Thank you, God.

Thank you, God.

Thank you, God.

As fate would have it, Remus was starting to believe in that divine figure above; He had obviously just saved his best friend from almost certain death. Remus sighed out of relief, walking down the hall, not really knowing where he was going, or why he was going...he just needed to go— whatever it took to stay away from Sirius.

What on earth, right?

Wrong. Perhaps, it would be the wiser choice of action if one stayed away from their best friend, too, if they had almost killed him. And what was worse, poor Remus didn't remember any of it! He just came back to, and Sirius was laying in a pool of his own blood, and James, holding onto Sirius' limp body, was glaring up at him. What had happened? Why did it happen? None of it made sense...then James had finally told him.

'I can't believe I did that to him...I'm so sorry Sirius!' He thought, biting down on a pale lower lip. Sighing again, the seventeen year old ran a hand through honey colored hair in a worried sort of manner; making the boy look more of a mess than he already did.

Large bruise-like circles were accompanying his golden-amber eyes; and his lips seemed to be put in a long term frown. In major contradiction to his usual proper attire, even on the weekends, Remus was seen today in black, baggy sweatpants and a Quidditch World Cup tee-shirt. In all honesty, he was mess.

One. Big. Emaciated. Mess.

That's right. Normally, when he was feeling miserable, he would fall back on his large, and seemingly endless, supplies of different types of chocolate, but he had gone past that stage. Chocolate couldn't bring him out of this. Chocolate couldn't save him. He was on the verge of wishing himself dead.

He had almost killed his best friend.

And only he, Peter, James, and the headmaster knew about it. Every one else was in complete wonder and shock at how the magnificent and completely gorgeous Sirius Black had wound up in a coma. It just didn't make sense. During the day, Sirius had been completely fine, but then the next day, he was unconscious, had seven broken ribs, sustained major damage to his collar bone, and had shattered every bone on his left arm and leg? Ever since it had happened, the student body had been hounding James and Remus to tell them what happened. But unfortunately, whenever asked, they were usually given along the same answer.

"How should I know? Probably doing something ridiculous without me..." was generally James' response, followed by a malicious look over to Remus.

Or silence. Remus would never talk about it. Every time some one began to bring it up, he honestly wanted to die.

Now it was like tears came easier to him; he found himself lying in his bed at night; wondering how he could have done such a thing...and then the tears came. Like an onslaught of everything not well with him, streaming down his face. What the hell was wrong?

Why?

Every possible question that needed to be known in the boy's head, that was what he wanted to know most.

Why?

Why did it happen to Sirius? Now, do not misunderstand the boy...it was not like he wanted it to happen to James. Hell, he didn't want it to happen to any one. "They should just send me to Azkaban…" He murmured, letting his head the stone wall with a dull thud. Out of any feeling one had to experience, Survivor's Guilt was definitely the worst. He groaned softly, letting himself sink to the ground, his forehead still resting against the cool stone.

However, unfortunately for Moony, some one had caught him in this pathetic looking state. Another tall, lanky figure, much like himself—however, not held in quite the same light— approached.

"My God, Lupin…" The figure sneered, the black hair hanging limply in his eyes. "What's happened?" He asked in mock sympathy. "Has Black and Potter gone and left you to die alone?" When the mound, which was Remus, hadn't responded, the seventeen year old Slytherin removed his wand, poking the other boy in the head. "Lupin? You are alive aren't you?"

Another choked sob welled up in Remus' throat as he finally looked up, crying "Oh, God! I wish I wasn't!" He then quickly buried his head in his hands trying to quiet his sniffles.

Seeing Lupin like that was almost enough for Snape to forget his desire to see all of the Marauders like that; suffering, just like he had…but that was almost. He still didn't feel like befriending the honey blonde, but perhaps he could send him on his cheery way and have the nagging in the back of his head shut up; he wasn't doing Remus a favor or anything. He knelt down to the other's level, his face softening somewhat. "D-Don't say that…" Snape stammered before adding, "It's all right. Now tell me what's happened." Part of him did desire to know what was ailing the boy, just, perhaps, for the wrong reasons.

"Haven't you heard, though??"

Snape continued to stare in silence, his eyes scanning Lupin's face, waiting for an answer.

Apparently not.

"Sirius is in the hospital wing! He's even in a coma! And it's all my fa—" Lupin trailed off, realizing that even if he had said it was his fault, it wouldn't make any sense to a complete outsider in the matter.

Severus smiled awkwardly, as if what Remus had said had pleased him— which it had. "Is that all? Surely, you should know you can't blame yourself for how completely idiotic Black can be…he was probably doing something dangerous and being careless, like he always is."

Opening his mouth to protest, Lupin shut it, pausing to examine the other boy's features. He had never really understood why the other Marauders had such a hard time looking at him; but, then again, he had never seen his face up close before. In that moment, though, his suspicions had been confirmed. He had been right all along; Severus looked completely normal, if not on the almost attractive side. The other boy had icy green eyes, high-set cheekbones, a rather large nose, and his black hair nicely framed his face in a shy, dignified manner— even if it was a little greasy looking. Plus, he had all of those hard-working, studious skills that Remus always found admirable. Aside from Severus hating him and the others, he was almost friendly. Wait. Snape hated Remus. What was going on?

"Ehm…Severus?" Lupin asked, dragging the back of his hand across his golden-amber eyes, gently clearing his throat. "Why are you here…? Talking to me…?"

Flushing a faint pink, Snape stood, feeling irritated that the topic of conversation had turned. "I was on my way to the library…and you happened to be wallowing in some sense of self pity. What was I supposed to do? Leave you to the wrath of Peeves?" He held out a hand, offering to pull Remus to his feet. Something about the other boy's mood was enough to make Snape, of all people, want to change it. "But I think some cold air will do you some good. Want to go for a walk?"

Remus sat there for a moment, shocked at Snape's answer. 'It's nice, though.' He finally decided in his mind, taking Severus' hand, allowing himself to be pulled to his feet.

"It'll be all right." Snape mumbled, briefly glancing at the boy beside him, quickly shoving his hand into his pocket. Had he really just helped one of his enemies stand up? He shook his head, his piercing green eyes once more covered by greasy black hair.

The cold of the early-spring weather had definitely shocked Remus out of the majority of his depression; so much so, he felt like he could even take on the questions about Sirius, without wanting to cry.

However, this hadn't been the only thing that had shocked him. It was everything about Severus. The way he had been acting…it was like no one really knew him at all! Remus wondered if anyone did know him; and sadly, he already knew the answer. It was partially his fault; no wonder Snape hated them. Despite his not usually having a part in the pranks, he often wondered if he had the power to end some of them. Although, inwardly, he knew well enough he never had the gall to tell the others not to do it and to leave poor Severus alone.

Lupin sighed, pulling the loaned cloak closer around him, kicking at a small pile of leaves.

"What's wrong? You've been pretty quiet…" Snape hesitated, bringing a hand out of his pocket to make some circular motion with his hand. "Aren't you normally a bit more talkative and…happy?"

Attempting a small reassuring smile at the kind gesture, he said "It's nothing. Just thinking…"

How many people had noticed how much Snape had grown over the summer holiday? Certainly not Remus, that is, not until Severus had pulled him to his feet with ease, leaving Remus staring up at him. He must have been almost Sirius' height, perhaps an inch or so shorter. Despite Remus' short height of five seven at the age of seventeen, he was still taken by surprise when yet another person was looking down at him.

Or…how many people thought Snape would have ever given up his cloak? Seriously? When Remus had started shivering, almost as if by instinct, the other boy had shrugged off his cloak, given it to him, and said "It was my idea to drag you out here like that, at least wear this." Remus had almost laughed, wanting to ask him if he was joking.

Apparently not.

'This person is completely different from who I thought Snape was. I should ask him if he wants to study together some time. No…that'd be awkward. But well, I would like to get to know him. He seems like a pretty good guy. Well, why not. The worst he can say is no.'

"Severus?"

"Mmm?" Hearing his normal name, as compared to Snivellus, sounded so much better, Snape couldn't help the small smile that crept over his lips.

Lacing his fingers together nervously, Remus hoped this was as easy as he had thought it would be. "Well, you know the Ancient Runes exam is coming up, and well, maybe we could, oh, I don't know…maybe go over the material together? I mean, it's not like you need help on it or anything; you are one of the top four in our class, and the top of the Slytherins…oh, or maybe you wouldn't want to because Gryffindors and Slytherins don't really study to…gether…"

Lupin trailed off when Snape let out a small snicker. He cursed at himself silently; that had sounded so completely un-Remus. He never rambled like that….now, he was sure there was no chance of them getting to know each other. Remus scowled down embarrassedly at the leaves, waiting for some sort of ridiculing reply.

"Yes, I'd like that."

This once more surprised Remus, but he smiled nonetheless. "All right, how about tomorrow, around four, in the library?"

"That sounds fine."

—The Next Day—

"Haha, I guess it's no surprise, but you're bloody brilliant, Severus." Remus said, pulling his knees closer to his chest. "It's like you have the whole bloody textbook memorized!"

The school day had seemed to drag out more so than normal; between missing Sirius, James glaring at him, Peter not understanding Charms, and waiting for the rendezvous in the library, it was nearly unbearable for Remus. But now the two sat in the back of the library; the place where the bookworms usually went to study, both curled up in overstuffed armchairs. The chairs faced a medium sized oak table, littered with Ancient Rune textbooks and parchment. They had bewitched a small lantern to hover about three feet above the table, lighting up the surrounding area.

Severus gave a feeble smile, closing one of the books. "No, it's nothing like that…I just have a lot of time on my hands."

Frowning, Remus looked between the other boy and the books on the table. "I'm sorr—"

"Oh for Merlin's sake, stop apologizing, Lupin. If you make a mistake, of course, apologize. But these things aren't really your fault. You're not the one who should be sorry." Snape pressed his lips into a pale, thin line before speaking again. "And I've—" He hesitated, unsure whether he should finish his sentence. However, when he looked back up to the honey-eyed blonde, he at last stammered "I-I've enjoyed the time here today. It's n-nice."

Remus smiled, tilting his head up against the back of the cushion. "Then we should go to Hogsmeade this weekend."

"Don't do me any favors, Lupin. I understand I'm nothing like Black."

"No…" Lupin began, suddenly trailing off into more inaudible mumbling.

Severus sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Oh for Merlin's sake, out with it already…!"

"I want to go with you because I want to!" As soon as the words came out of his mouth, a brilliant shade of scarlet flushed into his cheeks.

This response seemed to take Snape one step further in his astonishment. After a moment of sitting there, gaping at Remus, he finally blinked back into reality. "D-Do…do you really?"

"Yes…" Lupin said softly, still blushing. 'This is strange,' he thought, feeling the warmth in his cheeks. 'I've never acted like this around anyone…except…well, Sirius…but I guess I've learned not to show it anymore…'

A smile crept across Snape's lips, as he began to nod. "All right, then we'll go. I need to get some supplies from the apothecary anyways."

"Yeah…" Remus was glowing, looking completely at ease. "Oh!" Sitting up a start, the book in his lap clattered to the floor. "I have to go see Sirius…" He rubbed the back of his neck looking slightly embarrassed. "Um, yeah…I had a good time too. I guess I'll see you tomorrow?" He asked, gathering up his books and some of the parchment mess.

Severus blinked a few times, standing as well. "Hmm? You want to study again?"

Laughing, Remus shook his head. "No, I meant I'll see you tomorrow, in class."

"Oh…" This brought a faint blush to Snape's pale cheeks. "Oh, yes, of course…see you."

Waving before he scampered out of the library, Remus smiled to himself, despite his thoughts. 'I wish Sirius would wake up soon…I hope he'll be all right with this…' He sighed aloud. 'Who am I kidding? Of course he won't…' Of course Sirius would be upset if he knew his best friend was associating with the person he hated most.

—That Sunday—

"Are you going to eat that?" Remus asked, eyeing Severus' bar of chocolate.

Severus laughed, nodding his head. "Yes, I'm going to eat this. Merlin, Lupin…you've already eaten half of your bag," he said, nodding towards the bag of Honeyduke's chocolate in Remus' arm. "And now you want to eat mine?"

Biting down on the end of his finger, Remus frowned, nudging Severus' elbow with his own. "But—…oh wait! What's that??" Remus asked eagerly, pointing to the other side of the row of shops.

"Hmm?" Severus turned his head, too distracted to feel the bar of chocolate slip out of his hand. After a moment, he looked back to Remus. "What? I didn't— Remus!" Snape looked between Remus, who was once more eating chocolate, and his own empty hand.

Remus stuck out his tongue, before finishing off the rest of the bar. "What?" He asked innocently, licking the tips of his fingers.

"You really like that don't you?"

Laughing, the smaller boy asked "What makes you think that?" He smiled, "Think of it as a late birthday present to me."

"It was your birthday? When?"

Remus smiled, tucking a stray strand of hair behind his ear. "March nineteenth."

"Oh, then that wasn't that long ago…" Severus smiled and nodded. "All right, fine. Happy belated Birthday."

—During the Week; Wednesday—

The days seemed to go by quicker and with ease, now that Remus had found a friend in Severus. It had been about two weeks since Snape had started talking to him. The routine for Remus' day became almost like clockwork. Class. Class with Severus. More class. Study during lunch. Another class. Study with Snape. And, of course, visit Sirius. Remus was almost completely content with it. He just wished Sirius would wake up.

Having made it through his morning classes, Remus sat at the Gryffindor table, letting the feather of his quill tap on the table, while nibbling on a small sandwich. He had almost finished writing his advanced potions paper, when Peter came scuttling up to him, panting.

"Remus! Remus!"

Glancing up, Remus' face suddenly flooded with worry; he frowned. "What is it?"

After he had caught his breath, Peter smiled. "Pad-Padfoot woke up."

"Sirius!" Without hesitation, Remus stood, dashing off to the infirmary. Out of breath, he doubled over at the door, his face flushed from running up several flights of stairs.

"Moony…?"

The boy looked up, his breathing heavy, searching for the owner of the voice. "S-Sirius!" Despite his body screaming for rest, he urged himself onward, making his way towards Sirius' bed. "Oh my God, Sirius…" Having basically flung himself down on the next to his friend, he took Sirius' face in his hands, resting his forehead on the other boy's. "I'm so sorry…"

Sirius patted Remus' shoulder, letting his hand rest there, and smiled. "Oh, Moony, Moony, Moony…don't apologize." He laughed, adding "Just don't ever do that again."

Letting his eyes close, Remus smiled. Just being near him, and hearing his voice, it was so relieving. He relaxed more against Sirius, whispering "Of course."

Remus had decided to skip out on the rest of the day's classes; he was too busy fretting over Sirius and filling him in on everything that had happened since the accident. Everything, that is, except Severus. It was long past five; much later than he had originally planned to meet his Slytherin friend. And it was only then the thought occurred to him.

"Bloody hell!" Remus stood up so fast his head had collided with Sirius'. "Ow! Ugh…I'm sorry, Sirius! I have to go; I'll come see you tomorrow!"

"Remus!" Sirius called after him, rubbing his head. "Where are you going?!"

Ignoring the question, Remus yelled another brief apology at the infirmary door, and then dashed off again; this time towards the library. While climbing the flights of stairs, Remus frowned. 'Oh, I hope he won't be upset with me…damn. Of course he'll be upset! I was with Sirius!' He slowed his pace when reaching the library door. Wasn't that the way things always seemed to go? Making friends with people that his other friends hated… Lovely.

The librarian gave a brief wave and pointed towards the back looking slightly concerned.

Remus gave an apologetic frown, reaching the back to see Severus in his usual armchair. Still frowning, he finally managed to steal the other's attention away from the book in his hands. "Severus…" He began softly, squeezing his other hand. "Umm, I'm sorry…I lost track of time…y-you see, during lunch Peter came and told me Sirius came to. So I've been with him…I'm really sorry…really, I am." Quieting, he noticed that Severus had only looked at him once, and then returned to his book, looking genuinely hurt; the kind of hurt that Remus often had seen behind Snape's mask of anger and disgust. "Severus…" He said after a few minutes. He then laid his fingertips on the top of the book, pushing it flat onto Severus' lap. "Please say something…"

Snape's jade eyes narrowed into a soft glare as his gaze finally met Lupin's. "What do you want me to say?" He asked flatly, his voice cool, with the hint of the familiar venom to it.

"I-I don't know…but I am sorry."

"As you've already told me." Severus lifted his book again, continuing to read. But seeing Remus still standing in front of him made him look up once more and frown. "What? Why aren't you with your precious Black?"

An irritated look spread across Remus' face as his fists clenched and his eyes narrowed. "Would you stop that? Even though you've tried to hide it, you think I'm doing you some favor by hanging around you, don't you? Can't I just be your friend? Is there something wrong with that, Severus? Because I'm friends with Sirius, James, and Peter, does that mean I can't be your friend as well? All right! Fine, I admit it; yes! I'm ecstatic that Sirius is awake and well! But just because my old friends are back, doesn't mean I plan to throw away my new ones! Didn't the last few weeks mean anything to you?? Do you take me for some one that superficial?? Does it occur to you that maybe some one actually wants to be your friend?!"

Severus looked taken aback at Remus' sudden outburst; from what he had always seen was a calm, collected Lupin. Yet here he was, flustered, yelling, and upset. Snape had always envied Remus for the mask of calm he always wore; and often wondered if there was any way some one could ever break it. And it looked like he of all people had managed to be the first to put a crack in it. He set his book down, standing, so he was towering over the smaller boy. His eyes narrowed, but his frown turned into a grin. "I'm sorry, Remus." He said coolly, his tone carrying a playful tease to it.

Still flustered, and now more relaxed, the shorter boy let his fist hit Severus' arm. "Augh! I hate you!" A small laugh escaped him as he collapsed in his own chair. "That's all you have to say?!" He asked, a pouting smile playing at his lips.

"That was quite the tirade you gave…" Severus said, sitting back down.

Remus blushed, his eyes falling to the floor. "Haha, yeah…I'm not really sure where that came from." He looked back up, matching Severus' gaze. "But it's all true. I'm here, right now, because I want to be. Really."

Snape smiled, leaning back. "All right, Lupin, but you owe me a butterbeer."