Remus had thought Snape might question him more about Skye, or Remus' so-called lack of cooking skills, but not this. Regardless, Remus spoke without hesitation. "No." He shook his head to emphasize his words. "I never went along with it. Lily and I both would often try to dissuade Sirius, and often James, to stop being pratts. I know that I should have done more, although I know they would not have listen to me. I don't know. James might have, but I know Sirius would not have. The hatred between you and Sirius was well known, and often I wonder how much that fueled events. Perhaps I sounded facetious earlier, but I meant what I said. It's too little, too late, but I am sorry."

Genuinely surprised, Snape's eyes narrowed. He had no idea that Lupin had ever spoken out to Potter and Black regarding their treatment of him, and he couldn't thwart the sudden and unexpected stab of guilt that pierced him as he thought of how he had treated Lupin all these years, believing that he was as guilty of tormenting him as the others.

Heaving a sigh, he ran a hand down his face. "I am not looking for apologies Lupin as I believe I have paid you back more than ten fold since then For you to apologize would mean that I would be obligated to do so, and I'm not about to do that." He was smirking; the importance of Lupin's words not lost on him, but desiring to lighten the mood, even a little, all the same.

Snape's words did not overly surprise Remus; he knew long ago that he was guilty by association in Snape's eyes. Remus did wonder what Snape would think of to apologize for. Outing him to the wizarding world? Costing him work and hardship wherever he went? Not wanting to press the issue now and risk what Remus hoped could be a possible friendship, he said nothing about either. "Perhaps we should leave this conversation to another time?"

Snape simply nodded. "As you wish."

Remus wasn't sure what else to say now, so he sat back in his chair and thought. Today was turning into quite a remarkable day, all said and done.

Stifling a yawn, Snape picked a spot on the wall and stared at it, as though it displayed some work of wonder that only he could see.

They sat in silence for some time, until finally the incessant grumbling of Snape's stomach told him that it was fast approaching dinnertime. He looked towards Lupin, who was sitting in his chair, legs curled beneath him, deep in thought. Standing, he slowly made his way towards the kitchen area and began to rummage though through the cupboards for anything that he may be able to make a meal out of. Snatching the remainder of the chicken that had been left over from lunch, he grabbed the nearest pot and filled it with a thick white sauce that came pouring out of the tip of his wand. Popping the chicken in, he warmed it with a quick spell as he set about to find an accompaniment. The supplies were scarce, only meant for quick snacks as most of the food preparation came from the main kitchens, however after some time he did manage to find some rice, which he cooked quickly, serving it a few moment later.

"I thought you may be hungry so I..." He made his way back towards the seating area to find that Lupin had fallen asleep. Smiling to himself, Snape thought how peaceful he looked. Padding softly, he quietly placed the meal on the table, walking towards where Lupin sat, and knelt down beside the chair. Hair had fallen about the sleeping man's eyes, and Snape had to resist the urge to brush it away, settling instead for giving his arm a gentle shake. "Lupin?"

Remus woke at once, sitting straight up. "Is something wrong?"

Snape laughed, shaking his head as he did so. "No, I just made you some dinner." Grabbing the plate, he handed it to Lupin. "Supplies are somewhat scare so it is again only chicken but it should help keep hunger at bay until we get out of here."

Remus accepted the plate, sitting up as he did so. "It's bad luck to wake a man when he's sleeping."

Straightening, Snape looked down at Lupin, amusement evident on his face. "Is that so? Why exactly would that be?"

"I have no idea why to be honest. It is a superstition, you know, so it seemed fitting to say. Of course, I sleep with my wand near my hand, so perhaps it makes some sense?" He laughed.

"Then maybe I should consider myself lucky not to have been on the receiving end of a particularly nasty spell. Should the occasion ever arise again I shall know to be more careful."

Not awake enough to stem the flood of images that Snape's statement had brought, Remus did not say anything else, silently berating himself for such foolish thoughts. He turned his attention to the plate instead, and silently ate.

Snape sat and quietly pushed the food around on his plate, hunger leaving him as quickly as it had arrived, he suddenly found that he no longer had any appetite. "Is everything satisfactory?"

"Very much so, thank you."

Nodding in reply, Snape continued playing with his food in silence.

"You're not eating very much," Remus observed. "Perhaps you poisoned the food?" The teasing was evident in his voice.

Snape half smiled in reply. "I seem to have lost my appetite."

Remus' smile turned into frown at Snape's words. "Is something wrong?"

He contemplated telling Lupin the truth then, for all of a moment. What the truth was, exactly, was as much of a mystery to Snape as it was to Lupin. All he knew was in that brief moment while Lupin slept, he had felt a degree of intimacy that he had never experienced before, and it had left him craving for more. Forcing himself to swallow a morsel of chicken, he shook his head. "No, everything is fine."

Remus returned his attention to the food, his expression thoughtful. It wasn't so odd for him to befriend someone. Remus had a way about him that made people wish to know him better, to want to be his friend. As long as they did not know about his curse, things were okay. But Snape... Snape had spent the better half of his life ridiculing Remus, and while Remus realized this was in part due to Sirius, it still left him slightly unbelieving that Snape could want a friendship with him, or even speak with him in a decent manner. As he ate, he watched Snape from under lidded eyes. It was then that a thought occurred to him. Snape had no one he was friendly with, no one he could speak to about potions or what his life had been like for the past twenty years, or even what he had done that day. It was an incredibly lonely thought, and one Remus often considered for himself. Snape was probably too proud to strike up a friendship with anyone; he would have no cause so, Remus figured Snape would say. However here, today in this locked room, he had been forced to be civil, if for nothing else, to alleviate his boredom and apparently Snape had truly enjoyed it. Remus certainly could not find fault with that, and even more, it pleased him.

Remus tilted his head at Snape. "What is your favourite potion to make?"

Snape flushed slightly at the question. No one had ever asked him that before and as he thought of the answer his cheeks reddened even more as he realized what that potion was. "The Wolfsbane Potion," he said quickly, shoveling some more chicken into this mouth in a vain attempt to act unaffected by the admission.

Remus wasn't surprised by the answer, nor was he surprised Snape had been honest about it. "Aye, it's an extremely difficult potion to make. The more challenge in the making of a potion the better, then?"

"Yes. There is no pleasure in brewing a potion that you can make with your eyes closed. The Wolfsbane, although becoming somewhat routine, still requires a great deal of concentration and care."

"I see," Remus said softly. "I am glad to hear you do enjoy making the potion itself, for I've often felt bad for taking up so much of your time."

"I know." It was the truth. Snape had gone out of his way to make sure that Lupin had thought that making the potion was troublesome to him, doing whatever he could to ensure that the man felt badly for keeping Snape busy; all the while he reveled in the potion making process. He couldn't even begin to form the words of apology that came to his mind, no matter how desperately he felt the need to speak them.

"Has there ever been a potion you couldn't make?"

Snape laughed somewhat at this. "No, there hasn't been. Not that I have encountered thus far anyway." He knew it sounded arrogant, but it was the truth.

Remus raised a brow. "You're that good, then?" He did not doubt Snape's ability, but it was amusing all the same.

"Yes." Looking up at Lupin for the first time since he had retaken his seat, he noted the expression his companion was wearing. Fixing him with a penetrating gaze, he narrowed his eyes. "Why do you find this amusing?"

Realizing very quickly that he would have to be careful around Snape, Remus said, "Because I'm happy? It is interesting to speak with someone and have intelligent conversation and to learn new things."

Still not entirely convinced, Snape laid his plate down upon the table. "Yes, admittedly the experience has been more enjoyable than I expected it to be."

"And what exactly did you expect it to be like?"

"Infuriating mainly, with long periods of boredom."

"And was it at all?"

He had been honest, mostly, for the entire afternoon so Snape saw no reason not to be so now. "Yes, at the beginning."

"I'd have to agree with that," Remus laughed. "What changed it for you?"

Snape considered this for several long moments, trying hard to pinpoint the exact moment when his opinion of Lupin changed and finding himself annoyingly not being able to. "I am not entirely sure. I think perhaps hearing your story. It was not...well, it was not what I expected."

"What, exactly, did you expect?"

Wincing slightly, Snape was reluctant to answer, but knew that Lupin at least deserved some sort of explanation. "A story of a young boy showing off; trying to be a hero and ending up paying the price for his stupidity I suppose."

The explanation sounded very much like Remus expected it to, given that Snape tended to think that of several people he had known and held in no certain regard.

Snape noted Lupin's silence and found that it made him feel most uncomfortable. He wasn't sure if his admission had upset or affected him in any way. Finally, after several long minutes, he managed to softly utter the words he had tried to speak so many times that day. "My apologies."

Remus was not sure what to say to that, partly because he had never expected to hear it from Snape, and partly because all he could think of to do in reply was walk over, pin Snape against the wall and kiss him until he couldn't talk. Which would be a fine way to ruin the day and any chance of having a friendship with Snape. Clearing his mind of thoughts he knew would only lead to trouble, he instead said, "Thank you Severus."

Lupin had always called Snape by his given name, and it had never affected him much in the past, mainly because he ignored it. However as it passed his lips this last time, Snape felt a shiver go down his spine. It was like liquid silk to his ears, penetrating every pore of his body and coursing through his veins, causing his heart to swell and his hands to tremble with a sudden rush of adrenaline. "No Remus, it is I who should be thanking you."

"Whatever for?"

"For defending me, even when I thought ill of you. For being courteous to me even when I went out of my way to discredit and belittle you; for offering your hand in friendship, despite my numerous callous and snide remarks. I could go on if you wish?"

"I'm afraid you'd kill me by shock if you did." Remus wanted to call the words back as soon as he had said them, but it was the truth. "You are more than welcome, of course, but Severus, you shouldn't have to thank me for treating you as such. It's no less than you or anyone else deserves."

No one had ever said, or even implied, that Snape deserved to be treated with any sort of decency before. Yes, as a Professor of the school, the students were required to show him some measure of respect, but it was forced, not given willingly. He knew very well what the other Professors and the students thought of him, and admittedly, he had brought it largely on himself. It just made Lupin's declaration even more surprising and astonishingly important to him.

"All the same, I'm grateful."

"You're a surprising man Severus," Remus said, meaning every word.

"Most people have the ability to surprise those who do not know them."

"Touché. Does that mean that perhaps I'll be allowed the chance to not be so surprised by you?"

Snape looked up, astonishment evident on his pallor features. "If you wish it."

Remus nodded. "I do."

Smiling, Snape cocked his head to one side, the happiness plain for Lupin to see in his eyes. "Very well then."

Remus could have very well said that Snape must be very hard up for a friend, if he were willing to befriend a werewolf after only a day's worth of conversation and be glad for it. Remus would have preferred not to say that, let alone think it, but he supposed time would tell. And for that, he was grateful. "So tell me then. Do you plan on staying at the school, teaching, for the rest of your career?"

Without hesitation, Snape nodded. "Of course. What else would I do?"

"I am not sure. You are free of all that was required of you for so long, are you not? I would imagine that would open many doors for you to do as you wished."

That was true. Snape had a world of opportunities available to him, all there for the taking, if he desired it. As Lupin had pointed out earlier in the day, with his prowess in potion making the possibilities were limitless. He could be rich, successful, even liked, but it would all amount to nothing if it were due to nothing more than the bewitching properties of a potion he had brewed.

"I shall need to think about it a little more." He said finally.

Remus simply smiled as he got to his feet and moved towards the table, busying himself making more tea. Snape observed silently, catching his breath as he caught a faint whiff of that sandalwood, musk and chocolate aroma as Lupin passed him.

"This friend you are spending the holidays with, have you known them long?"

"A few years." He turned back, pouring the water. "Did you want tea, Severus?"

"Tea would be nice, thank you." Snape waited until Lupin returned, and placed his cup on the table before him rather than hand it to him directly. This struck Snape was somewhat odd, but he put it out of his mind, thinking that perhaps the cup was hot and Lupin didn't want him to burn his hand himself due to his occupying of the handle.

"Do you usually spend Christmas together?" He asked as much out of curiosity as for grasping at anything to prevent the silence from commanding again.

"No, this is our first year together," Remus said, sitting.

"Oh, I see." Snape felt his heart sink. The possibility of Lupin being in a relationship had occurred to him earlier and this only seemed to lend credence to that theory. Why it affected him so much he couldn't tell, he only knew that it did. The thought of Lupin being with someone else, touching someone else; the thought of him looking into their eyes and laughing, of pulling them close to him as he ran his fingers through their hair. It hurt Snape. Suddenly feeling quite sick, he stood quickly and moved to the basin in the corner of the room.

Remus followed Snape with his eyes, puzzled. "I normally decorate the cottage for the holidays, but I haven't had time this year. You're more than welcome to do so, if you wish."

Running some cold water into the basin, Snape splashed his face several times, taking several deep breaths as he did so. The twisted knot in his stomach was only getting larger rather than alleviating with his attempts to calm down. Silently he reproached himself. For what, he wondered. Was it for showing signs of weakness, or perhaps for allowing himself to indulge in thoughts of Lupin that weren't, strictly speaking, of a friendly nature? Regardless of the reason he was angry. Angry that he had allowed his emotions to become so unhinged, that he had allowed himself to become so attached to someone in such a short space of time, knowing relatively nothing about them.

"No, I don't believe decorations will be necessary, Lupin." His tone was harsher than he had meant it to be, after all it was hardly Lupin's fault that he was... Was what exactly? Sighing, he dried his face quickly, remaining in the corner, his back to Lupin.

For his part, Remus was unsure what he had done wrong, he only knew that Snape sounded upset with him again. "Severus? Is something the matter?"

Forcing his lips into a half smile, he turned, fighting to keep his voice as unaffected as possible. "No, everything is fine. Why wouldn't it be?"

Remus was far from convinced. He had spent a long time on the other end of that harsh voice to not know better. "I thought perhaps my question about the decorations had offended you. I didn't think to ask if you celebrated any particular holiday."

"The holidays are nothing more than a chance for me to finally get some relief from the mind numbing chatter and idiotic attempts at assignments from the majority of the students in this school."

Something was definitely wrong. "I hope it works for you." Remus wrinkled his nose at himself for that remark; it was lame, although true. He just wasn't sure how to react or what to say, or what was bothering Snape.

"I am sure it will. Two weeks with no interruptions, no one that I need to make idle chit chat with. I would be a wonder if at the end of it I can bring myself to return to this school." He took a few steps towards Lupin then, placing his hands on the top of the worn chair in front of him for balance.

"You asked me earlier what I would do if I wasn't teaching. I do believe I have an answer for you now. I would leave. I would go somewhere distant and remote where no one would bother me with trifling little matters that are of no consequence to me. I would live out my days in quiet solitude, unaffected by everyone and everything. Yes, that would suit me very well indeed."

"Then perhaps that's what you should do if it would make you happy," Remus said, slightly stung by Snape's words. He curled his legs back up under him, and glanced at the clock. "You may start now if you'd like. We have three hours left here, might as well use them to sleep."

Straightening, Snape looked Lupin in the eye for several moments before moving to take a seat. "Very well." Stretching his legs out in front of him, he closed his eyes.

He had only meant to close them for a moment, but apparently, Snape was more tired than he had realized. He was woken by something shaking at his arm. Opening his eyes, he squinted and as he refocused, he could see Dumbledore standing before him. "Apologies for not being able to release you sooner, Severus, but as I am sure Professor Lupin explained to you, any attempts to tamper with the spell would only cause it to reset." He smiled warmly. "At any rate you are free to go."

Standing, Snape looked about the room, his eyes seeking out Lupin. Eventually he spotted him at the door, waiting to leave. "Thank you Headmaster," said Snape, somewhat distracted as he took his leave and walked towards Lupin.

"Lupin..." he began. Wincing slightly at the memory of how he had spoken to him before he fell asleep, Snape wanted to apologize, knowing that his reaction was not Lupin's fault, but he couldn't find the words. "I trust I will see you tomorrow? You are still coming by with that book are you not?"

"Certainly, as long as it won't conflict with your solitude."

Snape tried to act as though the words didn't hurt him, although he knew that it was no less than he deserved. It was so unlike Lupin to resort to sarcasm, leaving little doubt of his being upset with what Snape had said. "Sarcasm doesn't become you Lupin, nor are you particularly good at it. I suggest that you stick to what you do best."

"I'd certainly like to Severus, but I'm quite afraid you wouldn't be amenable to it." He stepped around Snape, toward the waiting Headmaster. He paused for a moment and tilted his head back. "I'll be by with the book after lunch if that will be okay with you?"

"That will be fine." Lupin's parting words puzzled him. Exactly what was it that he wouldn't be amenable to? Could he perhaps be referring to his transformation? Maybe he still thought that he disgusted Snape by what he became. Or possibly he was talking about something else entirely. He had hinted of his prowess in other rooms, perhaps he was goading Snape, knowing somehow that the thought of him with another person hurt and upset him. He turned to ask Remus, but he was talking to Dumbledore. It would have to wait, and as Snape left the room that had been his prison, he couldn't help but feel saddened by the fact that on return to his chambers he would be welcomed by nothing but silence.