Mercy

Summary: Severus is enjoying his Dominant role a bit much after seeing poor Remus squirm. There's an invite for dinner and some interesting conversations about the previous year in Mr. Lupin's DADA class...Snape is intrigued.

Warnings: Nothing too graphic. A few kisses here and there, a few hexes thrown in, and a playful hairbrush spanking. Remus almost chokes on pumpkin juice...poor guy.

Disclaimers: Let's say this together: I do not own the characters of Harry Potter. They are the property of J.K. Rowling who is awesome enough to allow us to write fictions.

Now...let's begin the tale shall we?

OOOOooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooo

July 24, 1994

Severus woke up the next morning and moved his arm out from under Remus gently as to not disturb the younger man. He moved in closer and mumbled, drawing a small smile across the black haired wizard's mouth. He leaned down and brushed the light brown hair from his forehead to give him a tender kiss. Padding across the bedroom in the cottage into the bathroom, he turned on the shower and rejuvenated his muscles. The warm water relaxed him as he thought of what to do about the entire situation. He had a bit more control over Remus but he didn't want to rob the man of certain choices. He understood that pride can sometimes get in the way of a person's ability to ask for help. However, he didn't want Remus to lose his cottage. He meant it when he offered for him to come stay with him but this was the werewolf's safe haven. He nodded his head as he thought of the options he could present to his lover but he would approach the subject as tactful as possible. He grabbed one of the soft towels and dried off, wrapping it around his waist as he went into the living room to get out his clothes. After he dressed, he grabbed the healing potions to help Remus cope with the pain his bones and muscles felt from the transformation. Luckily, the scratches were very minimal. Severus took out the breakfast items and made him a plate of eggs, bacon, and toast to put on the tray with juice, sitting the potions on the side of the tray.

Remus looked up and watched Severus approach him with the tray in his hands. He tilted his head, "What's all this?"

"I am sure you must be starving. I cooked you something and I have some potions for you to take after you've eaten."

Remus smiled up at him meekly and sat up to rest his back against the headboard of his bed. Severus lowered it on his lap and sat beside him.

"Thank you. It looks amazing. Breakfast in bed. How'd a boy get so lucky?" Remus put a hand up to the collar he was wearing-the only thing he had on.

"I'm merely doing what I should. Eat and regain your strength," Severus looked at him sternly as he pointed but softened his eyes when Remus obeyed him.

Remus nodded and picked up his fork, "Master. I'm sorry about yesterday. I tend to get a trifle emotional after transformations."

"I understand. They can't be easy on you."

"You get used to it," he broke off some toast and winked at him, offering him a bite. Severus rose his hand up to decline, "I've already eaten. You eat and listen to what I've to say, all right?"

Remus' eyes showed concern and nodded. He knew that it annoyed Severus when he started assuming so he didn't say anything.

"Good. I understand what you said and I listened to your concerns. I don't want you to attempt to sell your cottage, first of all. You have sixty days to come up with the fine and we will find some way to do so."

"Mas-"

"Let me finish. Eat your breakfast."

Remus nodded and took a slow drink from his juice, "Sorry."

"We can come together and form a plan. I know that you don't blame me. I'm not entirely sure of your logic behind it but I did play a part in the events that have led you here. I know you've forgiven me and it truly humbles me that you did. As you point out, it is the past and we have the future to look to. I know that you are having problems finding employment, which we've already discussed. That's why I've taken you on as my employee to help with my estate."

Remus stared at his food and poked at his egg yolk. He closed his eyes for a moment, "I can only imagine how scared you were of me in my wolf form. I understand because fear is an atrocious emotion."

"It is but I don't fear you any longer. True, as it may be, you are rather intimidating but I enjoyed being here with you the other night for your transformation. I knew you wouldn't hurt me."

"I was in my right mind."

"Exactly. I will help you get through this issue with the ministry. I don't want you to feel you have to do this alone."

"I can't take money from you. I could never repay-"

"If you are insistent in paying me back, then remember the offer of employment. Work it off if that's what you feel the need to do. We can come together as a team and do this the right way. Or, you could sell your cottage. If no one buys it, then you would go to jail. It takes awhile for the real estate papers to go through the proper procedures. I don't want you going to prison. You don't deserve that."

Remus picked up one of the potions and took a drink, making a disgusted face. Then he downed the other and felt the pain leaving his sore muscles and bones. He rose his hand up to his chest and sighed, "You're not going to let this go, are you?"

"If you mean I'm going to be with you through the good and the bad, then that is correct. I must make this clear, you are not to put your cottage up for sale under any circumstances."

"If you want me at your estate, then why should I even need it?"

"Because you feel comfortable transforming here. You feel secure here and you have a love for the place. I've seen your garden and the way you take care of everything here. I don't want to take that away from you and I don't want you to give up. Summarized version, it's what's best for you. Are we at an understanding?"

Remus nodded, "Yes, Master." Remus played with a loose thread from the sheets and smirked while shaking his head. It has taken over a decade but the bond he had with Severus was growing more every day. It was completely worth the wait. He looked up into Severus' deep eyes with his azure ones, "Thank you."

"So we are at an agreement?"

"Yes, Master."

"Good boy," Severus leaned over to kiss him on the lips. "I'm glad you're not fighting with me on this."

"You say that as if I'm stubborn."

Severus arched a brow, "That is the understatement of the summer."

Remus leaned back and chuckled, "I'm not that bad."

"Oh, you're a very naughty wolf. I know you better than you think."

"Is that a fact?"

"You are a Marauder. You've got a lot of people fooled by that innocent face but I know what you're capable of."

Remus lifted the tray from his lap and grinned, tilting his head to the side, "And what, pray tell, am I capable of?"

Severus stood up and picked up the tray, "Anything and everything."

He turned to walk out of the room and let Remus rest for a few more hours. With his back turned, Remus felt a sinful beam creeping up on his features. He lifted his hand and used a bit of wandless magic, whispering "Stelus". He covered his mouth to stop his snickering as Severus started sneezing uncontrollably. Severus stopped and turned around slowly. The mischievous werewolf looked up at him innocently, "Bless you."

Severus sat the tray on the small table in the corner and covered his nose as he sneezed a few more times. When Severus closed his eyes, Remus broke the hex. Severus stood up straight and arched a brow, "First you hex me then you bless me."

"Master? Would I-your sweet boy- do such a thing?"

Severus narrowed his eyes, "In a heartbeat. You should be more mindful of your actions."

Remus rose his hands in mock surrender, "I'm behaving. I don't even have my wand."

"And you insult my intelligence thinking I don't recognize that you can perform wandless magic," he said as he turned his back.

Remus grinned, "I think you simply have a stopped up nose. Maybe it would help if your sinuses were opened up a bit." Severus arched a brow and his eyes widened when bats started flying out of his nose. Remus couldn't contain himself as he laughed heartily. Severus turned around and pointed at his nose, "Remus. Stop."

Remus fell over to his side trying to stop his laughter. He lifted his shaking hand and ended the hex while turning over on his stomach. The sheet barely covered the naked man and the more he squirmed, the more his bottom came into view. Severus walked slowly to the side of the bed and looked down on his unruly submissive. He cleared his throat and crossed his arms as he watched him. He was glad that Remus' face was buried in the pillow for he was smirking himself. I have to admit, my boy is keeping me on my toes. I can't possibly let him get away with this, though.

Severus leaned down and rested the palm of his hand on the right cheek of Remus' uncovered bottom.

"That is what you're capable of, boy. Now, I'm going to show you exactly what I am capable of," Severus announced and gave Remus a sharp slap. Remus' head shot up. He looked over his shoulder and then up at Severus. He tried to stop laughing. He knew he should especially the way his Master was gazing down into his eyes. He bit his lower lip and tried to turn over on his back. Severus moved closer and stopped him, " . Now, boy. You have to accept the penalty."

Severus knelt on the bed beside him and Remus turned back over on his stomach with a groan. Severus reached to withdraw his wand and transfigured it into a small wooden hairbrush. He pulled the sheet back, revealing the two pale moons and he rubbed the wooden back of the brush over him. He teased him with a few light taps and Remus whimpered, "I'm sorry."

"Oh, I'm sure you are. But-" Severus raised the brush and landed it over his cheeks "-I have to make sure you've learned-" Severus swatted him all over his bottom as he spoke "-your lesson." Remus gripped the pillows tightly and arched his back while Severus spanked him. The swats weren't unnecessarily hard. He moved his backside back and forth as he arched his neck to the side. Severus put his free hand at the small of Remus' back to hold him in position.

"You're such a naughty little wolf, aren't you?" Severus taunted him by running the cold wood all over the target.

"Y-yes, Master," Remus practically purred and spread his legs out a bit while pushing his bottom up to Severus.

"I see you are enjoying yourself," Severus concentrated on his sit spots. He smirked as Remus stirred below him.

Remus' only answer was a soft moan, "Please-"

"It seems that this is more of a reward than a punishment, boy."

Remus turned his head to look up at Severus with a Cheshire cat like grin. Severus laid the brush down and changed it back to his wand. He turned Remus over on his back and noticed his stiff member. He rose his wand and the ropes shot into view, securing Remus' ankles and wrists to the posts of the bed. He looked up in Severus' eyes and swallowed hard. The older wizard turned the corner of his lip into a smirk. He placed the tip of his wand at Remus' throat, over his chest, and trailed it down to his throbbing manhood. He tapped it gently with his wand and stood up. He looked down at the bound man and with all the grace that the Potion Master had in his body, he turned his heel to walk out of the room after putting his wand in his pocket.

He picked up the tray and grinned when he heard, "Master? Severus? Where are you going?"

Severus turned around and used his classroom voice, "My dear boy. Punishment isn't always a spanking."

Remus wiggled his wrists in his bonds, "Severus? Sev? Oh, come on. Don't torture me like that, Master. It was a joke."

"Yes. A rather amusing one, too, I might add."

"You're not going to leave me like this are you?" Remus nodded to his throbbing member and looked up at him, trying to give him is best puppy dog eyes.

"Your innocent eyes shan't work on me, boy. I'll be back later to release you. Get some sleep."

Remus laid back into the pillows and groaned, "Bugger."

"No. You will not be buggered at the moment. Sleep," Severus smirked at him and turned to walk into the kitchen. He chuckled as he took care of the leftover food and dishes.

"Now he knows what I'm capable of."

OOOOOooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOo

August 13, 1994

The sun beat down on Remus as the sweat glistened off his toned biceps. He had been attempting to get the entire ground tilled to the best of his ability but the ground hadn't been cultivated in probably decades. He stood up for a second after breaking the last row and pulled the handkerchief out of his back pocket to wipe the perspiration from his forehead. Severus wanted this task completed today after spending the last few weeks noticing how "acceptable" his own garden was back at his cottage. He decided on the marigolds and zinnias to plant. It was late summer and were the best to choose from as far as drought-resistance was concerned. He laid the shovel to the side and picked up the rake to start to labor at gathering the dead grass and roots. While he worked, he started making mental observations of how he would best utilize the colors of the flowers from the flats he'd purchased earlier that morning.

Severus walked to the window and watched him work diligently on the gardening. He lifted the goblet filled with lemonade to his lips and smiled at how much Remus had accomplished in the short few weeks. He had repaired most of the plumbing, had his lawn looking better than it had since his mother was alive, and was working on the outside shed as a side project. His mindset certainly was motivated to pay him back the money. Severus didn't require him to repay him. If it put his mind at ease, Severus wasn't going to protest. He turned around and levitated the jug of lemonade and a glass to him. After he caught them in his hand, he walked outside and sat at the small dark brown bistro patio set on the front porch.

"Remus! Take a break," he called out.

"I'll be there in just a moment," Remus was on his knees, planting the flowers in a pattern from one row to the other. He picked up a slithering earthworm and smiled softly as he tossed him to the side.

"Remus. Come here," Severus said in the tone that told that it wasn't a request. Remus shook his head and smiled as he moved to his feet. Taking long strides, he dusted off his jeans and short sleeved blue shirt before he took his seat. Severus poured him a glass of the lemonade and tapped his wand to cool it. The younger man smiled thankfully and gulped it down, "I suppose I was more thirsty than I thought."

"You've been working very hard lately. I must say, the tan that you've acquired is very fitting."

"Thank you," Remus pulled his sleeves up a bit higher and flexed his bicep mindlessly as he took another sip of the lemonade.

"Where did you learn all of these trades?"

"I've had odd jobs over the years to make ends meet. As they say, jack of all trades and master of none."

"I wouldn't say that. You're quite good at teaching and gardening. I, honestly, have a green thumb."

Remus' eyebrows shot up, "Really? I find that hard to believe."

"I've never had an interest in the actual gardening. However, I enjoy the flowers. They're peaceful."

Remus nodded and leaned back in his chair to close his eyes for a moment. The afternoon sun was hotter than normal and he would really enjoy a swim. Severus looked at him sprawled out in his chair and tilted his head to the side. The former Dark Art's professor stretched out his lean legs. Severus swallowed before he began to speak, "Why don't you take the rest of the afternoon off?"

Remus cracked an eye open, "I would but I'm nearly finished. I just have to plant the flowers and water them."

"Your employer is allowing you to take off yet you decline. I presume that I might have been mistaken about lethargic Gryffindors."

"Well, I am a lot of things but I will not accept that title of being lazy," Remus chuckled.

"Nor should you. How long will it take to complete your goal?"

"About an hour. Why?"

"I have a dinner invitation with Headmaster. Would you be interested in accompanying me?"

"A date?"

"Of sorts. I imagine he wants to go over the upcoming school year."

Remus started working the dirt out from under his nails and arched a brow. He tilted his neck to the left and Severus took in a deep gulp of air as the sunlight hit the silver in his name on the collar Remus wore. Severus eyed his long fingers thoughtfully as Remus spoke, "It sounds like a good idea. I'd be happy to join you."

"We will leave at six for Hogwarts," Severus nodded and Remus stood up to finish his work.

Remus grinned and with a playful wink he replied, "Yes, Master."

##############

6:00 p.m.

Remus and Severus walked through the hearth and journeyed their way through the corridors to the Great Hall to join the Headmaster from Severus' office in the dungeon. Remus wore his new hunter green robes and walked along with Severus. The Potion's Master turned and smiled at him but stopped suddenly.

"Almost forgot," Severus rose his wand and put the glamour charm on Remus' collar to hide it.

"Ah. Mustn't provoke many questions."

Severus nodded, "Precisely. You look smashing tonight, boy."

Remus' eyes looked up and down Severus dressed in his midnight black robes with a grin, "So do you, Master."

"Shall we continue?"

Remus nodded and walked behind Severus as they entered the Great Hall. Headmaster Dumbledore, Hagrid, Professor Flitwick, Professor McGonagall, and the others were already seated with a spot left for Severus at the table.

Dumbledore smiled brightly, "Good evening Severus. Remus. I wasn't aware you'd be joining us." The Headmaster rose his wand and extended the table and moved an extra chair for Remus to sit in.

"Thank you, Sir," Remus smiled as he took his seat beside Severus.

"I hoped it would be all right to have a guest, Headmaster," Severus nodded to the Headmaster.

"Remus is always welcome here," Dumbledore smiled and the others nodded their agreement.

"I'm humbled, Headmaster," Remus said and looked at Professor McGonagall who was seated to his other side.

"You're looking very well, " she said to him.

"I've been feeling rather fit lately, Ma'am."

"I'm delighted to hear that. I trust you have found employment then?" she asked as the food appeared on the table and everyone began to eat.

"I've had something come up. An offer I couldn't refuse," Remus filled his plate with the potatoes and a few slices of the roast beef.

Severus smirked at Remus' explanation and turned his attention to Dumbledore and Hagrid, "How, may I ask, has the arrangement been going with our former caretaker?"

Dumbledore nodded, "Hagrid has told me he has made improvements. I am skeptical about his ever returning to the grounds."

"He tries to resist at times, Severus. But I put him in his place."

"That sounds-adequate."

"How is everything going with you, my boy?"

"Very well. I've had a lot of time to plan my Potion's lessons for the upcoming year. That is, unless, I am able to acquire another position within the Staff."

"Ah, yes. I am afraid that the position is filled."

"Who?"

"Do you remember the Auror? Alastor Moody?"

"Of course. I remember him quite well, in fact."

"He will be taking over the position. It should be, rather, interesting."

"Interesting, indeed," Severus eyed his potatoes and sighed.

Remus noted the forlorn look in Severus and smiled at him softly. Severus pointed his fork to Remus' plate, "Eat."

Remus nodded and turned his attentions back to the conversation with McGonagall.

"I finished putting up the magical traps that you wanted, Headmaster. The ones around the Forbidden Forest. They should ward off any dangerous creatures. The activity has been a bit greater this year," Hagrid informed him.

"Is there anything to be alarmed of?" the Headmaster asked.

"Nothin' out of the ordinary but can never be too careful. The students shouldn't go in there anyway and whatever is trying to breach won't be able to. If the creature is caught in the trap, it won't hurt them. They'll be knocked down, immobilized, and caught so I can release them back to where they belong if they're not too dangerous."

"Very good. I will ensure the wards are still strong and will rework them again when Alastor arrives."

"Are you expecting anything dire this year, Sir?" Severus asked as he swallowed a drink of pumpkin juice.

"Never stop expecting, my boy. When one lets their guard down, that is when they are the most vulnerable."

"Yes, Headmaster."

Remus hadn't been paying attention to the exchange as he and McGonagall were absorbed in their conversation of nostalgia. He blushed as she continued, "There were so many times I should have cuffed the back of you and your partners in crime heads. I suppose I could confess, I wagered with the Staff on how long it be before the next bout of mischief would transpire."

Remus chuckled, "And how often did you win?"

"It was rare I lost. I know my boys," she winked and nudged him with her elbow.

"I do apologize for charming your blackboard in sixth year to write random words every time you said the word "tolerate"."

"I should have given you a months' detention. I do not tolerate such tomfoolery."

Remus chuckled into his food as she said the word, "Yes, Ma'am."

"You were a fine professor and an admirable student. I heard stories all year of your methods. The boggarts lesson was the most talked about. How you suggested Neville to think of Professor Snape in the dress of his grandmother's instead of-"

Remus' eyes bugged out of his skull and he nearly choked on his pumpkin juice. She rose her hand to hit him on the back. He covered his mouth as he coughed, "Remus? Are you all right?"

He nodded his head and got his breathing under control. Severus turned his head and questioned after he stopped coughing, "Professor Snape in a dress, you were saying?"

Remus lowered his head and clenched his jaw. Professor McGonagall continued, "You've not heard of that lesson?"

"Apparently- I have not. Please, feel free to elaborate."

Remus groaned and squirmed in his chair as she recounted every detail that the students told her. He rested his hands in his lap and lowered his head. The tanned skin on his face wasn't evident any longer as his shade turned paler and paler the more she did, in fact, elaborate. He twirled his thumbs over each other repeatedly and winced as she was rather detailed in her explanation.

Neville should report as much information in his essays as he did in this story. Oi!

Severus nodded his head and rested his chin on the back of his hand, "Oh? The hat sounds-fascinating."

As she went on to describe the hat, Remus lowered his eyes and closed them tight.

The more you talk, the more my neck is arched on the chopping block. Please, don't tell him more. Oh, Merlin-the students told you he was in heels?

"An-amusing use of class time. I must say your methods of teaching, Lupin, are unconventional."

He called me Lupin. Not Remus. I'm so dead. I'm more than dead.

He turned his head and smiled as charmingly as he could while he took another drink of the pumpkin juice. He whispered nervously, "It was merely a demonstration, Severus."

"I've no doubt. I am completely in support of- demonstrations," Severus arched a brow and smirked.

"I find it quite useful. Mr. Longbottom took a great interest in applying himself after that, I noticed. I asked him what Remus told him. First, he asked what he feared and then, apparently, it was you Severus. Remus, from what Mr. Longbottom said, quipped that aren't we all and he suggested the..."

Remus stopped listening at that moment and gulped.

I need to think of something happy. Chocolate. I need chocolate. I need to dip my entire body in chocolate and hope it camouflages me. Why did things keep arising that he did in the past and rear its ugly head to bite him in the-

"-but as I was saying. Now that dinner is over, we will reconvene in discussing upcoming plans that you have all prepared for the upcoming year. We have a few schools joining us this term and I wanted to discuss the arrangements," Dumbledore announced. "Remus, you are more than welcome to stay but if you'd rather do something else, that would acceptable."

Remus nodded slowly and felt his voice crack, "Yes, Sir. I think I'll take a walk if that's all right."

A very long walk off a short bridge.

"That's perfectly fine. Be careful and we shouldn't be too long."

Severus placed his hand over Remus' before he left his seat and leaned over to whisper in his ear, "Meet me back here at 8:00. We will go to my estate afterwards."

Remus lowered his eyes and nodded humbly. He felt his hand tremble under Severus and wasn't able to hide his nervousness. Severus patted the top of his hand and smirked, "See you shortly, my boy." Severus whispered so low that only Remus could hear him.

######

7:00 p.m.

Remus walked out of the Great Hall slowly and rubbed the back of his very tense neck. Severus tried to conceal the smirk while he watched him squirm. He rather enjoyed watching his lover fidget with such anticipation. He wasn't terribly upset but he would discuss the situation when they got home. The werewolf shoved his hands in his pockets and took a slow pace with his head lowered as he contemplated what his Master was going to do with him. He didn't seem to be pleased and the tone of his voice suggested that he wouldn't sit comfortably for quite awhile. He didn't have a destination but he had work out the nervousness deep inside himself.

Surely he won't murder me. I mean, it wasn't that bad. Was it? We're going straight to his estate after this. How is he going to deal with me? He didn't ask him if he wanted to go back to his place. He ordered it. In that tone. That one he used on the students he found mucking about. That tone he uses when he orders me to look in his eye just before he punishes...Oh, he's going to chastise me so hard.

He looked up at the night sky and noticed that the stars were unbelievably striking. He saw a shooting star blazing across the clear sky.

I wish that he shows me mercy.

He looked around and saw himself just inside the Forbidden Forest and realized he should head back to the Castle. Pulling his long flowing robes around his frame, he turned his stance to face the passage back to meet up with Severus. He moved the long branches to the side and sidestepped the emerald green bushes. He looked around and noticed Hagrid's hut and the stables were in eye's sight.

Bugger it all. I've strayed a bit too far.

As he took one more step forward, he felt his body locking up and he fell to the ground. His eyes shot open in panic and tried to move his arms in order to push himself up. Did he trip? There was no telling what he had fallen over being this far into the forest. He didn't realize he'd fallen so bloody hard that the only muscle he could move in his body was his neck. He laid his right cheek on the ground and took in a deep breath as he shouted, "HELP! Someone! Anyone?"

The night started off grand. He looked quite nice. His Master looked first-rate. Then, the nerve-racking knots led him out too far because he wasn't paying attention. And now he was immobilized. It could be worse.

He heard footsteps coming from behind him and he stole a sigh of reprieve. At least he wouldn't have to lay here for much longer.

"Thank you so much for finding me. Could you return me to the-"

Remus felt his body being shoved over onto his back and looked up into the face of the man who found him. The beady eyes and wrinkled face looked down upon him with a smile of sorts. Remus couldn't move his body but he could feel his heart racing deep within his chest. He shut his eyes tight: Ask for mercy and this is what I get? Strange game this is.

"Well, well, well. Strayed a bit too far have we?"

Remus opened his mouth to speak but the words caught in his throat. He looked into Filch's eyes pleadingly. Fear swept over him as he whimpered softly. Can't I catch a bloody break? Mental note: Never ever ever say "it could be worse" ever again.

Filch stood over Remus and nudged him with his boot, "Can't move, can you?"

With a faint whisper, he answered "No, I can't."

"Got yourself caught it looks like."

"It would seem so. Argus, please."

"Please what, boy?"

"Don't-don't-" Remus closed his eyes tight and arched his neck.

Filch looked down at him and narrowed his beady eyes. He felt the fear radiating off the younger man and tilted his own head to the side. Not long ago, that fear would have been something he reveled in. He put the boy in his place and nearly broke him. But broke the already broken, from what Hagrid told him. He knelt down beside the motionless man, "Don't what?"

"Please, don't harm me. Just-take me back to the castle. I know you can carry me."

Filch felt his cheek twinge a bit, "You're really afraid of me. Aren't you?"

"What was your first inclination?"

"You have a sharp tongue."

"It's the only thing I can move at the moment. Something needs to be sharp."

Filch found himself smiling at the retort, "Boy..."

Remus' features winced at the word as if it was a scorching rod applied to his face. Filch rose his lantern up to his face and softened his features, "What's the matter? Hurt?"

"No, not hurt. I am sure I will be shortly," Remus swallowed. "But whatever torture you do to me this time, I won't make a sound. I won't scream. You won't get the satisfaction."

"Satis-"

"I know you enjoyed your sick, warped castigation of me. I am nearly positive you can't wait to commence another go at it. I had hoped that you would have changed. I-just get it over with."

Filch lowered his eyes as the realization swept over him. The eyes of true fear and the acceptance Remus had of what he thought would happen sent something through him.

What was that? Compassion? Mercy?

He licked his thin lips as he asked, "Bo-Remus? Headmaster said you showed me mercy. You asked me to not go to prison."

"That's correct."

"Why?"

"What do you mean 'why'?"

"Why show me mercy?"

"Because. If you want to actually listen to me-"

"I do."

"I think that somewhere down deep inside you, there is some good left. I didn't want you not to have the opportunity to prove it. It was a gamble and I might have lost. "

"What do you mean?"

"I can't move. You're here and no one else is. I know your hunger for punishment. So," Remus swallowed hard as he spoke the next words. "You have open range to punish me."

Filch looked into Remus' bright blue eyes and arched a brow, "And you're not afraid?"

"I would be lying if I said I wasn't," Remus gulped as he whispered faintly. I'm terrified...

"Why?"

Remus started to laugh, "Well, I was whipped by you when I was a boy for not cleaning how you thought I should. I tried my best you know? Then, as an adult, you threatened to do the same when you saw me here. I didn't think you would but you did. I still have the marks to prove that from your-" Remus bit his lower lip before he continued, "-whip. I begged you for forgiveness and only got more lashes. So. I think it stands to reason."

"You - you really tried your best..." Argus meant it more as a introspective reflection than a inquiry.

"I always have. Never is good enough," Remus hadn't meant for the small tear to escape from his eye.

Filch rubbed the bridge of his nose and nodded, "I understand, Remus."

"So. What is it this time? A good caning? Whipping? The strap? Maybe all three before dawn? Better get a move on," Remus spat at him with venom.

"I'd say not, Remus."

Remus arched a brow. He's been saying my name. Not boy.

He looked up at Argus quizzically. He watched as Argus put down his lantern and leaned forward. He felt the older man's arms pushing under him and his body rising. Filch stood up with him in his arms. Remus' head lolled to Argus' shoulder while he cradled him. He looked upward to watch Filch's face , noticing he winced.

"You're a bit heavier than last time."

"I've been eating more than week old meat lately. Where are you taking me?"

"To the Castle, Remus," he got a good grip under the bend of Remus' knees and kept his other arm around his upper back to hold on to him firmly.

"The Castle?"

"Yeah. Where are they expecting you?"

"Great Hall," Remus smiled softly.

Filch held on to Remus and walked stiffly towards the Castle. He swallowed hard as he knew he wasn't allowed on the grounds but maybe they would overlook it-just this once. As Filch made the journey, Remus opened his mouth for a moment to speak.

"Oi?"

"What is it?"

"Thank you, Mr. Filch."

Filch cracked a smile and nodded, "Thank you, Mr. Lupin."

TBC~~

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A/N: I do like gardening so had to throw that in there...it's another hobby of mine. :-)

Reviews are encouraged...let me know if you're enjoying the story...It helps motivate me...and my attention span is comparable to ...hey look..there's something shiny over here *winks*