Snape awoke early the next morning after a night that had not brought much sleep his way. He had tossed and turned most of the night, unable to stop the questions from running through his mind. It was if a dam had suddenly burst. Twenty-four hours ago, he had been content. He knew where he was, what he was doing, and what he thought, and now everything seemed to have been turned on its head. He could not remember ever feeling so confused and disorientated.

Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, he padded softly to the bathroom where he showered quickly and changed into some fresh clothes. No matter what he did, he could not get the smell of Lupin to leave his nostrils. He smelt him everywhere and on every thing, his laughter ringing in his ears as clear as it had while they were talking.

Talking. It was had been unusual experience for Snape. He had told Lupin things he had never dared share with anyone, things of his past. Perhaps it was because he knew that he had Lupin's trust, however undeserving he was of it. For the first time in his life he had felt some sort of bond of friendship, but it was more than that.

Snape had found himself attracted to him. For the first time in his life he had been attracted to someone. It was embarrassing to admit, even to himself, but he had never been with anyone before. Not through lack of opportunity, but no one had ever incited those feelings of longing and passion in him before. He demanded satisfaction, and to have a mindless encounter simply because it was expected for people his age to have done so several times already would have left him disappointed, and Severus Snape hated to be disappointed.

Lupin was different, however. He listened to him when he talked, really listened, not just pretending to hear the words while nodding in all the correct places. When his eyes were upon him, he could feel his skin warm under their gaze, almost as if they were breathing life into the shell of a man that he had become. He had made him feel alive for the first time in his memory, and then he had gone and ruined it all.

Heading out of his chambers towards the Great Hall for breakfast, Snape cursed himself under his breath for his behavior the previous evening. It was unfair of him to take his displeasure out on Lupin for having someone in his life. After all, Snape hadn't realized until a few hours previously that he even liked Lupin, let alone was attracted to the man. He would just have to get used to it. The most he could hope for at this stage was that the offer of friendship was still available, not that Snape would blame him if he revoked it. Having that brief taste make him realize that he wanted more.

Arriving at the Great Hall, he took his seat at the Teacher's Table, patiently waiting, and hoping that Lupin would appear. Even if they didn't talk, he knew he would feel slightly better just for seeing him.

Having slept somewhat decent the night before, Remus was ready to begin his Saturday and was most interested in seeing Snape. The longer he thought about it, the more he thought perhaps he had misjudged what Snape had said. Besides, who was he to judge whether Snape wanted to spend the rest of his life, alone? Remus ignored the twinge of hurt that made him feel and made his way to the Great Hall. Perhaps Snape had been correct, but he really did enjoy having people like him. It was not a good trait and Remus knew this, but some things you just cannot help but feel.

Like how he couldn't help but feel the urge to kiss Snape as soon as he saw him. Snape's expression was unreadable but Remus ignored it and sat down next to him at the table. "Good Morning, Severus."

Snape's stomach flipped as he caught sight of Lupin. Forcing himself to keep his expression unaffected, he nodded at him as he took his seat next to him. "Good Morning, Lupin."

"Feel better, being free?" Remus asked, chuckling.

Oddly, Snape didn't. Part of him longed to be back in that room, knowing that he faced hours alone with Lupin. The only thing facing him now was the prospect of watching Lupin as he walked away from him following breakfast. "Yes, thank you." After a few moments silence, he asked awkwardly, "And you?"

Remus glanced at Snape as he buttered his roll. "I suppose. I have issues with being caged up; I don't like it. And it was nice to be able to shower as I wished," he grinned again.

Snape should have realized that it was a completely stupid thing to ask. Of course Lupin would have a problem being locked up on a room for hours on end with no way of escaping. "Yes, of course." There was so much he wanted to ask; so much he wanted to say, but now was neither the time nor the place. He was just grateful that Lupin was at least behaving as cordially towards him as he always did. "I trust you slept well?"

"I did, thank you. And yourself?"

"Passably." He busied himself attacking a slice of buttered toast with a knife, cutting into strips.

Remus watched for a moment, trying to keep his thoughts pure as he stared at Snape's hands. "I do hope I'm not bothering you."

Snape raised his eyes and fixed Lupin with an astonished stare. Shaking his head, he softly said, "No, of course not."

"I'm glad to hear that. You understand, of course, why I thought otherwise."

Yes, Snape could easily see why Lupin would think that he had no desire to talk to him. "I do."

Remus turned his attention back to his food, pleased with Snape's denial that Remus was bothering him.

Glad that Lupin at least appeared to wish to speak to him, Snape breathed a sigh of relief. "Do you have any plans for the morning?"

"Normally I correct papers, but I think I took care of all of them yesterday," he said with a chuckle. "I do need to see Dumbledore about the identity of the students that were responsible for yesterday's fiasco. Oddly enough, he refused to tell me last night."

Snape was also most interesting in finding out the identity of the culprits. "Would you mind if I accompanied you?"

"As long as you don't tell me 'I told you so' if they are Gryffindor students."

Smirking, Snape nodded. "Very well, if you insist."

"Most gracious of you Severus."

Raising a brow, Snape tried to fight the smile that was threatening to spread over his thin lips. It would not do to be seen enjoying himself in the presence of the students; he saw no reason to give them any more reason to play any practical jokes that may go wrong. "When do you plan on going?"

"After breakfast."

They finished eating in silence, Remus finishing before Snape. He folded his napkin, placed it on his plate, and waited silently.

Snape finished his breakfast a few moments later, noting how Lupin seemed to be waiting for him to complete his. "Shall we go?"

"Certainly," Remus answered. He noted their leaving together did not go unnoticed by anyone present, and he was amused to think what Snape thought of it. Nor did Dumbledore seem particularly surprised to see them both although as far as Remus was aware, he had been expecting only Remus.

"Good morning Professors, good morning. Please, have a seat." Remus and Snape sat, and waited for Dumbledore to continue. He smiled before he did so, asking then, "I'm glad to see both of you are alive and well after yesterday."

Snape resisted the tugging at the corner of his lips, determined to keep his manner as professional as possible. "The experience wasn't wholly unpleasant. Quite enlightening as it happens."

Remus didn't bother to repress a small grin at Snape's words or Dumbledore's not so surprised expression.

"I'm pleased to hear that, Severus," Dumbledore said. "I take it you are both here because you wish to know the identity of the troublemakers, is that correct?"

Snape stole a glance towards Lupin, keen to see his reaction when Dumbledore revealed who was responsible. "That is correct Headmaster."

"Avery Wood, Bridget Thomas, Mark Raman, and Linus Thomas."

Remus glanced at Snape, amused. That was two Gryffindor students and two Slytherin.

Smirking, Snape bowed his head slightly by way of an acknowledgment. He wasn't overjoyed that two of his students chose to partake in this prank, and even less so at the fact that they had done so with Gryffindor students. However, something about Lupin's obvious amusement caused his annoyance to melt away rather quicker than he would have liked. "Thank you Headmaster," he said finally.

"You're welcome, Severus. Their punishments have been duly handed out already, so there should be no call for further penalty, I should think," Dumbledore said, watching Severus a minute longer than he had Remus.

Remaining seated for a few moments more, Snape eventually stood. "Well, if that will be all?" His gaze moved between Dumbledore and Lupin, looking for signs from either man that he was free to go. "Lupin, perhaps you would like to accompany me while I finish your potion. You may find the process interesting."

Dumbledore smiled knowingly, which only served to amuse Remus more and no doubt infuriate Snape. Remus stood and nodded. "That would be most interesting. Please, lead the way."

Bowing to the Headmaster, Snape left the room, Lupin following on a few steps behind. Once they were out in the corridor, Snape turned and faced Lupin. "You are aware of course that I need to concentrate while brewing the potion. You may observe but touch nothing."

"Nothing at all?" Remus asked with perfect innocence.

Snape's eyes narrowed. "Well, we'll see." Spinning on his heel he turned and made his way down the corridor, robes billowing in his wake.

They arrived at Snape's Office a few minutes later. Releasing the many sealing charms Snape used to prevent the more brave or foolish students from entering without his permission, he began to make his way to his private store. Waving his hand at a vacant chair opposite his desk, he motioned Lupin to sit. "Feel free to make yourself comfortable, you may be here a while if you stay until its completion."

Remus took a sear near Snape's workbench, amazed at himself for being there and amazed that Snape invited him. "Will you explain what you're doing? I promise not to touch your ingredients or anything of the sort. "

Snape's cheeks flushed upon hearing Lupin's words. His mind raced at the thought of Lupin's hands running over the workbench, picking up and inspecting ingredients, before smiling and laying them back down on the desk. His pulse quickened at the thought of him inching closer to him, once again feeling his hot, sweet breath on the back of his neck as his hands touched his elbows. Blood pounded in his ears as Lupin's hands ran down his arms, before moving onto his hips, inching ever lower.

Steadying himself by grabbing onto the shelf, he took several deep breaths. It was foolishness to think these things, and no good would certainly come of it. The only thing on offer to him from Lupin was friendship, and as grateful as he was for that, he would just have to make the best of the situation.

He re-emerged from the store a few moments later arms laden with ingredients, Snape nodded. "Certainly. After all, the purpose of you being here is to see what is involved in making your potion." Dropping the items on the bench, he failed to mention that the other reason why he had invited Lupin along was that he found himself wanting to spend more time with him.

Two hours passed, as Snape chopped, sliced, sprinkled, and stirred. Lupin asking the occasional question which he would answer thoroughly and with careful consideration, occasionally asking Lupin to pass him an ingredient to involve him more in the process. Eventually, the potion was complete and Snape poured it into a goblet, handing the smoking concoction to Lupin.

"And that, Lupin, is how you make the Wolfsbane Potion."

Accepting the goblet, Remus wrinkled his nose and sighed. "I've listened and watched you for two hours and I still don't understand why it smells so horrible."

"Yes, it is rather vile" Snape said. "Of course, as disgusting as it smells, it shouldn't taste as bad. I didn't add any wormwood, so it shouldn't be quite as bitter." He smiled half-amused, half-apologetic. He had been guilty in the past of including ingredients that he knew wouldn't disturb the effect of the potion, simply because he knew that they would make it more unpleasant to take.

Remus sipped at the potion hesitantly, but found it did not have its normal bitter taste. "I ought to curse your arse into next year for that, Severus."

Frowning, Snape began clearing his equipment and leftover ingredients away. "The potion was effective was it not? Yes, it had a slightly bitter taste to it, but are you a man or not Remus? Surely you are beyond the age of complaining about medicine tasting badly."

Remus narrowed his eyes. For a brief moment, he entertained the idea of showing Snape just how it tasted, less bitter now or not. He doubted Snape would willingly try to sample the potion, but another thought took care of that. He could force Snape into trying a taste, and making it worth both their while. He could take a finger, dip it into the potion, and offer it to Snape. Snape could lick it off... "It wasn't the medicine I was complaining about."

"Then what were you complaining about?"

"Missed years of possible companionship, I suppose."

It was hard for Snape not to act taken aback by Lupin's words, dropping several of the items that he had picked up in his surprise. "You are hardly at a loss for people to spend time with, Lupin. You know as well as I that you are one of the most valued and beloved Professors of this school, by staff and student alike."

"I'm not sure I follow you," Remus frowned. "I wasn't speaking about anyone else as that has nothing to do with it. I think we misunderstood each other for a very long time, Severus, and it is a great pity. We both seem to have a great deal in common, and when you are not snarling and being your usual jolly self, I enjoy being in your company."

Snape looked skeptical. "Why would it matter to you? Those years you speak of, it isn't as though our not being on friendly terms left you desolate and alone."

"Perhaps, perhaps not. It's not a question of the number of acquaintances, it's that each person in your live offers something special."

"I hardly have anything to offer you Lupin, so by that reasoning you missed nothing."

Remus sighed. "Why are you so certain? If you would prefer I would recant, well, I don't want to. But I don't want to sit here and listen to you shoot down everything I'm saying, either. Everyone provides someone else with something no one else can. That is my belief, whether you believe it or not."

"Because I have nothing to offer anyone!" Thumping his fists on the bench, he turned his head away from Lupin. What could he, Severus Snape, possibly have that anyone else would want? All that was left within him were the remnants of a lifetime of bitterness and anger. He had no idea where he would even begin to forge a friendship with someone, uncertain if he could for any length of time before driving them away with his insecurities and jealousy, jealousy that had already begun to rear its ugly head even though his bond with Lupin was fresh. Shaking his head sadly, he brought one hand to his face and rubbed his eyes wearily. "Though there is much I can gain from you, there is nothing I can give in return."

"Let me asking you something, Severus. Have I not always been civil to you? Could I not very well hate you for announcing to everyone what I am? It cost me much, you realize. A job, friends, resources in searching for Matt. I have just as much to be bitter about as you, but I much prefer friendly terms. To be able to speak to one another with civility – you don't think that isn't giving me something?" Remus sighed. "Take it or leave it Severus, but I am not going to keep hashing it out when you refuse to hear what I am saying." A moment of silence passed before Remus added, "Besides that, you have already taught me something today. If I ever wish to be rather nasty or teasing to someone, I know now to add a wee bit of wormwood to their drink."

Snape couldn't help but smile at that. "You are right, of course. My apologies."

"I ought to warn you that I often am."

Finishing clearing away the remainder of the supplies, Snape moved to his desk and perched himself on its edge. His eyes becoming distant, he stared into space for sometime before finally speaking. "It has been a long time since I have been in a role and not known what was expected of me. The concept of friendship is somewhat alien to me, you understand. I still have a great deal to learn."

"Sounds much like life."

"Yes, perhaps." Snape had always believed that he had known everything that he needed to know about life. Certainly, there were mysteries that he, nor anyone else, could solve, but they never touched his every day existence so he had no reason to bother with them. Today, he had discovered that a whole new world had opened up to him with possibilities that he had never imagined. He also knew that along with the possibilities there must also be expectations. Although Lupin had implied that his acceptance of his friendship was enough, Snape couldn't help but believe there was more that he was required to do.

"I don't mean to anger you or frustrate you with what I say, Lupin. My feelings are not because of anything you have said or done and I am aware that it is unfair to take them out on you, as I did last night. I cannot give any assurances that I won't do so again; I refuse to make promises that I do not know if I can keep." He paused for a moment to look at Lupin. "That is something you will have to learn to deal with Lupin, if this friendship is to work."

"Although I may look perfect, I realize I am far from it. Consider it understood. Now, do you plan to starve me, or might we have lunch now? Quite possibly anything to rid me the taste of that awful potion of yours."

Laughing, Snape stood and moved back towards his store where he always kept some fresh food ingredients in the event he did not feel like joining the others in the Great Hall. "Are you sure you have not had enough of my cooking by now?

"I assure you I have not. Unless your cooking skills include wormwood as well, in which case I fear I will have to retire to the Hall."

"No, I do believe I shall forego the wormwood on this occasion." Grabbing some potatoes, carrots and onions from a dark corner of the store, he made his way back to the bench and chopped them quickly, popping them into the cauldron. "I do hope you like soup. It seems that is all I have supplies for at the moment."

"Soup is fine, thank you." Remus wondered at what point he decided to ignore rational thought and instead act upon his attraction for Snape. Denial had been swift in leaving and ruining their fragile bond would be foolish, but Remus had not gotten where he was today by not taking risks nor ignoring his heart – nor other body extremities, for that matter. He doubted Snape would believe him if he outright stated his attraction, but the Snape was an intelligent man. He could always use that to his advantage and play it slowly. That way, if he would be able to tell if Snape was unreceptive or not. If he were, Remus would have nothing to lose. However, if he were not... they would both have a lot to gain. He wasn't sure how Snape's sexual preferences fell, not quite, but he knew Snape had felt a little of the chemistry yesterday and it was encouraging. Trying and failing seemed like a better option than not knowing, at any rate.

Smiling, he poured some stock for the soup from the tip of his wand into the cauldron, much as he had done the previous evening with the sauce for the chicken. "Would you be so kind as to fetch some cutlery Lupin? You can find some in my desk on the top right drawer, it is already open."

"I'm sorry Severus, what did you say?"

Looking up, Snape's expression was concerned. "I asked if you would mind fetching some cutlery from my desk." Lupin had obviously been deep in thought about something; not only was it obvious from his lack of hearing Snape's question the expression on his face still looked thoughtful. "Is everything all right?"

Biting his lip, Remus resisted the urge to chuckle as he stood and walked to Snape's desk. "Yes, sorry. I seem to have gotten lost in my own thoughts. Where shall I...?"

This answer seemed to satisfy Snape, as he motioned Lupin towards a table at the other side of the room. "Over there will be fine." Pouring out the soup, he moved towards his desk where there was a basket of bread rolls sitting waiting. Grabbing a couple, he put them on the side plates as he retrieved the bowls and moved towards the table, laying them down at opposite ends from one another. "You can sit down Lupin, I don't expect you to stand while we eat." The smirk was back on his face as he smoothed a napkin down on his lap.

Remus shook his head as he took his seat. "You're too kind, Professor." He cautiously tried the soup, expecting it to be hot and was pleasantly surprised to find it wasn't. "This is wonderful, Severus."

Snape warmed under Lupin's praise. He had never cooked for anyone other than himself before, and to hear and see that it was appreciated touched him deeply. "Thank you." Taking Lupin's roll, he split it in two before spreading it with a thin scraping of butter and tapping it gently with his wand. "Try this with it," he smiled, handing the roll back to Lupin.

Remus did, and their lunch passed enjoyably. Remus helped Snape clean up and they had just sat back down when Remus noted the time. Swearing softly, he stood back up and shook his head. "I fear I'm needed elsewhere for a while, but if you would like to come by after supper, I can give you that book you wanted?"

Feeling his stomach drop, Snape nodded. "I shall." Standing, he bowed slightly, "Thank you for your company this morning, it was ... pleasant."

Remus didn't particularly want to go, but he chided himself to take small steps. He smiled his goodbye before closing the door behind him.