snape61 By request, Remus' POV. Damn I write quick... You guys better love me. :o) I rented a movie (Billy Elliot) that I really want to watch right now, so don't expect another chapter until around midnight, maybe. *small* surprise thrown in... Nothing big though. Just kind of a "Lily, you BITCH!" thing. Enjoy.
Aimee

God, why am I doing this?

It was for comfort, I suppose. I felt little or nothing for her that way; perhaps when we were sixteen or seventeen, but never now. With my life, I was incapable of having a true relationship with witch or Muggle; to have a relationship with a Muggle would be to show them a whole other world they were currently not aware of. To have a relationship with a witch would be a tangled web of lies, as my kind are not trusted in the least.

A werewolf. When my family found out I had been bitten, I was basically shunned. My twin brother was sent to live with my father in France and was never heard from again. My mother, however, concerned for my safety as well, tried her best to make me feel accepted. That was the last shred of love I had ever received. This was no acceptation.

I knew it was wrong; why I gave in, however, I'll never know. Lily was one of my best friends. To do this would be to ruin her relationship with the one man who loved her more than life it's self. It was a selfish act on both our parts; I craved human touch and she was set on finding herself. I never got to ask if she finally realized what it was that made her feel as if Severus was falling out of love with her; he found us.

I silently cursed myself the whole way through – I'm quite sure Lily heard me. When Severus walked in, I knew she had been had. She radiated guilt, Severus picked up on that immediately. I knew what ever it was that Severus was about to do – curse me, hex me, even kill me – I deserved it. Lily, however unfaithful she had been, was a mess. I left her without saying a word, running after Severus, but I only caught a glimpse of him before he Apparated. No doubt to the gate before Hogwarts; it was his haven as it had been mine.

I gave up, knowing it was hopeless. Severus was beyond mad; he was hurt, betrayed, and most certainly confused and trying to find a way to blame himself. It was the way he was; always trying to find fault in his own actions rather than other.

I shook my head and made my way out of the Snape Mansion, feeling as guilty and as bad as I had ever felt in my life.

Rain poured down the cathedral style windows as lightening struck the ground. I shuddered as the thunder rumbled throughout the castle, pulling my robes more tightly around me. The beautiful snow that had been falling as Harry and I left Hogwarts was now replaced with the torrential downfall of ugly rain.

I wasn't complaining. The rain matched my mood perfectly and my head was swimming with thoughts.

My wife and Remus. Remus and my wife. Lily and the werewolf. The werewolf and Lily. It was far too confusing for my mind to comprehend at the time; all I wanted to do was to curl up and sleep, disappearing into my most hated dreams rather than have to experience the waking hours.

I had to see him first, to know if he had any part in this. Fifteen years ago, he had helped Lily and I sneak around England when she was married to James. I had to know if he knew.

I reached the gargoyle and mumbled the password, then quickly made my way up the winding staircase. As I reached the large oak doors, I knocked as hard as possible. I heard a char creak and then the door slowly opened.

"Severus?" Professor Dumbledore asked. I nodded.

"Hello, sir."

He smiled, showing off his many teeth, and waved his hand for me to sit down. I obliged and seated myself in one of the wooden chairs.

"To what do I owe this honor?" he asked, leaning across his desk. "Lily isn't have another child, is he? I would have thought six were enough."

I winced at the sound of her name, "No, I'm here to ask you something."

"Ask away, Severus."

I took in a deep breath, "I came home today from a day with Harry. We went to Godric's Hollow – he believed he was ready."

Dumbledore nodded, "Go on."

"When I came home, I went upstairs and – err, caught Lily and Remus Lupin in our bed."

Dumbledore's head shot up. "Pardon?"

"I caught her sleeping with Remus Lupin, sir."

Dumbledore looked down at his hands. "I can assure you, Severus, I had nothing to do with it. I arranged nothing."

I sighed with relief, "I didn't think you did, sir… I just wanted to make sure."

Dumbledore nodded, "Yes, yes… I shall be having a little chat with Lily to hear her story behind it all, then if needed, Professor Lupin. Did she give you any reason as to why she did it?"

I shook my head, "No, but it was voluntary, Remus didn't – force her or anything of the sort."

Dumbledore nodded once again, "Good, I wouldn't want to have to come down on the poor man." He looked up once more, "Did you two speak at all?"

I shook my head, "No, I left immediately."

"I suggest that you try speaking to her, or at least listening. You might find the reason." He suggested.

"I'm not so sure about that, Headmaster. As of right now, I can barely even think myself, let alone listen to her."

"You must try." Dumbledore insisted, "For it will help you understand."

I sighed and nodded. "Yes sir."

Dumbledore nodded, "Now, go get some rest. I shall call you after I have spoken with Lily."

I nodded once more, "Thank you, Headmaster."

"You're welcome, Severus." Dumbledore paused. "Sixteen years of marriage is quite a lot, don't you think?"

"Seventeen." I corrected quietly. "Seventeen years as of yesterday."

"Ahh, yes. Seventeen years then."

I nodded, "Seventeen years is quite a while, sir, but I still love her as if we were still twenty."

"How old are you now, Severus?" Dumbledore asked.

"Thirty-five today, sir."

Dumbledore smiled, "Happy Birthday, Severus."

"Thank you sir. Quite the birthday present I received."

Dumbledore shook his head, "It will get better; I'll get to the bottom of this and as long as you're willing to forgive her if she deserves it, it will get better."

I nodded, "She'd better have a damned good reason."

"I'm sure she does." He paused, "She misses you, Severus. If it were me, I wouldn't take the job as Potions Master next year, if you two stay together. She writes me often, asking how you are. She misses you so much I daresay she tried to find you in someone else close to her. However, I'm sure she feels terrible. Just listen, Severus."

"I will, Headmaster." I nodded, "As soon as I'm able to think for myself."

He shook his head, "No, no. Go to your chamber and listen for as long as it takes for you to find out why. Don't argue or defy me; she can't lie to herself, therefore she can't lie in her thoughts."

I nodded, giving in. "Yes sir."

"And Severus – " he paused, " – it may seem hard to believe right now, but she does truly love you."

I nodded once more, "Yes, Headmaster. It does seem hard to believe."