"You know what it is," came a familiar voice from the doorway. Remus looked up to see the Potion's Master leaning against the door frame, his arms crossed across his chest. "What is it?" he asked, motioning to the parchment Remus held in his hands.

"Where's Harry?"

"I waited until he was gone from the hallway," Severus replied. "I'm going to ask you again," he repeated, slamming the door shut so the two of them were completely alone. The thought made Remus uneasy. "What is it?"

"The map?" Remus asked, holding up the parchment he had held so dearly during his childhood. "A childhood memory."

Severus smirked. "And you passed it along to the next generation?"

"I didn't give Harry the map," Remus said defensively. "Please, I think this was the first time I scolded him since I've arrived."

A raised eyebrow was the only emotion the other man showed. "Scolding a Potter?"

Remus walked closer to Severus, sitting on the edge of a desk, only a few feet between them. It was the calmest interaction that had ever occurred between the two of them. Whether it was because of the late hour or what they were talking about, Remus didn't know. "I think this evening has showed me that we can agree on one thing. Severus snorted. "Harry has all of James's characteristics- even the ones, I admit, are not the most becoming."

For a moment, Remus thought he saw Severus's glare soften, but the shadows in the room made it hard to see his face clearly. "What are you playing at?"

"Wandering around the castle along and at night with Black and dementors on the loose," he explained, his attempt at an olive branch. "That's something James would have done- put himself in harm's way for no reason, not thinking about the consequences."

Silence fell between them, Severus looking so closely at him, Remus could almost feel the way his eyes pierced through him. "Did you expect we would be friends now?"

"No," Remus said, rolling his eyes. "Merely, that perhaps we can see eye to eye on a few things…enough to get us through this year."

Severus shifted his feet, letting his arms drop. "I hate you."

"Believe me, you're not my favorite person either," Remus said, offering a chuckle.

The man's face didn't move from its cold expression as Severus stepped further into the room. "I don't trust you."

"I've never expected you to," Remus replied, trying to keep his voice steady. They were getting somewhere. "But, I'd rather not be at each other for the remainder of the term."

Nodding, Severus opened his mouth to reply, but from the corner of his eye, Remus saw light begin to bleed in from the hallway. On instinct, he pulled his wand out in caution, motioning for Severus to turn and do the same. Both held their wands pointed to the door when a person stepped into the room. The light from her wand showed it was the Deputy headmistress, and both men lowered their wands. "The two of you teaming up to attack me, how sweet. Glad you're bonding," she snapped, putting out the light on her wand. "One shot at me and I could have hexed you both to oblivion."

"What are you doing up?" Severus asked angrily, shoving his wand back in his pocket.

"You never came back from rounds," she replied.

Remus watched as Severus reached out and put a hand on her waist. "Go back to bed, Min."

She crossed her arms, and Remus finally took a minute to look at her. He'd never seen her in her bed clothes before; her hair was pulled to the side in a braid. The customary bun she wore never showed just how long her dark hair was. She was wrapped in a tartan robe, looking far less intimidating than meeting her during the day. This was the Minerva that Severus knew, a Minerva, Remus realized, very few probably knew. It dawned on him that they had a life he would only ever get glimpses into. He had to admit, watching the two, it made him slightly jealous- even Severus, the most miserable git he'd ever known, had a love life he could never have. "Is everything alright?" she asked, looking at Remus.

He smiled at her, enjoying the softer side of his head of house. "Everything is fine."

She nodded. "I don't want to come back in and have to drag one of you to see Poppy," she added lightly, touching Severus's arm.

"Wait outside. I'll walk you back."

"I don't need a sitter," she replied, a touch of irritation in her voice.

"Just wait outside, Min," he repeated. "Please."

Minerva rolled her eyes, and Remus suspected that the over-protectiveness of Severus didn't sit well with the stubborn woman. It was comical; he'd never seen them like this before. The entire year, they'd been at each other's throats, and he wondered if their bickering was why the other staff were so accepting of their affair. In some ways, the chemistry was obvious. "Good night, Remus," she said, reaching out to squeeze his hand. Her hands were cold, but Remus smiled back. "Make it quick," she snapped over her shoulder to Severus as she let the door shut behind her.

Remus chuckled slightly at the thought of Severus being ordered around by someone. "She runs a tight shift."

"This isn't a truce," Severus snapped. "Don't get comfortable."

Putting his hands up, Remus shook his head. "I never would, Severus. I never would."

Severus didn't say another word as he opened the door to leave the classroom. Remus followed behind him to see Minerva was indeed waiting for him. Whether he didn't know Remus still stood in the doorway or he didn't care was unclear. But, Severus wrapped his arms around his lover's waist, kissing her, his forehead falling to hers for a moment. Minerva's hand had made it's way into his hair. Remus smiled to himself. "Bed," was all Severus said.

When they had parted, Minerva put her arm in his, beginning the walk away from the classroom. "What was that about?" she asked.

"I'm tired, Minerva," Severus said quietly.

After a few moments, the two were too far down the hallway for Remus to hear more, but he found himself watching them until he could no longer see them. A lump formed in his throat, knowing he would never have what they did. If a tear slipped down his cheek, he would never admit it, even to himself.