"Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises."

Demosthenes

"Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes."

Carl Jung

"Day Three"

"…uh…oh yes…yes…Remus-"

Remus started awake and pushed his hand into his crotch involuntarily when he sat up in the chair. Tonks was gone, the place beside him cold. He looked in irritation at the phonograph; and his sleeping mind, still slightly in control, knew that the song had played and played and played…

You wandered down the lane and far away, leaving me a song that would not die.

Love is now the stardust of yesterday, the music of the years gone by…

The last lines were too much and he got out of the chair clumsily, his leg asleep, hand still pushed into his pants as he hastily lifted the needle off the record with a screech and immediately walked to the bathroom.

He took a very long shower and dealt with dire necessities then walked over to the wardrobe and looked at the string of hangered clothes Tonks had bought for him, his eyebrows knitting. After a moment of almost childlike stubbornness, he rummaged until he found the few left he owned - a pair of horribly worn brown tweed pants and a white oxford shirt with a badly patched rip on the side.

What would have been wrong with making love, for old time's sake?…Merlin, stop thinking about yourself.

Remus walked slowly into the kitchen with a haggard look on his features. Yesterday had worn on him more than he thought. And last night…the calm that he'd tried to maintain lately was getting ready to break. He couldn't be near her anymore…it hurt too much. Did he push her away to make things easier for her or for him?

"Did your shower get all the kinks out?"

"What?" Remus knew he looked a bit alarmed.

"It must have been a hard night in the chair. Why didn't you guys just get up and go to bed?" his godson asked.

Remus sat down at the table, looking fairly miserable.

"…..Yeah, well…I talked to Tonks before she left this morning." Harry glared at Remus for a minute as he stirred his cereal absent-mindedly, the swirling sound of metal on china cutting through the silence of the kitchen.

Suddenly, the sound stopped as the young man got up to take the mushy cereal to the sink. "You really are a stubborn, self-righteous prat, you know that, right?"

Harry got a new bowl and the box of cereal and put them in front of Remus when he sat back down. Remus just put an elbow on the table and rested his fist against his upper lip, considering the description. Sounded about right.

When Remus didn't pour himself any cereal, Harry poured some for him and spelled the milk over as he talked.

"I understand where you're coming from with Tonks. After going to LCH and….looking into the laws…I get it. And…in a weird way, I admire you for doing what you think is right even when it's hard on you….But the thing is, I can understand your point of view…and also recognize that you're doing the wrong thing….You are doing the wrong thing, Remus. Tonks knows the rules will change. And even if they don't, she doesn't care. She loves you."

"I know she does, Harry. And I wish the world were different right now. But it's not."

"Then we'll make it different," Harry said as he poured milk on Remus' cereal and handed him the spoon.

"Perhaps we will," he said quietly, looking into the bowl.

After a long moment of silence, Harry said slowly and softly, as if reciting an instructional lesson, "The spoon goes into the bowl and under the cereal. Then you raise your hand and put the cereal in your mouth."

Lupin's immediate laughter made Harry laugh, as well.

"Breakfast Consumption 101," Lupin said, appeasing Harry with a small grin as he dipped into the cereal with no appetite whatsoever.

Harry looked Remus over then leaned across the table to say, "Somehow, I know everything's going to be okay. Especially when I get to relay messages like this."

"Messages like what?" Remus said through a bite of cereal, a little bit concerned at the mischief playing across Harry's face.

"Tonks said you'd throw something on old today because you'd be defensive, and she wanted me to remind you that she didn't buy those clothes to keep the hangers company."

Lupin stopped chewing and turned a bit red around the edges. Damn….she really did know him too well sometimes. "I see," he said, starting to smile. "Well, if not today, tomorrow then."

"Will you go to Hogwarts with me today, to see Pomfrey and talk to McGonagall?" Harry said hopefully. "We have our first team quidditch practice at nine. Thought we'd get an early start even though it's still a month 'til classes start."

Remus nodded. "I have some business to attend to there, anyway."

"With McGonagall?"

"No, with…someone else."

"And then you'll go speak to Old Lady Gryffindor, right?"

"Old Lady Gryffindor!." Remus took a moment to reminisce inwardly. "She's had that nickname a long time. We used to call her that."

"Sirius told me."

"Oh….well, if you've recycled the nickname and it makes the rounds again, please tell her you heard it from Sirius. I'm too old to get boxed about the ears by her."

"She wouldn't do that," Harry chastised. "…..to a co-worker."

And Remus stirred his cereal, the swirl of china on metal the only sound emanating from the suddenly quiet kitchen

Remus felt his chest tighten as he walked through the dark and dank halls of Hogwarts. Merlin, he loved it here. With every new hallway, each passing room, his mind replayed a dozen moments – all of them, in one way or another, good memories. Memories received in the innocence of youth…of laughter, of knowledge and growth. A gentler time before war had touched them.

And then, of course, there were later memories from his teaching days. And he was surprised to find that he held those even more dear, because he had given back to the place that accepted him so openly as a child. It had meant the world to him. And still did.

But what arose in his mind foremost was the day he left, creeping off before the letters started to arrive. He had disgraced the school….disgraced the only place he'd ever felt valued. Hogwarts had given him everything, and he repaid it by sullying its reputation. If he returned to teach, he could only imagine the backlash, the articles, the large amount of school time and energy that would be devoted to defending him instead of focusing on the children. And in the wake of war, they had enough to deal with, enough fear and loss to overcome without having to worry about a dark creature teaching them about the dark arts.

Before he knew it, Remus found himself at Severus Snape's door and knocked pragmatically. No answer. He had just raised his hand to knock again when Filch came up behind him.

"Professor Lupin…" Filch's face held the same repulsed sneer he'd worn the last time they had met. Actually, it was the only expression Remus had ever seen on the man, but he didn't take it personally.

"Hello, Mr. Filch."

Filch petted Mrs. Norris' matted hair awkwardly and looked at the door. "Hmmm, Snape keeps to himself these days, spends most of his time at a cottage he built on the far property. By the sea…If he's about, you'll find 'em there."

"Thank you," Lupin said with a small smile as he started back down the hallway.

"See you for the start of classes then," Filch said lowly as he walked in the opposite direction.

And Lupin stopped and turned around, his face puzzled. He thought about calling after the man to ask what he meant but thought better of it.

It was an hour's walk to the far property, and the wind had changed, whistling through the trees in a low, dangerous song. Remus could smell the impending rain in the air.

Finally, he left the thicket for an open field and the cliffs ahead, the fairly large cottage quite close to their edge and smoke rising from its chimney. The sky was a broken line of grey and white as a large storm headed his way, pushing in like a wall of darkness and creating a shadowy line across the liquid sea.

A figure stood near the edge, leaning his rear against a large boulder, his black clothes billowing as the wind ebbed then screamed in fits of warning. Remus finally came up by Snape and leaned against the same rock, hands in pockets, the lapels of his threadbare coat whipping at his neck. They didn't look at each other.

"Storm's coming," Remus said quietly.

"No need to state the obvious. I do have eyes," Snape drawled hoarsely. He gave Remus a quick glare before looking into the sky again.

"That wasn't a personal jab, by the way."

Remus laughed. "I didn't take it as such."

One heavy drop at a time, the storm overtook them, rain pelting down in torrents as they sat. Remus smiled serenely and looked up at the sky, wincing a bit as the drops hit his eyes. He turned to look briefly at Snape, eyes closed and sitting very still, his forehead knitted and his mouth pursed shut.

The war had taken a toll on him, as well. Snape's voice was permanently damaged and a cane his constant companion after hours of torture at Voldemort's hands. A streak of greyish white ran through his greasy hair, now plastered flat by the rain.

And, if anything, it appeared that Snape had given in to certain eccentricities of the mind that he had probably fostered inwardly most of his life. War did that to people…. Remus understood. Staying dry was nothing compared to being alive, to feeling the rain on your skin.

It could be a beautiful thing….when it was chosen. Remus had seen days behind London City Holding, homeless years huddled in the forest…when harsh rain was the epitome of hopelessness. But now, he welcomed it as a shared experience.

Sluggishly, the stormy weather began to pass and stray streaks of sunlight fell around them, spotting the grass and sea in slow movement as clear skies fought to break free from the dissipating thunder clouds.

Somewhere in the distance, a lone bird began to sing brightly.

Snape stirred and finally looked at the werewolf who gave him a mild gaze in return.

"Mystics claim that rain cleanses many things."

Remus traced his eyes for a moment then shrugged and looked back at the ocean.

"We learn new lessons every day, I guess…..Nature can be a good teacher."

"And what did you just learn from getting needlessly ravaged by a storm?" Snape said with a hint of spite.

Lupin laughed. "Actually, to be quite honest, I didn't get much more out of that than a bath. But I haven't been in a very good frame-of-mind lately."

"What do you want, Lupin!" Snape snapped suddenly as he moved forward from the rock and wrapped his heavy, wet cloak around him.

"I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Really? You haven't come to beg McGonagall for the DADA position?"

"No," he said quietly.

Snape took a step forward, his jaw set. "You realize, of course, she's already closed the position and you listed as….'the chosen one'."

Snape's nostrils flared as he looked at Remus menacingly and took one more heavy step, his cane slurping into the mud.

"Odd, considering you haven't even approached her regarding the post….. Perhaps you've been too busy laying that pink-haired slut to think about gainful employment."

Remus' hand lashed onto Snape's neck in a heartbeat. The ex-Deatheater made a strangled noise but didn't raise his hands; the small smile on his lips faded away when Remus increased the pressure.

Snape looked into the face just inches from his, one eye vacant and worn, a thick scar cutting deeply into sharp features; and he felt the man's intense sadness and anger as he was pushed backward, and Remus immediately walked away.

Snape touched his throat carefully as he watched the werewolf storm off, heading not for the school but for Hogsmeade, probably to take the floo back to London.

Snape swallowed with a heavy wince. He had that coming….he really was a bastard.

Knowing his voice wouldn't reach the werewolf, he pulled himself up slowly and began walking. Remus heard the caned steps behind him and turned then did a double take. When he did, Snape raised his hand, gesturing for him to stop.

Remus gave him a hard glare, shoulders clenched and eyes slightly narrowed. But at least he had stopped. And Snape judged him guardedly for a moment then looked away. He'd never been one to apologize, but post-war life was attempting to teach him many things he should have learned long ago.

"That was uncalled for….I shouldn't begrudge you happiness simply because I have none."

He heard controlled anger in Lupin's voice when he answered, "Nymphadora and I are not seeing one another anymore, Severus. I have nothing to offer her. But I do love her, and I won't have her spoken about that way. She's a good person."

Snape nodded. They stood facing each other in silence; the air quiet save the distant and low sound of fading post-storm thunder.

"You wished to speak to me concerning something?" Snape muttered hoarsely.

When Remus looked hesitant, a livid muscle still working in his jaw, Snape prodded, "We can go back to my cottage or go to the school…..it matters not….though the cottage would be preferable…."

"Perhaps the cottage," Remus finally said, sounding almost defeated.

They walked in complete silence back to the professor's home, letting the tension peel away from the both of them. And when Snape unlocked the heavily warded door, Remus was surprised to find a quite comfortable, sparsely decorated home full of light and warmth. The hardwood floors and light wood furniture were accented by black draperies, a large lion rug and several overstuffed chairs. Remus noticed, with interest, that there were no books, no potions equipment in sight.

"You don't work here."

"No," Snape said hoarsely as he muttered accio to procure two brandy snifters. "I think here. And sleep…..And heal." He watched brandy swirl into the glasses with intense interest then looked up at Remus as if the werewolf were a fool. "You needn't stand all day. Sit where you must."

Remus sighed and found himself a chair and Severus sat across from him, cane in one hand, snifter in the other as he leaned back fully into the warmth of the chair.

Remus had already dried his clothes with wandless magic and absently flicked his hand forward to dry Snape's, as well. Snape looked down with interest but didn't register any surprise.

"I already knew about your little proclivity, Lupin." He sneered and took a deep swallow of brandy then began to smile, something seemingly wicked about its edges, perhaps because Lupin had seen Snape smile so few times.

"Dumbledore once said that you were more powerful than he was at your age…but you always chose to hide your powers, even in the midst of war….only to dry a wool cloak with them now? That is excellent implementation of your talents, I must say."

"Call it wariness. It's not very safe to be a werewolf and a Venificus primo simultaneously. Doesn't exactly put people's minds at ease…..I use them when I must."

"And why now? Why share this little tidbit with me in such a casual manner?"

Remus tried to look at him seriously then blushed and smiled. "I….uhm…I forgot my wand this morning."

To his surprise, Snape laughed and nodded. "Very good," he said before taking another drink of brandy. "Thank you for drying my clothes then, Venificus primo." When Severus lowered the snifter again, he twirled the cane absently in his left hand as he studied the werewolf. Remus, for his part, looked at the cane, recognizing the silver snake with emerald eyes that served as the handle – Lucius Malfoy's cane. Perhaps it had been left to Snape in Lucius' will. Or Draco's.

"Now that we're on our way to a decent level of inebriation, what do you want?"

"Well…" Remus cleared his throat and looked out the window for a long moment. "I'm not sure where to begin….Cretagus Grendil, the Spanish potions master, has recently developed a new wolfsbane that requires only one dosage within five days of the full moon….and it doesn't need preservation. He uses different ingredients in lieu of several fragile and quite costly ones….but his formula has the same efficacy as the current potion, if not greater. And it has no side effects whatsoever."

"Of course, I have heard this. The last installment of Potions Quarterly devoted an entire issue to it." Snape took another deep drink and seemed to hesitate before adding, "I did try to send you a copy of the article last month, but the owl returned….I assumed you were dead."

Remus looked uncomfortable. "I was probably recovering behind London City Holding. Owls aren't allowed past the outer perimeter."

"Why would you stay in that place longer than necessary?"

"If I can't walk, I can't leave."

Snape looked slightly stunned at the thought. "A number of people would come for you."

"I'd rather they didn't……Harry came for me a few days ago, though."

Snape visibly flinched at the name. "Ah….and how is the little darling doing?"

"He's fine. Looking forward to his last year at school….And hoping to get to know you better."

Snape shook his head in bored annoyance and glanced out the window. "Lupin, I dislike Harry Potter deeply. Almost as deeply as I despised his father, and I doubt those sentiments will change any time soon. You may pass on that message for me, if you will."

Snape was perturbed by the silence that followed and turned his glare back to Lupin, only to find the werewolf lost in thought and choosing his words carefully. "I will pass that on. He's just…he knows that he misjudged you, and he feels badly for that. Give him a chance, Severus. He might surprise you. Harry shares many of his father's traits, but he is his own person. He's stronger and more complete than James was at his age…He's…wise beyond his years, really. And he has thought a lot this summer about getting to know you."

Snape pursed his lips diffidently before saying, "It matters not."

"He knows you had to kill Dumbledore in order to fulfill the Unbreakable Vow you had with him. He understands that now…and he accepts it. He-"

Snape interjected, his voice a ragged dagger. "Lupin, until Harry has had to kill the only person who believed in him, he cannot understand what I had to do! And I would appreciate it if he didn't assume otherwise."

Lupin looked at Severus carefully, finger tapping on the glass before he drained it and put it down, letting his hand linger on it as he tried to decide how much to say, what level of comfort Snape would accept. He began slowly.

"Your cover was the most important tool we had in the war…. It was more important than any one person. Dumbledore knew that. He begged you to do the right thing. And you did. I know how hard that was for you. I'm sorry if you don't feel it's possible for people to understand that. But I do. And I think Harry understands now, as well."

"And yet, I will always be 'The Deatheater', 'Voldemort's Lapdog', 'The Murderer of Albus Dumbledore.' You walked away from the war a hero, Lupin. I limped away with a dozen new epithets connected to my name, nothing more."

Remus looked down and shook his head before looking back at Snape.

"You had the hardest job of all of us. You had the most to lose….and people fighting you from both sides while you tried to maintain a foothold in two worlds. You had so few people who trusted you, on both sides. Tell me if I'm missing the mark."

"And if it weren't for you, I would have been killed by Order members on two separate occasions. Yes, I know, Lupin."

"I wasn't going to bring that up."

"But you were thinking about it."

"No….I wasn't. You're far too defensive."

"It's the only thing that has kept me alive this long."

Remus stared at him as if he'd just realized something terribly insightful. "Maybe it's the thing that kills us, too….It's okay to admit that I helped you, Severus. And it's okay for me to understand….don't be so desperate to suffer it all alone. I think…maybe that's a lesson we both need to learn."

When neither could think of anything to say in response, Severus finally snapped, "Lupin, have you come to regale me with your knowledge about a new innovation in my field? What, exactly, is the purpose of this visit?"

When Remus just looked at him neutrally, Severus prodded, "I'm not going to sit here and discuss the war with you…or, even worse, our shared emotional shortcomings...Cretagus Grendil and his new formula. What about him or it, in particular?"

Remus shifted in his seat. Finally, he got up and stood by the window, his back to Snape as he cautiously began, "….I've never been one to cash in a debt. In fact, I don't think I've ever done it. But…..I would like to ask a favor of you.….."

Snape twirled his cane slowly through the creeping fingers of one hand and tried not to smirk. "I'm listening."

Remus took a deep breath and sat back down, wiped at his unshaven face as he leaned forward, elbows on his knees in thought.

"London City Holding has 739 occupants and 227 employees – 190 guards, 20 custodians, 15 armed guards who control the perimeter, and two journalists who handle publicity and letters to the families of those who have died. In total, monthly pay for those people is 101,226 galleons."

Snape's eyebrows went up. "That seems awfully high for a few days of work per month."

"Well…." Lupin shook his head. "They're paid an entire month for a few day's service by Dolores Umbridge, because their job is considered so odious and…a patriotic necessity. They're also hand chosen for their hatred of werewolves."

When Remus paused, Snape just nodded.

"If Grendil's new wolsfbane is as effective as he claims….and so much cheaper and easier to manufacture….I've done research on the ingredients and the time it takes to produce. One dosage of Grendil's wolfsbane costs 7 sickles to create. It would cost only 304 galleons to medicate 739 werewolves. If they hired two potions masters, four potions assistants, two people to attend to administration the five days before the moon, and one assistant to the auror force to report anyone who hasn't arrived for their dose, monthly cost of such a program would run 5,096 galleons…., assuming they paid these people excellent but fair wages for their fields and paid them only for the time worked. That's 96,130 galleons less that what it currently cost the Ministry to "maintain" the werewolf population with LCH in effect."

Snape looked into his empty glass for a moment, considering Remus' idea. "I see….impossible to appeal to the Ministry's ethics, why not appeal to their pocketbook?"

"Precisely. They're willing to fight for unethical things when it saves them money, why not do the right thing and save money at the same time."

"The right thing….that's your point of view."

"Yes."

"People will fight this stringently. It's a large step."

"I feel like it's a very small step, in the grand scheme of things, Severus. All we're asking for is the right to keep our minds, to not become dangerous creatures. If they deny us wolfsbane and cage us, we can only destroy ourselves."

"And you realize, of course, that may be the intent."

"….Yes."

"And for those who don't arrive for their dosage?"

"A warning the first time, unless a crime is committed, of course, and a felony offense the second time. But to have five full days to stop by. If the program works, owl delivery of the wolfsbane could be a next step….And along with this, I'd like to ask for removal of the bylaws that keep us from taking jobs and control our….personal lives."

"Greyback's reign of terror is long since gone…I'm surprised those laws are still in effect."

"They are. Umbridge has a large degree of control at the moment."

Snape leaned heavily on his cane as he got up to pick out another bottle of Muggle alcohol. Something stronger seemed worthy of the current conversation.

"739 registered werewolves in England? Last numbers I recall…there were, I believe, over a thousand."

"1,572 at the end of the war. That was before London City Holding."

Snape stood still, looking into the uncorked bottle. "That many have died?"

Remus heard his voice rise an octave. "Do you know anything about London City Holding, Severus?"

"Nothing in particular," Snape said drolly as he poured amber rum high into the goblets.

Remus didn't respond but took the drink Severus offered.

"Obviously, it's quite awful. And it appears that Umbridge implements it to thin out of the population with great success."

"And by denying us work and access to wolfsbane, she creates a weaker prisoner who has a harder time surviving the night…and surviving the rest of the month, as well."

Severus sat down with a heavy grimace and studied the werewolf in front of him. LCH had to be much worse than he had read, if Lupin were any gauge. It appeared his old schoolmate didn't have much time left. To put it bluntly, he looked quite horrible. And Severus was surprised to find a very uncharacteristic thought crossing his mind as his eyes roved over the werewolf's frail frame. If you had taken the time to acknowledge Lupin when he walked over, you could have spared him sitting through that storm. He's too weak to be doing things like that.

Lupin had sacrificed much for their world during the war, and now his fellow wizards and witches were destroying him. Why should I care? But he found that he did. And as much as he hated to acknowledge it, he did owe Lupin.….he could grudgingly admit it. And he felt better for making peace with that truth, in some small corner of his mind.

"What do you want me to do?" Snape asked softly.

"Cretagus Grendil's new wolfsbane is heavily patented….You're a colleague of his. Would you be willing to discuss this possibility with him? To see if he would allow it to be mass produced for the population here?"

Snape gave him a quite small but genuine smile, free of any sneer. "Lupin, Grendil is a hopeless eccentric. I can't guarantee anything…but I will approach him concerning the matter."

Remus' shoulders slumped a bit in relief and he nodded. "Thank you, Severus. You don't know how much this means to me."

Cringing at the gratitude, Severus spoke quickly.

"So it's settled…and two impossible things have occurred today. Remus Lupin has asked someone for help, and Severus Snape has offered to do someone a favor. The angels are weeping, I'm sure."

Remus smiled broadly.

"Have you eaten?"

"I'm fine, I had some breakfast this morning at Harry's."

"Yes, but it's 3 pm."

"Thank you, but I'm fine."

Severus looked up at the ceiling lazily, the alcohol threading through his veins and making him more open than usual.

"Lupin, I'm sure people are constantly trying to feed you, and you turn them down with great alacrity; but in light of your request, I would appreciate in the very least, as recompense, some company for a late lunch. Believe it or not, potionmasters tend to know a great deal about the art of cooking."

Remus laughed and agreed to stay. They shared several relaxing hours on the back porch, looking at the ocean over tea and talk, not all of it small. And Remus didn't know why, but he found it quite funny that Snape made the best treacle tart he'd ever had in his life.

As Remus walked back towards the quidditch pitch in the waning light to wait for Harry, he caught the smell of someone walking toward him, the disillusionment spell unable to mask her chemical trace. Before she could show herself, he stopped, hands in pockets as he lowered his head, looking over his eyebrows with a reprimanding look.

Can't even sneak up on the man for a good goose!

Suddenly, the air rippled and Nymphadora stood in front of him, her wand holstered and her auror badge folded across the tuck of her jeans.

"Wotcher, Remus," she said quietly, quelling the urge to goose him anyway.

"Tonks…what are you doing here?"

She glanced toward the woods where he'd come from. "My least favorite thing – spying on our own. Snape is still on the watch list; and we have to keep a record of who comes and goes, what he's up to."

Remus shook his head, chastising her. "Tonks, really."

"Hey, it's an order from Intelligence, Remus….just one more thing we should stop since the war's over...He's not my favorite person. In fact, he's one of my least favorite people…but I think he's suffered enough….and I think he's…well, 'innocent' isn't the word…."

"He's paid his dues, Tonks. And I trust him."

She nodded then looked up at him, almost timidly. "Sorry I had to leave so early this morning….I didn't want to wake you."

Remus didn't answer but was glad for the low light. He could feel the heat in his face. Parts of him had been very awake when she left.

"Do you think Snape can help with the forum?"

"I hope he can….if he can't, there's no plan two."

"And….he understands how important this is to you?" she asked in earnest.

Remus studied her for a moment, an odd expression on his face. "I think he does. I shouldn't assume that he can't see things from my point of view."

"Well…what I was thinking….was that if he knew it was important to you, he'd be less cooperative."

Remus smiled. "That's the Snape-hater in you."

"Absolutely" she answered. But Remus put his hand up and shook his head.

"I trust him to do what he can….he doesn't like to feel indebted to people, and helping me might rid him of that, at least in my regard. But….even more so…I think Snape has let many things go."

Tonks nodded. "By the way, the pink-haired slut remark? The cottage it too heavily warded, but we have the outer perimeter spell-bugged. He knows we have to watch him, so….he wasn't trying to get a rise out of you as much as take a jab at me. He knew I'd hear the conversation eventually…..if not immediately."

Remus stuffed his hands in his pocket and shifted his weight when he said, "I take any jab at you quite personally, Nymphadora Tonks."

She could only look up at him, a hesitant smile finally growing on her face when her summons beeper went off. Tonks rolled her eyes at the lost moment, and the voice of Moody's nephew abruptly emanated.

"Miss Tonks, Snape is outside again. He's just looking at the sky."

"Yes, Octavius. What do you need?"

"Uhm…nothing. I just thought I should let you know…." Suddenly, he blurted, "Maybe he's looking for the Dark Mark in the sky!"

"Octavius…he's probably just looking at the stars. He spends a lot of time doing that."

"Alright…" The young man sounded crestfallen.

"I'll be back in a moment. Don't get your knickers in a wad, okay?"

"O…okay. Octavius out."

Tonks looked at Remus with a hint of humor. "Octavius Moody is shadowing me tonight as part of his apprentice duties."

"Ah…Moody's Greek god of a nephew." He looked at her with mock seriousness. "I'm so sorry. It must be hard looking at him all night."

"I don't see it," Tonks said frankly, although a big smile played on her face.

"Tonks, please. Dead women can see it."

"Not me," she insisted; her answer gentle, the humor gone.

Sure, Tonks knew Octavius was gorgeous…but he did nothing for her. Nothing like the swell she felt every time she saw this man in front of her, this lovely man…this lovely man in….horrible clothes!

Two points for calling him on that one, Tonks.

She was about to make a playful remark about his morning choice of attire when, suddenly, an owl swooped over and nicked his hair then landed on his shoulder, holding a short roll of parchment forward to him in one clawed foot. Remus broke the Hogwarts seal and read the short note.

Remus Lupin, I know you're on the grounds. You'll be spending the night here, and I expect to see you within the hour.

Pomfrey

Tonks watched Remus' face as he read the summons and took it for bad news.

"What's wrong?"

"It..uhm, it appears I'm due in the infirmary."

Tonks laughed and leaned forward to kiss him gently on the cheek then brushed the hair out of his eyes.

"Don't make it sound like such a chore." Her fingers lingered around his damaged eye and after a moment, she reached up on her toes again to kiss near the lid of it, letting the touch linger.

"I should be getting back." She smiled and squeezed his hand. "I'll see you soon?"

"Okay," he whispered, entranced by her soft voice.

She walked away from him and dissipated into nothingness as the charm took hold once again. And although he could no longer see her, he stood still in the darkness until her scent fell from the air.

Finally, and with great regret, he turned and walked slowly back toward the school, a hundred conflicting thoughts rushing through his mind…and he was surprised to find the best thoughts slowing to a halt….caught in the clutches of his heart where they sat, warm and content.

What would have been wrong with making love, for old time's sake?

Nothing, his heart answered. It would have been beautiful…It would have felt so right..

tbc

Author's Note:

Did you guys see that one coming? (big grin) Snape will be back in later chapters.

I hope this chapter, especially when compared to the last one, shows that Remus is in a heavy battle between his intellect and his emotions. He's been through a lot, and it will take him longer to accept happiness; but having people who love you and believe in you goes a long way.

The "Venificus primo" reference is from Queriusole's first RLNT series and is used throughout her 25 story arc. Although the concept of Remus being capable of wandless magic appears throughout fanon (and the in PoA film, as well), linking this ability to early Roman wizardry is solely her creation.

And Snape's post-war physical description comes from Snape's Nightie and her delectable but very OOC post-war Snape as visually described in her Snupins "Salvage what you can" and "Softly Whispering 'I Love You'."

Both references were used with kind permission and crept in as a homage, of sorts. Thank you so much, Queriusole and Snape's Nightie! I know I've said it before, but if it weren't for guys like you, I would have never started writing.

Please review, if you can! Even if it's just a quick note to say 'yay' or 'nay,' feedback really keeps me going.

Thank you all for going on this journey with me, and hope you continue to enjoy.

Cheers and well wishes,

rane