand out to change them to his signature black. The box he left on Remus’ desk for another time.

“So, Longbottom touched a cursed plant, became that plant, and now you need Remus’ help to break the curse,” Severus summarized.

“Well, I’m not looking for an addition to my garden, professor,” Pansy shot back.

“Mrs. Longbottom, why don’t we see what’s what.” Remus grabbed Severus’ arm. “Let’s go.”

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Love’s fifth labour: romance.

When they arrived at Longbottom Greenery, Pansy led the two wizards toward a locked room. They could see a person-shaped plant waving in an invisible breeze, its tendrils fluttering in the sunlight streaming through a window.

“I put him in here,” Pansy said with a wobbling lip. “I wanted him safe.”

Remus aimed his wand through the wire on the door and whispered a series of spells. Severus watched the plant lean toward the door, tendrils raised beseechingly.

“He knows you’re here, Pansy,” he said gently. Just then, the leaves began to fall and a hand appeared.

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Love’s sixth labour: reunion.

Slowly, Neville Longbottom shed the leaves and the plant-like skin as Remus’ spell continued working under their wondering eyes. Pansy wiped tears of joy away on the other side of the door. Severus glanced at Remus, once again wondering at just how magically powerful his chosen truly was.

“Neville?” Remus called out. “I need you to stand as still as you can. In ten minutes, your plant qualities will be gone and Pansy can come in.”

“Oh, thank you!” Pansy hugged Remus and Severus before pressing her hand to the grill. “I love you, you silly Gryffindor.”

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Love’s seventh labour: ardour.

Severus leaned back against his door, Remus’ kiss stealing his breath.

“You took my wishes to heart, Severus. Thank you,” he mouthed across Severus’ jaw. He licked and nipped his way to Severus’ ear. “You looked gorgeous…as usual, but better,” he whispered.

“I was…jealous…when I saw Mistress Longbottom in your arms,” Severus moaned out. His arms wrapped around Remus, hands smoothing across wide shoulders and strong arms.

“You never have any reason to be,” Remus said softly. “I’m yours and only yours.”

Severus grabbed Remus’ head and kissed him breathless. “Show me,” he demanded.

“My pleasure.”

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~~~ Comments, like rain in the desert, are greatly appreciated.
Thank you for reading. ~~~