Disclaimer: I wish they were mine but all I own here is the plot.
Review Responses:
Lady of Paranoia – Thank you for the complimentary review, very nice ego boost! I love writing the banter! As for not rushing things I despair of stories that just sling them together in the first chapter I much prefer things to be drawn out.
Ellrohan – Johnny Depp would have made an interesting Sirius actually and he's good at eccentric roles. I thought Sirius was good but I personally didn't much like him, I think it was just the side of Sirius he showed or something, I'm not sure. Thank you for clarifying your question, sometimes I miss the obvious! Remus has a vague idea of the things Sev has likely done and this chapter sees some further discussion of the topic. Thank for the review!
Dokuhebi – lol! It will go to 5 now! Glad you're in love with the story and I hope the wait didn't drive you insane! Thank you for the review!
Bonezz – I know you reviewed chapter one but I'll just say thank you here in hopes you find it! Glad to see some of my wedding bells fans are still reading my work! Thanks!
BekaJWP – Thanks for the translation of LMAO I'm a bit behind on internet abbreviations! You didn't like the moustache? I thought it suited him, he had this whole, 1940s gentleman thing going which I found irresistible and the moustache was all part of that to me! Totally in love with that man! This chapter's a mixture of the serious with some comic relief. Thanks for the review!
Moldanubikum – Thanks for the review, you don't have to agree that the third film is good I have many criticisms of it myself.
Marilyn, My Bitterness – I adored David Thewlis too! I do indeed fear the wrath of a struggling drag queen so here's the next update. lol. Thanks for the review!
honestiago – Ah my old friend! I know we've seen the third film again since you left the review but what do you say to a third viewing asap? Yeah Sev really was well within his rights to start throwing jars of cockroaches everywhere after the 'that can't have been fun' comment. One of poor Remus' less intelligent moments, but who could think clearly and sensibly when in the presence of Severus? This is the chapter you've been waiting for, partial nudity! Thanks for the review and for all your help in general with the fic!
Gemini Fallen Angel – The third film did have a lot of faults but it still is the best. They so should have explained the map! Ah yes, Severus is subtly softening, you can tell by the fact he hasn't tried to kill Remus yet! Very restrained for Severus! lol! Glad you like it, thanks for the review!
Shades of Grey
Remus' Thoughts
Severus' Thoughts
Emphasis
Chapter 5
As evening approached on the day of the full moon Remus was agitated and overly energised as he always was on these occasions, but this time it was worse than usual. He was on edge and excited and he had a feeling that it was partly being caused by Severus' imminent arrival that night.
Severus arrived in the early evening and headed immediately for a small study on the upper floor, leaving Molly with instructions to send Lupin along for his Wolfsbane when she saw him.
Remus tapped on the door before going in to see his friend sat at a desk reading a large book which wasn't written in English, though Remus couldn't see enough of it to see what the language was.
"Hello Severus."
The man glanced up at him, "Hello. Your Wolfbane's on the table. I've made some adjustments so tomorrow you should feel much better than usual."
"Thank you. Can I get you a drink? I uncovered a rather nice looking Brandy in the drinks cabinet downstairs."
"A brandy would nice, thank you."
"You're being very civil tonight." Remus commented.
"I don't have to be you know," Severus' voice acquired a warning tone that stopped Remus from pursuing that line of conversation.
Pouring them each a glass, Remus sat down. "How's it going," he pointed at the book, "Find anything useful?"
"Maybe. It's not really that simple though."
"What are you looking for?"
"Anything that could help."
"You'll find something."
Severus frowned, "I hope so. Things aren't exactly going our way at the moment."
Remus was momentarily puzzled, "There's been nothing in the Daily Prophet."
"There will be in a couple of days, the ministry have been trying to hush up the attacks but they can't withhold the information forever."
"How do you know...?" Remus trailed off, "You were there."
"Yes." Severus answered bluntly.
"I wasn't trying to sound accusatory, Severus."
"You didn't need to try."
"Severus," Remus placed a hand on Severus' shoulder, feeling the man's muscles tense at the sudden contact, "What do I have to accuse you of? Risking your life to help people you're not even on particularly good terms with?"
"I'm trying to help more people than this silly Order!" Severus snapped.
"I know, but let's face it you're not exactly on good terms with the world at large are you?" Remus chuckled.
Severus shrugged him off uncomfortably. "You have plenty to accuse me of, you don't know...!" he sighed frustratedly.
"Then tell me," Remus perched on the edge of the desk Severus was sitting at.
"Tell you what?"
"Whatever it is I don't know."
Severus got to his feet and crossed the room, "That I stand by while they hurt people, kill them, torture them, do you want to hear any of this?!" he sneered.
"If it helps."
"Why do you have to be so damned nice?!" the potions master snarled, irked by the werewolf's calm acceptance of everything.
The greying man shrugged, "You bring out a good side of me."
Severus whirled round looking fit to kill the other man but seemed to lose momentum suddenly and simply collapsed into a nearby chair, "If this is your good side I'd hate to see your bad one."
As Severus spoke the door slammed shut suddenly causing them both to leap to their feet.
"Must have been the wind," Remus commented.
"The window's closed," Severus tried to open the door but it wouldn't move. "Alohomora!" The unlocking spell had no effect.
Remus groaned, "No! They wouldn't!"
"Who wouldn't what?" Severus asked suspiciously.
"Fred and George Weasley have been working on a time controlled locking spell that can't be broken by anyone but the castor and it looks like we've become victims of their latest test."
Severus turned white with anger, "Those idiots!" He proceeded to try every unlocking spell Remus had ever heard of, and a fair few that he hadn't, while the werewolf stared nervously out of the window at the dwindling twilight. After fifteen minutes had passed without Severus' spells having any effect Remus spoke up suddenly.
"Severus? You know what you said about hating to see my bad side, well I think you're about to."
Severus looked bemused, "What?"
"I don't think we're going to get that door open."
Severus scowled, "You and me trapped overnight in a small room, this has got to be a dream!"
Despite the situation, Remus raised an amused eyebrow.
"Actually I'd rather think that this didn't come from my subconscious." Severus quickly amended his previous statement.
Remus' amusement faded with the last of the light. Once he sees me like that he's never going to see me as anything else. He'll always think of me as a monster, oh well not like I had much of a chance to start with!
He turned to the other man, who had sat sulkily at the desk again and was clearly trying to think of another way out. "Look Severus, we're stuck in here and I'm about to change so unless you want a sight you won't forget in a hurry you might want to turn around!" Remus said, shrugging his robe from his shoulders and loosening his tie. Oh God, these were not the circumstances in which I saw myself getting undressed in a room with Severus. Remus shook his head at the passing thought as the pain in his body grew steadily.
Realising that Remus was entirely serious, Severus turned quickly away, sitting down at the small desk and picking up a book. A small cry of pain came from behind him and it was all Severus could do to quash his instinct that was telling him to turn and check the creature was alright. Logically, he knew he should have expected it, the transformation was extremely painful and it was with a modicum of respect that he noted his surprise at Lupin having been as quiet as he had.
The cry did not last long and Severus kept his eyes fixed firmly on the desk in front of him, reading and re-reading the same sentence of his book. It was a further ten minutes before his curiosity was peaked by the silence behind him and he turned, pushing down the rising panic at the idea that he was locked in a small room with the werewolf that had once tried to kill him.
He turned, not really knowing what to expect. Lupin was, well no longer Lupin for one thing. There was a large grey wolf curled up on the rug, looking straight at him with deep amber eyes. The creature got to its feet and began to walk towards him, causing Severus to back up instinctively against the desk.
"Lupin?"
The wolf cocked its head to one side as if to ask, 'well who else were you expecting?'
"Just stay over there!"
The animal growled lightly.
"Lupin, you did drink that potion?"
The creature barked then backed off, mouth open in what looked suspiciously to be the closest approximation to a laugh Lupin could manage in that form. Severus scowled and sat back in the chair, never taking his eyes off the creature before him which was now sat down watching him intently.
"Can you look at something else?"
The animal continued to stare. Sighing, Severus turned away and went back to reading his book, checking over his shoulder every few minutes to ensure that Lupin wasn't getting ready to rip him into small, bloody pieces. After half an hour or so of this however Severus found himself leaving longer and longer gaps between these glances, either he had decided he had faith in his own potions making abilities or he had faith in Lupin, though to a degree both were the same. Even accepting that his potion had worked it did not render Lupin incapable of killing him, it just stopped him from being unable to make the decision. Much as it pained Severus to admit it though, this was not the inhuman beast he had encountered in his fifth year; this was something different. And, he thought as he turned around to see it still staring at him, it definitely had Lupin's personality and irritating sense of humour.
"What do you want? To play fetch or something?"
The animal wagged its tail.
"That better not have been a yes."
The wolf lay down, an amused expression in its amber eyes.
Oh great, I'm looking for emotion in the eyes of an animal.
"Why don't you go to sleep or something? Just stop staring at me!"
The animal obligingly closed its eyes and rested it's head neatly on it's paws, allowing Severus to return to his book.
XXXXXXX
A few hours later the potions master awoke, muscles stiff from having fallen asleep in the wooden chair. He stretched out his hands then recoiled quickly as one came into contact with something soft and warm that was residing on his lap. The werewolf had it seemed fallen asleep resting his head on Severus' knee. After a moment to pluck up the courage, Severus reached out a hand and tentatively pushed at the head in an effort to remove the creature from his person. The only response he received was that the animal blinked open it's eyes in a manner that suggested it had been awake all along and, before he could do anything about it, licked his hand.
"Lupin!" Severus growled, snatching his hand away. "Remove your head from my lap this instant or I will remove it from your shoulders."
The wolf gave a little growl, reminding Severus that the likelihood of him being able to do that before Lupin tore his throat out was minimal at best. Still the beast did lift its head up and walk away from him so he decided to count it as a victory.
Despite his anger at the werewolf's behaviour Severus was too tired to stay awake for long. When he next awoke his head was resting on his arms on the hard desk and a faint light was showing through the window. He sat up slowly and turned around to see Lupin stood behind him in the process of pulling on a pair of trousers and wearing little more than his underwear. He quickly looked away and was horrified to find a burning sensation on his cheeks that indicated he might be blushing.
Remus caught sight of the look out of the corner of his eye and could not quell the triumphant feeling it gave him. Maybe I didn't blow my chances with him? Picking up his shirt he spoke in hopes of attracting Severus' attention again. "Good Morning."
"Is it?" Severus responded, turning round only to turn back again when he saw that Remus was still shirtless.
"Well it's still only six o'clock but it's looks like it's going to be a nice day."
"Right," Severus cleared his throat awkwardly, "Well hopefully we'll get out of here soon."
"Yes." Remus gave a mischievous smile, "You can look now, I'm decent."
"I wouldn't have thought that was possible for you," Severus responded, turning to glare at his companion of the previous night.
His companion arched an eyebrow, "So was last night good for you?"
Severus sent him a death glare that effectively silenced the werewolf for a while. A silence he spent dwelling on that split second when he could have sworn he'd seen Severus blush at catching him in a state of undress. That blush rendered the death glare slightly less effective. It was quite unfair though, Remus realised on further reflection, after all why should Severus get to see him in his underwear when the favour had not been returned?
A small sound disturbed Remus' thoughts and he looked up to see Severus grab the door handle in a desperate fashion and push at the door, which swung open easily. The dark man stared at it in relief and annoyance. "It's open."
"So I see," Remus responded, slightly disappointed that their evening together was over. "I suppose we should leave."
"Suppose?" Severus hesitated before saying sarcastically, "What else did you have in mind?"
"Several things suggest themselves."
The thoughtful look on the werewolf's face provided Severus with enough reason not to question further and he swept hurriedly out of the door with Remus in pursuit.
"The modifications you made to the Wolfsbane seem to have worked. I feel pretty good this morning."
"I'm glad one of us does," Severus muttered.
"Severus I'm sorry, but what happened wasn't my fault!"
"No. It wasn't. It was those bloody Weasley twins' fault and now we are going to go and end their miserable little existences!"
Remus frowned, "Molly won't like that."
"Do I look like I care?"
"No," Remus answered honestly.
"Good."
"So what's the plan?" Remus asked, deciding to humour the other man.
"Next full moon you eat them, nice ironic punishment I think."
"I'm not eating Molly's children. And won't I get put in Azkaban?"
"Ah, now you've touched upon the pure genius of the plan. They end up dead, you end up incarcerated and I can sleep peacefully at nights." Severus seemed as though he had more than he could take.
"Much as I wouldn't want to think I was keeping you up at night, I don't really fancy an all expenses paid trip to Azkaban prison!"
"No? Shame, it might be good for you." Severus continued to storm through the corridors of Grimmauld Place for a minute or so until he whirled around suddenly, "I don't even know where I'm going!"
To bed? Maybe I shouldn't say that out loud.
"I'm going back to Hogwarts and back to bed."
Remus looked up in shock, You read my mind, though I'm guessing I'm not invited?
Severus began to walk away then halted in his steps and turned back, "You're silent for once, makes a nice change."
Remus gave him a small surprised smile, "Well I aim to please."
"How strange then that you so rarely succeed." Severus walked away without another word leaving Remus to go and seek out Molly and tell her that her children may die earlier than expected if Severus were not pacified and dwell on the fact that obviously he occasionally did succeed.
XXXXXXX
Right after lunch Severus returned looking murderous. The tension of the previous night had given Remus an intense desire to touch Severus and he held out his hand instantly, "Nice to see you again Severus."
Severus, tired and angry, instinctively placed his hand in Remus' to shake it, much to the other man's delight.
The feel of Severus' skin against his own sent a small jolt of electricity through Remus's stomach and from the brief look of panic he saw in Severus' dark eyes the other man had felt it too.
Severus withdrew his hand quickly with an exasperated look. "Are Fred and George Weasley here?"
"By telling you that am I aiding and abetting a murder?"
"Yes, but by not telling me you will cause me to make you my victim instead."
"They're here, but really Severus I think they're sorry."
"I highly doubt that."
"Oh come on it's no different to what we would have done at school!"
"There was no we at school!"
He raised an eyebrow. "There's a we now?"
"No there most certainly is not!"
Remus simply raised the other eyebrow.
Severus began to look uncomfortable with the way the conversation was heading and cleared his throat awkwardly.
"That's the second time I've made you do that today," Remus smirked.
Severus was saved from having to respond by the twins walking in to the room. They looked in horror at the potions master, then at each other, before trying to leave very quickly. Severus however waved his hand and the door slammed in front of them. "Going somewhere?" he asked in the silky, dangerous tone Remus rather liked.
The twins seemed lost for words for a change.
"Well?!" Severus demanded.
"If you're angry about last night..." George started.
"Perish the thought, why would I be angry at being locked in a small room overnight with a werewolf at the full moon?"
"You see? No hard feelings then." Fred put in hopefully.
The two both paled as Severus advanced on them, wand clasped so tightly his knuckles were white.
"Severus," Remus stepped forward and held an arm out between Severus and the twins, "You do realise you can't kill them in front of a witness."
"Hey!" Fred objected.
"How about telling him he can't kill us at all!?" George demanded.
"I could always kill the witness as well!" Severus snapped.
"Ok, why don't we all just calm down?" Remus suggested.
"Calm down? Who's not calm?" Severus asked.
"You, Severus, and them as they're frightened for their lives."
"Do you have a suggestion as to how to deal with them?!"
"Well it's hardly our place, maybe you should let Arthur deal with them."
Severus got a wicked glint in his dark eyes, "I've got a better idea." He stepped out into the corridor, "Mrs Weasley!"
"No!" George had a horrified look in his eyes.
"You can't!" Fred had the same look about him.
"Kill us if you want, but don't get Mum..." George spoke again.
"Now what's going on here?" Molly Weasley appeared from the kitchen, "Are these two causing problems?"
Severus gave a dangerous smile, "I was wondering if I might have a quick word with you."
"Of course Professor. Can you come into the kitchen though; I'm trying to do some baking. Oh, while I'm here, what's your favourite flavour cake Remus?"
"Chocolate."
"Well I'll bake you one."
Remus smiled, "Thank you Molly, that would be terribly kind of you."
Severus glared and followed the woman into the kitchen leaving the Weasley twins with horrified expressions.
"She'll kill us!" Fred managed in a whisper.
Molly Weasley was certainly not particularly inclined towards leniency after Severus had finished telling her what her children had done and Fred and George were soon wishing they'd never heard of locking spells. Severus slipped away, having set Molly on her sons, and Remus was about to creep away when Molly sent the twins to their rooms and turned to him. "I'm so sorry Remus! That was the last thing you needed. Professor Snape certainly didn't seem too happy either! Then again, for all he went on about being stuck overnight with you, you're the one I feel sorry for! I'm sure he wasn't the most desirable company!"
Remus' voice went cold, "Molly, have you ever seen a werewolf who hasn't taken a Wolfsbane potion?"
Molly shook her head.
"Well he has, I nearly killed him once. Quite frankly I think he's the one who deserves your sympathy over last night, not that he'd thank you for offering it. Besides I happen to find Severus very desirable company so perhaps you shouldn't say things like that when you don't really know the man at all!"
Molly look quite put out, "I didn't mean anything by it, he's just not the friendliest of people sometimes!"
"Neither would you be if...!" Remus trailed off, "I don't want to hear it Molly. I'm sorry I snapped but I like Severus and I don't like hearing people say things like that about him, whether they mean it or not!"
"I'm sorry Remus," the woman smiled suddenly, "I'll go and finish that chocolate cake. It's good of you to care about him, I think he probably needs somebody to. Lord knows the rest of us aren't very good at it."
"Oh Molly! I haven't yet met the person you couldn't take care of, Severus just would never let you, or anyone else."
"That poor man, we really should be nicer to him."
Remus sighed, "Yes you should, but who am I to talk? My friends and I spent years tormenting him."
Molly patted his hand in a motherly fashion, "Come on, you can help me with the chocolate cake, I'll even let you lick the spoon if you like."
Remus laughed, "Why not? I think I could use some chocolate." Despite his occasional anger at the woman he knew she had a good heart and that she always meant well, despite sometimes getting it wrong. After all who doesn't get it wrong sometimes?
XXXXXXX
A/N: I realise that my description of Lupin doesn't fit with how he looked as a werewolf in the film but it's just how I always saw him being. In book three they say that there are 'several small differences' between the werewolf and a regular wolf so I figured from that that they'd look pretty similar. Anyway just explaining as I know other people don't necessarily see him in wolf form in the same way I do.
Chapter six will be here next week and Remus is putting his foot in it again!
Review Responses:
Lady of Paranoia – Thank you for the complimentary review, very nice ego boost! I love writing the banter! As for not rushing things I despair of stories that just sling them together in the first chapter I much prefer things to be drawn out.
Ellrohan – Johnny Depp would have made an interesting Sirius actually and he's good at eccentric roles. I thought Sirius was good but I personally didn't much like him, I think it was just the side of Sirius he showed or something, I'm not sure. Thank you for clarifying your question, sometimes I miss the obvious! Remus has a vague idea of the things Sev has likely done and this chapter sees some further discussion of the topic. Thank for the review!
Dokuhebi – lol! It will go to 5 now! Glad you're in love with the story and I hope the wait didn't drive you insane! Thank you for the review!
Bonezz – I know you reviewed chapter one but I'll just say thank you here in hopes you find it! Glad to see some of my wedding bells fans are still reading my work! Thanks!
BekaJWP – Thanks for the translation of LMAO I'm a bit behind on internet abbreviations! You didn't like the moustache? I thought it suited him, he had this whole, 1940s gentleman thing going which I found irresistible and the moustache was all part of that to me! Totally in love with that man! This chapter's a mixture of the serious with some comic relief. Thanks for the review!
Moldanubikum – Thanks for the review, you don't have to agree that the third film is good I have many criticisms of it myself.
Marilyn, My Bitterness – I adored David Thewlis too! I do indeed fear the wrath of a struggling drag queen so here's the next update. lol. Thanks for the review!
honestiago – Ah my old friend! I know we've seen the third film again since you left the review but what do you say to a third viewing asap? Yeah Sev really was well within his rights to start throwing jars of cockroaches everywhere after the 'that can't have been fun' comment. One of poor Remus' less intelligent moments, but who could think clearly and sensibly when in the presence of Severus? This is the chapter you've been waiting for, partial nudity! Thanks for the review and for all your help in general with the fic!
Gemini Fallen Angel – The third film did have a lot of faults but it still is the best. They so should have explained the map! Ah yes, Severus is subtly softening, you can tell by the fact he hasn't tried to kill Remus yet! Very restrained for Severus! lol! Glad you like it, thanks for the review!
Shades of Grey
Remus' Thoughts
Severus' Thoughts
Emphasis
Chapter 5
As evening approached on the day of the full moon Remus was agitated and overly energised as he always was on these occasions, but this time it was worse than usual. He was on edge and excited and he had a feeling that it was partly being caused by Severus' imminent arrival that night.
Severus arrived in the early evening and headed immediately for a small study on the upper floor, leaving Molly with instructions to send Lupin along for his Wolfsbane when she saw him.
Remus tapped on the door before going in to see his friend sat at a desk reading a large book which wasn't written in English, though Remus couldn't see enough of it to see what the language was.
"Hello Severus."
The man glanced up at him, "Hello. Your Wolfbane's on the table. I've made some adjustments so tomorrow you should feel much better than usual."
"Thank you. Can I get you a drink? I uncovered a rather nice looking Brandy in the drinks cabinet downstairs."
"A brandy would nice, thank you."
"You're being very civil tonight." Remus commented.
"I don't have to be you know," Severus' voice acquired a warning tone that stopped Remus from pursuing that line of conversation.
Pouring them each a glass, Remus sat down. "How's it going," he pointed at the book, "Find anything useful?"
"Maybe. It's not really that simple though."
"What are you looking for?"
"Anything that could help."
"You'll find something."
Severus frowned, "I hope so. Things aren't exactly going our way at the moment."
Remus was momentarily puzzled, "There's been nothing in the Daily Prophet."
"There will be in a couple of days, the ministry have been trying to hush up the attacks but they can't withhold the information forever."
"How do you know...?" Remus trailed off, "You were there."
"Yes." Severus answered bluntly.
"I wasn't trying to sound accusatory, Severus."
"You didn't need to try."
"Severus," Remus placed a hand on Severus' shoulder, feeling the man's muscles tense at the sudden contact, "What do I have to accuse you of? Risking your life to help people you're not even on particularly good terms with?"
"I'm trying to help more people than this silly Order!" Severus snapped.
"I know, but let's face it you're not exactly on good terms with the world at large are you?" Remus chuckled.
Severus shrugged him off uncomfortably. "You have plenty to accuse me of, you don't know...!" he sighed frustratedly.
"Then tell me," Remus perched on the edge of the desk Severus was sitting at.
"Tell you what?"
"Whatever it is I don't know."
Severus got to his feet and crossed the room, "That I stand by while they hurt people, kill them, torture them, do you want to hear any of this?!" he sneered.
"If it helps."
"Why do you have to be so damned nice?!" the potions master snarled, irked by the werewolf's calm acceptance of everything.
The greying man shrugged, "You bring out a good side of me."
Severus whirled round looking fit to kill the other man but seemed to lose momentum suddenly and simply collapsed into a nearby chair, "If this is your good side I'd hate to see your bad one."
As Severus spoke the door slammed shut suddenly causing them both to leap to their feet.
"Must have been the wind," Remus commented.
"The window's closed," Severus tried to open the door but it wouldn't move. "Alohomora!" The unlocking spell had no effect.
Remus groaned, "No! They wouldn't!"
"Who wouldn't what?" Severus asked suspiciously.
"Fred and George Weasley have been working on a time controlled locking spell that can't be broken by anyone but the castor and it looks like we've become victims of their latest test."
Severus turned white with anger, "Those idiots!" He proceeded to try every unlocking spell Remus had ever heard of, and a fair few that he hadn't, while the werewolf stared nervously out of the window at the dwindling twilight. After fifteen minutes had passed without Severus' spells having any effect Remus spoke up suddenly.
"Severus? You know what you said about hating to see my bad side, well I think you're about to."
Severus looked bemused, "What?"
"I don't think we're going to get that door open."
Severus scowled, "You and me trapped overnight in a small room, this has got to be a dream!"
Despite the situation, Remus raised an amused eyebrow.
"Actually I'd rather think that this didn't come from my subconscious." Severus quickly amended his previous statement.
Remus' amusement faded with the last of the light. Once he sees me like that he's never going to see me as anything else. He'll always think of me as a monster, oh well not like I had much of a chance to start with!
He turned to the other man, who had sat sulkily at the desk again and was clearly trying to think of another way out. "Look Severus, we're stuck in here and I'm about to change so unless you want a sight you won't forget in a hurry you might want to turn around!" Remus said, shrugging his robe from his shoulders and loosening his tie. Oh God, these were not the circumstances in which I saw myself getting undressed in a room with Severus. Remus shook his head at the passing thought as the pain in his body grew steadily.
Realising that Remus was entirely serious, Severus turned quickly away, sitting down at the small desk and picking up a book. A small cry of pain came from behind him and it was all Severus could do to quash his instinct that was telling him to turn and check the creature was alright. Logically, he knew he should have expected it, the transformation was extremely painful and it was with a modicum of respect that he noted his surprise at Lupin having been as quiet as he had.
The cry did not last long and Severus kept his eyes fixed firmly on the desk in front of him, reading and re-reading the same sentence of his book. It was a further ten minutes before his curiosity was peaked by the silence behind him and he turned, pushing down the rising panic at the idea that he was locked in a small room with the werewolf that had once tried to kill him.
He turned, not really knowing what to expect. Lupin was, well no longer Lupin for one thing. There was a large grey wolf curled up on the rug, looking straight at him with deep amber eyes. The creature got to its feet and began to walk towards him, causing Severus to back up instinctively against the desk.
"Lupin?"
The wolf cocked its head to one side as if to ask, 'well who else were you expecting?'
"Just stay over there!"
The animal growled lightly.
"Lupin, you did drink that potion?"
The creature barked then backed off, mouth open in what looked suspiciously to be the closest approximation to a laugh Lupin could manage in that form. Severus scowled and sat back in the chair, never taking his eyes off the creature before him which was now sat down watching him intently.
"Can you look at something else?"
The animal continued to stare. Sighing, Severus turned away and went back to reading his book, checking over his shoulder every few minutes to ensure that Lupin wasn't getting ready to rip him into small, bloody pieces. After half an hour or so of this however Severus found himself leaving longer and longer gaps between these glances, either he had decided he had faith in his own potions making abilities or he had faith in Lupin, though to a degree both were the same. Even accepting that his potion had worked it did not render Lupin incapable of killing him, it just stopped him from being unable to make the decision. Much as it pained Severus to admit it though, this was not the inhuman beast he had encountered in his fifth year; this was something different. And, he thought as he turned around to see it still staring at him, it definitely had Lupin's personality and irritating sense of humour.
"What do you want? To play fetch or something?"
The animal wagged its tail.
"That better not have been a yes."
The wolf lay down, an amused expression in its amber eyes.
Oh great, I'm looking for emotion in the eyes of an animal.
"Why don't you go to sleep or something? Just stop staring at me!"
The animal obligingly closed its eyes and rested it's head neatly on it's paws, allowing Severus to return to his book.
XXXXXXX
A few hours later the potions master awoke, muscles stiff from having fallen asleep in the wooden chair. He stretched out his hands then recoiled quickly as one came into contact with something soft and warm that was residing on his lap. The werewolf had it seemed fallen asleep resting his head on Severus' knee. After a moment to pluck up the courage, Severus reached out a hand and tentatively pushed at the head in an effort to remove the creature from his person. The only response he received was that the animal blinked open it's eyes in a manner that suggested it had been awake all along and, before he could do anything about it, licked his hand.
"Lupin!" Severus growled, snatching his hand away. "Remove your head from my lap this instant or I will remove it from your shoulders."
The wolf gave a little growl, reminding Severus that the likelihood of him being able to do that before Lupin tore his throat out was minimal at best. Still the beast did lift its head up and walk away from him so he decided to count it as a victory.
Despite his anger at the werewolf's behaviour Severus was too tired to stay awake for long. When he next awoke his head was resting on his arms on the hard desk and a faint light was showing through the window. He sat up slowly and turned around to see Lupin stood behind him in the process of pulling on a pair of trousers and wearing little more than his underwear. He quickly looked away and was horrified to find a burning sensation on his cheeks that indicated he might be blushing.
Remus caught sight of the look out of the corner of his eye and could not quell the triumphant feeling it gave him. Maybe I didn't blow my chances with him? Picking up his shirt he spoke in hopes of attracting Severus' attention again. "Good Morning."
"Is it?" Severus responded, turning round only to turn back again when he saw that Remus was still shirtless.
"Well it's still only six o'clock but it's looks like it's going to be a nice day."
"Right," Severus cleared his throat awkwardly, "Well hopefully we'll get out of here soon."
"Yes." Remus gave a mischievous smile, "You can look now, I'm decent."
"I wouldn't have thought that was possible for you," Severus responded, turning to glare at his companion of the previous night.
His companion arched an eyebrow, "So was last night good for you?"
Severus sent him a death glare that effectively silenced the werewolf for a while. A silence he spent dwelling on that split second when he could have sworn he'd seen Severus blush at catching him in a state of undress. That blush rendered the death glare slightly less effective. It was quite unfair though, Remus realised on further reflection, after all why should Severus get to see him in his underwear when the favour had not been returned?
A small sound disturbed Remus' thoughts and he looked up to see Severus grab the door handle in a desperate fashion and push at the door, which swung open easily. The dark man stared at it in relief and annoyance. "It's open."
"So I see," Remus responded, slightly disappointed that their evening together was over. "I suppose we should leave."
"Suppose?" Severus hesitated before saying sarcastically, "What else did you have in mind?"
"Several things suggest themselves."
The thoughtful look on the werewolf's face provided Severus with enough reason not to question further and he swept hurriedly out of the door with Remus in pursuit.
"The modifications you made to the Wolfsbane seem to have worked. I feel pretty good this morning."
"I'm glad one of us does," Severus muttered.
"Severus I'm sorry, but what happened wasn't my fault!"
"No. It wasn't. It was those bloody Weasley twins' fault and now we are going to go and end their miserable little existences!"
Remus frowned, "Molly won't like that."
"Do I look like I care?"
"No," Remus answered honestly.
"Good."
"So what's the plan?" Remus asked, deciding to humour the other man.
"Next full moon you eat them, nice ironic punishment I think."
"I'm not eating Molly's children. And won't I get put in Azkaban?"
"Ah, now you've touched upon the pure genius of the plan. They end up dead, you end up incarcerated and I can sleep peacefully at nights." Severus seemed as though he had more than he could take.
"Much as I wouldn't want to think I was keeping you up at night, I don't really fancy an all expenses paid trip to Azkaban prison!"
"No? Shame, it might be good for you." Severus continued to storm through the corridors of Grimmauld Place for a minute or so until he whirled around suddenly, "I don't even know where I'm going!"
To bed? Maybe I shouldn't say that out loud.
"I'm going back to Hogwarts and back to bed."
Remus looked up in shock, You read my mind, though I'm guessing I'm not invited?
Severus began to walk away then halted in his steps and turned back, "You're silent for once, makes a nice change."
Remus gave him a small surprised smile, "Well I aim to please."
"How strange then that you so rarely succeed." Severus walked away without another word leaving Remus to go and seek out Molly and tell her that her children may die earlier than expected if Severus were not pacified and dwell on the fact that obviously he occasionally did succeed.
XXXXXXX
Right after lunch Severus returned looking murderous. The tension of the previous night had given Remus an intense desire to touch Severus and he held out his hand instantly, "Nice to see you again Severus."
Severus, tired and angry, instinctively placed his hand in Remus' to shake it, much to the other man's delight.
The feel of Severus' skin against his own sent a small jolt of electricity through Remus's stomach and from the brief look of panic he saw in Severus' dark eyes the other man had felt it too.
Severus withdrew his hand quickly with an exasperated look. "Are Fred and George Weasley here?"
"By telling you that am I aiding and abetting a murder?"
"Yes, but by not telling me you will cause me to make you my victim instead."
"They're here, but really Severus I think they're sorry."
"I highly doubt that."
"Oh come on it's no different to what we would have done at school!"
"There was no we at school!"
He raised an eyebrow. "There's a we now?"
"No there most certainly is not!"
Remus simply raised the other eyebrow.
Severus began to look uncomfortable with the way the conversation was heading and cleared his throat awkwardly.
"That's the second time I've made you do that today," Remus smirked.
Severus was saved from having to respond by the twins walking in to the room. They looked in horror at the potions master, then at each other, before trying to leave very quickly. Severus however waved his hand and the door slammed in front of them. "Going somewhere?" he asked in the silky, dangerous tone Remus rather liked.
The twins seemed lost for words for a change.
"Well?!" Severus demanded.
"If you're angry about last night..." George started.
"Perish the thought, why would I be angry at being locked in a small room overnight with a werewolf at the full moon?"
"You see? No hard feelings then." Fred put in hopefully.
The two both paled as Severus advanced on them, wand clasped so tightly his knuckles were white.
"Severus," Remus stepped forward and held an arm out between Severus and the twins, "You do realise you can't kill them in front of a witness."
"Hey!" Fred objected.
"How about telling him he can't kill us at all!?" George demanded.
"I could always kill the witness as well!" Severus snapped.
"Ok, why don't we all just calm down?" Remus suggested.
"Calm down? Who's not calm?" Severus asked.
"You, Severus, and them as they're frightened for their lives."
"Do you have a suggestion as to how to deal with them?!"
"Well it's hardly our place, maybe you should let Arthur deal with them."
Severus got a wicked glint in his dark eyes, "I've got a better idea." He stepped out into the corridor, "Mrs Weasley!"
"No!" George had a horrified look in his eyes.
"You can't!" Fred had the same look about him.
"Kill us if you want, but don't get Mum..." George spoke again.
"Now what's going on here?" Molly Weasley appeared from the kitchen, "Are these two causing problems?"
Severus gave a dangerous smile, "I was wondering if I might have a quick word with you."
"Of course Professor. Can you come into the kitchen though; I'm trying to do some baking. Oh, while I'm here, what's your favourite flavour cake Remus?"
"Chocolate."
"Well I'll bake you one."
Remus smiled, "Thank you Molly, that would be terribly kind of you."
Severus glared and followed the woman into the kitchen leaving the Weasley twins with horrified expressions.
"She'll kill us!" Fred managed in a whisper.
Molly Weasley was certainly not particularly inclined towards leniency after Severus had finished telling her what her children had done and Fred and George were soon wishing they'd never heard of locking spells. Severus slipped away, having set Molly on her sons, and Remus was about to creep away when Molly sent the twins to their rooms and turned to him. "I'm so sorry Remus! That was the last thing you needed. Professor Snape certainly didn't seem too happy either! Then again, for all he went on about being stuck overnight with you, you're the one I feel sorry for! I'm sure he wasn't the most desirable company!"
Remus' voice went cold, "Molly, have you ever seen a werewolf who hasn't taken a Wolfsbane potion?"
Molly shook her head.
"Well he has, I nearly killed him once. Quite frankly I think he's the one who deserves your sympathy over last night, not that he'd thank you for offering it. Besides I happen to find Severus very desirable company so perhaps you shouldn't say things like that when you don't really know the man at all!"
Molly look quite put out, "I didn't mean anything by it, he's just not the friendliest of people sometimes!"
"Neither would you be if...!" Remus trailed off, "I don't want to hear it Molly. I'm sorry I snapped but I like Severus and I don't like hearing people say things like that about him, whether they mean it or not!"
"I'm sorry Remus," the woman smiled suddenly, "I'll go and finish that chocolate cake. It's good of you to care about him, I think he probably needs somebody to. Lord knows the rest of us aren't very good at it."
"Oh Molly! I haven't yet met the person you couldn't take care of, Severus just would never let you, or anyone else."
"That poor man, we really should be nicer to him."
Remus sighed, "Yes you should, but who am I to talk? My friends and I spent years tormenting him."
Molly patted his hand in a motherly fashion, "Come on, you can help me with the chocolate cake, I'll even let you lick the spoon if you like."
Remus laughed, "Why not? I think I could use some chocolate." Despite his occasional anger at the woman he knew she had a good heart and that she always meant well, despite sometimes getting it wrong. After all who doesn't get it wrong sometimes?
XXXXXXX
A/N: I realise that my description of Lupin doesn't fit with how he looked as a werewolf in the film but it's just how I always saw him being. In book three they say that there are 'several small differences' between the werewolf and a regular wolf so I figured from that that they'd look pretty similar. Anyway just explaining as I know other people don't necessarily see him in wolf form in the same way I do.
Chapter six will be here next week and Remus is putting his foot in it again!