Lies, Lies, Lies

Severus is having a lot of difficulty controlling his temper, Dumbledore discovers unsettling news, Remus is on the mend, and Filch is...well...denying he did any wrong at all.

Guest Appearances: Hagrid and Professor McGonagall

Disclaimers: A few curse words but nothing too bad and, of course, I do not own the character in HP as they are the sole property of J.K. Rowling.

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Tuesday

Severus' Chambers

Severus went into his bedroom chambers and threw his clothes in the overnight bag-black leather, of course. He could feel his blood rushing to his face, causing his pale tone to turn deep scarlet. He unbuttoned his black dress shirt and threw it to the side of the room with a groan. He picked up one of his old t-shirts instead to wear so he wouldn't be as hot. He then damned himself because dark mark showed on his arm. He growled and took out a loose fitting long sleeved shirt to cover it. He knew there were not many around but that didn't stop the previous day's events from occurring BLOODY HELL! He could feel the muscles in his biceps tensing at each of his movements to pack in order to sleep over at the Hospital Wing with Remus.

He went to his dresser and looked at his reflection in the mirror, "Why did you let him go out alone? Why did that sick, twisted-animal touch him?" He reached down and picked up his tea cup and threw it against the wall with a loud CRASH!

He stood to his full height, which added on counting his boots, and tried to calm himself. He usually did not lose his temper to such an extent but this was different. He could feel his fists shaking as they were clenched tight. He had never seen a person so willingly put another through such physical torment. The thought of Remus laying across that horse, with that animal heartlessly whipping him. The only thing that stopped him was Severus rushing in and casting him, literally, aside. He mumbled to himself incoherently as he went to retrieve his toothbrush and paste, throwing it in the bag as he zipped it, "Oh, you're going to get exactly what you have coming to you, you old git."

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Hospital Wing

Severus arrived in the hospital wing and walked up to Madame Pomfrey with a slight smile-more of a scowl really, "How is he?"

"He is asleep for the moment. He's awaken a few times and asked for you."

Severus breathed in softly. He had never thought that the man laying before him, his old adversary, would become a friend. He still had trouble verbally admitting it to anyone. He turned around and placed his bag on the empty bed and sat in the chair close to Remus. He reached a trembling hand towards Remus' and held it gently with a nervous swallow. He wasn't accustomed to outwardly showing such feeling but he had a heart, contrary to belief. He looked up as Pomfrey moved around and placed three more vials of potions on Lupin's night stand.

"Please, ensure that he drinks these at 9:00 this evening. Also, check over his bandages on his back and backside as well to make sure they are well applied."

Severus nodded and whispered, "I will make sure that is done."

She smiled at the two men softly and turned to leave but a loud bang from the doors being slung open caused her to stop in her tracks. She looked up shocked as Dumbledore and Filch came rushing in the wing and Severus turned his gaze to the sight.

He clenched his jaw tight and Remus' eyes shot open and whimpered at the amount of pressure Severus' hand was applying to him, "Severus. Please-my hand-"

"Oh, sorry," he let go and stood up as Dumbledore and Filch made their way to the foot of Remus' bed.

"They're the ones, Headmaster. He gave me this black eye and the other tried to break into my office. I fended them off, though-"

Dumbledore looked at Severus and Remus curiously. They looked at him shocked and Remus moved too excessively as he tried to sit up. The movement only resulted in a loud wail from him. Dumbledore rushed to Remus' side as well as Severus to try to assist him. They managed to sit him up and Remus' expression was that of unadulterated fear as he looked on Filch. Severus noticed his body shaking slightly and turned his stare to Filch. The Caretaker saw the look in his eye and turned to make a run for the doors but Severus leaped over the bed and raised his wand casting the appropriate spell which caused Filch to lose his balance and fall on the floor.

Dumbledore took in a deep breath and said as sternly as possible, "Stop moving right now! Argus. Severus. Come over here at once."

Filch stood up while pulling himself up holding onto nearby bed and groaned. He turned around and walked with a limp towards the other three.

As Remus saw Filch approaching closer to his space, he could feel his heart racing and hands tremble.

Dumbledore took in the scene before him, "What in the name of Merlin's Beard is going on here?"

"These two tried to rob my chambers and when I caught them, I had to defend myself. The Professor here punched me right in the eye but I was able to ward off the bo-I mean, Remus Lupin."

Remus couldn't look in his eye and concentrated on the water pitcher on the nightstand. Severus' ears caught Filch nearly saying "boy" and to hold his composure as he pressed his lips tight and balled up his fists at his side. The anger seeping through is veins was so great that he didn't realize he was burrowing his fingernails into his palms.

"Severus?"

The man was completely and deadly silent. Dumbledore wasn't sure if he had ever seen him so enraged in his life.

"Remus? Could you please tell me your side of the story?"

"I-I. Sir. I-" he was trying to speak through his apprehension but could feel Filch staring him down.

"Please, Sir. Can you tell Filch to leave? I-I can't-"

Filch looked at him with a smirk and taunted him with a raise of the eyebrows, "I'm not gonna go anywhere."

"Actually, yes you are Argus. Please, leave the room and shut the doors. Wait for us outside and stay right there."

Remus started to rub his hands together as he always has done when he was tense. Severus took his seat and watched Filch leave the room. He saw Remus' hands moving faster and faster. He put his hand steadily on top of his friend's. As the door shut, Dumbledore looked astonished at what just happened.

"Now, please. Tell me what is going on here. He's no longer here, Remus."

Severus squeezed his hand to let Remus know he was there for support. He reached over to pour him a glass of water and offered it to the Werewolf. He drank the cool liquid down in one gulp, thankful for the moisture on his lips. He nodded and took a deep breath as he looked at his blanket covering his legs.

"Sir. I'm not sure how to tell you this. I'm not even sure I can-I mean, I don't know the best way to start," he couldn't control his shaking and lifted his right hand up to his face. Dumbledore walked closer to him and looked at him with great concern, "Take your time, my boy."

"No, no, no. Please-"

"What?"

"Don't call me that please. Don't call me b-b-boy."

"Remus. What happened?"

"Severus. He had caned me the other day. I reckon it was the other day. What day is it?"

Severus swallowed and answered softly, "It's Tuesday, Remus."

"I've been with him since Friday?"

Dumbledore was entirely confused but allowed Remus to take his time.

"After the caning. I went to take a walk. I felt content and wanted to get some fresh air by the lake. Filch came up behind me out of nowhere and shoved his foot at my back. He started going on about how I was a trouble maker and needed to be taught a lesson. I didn't take him seriously. I mean, I'm a grown man right? I'm not some-some boy!"

Severus nodded and continued holding his hand as he spoke.

"Well, I passed out somehow and the next thing I know, I was in a dark and dank dungeon. Everything was fuzzy, I couldn't focus my eyes. I was chained up by my wrist, I remember. Then, he ripped my clothes off of me-"

Dumbledore slowly moved to sit down and Severus noticed there wasn't a chair behind him, he directed a spell to the closest chair and put it under Dumbledore so he wouldn't fall over.

"-Severus? That was my last good suit. That blue one?" He looked into Severus' deep eyes and then lowered his eyes, feeling a tear escape them.

"I was whipped, strapped, and he wanted to punish me thoroughly because I was bad for pulling pranks on him when I was a student here. But, Dumbledore, I was a kid. I haven't pulled a prank in years, Sir-"

"It's okay, Remus. You were a child-"

He waved his hand away from his face as he spoke, "And that's what I tried to tell him!" He pointed towards the door.

"He gave me my food and water in bowls on the floor. He chained me up and put a collar on me," he showed the markings to the Headmaster.

"And he did this," he looked towards Severus. "Can you help me show him? You have to change the bandages and the ointment anyway."

Severus nodded and stood, helping roll Lupin over. He took the ends of the gown and began to pull it back but said softly to Dumbledore, "Please, brace yourself, Headmaster."

He then started to take off the old bandages very carefully as to not hurt the injured man any further.

As Severus revealed his back and bum, Dumbledore-a man that could rarely be shocked-put his hand to his mouth and cried for Remus. The whip marks were unmistakable on his bottom, back, and thighs. They would still need attention. Remus rested his forehead on the pillow and hugged it tight as he felt the bandages being lifted and after the gown.

"Remus. I am so sorry this happened to you. I never would have fathomed that Argus Filch would have done something so monstrous as this-that he would be capable of even thinking this."

Remus breathed in and muttered, "He said I deserved it. Said I was a filthy mongrel."

"Remus. Please, tell me you don't believe that. No one deserves the treatment you have received. I will not let him go unpunished for his crimes. You have my word."

The werewolf nodded, "Yes, Sir."

As they spoke, Severus ran his fingers softly the length of the scars and marks along his back. He worked the healing ointment in to offset the infections and it seemed to be working. The scars were healing fast and they did look better than earlier-but still painful. He lowered Remus' gown and helped him roll back over to lay down when he finished the task.

He saw Madame Pomfrey reenter the room and Dumbledore spoke gently, "Thank you for taking care of him."

"It was no trouble in the least. Remus is a very good patient."

Dumbledore smiled at the caring lady, "Can you let Argus Filch back in, please?"

Remus tensed but Dumbledore put a calming hand on his shoulder. He leaned down and looked him in the eyes, "Don't worry. You are safe."

Argus came sauntering in the room with the ice pack to his eye and the bump on his head bright red, rubbing it.

"Do you need me to get the Ministry of Magic to escort these vandals from the Castle grounds, Headmaster?"

Dumbledore peered over his glasses at the Caretaker and put his hands behind his back. He still had fresh on his mind the look of terror and the condition of Remus' body. He stood over Filch and spoke evenly, "That will not be necessary. However, what will be necessary is that you will be detained in the dungeons until the end of the week under Hagrid's supervision. He is very good with dealing with animals and you should be in very good care."

Filch looked up at the Headmaster, "What are you talking about? Have you seen my eye? My head?"

"I have seen your eye and if Severus is the one that gave that to you, I would say you got off fairly well. As far as your head goes, it would take someone with more training in the mental health field other than myself to make a determination on how well you are doing there."

"Dumbledore-"

"HEADMASTER Dumbledore, Argus," he turned around and with a flick of the wand, he sent his patronus to summon Hagrid and Professor McGonagall.

"While we wait for them to arrive, you will understand exactly what is happening. You will be in the dungeon from today until Friday at noon. At that time, you will then be brought to the Great Hall for a trial to determine the suitable punishment for the kidnapping and torture of Mr. Remus Lupin."

Filch's head turned to look at the werewolf and glared at him causing Remus to grasp the edge of the bed.

"What did you say to him, Lupin?"

"I-I told him the truth."

"You wouldn't know the truth if it bit you on the-"

Hagrid interrupted the sound with a mighty, "Hallo! You wanted to see me, Headmaster?"

Filch looked up at the giant and clenched his jaw. Dumbledore smiled at his trustworthy groundskeeper, "Yes, Hagrid. Thank you very much for arriving so soon."

He saw Professor McGonagall walking into the hospital wing, "Ah, Minerva. Thank you."

Hagrid and McGonagall observed the room and everyone there and said in unision, "What's going on?" as they noted the weakened Remus. They both knew his Transformation was a few weeks ago so that couldn't be it.

"Hagrid and Minerva. Charges have been brought up against one, Mr. Argus Filch. He has kidnapped and tortured our Mr. Remus Lupin. Hagrid, it will be your job to ensure that he is kept in the dungeon and not to be removed until Friday for his trial which will take place at noon. The staff will collaborate on what his sentence should be and make our judgment then."

Filch was growing angrier, "You can't do this, Dum-" Dumbledore shot him an angry glare, "Headmaster."

"I do not believe you are in a position to negotiate any terms," he said as he stepped directly in front of the caretaker. "Obviously, you gave Remus no choice in his matter and he was innocent. You will be detained-now."

Hagrid took that as his cue and breathed in heavily. The facial expression on his face was a mixture of confusion and disgust. He took the 'smaller than him' caretaker by the scruff of the neck and turned his body to lead him into the dungeons. Professor McGonagall looked on and shook her head, "I never would have thought-"

"Me either, Professor. Will you be present for the hearing?"

"Of course, "she looked on Remus with great motherly concern and walked closer to him. She reached her hand down and brushed the wild bangs from his eyes, "Are you all right, Remus?"

He was still trembling but with everyone supporting him, he started to feel more calm. He smiled up at her humbly and nodded, "Thank you. I am fine at the moment. Thank you all so much."

"I knew that he spoke of punishing the students-but this-"

Remus lowered his eyes and grew more regretful that he never came forward sooner when he was but a boy. Severus could tell he was thinking hard on something but decided to wait until he was ready to talk.

"I think, Minerva, that we should let Remus rest for now."

She nodded in agreement, "Of course. If you need anything at all, Remus. Do send for me and I will be here at the drop of a witch's hat."

He chuckled a bit and nodded, "I will definitely do that, Professor."

Dumbledore smiled at both of them with the twinkle in his blue eyes returning, "Do not worry. Argus will pay for what he's done to you, Remus. You have my word."

Remus lowered his head and smiled as he sat up in the bed, "Yes, Sir."

"The same goes for me. If you or Severus need anything, please don't hesitate."

"Thank you."

Severus and Remus watched as the pair left their company and Remus rested his back against the headboard of his bed.

"Severus. That was rather intense."

He nodded, "Yes. Yes, it was. But Filch will get what's coming to him. I assure you. Dumbledore is a just man."

"Oh, I have no doubt, " he smiled softly.

"Do you need anything? Are you hungry? Thirsty?"

"I think I could use a glass of Fire Whiskey after that but I'm sure Pomfrey would not approve."

Severus smiled softly, "I concur with that sentiment. However, you need to get your energy back up and drink water."

Severus picked up the pitcher and it was empty.

"I'll be right back, Remus."

Remus watched as Severus stood up to retrieve his glass from the nightstand. He went into the hospital wing's kitchen and poured Lupin a glass of water over the ice. He looked and noticed that there was a bottle of Fire Whiskey and decided to pour himself a drink, too. Severus walked back to Remus holding the drinks.

Remus cleared his throat, "Severus. I've never seen you that angry before."

"I know. I normally do not display such- conduct. However, Filch has very rapidly become the number one foe in my book."

He took the glass to Remus and offered it to him. Remus smiled thankfully, "I didn't know you cared so much."

"I don't."

Remus arched a brow at him and put the water to his lips with a smirk, "Cheers."

Severus raised his glass of Fire Whiskey and muttered, "Cheers..."

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The Dungeon

Hagrid held onto Filch tight within his grasp as he led him down the stairs to the old dungeon. He noticed an open door and a tie on the floor. He looked in the room with Filch close and stepped in the room. He could see the chains still hanging from the ceiling, the spanking horse, and Remus' tattered blue suit. He pushed Filch to the wall and applied the collar to his neck and the manacles to his wrists and ankles.

"You blubbering bafoon, what are you doing?"

"Dumbledore said I was to keep you locked up and I'm gonna keep you locked up. Nice and secure."

Hagrid walked around the room and went to the suit, picking it up and smelled the faint scent of wolf on it. He thought, "Definitely Lupin's."

"So, you tortured that poor man, did ya?"

"I did no such thing."

Hagrid shook his head, "I don't take to kindly to being lied to, Argus."

"Well, I didn't. I gave him exactly what he deserved-a good, swift punishment."

Hagrid couldn't believe his ears, "For what? He's a grown man!"

"Oh, don't let his innocent look full ya. He is a very cheeky boy."

"You've really got a hatred for him, don't ya?"

Hagrid looked on the floor and saw the bowls, "You treated him like a dog."

"He is part wolf, ain't he?"

"I wouldn't treat a dog like that-I love animals. You aren't even one-you're a full blown monster, you are. "

Hagrid turned and shook his head sadly. He thought he knew Argus better and he never took the rumors seriously. However, he supposed they were true after what he seen in the dungeon. He slammed the door behind him and, even he, couldn't stand the sight of such an unrepentant man.

Filch sat on the cold floor and rested his back to the wall. He ran his finger over the collar and looked up towards the ceilings. "What I did was the right thing to do! That boy had it coming!" The madman screamed to no one.

TBC~

A/N: I really appreciate the comments, pm's, and feedback. Thank you all so much for reading and will be updating in the next few days. All feedback is certainly welcome and much love to you all! Have a great Sunday!