Title: When Harry Left Severus

rating: R for adult themes including male/male relationships.

Chapter 2 - Building Trust
by: Raven Dancer

disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K.. Rowling except for the Drs. Barnes, Daniel Murphy and Beryl. I receive no monetary compensation for these works.

a/n: Thanks HLB for cleaning up my sentences. Who knew I was master of the fragment? You make me look good!


He's so sick Sirius. How did we miss it? Lupin asked quietly. Black shook his head slowly.

He's been slowly distancing himself from both of us. I
don't think anyone has touched him in over a week. He's
been eating less and less but I hadn't thought much of
that until now. I need to go call Dr. James and tell him
what I've read. I'll be back soon, Black said. He leaned over and kissed his mate.
He'll be ok once we get Dr. James here.

Snape remained asleep. For his part an unusually quiet Dobby curled against the two wizards.

Dobby, why did you come back to Severus? Lupin asked gently. The house elf startled slightly before turning his large eyes to the werewolf's.

Mr. Potter no wanted Dobby anymore. Mr. Vachel told
Mr. Potter Dobby took things. Mr. Vachel said Dobby told
lies. Mr. Potter believe Mr. Vachel and not Dobby, the house elf said sadly; large tears fell slowly from his luminous eyes.
Mr. Potter send Dobby away.

What is Mr. Vachel's last name? Did he have any house
elves? Lupin queried.

Dobby not know Mr. Vachel's names. House elves no talk
to Dobby. House elves turn back on Dobby. Big house,
many rooms. Many wizards come and go. Mr. Potter talk
with many wizards. Mr. Vachel say bad things about
Professor Snape, Dobby lowered his eyes in shame. Lupin encouraged the elf to crawl up closer, to come where he could run his hand over his sad face.

Mr. Vachel loves Harry? Lupin asked.

Dobby not know love. Mr. Vachel say Mr. Vachel love Mr. Potter.
Mr. Vachel say Professor Snape is evil. Dobby no like
Mr. Vachel, the elf hissed. Snape stirred at the sound.

Dobby? Are you ok? Snape murmured, eyes still closed. The elf lay his head against the drowsy man's shoulder. An eye slipped open.


Dobby sad, Professor Snape, was all the elf said. The wizard moved slightly, looking confused. He reached out to comfort the elf then looked up at Lupin.

he started to ask when he remembered the afternoon and became ashamed. Snape curled away from his friend ducking his head down. Lupin pulled him back up tight against his chest.

Severus, it's ok. You've been sick and Dobby is worried, Lupin soothed.
Just rest. Dr. James will be here soon.

With a shuddery sigh Snape settled back against his old lover. Lupin simply ran his hand up and down his back while Dobby curled close. When Black came back into the room he looked at first surprised and then amused at the huddle of wizards and elf.

Dr. James will be here within the hour. He wants you, Black touched Snape's head gently,
to have a cool bath and get into bed. He'll bring some
fresh potions for you. The Potions Master sniffed delicately before opening his eyes. He had no fresh potions for anything in the house. Making Lupin's wolfsbane potion had been all that he could handle, making potions for fevers, ulcers or headaches was out of the question.

Carefully Snape stood up from the lounge, albeit clearly shaky on his feet. Black quickly put a supporting arm around his waist and held him.

Let's get you down to the washroom. Remus can help you bathe
and I'll find your sleep shirt and get the bed ready, Ok? Black asked. He wanted to help the Potions Master, but he felt Lupin would be more comforting. Lupin moved ahead to start the water while Black and Snape trailed behind.

Nearly there, Severus. Sounds like Remie's all ready for
you, Black encouraged. Now that his secret was out Snape didn't bother hiding how weak and sick he was. At the washroom door he was passed over to Lupin and quickly divested of his clothing. Then encouraged his friend to settle into the cool tub. Snape shivered, gritting his teeth. His mind knew beyond a doubt the cold water would help lower his fever. His body, on the other hand, wanted to bolt!

I know it feels cold, but you have a fever, Lupin soothed as he watched a very shaky Snape gather up soap and wash cloth to clean himself. Lupin could count ribs on the long, lean body. He managed to refrain from helping knowing Snape's preference for taking care of himself.

He did get to help Snape out of the tub and towel dry. Sitting in the tub was fine, standing up was not. Even Snape recognized he was unstable on his feet. Wrapped in a large bath sheet Lupin helped him down the hall to the bedroom where an agitated Black waited. As soon as they crossed the threshold the animagus tooled his face into a friendly smile and held out the sleep shirt.

With a tired sigh Snape dropped his towel and slipped into the long shirt.

Ok, Sev, come lie down, Black had turned back the covers in preparation. A charm would keep the sheets cool.

I don't understand why I'm going to rest here. I have my
own bed you know, Snape balked at the last. Black gently prodded the obviously exhausted wizard towards the bed. Again the Potions Master simply stopped and stared wearily at the inviting sheets.

I need to be in control, you know that Severus! I really am the
perfect Gryffindor, Black teased as he turned Snape around and lowered him down between the sheets. He was still too warm. The animagus backed off and let his mate fuss over the Potions Master.

Master Sirius? Dobby's shy voice sounded at the door.
Dobby need Master Sirius to help Dobby in the kitchen. With a parting smile Black left the room. Lupin pulled covers up and sat in a chair next to the bed. He pulled close and began smoothing back messy strands of hair.

Sirius is a bit of a control freak, eh? Lupin teased. A smile flitted over Snape's lips.

Oh, is he? I hadn't noticed, Snape managed to reply as sleep tugged at him. Lupin continued to feather his hair back reminding him of years before when the werewolf looked after him. Maybe if he just closed his eyes he could pretend they were still together for a few minutes.

Oh, yes, the silly fool likes to think he runs the show but you and
I know who's really in control, Lupin ran his fingers up and down his face just so, remembering how his old lover loved simple touches. Yes, Snape knew exactly who was in charge; it had never been the Potions Master, either.

Lulled by the soft words and gentle touches Snape dozed.


Dr. James quietly came into the room a scant ten minutes later. The letters Black had shared with him angered him. Snape had done nothing to earn such abuse! The Healer took a deep breath centering himself before going to his patient. Lupin shifted out of his chair.

Why don't you go join Sirius and give me some time to focus
on Severus? the doctor suggested quietly. Lupin thought to disagree, but the look on Barnes' face was stern. Silently he left the room.

Sirius was sitting at the kitchen table sipping tea while Dobby worked on piling scones and bisquits on a small tray. A few parchments were spread out on the table top.

Remus, read these over, Sirius said abruptly, stacking the parchments in order. Curious, Lupin began scanning the half-dozen letters. But soon the curiosity became alarm and then incredulity.

Siri, these two aren't Harry's. The writing is his, but the
flow of the words isn't. It's like someone else dictated it
and Harry wrote it, Lupin said. Black looked grim.

My thoughts exactly. But I want to know if Harry's doing
this because he feels this way or if this Vachel is influencing
him somehow, Sirius growled.

Harry seems to be fine, just misguided. I still think Vachel
is overly jealous, Lupin stated quietly.
You could go to France... if you really think it's necessary. Black looked back over the letters and scowled.

I know I probably should go, but I hate to leave Severus at this
point. All the letters accuse him of either abusing or harassing
me. That's absolute rubbish, the exact opposite of the truth!
He's been more open and pleasant than I'd ever had thought him
capable of being, Black said, making his decision.
We need to stay here until he's better then I can go.



Master Sirius, Master Remus, Dr. James said come. Master
Severus is sleeping, Dobby's large eyes peered over the table at them. Sirius gathered the parchments and tucked them into his pocket.

Thank you Dobby, he said quietly standing up. Lupin followed close behind. The house elf bounced around them, trying to settle his nerves. With a gentle smile Lupin managed to put a calming hand on the elf's shoulder.

You're a good elf, Dobby, Lupin murmured.

They found Barnes sorting powders on the night stand. Snape was curled up deeply asleep, his hair obscuring his face. Lupin carefully sat on the bed next to his friend and smoothed his hair back.

Well, Dr. James? Black asked abruptly. He was worried about the Potions Master and it caused very mixed feelings. Barnes finished his sorting and pushed back into the chair looking at both wizards.

As you deduced, Sirius, he has an ulcer. That I took
care of and I've left a potion to give him daily to keep his
stomach settled, Barnes indicated the box of packets for the week. He watched as Lupin ran his hand soothingly over the sleeping wizard who sighed and settled further against the pillow.
He is very run down; those letters and confrontations have
not helped. You will be able to shield him? He needs to
rest completely without stress.

We will take care of him, Dr. James. We've discussed the
situation and we'll both stay here until he feels better, Black affirmed. Barnes gave the animagus a very measuring look.

Pardon me for being frank, Sirius, but you have not exactly been
known to care for Severus at all, the Healer commented and turned his gaze to Lupin. Black stared at Dr. James in stunned silence.
You will be here Remus? the Healer continued. Black blushed slightly.

Contrary to what everyone has come to expect from me, Black said stiffly,
I do care for Severus. I thought we'd reached... well, reached an
understanding of sorts in the past year.

Yes, Dr. James. They have been working on their mutual
hatred and have come to respect one another, Lupin said in his mate's defense. Still the doctor looked a bit suspicious.

Severus needs more than a little respect at this point, Remus.
He's going to need a lot of understanding and kindness!
But, the Healer looked Black right in the eye challenging him,
I will trust you both. I will also be back tomorrow to start
a series of strengthening potions and to be sure he's
resting comfortably, Barnes said firmly. He finished packing up his bag and shrank it, tucking it into a pocket. Sirius watched as the Healer lovingly tugged covers up and kissed Snape on the forehead.

Sleep child, he murmured. Standing up he turned to leave.
I'll stop by and tell Albus what has happened. Perhaps he
can help figure out why Harry is behaving so poorly.

Black led him out of the room while Lupin sat next to the bed.



Snape woke hours later. His stomach growled menacingly but there was none of the accompanying pain he'd come to know. He peered down in the dark wondering why it didn't hurt. Relief flowed through him.

*I think I will go raid the pantry* Snape thought to himself. But as soon as he moved, no, tried to move, he nearly panicked. Some one, at the least, was holding him down. Panic rising, he began to struggle to get away.

Hands. There were hands on him, grasping at him. Unable to control himself Snape whimpered. They found him. They would hurt him. He suddenly went limp overwhelmed by fear. The knowledge had been destroyed was completely wiped out in one moment of pure panic.

Severus? What's wrong? the very sleepy voice of Lupin wafted over the man as he continued to shut down.

You're safe, Severus, Black said, slightly more awake. He remembered many nights waking just like this, knowing he was going to die. Swallowing his own fears and memories Black turned slightly towards Snape.

Severus? It's ok, you're at home!, Lupin said urgently, seeing the Potions Master's eyes begin to roll up showing the whites. It was Black that sat up and dragging Snape with him.

Severus! Severus Snape! the animagus said sharply. The Potions Master suddenly drew in a shuddering breath and began to focus on his surroundings.

Snape barely whispered. The werewolf snugged close to him and gently pushed sweaty hair out of his face.

Yes, Sev, we're here. Sshh, it's Remie and Sirius. You've been a little sick, Lupin soothed. Snape leaned against the soft touch and then looked up at his pillow'.

Hi, Sev, Black murmured gently, his face full of concern. The frightened wizard calmed, breath evened out as his companions soothed him further. In a bizarre way he felt very safe with his old enemy holding him close. Lupin moved and placed his hand on Snape's stomach. The ill wizard's stomach rumbled loudly.

the werewolf asked with a chuckle.

Snape admitted sheepishly.

Any pain? Black asked. He placed his hand just above his mate's to scan the empty stomach. Snape shook his head instead of trusting speech. He hadn't been close to anyone but Albus; and since he'd left Hogwarts his time with his mentor had been greatly curtailed. Of course, Harry had been close during the end of the war and after. But that relationship had been tempered with the knowledge he had to be the strong one in their relationship, the protector. Here, between his old lover and Black, he didn't have to be strong. He gave in to the closeness and feeling safe. Black actually shifted him against his shoulder and chuckled warmly

Well, if you're hungry I'm sure Dobby would love to make
you something to eat! Lupin said cheerfully.

Let's help you up and we can go to the kitchen, Black said soothingly. The animagus turned and moved to the edge of the bed, taking Snape with him. Lupin moved around the bed to help him stand up.

Moonlight shimmered through the large windows. It was a about a week before the full and Snape wondered how he'd manage to brew the wolfsbane potion for his friend. He'd started preparing ingredients but it needed to be simmered two full days. Lupin nudged him from his contemplation.

Come, Sev, maybe the loo first? Sirius will go see to our
tea, Lupin smiled softly taking the wizard's arm. Lupin managed to get him to the washroom and allow him complete his ablutions with minimal interference. The two wizards then continued out to the kitchen, Snape leaning heavily on the werewolf.

Dobby was busy, bouncing about the stove and counter. Black crossed the room and simply picked Snape up, carrying him to the table. The Potions Master tried to glare but was too tired to bring up its full effect. In any case, no one in the room, including Dobby, seemed to notice.

Soon a hot cuppa blackberry tea was nestled in his hands. The smell of chicken and a little rosemary began to fill the room. Dobby was chittering a tune to himself happy to be cooking for his Professor.

As he sat being fussed over, Snape tried to work out the subtle and not so subtle changes in his home. Remus had always been protective of him, well before they were lovers. Even back in the old days when pranks turned bad. It was Lupin who'd step in them when things got out of hand. It was Lupin who'd get help for Snape when Black was done with his mischief.

Yes, it was easy to understand Lupin. Definitely the alpha male now, even though Black was stronger.

And Black: the promise the two old enemies made to Dumbledore to put their hatred aside had finally become reality with the downfall of Voldemort and the animagus' subsequent residence at the manor. But even the understanding between them seemed to have changed over the past few weeks now that Harry had gone. Snape's drowsy mind turned over the notion of the alpha female of the triad.

Not an adequate definition. In the pack' they'd formed he knew Lupin was alpha; he certainly deferred to Lupin in many cases as did Black. But he certainly couldn't say Black was higher up than him. No, Black was Lupin's chosen mate but he was chosen too, after a fashion. A smile quirked his lips as he sipped tea.

What are you smiling about Sev? Lupin asked, curious to a fault.

I must be sick, Snape snorted, I'm thinking of us as though
we were a pack of wolves. Black raised an eyebrow at this.

Oh, and you're alpha? he teased gently, but he was interested all the same.

No, Remie's always been alpha, Snape said starting to lie his head on his arms. Black snorted and received a glare from his mate. The animagus caught himself ducking his head in submission.

Dobby has snack for Professor Snape, the house elf beamed proffering a plate. His quick movements and happy voice broke into the somewhat unsettling conversation. Snape looked at the offering and was very pleased.

Thank you Dobby, he said happily accepting the plate of chicken and dumplings. Comfort food.

Dobby happy. Dobby love to cook for Professor Snape, the elf said, grinning as Snape patted him on the shoulder. With a spring he jumped to the counter.
Dobby clean up. Master Sirius or Master Remus wants foods? the elf asked.

None for me, thank you. Although... a few of your sugared bisquits? Lupin asked. Smiling at his mate's sweet tooth, Black declined anything to eat.

Black suspected this goopy chicken and lumpy gravy stuff was something the Potions Master actually enjoyed. Still, it was good to watch Snape finally eat. Dobby kept peeking over at his Professor Snape while he washed dishes. The animagus realized that, based on old feelings, the entire scene should have bothered the him. Instead, it was rather sweet Black suddenly busied himself with his tea cup rather than say something maudlin.

*damn! I feel comfortable here with him,* Black smirked at the thought. He looked at Lupin who raised a questioning eyebrow but asked nothing while he prodded Snape to eat his fill. Maybe he was the alpha female, Black thought. This caused Black to snort drawing Snape's attention to him along with Lupin's.

Dare I ask? Snape drawled out, managing slight sneer.

Just contemplating who's the Alpha Female, Black shared with a chortle.

Snape answered matter of factly, although not for
breeding purposes. Now Lupin blushed and snickered followed by Black.
I really am delirious with these wild flights of thought, the Potions Master grumbled. It was Black who raised a gentle hand to Snape's forehead.

Well, you are rather warm. Didn't Dr. James leave something
for his fever Remie? Black asked. His mate nodded.

I'll get it, Lupin said and scurried off to the bedroom. Snape looked up at Black gathering up the courage to speak without breaking down.

Really, Sirius, you can go to your godson's. I know that it
isn't pleasant living with me, Snape said quietly, setting down his fork. He didn't want to lose his only human companionship, but he knew they shouldn't have to stay and suffer him.

Black could read the defeat in the wizard's eyes and hunched shoulders. He knew the letters and Harry's two visits had thoroughly demoralized the Potions Master. It did seem like everything the wizard had done for the cause of the Light and Dumbledore had cost him terribly. gods, he'd been the primary reason Voldemort was dead and yet all the glory, including the Order of Merlin First Class, had gone to Harry. The enormity of the realization was crushing.

Black said quietly, taking Snape's limp hand and pulling himself closer.
Severus, I enjoy being with you. A year ago I'd have agreed
with you and left. But over the year I've learned that you are
not evil incarnate, Black felt something blossom inside his chest.

You are an honorable man, he said with new-found conviction.
You've struggled for years making amends for one bad choice.
One. gods, I've made hundreds and I'm not shunned the way you
are. Snape's head had bowed low over the table as the weight of his life drew him down.

You made forgivable mistakes. I did not, Snape murmured. Black suddenly felt his heart ache for the Potions Master. Before he could settle firmly into the despair and depression that threatened to bury him Black gathered him up onto his lap. Folded him close and rocked the rigid body.

Severus, one mistake, one, when you were but a child. And
years making more than up for it. You are forgiven, Black said gently, kissing his forehead. Continuing to rock, a soothing hand running over the now relaxing back. Snape finally rested his head against the broad shoulder of his one-time enemy with a shuddering sigh.

That was where Lupin found them, Snape nearly asleep in Black's arms. He mixed the fever powder in a bit of tea and coerced the ill wizard into quaffing it. Then watched as Snape closed his eyes and leaned back against Black.

Let's get back to bed, hmmm? Black murmured. Using a small levitation spell he stood up from the table bringing Snape with him.

Snape didn't balk at their bed this time, allowing himself to be slipped under cool covers before being surrounded by his companions. He was very drowsy and wondered if Dr. James had put a sleeping draught in with the fever powder. He felt Lupin gather him close while Black curled against his back murmuring soft words of sleep into his ear. The animagus' hand ran gently circles over his shoulder and back.

Snape's last feeling was one of incredible peace. He felt, at that moment, he belonged there, between those two men, and no where else in the world.