Disclaimer: I own nothing from Harry Potter.
Chapter Four
As Remus walked away with Sirius back to Honeydukes, a multitude of thoughts ran through his head. He felt a little annoyed with his friend for speaking out and baiting the two Slytherins so quickly, when they could have stayed and listened for a while longer. That conversation sounded interesting. But then again Sirius could never be trusted to keep his mouth shut.
Even Remus was shocked that Snape had broken his word to Dumbledore and told Malfoy. He'd got the impression that although the two appeared on the surface to be very close, an air of separateness surrounded them. He hoped that Sirius wasn't going to do anything rash; but he supposed he was asking too much. Severus could get into a lot of trouble if news of his lycanthropy became common knowledge around the school. And then he'd be forced to leave; the mothers wouldn't want their children to go to a school with a monster. James, Sirius and Peter would also be expelled after being found out to be illegal Animagi. There was no way he could allow Malfoy to let his secret out. Far too much was at stake.
He was at a bit of a loss as to why Sirius had led him out of Hogsmeade in the first place. He seemed to be on the verge of saying something important, but kept stopping himself and starting again. By the time he'd finally psyched himself up to come out with what had been bothering him, they heard the Slytherins' voices coming round the corner. Quickly, they had hidden themselves, and listened to the conversation, but then Sirius hadn't been able to contain himself.
His heart had leapt when he saw Severus. In Muggle jeans and a loose black shirt, he was the epitome of magnificence. His hair had grown a little over the summer, and now it curled softly below his neck, though didn't quite come down to his shoulders. Severus had cheekbones to die for, and those eyes. Remus had shivered when he looked into their depths, fearing he'd drown if he stayed there too long.
But then Malfoy and Sirius had started baiting each other, and he realised he had to stop it before it got out of hand. Sirius was by no means stupid, but there was no denying that he'd most likely lose in a duel with Malfoy, and he wouldn't be too sure about a physical fight either. Malfoy was Seeker on the Slytherin Quidditch team, and definitely had muscles beneath those sleeves. Sirius lacked pragmatism, he'd be too likely to rush in headfirst and get beaten to a bloody pulp. He couldn't allow that to happen either.
They were approaching Honeydukes. Remus stole a look at his friend. Sirius was plainly furious, and was muttering to himself. He looked into the distance, and saw James, Peter and Lily waiting for them, with anxious expressions on their faces. He wasn't surprised; they'd been gone a while longer than they had said they'd be. James stared at his best friend, and frowned. He sent a questioning look towards Remus, who sent him an 'I'll tell you later' look, and James nodded. After grabbing his bag full of chocolates, Sirius stalked off in the directions of Zonko's. The four of them followed behind, none of them wanting to be the recipient of Sirius' bad temper. James looked over his shoulder, and spotted Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy coming down the hill, the latter looking extremely pleased with himself, and even Severus looked amused. James scowled; nobody messed with his friends. Especially a Slytherin.
~~~~~
"So, are you going to tell me what those ingredients are for, or do I have to continue to guess?" Severus asked, as the two walked up to Lucius' bedroom.
Lucius smiled. "You can guess for a little while longer, I don't mind."
"Lucius!"
"I've got a book you might find interesting, Sev. I saw it in Knockturn Alley when I was there in the summer; it's really good. Got lots of different recipes for potions, which I thought you'd find appealing. There's this one in particular, which I was hoping you'd make for me..."
"Lucius," Severus said questioningly, a note of warning in his voice. They walked into the room and the blonde walked over to the chest, opened it, and pulled out a leather bound volume, which he passed to Severus.
The title read 'One Hundrede Potions for the Discerninge Wizarde', and when Severus opened it up and flipped through it he saw immediately why it was not a standard Hogwart's text. Dark Potions they were, potions to cause pain, to deaden the life, to cause unholy pleasure. His eyes stopped on page seventy-two. Blasphemer's Delight. Severus raised his eyes to Lucius', and the other boy grinned. He looked down at the recipe again, and quickly scanned the instructions. They looked simple enough. Looking back up at Lucius, Severus frowned.
"And is this all for you, or am I just the go-between?"
Lucius conveyed a hurt look. "Severus, how could you think like that? You know I'd give you anything, share all that I have with you. You're my best friend."
"I think we have everything we need. It takes two weeks to make...hmm, and it'll need regular attention, at least for the first few days. God, it needs blood from the users."
"You have a problem with that?" Lucius asked blandly. Inwardly, he smiled. The deal was made, and it made for a very sweet meal.
"No...of course not, Luc."
~~~~~~
Sirius Black glowered. Once again, his plans were thwarted. He sat in the corner of the common room, absently watching his friends. He had more than made it clear to them what his mood was like. They knew better than to push him. James was busy polishing his Head Boy badge, his nightly ritual. Remus and Peter sat doing prep together (well, Remus was doing it and Peter was copying when he wasn't looking). It was any normal night in Gryffindor tower.
He hated Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy with all his soul. Who the hell did they think they were? He couldn't believe that Snape had broken his word to Dumbledore. He had every intention of making sure they were expelled. Serves them right for being such bastards. Their kind should be suffocated at birth, and he was going to become an Auror, and make damn sure they would. He hated the way Remus' eyes would linger on Snape, watching with curious eyes. Remus hardly had time at all for him these days.
It was so bloody unfair! Remus was the only one he wanted to notice him - he'd rather have his attention than that of his best friend, James. He always felt like he had to be James' equal, the perfect partner. They did everything together - worked together, played quidditch together, dated the same girls... But Sirius was tired of dating girls. They were never enough for him; he wanted more than they could offer. James had started being serious about this girl, a sixth year called Lily. Whenever he talked, it was always Lily this, Lily that, and Sirius was tired of it. He wanted Remus to bloody well notice him. He wanted Remus to want him...
He'd been debating this for weeks, wondering whether to tell Remus of his feelings for him. Perhaps his suspicions of Remus' desires towards Snape were merely paranoia. He'd certainly imagined such things before. He had dated a girl called Mandy Miggins in fourth year and accused her of cheating on him when he saw her hugging another boy. But it turned out her grandmother had just died and he was her cousin. Oh well.
He was pretty sure that Remus wouldn't react with horror, even if he didn't reciprocate Sirius' feelings. Remus was the understanding type. And he couldn't go on like this. He wanted to know where he stood with Remus. And he wanted to know the boundaries. He'd actually been about to confess his feelings this afternoon in Hogsmeade, having taken Remus away from the others. But Remus had just stood there, looking so damned beautiful! And the sweet, understanding expression on his face! It had made Sirius so nervous, that he couldn't seem to get his words out, and by the time he'd actually worked himself up to say them, the two Slytherins came loudly around the corner. How dare they interrupt his important moment? They'd pay for everything that they'd done.
He stood up, slowly. He'd take Remus up to the dorm; nobody would be up there for hours yet. It was so unfair that the Gryffindors' had dormitories instead of rooms! He heard the Slytherins' rooms were decked in silk and velvet and they had their own private Jacuzzi. But he'd rather stay in a dorm in the tower than in a room in the dungeons. Sirius needed light.
He walked over to the table. After clearing his throat, both boys looked up at him. In the time that he'd been thinking, James had moved away and started talking to Lily. But Remus was still right there, and he was looking up at Sirius with *those* eyes.
"Remus, I need to talk to you. Would you come with me?"
Remus studied him for a minute, then smiled innocently. "Of course, Sirius. Now?"
"Yes." They walked out of the room and up the curved staircase into their dormitory. As soon as they were there Remus turned to look at Sirius, inviting him to speak. Just as he was about to come out with it, Remus spoke first.
"Siri, I need you to promise to me that you won't go to Dumbledore to sneak on Severus."
Sirius stared at him. Was the boy out of his mind? "When the hell did Snape become Severus? And why do you care?"
"He is Snape, that's what I meant," Remus said quickly. Straightening, he continued, "Do you really think that if either of those two were expelled that they wouldn't leave behind, as a leaving present, the knowledge to the entire school of my condition? I need to talk to Malfoy, strike a deal with him. Promise me you won't do anything stupid."
"Remus...."
"Please, Siri," he whispered. Moving forward, closer to him, he said, "please don't do anything rash. If that news gets out I'd have to leave. And believe me, Malfoy would find some way or other to get back at us."
Sirius, pleasantly intoxicated by Remus' scent, which was coming off him strongly, nodded vaguely. Having Remus this close to him was an overwhelming experience, and god, he wanted more. When Remus seemed to be waiting for an answer, he nodded slightly. "Of course," he breathed.
Stepping back, Remus went and sat on his bed. "Thank you. Now what did you want to say?"
Sirius couldn't believe what had just happened. Had Remus just done that on purpose? Had he really just agreed to leave the Slytherins alone? The little manipulator. God, he wanted him.
"Remus, there's something I need to say to you."
He waited. Remus motioned for him to go on. Walking over and sitting next to him, Sirius prepared himself for confessing his feelings. What came out was a little different, however, and as soon as the words came out, he regretted them.
"Do you have a thing for Snape?"
Remus couldn't believe his ears. Was he that obvious? He had to convince Sirius that he didn't feel anything for the Slytherin. He shook his head. "No, of course I don't. What makes you say that?"
Sirius nodded, relieved. Of course Remus didn't have feelings for the boy. Who would with a face like that? Taking a deep breath, he continued. "No reason. What I've been meaning to say to you, is that for quite a while now, I've...I've felt something for you."
Remus didn't get it. Confused, he said, "felt what?"
Flushing, Sirius replied, "I...want you. As James wants Lily."
Remus' eyes widened. God, he had no idea. What was he supposed to stay? Sirius fancied him? But Sirius was straight! Coughing slightly, he whispered, "I thought you liked girls."
Sirius brought a hand up to Remus' face and lightly stroked his cheek. "I know what I want. And I want you." Leaning forward, he kissed Remus lightly, and then drew back, waiting for his friend's reaction.
Remus was trembling slightly. He'd wanted Severus for so long, and he was never going to feel the same. And here was Sirius, his best friend, offering him everything that Severus would never dream of doing. He'd be a fool to mess this up. And this would certainly prove to Sirius that he had no feelings for Severus. Looking up at the older boy, Remus smiled uncertainly. Tilting forward, he returned the gentle kiss. Sirius suddenly grinned. The answer was given.
Sirius wasted no time in initiating the next kiss. This one was a lot more forceful, and he probed Remus' lips with his tongue, seeking entry. Reluctantly, Remus allowed him access and the two started their dance of submission and domination.
~~~~~
Chapter Four
As Remus walked away with Sirius back to Honeydukes, a multitude of thoughts ran through his head. He felt a little annoyed with his friend for speaking out and baiting the two Slytherins so quickly, when they could have stayed and listened for a while longer. That conversation sounded interesting. But then again Sirius could never be trusted to keep his mouth shut.
Even Remus was shocked that Snape had broken his word to Dumbledore and told Malfoy. He'd got the impression that although the two appeared on the surface to be very close, an air of separateness surrounded them. He hoped that Sirius wasn't going to do anything rash; but he supposed he was asking too much. Severus could get into a lot of trouble if news of his lycanthropy became common knowledge around the school. And then he'd be forced to leave; the mothers wouldn't want their children to go to a school with a monster. James, Sirius and Peter would also be expelled after being found out to be illegal Animagi. There was no way he could allow Malfoy to let his secret out. Far too much was at stake.
He was at a bit of a loss as to why Sirius had led him out of Hogsmeade in the first place. He seemed to be on the verge of saying something important, but kept stopping himself and starting again. By the time he'd finally psyched himself up to come out with what had been bothering him, they heard the Slytherins' voices coming round the corner. Quickly, they had hidden themselves, and listened to the conversation, but then Sirius hadn't been able to contain himself.
His heart had leapt when he saw Severus. In Muggle jeans and a loose black shirt, he was the epitome of magnificence. His hair had grown a little over the summer, and now it curled softly below his neck, though didn't quite come down to his shoulders. Severus had cheekbones to die for, and those eyes. Remus had shivered when he looked into their depths, fearing he'd drown if he stayed there too long.
But then Malfoy and Sirius had started baiting each other, and he realised he had to stop it before it got out of hand. Sirius was by no means stupid, but there was no denying that he'd most likely lose in a duel with Malfoy, and he wouldn't be too sure about a physical fight either. Malfoy was Seeker on the Slytherin Quidditch team, and definitely had muscles beneath those sleeves. Sirius lacked pragmatism, he'd be too likely to rush in headfirst and get beaten to a bloody pulp. He couldn't allow that to happen either.
They were approaching Honeydukes. Remus stole a look at his friend. Sirius was plainly furious, and was muttering to himself. He looked into the distance, and saw James, Peter and Lily waiting for them, with anxious expressions on their faces. He wasn't surprised; they'd been gone a while longer than they had said they'd be. James stared at his best friend, and frowned. He sent a questioning look towards Remus, who sent him an 'I'll tell you later' look, and James nodded. After grabbing his bag full of chocolates, Sirius stalked off in the directions of Zonko's. The four of them followed behind, none of them wanting to be the recipient of Sirius' bad temper. James looked over his shoulder, and spotted Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy coming down the hill, the latter looking extremely pleased with himself, and even Severus looked amused. James scowled; nobody messed with his friends. Especially a Slytherin.
~~~~~
"So, are you going to tell me what those ingredients are for, or do I have to continue to guess?" Severus asked, as the two walked up to Lucius' bedroom.
Lucius smiled. "You can guess for a little while longer, I don't mind."
"Lucius!"
"I've got a book you might find interesting, Sev. I saw it in Knockturn Alley when I was there in the summer; it's really good. Got lots of different recipes for potions, which I thought you'd find appealing. There's this one in particular, which I was hoping you'd make for me..."
"Lucius," Severus said questioningly, a note of warning in his voice. They walked into the room and the blonde walked over to the chest, opened it, and pulled out a leather bound volume, which he passed to Severus.
The title read 'One Hundrede Potions for the Discerninge Wizarde', and when Severus opened it up and flipped through it he saw immediately why it was not a standard Hogwart's text. Dark Potions they were, potions to cause pain, to deaden the life, to cause unholy pleasure. His eyes stopped on page seventy-two. Blasphemer's Delight. Severus raised his eyes to Lucius', and the other boy grinned. He looked down at the recipe again, and quickly scanned the instructions. They looked simple enough. Looking back up at Lucius, Severus frowned.
"And is this all for you, or am I just the go-between?"
Lucius conveyed a hurt look. "Severus, how could you think like that? You know I'd give you anything, share all that I have with you. You're my best friend."
"I think we have everything we need. It takes two weeks to make...hmm, and it'll need regular attention, at least for the first few days. God, it needs blood from the users."
"You have a problem with that?" Lucius asked blandly. Inwardly, he smiled. The deal was made, and it made for a very sweet meal.
"No...of course not, Luc."
~~~~~~
Sirius Black glowered. Once again, his plans were thwarted. He sat in the corner of the common room, absently watching his friends. He had more than made it clear to them what his mood was like. They knew better than to push him. James was busy polishing his Head Boy badge, his nightly ritual. Remus and Peter sat doing prep together (well, Remus was doing it and Peter was copying when he wasn't looking). It was any normal night in Gryffindor tower.
He hated Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy with all his soul. Who the hell did they think they were? He couldn't believe that Snape had broken his word to Dumbledore. He had every intention of making sure they were expelled. Serves them right for being such bastards. Their kind should be suffocated at birth, and he was going to become an Auror, and make damn sure they would. He hated the way Remus' eyes would linger on Snape, watching with curious eyes. Remus hardly had time at all for him these days.
It was so bloody unfair! Remus was the only one he wanted to notice him - he'd rather have his attention than that of his best friend, James. He always felt like he had to be James' equal, the perfect partner. They did everything together - worked together, played quidditch together, dated the same girls... But Sirius was tired of dating girls. They were never enough for him; he wanted more than they could offer. James had started being serious about this girl, a sixth year called Lily. Whenever he talked, it was always Lily this, Lily that, and Sirius was tired of it. He wanted Remus to bloody well notice him. He wanted Remus to want him...
He'd been debating this for weeks, wondering whether to tell Remus of his feelings for him. Perhaps his suspicions of Remus' desires towards Snape were merely paranoia. He'd certainly imagined such things before. He had dated a girl called Mandy Miggins in fourth year and accused her of cheating on him when he saw her hugging another boy. But it turned out her grandmother had just died and he was her cousin. Oh well.
He was pretty sure that Remus wouldn't react with horror, even if he didn't reciprocate Sirius' feelings. Remus was the understanding type. And he couldn't go on like this. He wanted to know where he stood with Remus. And he wanted to know the boundaries. He'd actually been about to confess his feelings this afternoon in Hogsmeade, having taken Remus away from the others. But Remus had just stood there, looking so damned beautiful! And the sweet, understanding expression on his face! It had made Sirius so nervous, that he couldn't seem to get his words out, and by the time he'd actually worked himself up to say them, the two Slytherins came loudly around the corner. How dare they interrupt his important moment? They'd pay for everything that they'd done.
He stood up, slowly. He'd take Remus up to the dorm; nobody would be up there for hours yet. It was so unfair that the Gryffindors' had dormitories instead of rooms! He heard the Slytherins' rooms were decked in silk and velvet and they had their own private Jacuzzi. But he'd rather stay in a dorm in the tower than in a room in the dungeons. Sirius needed light.
He walked over to the table. After clearing his throat, both boys looked up at him. In the time that he'd been thinking, James had moved away and started talking to Lily. But Remus was still right there, and he was looking up at Sirius with *those* eyes.
"Remus, I need to talk to you. Would you come with me?"
Remus studied him for a minute, then smiled innocently. "Of course, Sirius. Now?"
"Yes." They walked out of the room and up the curved staircase into their dormitory. As soon as they were there Remus turned to look at Sirius, inviting him to speak. Just as he was about to come out with it, Remus spoke first.
"Siri, I need you to promise to me that you won't go to Dumbledore to sneak on Severus."
Sirius stared at him. Was the boy out of his mind? "When the hell did Snape become Severus? And why do you care?"
"He is Snape, that's what I meant," Remus said quickly. Straightening, he continued, "Do you really think that if either of those two were expelled that they wouldn't leave behind, as a leaving present, the knowledge to the entire school of my condition? I need to talk to Malfoy, strike a deal with him. Promise me you won't do anything stupid."
"Remus...."
"Please, Siri," he whispered. Moving forward, closer to him, he said, "please don't do anything rash. If that news gets out I'd have to leave. And believe me, Malfoy would find some way or other to get back at us."
Sirius, pleasantly intoxicated by Remus' scent, which was coming off him strongly, nodded vaguely. Having Remus this close to him was an overwhelming experience, and god, he wanted more. When Remus seemed to be waiting for an answer, he nodded slightly. "Of course," he breathed.
Stepping back, Remus went and sat on his bed. "Thank you. Now what did you want to say?"
Sirius couldn't believe what had just happened. Had Remus just done that on purpose? Had he really just agreed to leave the Slytherins alone? The little manipulator. God, he wanted him.
"Remus, there's something I need to say to you."
He waited. Remus motioned for him to go on. Walking over and sitting next to him, Sirius prepared himself for confessing his feelings. What came out was a little different, however, and as soon as the words came out, he regretted them.
"Do you have a thing for Snape?"
Remus couldn't believe his ears. Was he that obvious? He had to convince Sirius that he didn't feel anything for the Slytherin. He shook his head. "No, of course I don't. What makes you say that?"
Sirius nodded, relieved. Of course Remus didn't have feelings for the boy. Who would with a face like that? Taking a deep breath, he continued. "No reason. What I've been meaning to say to you, is that for quite a while now, I've...I've felt something for you."
Remus didn't get it. Confused, he said, "felt what?"
Flushing, Sirius replied, "I...want you. As James wants Lily."
Remus' eyes widened. God, he had no idea. What was he supposed to stay? Sirius fancied him? But Sirius was straight! Coughing slightly, he whispered, "I thought you liked girls."
Sirius brought a hand up to Remus' face and lightly stroked his cheek. "I know what I want. And I want you." Leaning forward, he kissed Remus lightly, and then drew back, waiting for his friend's reaction.
Remus was trembling slightly. He'd wanted Severus for so long, and he was never going to feel the same. And here was Sirius, his best friend, offering him everything that Severus would never dream of doing. He'd be a fool to mess this up. And this would certainly prove to Sirius that he had no feelings for Severus. Looking up at the older boy, Remus smiled uncertainly. Tilting forward, he returned the gentle kiss. Sirius suddenly grinned. The answer was given.
Sirius wasted no time in initiating the next kiss. This one was a lot more forceful, and he probed Remus' lips with his tongue, seeking entry. Reluctantly, Remus allowed him access and the two started their dance of submission and domination.
~~~~~