Author Note: This is a long one guys. I didn't realize how long it was until I realized I was on page 14 of my word document and was nowhere near completing it. Usually, I would cut this up into other chapters, but I felt it flowed so nicely in one, so I hope you all enjoy and hope you don't mind the length!

I would love to know what you guys are thinking, so please drop a review if possible!

S L x

Harry woke up around nine and blinked rapidly when he did. He could still feel the crust around his eyes, a reminder of the tears from the early morning. Immediately he felt ashamed and embarrassed, like he knew he would. He could not believe the grief that had cascaded over him last night. It was unstoppable, suffocated him, and he couldn't believe he had allowed Severus to see it. Any other day he knew it would have been all around the school, Severus happy to show anybody that Harry was not this great thing that everyone worshiped, but a scared little boy. But yet Severus had been kind and concerned and made Harry feel bad that he had ever thought that he would belittle him for this.

He swung his legs out of bed, headed for the bathroom, and got ready for his breakfast with Remus and Severus.

He looked in the mirror, and he realized he looked shattered, his eyes were dry and raw from the night before. He rubbed them with water, trying to breathe a bit of life back into his face.

Slowly he got dressed and walked back out into the bedroom, flung the duvet cover over his side of the bed to make it, and walked outside.

"Good morning," Harry said, letting the door shut behind him with a click. He spotted Iris and immediately went to pet her. She purred happily when he did.

"Good morning" Severus replied, watching him. The emotion he felt two weeks ago when Harry came out of that room in the morning had vanished away to nothing. It wasn't awful having him here; although he was a fan of his own company, he now didn't feel dread whenever the boy stepped into the same room as he.

"Look before you say anything, I know I've already apologized, but I am truly sorry for what you saw last night." Harry began. Severus suppressed a sigh.

"And as I already said, you have nothing to apologize for, so I suggest we leave it." He insisted. He watched Harry nod and turned to face Iris again, dangling the string of his hoodie above her head as she tried to catch it.

"If you're ready, shall we go to Lupin's?" Severus asked.

"Yes, let's go," Harry said, standing up from the crossed-legged position on the floor he preferred, carefully stepping over Iris, who was now trying to chase his feet. Harry laughed and walked to the door.

Harry watched as Severus grabbed his cloak from the sofa back. He again dressed in just a shirt with trousers, his preferred clothing of choice for the summer as Harry had realized. He assumed he was just putting the cloak on as he was seeing another member of staff. Harry had to get used to the idea that Remus was now a staff member at Hogwarts, an idea that made him extremely happy.

Severus opened the door for Harry, as Harry walked through into the corridor, it occurred to Severus they had never left the house together. They had spent every day together for over two weeks, not all of every day, but Harry would always come back in the evenings, and they would at least have a conversation. This was an achievement Severus thought. Dumbledore would be proud.

"I'm glad Remus got a job here," Harry stated, interrupting Severus' private thoughts.

"I'm unsure if parents will share your happiness." He replied.

"He's not a danger to anyone." Harry disagreed, looking up at him.

"He is for one night of the month, that's enough for any parent to worry about the safety of their children," Severus spoke from experience. The last time Lupin had worked here, and people discovered he was a werewolf, he had almost every parent of Slytherin house contacting him to ask him to make sure Lupin went nowhere near their children. Funny how parents will happily follow the dark lord and force their children into it, but as soon as a werewolf starts teaching, they act like the world's most caring parents.

"But you make wolfsbane for him?" Harry questioned.

"That does not stop a transformation," Severus huffed. "Do you not read anything in your school books?" He asked Harry.

"I know that, but from my understanding, it allows him to keep his mind. Remus' mind isn't a danger." Harry protested back.

Remus was one of the calmest people Harry had the pleasure of knowing.

"Parents do not know I make this potion for him, the only thing they care about is the fact there is a known werewolf in Hogwarts near their unprotected children," Severus explained. He huffed again. "To be quite frank, I wouldn't put it past the ministry to make more laws regarding werewolves and what they can and cannot do."

"But that's not fair!" Harry objected.

"Then let me ask you this," Severus said, stopping in his tracks and turning to face Harry. "Would you want Fenrir Greyback teaching at this school? Would you feel safe?" He asked frustratedly.

"No, of course not," Harry said matter-of-factly.

"Why?" Severus replied instantly.

"Because he's a wer-" Harry started to say, before realizing that Severus did indeed have a point. He stopped immediately and just stared up at him.

Severus raised his eyebrows, a look of victory on his face, and Harry suppressed the urge just to storm away from him right that instant, so instead, he turned and carried on sauntering, aware of the man right next to him.

"That's not the same thing; he's vicious and chooses to bite people, children. Remus would never." Harry said as they continued to walk. Severus knew that Remus and Greyback were not the same. Surely he knew that.

"But parents don't know that. Why do you think certain laws were introduced? There are more Greybacks than Lupins in this world." Severus stated.

A silence fell between them as they continued walking to Remus'. If it had been anyone other than Severus talking to him, Harry would have agreed that, of course, not every werewolf was like Remus. He was the strong lucky one who still had all his human emotions intact. But he didn't want to give Severus the satisfaction of being right. Again.

To put Fenrir Greyback and Remus into the same category was not the same at all. Fenrir had lost control of his wolf; he had given in to it many years ago. Harry wouldn't even call him human anymore. Greyback bit people intentionally. He was a monster.

He watched as Severus knocked on the door. Thoughts of werewolves were still engulfing his mind.

Remus opened the doors, his eyes warm and inviting.

Greyback and Remus were not the same, and he cursed Snape for making him even remotely consider that for a moment.

"Come in," Remus smiled, letting the pair wander in.

His rooms were almost identical to Severus' in shape and size, but the way the room was decorated was remarkably different.

A large red sofa stood opposite the fireplace, rather like Severus', with rugs and blankets draped over the back, giving it a warm homely feeling. No table sat in the middle, but a proper dining room table with chairs resided in the corner, which Harry could see already had mugs and a pot of tea laid out. Remus would have people over for tea, hence the need for a table. Severus did not need one. The whole room was cream and bright, a world away from the dark expensive-looking walls of Severus' home. There were pictures up on the wall and odd trinkets laid out over the bookshelf. The sun shined in, and although Severus too had a window in his living room, the sun never shone as it did here. The whole place felt warm and inviting. Comfy and cozy.

"I've got tea ready, but if you prefer coffee, Severus, just let me know." Remus smiled as he gestured over to the teapot sitting at the table.

"Tea is fine, thank you," Severus said curtly. Severus still could not see why he had to be here as well.

"Then please sit, let's get some breakfast - eggs? Toast?" Remus smiled, leading them over to the table in the corner of the room.

"Anything is good with me. I'm starving," Harry said.

Severus sat down in silence, and Harry prayed to Merlin for him not to make this awkward. Harry wondered why Remus had invited him and then wondered why he had even bothered telling him. But last night had been so different, and Harry had wanted Severus to come with him in the morning, but now he was like a different person again.

"Anything it is then," Remus laughed, taking his seat.

Harry poured himself a mug of tea while watching Remus talk to his house-elf, ordering the food. He passed the teapot over to Severus, who took it wordlessly from him.

"Sirius hated eggs," Remus declared while taking the teapot from Severus and pouring himself a cup.

"Really?" Harry asked. Weird thing to hate.

"So did your dad. Whenever eggs popped up on the table in the great hall, they used to fling them at each other, always made everyone laugh when James turned up to transfiguration with egg in his hair." Remus smiled at the memory.

Harry chuckled in response.

If Severus had been alone, he would have put his head in his hands. He knew what this was about now. Remus wanted to reminisce and tell Harry heartwarming stories about Black and his father and undoubtedly wanted Severus to join in.

Severus did not know any happy stories regarding those two. They had made his life hell for years, and he didn't want to pretend like they were anything other than bullies to him.

But Severus was not alone, so instead he just took a sip from his tea and stayed silent, already wishing he had said no to this breakfast.

Remus started to speak again but was interrupted by the considerable amount of food which now appeared in front of them. Toast, sausages, bacon, eggs, and tomatoes all graced their plates, and Harry happily dug in.

"Fantastic sausages," Remus said, taking a large bite of one, and Harry shook his head in agreement. Remus took a large swallow of food and carried on talking.

"Do you remember the day that Sirius started the massive food fight in the hall?" Remus said, now glancing at Severus.

Great here it comes, Severus thought.

"I do," Severus replied, putting a small portion of scrambled eggs onto his fork.

"I was picking bread crumbs of bread out of my clothes for days after that," Remus chuckled quietly, "and that time that Sirius charmed your hair blonde." Remus was now howling with laughter at the memory of Severus with bleach blonde hair.

"That was not fun lupin," Severus said, letting his knife hit his plate, maybe a little too aggressively. He wouldn't sit and play happy families with Remus while trying to make light of the boys and their bullying ways.

"Oh it was Severus, lighten up," Remus said jokingly, glancing at Harry.

Severus just stared at Lupin. Never in his life had he been told to 'lighten up,' and he certainly didn't want to be told that by Lupin.

"You know I've never heard stories like this, no one ever tells me them," Harry said quietly, ignoring the fact that Severus was now glaring at Remus.

"I've got a ton, and I'm sure Severus does too," Remus said, putting his cutlery down gently, before picking up another slice of bacon. "I realize now that you need to know more about what they were like; you need to be able to see they had a great life. They were so loved, and they loved hard themselves."

Severus couldn't help the sigh that escaped his mouth. He no longer felt hungry and instead leaned back in his chair, clutching his teacup with both hands. Long fingers wrapped around the cup, warming them up.

"Not everyone loved them, though?" Harry said, glancing nervously at Severus, whose atmosphere had changed entirely back to someone Harry despised. Where had the man gone who Harry had the fortunate privilege of meeting in Diagon Alley last week? It was like they took one step forward two steps back when it came to them.

"I mean no, but you did love pulling pranks on them and making jokes at their, well, and at my expense." Remus concurred, looking at Severus.

"I was only finishing which you four started," Severus replied, now leaning back against the chair.

"Oh yes, we did, absolutely, but you very happily continued. I thought Dumbledore was going to expel you when you charmed the Gryffindor table to flip over when we sat down. Scared the life out of all of us, I whacked my head so hard I had to spend a night in the infirmary," Remus chortled.

Harry chuckled. He could have sworn he saw a ghost of a smile appear of Severus' face, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

"That was only because of the blonde hair if Black hadn't had done that I would never have done it," Severus replied, leaning forward slightly.

Remus smiled brightly.

"I thought you did that because of the time James made your school books scream whenever you opened them."

"No, that was in response to me charming flies to follow Black and you around," Severus said, and this time Harry could definitely see a small smirk on his face.

Harry couldn't help it, but he laughed out loud. Here was a completely different side of Severus, and this was the side he didn't mind spending time with. He noticed Remus had a very far off look in his eyes, remembering the happy times of his childhood.

He sighed gently, a smile still etched on his face.

"Everyone loved Sirius, all the girls loved him, and all the boys either loved him too or wanted to be him. He was unbelievably popular." Remus smiled, now looking at Severus. "Got away with murder."

Severus snorted in return. He was now leaning forward even more, wholly engaged in this conversation.

"I think he would have got away with it if he ever did eventually get round to murdering me. I'm sure the teachers would have found a way to blame me instead." Severus commented.

"Severus, you were hugely liked by teachers, you were phenomenally smart and didn't ever speak back; you were a golden pupil." Remus shook his head, and looked over at Harry, "I didn't know what was going on half the time in most lessons except defense and James was always too busy staring out the window or at Lily, but Severus and Sirius were phenomenal."

"Sirius was clever?" Harry asked.

"Unbelievable so, he was just the person who had everything. He had looks, charm, and then he was intelligent, not to mention kind. I was fortunate to have him as my best friend, along with James." Remus grew quite suddenly, leaned back on his chair, and took his cup of tea as he went.

"But he didn't like you?" Harry said, turning to Severus. It was a simple question, and he wanted to know why this rivalry started.

"Black despised me, for reasons I'm still unsure about to this day. What started as simple schoolboy rivalry turned into hate. Something I mirrored too." Severus said, now sitting back in his chair again. Eyes locked on Harry.

"Sirius loved hard, but he hated equally," Remus spoke from his chair, making both faces turn towards him. "I suppose it started as simple jealousy. You were always better than him at classes, only marginally, but still, he wanted to be the best at everything, and of course when he found out that you were friends with lily, best friends, I suppose he thought you would try and steal her away from James." Remus shrugged and sipped his tea.

Severus said nothing as he too sipped his tea. Sirius had been right to assume that Severus wanted to steal Lily away, but not in the way he thought. He had wished for his best friend back. Severus had known he was gay from the age of 14, and Lily was the only person who knew and understood. He missed her terribly when James Potter had stolen her away from him.

Harry glanced at Severus with a look of confusion on his face. Why would Sirius think Severus was trying to take Lily away from his dad. Harry, all of a sudden, felt strange, and he hoped beyond hope that Severus had not loved his mum. He remembered the memory he had seen of Severus' accidentally during his occlumency lessons during his fifth year, but that had held no hint of a romance between them, just pure friendship, and the end of that friendship come to think of it. As if this marriage couldn't get weirder enough, Harry hoped he wasn't about to find out that Severus also had loved his mum.

"And I guess when you turned rather nasty in your last year, he just drove all his hate onto you. It engulfed him, took over his life, suddenly these harmless pranks became actual ways to hurt you." Remus carried on. The laughter all three had had just a few moments ago had gone.

"What happened in your last year?" Harry asked both of them.

"I became a Death Eater," Severus replied bluntly.

Harry opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by Severus.

"I may have been a spy for 17 years, but I joined because I wanted to, make no mistake, I was like them once."

The room became quiet and tense, and Harry longed to continue the stories Remus had been telling him a few minutes ago.

"Well, good thing you saw sense, don't know where we would be without you today, Severus," Remus spoke quietly from the chair.

Severus had mastered letting no emotion show with all his years as a spy, but even he for a second look momentarily shocked that Lupin would openly compliment him like that.

"Well not married to me for sure," Harry spoke suddenly, immediately easing the awkward tension in the room.

Remus chuckled politely, while Severus did nothing but raise his eyebrows. Harry, the only one still eating, let his cutlery clink on his plate and looked at the two men.

"It's lovely today; I suggest we go outside for some fresh air if you'd both be willing?" Remus asked the two men in the room. He wanted Harry to know he was including Severus. Harry was quite literally stuck with him for the rest of the year, and Remus wanted Harry to know that everything they did, he would include Severus too. For Harry's sake.

"No thank you. Lupin-" Severus said back immediately.

"Severus, you can call me Remus, we're not schoolboys anymore." Remus interrupted before Severus said anymore. A hint of frustration masking his voice.

"I'm busy today," Severus objected.

"With potions, I bet," Harry said, looking at Severus for confirmation.

"Yes actually, I need to carry on the potion from last night," Severus replied, although last night felt like a week ago considering how much had happened since then. Was it only last night that Severus had enjoyed Harry's company in his potions room.

"What are you making?" Remus asked.

"He's experimenting" Harry answered before Severus had even opened his mouth to talk.

Remus just nodded at Severus. He has not failed to notice how Harry had just answered for him. That meant at some point Harry and Severus had been talking about things privately. He understood that these two had to see each other every day, but Harry was always busy with him, Hermione or Ron. He never really thought of these two having a conversation together in their rooms. But there were plenty of hours in the day, and you could only avoid the company of the other for so long.

"Very well, Harry, if you would like to go for a walk with me then?" Remus declared.

"Sounds great!" Harry happily agreed.

All heads turned as they heard a knock at the door. Remus pulled himself up from his chair and wandered over to the door, opening it to reveal a lot of brown hair and a beautiful, albeit, small smile.

"Hermione!" Remus exclaimed.

Hermione looked startled to see Harry and her potions professor sitting at Remus' table, empty plates and teacups littering the surface.

"Sorry, I didn't realize you had Harry over. Morning Harry and morning Professor Snape" Hermione said, looking down suddenly. "Uh, I just came here because Ron's looking for you Harry wants to know if you wanted to practice some quidditch with him today." She looked back up again and avoided all eye contact with her professor.

"But you didn't know I was here?" Harry chuckled, giving her an odd look.

"Oh no, I came here to ask Remus if you wanted help with those books in the library we spoke about the other day," she replied.

Remus nodded slowly before looking back at the others in the room.

"Looks like you're saved from that walk, then Severus," he smiled. "I'm sorry Harry I completely forgot Dumbledore asked me to put some new charms on some of the books, would you mind if I canceled on our walk, but I will see you tonight for dinner?"

"Sounds good," Harry said, rising from his seat with a smile on his face. Severus, too took this as his invitation to rise from his chair. "I take it Ron didn't say where he was going?" At Hermione's silent shake of her head Harry continued. "I'll just venture outside then," he said, moving towards the door. "Thank you so much for breakfast Remus," he smiled at him while giving his a one-armed hug. "Hermione if you get bored charming books, come and find us." Harry smiled greatly at both of them and walked out of the door. Severus close behind him.

Hermione knew she wouldn't get bored today, she was with Remus, and at the moment, she found that to be her favorite place to be.

"Severus, thank you for coming this morning," Remus stated.

"Lupin," Severus paused and glanced at the door. "Thank you, he needed to hear this," he said barely above a whisper.

"He needed to hear about you as well," Remus said bluntly.

Severus bowed his head and left through the door.

"Miss Granger." He nodded at her.

"Professor Snape." She nodded back.

Severus and Harry left the room together, Harry to the outside world and Severus to slink back into his dungeon where Harry knew the next time he would see a face was when Harry came through that door tonight. He wondered briefly if he ever got lonely or bored, but he seemed perfectly happy in his own company, and it wasn't as if he didn't have the option to see people, he could easily join them at every meal if he wanted too but still, he decided not too. He must just be one of those people who enjoyed his own company.

They walked in companionable silence until Harry spoke.

"When I saw your memories, that night when you were trying to teach me occlumency, that was nothing like Remus described, these were all fun and full of life, that was horrible what they did to you." Harry had been avoiding talking to Severus about that awful night. He didn't want to remember his memories of his dad being a bully and cruel, and he knew Severus did want Harry to remember him like that.

"Re-" Severus quickly corrected himself. "Lupin never took part in the bad ones, he's not heartless. He remembers Black and your father as these perfect young men, which many people saw them for when they were at Hogwarts. Unfortunately, I have the memory of them being bullies."

"What about Remus?"

"I do not dislike Lupin, nor do I like him. To me, he simply is here to make sure you don't spend every waking moment with me this summer, and for that, I'm grateful." Severus looked down at Harry.

A sentence like that typically would have caused Harry to sigh and huff, but instead, he laughed gently and carried on walking.

"And there's me thinking we were starting to get along," Harry joked back.

"Starting too, I would still you rather spend the day away from me though," Severus replied, and even Severus knew that it was said with not as much venom as he could usually muster when talking.

"I'm going to go find Ron then, enjoy your day, I will see you this evening," Harry said, splitting off from Severus and starting to head down another corridor.

"Yes, good day." Severus nodded, watching him retreat.

"Oh wait, Severus," Harry spun around. He lingered awkwardly before continuing. "You didn't, like, fancy my mum or anything, did you? Just with what Remus said, Sirius thought you were going to try and take her away?" Harry asked nervously.

"No Harry. Lily was my best friend for many years, one of my only ones. Nothing more." Severus said, and quickly turned and walked away to their rooms.

Harry looked until Severus was out of sight. At least he hadn't loved his mum, now wouldn't that have been the icing on the cake for this already awkward marriage. He sighed and went to find Ron.

"Why was Harry and Professor Snape here? Is everything alright?" Hermione asked Remus when her teacher and her best friend had left the room.

"Everything is fine, just invited them to have breakfast with me, considering Severus doesn't eat in the great hall with us, just wanted to see if they were getting on." He smiled at Hermione. Although he was sure Harry would not have minded if Remus had told Hermione he had a horrific nightmare last night, Remus knew it would be Harry's decision if he told her or not.

"Ah Ron and I just assumed Harry had slept in," Hermione stated.

Hermione still stood outside the door, so Remus quickly grabbed his cloak from the back of his chair, walked to her side, and shut the door, and together they began walking to the library, walking more closely than friends would have.

"Thank you for reminding me about those charms; I would have almost forgotten. It's the sun, all I want to do is be outside in this weather." Remus said, aware of the fact that his hand had almost touched Hermione's twice now.

"We could have a picnic for lunch?" Hermione looked up at him.

"Sounds perfect."

But it wasn't perfect because of the sun. It was perfect because of her. Remus had spent every day with Hermione since coming to Hogwarts, and he had developed feelings for her, although they were not strong, they were there. But still, he couldn't help wanting to spend time with her. He would never act on it. She deserved someone younger, smarter, and someone who definitely wasn't a werewolf, but right now, he couldn't get enough of her. He hoped that when school started, and they would both be too preoccupied to spend much time together, his feelings would slowly fade.

Remus and Hermione walked together to the library, talking about nothing in particular and enjoying each other's company.

"Thank you for helping me with this, although I really appreciate the company, honestly, if you want to be with Harry or Ron, do just say. I won't hold you hostage against your will." He said as they reached the library door.

"Only I can talk about quidditch tactics for so long, Remus, no honestly, I'd rather be here." The silent words of 'with you' hung in the air, but Hermione didn't dare say them aloud.

Remus held open the door and gently put his hand on her back, guiding her, though. This was allowed, right? He could allow himself the slightest of touches.

They began immediately on charming the books. Albus had asked Remus to update any intruder charms on the books. Some of the books were so old and tampered with that many of the spells had worn off or had been charmed over so many times the original spell was unrecognizable.

While charming, Remus and Hermione spoke about their favorite books, muggle, and wizard. Remus had heard of Hermione's favorite muggle book, 'Jane Eyre', but had never read it himself, but after Hermione had offered to retrieve it on her next visit home, Remus had made a mental note to read it as soon as possible.

Remus watched her in moments of silence. He watched how she moved her arm with her wand and how she moved her hair out of her face while trying to concentrate. Remus had never felt so at ease in the company of a female, he adored her.

Sighing softly, he turned around to continue with the section of his books. He wondered what she would do if he expressed his feelings for her. Laugh? Scream? And what would everyone else think? A werewolf, who was barely looked at as a member of any community trying to date someone like Hermione. What would Harry think about all of this? Quickly he shoved that thought out of his mind.

He would never act on this.

"I feel like Harry and Professor Snape are getting on better than expected, he rarely ever insults him, have you noticed that?" Hermione suddenly said, snapping Remus out of his thoughts.

"I have, at first I thought he was just being polite." Remus agreed. He was focusing hard on the book in front of him. There were about 20 spells on this book, and he needed to take them all off before putting the anti-theft charm on it.

"Oh trust me, he never had any problem insulting Professor Snape in front of Ron and me," Hermione laughed in reply.

Remus looked at the book once more. He held it in his hand and faced Hermione.

"I feel he just has more respect from him now. Severus is definitely behaving nicer to him than I thought he would, maybe he feels he should mirror his attitude."

"Who knew Professor Snape would take marriage on in his stride," Hermione said, stopping what she was doing and now completely turned to Remus.

"I don't think he's taken it on in his stride, but he's playing his part well," Remus stated. "As he should, I found a reporter at the front gate the other day when I was walking with Hagrid," Remus told her. He hadn't even told Harry that. He hadn't wanted to worry him.

"Really?" Hermione replied, shocked.

"Guess they just want to get the first photo of the two of them." Remus shrugged and turned his attention back to the book in his hand. All spells were now gone, and he set to work putting an anti-theft charm on it.

"What sad little lives they must lead. He's a 17-year-old schoolboy. You would think, especially at the moment, they would have other pressing things to report on!" Hermione said a hint of disgust lingered in her voice. She turned back to her section of books.

"You would think," Remus replied, distracted momentarily while looking up at Hermione.

The next thing they were both aware of was that the book Remus held in his hand had sprouted legs and was now running around the library, shouting that someone was trying to steal him. Remus immediately leaped at it trying to catch the book in his hands while Hermione laughed wildly.

The little book ran under tables, in between chairs, and finally rested behind a bookcase.

Remus knelt on one side, while Hermione on the other, trapping the book behind the bookcase.

The book seeing it was trapped made an immediate escape towards Hermione, where she pounced on it and trapped it under her body. She grabbed the book and held it tightly against her while quickly saying the charm, and suddenly the book was just a book.

She was lying on the floor, laughing, and her eyes glittering wildly. Remus ran over to her, smiling brightly at the witch on the floor.

"How about that picnic then?" He asked, holding out her hand, which Hermione graciously accepted.

He pulled her up, so she was standing far too close to him, both still smiling happily at the other.

He would never act on this; he told himself more firmly as he looked at her.

Never.

Author note: Sorry about the limited alone time with Harry and Severus in this chapter, the next chapter makes up for it!

S L x