August 22, 1998
"Headmaster."
"Good morning, Severus! I was just about to leave. I'm so glad you and Sirius are finally getting along!"
"...of course."
"Severus?"
"Yes?"
"Don't give up."
"Thank you, Headmaster."
--
"Snape."
"Back to the surnames, Black?"
"Snape, listen to me."
"No need. Coffee?"
"Um...sure...but don't distract me—we need to talk—mph!"
There was a clatter of books. Severus released Black's head and looked over, seeing a trembling Lupin.
"Yes, Lupin?"
"Um...I...I just wanted to give you these books, Severus."
"Why now?"
"Because I just got them."
"And? Did you think I was going to leave the villa today?"
"Well..."
"Leave them on the table. Coffee, Lupin?"
"...no thank you...I have a headache..."
"Suit yourself."
--
"Snape, what the bloody hell was that?!"
"Beautiful weather today, have I tanned enough?"
"No, but listen here, Snivs!"
"What?"
"Why did you kiss me earlier?"
"Why shouldn't I? Are we not an item?"
"Wait—what?! You—"
"Patience, Black."
--
"Remus?"
"Yes?"
"You need to eat something, you know."
"Wha—oh...thanks, Tonks."
"Remus...what's wrong?"
"I don't want to do this anymore."
"Why? I was so sure he was seething yesterday!"
"I lost my chance, Tonks. I don't think..."
"What? Why?"
"I saw Severus kiss Sirius this morning..."
"WHAT?!"
--
"Lupin."
"What is it?"
"What? No greeting? Had a lover's spat with Tonks?"
"Sod off, Snape."
"Fine."
--
"Severus."
"Tonks."
"Why did you do it?"
"Do what?"
"Why did you kiss Sirius?"
"Why can't I? Is he not my mate?"
--
"Sirius..."
"Huh—wha?! SNAPE!"
"Sirius...I need you..."
"Get off my bed!"
"What's wrong? Are we not together?"
There was a slam of the door. The two men on the bed promptly snapped their gazes to the doorway and a heavy silence fell between them.
"You are a fucking asshole, Snivellus."
"Thank you."