altr10

Alternate Routes
Chapter 10

When Dumbledore made it to his office he was tired. First there had been Pomfrey's little bombshell. Then the unexpected owl from the ministry. He couldn't leave Hogwarts at that moment! With Snape recovering and Lupin about to go through his monthly transformation he could not go hold the Minister of Magic's hand through some new tragedy'. Damn Fudge. He would not leave Hogwarts unprotected.
Dobby was bustling about, removing a sack of laundry from the bathroom. He smiled his cheery grin and whisked it all away. Where was Snape? He'd have to come here given his rooms were sealed for the time being. Not only did it add to the deception, it also kept the man from skulking back down there and hiding from him. Which he was known to do. A quick look into the bedroom did not reveal Snape either.
Come to think of it, Lupin was suppose to be here, too. At least that was the game plan. Flinging the door closed he turned and viewed the sitting area. The bathroom. They were hiding in the bathroom. He strode across the room and opened the door.
Hey Albus! greeted Lupin, come on in!
Oh, hell yes. Join the party and watch the Potions Master
bathe, snarled Snape.
He's in a great mood, teased Lupin, receiving a small splash of water in retaliation. Lupin just laughed and moved off the loo, waving the Headmaster to the throne.
I'll just wash your hair for that! he said immediately setting to task. Snape didn't bother to complain, just sat up enough for the man to run shampoo through his hair. Looking at the pinched, tired face, Dumbledore decided their quickly laid plans did not work.
Noticed Dobby was removing laundry, the older man send a yellow duckie flying into the tub.
It was rather ripe, Lupin replied when Snape chose to ignore him. Another duckie flew into the bath. With a slight wave of Snape's hand both ducks flew up and into the sink. He lowered his hand back into the tub and liberally coated the washcloth with soap.
I vomited. Sorry. Rather hard to get in the door, up those
stairs and to the loo unless you're a damned steeple
chaser. Which I am not, he paid particular attention to his knees before Lupin urged him back enough to rinse his hair. Another substance was rubbed into his scalp and hair and rinsed. Looking like a drenched waif he looked up at his benefactor'.
Am I clean enough yet? Snape sarcastically queried,
or do you want another go at me with the washcloth?
Lupin looked at him a long moment sizing up how much he could actually get away with. Taking the cloth he scrubbed on the long planes of Snape's back, watching with a smile as Snape stretched into the cloth. Finishing Lupin leaned him all the way back into the water.
Ok, now you're clean, Lupin said with finality. He watched the emotions chasing across Snape's face and wondered what the outcome would be. Sighing, the soaking man rolled over pushed slowly up on his knees exhausted, head still bent into the water. Snape then snapped his head back, flinging his sopping hair up and over his head, the water making a perfect arch hitting Lupin full face.
Snape smirked at the sputtering man. Dumbledore, spared from the impromptu shower, began snickering at the now drenched DADA Professor.
Sorry, Remus, need a towel? asked the dripping Potions Master as he stepped out of the tub and snagged a large body towel. He tossed a smaller towel to Lupin who smiled as he mopped up his face.
Fair enough, he said. He watched Snape retreat, heading for the bedroom.
What happened, Remus? Dumbledore asked in a low voice.
Two curses, he seemed to lose whatever was in his
stomach was all. I'm not sure what the second was, I just
terminated both, Lupin finished drying and picked up a second towel, comb and hair ties.
Dobby is bringing up something for him to eat, he added as he followed Snape into the bedroom. Sighing, Dumbledore cleaned up the mess on his lavatory floor.

Snape ate more than he had in a while. Soup, bread and a nice mild curry full of vegetables had come up from the kitchens. He even finished off another shake satisfying Dumbledore's stipulations to drink several' each day. This one was tasted like butterscotch and he grimaced as he drained the cup.
Don't need to try that flavor again, he rinsed the taste out with a sip of hot tea. He watched as Lupin ploughed through a large bowl of ice cream. It was amazing how much the man could pack away sometimes, especially the sweets! Too tired to engage in conversation, Snape went to bed.

Barnes was at the breakfast table when he rose; Dumbledore took the opportunity to go downstairs to eat with the staff and students. Snape gave a sleepy wave as he went into the bathroom and cleaned up. He decided not to shower as he'd had a rather thorough bath the night before. He glanced about the lavatory and saw that someone, probably Albus, had cleaned up the horrendous mess he'd made.
He ate a light breakfast with the Doctor, although he downed another protein shake. He was using a spoon to finish it off.
he said in response to Barnes' look. Curious, the doctor reached over and sampled the concoction. Licking the spoon he said,
Gets better all the time. I loved this stuff at the University.
Never had time to eat properly so Dad sent the recipes
and the kitchen elves would blend them for me.
Snape grunted in assent and snagged out the last cool bits. He was then subjected to a quick once-over and given a clean bill to teach the afternoon.
But just come up here directly after the last class. Bring
your lesson plan book and whatever reference you'll need.
Until Dumbledore can tighten up the staff I don't want you
loose, the doctor explained.
Snape grimaced, angry that his freedom had been completely destroyed. He logically knew it was all for the best, but that little selfish voice wanted to have run of the castle again. And the privacy of his own rooms. As much as he loved the Headmaster being with him or his baby sitters' all the time was grating on his last few nerves.
Barnes smiled at the stony face.
Don't worry, Professor, you'll get some down time here
soon. You don't need constant tending any longer. I do
want to give you one more energy potion tomorrow and
you'll need watching then, but this morning's your own. I
think the Headmaster wanted to take care of some local
business this morning. I won't walk you to the dungeons.
Eat lunch here then go down, he packed up his light bag and began to leave. Snape's silence did not bother him. Before he made it to the door he heard the quiet thank you' replied you're welcome,' and left.
With a few hours to himself, Snape stared out the window and spent his time working out ways to get back to Voldemort without loosing his life. He pushed the notion of being a sex toy aside as inconsequential. Since he could not avoid it in the long run there was no point in panicking over the idea.
Living was more important. That meant his little shielding charm had to be worked on to handle more complicated curses. He crossed to the bookshelves and pulled down an old charm book of the Headmaster's. Scanning, he found the text he wanted and sat down to read.
Lunch was a crisp salad with all sorts of interesting bits' as Dobby called them, with iced light juice and the ever present protein shake. Chocolate fudge. He drank it as dessert because he couldn't reconcile the taste of salad and chocolate together. Once done he went down to teach.
He was glad he could grouse to the students about being confined to quarters after last class. A few students wanted to hang around him and pester him about potions. He gave curt answers and promised more availability the following week when the powers that be released him to teach more. Picking up plans and two books he locked the door and retreated to the tower. The shielding charm didn't seem to be necessary as he entered the safe zone. He figured Malfoy was too far away to get down to the dungeons in time and the other staff were tied up in their offices just like he almost was.
Another two precious hours of privacy before Lupin appeared, a bit breathless and weary. Stacking his work, Snape went to the cauldron and poured out one more goblet of potion for the werewolf. He handed it over, receiving a slight nod of thanks and watched the drink slowly disappear.
Dinner, Lupin? You probably should eat something before
the transformation, Snape asked softly.
Ok. Order something to be sent to my rooms, the tired man replied.
No, for here, and Snape rang the bell, asked for dinner and two shakes before Lupin could complain.
I can't stay here when I transform, he managed to stutter out, almost choking on the last of the wolf'sbane potion.
Why not, Remus? asked a quiet voice. Both men turned toward the fire just in time to see Dumbledore step out brushing floo powder off of his robes.
Because, it's, uh, inconvenient for you, he tried.
No, I was just going to read my mail and eat some more
of Severus's chocolate creams, this elicited a grin from Snape who pretended to hide the sweets tin behind his work. Satisfied he was relatively clean, the Headmaster approached Lupin and put his hand on his shoulder.
Stay, Remus. We'll watch out for you, his eyes smiled over the half-moon frames. The younger man nodded in assent.
The evening went much as outlined. They ate quietly and then Lupin slipped into the bedroom emerging nearly an hour later in full wolf form. He skulked along the edges of the room, eyeing his companions for the night. The Potion had worked quite well this month and the transformation was smoother, especially given the previous month. Finally Snape beckoned him over to the couch and coerced him to jump up beside him as he read his mystery. Soon he was reading quietly to a curious wolf, ears pricked forward.
Dumbledore went to bed long before the other two, although he knew Snape was exhausted. Snape elected to sit up half the night with his friend talking softly or brushing his fur with fingertips. Around 2 am they both crawled into the bed, Lupin curled up on the end of the bed.
He woke hours later warmly wrapped in the center of the bed, Snape snoring softly beside him. Lupin gave the sleeping man a quick kiss on the forehead and climbed out of bed to shower and dress. He noted Dobby had fetched him clean clothes from his room.
Snape didn't wake until Barnes showed up at noon. Lupin was sipping tea and reading the Daily Prophet and generally taking it easy. The day or two after his transformation he assigned papers to be written so he could recuperate. He smiled and greeted the doctor who smiled and slipped into the bedroom rousting the sleeping man out of bed and into the bathroom. When Snape made it out to the couch Barnes checked his energy levels before preparing his injection.
You're doing a lot better, Professor. Next week you
can teach half day all week, afternoons. Then we'll go
to three full days. You'll be full time in three weeks, Barnes expected an argument but was pleasantly surprised when the much subdued man simply agreed.
Keep drinking the protein shakes, three a day minimum,
for the next three weeks. I'll scan you then and we'll
discuss your diet and exercise then,
When can I return to my quarters? he asked carefully.
We can discuss that in three weeks once we see if
the curses cease. I noted you've used a shielding charm
at least twice and you've been cursed twice, too, he shook his finger at the Potions Master.
Can't fool your healer, Professor! he clucked disapprovingly.
You can stay longer in your office next week, then more
the week following. Plus next week you can start taking
most lunches and dinners down in the hall if you wish.
The doctor removed his shirt and administered the shot. A new plaster decorated his arm. Snape glared at the little kitten looking cute and adorable.
Oh, and EAT professor. I'd stay but I have some patients
to see on the walk back, he glanced at his patient who was quietly succumbing to the potion. Lupin stood and walked him to the door.
Be kind to him, Professor. He's not happy about being
uncontrollably happy! Barnes moved out.
Lupin turned, nearly running Dobby over.
Professor Lupin wants his lunch now? asked Dobby nimbly avoiding being tread on.
Uh, yes, Dobby. Some for Professor Snape, too. With one
of those shakes he's suppose to drink, Lupin said.
Nodding, Dobby stopped by Snape, picking up a small package from the reclining man. Lupin noted Snape ran a friendly hand over the elf's head and shoulder thanking him for making lunch. Quelling his smile, Lupin helped the slowly becoming befuddled man to the table to eat.

Friday dawned bright and cheerful. Snape was up and about in good form before Dobby brought up breakfast. Dumbledore smiled as the Potions Master began reading the Daily Prophet.
Good morning, Severus. You appear much better today, the Headmaster smiled. Snape looked up with a much restrained smile.
Yes, I do feel good. I'm looking forward to the 7th year
this afternoon. Especially the Weasley twins. They've
been quite creative this semester.
I was pleased to see you allowed them to work on their
gag' potions, Severus. McGonagall didn't see the point
in transfigurations, the older man said.
Well, it is what they plan to do with their lives after
graduation. Might as well be sure some of their stuff
is safe! he sipped his tea thoughtfully.
They even asked me to sign on as a consulting partner, Snape glanced to see Dumbledore's reaction: a smile quickly smothered.
I was thinking it might be a good thing, keep those two
in check a little while longer. Probably save the wizarding
world and earn an Merlin's merit award at the least, he easily quashed his smile, looking serious about saving the world.
Plus it would be fun, eh? Dumbledore nudged him and smiled again.
Snape quirked a smile, it would be. Snape idly stirred his cooling tea
I sometimes get decidedly tired of this life. To make up
gag potions with the Weasleys sounds enticing.
Dumbledore simply patted his arm. Breakfast came up and they busied themselves selecting toast and jelly. There was an omelet done which they split as well as the ever-present protein shake. Snape actually liked the breakfast concoctions full of granola and some type of chunky fruit.
I'm off to the Ministry today; I'll be back tonight late, said Dumbledore.
I told Fudge there was no way I'd stay overnight. Honestly,
I don't know why he wants me so often!
To save his ass, Snape replied indelicately.
The door opened and Lupin slipped in quietly. He sat at the table and selected bacon to go with his toast along with a little cereal and milk. He was slicing peaches into the cereal when he looked at his companions smiling at him.
Oh! Good morning! he said, stuffing toast into his mouth. Dumbledore laughed. Lupin was definitely making himself part of the team. He did need the help, that was certain. He poured out tea for the DADA Professor and added enough sugar to last Snape several days. Snape took the cup and placed in by Lupin with a sneer.
Good morning Remus, he drawled, then returned to his repast. Fresh peaches and granola shake. He thought he could probably drink breakfast for the rest of his life if the elves would keep making this.
Dumbledore repeated to Lupin he'd be off to the Ministry. He expected to be back after dinner. Looking slyly at Snape he added
and I'll be expecting my bed is properly warmed.
best ask Dobby to bring up a couple heated bricks, then, Snape answered without missing a beat. He had returned to reading the scandal sheet, which he called the society notes pages.
Lupin joined Dumbledore in smiling.
Don't you have class to teach, Professor Lupin? Snape added dryly. Something about manticores, I believe?
You've been checking up on me, Sev? I'm impressed, replied the slightly suspicious man.
Hard to miss between Granger and Weasley debating
exactly how dangerous they are. One would think there
was some sort of an attraction between those two, what
with all the arguing, he turned a page.
Then you must be having an affair with well over three
quarters of the school, Severus, said Lupin as serious as could be. Dumbledore spit tea out across the table and Snape gave a little shake to the newspaper.
You're just jealous, he sneered, you get along with
everybody. Give me that, Albus. Who taught you to
drink? and he proceeded to mop up the deluge while the older man laughed helplessly in his chair. Finally nearly contained, Dumbledore glanced at the muggle clock on the shelves.
Must be off gentlemen, and he stood walking over to pull on his cloak. Snape dropped his paper enough to look over at the departing man.
Take care, Headmaster, he said sincerely.
I'll see you tonight, Severus, don't worry, and he walked out the door.
Lupin soon followed, and stopped at the door a little miffed Snape had said nothing at his departure.
See you later, Severus, he said. The man spoken to glanced up.
Later, enjoy your manticore, he said and returned to the paper.
Lupin turned and left. He didn't know why it disturbed him that Snape would become distant. It was his basic personality. Lupin preferred him sick and needy. Then he was almost human. Probably no use coming up here for lunch. He knew Snape would be preoccupied with preparing for class.
Fridays were devoted almost exclusively for 7th year independent projects. All four houses signed up at various times to work in the dungeons under his watchful eye. Snape preferred the mixed format and actually encouraged cross-house groupings. Some students, dangerously close to earning a newt in potions had been known to cross house lines to get the extra points Snape offered for the partnership.
So Lupin ate in the hall with the school. He went up to the tower prior to dinner and found Snape wrapped up in some mystery novel. Snape ate with him and made polite conversation but Lupin could tell he really wanted to get back to his book.
I was going to read awhile, Remus. You're welcome to
stay and relax, but I won't be good company, honest at least. Lupin wondered exactly what Snape and the Headmaster did most evenings. He wanted to become part of their intimate group. He would continue to join them for meals and to see what was happening.
For now Lupin elected to go downstairs and take a walk, ending up in the hall with a mixed group of students playing a muggle card game. It was an enjoyable evening.
He had been in bed reading about an hour when he heard a knock at his door. It was nearly 11 pm, he pulled on a robe and opened the door to a definitely worried Dumbledore.
You haven't seen Professor Snape this evening, have
you? the older man asked quickly.
We ate dinner together around 6:30. He had a book he
wanted to read so I left him about 7:30. Is there a
problem?
He's not in my rooms; his rooms are sealed tight, I
checked them myself. Dobby is asking with a couple
students if they've seen him tonight, worried, Dumbledore paced across Lupin's sitting room.
You don't think he was summoned, do you? asked Lupin sharply.
It's beginning to look like that. The large windows weren't
latched and the broom I had against the wall is gone, he turned away from Lupin in the shadows. Lupin walked over to the older man and placed his hand on his shoulder, waiting.
We knew he'd have to go back, I was just hoping he'd have
longer to recuperate, Dumbledore said shakily.
He's stronger, Headmaster, but he couldn't bring himself to making any more assurances because the stakes were too high, the danger was too great. Neither he nor Dumbledore wanted to let Snape return at all. Unfortunately, Snape had his own ideas and must have been able to break through the warding charms undetected.
Dobby bounced out of the fireplace.
He's not been no where in the castle tonight, sir, the elf reported somberly.
Not since before dinner.
Sighing, Dumbledore pulled himself upright.
There's nothing to be done then but wait, he moved toward Lupin's door.
Check with me in the morning, Remus, he turned to Dobby.
Would you please go down to the main doors and wait
for our missing professor? My windows are latched now
so he'll have to come in there. Tell him I want him to
report to me directly. Once he's agreed to come zip
up before him and let me know he's coming. Ok?
The house elf nodded and disappeared. Lupin bid the older man goodnight and watched the door close. He knew it would be a long night for the Headmaster.