Chapter 6: A Proposal for a Cure

While visiting Severus to discuss the details of tomorrow night's transformation, Remus notices that Severus keeps looking at a particular implement laying on his desk. Angst/Comfort/Hurt/Memories from long ago in this Chapter and a Demonstration of a Caning.

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The morning light shone through the curtains and hit Severus' closed eyelids. He groaned, throwing the covers over himself, and turned on his stomach. It was Friday and the last full day before he had to ensure that the Werewolf was properly detained. He wanted to stay in bed as long as possible. Uncertain of what to do about the "caning" situation and if he should even do it, he flipped back over onto his back and stared at the ceiling.

"I am a man in my 30s actually contemplating taking the cane to the backside of Remus Lupin the Werewolf," he shook his head and rose from his bed to sit on the edge for a moment. He only wore black sleeping pants to bed as the summer heat was relatively unbearable. With a stretch and a yawn, he padded his way across his room to the bathroom to make himself ready for a very long day. He had to make sure that everything was set up appropriately for Lupin tomorrow night and he wouldn't give up on the matter at all.

As he made his way across his office, he eyed the cane and walked over to it at a slow pace. Of course, he was alone in his room yet he still looked over his shoulder as he stood in front of his desk in his sleeping pants. He reached down with both hands and laid the cane across both of his palms. He was entranced by the intricate craftsmanship of the device. The crooked handle was beautifully made. He put it in one hand and took a step back, giving it a slight SWISH through the air, and found himself smiling a little. It gave him a peculiar sense of authority. He flexed it in both hands to get a feel for it.

The room suddenly was filled with the familiar noise of a person entering through the fireplace. Remus stepped out of the hearth, stifling a yawn, and narrowed his eyes at the sight of Severus before him in his sleeping pants swishing about a cane. He cleared his throat and Severus turned around, his eyes all but bugging out of their sockets. He quickly put the cane on the desk and cleared his throat.

"Um. Uh. Good morning, Remus. A surprise to see you up this early."

"Good morning, Severus. It's 10:00 in the morning so it isn't that early," he said as he tilted his head. "What is that you were doing? Was that a cane?

"Oh. That? Oh, yes. It is."

Remus just cocked an eyebrow at the other man and shook his head, "I'm not even sure I want to know. I thought I'd come to see if you'd like to have breakfast together and perhaps discuss the issue of tomorrow night a bit more in detail. If that is all right with you, of course."

"Definitely, Lupin. We do have to make sure you are well prepared for tomorrow night."

"That's right."

"Right. I'm going to go get my clothes on and you can just make yourself comfortable."

Severus gave a half smile and rushed into the bathroom. Lupin turned his head to watch the other man scurry from the room and shook his head, cracking a grin. He walked over to the cane and ran his fingertips over it curiously. "Wonder what he was doing with this antique relic," he whispered.

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"Gather yourself, Sev. He doesn't suspect anything," he said to the image of himself in the mirror as he splashed water on his face and picked up his toothbrush. "This is entirely mental. He's just over here to talk over tomorrow's details-that is all."

Severus grabbed his clothes off the hook and dressed himself in his black pants, shirt, robes, and boots. Giving his hair a quick brush through, he opened the door to join Lupin. He was sitting at the breakfast table and the house elves had already brought them each a plate of scrambled eggs, toast, and ham. Remus smiled cheerfully up at Severus and picked up the coffee pot, pouring them each a cup.

"Would you like any cream or sugar?"

"What?'

"F-For your coffee?"

"Oh. Yes. One sugar and one cream, please."

Remus prepared their drinks as Snape took his stride across the room and sat across from Lupin.

"Thank you for seeing me this morning, Severus."

"Thank you for actually coming over. It was unexpected."

Remus cast the other man a shy look and a knowing nod, "Yes. I was curious if you had ever done this before?"

"Done what before?" Snape's hands were slightly shaking.

"Overseeing a werewolf's transformation, Severus. Are you alright?"

"Yes! I mean, yes to both questions. I am perfectly fine, Lupin. I have overseen a werewolf transformation many years ago. In any case, how can you be so cheerful today? Yesterday you were on the verge of a breakdown-maybe you even had one."

Remus looked down at his plate and moved his eggs around on the plate, trying to keep his crooked smile upon his features.

"Look, I'm sorry. Remus, I didn't mean to snap. Are you alright?"

Nodding, "Yes. I-I suppose that I'm a bit more cheerful because of what happened yesterday."

"What do you mean? You wept so strongly when I found you yesterday."

"Oh, I know. It was-I haven't had someone to hold me and then take care of me afterwards in such a very long time, " Remus explained slowly. "I didn't feel that alone."

Severus determined to keep his trademark character merely ached his eyebrow, "Well, yes. I understand. You seemed distraught so no harm in helping you."

"Right. Right. Anyways, thank you."

"Please, don't mention it, Werewolf."

Lupin looked up into the deep eyes of the other man and nodded, "As you wish."

"I do wish it. Now, on to business. Do you have all the equipment we need to ensure you do not escape and are-restrained appropriately?"

"I do. I have had this ailment since I was but a child and I would go there regularly during my youth when the full moon was in the sky."

"Good. Very good. I will come over tomorrow at noon. We will begin the preparations and make sure you have everything you need as well as make any last minute arrangements if necessary. We do not want to neglect any details or procrastinate the matter."

Remus listened to Severus' smooth voice as he explained what would occur. He definitely was taking complete control over the matter at hand. It was exactly as if he had no power or say at all. He kept his eyes trained on his plate and didn't interrupt any of what the man in black declared.

"Are you listening to me?"

"What? Oh, yes. I am."

"Good because I will need your utmost cooperation."

"I understand. I didn't want to interrupt you."

"Oh, well. Good. Now," Severus noticed the forlorn look on Remus' face. "There is something on your mind. If you have any concerns or questions, now is the time to express them."

"I'm fine. My mind just keeps going back to all the pain I've caused over the years and I can't help but feel horrid over it. I wish there was some way I could make amends."

Remus pushed his plate to the side and sipped on his brew. Severus chewed on the forkful of eggs he had in his mouth and glanced over at the cane as he chewed. The werewolf traced Severus' gaze and put his cup down slowly.

"Why are you entranced by that cane, Severus?"

Severus swallowed and took a deep breath. He leaned forward, putting his elbows on the table and sat up straight as he explained the suggestion to Remus.

"I have been thinking since yesterday about the burden of guilt that you have on your shoulders. We both know why you have such remorse and have already discussed the unacceptable behavior you have displayed over the years."

"Yes, Severus. I am sorry. I don't know how many times I have to apologiz-"

Severus rose a hand to quiet the other man, "My proposal to you is one method that was brought to my attention last night. It is thought that a form of discipline can wash away one's guilt, if done properly, by administering a practice called Corporal Punishment. You don't have to accept this proposal but it is an option if you would like to consider it."

The room went quiet and Remus sat back in his chair. The proposition took completely off guard. He thought Severus just had the cane for some kind of muggle study.

He breathed in deeply and rested his chin on the back of his hand, "You are suggesting that I be caned. By you?"

Severus nodded, "Yes."

"Have you ever caned anyone before?"

"No, I haven't."

Remus stood up and walked over to the desk, picking up the cane and studying it. Severus' eyes were glued on his back.

"T-the tool looks rather painful. Thin."

"Yes. I have heard that there aren't to be many strokes administered because it can be a rather nasty implement."

"I'm not sure, Severus. I mean, would it really help? And I mean no disrespect at all but you've never even used it before. "

"I understand your concerns. Perhaps if I ask Dumble-"

"Is he the one that suggested this?"

"Yes, he said that it was used a long time ago. Perhaps back in his day but he didn't say for certain. But maybe if he showed me how to use it, would you be willing to try it?"

"I'm not sure, Severus. I mean, it isn't exactly a secret you don't like me very much. I'm not even sure I fully understand why you're even helping. I get that you don't want people to be hurt but-but, I would be very vulnerable. What if-"

"You think I would deliberately damage you with that?"

Remus felt his heart racing and hands trembling from his nerves, "I would hope you wouldn't, Severus. But, you are very angry at me and I understand why-perhaps it is even warranted."

Severus looked at the slender man's back and realized how frail he really was. He couldn't help but feel empathy for this man that he was supposed to loathe, even despise. His patchy clothes and all the deficiencies that was Remus Lupin the Werewolf. He walked closer to him slowly and put a hand on his shoulder.

"If you trusted me enough to do that that for you. To cane you. I promise you that I would not take advantage of the situation. You have my word."

Remus put the cane back on the desk and stepped away from it. Turning around to meet Snape's eyes, he clenched his jaw, "I'm not entirely sure I would want to go through with this but if you can learn how to use it properly I may consider it."

"That is a very reasonable request, Lu-Remus."

"Thank you and thank you for the breakfast. I believe we know the arrangements, Severus. I will retire back to my cottage for the day and will see you tomorrow."

"Yes. Tomorrow I will be there for you."

Remus took a handful of floo powder and entered the hearth to go back to his cottage. Severus watched him leave and ran a shaky hand through his long, dark hair.

"Well, that didn't go terribly wrong."

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Dumbledore's Office

Snape held the cane firmly in his hand as he marched through the vacant corridors to Dumbledore's office. As he climbed the twisting steps, he felt as if the entire chain of events that led him to this moment were a dream. He wondered what if he had never went to the lavatory that day and saw Lupin? What if he didn't even offer to make the potion? He found himself at the door of Dumbledore's office, "Lemon Drops."

The passageway opened and he entered the Headmaster's Office with cane in hand. Dumbledore was tending to Fawkes when Snape got to the front of his desk.

"How are you this exquisite day, Severus?" he questioned with his back still turned.

"I am doing well, Sir. I hope you are as well."

"Yes, my boy. How can I help you today?" he turned around and saw the cane in Severus' hand.

"I-I spoke with Remus this morning and I was wanting to know if you could teach me how to use it."

"So, Remus agreed to the punishment?"

"Not exactly, Sir. He said that if I learned how to properly use the cane, he may consider it as an option."

"Perfectly levelheaded request. I would be happy to instruct you on how to administer a caning."

Dumbledore lifted up his wand and summoned a life like dummy to practice on that was bent over the desk. Holding out his hand, he motioned for Severus to relinquish the cane to him. Dumbledore took the cane gracefully and held it firmly at the grip. Severus stood the side and watched carefully at the Headmaster's instructions.

"First, you want to make sure that you take a firm posture. As I am right handed, I will stand to the left side of the target. Holding the cane tightly, it is important to line up your strike like so-"

Dumbledore demonstrated each of his instructions with movement. He took his stance and kept his back straight. He tapped the target's backside carefully in order to judge the distance.

"The thing to remember about a cane, Severus, is that very little muscle strength needs to be applied. It is the flick of the wrist that is the vital thing to keep in mind when caning someone."

He reared back the implement and with a flick of the wrist, he let the cane fall upon the padded dummy's bottom with a firm, crisp THWACK and a line formed across the target. Severus jumped at the impact and swallowed had, nodding that he understood.

"Now, as I told you yesterday. Depending on why the punishment is being administered, it is best not to exceed eight strokes. I recommend this especially as you are new as well as Remus hasn't felt the cane for quite some time."

Severus' ears perked at his choice of words, "Quite some time? Sir?"

"Remus has felt the cane in his youth but it wasn't a severe punishment. He needed it once from me while he attended school here. I shan't go into further detail as it should be his place if he chooses to share that with you."

Severus nodded that he understood and inwardly, he was quite curious as to why Remus-the shy one of the bunch-would deserve such a punishment. Dumbledore placed the cane in Severus hand and motioned for him to give it a try.

Licking his dry lips, he stepped to the left side of the target. He took a firm stance in his boots and put his left arm behind his back. Keeping his right hand firmly around the handle, he let the business end of the cane fall upon the padded dummy's bottom. He drew the cane back once, twice, and on the third time with a flick of the wrist, he let the thin wood land on its intended target. He observed in wonder as his line was directly above Dumbledore's.

"Very good! You are a natural. Always remember, flick of the wrist and not by strength. Let the cane do the work."

"Thank you, Headmaster. Is there anything else I should know if he agrees to this type of discipline?"

Dumbledore nodded and went back to his cupboard to retrieve a special jar of salve, "He will need this afterwards to sooth the welts. They will rise on him but this should make them heal faster."

Severus took the salve and studied it for a moment. It was to take away the swelling and pain to the affected area.

"I am sure Remus will appreciate this jar of miracle cure."

"Oh, he will. Thank you for coming to me for help, Severus."

"Thank you, Headmaster-for everything."

Dumbledore gave Severus a sweet and sent him on his way back to his quarters. Tomorrow was going to be a very extensive day.

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Remus' Cottage

Remus entered his modest home and went to his chair in front of the fireplace. Plopping down with a thud, he rested his cheek on the back of his palm as he slouched and contemplated what had just happened. He couldn't believe that Dumbledore would suggest this to Snape of all people. Didn't he know how much the man loathed him? He could accept the fact that he deserved Snape to watch him transform into a dangerous beast. He took his verbal thrashing because he knew that it was deserved. The guilt ate at him and he would give anything to atone for his past sins-to somehow make it all go away. He just didn't know if Snape would lose his concentration, his focus, in the midst of having his foe bent over before him. He had been caned once before and the memory of being absolutely vulnerable under Dumbledore's hand was an indescribable feeling.

He knew that he deserved the punishment for sneaking out of his House in the late hour of the early morning. Filch caught him out but he wasn't doing anything entirely wrong. The strain of the changes he had been experiencing coupled with the normal adolescent growing pains were driving him mad. Honestly, he only wanted a few precious moments of solitude.

As he sat by the lake, he was lost in his own thoughts of his "mates" tormenting Severus. He truly wished he had done something, anything, that day but he did not. He only looked on in abhorrence. He never even heard Filch sneaking up behind him and it startled him when he was picked up by the crook of his neck, then the old man grasped his earlobe.

"My, my, my. Look what we have here. A little escape artist in the dead of night. Well, don't you worry. Dumbledore will sort you out right away."

As he was dragged through the long corridor and into the Headmaster's office, he wished a thousand times it had been Hagrid that caught him instead. The caretaker just loved to catch any of them to get them into trouble. He knew this was also his third time being caught and who knew what Dumbledore would do to him. Filch towered over him as he turned him in, snarling as he ratted him out. Dumbledore didn't want to punish him but he knew that he had to face the penalty. So, he did receive four strokes that evening and since he was underage, Filch watched as a witness. He never really liked the caretaker that much. He always seemed to give him the creeps. Maybe it was his teeth or that sadistic grin he would get when he thought one of them would surely suffer some kind of punishment. Dumbledore tried to go as easy as he could on him but he still was very sore and humiliated. The jar of salve Dumbledore gave him to ease the welts was very much appreciated. He wasn't upset with Dumbledore at all and, in fact, respected him even more. He trusted him so much.

He never got caught sneaking out again, though. Not saying he didn't sneak out-the young Remus just got better.

"Well, if I do consent to it this time. At least Filch isn't going to be watching."

Maybe Dumbledore knew what he was doing. He never has lead him astray before, so why should he now?

Remus stood up and stretched his exhausted body. He was feeling more sluggish today than usual and decided that he would go lay down for awhile. After all, it wasn't yet set in stone he would even allow Severus cane him.

TBC~

A/N: This one was a bit longer but I hope that you all enjoyed it anyway. Thank you and if you feel the need to leave comments, suggestions, and/or anything else please feel free to do so. :-)