See first chapter for notes and warnings.

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Remus's head was still spinning as he slowly walked back to the dormitory following his meeting with the headmaster. His gut twisted under the onslaught of emotions: betrayal, anger, guilt. He should have known that Sirius would attempt something like this. He should have known.

Severus had nearly died and it would have been his fault.

Sirius was waiting for him when he entered the dorm. His features were set in an expression of smug satisfaction, but underlying that was the barest hint of anxiety that perhaps this time he had truly gone too far. He didn't even give Remus a chance to speak before saying, in the self-assured tones of one who truly believes themselves to be right, "It was for your own good, you know."

"My own good?" Remus whispered disbelievingly. He had always kept his anger firmly in check, never allowing it to break free for fear of what he might do while in its grip. Yet it always lurked just below the surface, simmering dangerously, and this one time, he felt no desire to resist its call. He didn't even consider drawing his wand; magic was far too impersonal a response for this kind of betrayal.

Remus launched himself at Sirius, pinning him against the wall and clenching his fists in Sirius's robes. He was gratified to see the fear that was blooming in Sirius's eyes. He should be afraid. He spent so much time reminding Remus of that he was a monster, and yet he seemed to forget that very fact himself. "My own good?" he screamed, slamming Sirius against the wall again. "How can you say that? How can you even think it? I might have killed him!"

"I would have never let that happen!" Sirius protested. He reached up and touched Remus's face, frantically trying to calm him. "You know I wouldn't, Remus, you know!"

Remus released his grip on the robes and stepped back, slapping Sirius's hands away in disgust. "Don't touch me!" he growled. "Why? Tell me why you did it!"

Sirius straightened his robes with an angry jerk and glared at Remus, his eyes darkening. "You were going to see him again."

Remembering the footsteps he had heard in the hallway, Remus's fists clenched again. "You were spying on me," he accused.

"Spying? I was looking for you, and I found you. With him! Even though you'd promised me that it wouldn't happen again!"

"You had no right!" Remus yelled.

"I had every right! You're mine, and there's no way in hell I'm letting some slimy Slytherin take you away from me!"

Remus stared at him, his blood running cold. "We're through, Sirius," he whispered. "We're through. Just stay away from me."

Remus turned towards the door, but froze with his hand on the latch when Sirius said, "We'll never be through, Remus. You forget that I still know your secret. If you think it's bad having him know the truth about you, how do you think it would feel if the entire school knew?"

The words hit Remus like a blow to the gut and he ran from the room, trying to escape the cold chill of Sirius's threat. He ran blindly through the halls with no idea of where he could possibly go. The walls flashed past, unseen, and he nearly ran headlong into the one person he knew that he couldn't face. Skidding to a halt, he drew back, and whispered, "Severus..."

Severus recoiled from him in horror. "Stay back!" he hissed, his eyes filled with loathing. "Stay away from me, werewolf!"

"Please," Remus begged. "You don't understand!"

"Understand?" he spat. Slowly he began backing away from Remus. "What could there possibly be to understand? I'm sure you and your friends have had a nice laugh over this. Stay away from me!" Drawing his wand, he turned and ran.

Remus sank back against the wall and slowly slid to the floor. A wrenching sob broke in his chest and he pounded his fists against the cold stone of the floor. Of course Severus hated him, it was no more than he deserved. Soon enough everyone would know.

The look of hatred and loathing he had seen in Severus's eyes would be mirrored on the faces of all his classmates. That is, if he was even allowed to stay. More likely, he would be sent away, even though he had no place to go. Sirius was going to take everything from him, and there was nothing he could do to prevent it.

Slowly his pain faded, to be replaced by an empty numbness. He knew what he had to do. Rising to his feet, he began the long walk back to his dorm. When he arrived, he could clearly see that Sirius already knew what his decision would be. Bracing himself against the bitter taste of the words, he whispered, "Forgive me..."

"Forgive you for what?" a cold voice asked from only a few feet away.

Remus jumped, startled. He hadn't realised that he had spoken aloud, and silently cursed himself for the lapse. Glancing to his left, he saw that Snape had taken the seat next to him at the staff table. He had been so lost in his memories that he hadn't noticed his arrival. Shaking away the webs of the past, Remus frowned. "Sorry, lost in thought," he said. His eyes narrowed slightly. "What are you doing here?"

Snape sneered disdainfully. "It is still customary for professors to take meals in the Great Hall, is it not?" Without looking at Remus, he began to fill his plate. "You seem intent that we maintain some kind of professional relationship. Very well then. We shall converse."

"Well, when you put it that way," Remus said, rolling his eyes slightly, "how could I refuse?" If nothing else, at least an opportunity to needle Snape would likely improve his spirits.

"I trust that your first day of classes were a success?" Snape asked, scowling slightly as though the attempt at civility was somewhat painful.

A slow smile stretched across Remus's face. "Oh yes, they went quite well indeed. Mr. Longbottom proved to be quite effective against the boggart." He paused and tilted his head slightly to the side as though in careful consideration. "Yes, I must say that you do look quite fetching in a dress, but you should really avoid the colour green. It just doesn't go well with your complexion."

Snape froze, his fork halfway to his mouth. "Pardon me?"

"I always knew that you were something of a terror, Severus, but I really had no idea that it had gone so far as to make you the worst fear of one of the students," Remus said glibly. "But no matter. It was quite educational. Since boggarts can't abide laughter, I simply suggested that Mr. Longbottom picture you in his grandmother's clothing. It did seem to do the trick."

"Dear Merlin," Snape whispered, closing his eyes and shaking his head slowly in disbelief.

Turning on his brightest smile, Remus asked, "And how was your day?"

Snape glowered at him darkly. "I feel no further urge to converse with you, Lupin, and I would appreciate it if you would just shut up."

Remus inclined his head politely. "Of course." Turning away from him, he looked over to Professor Sprout, who was seated on his right. "Hello Pomona," he said. "You're looking lovely as always. How has your day been?"

It was obvious that she had overheard his conversation with Snape and her eyes were sparkling with mirth. Yes, Remus really felt much better already.