Final Chapter
Disclaimers: No, I don't own them...same old, same old.
Warnings: Mentions of spanking (of course) and possibly a m/m kiss...
Hope that you enjoy the final chapter to Under Pressure.
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The Half Blood Prince's Journal
April 6, 1976
I am quite a difficult person to get to know. I am unsure as to why I've done this but I've allowed myself something different after being at Hogwarts for five years. I am allowing myself to form a camaraderie with another boy. I am very much friends with Lily but I've never trusted many men. Of course, I trust Dumbledore. He punishes me but he doesn't beat me. I know the difference between a spanking and a beating.
Over the last few months, Remus John Lupin has changed my view a bit and I'm not complaining in the slightest. The Slytherins do not pay much attention to me, aside from Malfoy, but that's not often. The time I've spent acting out pranks with Remus was refreshing. The way he held my hand whilst the Headmaster strapped me was comforting. He is slightly taller than I am but he's skinny, even to my standards. I am unsure how that's possible because I've seen him eat. He picks at each morsel of food delicately and chews casually. He's smart and studious. I say this for a reason. I'm not in love with him or anything of the such. I do love him as a brother and a mate. When he called me mate, I did something so out of character that even my own bastard of a father would have been shocked. I smiled. I earnestly smiled. I only do that around Lily. I am not a person that gives this compassion freely. In fact, it's relatively impossible.
When I saw the scars covering his arms, my heart broke. Yes, even billowing greasy bats have those. Don't look so bloody shocked if you happen to read my journal. If you are, get your blasted nose away from my personal belongings or I'll hex your nose thrice the size of my own.
It's difficult to show my emotions but that boy has done it. If someone is hurting him, I will not let that person go unpunished. He is naive at times but he has a good heart. He doesn't deserve that. I accepted my own abuse for years when my father would lash out at me. I foolishly attempted to save my mother from his drunken hand once. I had welts that lasted for nearly the entire summer holiday. One moment I found amusing, in regards to the prat, but cost me the ability to sit or see comfortably. I was hungry and there was a loaf of fresh bread as well as cold cuts available. I never realized that he actually counted the damned bread slices. When he came home from wherever he went, he found two slices missing. I was small and fast so I ran from him. I escaped to the outside and my light frame ran around the house while he chased me...ranting like a bleeding lunatic. He is a lunatic. I intended to lock him out of the house so my sleeping mother and I would be safe. When the idiot from hell fell through the porch boards, I crumpled over with laughter at the site of his stupid head poking out of the hole he'd created. Too poor to let his son eat bread but he'll buy his drink. He should have spent the money to get the porch repaired. In my fits of laughter, he did catch me and ...yes. Yes, it goes without saying what happened.
I don't want Remus to go through that. I never want to see his blue eyes in pain. He's a special friend and I do love him. Mind you, as a brother. Special sounds so damned cheesy. He is to me, though.
S.S.
H.B.P.
April 7, 1976
Tonight we were both requested to appear before the Headmaster at 7:30. Luckily, we were not punished by way of spanking. Remus and I were instructed to Greenhouse One to prepare it for the next day's lessons. It was obvious that neither of us minded. I adore potions and Remus has an interest. The boy does try. He was in class as my partner this week and I nearly had an out of body experience. I was a bit cross with him when he added snake fangs to the potion when it clearly called for salamander blood. I know the boy isn't a bloody idiot. He doesn't pay attention.
The detention was supervised by Professor Sprout. She let us know that if we stepped out of line that the Headmaster gave her permission to use the appropriate discipline on us. Neither of us had any intentions of that occurring. Remus and I were preparing to arrange the beds for the various herbs. He looked paler tonight for some bizarre reason. I could not put my finger on what the cause was. I asked him of it and he shrugged it off as something at dinner he'd eaten. I didn't intend on staring at his face but the three gashes across it made me wonder. It looked as though some sort of cord hit him. If he was being hurt by someone, perhaps that would explain his near expressionless face after punishments? Of course, it's speculative but I tend to fret a lot. I shook it off and tried not to stare too long when he pushed up his grey cardigan to his elbows to work the dirt properly in the beds. I noticed, as well, a rather large scar on his right hand. That's unfortunate as, from a pure observation, his hands are very delicate and beautiful. For hands being on a male, that is.
S.S.
H.B.P.
April 13, 1976
To say that I am at the threshold of my worrying is an understatement at this point. Friday, Professor McGonagall used the hairbrush on the pair of us. We each received the same treatment. She started over the knee and then the brush. She bared both of our bottoms and the spanking never seemed to end. For a slender lady, she packs quite the punch. The thing that concerns me is that Dumbledore offered Remus to forego his punishment that night. He said that he'd be all right. The same thing happened Monday night. He looked even worse. His robes clung to his thin frame which gave him the appearance of the grim reaper. Professor Flitwick punished the pair of us Monday night but he wasn't very confident in it. I'd have figured as much. Remus tried multiple times to explain that he could take the spanking but both of our superiors denied him of it. Instead, he was sent to the Great Hall to polish the tables. When I was released after a mere hand spanking from Flitwick, I was told to keep a close eye on Remus.
As a side note, I truly hate to admit this and I don't mean to sound too disrespectful. I had to contain myself from giggling when the Professor spanked me. He had me bend over the arm of the Headmaster's settee. The situation was very unusual but I understood why he tried. Come to think of it, I feel dreadful for giggling. If Remus and I have pushed a man such as he to the consideration to spank us, perhaps we should calm our mischievous ways? Well, we definitely will do that for the month of April. Who knows what May will bring...
S.S.
H.B. P.
April 18, 1976
Severus. You need to control your emotions. Seriously. You're acting like a mother hen at the moment. Sure, you've not seen your partner in crime and friend since Monday night but that is of no reason to agonize. He is perfectly fine. I'm just going to go down to breakfast and eat my porridge with honey, glass of juice, and toast. No reason to worry.
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The wretched boy is covered in bruises and has cuts on his face. I saw him this morning eating his breakfast. He could barely hold his fork in his right hand. I didn't want to make a scene in front of everyone. That would accomplish nothing. Always control your emotions. One time I didn't, the old bastard...Not going to divulge into that drama. Anyways, the Headmaster told me that he had went to see his mother as she was ill when I saw him the other night for my little punishment date. Nothing dire. I only had to clean all the cauldrons in Slughorn's lab.
This is not good. Not good at all. When he is able to talk with me again, I am going to insist he tell me what's going on. He doesn't deserve to be hurt. He's too...kind for that. He did the improbable feat and was able to get his friends to lay off me. That's saying a lot. They even desire my thoughts on certain pranks since he and I have formed a friendship. It's the least I can do to save him from whoever is harming him.
We only have two more weeks of April left and total of six days' worth of punishments, also known as Hell Month, to go. I'll see him tomorrow, I'm sure. I've every intention of asking more questions. I've been experimenting with potions again. I'll see if he requires anything special if he's in pain. Merlin, he doesn't need to hurt.
S.S.
H.B.P.
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April 19, 1976
Remus walked through the corridors to make his way to his dorm. The Headmaster requested for both of them to report to his office at 8:00 tonight. He would have time to lay down for a while before he had to depart. He was reasonably worried, if he were to be honest. The way Severus questioned and looked at him as of late was enough to make him squirm. He couldn't very well tell the dark haired boy what really ailed him. As much as he enjoyed Severus' company, how would he possibly react with the knowledge that he was a dark creature? The Marauders and Dumbledore accepted it and so did his family, for the most part, but Severus shouldn't know. Remus made his way to their lavatory and splashed water on his face. Gazing at the mirror, he snarled at himself. The last transformation was a bit rough and he hadn't the slightest inclination as to why. Perhaps he was afraid of Severus finding out his deepest, darkest secret? When did this friendship with Snape become complicated? Oh, that's right. The scars he saw. One day, he accidentally let them show and Severus had to question it and prod at him. Oi.
He collapsed on his bed and shut his eyes for a moment. He pulled his arms behind his head and yawned. So bloody tired. He hadn't even heard James, Sirius, and Peter entering the room. They sat on his bed and Peter gave him a gentle nudge.
"Don't sleep in for your 7:30 appointment, Mr. Moony. Your client will be most displeased," Sirius said in perfect secretarial fashion.
He smirked at the quip as he spoke, "It's been bumped up to 8:00."
"You have precisely an hour before you have to appear. What are you going to do with a whole half hour's worth of freedom?" Prongs grinned.
"I'm going to worry about Severus."
"What do you mean? You two get on all right and we've laid off of him. Mostly," Sirius said.
"What do you mean, mostly?"
"Moony, I have done nothing horrible to him. I just might have turnedhisunderwearpink."
Remus rolled his eyes and shook his head, "You're such a child..."
"And you're too grown up sometimes."
"You get your arse tenderized for an entire month and see how much you calm down, Padfoot."
"Checkmate. You win. What's up with Snape then?"
"He's just asking a lot of questions about my battle scars. He thinks that my mum and dad are abusing me for some reason."
"Hmph. Your parents don't seem the abusing type. Your mom makes great biscuits and mince pie," Peter said.
"How would you know? You never taste it. You swallow it whole like a boa constrictor," Prongs said.
"I do chew my food!"
"The first bite is not chewing your food, Wormy."
"Can you two knock it off? This is serious."
"No. I'm Si-"
"Don't say it. For the love of Merlin, do not say it," Remus said as he put his fingers on his temples. He was quickly developing a migraine.
"Just tell him it's not your parents and that you fall down or something. If you don't want to tell him the real reason, ya know?" Prongs put a hand on Moony's shoulder.
"I've tried that. I told him I'm clumsy and I fall down a lot but he didn't buy it. I don't know what to do. I hated lying to you guys for all those years. I remember the dread at what I thought could happen if you found out."
"We remember. But we accepted you, right?" Sirius offered.
"It's your choice and yours alone, Moony. Severus, as much as it pains me, doesn't seem that horrible," Prongs said and thought for a moment that his tongue was charmed or something to have said something nice about Snivel-Snape.
"I don't know. It's affecting me though. The stares he gives me I mean. It makes me anxious. The wolf thinks he means it in a bad way and I pushed him back. I reckon that's the reason you guys couldn't control me so well this go around. You think?"
"It was difficult but we got you through it, mate," Sirius said.
Remus smiled up at the three boys sitting around him. They took him in with no questions asked. Even deeming it his furry little problem. He didn't know what he'd do without them. And accepting Snape as best they could along with everything else, he truly thought that he had the jackpot in the friend department.
"Thanks guys. Whatever happens, we'll get through it together as always I suppose," Remus said.
"Damned right," Sirius ran his fingers through Remus' hair, messing it up.
"Marauders forever, my friend." Prongs grinned at him.
"You got any more chocolate?"
"You're only after me for my sweets, Wormtail. In my trunk and I think you should see Pomfrey about that tape worm you seem to have acquired."
Remus rose from his bed and stumbled forward. He braced himself up with the bed post and cringed. Sirius went to the closet and grabbed Remus' cane for him.
"Thanks. I'm barely sixteen and I look like an old geezer."
"Well, you're kind of cute for an oldie," Sirius stuck out his tongue.
"Oh, shut it you prat," Remus swung his cane in his general direction. "I better be heading off. I truly hope that I can get off light tonight."
"Good luck," the three waved him off.
Remus moved through the castle with a hand clutched around his cane. He hadn't had to utilize it in such a long time that it was awkward even if necessary. Padfoot told him at the worst part of his transformation, he fell sickeningly to his knees. The flooring really should be redone in the shack but Remus felt too bashful to ask for it. The Headmaster had done so much for him already. He stood finally at the Gargoyle and furrowed his brow. He hadn't noticed Severus approaching him quietly from behind and laid a hand on the tawny haired boy's shoulder. Remus jumped with a start and placed a hand over his heart.
"Severus. I truly value our friendship but if you don't stop sneaking up on me..."
"I'm sorry. Are you okay? Why the cane?"
"I hurt my knee when I was at my parents' house. I tripped on the last step and came down on my right knee."
"Right. And you landed on your face afterwards?"
"Well, not exactly my face."
"Your face has fresh bruises on it."
Remus nodded and cleared his throat. "It's nearly time, Severus. We should make our way up to the Headmaster."
"Uh huh. Let's go," Severus said while arching a brow.
The pair started up the stairs and Severus allowed Remus to go in front of him in case he stumbled backwards. He watched as he struggled slowly step after step. It was a little after the top of the hour but hopefully Dumbledore would be forgiving under the circumstances. Severus kept moving his hands outwards when he thought Remus would topple. Finally, they reached the door to the office and stepped inside. Remus and Severus stood side by side, the taller boy wiping the sweat from his brow from the over exertion.
"A little late, aren't we? It's five minutes after," Dumbledore said as he moved from behind his desk to stand in front of the duo.
"I'm very sorry, Sir. My knee was giving me a bit of trouble and Severus assisted me up the stairs." Remus offered his explanation. He felt every twinge and heard every sharp breath Severus had taken on their winding journey.
"I see. Well, I can overlook the tardiness. I trust you have enough healing potions, my boy?"
"Yes, Sir. I'm healing well."
"Good. Now, for tonight. I wanted to address a few things. I won't be spanking or using corporal punishment. I feel as if we've moved past those methods for now. I want you both to take a seat and let's have a discussion."
Remus and Severus nodded. The young werewolf was highly grateful to take the load off of his feet and sat with a huge sigh of relief.
Dumbledore summoned for the House Elves to bring them tea and pastries. He waved his hand and motioned the third chair to his location as well as the table.
"Daisy is very pleased to serve sirs. Daisy has your tea and sweets," the tiny elf smiled as she placed the refreshments on the table. "Will sirs need anything else from Daisy?"
"Thank you very much. I believe that will be all," Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eyes. With a pop, the elf was gone and the Headmaster poured the tea in each of their cups.
"Thank you, Sir," Remus said as he made his tea to his satisfaction.
"Thank you, Headmaster," Severus smiled and took a cherry scone.
"Now that the pleasantries have been dispersed, I would like to talk to you boys about the last few months. How would you say you've changed?"
Remus placed his cane to the side and took a sip of his tea. He stole a look at Severus and smiled softly. "I'd say that we've changed for the better, Sir. I am terribly sorry for all the trouble we've gotten ourselves into."
"I agree, Remus. I think I've calmed down considerably."
"That's good to hear. Do you feel as though the punishments were too harsh?"
Remus shook his head and Severus mirrored the action. Remus replied, "I believe that, at times, it was difficult to endure but no permanent damage was done in the least. It wasn't as though you did it out of malice or spite."
Severus arched a brow at his choice of words. Had someone done this to him out of hatred? Were they still doing it?
"I've noticed that this year, you boys have formed a friendship."
"Yes, Sir. It was unexpected but I am grateful," Severus spoke up.
Remus smiled softly and nibbled on his treat. He attempted to keep his eyes open but he was very worn down. Tomorrow would be better.
"Sir? If I may speak freely?" Severus asked.
"Of course, my boy. Tonight isn't really punishment. I want to hear your thoughts and concerns. You've both done very well and I am quite proud of you."
"If one of your students is hurt, you would step in to stop it. Am I correct?"
"Severus. You know I would," Dumbledore arched a brow but the twinkle not leaving his eyes.
"Remus looks hurt."
Remus' eyes shot open and cleared his throat. "Really, Severus. I am quite all right. I had a nasty spill."
"Remus, I am sorry. I'm calling you on your bullshit. I've fallen on steps before. I've never had a 'fall' that is supposedly quite innocent suck the energy from my body. You're about to pass out."
"Severus, please..." The Headmaster started.
"No. I won't ignore it. Look at him. You saved me from... I mean, you made it stop before... Damn it."
Remus' eyes met the Headmaster's own. He furrowed his brow and turned his attention to Severus. The Slytherin was obviously fighting back his tears. Remus moved his right hand over and put it over Severus' shaking ones. Severus saw that horrible scar and the new ones covering his beautiful hand. He cursed himself silently when the treacherous tear escaped his obsidian portals. Severus wrapped his long fingers around Remus' hand and held it in front of Dumbledore's face.
"Tell me that's from a fall. Tell me that's from a bleeding rose bush. Tell me that he happened to fall victim to paper cuts from a rogue piece of parchment. Look me in the eye, either of you, and lie to me. Lie to me one more time."
Remus looked up at the trembling boy as tears flowed from his eyes. He softened his gaze and he didn't know who's heart was beating faster: his own or Severus'.
"Severus. Please, sit down and take a few breaths," Dumbledore put his hand on top of the two hands before him. "Calm down, please."
Severus sat back in his chair and breathed in. He bowed his head and covered his hand over his eyes, trying to brush the tears away. Remus looked at Dumbledore asking him the silent question. The elderly wizard looked between the two boys. He moved his lips to form the words silently, "It's up to you."
Remus gazed at the trembling boy and remembered the last time he saw him cry. He held his hand as they bent over the Headmaster's desk side by side. He remembered Severus putting his hand on his when the cauldron bubbled frantically when he added the wrong ingredient in class. He called him a bloody idiot but it wasn't said out of hate. He quickly apologized to him. He snuck him into the Gryffindor towers to watch the prank pulled on James. He never said a word to anyone about his pseudo infatuation with the Headmaster or his strange secret of enjoying Shakespeare and King Arthur. He snuck up on him in the library and now, he once again, was startling him. Frankly, he was scaring the shit out of him.
Remus closed his eyes tight. He knew that even if he turned him away, called off their friendship, and walked out of his life: Severus Tobias Snape would not tell his secrets.
"Severus?" Remus' voice was quite hoarse. Severus said nothing but only looked at Remus through his bloodshot eyes. "Severus. You don't deserve to be lied to." Remus felt his cheek twitch and looked at Dumbledore. Gods, his heart was racing faster than the most seasoned seeker on the Quidditch team.
"And you don't deserve to be hurt, Remus."
"I promise you that my parents do not abuse me. No one does this to me. I do this to myself."
Severus' eyes widened and quickly softened his features. He put a hand over his mouth and shook his head, "Remus. Why? I don't understand."
"I can't help it."
Dumbledore watched the exchange. He quietly took in the scene before him but said nothing. This was Remus' story to tell and he'd be there for him as well as for Severus.
"I promised myself I would stop whoever was hurting you. I would save you. How can I save you from yourself?"
"That's a question that's been asked since I was five years old, mate."
"What?"
Remus stood up from his chair and braced himself. He turned around slowly towards Severus and unbuttoned his deep blue dress shirt. Remus let the shirt fall off his shoulders and onto the chair. Severus looked at the trail of scars painting the very thin boy in front of him. The scar on his shoulder had a silver tint to it and Severus' intellect awakened. He didn't want to say it. He couldn't say it. He learned about that his third year in Defense. He knew what bite that was. He saw the pictures in the books. He was reasonably knowledgeable of page three hundred ninety bloody four.
Remus looked into the shocked eyes of Severus' and knew that he knew. He closed his eyes tight and his body trembled. He willingly exposed himself to the eyes of Severus. He hadn't even done that for the Marauders. They had the task of working the pieces of the puzzle for themselves. Then again, he hadn't seen them break down and think his parents were doing this to him. They weren't the reason for Fenrir Greyback biting him.
"I-I und-understand," Remus was trying to explain but that stutter had to resurface. He attempted to control himself once more. "I understand if you want nothing more to do with me, Severus."
"Werewolf..." Severus said.
"I know that this is a shock to you, my boy. I trust that you will not tell Remus' secret. He is contained when the full moon rises and has been since he started his education here," Dumbledore offered.
"You. You're a..."
"I am."
"Please, Severus. I must have your word," Dumbledore said softly.
"I-I don't. I mean, how? When? It's impossible." Severus stood up and ran his fingers through his hair. He walked closer to Remus and grabbed his hands roughly in his own. He hadn't meant to grab him that harshly. He stared at the delicate hands in his own. Dumbledore stood up as he was unsure what would happen.
"It's all right, Headmaster. Let him."
"Let him 'what', Remus?"
"Let Severus do what he feels is necessary," Remus swallowed hard. He expected Severus to punch him. He anticipated an onslaught of vile words the Slytherin was more than capable of uttering when pushed to the limit. He'd seen it time and again. If it came to an end, he had to be perfectly honest with himself. He wouldn't trade the last few months for anything. Severus and Remus had many laughs and he was grateful for any moment of happiness brought into his life.
"Impossible," Severus straightened his face and brought Remus' hands up to his eyes. He reached his right hand out to touch the scar on Remus' shoulder. He moved his touch over Remus' neck and placed his fingers under his chin. The light catching Remus' earring. Severus studied the scars across him.
"What's impossible, Severus?" Remus asked. He felt the small goose bumps rise on his flesh at Severus' touch. He stood as still as a statue, submitting to the other boy's scrutiny. Outwardly, he was keeping his features solid to the best of his ability but he was terrified.
Severus tilted his head and looked into the blue eyes filled with sadness. "The books are wrong. The texts are wrong."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that you're not a horrid beast. You're not a monster. You're not a bloodthirsty killer."
"Pardon me, mate?"
"Precisely. You're my mate. You held my hand when I cried. You laugh at my stupid jokes. You and I pranked Dumbledore together and escaped to Hogsmeade. The books are fallible. "
Dumbledore cleared his throat at that comment and arched an eyebrow. Severus smiled shyly at the Headmaster, "Sorry."
Remus softened his gaze at the shorter boy and tilted his head. He felt a tear of his own escape. "You mean you're not afraid of me?"
"Of course not," Severus looked at him intently as if he were some sort of paradox. "Headmaster?"
"Yes, Severus?"
"As for your question earlier, I have no intentions of telling anyone of Remus' secret. You have my word. I must, however, implore upon you that you allow me to experiment with my potions again."
"What do you mean, my boy?"
"Well, look at Remus. He, obviously, is in pain. The fresh cuts show that he harms himself. I take it you're not in your human mind when you transform?"
"Well, that's why we're dangerous and dark creatures."
Severus shook his head and put his finger on Remus' lips, "You're not a dangerous and dark creature. You're my friend, you git. Now, I need to research how to construct a potion in order for you regain your human mind so this doesn't happen again." Severus took a step back and walked around Remus' body as he observed.
"Why?" Remus asked. He wiped another tear from his eyes as he watched Severus speak as though a Professor would. He was unreal. Remus felt himself chuckle at how Severus was taking complete control over the entire situation just as he did when they were in Potion's class together.
"Why what?"
"Why go through the trouble of constructing such a potion for me?"
"You daft boy. I told you a long time ago that I take my friendships very seriously. I promised myself I'd save you from whatever was harming you. I intend to keep that promise, even if it means saving you from yourself."
"You have my permission to work on such a potion, Severus," Dumbledore said with a very bright smile and twinkle in his eyes. The twinkle, had the boys been looking, glimmered in the light more so as a silent tear fell down his cheek. Just had he known it was the right thing to do in saving Severus from his father, he knew there was no mistake in letting Remus attend school at Hogwarts.
"Thank you, Sir. And thank you, Remus."
"For what?"
Severus stopped in front of the taller boy and looked up into his eyes. He took his hand in his, "For your friendship and for trusting me."
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May 2, 1976
The Marauders and Severus sat under a tree nearby the lake. Remus laid out across the ground and stretched his long form out. He rested the back of his head on his arms and looked over at Severus. He was sitting with his back to the tree and reading the notebook that Dumbledore procured for him. It was from some bloke called Damocles. Apparently, he had concocted a potion of his own called Wolfsbane Potion. Supposedly, according to Severus, it would relieve most of his symptoms and he could retain his human mind. He had control over himself through Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs. He was all right with divulging his secret to Severus. However, as Dumbledore pointed out, some peoples' stories are meant for them to tell and he wouldn't expose his friends' animagus abilities. At any rate, Severus had done nothing but soak up every bit of information that Dumbledore had given him.
"Now, this is very interesting. I have most of the ingredients for the potion at my disposal since Dumbledore knows what I'm doing and has records of my progress. I have to be exceedingly careful if I give this potion to you. Merlin."
Remus looked around to ensure that it was only the five of them. "Why?"
"Well, I have no intention of poisoning you. Wolfsbane, or aconite, is extremely poisonous if I make an error in judgment whilst making the potion. I need your height, weight, temperature. Perhaps Pomfrey will assist me in performing a complete physical on you?"
"You are really into this."
"Of course I am. Or have you not been paying attention again? You know, if you keep trying to sabotage our projects in potions, I might have to borrow Dumbledore's strap."
"You wouldn't."
"I might," Severus said with a wicked grin.
"You're insufferable, Mr. Snape."
"And you love it. Seriously, though-"
Sirius jumped in front of the pair of them with his hands in a superman like stance, "But I am Si-"
"Don't. Say. It," Severus and Remus said in unison.
Sirius grinned from ear to ear, "Sirius."
"Prat," Remus chuckled.
Severus set aside his notes for a moment and arched a brow. He smiled inwardly and reached for his wand inconspicuously. He whispered an incantation so softly that Remus' ears were the only ones that could catch it. He widened his eyes as he looked at Sirius. Oh. My. God. Remus watched as Sirius clothes started turning into a bright pink bunny suit, complete with a fuzzy tail. His hair turning a mesh of white and pink started growing into long, floppy ears. For added measure, he now held carrot with a long green leaf hanging from it in his hand.
"What. How. Could. What? What?" Sirius shrieked. He moved closer to Severus who started to his feet and sneered at him. Sirius broke out into a chase, attempting to capture the Slytherin. The large bunny feet were, unfortunately, tripping him up.
"Why? Change me back!"
James and Peter turned around from gazing out onto the lake. They fell to their knees laughing hysterically at the very large and pink bunny trying to catch Severus. Remus stood to his feet and turned his body while he watched them running all over the grounds. Severus started to climb up the tree and moved his skinny frame on the branch, waving at Sirius the bunny.
"Here comes Sirius Cottontail. Hoppin' down the Hogwarts' trail!" Severus started singing.
"Get out of that tree and change me back! I'm going to destroy you!" Sirius tried to climb the tree but his huge bunny feet was quite the hindrance.
"Revenge is rather sweet, isn't it?" Severus grinned.
"What are you talking about? Change me back NOW!"
Moony, Prongs, and Wormtail could only laugh at their friend's predicament. Sirius turned to Moony and glared, "He's your friend! Make him unhex me."
"This is your battle, mate. You changed his underwear pink, remember?" Remus pointed out while holding his hands up.
"Is that what this is about? I'm sorry, right? Oi! Hurry before someone sees me like this!"
Severus continued his song, "Here comes Sirius Cottontail. Hopping down the Hogwarts' trail. Hippity Hop! Hippity Hop!"
Sirius frowned and crossed his arms.
"Awww!" the Marauders giggled. Severus pointed his wand to Sirius and ended the hex. Sirius sat on the ground and mumbled something along the lines of: He better sleep with one eye open.
Severus climbed down the tree and walked over to pick up his notebook. He motioned to Remus to come closer to him.
"We can go ahead and get your physical complete, vital information, and I'll start working on my experimentation promptly." Remus simply nodded and turned his head to see Sirius still pouting. He tripped over a root in the ground and fell into Severus' back. He groaned and rolled off of him. Standing to his feet, he offered his hand to help Severus up.
"Not paying attention again, Remus."
"Sorry about that."
Severus picked up his notebook and quirked an eyebrow at Remus. "As I was saying earlier, I need to make another trip to Dumbledore's office."
"Dumbledore's office? Our detentions are over, remember?"
"Oh, I need to borrow his strap," Severus grinned and winked. Remus' cheeks flushed crimson.
He swallowed hard and arched a brow, "You aren't really, are you? Going to spank me?"
Severus leaned over and gave Remus a quick kiss on the cheek and nodded towards the Hospital Wing. Remus rose a hand to the spot Severus kissed and smiled meekly. He hurried to catch up with Severus. He put his hand on his shoulder to stop him.
"You just kissed me."
"Is that all right?"
"It was all right as far as kisses go."
Severus furrowed his brow, "Oh."
"Severus. Remember our rule? If you're going to do something, do it right. Don't hold back." Remus leaned forward and softly brushed his lips across Severus'. Severus moaned softly when Remus placed his beautiful hands on his face, drawing him closer. Their lips moved in perfect sync. When Remus pulled back, he looked into Severus' eyes with a smile that reached his azure eyes. Severus felt his heart pounding deep within his chest, threatening to break through. He reached around the back of Remus' head and grasped a handful of light brown hair. He looked into his ruggedly handsome features and growled softly, pulling Remus back for more. Remus whimpered and closed his eyes, wrapping his arms around the Slytherin. Severus' tongue invaded his mouth, muffling his moans of pleasure. He rose to his tiptoes when he felt a hand cop a shameless grope to his right bottom cheek and knees buckled when Severus whispered in his ear, "Mine."
"Sweet Merlin, Severus," Remus blushed.
"You said not to hold back. Your fault any way for wearing those tight denims," Severus' eyes fluttered open and smiled brightly.
"I suppose I did, didn't I?" Remus closed his eyes tight, resting his forehead against Severus'. He was sure his face was bright red at the compliment.
Two people could make Snape smile that honest smile like he was at this precise moment and one of them was standing, literally, nose to nose to him. He didn't have many friends but the ones he did have, he took them very seriously and would do anything to make sure they were safe. He took Remus' hand in his, "To the Hospital Wing. Let's see how bloody skinny you really are."
"I'm not that thin."
"If you're not thin, then my threat earlier was idle regarding the strap."
"Really? So, you're not-"
"Do I ever make an idle threat, Remus?"
"Oh..."
######
Dumbledore looked out the window from his office at the scene towards the lake. He smiled and laughed at the pink bunny chasing down the gangly boy he had saved so long ago from a miscreant of a father. The laughter, he saw, from the young man who doubted his place at Hogwarts over something out of his control because of the lycanthropy he suffered. The sight truly brought warmth to his heart. When he saw Remus and Severus in a lover's embrace, the twinkle in his eye shined as bright as the stars. He turned and retrieved a treat to offer it to his faithful Phoenix.
"To be young and in love, right old friend?"
Fawkes accepted the treat and chirped happily.
The End
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E/N: Thank you for reading and reviewing. I think that shall bring this little diddy to a close. It was quite a long chapter but wanted it to go out with a bang. I really hope you liked it. Just very slight slash (it was a kiss after all...)
Happy (early) Valentine's Day ! 333
I was quite tempted to break it up into a few more chapters but seeing as it's been awhile since it's been updated, I decided to bring forth an offering of finality. Plus, I have to start an internship soon on top of everything else.
Special Shout-Outs and Thanks goes out to:
Pup03: You're so very awesome. I'm very humbled you dig my stories.
LittleOne: I am very happy you've enjoyed this story. I hope the ending was good for you. (:
RandomBug: Thank you so much. I kind of, sort of made them a bit of a couple for you. I wasn't gonna at first but I was like..you know..they are pretty damned cute together, aren't they? (: