Title: Cherish

Pairings: RemusxSeverus only for now more pairings in later chs.

Fandom: HP

Genre: AU, nonmagic

Rating: PG-13/T for two guys kissing.

Notes: don't kill me if you hate it… it's my first real attempt at an AU non magic HP fic series.

Severus Snape was curled up with a good book on the porch swing drinking tea when Remus Lupin sat next to him.

Remus leaned back and closed his eyes, "She left me…Dora found out about us and abandoned our kids."

Severus frowned, "I thought you were going to tell for anyway," he said as he set down his book.

Remus looked out at his kids as they played soccer, "I was… but I never got the chance. I woke up to an empty bed, a bare closet and note," he buried his face in his hands, "What am I going to tell the kids?"

Severus glanced at them while he held his friend, "'s smart for his age, he'll be fine. You just have to worry about little Harry."

Remus cried silently, "he's only four, what will I do? He needs his mother."

Local postman Arthur Weasley walked up, "Hey guys, I hope I am bringing good news", as he handed them a pair of registered letters.

Severus reached to take them; he noticed they were both from lawyers. He opened his first, his jaw dropped in shock, "Remy, I'm going to need a crash course in parenting…"

Remus stared at him, "What…"

Severus looked at him with tears in his eyes, "Do you remember my cousin Lucius? He and his wife apparently died in a traffic accident. He named me their son's legal guardian. You remember little Draco right? He is such an energetic little one, he and Harry got along like two little peas in pod."

Remus nodded, "I thought he was more of a brat…"

Severus chuckled, "I suppose one might describe he like that; he was spoilt. The Malfoy family lawyer is supposed to bring him here tomorrow."

Remus noticed his own name on the second envelope and snatched it away.

Severus frowned, "I don't think you need to read that right now…"

Remus ignored him and ripped it open, the paper falling from his outstretched fingers as he read the opening line of the document.

Severus picked it up and read it silently.

Nymphadora Lupin vs. Remus Lupin

They were divorce papers; Remus had been served. Severus was studying to pass the Solicitor exams skimmed the document for the important points. He cracked a painful smile; "You get the house and full custody of Oliver and Harry for a $50,000 settlement."

Remus yelped, "She would give up her kids for £50,000? What kind of person is she?"

Severus caressed his friend's cheek lovingly; he didn't feel like he had to hide it anymore, his friend's marriage was over, "Someone who never deserved you…"

Remus kissed the hand, "I wish I'd married you instead Sevy."

Severus blushed shaking his head, "Then you wouldn't have your two gorgeous kids."

Remus admired his two boys, Oliver was nine and his little brother Harry was four and tiny but adorably cute like a kitten, "I really get to keep them…"

Severus laid his head on Remus' shoulder, "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Remus turned to his lover, "Where am I going to get £50,000 without selling the house…"

Severus placed a reassuring hand on Remus' thigh, "My parents left me a fortune remember? What am I going to use all that money for? I live simply."

Remus felt tears fill his eyes again, "Sevy… thank you…I owe you so much."

Severus shook his head, "Remy, what would I do without you? When my parents died; you and Lucius were all the family I had left. Without you two where would I be?"

Remus smiled, "I try not to think about. I need you too much…"

Sorry, it's so short. The chapters get as the story progresses. I hope you like it. Good? Bad? Dislike? Should I post more?