Chapter 1

It was a late night at the Hogwarts library. Only a few students remained at that hour; doing their homework or preparing themselves for exams. Remus Lupin, of course, was one of them. It was his sixth year and as a prefect, he had the duty to do well on his N.E.W.T's. That was why he was giving his best and why staying at the library until this ghostly hour was necessary. There were so many things to study! Remus was used to studying hard, obviously, but now he felt almost pressured with those exams coming so soon.

The weather outside quickly turned sour and the previous drizzling rain started to pour now. The few students remaining in the library were able to hear it clearly. Some of them packed their things and decided to run after the rain got heavier but Remus was at peace in one of his favourite places at Hogwarts.

On the opposite side of the library, one other brilliant student, a Slytherin, was also giving his best at his studies. Like Remus, he didn't care about the rain and continued to study quietly. For both of them, studies were fun and they each liked to do their best in every subject. They had an aptitude for learning above all others. Despite this similarity, they weren't friends at all.

Severus, in fact, had serious problems with Remus' friends. He hated them all; thinking about each of Remus' friends individually gave Severus a sick feeling in his guts. He didn't understand why someone so different – at least apparently – could get along with such specimens like Sirius and James – especially James. He didn't hate Remus or Peter, he was indifferent. They didn't bully Severus like Sirius or James did. There was no need for hatred there.

The time passed without the students noticing, and in the blink of an eye, it was time to close the library. Only Remus and Severus were left there and as soon as Madame Pince announced time to close, they packed their things and walked towards the door. The heavy rain continued, and each boy was given a choice: wait it out or confront the raindrops. Severus sighed heavily, which made Remus look back at him. They were side by side now, which was odd given the fact that they had not spoken to each other properly – ever.

"It's pouring really heavily…" Remus pointed out.

"Indeed…" Severus looked at Remus, a bit surprised.

"How are we gonna go back into the castle?" the brown haired boy asked, biting his bottom lip.

"I happen to have an umbrella over here. Why don't you have one on yourself?" Severus said a bit harsh while taking his dark umbrella from his shoulder bag.

"Yeah, that. I had an accident with my umbrella. The wind itself sort of broke it… Is there's any change you help me out? Severus, right?"

Snape thought for a moment. He'd believed that Lupin was one of those who called him Snivellus behind his back. Apparently not. For a moment he thought he was going to say no but he thought it over and it was, indeed, very late and with classes early morning it wouldn't be very nice of his part to let the werewolf under the rain. Alone.

"Fine, whatever," he finally said, opening the umbrella. "Watch your books." he added when the other boy stepped closer. Remus was caring so many books his bag wouldn't accommodate more, so the spillover from his shoulder bag was nestled in his arms.

"Yeah, I should watch these. They're from the library."

"What were you studying?"

"Arithmancy. You?"

Remus could swear – if he hadn't be looking to the ground as well as being careful to stand fully beneath the umbrella and walk together in sync with the Slytherin so as not to get wet – he would have seen a small smile on Severus' face.

"Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"My favourite."

"Mine too!"

They both laughed, as they got closer to the big entrance.

"I didn't know that, I thought you were more into Potions. You sure do know what you're doing in class. I can tell," said Remus.

Snape was astonished how easy was to talk to Remus Lupin. What were the odds? He looked back at the Gryffindor in astonishment and to his surprise saw him… blush? He stared at Remus, who was obviously struggling to come up with words.

"I – I mean, Professor Slughorn talks a lot with you in class. Which is great, he barely knows my name," Remus stuttered.

"Don't be modest. You're good at every class we have in common."

"Why, thank you… So are you."

Severus looked back and nodded, accepting the compliment. They walked in silence for the rest of their way back to the castle. When they finally arrived, Remus stepped back, allowing Severus to enter the building first, taking the umbrella with him. He instantly missed the closeness he shared with the other boy because of the cold and damp weather.

"Brr, it's cold. I better get going... it's late, as you know. It was nice of you, thank you to share your umbrella. Thank you, Severus Snape."

"See you later, Remus Lupin."