Food for Thought

Chapter 2

Remus stared at the plate in front of him the next morning. It was filled with all of his favorite food, the smell wafting off them into his nostrils. The bacon oozed with grease, the toast dripped with butter and his eggs gleamed up at him making his taste buds water.

Unhappily, he turned away from the food and took another sip of his coffee. It was straight, so he knew there were no calories in it. He drank as much of the bitter liquid as he could fit in his stomach hoping it would tide him over. He glanced down the staff table to see Severus looking at him curiously. Quickly, the scarred man turned away.

In spite of Severus' look and his own hunger, Remus pushed his plate away and picked up a Daily Profit. His eyes drifted over the words without taking in any of the information. He jumped slightly when Poppy touched his arm.

"Are you alright Remus? You haven't eaten a bite."

"Oh, yes Poppy. I'm just not feeling well this morning," he murmured, trying to smile. She was looking at him with concern that soon vanished when he took her hand in his and squeezed it softly. She smiled at him and squeezed back.

"It must be because of the moon. It's only about 5 days off, isn't it?" she asked, studying him.

"Oh, yes," he confirmed. She rubbed the back of his hand with her warm fingers and nodded. Eventually, she turned away and started talking with Minerva.

Remus sighed and ran his fingers over the hem of his shabby robes. He wished he could afford something better, but what could he expect? He was a werewolf and every job he'd managed to land before this one was quickly pulled out from under him when his employers learned of his lycan side.

Remus picked up his mug again and took another sip of his coffee. The warm liquid burned his raw throat as he drank. His amber eyes watered and he coughed, turning his face away from the table. Poppy rubbed his back soothingly.

"You poor dear. You should probably get some rest," she suggested, still rubbing.

He nodded, not wanting her to know that although she was rightfully concerned, the moon cycles had not yet started to take their toll on him. He rubbed his throat and groaned. His esophagus ached and felt like it was wearing thin due to all the stomach acid.

"Excuse me…I think I'd better return to my quarters," he murmured, voice scratchy.

Poppy nodded, her curly hair bouncing as she did. "I'll send you something later to help with the pain," she promised him.

He rose shakily to his feet, hands trembling. Carefully, using the wall to help him keep balance, Remus returned to his chamber. He pushed the door open and collapsed into his overstuffed chair. His room was warm and decorated humbly. Only a few sparse photographs and one painting along with the bed and chair were present. He'd decided against a mirror long ago, because of all the pain it caused him.

He was able to close his eyes for a few minutes of peace before he was roused. Someone was rapping on his door impatiently. Not having the strength to stand, Remus called out, "It's open" before sinking back into his chair.

Severus Snape strolled in, a golden goblet in hand. He surveyed the room like he always did and strode over to where Remus was seated. Feeling a little embarrassed the blond rose to his feet.

"Hullo Severus, what are you doing here?"

"I came to bring you this," the other man drawled, holding out the goblet. By the smell of it, Remus knew it was the wolfsbane potion. He carefully reached for it and held the smoldering substance in his hands.

"Thank you, Severus. I was not expecting it so soon."

"Yes well, I was not aware that you were affected by the moon so early prior to its fullness," the other man replied, watching Remus with his cool dark stare.

"Oh, you were listening?"

"Yes. I was listening," Severus confirmed. It was not in his nature to be discrete when eavesdropping and so he was open about it. Remus smiled at him and motioned for him to come in and have a seat. The thin man did so without hesitation. He swept his cloak up behind him and sat in the chair like it was his own. Remus closed the door and walked over to him.

He held the potion under his nose and sniffed it. A disgusted grimace passed over his face and he smiled. "Can I offer you anything to drink? I mean, since I'm all set and everything…"

"Yes. That would be appreciated."

"Do you prefer scotch? Wine? I have a lovely Chablis if you're interested," he offered, placing his own goblet on a table.

"So early in the morning? Honestly Remus, if I didn't know you better, I'd say you were up to no good," Severus sneered, stretching out his long legs. "No, thank you. I'll just have some Brandy," He smiled as he said this, and Remus knew his earlier remark had been good natured.

Remus reached into his cupboard and pulled out the bottle and two glass goblets. He swirled a clean white clothe over them before heading back over with them in hand. Slowly, he set them down in front of the other teacher and poured two healthy amounts into each glass.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette gingerly. He lit it and took a long drag, He was aware of Severus' eyes on him as the other man took a drink. Remus reached for his potion and gagged a little as he swallowed it. It was as disgusting as always, but he was grateful to have it.

"I didn't know you smoked," Severus remarked, taking another sip.

"Oh, yes. I picked it up when I was working for a bloke in London," Remus lied. He didn't want Severus to know that the real reason he started was because tobacco sped up your metabolism.

The dark haired man nodded and set his cup down. Slowly, he leaned forward in his chair and touched Remus' face. The blond leaned into the touch and closed his eyes. Severus stroked his face carefully and examined him.

"You really don't look well, Remus."

"It's nothing."

Severus didn't look convinced, but he nodded. Glancing at the sun dial, he stood up. "I have to be getting to my class."

"Of course," Remus agreed. He stood too and stood awkwardly as Severus moved closer to him. The kiss was brief, but good. He had always loved the way Severus kissed him, and right now he felt like he needed it more than anything.

"I'll see you tonight, yes?"

"Of course."

"Alright then. I should be on my way," Severus murmured, picking up the now empty goblet. He walked briskly across the room and opened the door. Remus stood, still watching him. Severus looked back at him and gave him one of those rare smiles and left.

After he was gone, Remus returned to his seat and slumped into it. He knew he should be getting to his own class, but it was difficult to convince himself it was a good idea to get up. After all, his first period were Slytherin 4rth years who's much rather be elsewhere. Agitated, he picked up his papers and brushed his hair out of his face. Remus knew that he had to go. There were no other options and even though it wasn't worth it, he had to teach them.

Feeling upset, he walked to his door and made his way out. At least he'd be seeing Severus later, even if it was a long way off. It gave him something to look forward to, if nothing else.