Severus Snape was a Master at predicting people's reactions to situations. Being a Mudblood in Slytherin House left him at a disadvantage; and he was unable to rectify that with money or charm. He was forced to find other methods and so he watched people, learned their ways and, over time, learned how to use his knowledge to manipulate them into doing what he wanted. It worked well, and unlike Lucius' money or Regulus' charm, his hand wasn't noticed in the proceedings.

There were, of course, people who he couldn't predict. The Headmaster was one of those infuriating people, and so was Sirius Black. Black somehow always managed to do things – yesterday's little stunt being a prime example – that surprised him and often put him at a disadvantage. Potter used to be the same, although recently Severus had become much better at predicting him. Lupin, also, seemed predictable, but he was one of the even more infuriating breed who, just when you thought you had them figured, did something to surprise you and threw it all out the window. He hated it, hated the fact that these people of all could throw him off and do things he would never be able to predict.

Slytherins were among the easiest to predict. As long as they were going to benefit from it and wouldn't get caught out or in trouble for it, they were willing to do whatever it needed and could be relied upon to provide you with exactly what you wanted,whether they knew it or not. This was usually a strength, because it made them the easiest to manipulate and get your own way with. Unfortunately, in this case, severus wasn't going to get what he wanted. Regulus, as predictable as any Slytherin, would not stay with Severus now. He'd received a curt note from Regulus' mother yesterday informing him that the engagement was off, and now he just had to wait for Regulus to disavow him. And, in true Slytherin style, to be sure of no mistake or doubt, it would be very public, and very painful.

Severus waited, the latent part of him that believed in right and wrong knowing that Regulus at least deserved that for the lies Severus had allowed him to believe. Regulus would, Severus knew, wait until the busiest time, when as many people as possible would be in the Hall. So Severus would have to wait until then, until Regulus came in and publicly announched that their relationship was over.

Sirius watched Regulus walk in the door with the same nervousness he imagined parents felt the first time their child went on a date, or the first day at school; knowing they had imparted all their knowledge and morals into their children, and now all they could do was watch and hope their children did what was best.

When he saw what Regulus was wearing - a nice, white schoolshirt as part of the uniform that was a little too silky and tight, and a pair of incredibly tight (dragon hide? Were they Dragon hide) black trousers on, and a wicked, confident smirk on his lips, he felt a thrill of pride and utter joy for his brother.

"I knew he could do it." He whispered to Remus, who turned to look at Sirius with confusion in his eyes for the brief moments it took for Sirius' statement to sink in. Once he understood, he turned to look at regulus, who was -

"Oh, my! I didn't know he had it in him." Remus gasped, as he watched his boyfriend's younger borther kiss Severus Snape, deeply and very passionately on the Slytherin table. Sirius just laughed delightedly, before kissing Remus joyfully.

"I knew it! I knew he'd do it. Oh, I'm so proud of him. My little brother, Remus. My little brother!"

Remus just shook his head and laughed with Sirius.

Epilogue.

"Happy birthday Moony!"

Twenty year old Remus Lupin giggled quietly as his boyfriend deposited a birthday cake in front of him and proceeded to urge him (quite loudly and quite badly slurring in the process) to blow the candles out.

"Make a wish, Moony!" James called from his position beside his pregnant wife (not that anyone other than Lily and the sensitive Werewolf knew that). Remus glanced around at the people gathered in the room; Regulus and Severus (who had given him the most wonderful join gift of both becoming Animagi as well), James, Lily, "bump", Sirius and Orion.

"What am I supposed to wish for," Remus began, giggling as Orion began licking at his fingers and barking happily at the celebratory atmosphere in the room (or the fumes from the copious amount of alcohol he'd consumed) "except maybe that Peter could have been here. I have my family, and I have my friends. I don't need anything else…" he told them, feeling uncharacteristic tears well in his eyes both at the happiness of this moment, and at the sadness of remembering Peter in Azkaban. "I never expected I'd ever have anything like this… I love you all…"

Lily, the only sober one, laughed at him; although everyone else looked distinctly teary-eyed as well. "Before you start singing sappy love songs at us, blow the candles out man! Make your wishes on stars or something instead…"

"Hey, I'm the only star he'll be doing anything on!" Sirius heckled. Remus shook his head in amusement and quickly blew out the candles.

"Uhh, Sirius… Did you need to blow out every candle in the house? I can't actually see…"

The two of them were dressing for bed, both in their customary boxers, when Remus felt Sirius' arm wrap around his waist, and trace along the line of his boxers.

"I have another birthday present for you, Remus…" Remus turned around in Sirius arms and smiled encouragingly at him.

"Yeah? What is it?"

"Me. Forever. Officially. I want you to mate with me, Remus."

Remus grinned wolfishly at him, before kissing him tenderly.

"I'd be honoured to, Sirius… But I'd rather it be the other way around our first time, if that's alright with you…" That said, he backed Sirius onto the bed and began the long task of showing his love for his new mate.

The end.