McKay (scribbulus_ink) wrote in time_of_storms, @ 2006-02-21 22:16:00 |
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Entry tags: | chronological, joint |
September 26, 1997
Original poster: werwolfoflondon
Music: If I Could Be Where You Are, by Enya
Draco's arrival had made Severus' life more complicated in many ways, and there wasn't a single one that Severus found less than intensely irritating. One of the main changes was that the small space wasn't meant to be occupied by two people, or at least not two people who weren't accustomed to dealing with each other in a good deal of intimacy. While Severus hadn't felt cramped or crowded when Lupin had been present, he had neither the intention nor the desire to share the bed with Draco, and that changed the spatial aspects of the situation dramatically.
Another problem was privacy, which Severus needed if he were going to be able to warn Lupin about the alteration of his circumstances. A temporary fix was not a problem, which was attested to by the fact that Draco was currently passed out unconscious on the sofa, courtesy of one of Severus' sleeping draughts. He had forced it on the boy, claiming that Draco was exhausted and needed the rest, when in reality all he wanted was to get the boy out of the way so that he could use the parchment to contact Lupin.
Even though he trusted the potion to keep Draco out for hours, Severus still took the precaution of locking himself into the bathroom before removing the parchment, quill, and ink from his robe pockets. He considered for a moment, then with a long-suffering sigh he began to write.
Lupin -
I find myself in the middle of an untenable but unavoidable situation, which compels me to warn you that you should under no circumstances Apparate back to the Wizard hole without giving me advanced notice. Draco Malfoy has located me, and has asked for sanctuary with me, which I have for several reasons decided to grant - at least temporarily. I have been most careful to keep him from discovering anything about either you or our... relationship, nor does he suspect my allegiances are not what I have carefully portrayed them to be. He did, however, bring to my attention the fact that Bellatrix and Lucius are still plotting my demise, as well as, apparently, Draco's.
I hope that things among your furry compatriots has been less trying than my situation has been. All that I can say is that I certainly do not get paid enough for the annoyances I am forced to endure.
Yours,
Severus
Remus was alone, enjoying a rare moment of private time when he felt the parchment vibrate in his pocket. Henri was attending to some business at the church, leaving Remus to amuse himself for a while. They had spent most of the day with Henri's pack, and while it had been an enlightening experience, it had also been an exhausting one.
He had stretched out on the bed in the guest room he was occupying, intending to read for a while, but he tossed aside his book as soon as the parchment signaled a message from Severus, and he bolted up, scrambling to fish out the parchment. Drawing his wand, he tapped it and murmured the password, eagerly reading the brief note.
His excitement over hearing from Severus faded into dismay at the actual message. He wasn't surprised that Lucius and Bellatrix were scheming against Severus, but it was worrisome nonetheless, and he chewed on his bottom lip and frowned at the parchment, wishing he was there to help protect Severus even in his own limited capacity.
There was also the matter of the inconvenience Draco presented in being there. The thought of not being able to visit Severus annoyed him, especially since he didn't know how long he would be away, and he had already been looking forward to their reunion. But they could hardly have a reunion, especially not one of the naked and sweaty kind, if Draco was hanging about.
Then again, Severus had actually used the word "relationship", which gave him a warm fuzzy feeling in his chest, and he read that bit over a couple of times more, smiling to himself.
Summoning the quill and retrieving his book to write on, he sat up and fluffed up the pillows, leaning back and propping the book and parchment on his knees so he could write.
Severus,
Be careful. I know you don't need me to tell you that, but I'm saying it anyway, because the thought of Lucius and Bellatrix pursuing you worries me, more so since I'm not there to help if needed. As for Draco, I do hope "temporary" means exactly that. The fact of the matter is, I will be both disappointed and cross if he delays our reunion when I return home.
Especially since Remus was certain he would receive some kind of punishment for failure to carry out his mission if things went the way he hoped they would. If he was lucky, he would end up incapacitated for a while. He didn't care to think about what might happened if he was unlucky, but he considered the risk worthwhile.
I've learned quite a lot about how things are different for my kind here. The comparison is fascinating, and Henri has been most helpful. He's going to introduce me to the other packs, and I think he'll agree to remain neutral even if I can't persuade him to help the Order. Wish me as much luck with the others as I've had with him.
Yours,
Remus
A slight snort escaped Severus at Remus' reply. Not that he didn't feel a tingling sort of warmth at the concern in the tone of the note, especially at the thought of their "reunion". He had given more than passing thought during the hours in his empty bed about what it was going to be like when they were together again, and he had been looking forward to enacting some of the more adventurous dreams. After all, they were both likely to die before the war was over, so indulging themselves in any and everything while they could was only practical.
The information about the werewolves was interesting, but it figured that Lupin was getting himself in too deep, risking too much, and Severus was in no position to help, not at the moment. Damn the insufferably noble bastard, if he got himself killed Severus was going to be mightily pissed at him indeed.
Lupin -
I shall be careful, and as it appears at the moment I am in less danger than you are. I assume I do not have to give you warning to trust no one, do I? This is a war, and foolishness such as believing in Gryffindor concepts like honor and nobility in the middle of a dangerous situation are likely to get you killed. Or worse. Yes, there definitely is a worse, especially where the Dark Lord is concerned.
Despite Draco's presence, if given sufficient advanced warning I will make certain that any reunion can take place exactly as we choose. I have absolutely no scruples about using something like a Draught of Living Death to insure our privacy, or even sending the young prat out to fend for himself. I have sacrificed enough in this war, and will not hesitate to do what must be done when one of the few things I have left to fight for is on the line. Especially in this case.
I shall wish you luck if that is what you desire, but I have learned not to believe in luck, but rather in my own abilities. Therefore I will simply have to trust in yours to see you safely back; barring that, rest assured that if necessary I will step in to retrieve your annoying self in person.
Yours,
Severus
Remus couldn't keep his toes from curling as he thought of being reunited with Severus. The wolf was already pining for Severus, and when he was alone at night, thoughts of touching and tasting Severus' bare flesh stirred up his overactive imagination as he played out various scenarios involving different locations and positions. The bottom line for him, however, was that he wanted to be with Severus, and he yearned for the peace as well as the passion he found in Severus' arms.
He chuckled over Severus' last line, amused by the thought of Severus charging into a village full of werewolves to rescue his "annoying self". No doubt if that ever happened, Severus would complain heartily about having to put himself out and declare that Remus had better prove himself worth the effort.
Severus,
Don't worry about me; I am being cautious. I trust Henri - he has been very generous and kind, and I believe he has the best interests of our kind at heart - but I intend to be careful around the other alphas.
I'm gratified to hear that you consider our reunion worth carving out some privacy. I have all due sympathy for Draco and his unfortunate situation, and I have no wish for him to be harmed, but it seems I've become a little selfish when it comes to you. Besides, I have plans that would no doubt shock the young man senseless were he to witness them.
Yours,
Remus
PS: I shaved off my beard in an attempt to look more respectable, so prepare for a change when you see me next.