disclaimers, Chibi Remus: She dun own Hawwy Pottew.
Warnings, Chibi Remus: This has boys wiff other boys. *looks horrified* 'Kemi?
Akemi: *clears throat* Not until your older....heh heh
Chibi Remus: *shrugs* Paiwings aw as follows: Siwius/Wemus. Ewww... Sevewus/Wemus. *looks at Akemi* Why am I wiff so many boys?
Akemi: Because your just so loveable and I needed to make some sort of quarrel.
Chibi Remus: Oh. *doesnt know what Akemi's talking about* Wucius/James? O.o
Akemi: Er...thought it would be cute! ^_____^
Chibi Remus: *cocks head to the side* She's woony.
Audience: *agrees*
As my lovely little muse has said, This is slash/yaoi. Dont like, Fluffy will escort you to the door or bite your head off. Either one works for me.
Begins their fifth year, ends seventh year
summary: Sirius is the guy with it all; looks, money, athelticism. His boyfriend is Remus; shy, quiet, bookworm that tends to not socialize. Remus becomes jealous of the boys/girls that continually flirt with Sirius, leading Remus to follow Sirius one night when he slips out. What he finds causes the young werewolf to sink into despair. Who can save him? ^_~ Severus Snape of course.
A LOVE LOST, A LOVE FOUND
Chapter 1
~Some things aren't always meant to be~
The pale, golden rays of the waning crescent moon shone down into the fifth year Gryffindor dormitories, spreading its limbs to the beckoning of the window. A lone figure sat, propped against the wall, gazing at the grounds below. Had the moon been full, the boy would have been holed up in the Shrieking Shack, screaming loudly and howling madly. The young werewolf sighed barely audible, the thick chestnut brown bangs blowing lazily from the breath. He closed the twin orbs of amber, head resting against the stone behind him.
Nightmares visited Remus Lupin frequently and he woke just barely able to stifle his screams. He didn't want to alert his friends sleeping in the beds around him that he was suffering. What point would that have made? They would ask and hound him until he shouted at them that his lycanthropy was the thorn and his side and he only wanted to be normal. He didn't even want his boyfriend to know that his situation was hurting him beyond repair. At the thought of the tall, raven-haired, blue eyed boy, Remus frowned. He cared for Sirius deeply but he often wondered if Sirius saw him in the same way. They had been best friends before Sirius made it known that he was bisexual and in love with Remus. The bond that came with their friendship lasted into the relationship and it seemed that it could never break, that noone could shatter the ties that binded them. That is, before Sirius became the god of Hogwart's.
Sirius was seen as the handsome, athletic, rich pureblood with enough charm and grace to make even the most serious student dazzle in his wake. The first time Remus had seen that was at lunch, two months back. School had started, like always, on September 1. Remus had known that Sirius had admirers from both gender's but what he didnt know was that those numbers had nearly tripled over the break. Girls were openly fawning over Sirius, the boys would slip off comment innuendos and Remus....had to sit there and take it all. The school knew that Remus and Sirius were together, and had been, since third year. However, Remus wasn't seen as more than the shy, intelligent, quiet bookworm that spent more time in the library studying than socializing. Remus would admit that he didn't overly care for social situations that he was terrified that someone would discover his secret.
Days turned into weeks and the gifts and letters that Sirius recieved grew substantially. Remus could remember the exact day when the poison barbed arrow of envy lodged into his heart. October 25th. Seventh year Quidditch Chaser, Bradie Flint, made his attraction to Sirius known in the most public way; by kissing him after a Quidditch game. To make things worse, Sirius didn't even show signs of being disgusted nor did he shove Bradie off and tell him that he was already taken. No, Sirius had responded and in front of hundreds. That was the day when Remus started to sink into depression.
Two weeks had flown by since then and little by little Remus was shutting himself off against his friends; even James and Peter. Their concerned expression showed they were worried and even pained by his cold resolve of his emotions. He still cared for Prongs and Wormtail greatly but he knew they would tell Sirius his doubts which would lead to a conflict that he wasn't even ready to have yet. He couldn't accuse Sirius of any wrongdoing without proof and even though he felt it in his heart that Sirius was going behind his back, he had to wait until oppurtunity presented itself. He would ask James or Peter about it but...that would alert them that there was trouble in paradise.
Remus yawned, rising to his feet and silently cursing himself that he forgot to put on some slippers, the cold floor chilled his bare feet. He glanced at Sirius's bed, the other was comfortably snoring, the ebony strands dangerously close to being inhaled. Remus' lips curled into a tiny smile as he moved aside the locks, fingers lingering on the perfect face. His heart clenched tightly in his chest. With great ease, he padded to his own bed and eagerly slid underneath the blankets. He reached for a vial of Dreamless Sleep Potion and gulped it. With a content visage, Remus surrendered to slumber.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Remus was curled in his favorite chair at the library, reading a book on lycanthropy during his lunchtime hour. His stomach had protested angrily at the thought of missing yet another meal but he wasn't too concerned, he would just eat twice as much for dinner. Remus came across a passage and he frowned at the words, heart breaking a little more. Werewolves mated for life. He'd already known that from before but everytime he read about it, it hurt ten fold more. He couldn't even have sex with Sirius because of it. Werewolve's marked their partners during intercourse by biting into the neck and shoulder joint. Even if one didn't want to mark their sexual choice for that night, it was instinct and happened regardless. Remus had considered it before all the mess with Sirius had started but now, he wasn't positive if he wanted to mate with Sirius if his surmises became a reality.
For yet another straight day, Sirius had questioned relentlessly in Divination about his behavior. Remus had to lie about and say that was just tired. Sirius always believed him. Remus sighed, closing the book and returning it to the restricted section. Nothing new was in it. Remus wanted a cure for his lycanthropy but...hope was dim. He had been told that the chances were slim to none but if there was even the remotest chance that it could be done, Remus was determined to find out!
"There you are!" a supple and fluid voice came from behind Remus. If Remus had been any other ~normal~ person, he would have probably squeaked with fright but do to his werewolf senses he knew that the person was already there. Remus turned to come face to face with his boyfriend. Sirius was frowning at him; not a good sign. "You missed breakfast and now your skipping out on lunch in here. Its not good for growing boys to not eat."
"You forget I'm not a boy because I'm not human," Remus replied dryly as he walked past Sirius to another section to find a book for his Potions project; the one class that he was failing miserably in.
Sirius encircled the frail looking boy's waist with his arms, holding him from behind. "All werewolves were humans before they were bitten so yes you are a boy and you are human still. You only become non human under the full moon." He rested his chin on Remus's shoulder. "I'm worried about you Moony. Your going to make yourself sick if you keep missing meals and your attitude isn't doing wonders for your health either."
Remus rolled his eyes. "Since when does my attitude affect my health?"
Sirius moved aside the chin length light brown hair to suckle Remus' neck. "Its common knowledge that your state of mind affects your health. If your happy then your body is better off. If your sad, your body becomes worn down."
Smacking Sirius off, Remus went down another aisle. "I think my attitude is just fine and I dont need someone else to tell me. I'm perfectly happy and content. Besides, who wouldnt be if they had you?" the last came out a bit sarcastic but Sirius didn't seem to notice much to Remus' relief. That would have only prompted an arguement.
"Ah, your just the best Remmy!" Sirius chuckled, leaning down to capture the boy's lips in a chaste kiss. With one hand pressed against his boyfriend's chest and the other holding Remus in place, he sought to deepen the kiss by forcing his tongue inside of his boyfriend's mouth.
Remus started to become self-concious as he easily removed Sirius' hands from his body. "You cant do this here."
"Well, we never do it anywhere else," Sirius snapped, sapphire orbs narrowing slightly.
Remus glared at Sirius, amber eyes glinting with anger. It was like this with Sirius. He would press Remus to go the next step with him, to have sex and whatnot but Remus was petrified. He had even explained to Sirius that he couldn't have sex unless he agreed to be his mate for all eternity. Of course, Sirius never said yes or no. He would just walk away uttering something about him making excuses. "I think I've told you before, Sirius. I have to meet with Professor Talkin about tutoring." With a huff of annoyance, Remus left.
He didn't bother looking back at Sirius to know that he was standing there with that dissappointed expression as if he were ready to just scream his frustration to the world. Remus low spiritedly made his way to the Potions classroom. Another reason for Sirius to cheat on him was the fact that he wouldn't have sex with him. It wasn't as if it was his choice. It was either remained celibate or mate with someone who would only break his heart even moreso. He didnt even know if Sirius still loved him.
Professor Talkin peered over her glasses at the short and slender, effiminate fifth year as he entered her classroom. Remus Lupin was horrible at Potions, something his grades were showing considerably. After talking with the headmaster, she had learned of Remus's lycanthropy and was a little more understanding. The smells from the potions were probably driving the werewolf insane. Rena motioned at a front table for Remus to sit at as she awaited the arrival of the other fifth year who would be tutoring Remus.
At that thought, the student came inside. Rena wasn't surprised when Severus gave a scowl in her direction. She hadn't told Severus exactly who he was going to be teaching and it was understandable that he would react that way because Remus was a Gryffindor and one of the Marauder's who made Severus's life a living hell. Severus was a shorter than average boy but he more than made up for his lack of hieght in the area of Potions and Rena knew that Albus would ask Severus to become the Potions teacher after she left. Severus was by no means the most attractive student-that title was saved for Sirius Black-but his cold, onyx eyes and thick yet greasy looking shoulder lengthy ebony hair gave him a mysterious aura.
"Well, glad you two know each other and-" Rena was cut off by a sneer from Severus. "Mr. Snape? I hope this grudge against Mr.Lupin will not become a hazard to your tutoring of him or I will be forced to take to points from Slytherin."
"Whatever. I suppose I can set aside our differences just for tutoring but other than that, I refuse to."
"Mr.Lupin?"
"I never had a problem to begin with-" Severus snorted. "-and I'm more than willing to be friendly towards him because I really need to pass."
"Good! I have to take care of some things for Professor Dumbldore. I trust you can remain civil while I'm not in here?" With a stern glowwer, the teacher exited the classroom, shutting the door behind her.
Severus clenched his jaw muscles tightly, teeth gritting. Damn Talkin. He risked at glance at Remus who seemed to be contemplating some sort of plan in his mind. *Probably to tell all of his stupid friends of a new way to torture me. Fucking Marauders...* Despite Severus's best attempts to turn the shy boy on his right into his enemy was futile because Remus never joined in on the havoc created by the git, the idiot, and the suck up. (or James, Sirius, and Peter) No, Remus kept to himself and stayed mostly in the library doing research. *Too bad he isn't as productive at Potions.* "Okay, what exactly do you need help with?"
A faint blush settled on Remus cheeks, making him look younger and more innocent than usual. "Um, it all."
Severus face faulted. "Damnit, how long do I have to spend on you?! I was hoping this would only last a few days but from the way your talking, months!" Severus was in despair. He had to use that time for his own research. "Make a Shrinking Solution and use it on this quill." The Slytherin set a quill on the table, standing beside Remus as he read the ingredients from his notes.
As Remus cut into the daisy roots, his sliced his finger and tepid blood flowed from the wound. He gave a disgruntled sigh. "I cant even chop the ingredients let alone make the stuff! Maybe I should just tell the professor to flunk me..."
"It only takes time and practice. Dont give up." Severus grabbed the knife from Remus's hands, holding his wand over the cut and healing it. "I'll chop the daisy roots but dont expect me to do this again. You take the rest."
"Tha..thank you Severus. May I call you Severus?"
"It is my given name," he drawled lazily, tossing the neatly sliced daisy roots into the cauldron. "Finish it up."
Remus put the skinned shrivelfig, the rat spleen, the sliced caterpillar, and a dash of leech juice inside to join the roots. It bubbled and smoked and now, he just had to wait. "Is it going right?" he asked, glancing at Severus.
"Its fine. Why are you so horrible at potions?"
"Sensitive nose."
"There are potions for that, you know. I can find you one." Severus kicked himself mentally. He was helping a Gryffindor. *Bad!* his mind shouted at him but, what could it hurt? He wasn't going to become friends with Remus and he was only doing it so he didnt have to watch Remus screw up anymore potions. That was the only reason, Severus decided to himself. He gave a mental, triumphant smile.
"I would like that alot." The potion became a green color, indicating that it was finished. He poured the potion into a vial. "Here goes. Lets see if it works." Remus poured it on the feather which shrunk to a fifth its size. Remus laughed. "I did it!"
"Good work."
"Thanks Severus! This potion hardly works for me," Remus admitted, pouring the contents into the waste bin. (er...sure. ) "With you as my tutor, I think I might be able to pass Potions after all."
Was that a compliment? Both boys wondered as they glanced at each other at the same time. They held the stare for a couple seconds before the door opened and Rena stepped inside. Both looked away flustered. "So you did it Remus? Wonderful job. I know! I think I'll pair you together in class, that way, Remus will get the added benefit."
"Um, I dont think Lucius is going to appreciate being paired with Potter."
"Same here. James.......is going to get mad."
"They'll just have to deal with it, wont they? Though, maybe you should alert them before class tomorrow. I dont want to have to hex one of them into behaving. Well, thats it for todays lesson. I wanted to see if you could both work together so, here's excuses for your next classes to explain why your late. Tomorrow evening after school, I want you both back here. I'll have some new potions for you to try out. Dismissed."
Severus grabbed his books, fully intent on leaving before Remus. Remus placed a hand on his shoulder, halting his movements. "Thank you Severus, really. I dont know what I would do if you weren't my tutor. I dont trust James, Sirius, or Peter to help me because, honestly, their almost as bad as me." Severus just, hned. Remus laughed. "I wasnt expecting a 'your welcome' but I suppose that will have to do."
"Moony, what...the hell are you doing hanging around that slimy git?" James asked, glaring at Severus and frowning at Remus all at the exact same time. Remus dropped his hand, watching at Severus made his exit. "Your lucky that I came instead of Padfoot. He wouldnt have been too happy that you were hanging around Snape."
"Oh, but its okay for Sirius to be around half the schools population and its not alright for me to talk to just one person. Shove off, James." Remus turned on his heel and left.
James sighed, gnawing his lip. Things were going from bad to worse from the couple and James had the uncanny feeling that Severus was going to be caught in the middle. He shrugged to himself, going off to his next class.
Warnings, Chibi Remus: This has boys wiff other boys. *looks horrified* 'Kemi?
Akemi: *clears throat* Not until your older....heh heh
Chibi Remus: *shrugs* Paiwings aw as follows: Siwius/Wemus. Ewww... Sevewus/Wemus. *looks at Akemi* Why am I wiff so many boys?
Akemi: Because your just so loveable and I needed to make some sort of quarrel.
Chibi Remus: Oh. *doesnt know what Akemi's talking about* Wucius/James? O.o
Akemi: Er...thought it would be cute! ^_____^
Chibi Remus: *cocks head to the side* She's woony.
Audience: *agrees*
As my lovely little muse has said, This is slash/yaoi. Dont like, Fluffy will escort you to the door or bite your head off. Either one works for me.
Begins their fifth year, ends seventh year
summary: Sirius is the guy with it all; looks, money, athelticism. His boyfriend is Remus; shy, quiet, bookworm that tends to not socialize. Remus becomes jealous of the boys/girls that continually flirt with Sirius, leading Remus to follow Sirius one night when he slips out. What he finds causes the young werewolf to sink into despair. Who can save him? ^_~ Severus Snape of course.
A LOVE LOST, A LOVE FOUND
Chapter 1
~Some things aren't always meant to be~
The pale, golden rays of the waning crescent moon shone down into the fifth year Gryffindor dormitories, spreading its limbs to the beckoning of the window. A lone figure sat, propped against the wall, gazing at the grounds below. Had the moon been full, the boy would have been holed up in the Shrieking Shack, screaming loudly and howling madly. The young werewolf sighed barely audible, the thick chestnut brown bangs blowing lazily from the breath. He closed the twin orbs of amber, head resting against the stone behind him.
Nightmares visited Remus Lupin frequently and he woke just barely able to stifle his screams. He didn't want to alert his friends sleeping in the beds around him that he was suffering. What point would that have made? They would ask and hound him until he shouted at them that his lycanthropy was the thorn and his side and he only wanted to be normal. He didn't even want his boyfriend to know that his situation was hurting him beyond repair. At the thought of the tall, raven-haired, blue eyed boy, Remus frowned. He cared for Sirius deeply but he often wondered if Sirius saw him in the same way. They had been best friends before Sirius made it known that he was bisexual and in love with Remus. The bond that came with their friendship lasted into the relationship and it seemed that it could never break, that noone could shatter the ties that binded them. That is, before Sirius became the god of Hogwart's.
Sirius was seen as the handsome, athletic, rich pureblood with enough charm and grace to make even the most serious student dazzle in his wake. The first time Remus had seen that was at lunch, two months back. School had started, like always, on September 1. Remus had known that Sirius had admirers from both gender's but what he didnt know was that those numbers had nearly tripled over the break. Girls were openly fawning over Sirius, the boys would slip off comment innuendos and Remus....had to sit there and take it all. The school knew that Remus and Sirius were together, and had been, since third year. However, Remus wasn't seen as more than the shy, intelligent, quiet bookworm that spent more time in the library studying than socializing. Remus would admit that he didn't overly care for social situations that he was terrified that someone would discover his secret.
Days turned into weeks and the gifts and letters that Sirius recieved grew substantially. Remus could remember the exact day when the poison barbed arrow of envy lodged into his heart. October 25th. Seventh year Quidditch Chaser, Bradie Flint, made his attraction to Sirius known in the most public way; by kissing him after a Quidditch game. To make things worse, Sirius didn't even show signs of being disgusted nor did he shove Bradie off and tell him that he was already taken. No, Sirius had responded and in front of hundreds. That was the day when Remus started to sink into depression.
Two weeks had flown by since then and little by little Remus was shutting himself off against his friends; even James and Peter. Their concerned expression showed they were worried and even pained by his cold resolve of his emotions. He still cared for Prongs and Wormtail greatly but he knew they would tell Sirius his doubts which would lead to a conflict that he wasn't even ready to have yet. He couldn't accuse Sirius of any wrongdoing without proof and even though he felt it in his heart that Sirius was going behind his back, he had to wait until oppurtunity presented itself. He would ask James or Peter about it but...that would alert them that there was trouble in paradise.
Remus yawned, rising to his feet and silently cursing himself that he forgot to put on some slippers, the cold floor chilled his bare feet. He glanced at Sirius's bed, the other was comfortably snoring, the ebony strands dangerously close to being inhaled. Remus' lips curled into a tiny smile as he moved aside the locks, fingers lingering on the perfect face. His heart clenched tightly in his chest. With great ease, he padded to his own bed and eagerly slid underneath the blankets. He reached for a vial of Dreamless Sleep Potion and gulped it. With a content visage, Remus surrendered to slumber.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Remus was curled in his favorite chair at the library, reading a book on lycanthropy during his lunchtime hour. His stomach had protested angrily at the thought of missing yet another meal but he wasn't too concerned, he would just eat twice as much for dinner. Remus came across a passage and he frowned at the words, heart breaking a little more. Werewolves mated for life. He'd already known that from before but everytime he read about it, it hurt ten fold more. He couldn't even have sex with Sirius because of it. Werewolve's marked their partners during intercourse by biting into the neck and shoulder joint. Even if one didn't want to mark their sexual choice for that night, it was instinct and happened regardless. Remus had considered it before all the mess with Sirius had started but now, he wasn't positive if he wanted to mate with Sirius if his surmises became a reality.
For yet another straight day, Sirius had questioned relentlessly in Divination about his behavior. Remus had to lie about and say that was just tired. Sirius always believed him. Remus sighed, closing the book and returning it to the restricted section. Nothing new was in it. Remus wanted a cure for his lycanthropy but...hope was dim. He had been told that the chances were slim to none but if there was even the remotest chance that it could be done, Remus was determined to find out!
"There you are!" a supple and fluid voice came from behind Remus. If Remus had been any other ~normal~ person, he would have probably squeaked with fright but do to his werewolf senses he knew that the person was already there. Remus turned to come face to face with his boyfriend. Sirius was frowning at him; not a good sign. "You missed breakfast and now your skipping out on lunch in here. Its not good for growing boys to not eat."
"You forget I'm not a boy because I'm not human," Remus replied dryly as he walked past Sirius to another section to find a book for his Potions project; the one class that he was failing miserably in.
Sirius encircled the frail looking boy's waist with his arms, holding him from behind. "All werewolves were humans before they were bitten so yes you are a boy and you are human still. You only become non human under the full moon." He rested his chin on Remus's shoulder. "I'm worried about you Moony. Your going to make yourself sick if you keep missing meals and your attitude isn't doing wonders for your health either."
Remus rolled his eyes. "Since when does my attitude affect my health?"
Sirius moved aside the chin length light brown hair to suckle Remus' neck. "Its common knowledge that your state of mind affects your health. If your happy then your body is better off. If your sad, your body becomes worn down."
Smacking Sirius off, Remus went down another aisle. "I think my attitude is just fine and I dont need someone else to tell me. I'm perfectly happy and content. Besides, who wouldnt be if they had you?" the last came out a bit sarcastic but Sirius didn't seem to notice much to Remus' relief. That would have only prompted an arguement.
"Ah, your just the best Remmy!" Sirius chuckled, leaning down to capture the boy's lips in a chaste kiss. With one hand pressed against his boyfriend's chest and the other holding Remus in place, he sought to deepen the kiss by forcing his tongue inside of his boyfriend's mouth.
Remus started to become self-concious as he easily removed Sirius' hands from his body. "You cant do this here."
"Well, we never do it anywhere else," Sirius snapped, sapphire orbs narrowing slightly.
Remus glared at Sirius, amber eyes glinting with anger. It was like this with Sirius. He would press Remus to go the next step with him, to have sex and whatnot but Remus was petrified. He had even explained to Sirius that he couldn't have sex unless he agreed to be his mate for all eternity. Of course, Sirius never said yes or no. He would just walk away uttering something about him making excuses. "I think I've told you before, Sirius. I have to meet with Professor Talkin about tutoring." With a huff of annoyance, Remus left.
He didn't bother looking back at Sirius to know that he was standing there with that dissappointed expression as if he were ready to just scream his frustration to the world. Remus low spiritedly made his way to the Potions classroom. Another reason for Sirius to cheat on him was the fact that he wouldn't have sex with him. It wasn't as if it was his choice. It was either remained celibate or mate with someone who would only break his heart even moreso. He didnt even know if Sirius still loved him.
Professor Talkin peered over her glasses at the short and slender, effiminate fifth year as he entered her classroom. Remus Lupin was horrible at Potions, something his grades were showing considerably. After talking with the headmaster, she had learned of Remus's lycanthropy and was a little more understanding. The smells from the potions were probably driving the werewolf insane. Rena motioned at a front table for Remus to sit at as she awaited the arrival of the other fifth year who would be tutoring Remus.
At that thought, the student came inside. Rena wasn't surprised when Severus gave a scowl in her direction. She hadn't told Severus exactly who he was going to be teaching and it was understandable that he would react that way because Remus was a Gryffindor and one of the Marauder's who made Severus's life a living hell. Severus was a shorter than average boy but he more than made up for his lack of hieght in the area of Potions and Rena knew that Albus would ask Severus to become the Potions teacher after she left. Severus was by no means the most attractive student-that title was saved for Sirius Black-but his cold, onyx eyes and thick yet greasy looking shoulder lengthy ebony hair gave him a mysterious aura.
"Well, glad you two know each other and-" Rena was cut off by a sneer from Severus. "Mr. Snape? I hope this grudge against Mr.Lupin will not become a hazard to your tutoring of him or I will be forced to take to points from Slytherin."
"Whatever. I suppose I can set aside our differences just for tutoring but other than that, I refuse to."
"Mr.Lupin?"
"I never had a problem to begin with-" Severus snorted. "-and I'm more than willing to be friendly towards him because I really need to pass."
"Good! I have to take care of some things for Professor Dumbldore. I trust you can remain civil while I'm not in here?" With a stern glowwer, the teacher exited the classroom, shutting the door behind her.
Severus clenched his jaw muscles tightly, teeth gritting. Damn Talkin. He risked at glance at Remus who seemed to be contemplating some sort of plan in his mind. *Probably to tell all of his stupid friends of a new way to torture me. Fucking Marauders...* Despite Severus's best attempts to turn the shy boy on his right into his enemy was futile because Remus never joined in on the havoc created by the git, the idiot, and the suck up. (or James, Sirius, and Peter) No, Remus kept to himself and stayed mostly in the library doing research. *Too bad he isn't as productive at Potions.* "Okay, what exactly do you need help with?"
A faint blush settled on Remus cheeks, making him look younger and more innocent than usual. "Um, it all."
Severus face faulted. "Damnit, how long do I have to spend on you?! I was hoping this would only last a few days but from the way your talking, months!" Severus was in despair. He had to use that time for his own research. "Make a Shrinking Solution and use it on this quill." The Slytherin set a quill on the table, standing beside Remus as he read the ingredients from his notes.
As Remus cut into the daisy roots, his sliced his finger and tepid blood flowed from the wound. He gave a disgruntled sigh. "I cant even chop the ingredients let alone make the stuff! Maybe I should just tell the professor to flunk me..."
"It only takes time and practice. Dont give up." Severus grabbed the knife from Remus's hands, holding his wand over the cut and healing it. "I'll chop the daisy roots but dont expect me to do this again. You take the rest."
"Tha..thank you Severus. May I call you Severus?"
"It is my given name," he drawled lazily, tossing the neatly sliced daisy roots into the cauldron. "Finish it up."
Remus put the skinned shrivelfig, the rat spleen, the sliced caterpillar, and a dash of leech juice inside to join the roots. It bubbled and smoked and now, he just had to wait. "Is it going right?" he asked, glancing at Severus.
"Its fine. Why are you so horrible at potions?"
"Sensitive nose."
"There are potions for that, you know. I can find you one." Severus kicked himself mentally. He was helping a Gryffindor. *Bad!* his mind shouted at him but, what could it hurt? He wasn't going to become friends with Remus and he was only doing it so he didnt have to watch Remus screw up anymore potions. That was the only reason, Severus decided to himself. He gave a mental, triumphant smile.
"I would like that alot." The potion became a green color, indicating that it was finished. He poured the potion into a vial. "Here goes. Lets see if it works." Remus poured it on the feather which shrunk to a fifth its size. Remus laughed. "I did it!"
"Good work."
"Thanks Severus! This potion hardly works for me," Remus admitted, pouring the contents into the waste bin. (er...sure. ) "With you as my tutor, I think I might be able to pass Potions after all."
Was that a compliment? Both boys wondered as they glanced at each other at the same time. They held the stare for a couple seconds before the door opened and Rena stepped inside. Both looked away flustered. "So you did it Remus? Wonderful job. I know! I think I'll pair you together in class, that way, Remus will get the added benefit."
"Um, I dont think Lucius is going to appreciate being paired with Potter."
"Same here. James.......is going to get mad."
"They'll just have to deal with it, wont they? Though, maybe you should alert them before class tomorrow. I dont want to have to hex one of them into behaving. Well, thats it for todays lesson. I wanted to see if you could both work together so, here's excuses for your next classes to explain why your late. Tomorrow evening after school, I want you both back here. I'll have some new potions for you to try out. Dismissed."
Severus grabbed his books, fully intent on leaving before Remus. Remus placed a hand on his shoulder, halting his movements. "Thank you Severus, really. I dont know what I would do if you weren't my tutor. I dont trust James, Sirius, or Peter to help me because, honestly, their almost as bad as me." Severus just, hned. Remus laughed. "I wasnt expecting a 'your welcome' but I suppose that will have to do."
"Moony, what...the hell are you doing hanging around that slimy git?" James asked, glaring at Severus and frowning at Remus all at the exact same time. Remus dropped his hand, watching at Severus made his exit. "Your lucky that I came instead of Padfoot. He wouldnt have been too happy that you were hanging around Snape."
"Oh, but its okay for Sirius to be around half the schools population and its not alright for me to talk to just one person. Shove off, James." Remus turned on his heel and left.
James sighed, gnawing his lip. Things were going from bad to worse from the couple and James had the uncanny feeling that Severus was going to be caught in the middle. He shrugged to himself, going off to his next class.
