A/N: Glad everyone seemed to like the last chapter. It was fun to write. I couldn't resist picking on Sirius a little. He can take it. I'm sure most of you already knew what happened to poor Ursa in the short fic. "Decisions". Oddly enough, Severus happens to share the same wine preferences as the author that borrowed him for this story.

Argument and Animagi ~*~

In was well after midnight when Remus and Snuffles made their way back to Lupin's rooms. They had encountered no one in the hall, and even though Sirius was in canine form, they were just as glad that they hadn't.

Sirius transformed once the door was secured and looked around him.

"Not bad, Professor Lupin," he admired. "I could get used to this." He walked into the bedroom and looked around some more. "Nice. Very nice." He reappeared.

"So," he said, flopping onto the couch, "are you going to tell me about her or what?"

"Lorien?" Remus asked.

Sirius rolled his eyes. "Yes. You've been avoiding the subject all night."

Remus pulled up a chair and sat facing Sirius. "What do you want to know?" Remus asked casually.

"Well, what's she like?" Sirius inquired.

"She's a sweetheart," Remus began.

"Yeah, well she'd have to be to hang with a scruffy bloke like you," Sirius sniggered.

"See, this is why I've been avoiding the subject," Remus scolded.

"Sorry, sorry, go on." Sirius smiled apologetically.

"She's very talented. Quite well versed in the Healing Arts." Remus continued his observations about Lorien.

Black looked at his hand. "So I've seen."

"She's got a great sense of humor, but she can also be kind of serious at times. You realize she's a Nemorosi witch?" he asked.

"Is that what all the business without the wand was about?" Sirius inquired.

"Yes. And you know what else, Sirius, she's animagi...well...sort of." Remus frowned a little as he spoke.

"Sort of?" asked Black.

Remus explained.

"That legend stuff is a bunch of garbage," said Black. "She ought to go for it. I'll help her if she wants."

"I'll let her know you offered," Remus replied.

Sirius looked his long-time friend in the eye. "You really like her, don't you?" He was serious for a moment.

"Yes." Remus smiled.

"You realize that I can't possibly pass up the opportunities to harass you about this?" Sirius teased.

"Yes," Lupin sighed with a grin.

"OK then. How about going and getting us a little snack old pal?" Black indicated the door.

"Padfoot, it's after midnight," Remus said, slightly irritated.

"What, people can't get hungry after midnight?" he asked.

"All right, I'll run down to the kitchen." Lupin gave in.

"Excellent."

Remus was approaching the secret entrance to the kitchens when he realized that he heard someone else in the hall. He was surprised when he found Lorien walking toward him.

"Hi. What're you doing Remus?" Lorien asked from where she was walking toward him.

"Rounding up a snack for Sirius," Lupin said, shaking his head and laughing a little.

"You got back ok then?" she inquired.

"Piece of cake." Remus winked at her.

"Good." She looked around them for a moment and then put her arms around his neck. "Kiss me."

"What, here in the hall?" Mock horror was on his face.

"Yes." She pressed against him.

He put his arms around her waist and pulled her to him. As he kissed her an eyebrow went up and he spoke when he released her. "What have you been drinking? You smell like wine," Remus said in a perplexed way.

"Probably because that's what I've been drinking," she laughed.

"Was there a party we missed?" he teased.

"No," Lorien answered

"What, did you decide to get drunk by yourself? Sirius and I would have been happy to join you." Remus chuckled a little at the thought.

"I am not, by any means, Remus, drunk. I have only had two glasses of wine."

He realized she was not smiling. "I know. Sorry, I was just teasing. So what are you doing down here anyway?" he asked curiously.

"I'm on my way back from the dungeon," Lorien answered.

Remus became dead serious in an instant. She had been in the dungeon, and she had been drinking wine. He dreaded asking the next question.

"What were you doing in the dungeon, Lorien?" He tried to sound casual, but was afraid the question didn't come off that way.

"I had to see Snape," she said.

Ice gripped Lupin's gut.

"Is that who you were drinking wine with?" he asked a little sharply.

She gave him an icy stare and let go of him.

"Lorien?" he persisted.

"Yes."

Lupin frowned at her. "May I ask why?"

"He invited me," she stated.

"What? He what?" Lupin wasn't sure he had heard her correctly.

"Invited me, Remus. I went to see him about some supplies, he was having some wine, and he politely offered me some." She spoke to him as if she were explaining a difficult concept to a child.

Remus was angry now, but he kept his voice low. "You could have said no."

Lorien's blue eyes flashed. "Just because you dislike him doesn't mean that I have to. I'm sorry of you don't like it. He was being cordial, and I politely accepted his invitation. Is that a crime?"

"You stayed for two glasses." His tone was accusatory.

It pushed her too far.

She stepped very close and looked Remus in the eye. Her voice dropped to a husky whisper. "Yes I did... and I enjoyed...every...minute...I...was there."

She whirled and swept up the hall, leaving him alone in front of the kitchen.

Sirius looked up when Remus finally returned with the food he'd gone for.

"About time! So what'd you..." He stopped short when he saw the look on Lupin's face.

"Moony, what's up?" Sirius could see that something was bothering Remus by the look on his face.

"Nothing," Remus said abruptly.

"It's a pretty big nothing by the look on your face. Hey, it's me you're talking to. Wanna tell me?" Sirius coaxed him.

"She was in the dungeon." Lupin's voice was strained.

"What? Who was?" Sirius wasn't following him.

"Lorien," Remus said quietly.

"Yeah, so?" Sirius still didn't get it.

Remus looked up angrily. "The dungeon, Black. She was in the dungeon while we were gone."

"I don't wanna know, do I?" Sirius was beginning to comprehend.

"She was with Snape." Remus fairly spat the words.

Sirius became visibly upset himself. "WHAT? That slimy bast...what the hell was she doing?"

"Drinking wine," Remus said bitterly.

"With Snape? Lupin you're making my head hurt," Sirius whined.

"Think how my head feels," Lupin complained.

"Why the hell would anyone go and do something like that?"

"They get along," Remus admitted.

Black's eyes were wide. "Wait....wait....you're telling me she likes him well enough to spend Saturday night drinking socially with him? Moony, where the hell did you get this woman? How'd you find out?"

"She told me," he replied.

Remus related the argument in front of the kitchen.

Sirius was quiet for a long time, and then he sighed and spoke. "You have a problem on your hands, my friend."

"Snape?" Remus asked.

"No. You," Sirius spoke to his friend gently.

"Me?" Remus asked incredulously

"Yes. Do you think she was doing anything other than having a glass of wine?" Sirius questioned.

"No, of course not, but...."

"You need to apologize to her," Black stated.

"What?" Remus couldn't believe what Sirius was telling him.

"You made her feel like she'd done something really awful, and she really didn't. I mean I know it's Snape, but you wouldn't care if she was with anyone else, would you?"

"Who are you, and what have you done with Sirius?" Remus asked. "You hate him remember?"

Black snorted. "I do at that. So do you. She doesn't. It's that simple."

Remus realized that he was right. "Boy, I do owe her an apology don't I."

"Yup."

"What was I thinking?" moaned Lupin

"You weren't," Black said casually.

"Obviously not." Lupin was mad at himself.

"It's ok, Moony. That stuff happens when you're in love."

Remus snapped his head up to find Black grinning at him. "Go find her, Remus," he said softly.

Remus nodded and left.

Lorien was furious. She couldn't believe the way Remus had acted toward her. You'd think she'd poisoned someone by the way he treated her. She hadn't done anything wrong. It was all because he was so touchy about Snape.

'Those damn Gryffindor men are all so protective.'

Why did he have to say what he had? Her anger was giving way to frustration when there was a soft knock on her door.

'Now what?'

Remus stood outside her door.

"May I speak with you?" he asked.

"It's late," she said quietly.

"I know. Just for a minute?" Remus inquired.

She let him in, and looked at him steadily.

"Lorien, I came to apologize for the way I acted. I didn't mean to upset you. I know you didn't do anything wrong. You have the right to go wherever you choose. It's just, well you know how I am about Snape."

She nodded but let him continue.

"I'm sorry if I acted jealous. It's just that you're so important to me, I just got a little out of line." He sounded sincere.

She sighed. "Remus, you have nothing to be jealous about."

"I'm sorry, Lorien. I guess I should've known that." He looked down at the floor.

She moved to lay a hand gently against his cheek, and he looked up at her.

"Apology accepted," she said softly. "And I'm sorry for getting angry with you. I should have been more understanding." She put her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply.

Sirius Black found himself alone in Lupin's rooms for the rest of the night.

Sunday morning Remus and Lorien smuggled breakfast back to his rooms. They found Sirius stretched out on Lupin's bed clothed and snoring.

Remus walked to the side of the bed and waved a piece of bacon under Black's nose, prompting him to open his eyes. Lupin laughed at him.

"Good morning," said Lorien from the doorway.

"Morning. I guess you forgave this guy?" Black indicated Lupin.

Lorien blushed a little, but smiled and nodded.

The three of them had breakfast together at the small table.

"So," began Black,"Moony here tells me you're trying to be a snake?"

She looked questioningly at Remus.

He gave her an apologetic grin, and she turned back to Black.

"I'm not sure yet," Lorien replied.

"Lorien, that legend is a bunch of garbage. I think you ought to do it," Sirius said between mouthfuls.

"Really?" She was amused by his direct manner.

"Yeah. Coolest thing in the world. I can tell you," he said knowingly.

"I bet you can, Snuffles," Lorien teased.

Sirius stopped in mid-chew. "Watch it there sweetheart, the name's Padfoot. Besides, I can help you if you want. Not that you can't do it yourself, but it's nice to have someone that's been through it as a guide."

"I appreciate the offer, Sirius," Lorien responded politely.

"You really ought to do it, Lorien. Remus here would love nothing better than a hug from a big snake."

She laughed while Remus wrinkled up his nose.

"Not only that," he leaned toward her and lowered his voice a little, "I think there's something sexy about snakes."

"Honestly, Sirius," Lupin chimed in. "You must be joking."

"Not really," he admitted.

Remus shuddered but Lorien put her hand on Black's arm. "I think I like this man." She laughed harder when Sirius grabbed her and pulled her closer.

"That's right, you just stick with me, sweetheart."

Remus just shook his head, but he was glad to see them getting along so well.

"You know, we could actually try this today if you want," Sirius suggested.

"I don't know," Lorien said reluctantly.

"Oh, come on. Where's your sense of adventure? You need to have one if you're going to hang around this guy." He indicated Lupin.

Lorien looked at Remus. "What do you think?"

"It's up to you, but I think you should go for it," he replied.

"OK. I'll do it," she said decisively.

"That's a brave lass." Sirius stood up and offered her his hand. "Shall we?" He led her to the couch.

Remus got up and headed for the bedroom.

"Where are you going?" asked Sirius.

"I don't think I can watch this. I'll just be in here, ok?" Remus looked pale.

Sirius and Lorien both rolled their eyes.

Lorien sat on the couch, and Sirius knelt down in front of her and took both her hands in his. "This can get a little weird, but I'll be right here, ok?" he said reassuringly.

She nodded. "I've done this a little before."

"Good. It's going to be difficult at first, like climbing the rungs of a ladder or going uphill, but once you're over the top its a piece of cake after that. You have to fight for every step at first. We won't try for anything major - just a warm up today."

Lorien nodded again.

Sirius began directing her. "Ok sweetheart, lean back, close your eyes, and clear your mind."

Lorien did as she was told.

Sirius gave her a moment or two and then began coaching once again.

"Now, concentrate. You want to focus on your senses first. They're the most primal. You want to see, hear, and smell everything from the animal's point of view. I found it helped me to focus on scent first. Try that."

She kept her eyes closed and barely nodded.

She focused on the obvious scents in the room. Remnants of breakfast, the slightly musty couch. She let her mind open, let it wander, searching for the undercurrents of scent she knew were there. She turned her attention to Sirius.

When she opened her eyes to look at him, he knew she was on the right track. Her eyes were not staring at him, but through him. She leaned forward to pick up his scent and latched onto it - human with something vaguely canine. She leaned back again and found that the scent stayed with her, even over the greater distance.

She could feel a different energy beginning to well up in her veins. She sought it out, struggled to grab hold of it and drew it to her. She took a step up the hill and stopped to hold her ground. Black's scent was strong and now she could pick up Lupin's familiar scent as well.

She opened her eyes once more and Black jumped slightly. Golden reptilian eyes were focused somewhere past him.

"Good girl. Hold onto it. Not too fast now. One step at a time and then hang onto it."

A barely perceptible nod.

She redoubled her concentration and focused on the energy now flowing faintly but steadily through her veins. She fought for another step and then held it. Her breathing was becoming more rapid.

"Patience, love. Not too much at a time. Slow your breathing again. Focus." Sirius had let go of her now and had taken a step back.

It was difficult to hang onto this stage and she fought for every second. Finally her breathing steadied and she was able to go on.

Energy was stronger in her veins, flowing to her muscles, her skin. She felt an odd tingling in her fingers, toes, her wrists and ankles. She grabbed the sensation and held on. Her breathing was rapid again.

"See if you can keep it there." His voice sounded far away

She grabbed it, fought it, clung to it. She would not slide down hill.

"A little longer," Black said to her. "Remus," he called to the next room. "You might want to see this."

"Is she ok?" Remus entered the room. A sharp intake of breath from him caught Lorien's attention and she could hold on no longer. She let go.

Her head slumped forward.

Remus started to go to her but Black held him back. "Give her a minute."

It took a few moments but Lorien finally raised her head and looked at the two men standing over her. She smiled weakly.

"How'd I do, Coach?" Lorien asked.

"Excellent." Black was grinning at her. "Do you want to tell her?" he said to Remus.

Lupin nodded emphatically.

"Tell me what?" Lorien asked.

"Lorien," he began excitedly. "Whatever you are, it isn't a snake."

"There were no scales?" she asked, a bit confused.

"Oh there were scales. On your hands and arms, but ..."

She questioned him in a whisper. "But what?"

"You have claws."

It took a moment for the meaning of what he said to sink in. She wasn't a snake. She wasn't a serpent.

She leaped off the couch with a cry and grabbed Remus in a hug. She let go and grabbed Sirius who lifted her and twirled her around. She let go and embraced Remus again and found herself kissing him.

Sirius whistled and looked aimlessly about the room for several long seconds.

"This is just the best news! I can't even begin to tell you the relief I feel!" Lorien said when Remus let go of her. She sobered and looked at Sirius.

"We need to try again," Lorien said suddenly.

"What, now?" Black asked.

"Yes."

"Lorien, you should take a break."

"Now." She spoke softly but there was no mistaking her determination.