A couple of full moons passed. Snape would still brew the Wolfsbane under the Headmaster's request and deliver it to Lupin's office. They gradually agreed on being polite to each other, although it meant lots of heartache and the fact they still rarely ate at the same time at the Great Hall.

Sirius Black still made the news here and there, always close to them. Lupin was secretive about something Snape didn't have permission to look deeper into. The stillness between them was uncharacteristic. The potions master noticed some of his aromatic oils were missing for some time and reappeared within a couple of days. He decided to overlook it, this had cost him too much already.

Snape was the type of person that would easily forget to take care of his well-being if too stressed by work or personal issues. However, he knew something had to be done when he was brewing the last wolfsbane and a container started to resonate in his hand. Some nights afterwards, even Draco cared to ask him if he was ok after seeing him at the library.

Truth is, he was still drowning in guilt. The feeling he had about the breakup being all his fault would simply never leave so he made himself too busy at work not to have time to think about it. Which could have worked, only if the extra stress hadn't made his sleep worse.

After a particular long night, being sure he hadn't slept at all, he finally decided to write a letter. The only letter that could help him now. And the reply didn't disappoint.

Magnus was waiting for tonight's appointment with much excitement. Had been a good while since Severus Snape didn't require his services. Another evening, several months ago, he saw Severus with another man at the bookstore. The man in question was shyly tall and oddly charming. Severus' type for sure. Magnus knew the potions master had a thing for unconventional beauty. Snape saw him, nodding briefly, politely, as he had always been. Magnus nodded back and excused himself to another store, out of their sight, professionally polite. As he had always been.

When Magnus heard the knock on the door, he stood from the chair in his beautifully decorated living room and straightened his robes. Magnus made sure to do what he would call "The Severus Package". From the specific outfits to the items he had on display and his own perfume. Severus was a creature that demanded rich details to be set into specific moods. An intricate customer and to be fair one of his favorite ones.

"Severus" Magnus said with his deep and well-tuned voice

"Magnus. Thank you for having me" Severus replied

"We haven't even started yet and you're thanking me already. Do come in" Magnus said confident and charming while opening the door wide for him

Snape had almost forgotten how intoxicating Magnus could be. Severus looked at his "to be" partner for a moment before going in. The white-haired man was incredibly handsome with the dark blue set of vests, they had the most exquisite contrast with his porcelain skin and the candlelight from inside. Magnus could be younger than him but was much stronger. He had broad shoulders and a physique that was worked on just enough to make him look strong but impeccably elegant at the same time.

Magnus took Snape's coat and invited him to talk on his couch, offering Snape's favorite brand of fire whisky.

Snape accepted and crossed his leg while sitting in the corner of the couch, leaning back, much lime he would do in his own house. He was somehow proud of himself for knowing the place well and overcoming his shyness on being with someone so beautiful that it could be intimidating. Magnus's beauty was almost eerie, almost unnatural, yet still mesmerizing.

Taking a look around, the Slytherin started to allow himself to remember the last time he had been here. He loved how Magnus took his job seriously, the rules, the contract, and the fact they would always talk about his requests on the couch, previous to any type of touch.

They chatted about light subjects at first and although Magnus was good at making Severus comfortable, he was still observant of everything. Filling the gaps Snape left to the imagination in his request letters.

Magnus noticed Snape seemed consistently tired. It was his expression and even his handwriting, something on him needed to be straightened up. Something deep was keeping him up at night, maybe something he had never even told himself yet.

"You were very considerate giving me space at the Old Parchment" Severus pointed out finishing his first dose of fire whisky

"I was only being faithful to our agreement" Magnus replied looking straight into his dark eyes

"I should remark that so am I… We are… Not together anymore," Severus said looking to the other side of the room

Magnus then decided to finally get to the point of their session. He turned Severus' face to his direction placing his pale fingers on Severus' chin.

Severus looked directly to Magnus' reddish eyes, perfectly framed by white lashes on an angled look. He could see some of Magnus' chest now, which was porcelain white just like his face, and as well sculpted as the first time he had seen it.

"I read your letter very carefully. But as usual, I insist on you telling me the objective of our session tonight. And also saying our safe word out loud" Magnus said with a slight smile

Severus sat up straight this time. He knew he could trust Magnus but it was still uncomfortable to talk about his own vulnerability. He hated to talk about breakups, times he screwed up, insecurities. And yet, Magnus knew many of those details about him, more than Remus ever did. For their sessions to work, there was no other way.

"As I wrote you, it was a tough break up. My magic was out of control for the days that followed, I couldn't contain it. I've managed to keep it... Tamed for a while but I need something more effective. I think... a spanking session will be appropriate to help me… pour out whatever is left of this" Severus said in a lower tone, embarrassed to death on the inside but not letting it to the surface completely

Magnus took a sip of his ice-cold water, the cubes cracking while reaching an untouched location on the ice.

"Very scientific, as expected of you, Severus," Magnus said standing up. "I think it will give you a good cathartic effect. I also suggest shibari for you, I know we haven't tried yet, but keep it as a suggestion for when you are feeling adventurous" Magnus said leaving his cup on the table next to them

"I need you to do something to restrain movement tonight. I gave it some thought. You can do wrists but not ankles. Haven't been a sub in a while" Severus said touching the edge of his empty glass with the tip of his finger

It was another awkward statement. Meant that with Remus he was always more dominant in bed, even when he was bottom. Magnus took it as a compliment, making Severus Snape a sub was close to learning a new music instrument every session. Severus could sound delightful but he needed a skilled person to play him.

"And what should be the instrument of your choice?" Magnus said leaning closer

Severus got distracted looking at Magnus's lips, a wave of his perfume reaching his nose.

"The leather paddle. And the safe word..." Snape made sure to look back at Magnus, "Is Amortentia"

Magnus studied Snape with excited eyes, a promise of everything he would do with him.

"Very well, I'll use the same safe word for myself, if needed" he made sure to point it out

Snape lost a heartbeat when Magnus stood up straight and loosened the top of his robes, making them slide to the wooden floor. The sight was hypnotizing. Snape's dark eyes followed Magnus's every move as he walked closer to the wall, exhibiting his collection of accessories, choosing the leather paddle Snape mentioned.

Severus felt an extra tightness on him while watching Magnus fetch the paddle. It was the way he flexed his muscles, showing his back proudly.

Magnus felt the eyes on him and could swear to listen to a low gasp when he tested his grip on the paddle. The leather emitted a deep sharp sound and Magnus looked back to a very excited Severus Snape, desiring every inch of him.

"Oh you are awfully comfortable sitting there" Magnus scoffed maliciously

He got closer once again and Snape looked up to meet his eyes, already feeling Magnus' imposing presence taking a toll on him. Magnus teased him, placing one foot in his couch, making his posture defiant and sexy.

"Watch your hands, you don't want to be in more trouble than you can handle" Magnus warned when Severus almost succumbed to the impulse of touching his pale thigh

Snape bit his lip and lowered his hands.

"Spread your legs, now. If you are to be hard on my business couch, I might as well take a look" Magnus said in an almost mean tone of voice, retrieving himself and standing still in front of Severus

Severus felt a spell tight his hands on his back and force him to leaned backward, chest open.

He spread his legs, feeling his cheeks burning.

Magnus took his time enjoying the view and handling the paddle in his hands, tracing the shape in the corners with his porcelain white fingers. His frame was so otherworldly that you could hardly see the contour of him.

"You know the rules, no nudity upstairs. Let's go to the dungeon" Magnus said releasing his hands with a wand movement

Severus breathed sharply and also stood up, feeling a bit light-headed from the drink. Magnus took notice, he hadn't had anything himself. He never drank before a session and never allowed anyone to drink too much either. It could mess up the pain receptors. His customers could get hurt and only notice after the effect is gone.

It was almost daunting how little by little Snape let Magnus play him. If one ever asked, he could not bring himself to describe the positions he was requested to show himself and how promptly he would follow.

The temperature downstairs was colder than upstairs, it made Snape needy for a warm touch. In a particularly flashy position, with his hands tight to a chair and legs spread open, Magnus touched and teased him on his inner thighs. His legs trembled and when he realized, he was almost pleading for a more intimate touch. He was being teased with licking, slapping, scratching, and bitting for about one hour. Giving in into more submission every second that followed.

Magnus knew Snape very deeply, he was one of the few people who had seen him defenseless. Positively the only one who ever managed to get him into subspace, according to Snape himself. He could tell he was getting there, the perfect moment to start their actual spanking.

He fetched his paddle again and traced Snape's skin with it. What a delightful thing to see Snape arching his lower back and turn his neck ever so slightly as a reflex. The black-haired wizard started to linger on the touch of the paddle, indicating he was more than ready to accept its pain.

"You know, Severus, I was wondering if you still remembered how to be a sub," Magnus said grabbing his hair close to the roots "But by the looks of it, you've missed it," he said triumphantly

Magnus sat on the black leather couch he had in the dungeon, staring at Snape, who stood in front of him. Snape came closer, knowing Magnus was looking directly at his erected member, only to look back at his eyes and smile in a devilish manner.

"What are you waiting for? In your position" Magnus said firmly

Snape would normally be embarrassed to lay down on his stomach on somebody's lap. His ass up and cock shyly brushing against Magnus' pale thick tights, but this was Magnus and he was way too irresistible.

The dom gave Severus some time to grow comfortable with his exposed position. And yet he teased him, scratching his back and grabbing his dark hair.

"Don't be such a slut" Magnus threatened him when he felt Severus moving his hip on him not so shyly anymore

"I can't… help it" Severus said in an almost inaudible cry

Magnus traced the skin first with the paddle, getting him ready. He also touched Snape's lower back with a dominant touch, like he was taming a wild beast.

Severus let out a sharp cry of pain when he felt the first spank. The wave of shock going through his entire body, his eyes wide opened in surprise.

Magnus felt the increased heart rate from the other on his lap. He brushed the paddle on Severus' exposed reddish skin to soothe it just soon enough before delivering another spank on it. This time Snape reacted letting the air on his lungs out and closing his eyes. His back started to arch itself and his hands were tight again with the rope spell. His arms were being held on his back and sometimes he would struggle against it.

On the fourth paused - strong - and well-delivered spank, Snape felt his eyes fluttering back as he closed them. His thoughts were fussy and the anguish was starting to make itself present. He buried his face in the couch, his dark hair serving as a curtain for his expressions.

"You know why you're being punished?" Magnus asked serious, on the verge of sounding cruel

"N-no" Snape moaned in a scared manner

Snape's answer came almost as quickly as the question vanished from the air. He sounded like he was close to bursting into tears.

"No?" Magnus asked in a deeper tone, following with a sharp spank on the exposed skin. "How dare you?" he asked with an angry tone

Magnus used his hand to spank him on the back of his thighs, the noise and contact caught Severus out of guard and he let out a cry. That must have hurt, Magnus had a heavy hand.

"Let's try it again, shall we?" Magnus threatened him circling his red skin in the thighs with the paddle now. "Do you know why you're being punished?" He asked in the same daunting tone

"No" Severus insisted, this time sounding a little more composed than the last time

This man was a hard one to break. Severus has this peculiar trait in which he would toughen his surface after the first impact.

The punishment came, obviously. Magnus grabbed his hair and pushed his face against the couch, making his cheek rub against it.

"Oh really?" Magnus retorted in a mean tone, feeling Severus' breathing become faster

Magnus scratched him painfully on his thighs and slapped him loudly a good amount of times with his bare hand. When he got the leather paddle again, he finally heard a weak sound coming from Severus as he traced his back with it.

Severus was deep into subspace, eyes fluttering with every spank. The detail that was driving him insane was how turned on his body was. Every hit made him rub himself on Magnus' thigh. He was under a lot of physical pain, but also arousal. He was blushed in pleasure.

Magnus pulled Severus' arms back a bit, it was uncomfortable since he gasped in response. Severus wasn't expecting it, but Magnus spanked him on the back of his arms too. When he got the arm Severus had the dark mark, although being covered by glamour, the man under him tensed up.

"Let's try it again. Do you know why you are being punished?" Magnus said in a devilish manner, circling his bent forearms.

Silence. The silence before the storm.

Snape felt a strong grip on his head again and being pushed back to the couch. Merciless fingers twisting his hair.

"Anything to say?" Magnus asked pressuring him more

That's when the dom started to tease Snape's entrance. Severus could handle pain but with this amount of pleasure combined, maybe not. Not without cracking up.

He gasped loudly and the sound of resonating glass filled the dungeon.

Magnus had left many transparent glass containers around the room with red sand on the inside. It was on all the shelves in the dungeon. He heard some of the closest ones vibrating when he spanked him tonight. But now all of them resonated in a threatening way.

"Severus, do you know why?" Magnus said spanking him strongly on his butt and thighs with the paddle

Snape had endured everything so far with far more resilience than most wizards would. However, everyone has limits and Severus was reaching his own tonight. Both psychologically and physically. This time he felt such sharp pain that he started crying. A rushed sob filled the room and soon Severus' crying voice followed.

Magnus knew Snape could only take a few more spanks. So he had to be selective with his words to make sure to get him to say the words.

"Crying is not an excuse to leave your master's question unanswered," Magnus said bluntly

Severus tried to contain his sobbing, so he could answer. Receiving another merciless spank in the meantime.

"I'm being punished" Snape started weakly. "Because I'm a coward. I just hurt everyone around me and-" he interrupted himself to cry

Magnus let him be for a brief moment. Only to spank him on what he believed to be the last time when Snape took too long to continue.

"And what else?" Magnus demanded

"I'm afraid…" Snape said squeezing his eyes shut, a cracking sound of glass lingering in the air. "I'm afraid to love anyone… b-because… I just kill everything I touch" he completed

The very moment he said those words, all the glasses on the dungeon broke at once, setting the red sand contained in it free. It poured from every shelf and muffled Snape's heaviest sobs that followed his confession.

Magnus let him cry unattended for a while after the sand stopped pouring. When Severus started to sound too desolate, he released his wrists and left the paddle aside. The play was over. It was time for the aftercare.

Magnus helped him sit on the couch, he was still trembling and sobbing. The dom held him, putting his arms around him. He stroked his black hair, but Snape was very shaken.

"Magnus, please, please, I didn't…." He pleaded in his dom's ear. "I'm so…" he completed almost desperate

"I know, Severus. Not to worry, I'll take good care of you now. Come with me to the bed"

Severus nodded and accepted some tissues Magnus offered him on their way to the other side of the dungeon.

Severus was still on the edge, he hadn't cum during the play. It was rare but sometimes, depending on the nature of the play, it happened.

He laid down on bed and Magnus soon got on the top of him. The dom made sure to relax Severus' neck and embrace him nicely. It was also rare, but Magnus made up his mind that kissing him would be appropriate. And he was right, it quickly soothed him significantly. Severus started to let himself be involved in another feeling and mumbled some approving words when Magnus started doing him.

The sex was very soft, Snape was still into subspace so his sensibility was enhanced. He continued mumbling some sexual things to Magnus' ears, who gasped in arousal. The thing is that Severus was appealing to him as well, the dom enjoyed breaking him as much as he enjoyed having sex with him.

Magnus was also close to his climax and he knew Snape well enough to know that if he came on him the same way he was being asked, his partner under him would also cum.

"Are you ready?" The dom whispered to him

Snape was following his deep moves and heard arousal in Magnus's voice as well. This was it.

"Yes... yes"

Snape arched his back and clenched his toes, moaning very loudly as they came. It was a little extra treat to hear Magnus moaning as well, to feel his hips pounding on him uncontrolled. A huge sigh of relief when they had both climaxed.

Magnus still took care of Severus after this, he still had to be brought back to his normal mindset and he had booked the time until the next morning. He would spend the night there in the spare bedroom.

The pale dom helped him take a warm bath, massaged his tense shoulder blades, and made sure to stimulate a normal conversation between them while doing so, gradually setting him back to reality.

He also gave him tea and offered some light food, which Severus accepted, while Magnus stroked his dark hair. Severus was almost entirely back to himself and yet, he could remain on this soft-touch forever.

"How are you feeling now?" Magnus asked kindly

"Unbelievably better," Snape said in a light way. "But starting to get sored" he informed

"Too much strength, maybe?" Magnus asked taking a moment to look at his eyes

Sincerity was common ground for them.

"No. I requested it and didn't use the safe word. Next time, when I want it lighter, I'll say so" Snape reassured him

"Good. You know this is all for you, your satisfaction and safety are sacred in this dungeon" Magnus said sounding friendly

"And also… I liked the kissing. Didn't realize I needed it" Snape admitted

"I'm glad you said so! I had to decide it right there," Magnus said while massaging Severus' thighs

Snape was hesitant to request more. He hadn't asked for it in the letter. But his dom was skilled in reading him, soon holding his face and kissing him in a passionate way. Snape sort of knew Magnus liked to see him pleased and moaning in their kisses, so he obliged.

Magnus liked the way Snape kissed him on the few occasions they did it. To be true to himself, Magnus liked a great deal of things about having Snape at his dungeon. He played his BDSM scenes as nothing else existed in the world and as a dom, it was also pleasurable.

Magnus helped him apply a healing potion on the back of his thighs and butt. Snape would still feel pain on the course of the next days but this could allow him to walk around and sit normally. He was a teacher after all. Lots of desk work to do.

The dom gave him company until he was asleep.

He would normally get back to the dungeon and clean up the place but this play was heavy on him too. Magnus was tired and headed to his own bed to rest.

Sitting on his bed, he noticed his hands were a bit shaky, he used a lot of strength.

"I'll wake up earlier to do it all," he said to himself in the dark referring to all the red sand in the dungeon's floor

On the next morning, Magnus woke up at his usual time and did his routine of cleaning spells on the dungeon.

While he prepared coffee, he heard the bed creaking, and soon the bathroom door of the suite being closed. Snape was awake.

The pale wizard remembers how difficult it was to explain BDSM to Snape at first. Severus seemed to have no problem being tightened up, spanked with different objects, having his hair pulled, being called names, being physically provoked to a point he would practically beg to climax, you named it. What Magnus had a real problem with, was explaining that even if he requested to do missionary after having tea at the couch, Severus would not leave the dungeon without aftercare. He had to be taken care of properly otherwise the session could leave him feeling weak, drained, exposed, or even abused. It was not only physical to make sure he wouldn't be too sored, it was emotional, to give closure to all they did.

Therefore, seeing him looking revived and lighter in the morning made him feel proud somehow. He was, by no means, the same man that came to his dungeon the first time a couple of years ago.

"And how are we feeling today?" Magnus asked in a friendly way, serving him some black coffee

"I can't thank you enough, Magnus, it's the first time I feel truly well in a while," Snape said before sipping his coffee. "You were perfect yesterday, can't picture anything that I would want differently"

Magnus smiled to himself while fetching some cream and sugar, knowing Snape wouldn't have them. Snape had a glimpse of it, smiling as well.

Magnus sat across the table to have his coffee, the sugar melting rapidly into his drink.

"Always great to know you were satisfied, that's all" The dom said referring to the fact he had been busted. "How is your skin? I see you can sit just fine"

"You know I wouldn't come here if you weren't the best. Allow yourself some praise, Magnus, won't make you any lesser" Snape replied confident of his words. He was also good at reading people and Magnus was very guilty of perfectionism. "I'm still healing, but I shall be fine by the end of the week"

"Write me if you have the time. And one more thing" Magnus said with his red eyes completely focused on Severus

It was all very fast. Severus acted next out of pure instinct.

Severus' wand was in the air and the spell cast in no time. Magnus had deliberately dropped the sugar container from the desk, pushing it to the edge of the table with his arm.

Severus was able to stop it in time. He had successfully managed to not only hold a glass but to hold it with his magic.

"To a night well spent," Magnus said raising his cup of coffee slightly before sipping it as nothing had happened

Severus simply levitated the sugar back to the table, as astonished as the first time he had cast that same spell, with that same wand, so many years ago in Hogwarts.