Rule #9: Revenge Is Not a Dish Best Served in the Shrieking Shack

Remus hummed, pulling away from Sirius' lips for the third time. "Sirius, I really need to go," he smiled, not resisting when he was pulled back in for another kiss.

"Why...would you want to go read books with Snivelly when you could stay here with me?" Sirius purred. This abstinence thing was becoming unbearable with Remus right within his...

Remus pushed away, scowling. "You really should be nicer to Severus. Now, I really need to go. We can hang out when I'm done."

"But I have Quidditch," Sirius pouted.

"Then after that."

"Dinner," SIrius sighed.

"After...Oh, shite. I have Dueling CLub. Well, I guess we'll have to hang out tomorrow...what?" he shouldered his bag.

"No. Because it's the same thing only you have Runes, and the next day is Arithmancy, the day after that is Future Aurors League...AND THEN it's the Full Moon. How are we supposed to date properly if you keep reserving your free time for bloody Snape!" Sirius growled.

Remus furrowed his brow. "It's not just Snape. It's Lily and Rory too. And the term is almost through, we'll have all summer to 'date properly.' And the morning after the Moon this time is a Saturday...you know how clingy I get, you'll have my undivided attention," he whispered huskily, kissing the other boy's cheek.

Sirius grunted, kicking the nearest wall. He HATED snape. The prat couldn't be trusted. He would hurt his Remus...he just knew it.

Severus smirked as he glanced up at Aurora for the fifth time in ten minutes. Her foot kept brushing his, reenforcing what she'd confessed two months ago. He still hadn't worked up the courage to do anything about it. His eyes found Lupin as he rushed in, cheeks flushed and lips swollen. The Slytherin's eyes narrowed. Just finished snogging Black, no doubt.

It had taken some heavy observation, but Severus had finally figured out the biggest secret at Hogwarts. Lupin was a werewolf. Now Snape only needed to confirm his suspicions. He wasn't offended by the revelation, just highly curious.

They studied as usual, but the girls had to leave early for a dress fitting with Porsche Montego. Remus calmly read his Potions' text, asking questions every so often. As the two were parting, Severus looked into the boy's amber eyes. "You're a werewolf," he stated softly.

Remus' eyes widened and he went pale as he backed away in fear. He scrambled to run away. Severus watched, worry leaking into the back of his mind. Had he just done something entirely stupid?

Dinner rolled around and Sirius trudged in sore from his intense Beater workout. The Quidditch Cup was in two weeks and the Gryffindors intended to cremate the Slytherins thoroughly. Frank Longbottom was a slave driver.

He sat down took a bite of food and dropped his fork. "Where's Remus?"

"We left him and Severus alone in the library-"

"You left him ALONE with Snape?"

"Um...Padfoot?" Peter squeaked. "He's on the dorm. He said he wasn't hungry."

Sirius let out his rage in one breath. He then felt concerned. "I'll go see if he's well, then." James snorted in amusement.

Padfoot cautiously entered their dorm moments later. "Moony? Are you alright? I brought you some soup..."

Remus sat up in his bed, hugging his pillow close. "He knows."

Sirius sat beside him, rubbing his back soothingly. "Who knows what, love?"

"He figured it out. I don't know how. We've been so careful."

"Okay, now I'm really confused."

Remus turned his wide, worried eyes to his boyfriend. "Severus found out that I'm a werewolf."

Sirius gasped, letting Remus cuddle close. Anger began to well up inside of him as he clutched the werewolf protectively. "What if he hates me now? What if he tells people?" he heard Remus murmur.

"Everything will be fine, Moony," he said quietly. Inside, he had a hundred horrible ideas growing in his mind.

Remus didn't come to study the next day. Or the day after. Severus wanted to explain that it would be fine. He didn't care...but it would appear the boy could be quite elusive when he wanted.

It was the night of the Moon, before it had risen, when Severus encountered Sirius Black. "So, you know," the boy sneered. Severus nodded cautiously. "Then you must know that we keep him in the Shrieking Shack, by using an entrance under the Whomping Willow."

Severus smirked. "Obviously," he lied. He was going to see an actual werewolf transform. He'd bring a field journal.

"I swear Snape, if you harm him in any way or give away his secret to anyone...I'll gut you and make a coat out of your skin," Black growled.

The scary thing was...he might actually do it. The Black family was notoriously psychotic line of wizards. The Slytherin nodded, watching the other boy saunter away. Once he was gone, Severus hurried to hide near the Willow, in the wilderness nearby. He waited and saw Remus go to the tree and enter it. He crept in behind the faint looking boy and watched through a crack in the door.

"Poor Remus," Lily sighed. "He's been avoiding Severus all week."

"I know and Severus needs that male friend," Rory murmured as she stared into the flames of the crackling fire.

Sirius smirked as he strolled. Knowing and seeing Remus as a werewolf were two different things. Snape would see the beast, shite his trousers, and never go near his Remus again. The animagus glanced up from his musings as James rose from the sofa across from the girls.

"Ready, Pads? The Moon will be up in a few minutes," James yawned as he stretched. Liam jogged in from the dorms, scratching his head tiredly.

"Let's wait a bit," Sirius purred.

James knew that tone. Sirius had something planned...for Snape. And it usually was particularly terrible when his warm voice dropped to that sinister purr. Liam sharpened his gaze on the lovable rogue.

"What have you planned, Sirius?" Liam questioned cautiously.

"Oh...just a way to keep Snivellus away from my boyfriend."

James felt his stomach drop and his blood turn to ice with dread. "Sirius. What have you done?" he said lowly, almost afraid to know. "What's happened to Snape?"

"Nothing," Sirius shrugged. "I just told him where to find Remus. Figured it would scare him enough, he'd stay away."

"You are an idiot," Aurora growled worriedly.

"Merlin, Padfoot! Did you even think of the consequences? What might happen?" James shouted frantically. Evangeline had the presence of mind to cast a privacy charm around the group.

"What? He'll be scared shitless, run away, and never come near my Remus again!"

"Remus is a werewolf, Sirius," Liam whispered harshly. "He thirsts for human blood. One whiff of Snape and he'll pounce. If Remus harms him...the Ministry will have him executed."

Sirius paled. "I...I didn't think-"

"No! You didn't!" James sneered.

"James...you have to do something," Lily pled softly, pulling his attention away.

He searched her deep green eyes, finding her worry. Squaring his shoulders, he stupefied his best mate in rage. "Liam, let's go."

"I'm coming too," Aurora breathed.

"No. You need to stay-" Liam protested.

"Who's going to hold back Remus while you get Severus to safety. A stag? A falcon? My animagus is a lioness. I can distract Remus, while James and you get Severus away," she argued. "Liam, please. We don't have time for this!"

Liam's green eyes bore into her blue, his jaw clenching in worry. "Fine. But I'll signal you to get free."

The three sprinted out, transforming into their forms as soon as they hit the lawn. Lily stood, eyeing Evangeline. "Don't let him leave. I'm going to inform the Headmaster." Evangeline nodded.

Severus bit his lip in anticipation, quill ready to take observation. And then it started. As the boy's muscles and bones lengthened and moved, morphing Remus into his lupine form, fear began to settle in Severus' belly.

What was he doing? This was a werewolf! He could be killed. He was frozen with terror as the beast let out a blood curdling howl. Then there was silence as the wolf sniffed around the room. He crept to the ajar door and his large muzzle breathed hot air into the Slytherin's face.

The door was suddenly ripped off its hinges and Severus shut his eyes as the monster licked his huge teeth, prowling toward its helpless prey.

His eyes shot open, however, at the sound of an angry feline roar and a gust of air blew past. He watched in disbelief as a lion attacked the werewolf, wrestling with it. He was pulled out of his trance by the feeling of hands on his arms.

"Do you have a death wish? Come on, let's move!" Potter shouted, pulling him along through the tunnel as Liam pushed him out as well. The trio ran full speed across the grounds to the stone steps of the school, falling there in a breathless heap.

"I got to go get her," Liam panted, transfiguring into his falcon form.

Severus watched him fly away. "Who was that?"

James swallowed. "Aurora."

Worry seared into his veins. She was in danger because of him. Now he definitely couldn't date her. She needed a man to protect her not lead her directly into harm's way.

"Are you insane?" Potter breathed softly. "You went to see a werewolf without ANY protection? Honestly, Snape. I knew you were stupid, but not that stupid."

Severus stared at him, seething in embarrassment. "Well, if your friend hadn't tried to have me killed...I-I should have you all sent to Azkaban. This was just some elaborate plan to have me owe you a life debt and so you can be the Golden Hero once again!"

"I assure you Snape, this was NOT my plan, nor was I in on it. But had I known that you'd react like this to me SAVING YOUR LIFE, I'd have gladly let you fend for yourself!"

"So, I'm to believe you rushed in just in time for MY sake?"

Potter breathed heavily. "No. It wasn't for you. For Lily...not you Snape."

Severus took a step back, sobering his gaze to stare at the boy.

"I suggest we continue this in my office, gentlemen," Dumbledore said in a low tone. Neither boy had ever seen him so furious. They nodded and trudged to his office, finding Sirius Black already in a chair before his desk.

James took the middle seat, not even stealing a glance at his friend. They watched the headmaster, take a envelope from the Floo that flared to life.

"Rory, was luckily not bitten, but she was clawed very badly," Dumbledore breathed as he sat. He stared at the boys, steepling his fingers. "May I begin with you Severus? Setting the terrible misjudgment of Mr. Black aside...and your obvious dislike for each other...What in the hell were you thinking? I often find you to be wiser and more intelligent than your peers. I cannot formulate a reason as to where your mind had gone."

"First off, it wasn't a 'misjudgment,' sir. He knew bloody well what he was doing. And secondly, it's not 'dislike' it pure undiluted hatred we have," he snarled angrily at the man's trite placation. Dumbledore arched a brow and Severus swallowed, calming himself. He turned his gaze to the moon shining through the window. "I was curious. And part of me...I wanted Lupin to be able to trust me with his secret," he admitted softly. "Now he may never speak to me again."

Albus sighed. "I must insist that you promise me, you won't reveal this secret to anyone."

Severus knew Lupin wasn't to blame, but he resented the very idea. Begrudgingly, he nodded. "I promise, Headmaster."

"Very good. Madame Pomphrey has some sleeping draught for you to take. You may go."

Severus exhaled angrily, but obeyed. He slammed the door behind him for good measure.

Dumbledore turned his steely-blue gaze to Sirius, who refused to look up from his feet. "Sirius you have willingly endangered the lives of five students. You should be expelled." He let that hang in the tension for a moment.

Sirius' gaze shot up, cringing at the disappointment in his mentor's eyes. "I...understand, sir."

"However, I believe the punishment of the guilt and shunning from your friends will suffice. In addition, you are hereby removed from all Quidditch and extracurricular activities permanently. Including next year. Also your free afternoons will be spent working the grounds with Hagrid and you evenings will be served with Filch until the end of the term...without magic. Mr. and Mrs. Potter will be notified and I'm sure they will find new ways to exercise this point. Now go to your dorm. Oh, and 300 points from Gryffindor."

James watched him leave, then returned his gaze to the Headmaster. "Have I done something wrong, sir?"

"Rash, yes. But not wrong," he sighed. "I'm proud of your quick decision to rescue your biggest rival. Although next time, just floo me directly. There is no reason to risk more lives than necessary. 100 points to Gryffindor for doing the right thing in severe crisis. Now james, I must ask something of you."

"Yes, sir?"

"I doubt Remus will want anything to do with Sirius immediately. I ask that you attempt to counsel them."

James nodded, realizing this would be 100 times worse than when the two were on the skids in October. "I will...as best as I can."

"Good, lad. Now off to bed with you."

James complied walking slowly to the Tower. As he entered the Common Room, he was collided with a redheaded blur. It took him a moment to realize it was LILY clinging to him in a tight hug. He hesitantly slid his arms around her, inhaling her scent greedily. "I'm okay."

"Thank you, James," she breathed. "He's been my friend since childhood. I saw Sirius come back, but I wasn't sure...is everyone els okay?"

"We won't know about Remus until the morning, but Aurora got banged up a bit. Liam is with her. Remus is going to be devastated...Dumbledore's asked me to keep...to anchor the Marauders through this."

Lily saw how tired he looked at the very idea. Biting her lip nervously, she was beginning to fall for him. "Well, then...I'll anchor you," she said softly.

James' eyes flew to her face. "What?"

"Don't carried away," she fumbled. "I'm not asking to date you...I just...you can talk to me if you need to."

James studied her faint blush a moment, not daring to jump onto what this may really mean. "Yeah...I'll probably need it."

Lily smiled at him as she backed away and strolled up the stairs to her dorm. James was happy for at least a little while.