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When Snape opened the door he actually had to stare for a moment, sure his eyes were deceiving him. How long had it been since he'd seen this man at his door? Years. He had thought he'd accepted, adjusted, moved on. He hadn't known how wrong until his return to Hogwarts with his new lover had brought the pain crashing over him. He loved the man and Severus Snape did not love easily.

"Are you going to let me in or just leave me standing at the hall for your students to gape at?" the rich tenor jolted him from his thoughts and he stood back, allowing the broader man to enter.

Once he had gained admittance he stood uneasily. This hadn't been his idea. It had been a very long time since he'd come to these rooms, so filled with memories. Snape looking at him, expression guarded, but not so closed that the pain flickering there was lost on him. God this was so not a good idea.

"Remus," Snape finally said, "What do you need?"

"I was hoping we could talk. I," he hesitated and took a deep breath, inhaling sandalwood scented air before continuing "I do need something. A favor."

"I thought you might." Snape went to the cabinet and pulled down two glasses and a bottle of scotch. After he'd handed Lupin his drink he gestured him to sit before seating himself across the table from him. "Go on then."

"It's about Harry. He...We...I..."

"Oh for God's sake Lupin. I know the two of you are not only together but bonded, just spit it out."

"That's the problem," Lupin admitted starring down into his glass as though he might find the courage he was looking for there. "We're not. Bonded that is."

"But I thought...the rings?" He asked blankly, clearly confused.

"Oh we're together and the lack of a bond isn't from lack of trying but there have been some. . . issues. That's what I wanted your help with."

Snape blinked. He couldn't have just heard that. It wasn't possible. "Wanted my help with what?"

"Harry's scared to death. We've made love of course, but to finish the bond he has to, well, bottom for lack of a better word. " Remus toyed with his hair while starring at the wooden table surface, too aware of the hot flush he knew was coloring his face.

"I see. How exactly do you expect me to help with this little . . . problem of yours?"

"He trusts you Severus, and he's scared. Oh he hates like hell to admit it but it's there. He knows I'm an alpha to the core and he's afraid. He knows he's not being rational but. ."

"You still haven't told me how you expect me to rectify this, unless of course you'd like me to drug him into oblivion." If only. It would be preferable to where his sinking stomach told him this conversation was heading.

"No. He needs to be coherent and you know it. He knows that you and I were lovers, and he does trust you a great deal."

"You want me to participate" Snape yelped.

"Um Yes. He wants to see us and for you to act as an...attendant."

"No. Absolutely NOT." He stood up, agitated and paced away. "Do you know what you're asking of me? You? Harry? No." He was dismayed to hear his voice crack very slightly at the last word.

"He loves you Severus. I know you care about him. I know you love me. Can you really deny us your help?" he asked softly knowing that, in spite of the harsh words and tone, he couldn't and wouldn't.

"No." His response was quiet. Resigned. "When?"

"Tomorrow night. Our house in Hogsmeade."

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Snape looked at the two men seated before them. "Remus can I talk to Harry alone for a moment?"

"Of course. I'll just go light a fire in the bedroom. It's chilly."

When he was gone he looked at the young man in front of him. Harry was barely twenty and in his nervousness looked very much a child. Finally he asked the only question that mattered. "Why?"

Harry looked up at him and said intensely. " I trust you. I trust you more than I've ever trusted anyone except maybe Remus. I know you love him and I know you aren't going to let me be hurt. You never have."

"Why are you scared Harry. Not why me."

"Oh. I don't..."

"If you expect me to do this I want the truth or I will leave."

"Dudley." Harry said after several long moments. "When I was a kid he... I. " He stammered for a moment before finishing lamely. "It hurt. A lot. I know it isn't the same and it shouldn't bother me with Remus but it does. Remus is so. . . intense." He finished in a rush.

Snape nodded, looking completely unsurprised. "Very well. " He held out a hand. "Your spouse is waiting."

They walked in to find the soft glow of firelight painting the bedroom in muted oranges, and the flickering flames softening harsh edges. Remus held his arms out and Harry moved into them. The love between them was absolutely palatable between them.

As the two men embraced Severus went to the adjoining restroom and made sure there was a copious amount of lubricant on hand as well as removing his own clothes That done he draped his robe about himself again, and went back into the room kneeling quietly and keeping his eyes down. He was here to help, not to play voyeur.

A sharp, panicked cry brought his head up after nearly half an hour. He moved to the bed where Harry was still scrambling away just in time to keep him from falling to the hardwood floor. Snape caught him easily and held him for a moment stroking his hair lightly. "Breathe, " he instructed quietly but firmly and the young man obeyed instinctively but burrowed his face into Snape's robes embarrassed and afraid. Lupin was by now on the other side of Snape one hand on his shoulder, the other on Harry's back. "Make use of that Gryffindor courage. Fight for it, Harry. Fight for your love." Snape said softly. He firmly refused to acknowledge the stirrings of arousal from being surrounded by miles of warm, naked, skin.

After a moment Harry seemed to get a grip on himself. "Come on." He said pragmatically. "Bed."

They both stood immediately and turned toward the bed just feet away. Snape rose to his feet with one fluid movement but made then stood hesitating, not quite able to make the step.

The two men turned back to him and Remus went to him, compassion evident in the amber depths of those eyes. He stood in front of the man he'd called lover briefly and friend forever and gently captured his lips in his own and then deepened the kiss, tongue playing over his teeth and lips. Harry circled behind them and pulled the robe off his shoulders. Lupin broke off the kiss and stepped backwards "Bed, Severus."

Snape went without a word, silently berating himself for his moment of hesitation. This wasn't about him and never had been. They settled with Snape in the center of the bed, a fact he found odd until he heard Remus' next words. "You wanted to watch, Harry?"

Harry flushed hotly, clearly embarrassed. "I know it's not supposed to hurt like that, but ."

Snape turned his head and found himself face to face with a questioning Lupin. "It's been. . . a long time." He said meaningfully if obtusely hoping Remus would understand what he was saying without further adding to Harry's fears.

"I don't think Harry's delusional, are you love?" Remus said with a smile.

"No. I know it'll be uncomfortable at first, that doesn't bother me. Just I know if you enjoy it, and I can watch Remus with someone. . ."

With that Snape lifted one shoulder in an elegant shrug and turned onto his side, facing Harry. Harry reached for him tentatively and then withdrew his hand, looking between them both. Snape looked up at Remus who just nodded. "I'm not going to bite Harry." he muttered silkenly and placed Harry's hand on his hip. Harry leaned in and kissed him deeply and Lupin groaned. Watching them kiss was intensely erotic. He went to the bowl on the nightstand, dipping his fingers in.

When his fingers trailed into the cleft Snape jumped and Harry pulled back and looked at him, alarmed. Snape shook his head with a self-depreciating smile. "Cold." After a moment's hesitation Snape moved Harry a bit, guiding his hand to his erection. "I'm fine."

"Well hullo," Harry crooned. "Yes, you are."

When Lupin pushed the first finger slowly inside Snape sighed and Lupin groaned. Dear God. Apparently it had in fact been a while, he was tight. His only real thought, in that instant, was that he'd have to make sure not to hurt him. Take him time preparing him or Harry would never give him another chance.

At the second finger Snape grunted slightly, huffing air out his nose so he backed off, added more lube and slowly pressed forward waiting for the muscle to relax before he twisted his fingers and then curled them slightly, looking for.... There it was.

Snape saw stars in front of his eyes as the fingers pressed against the sensitive little bundle of nerves and when a third finger pushed slowly into him he swore he could feel his eyes roll back in his head. Harry looked at him quizzically and moved as Lupin pulled an arm around Snape's waist and pulled him up to his knees. Harry's eyes darted between Lupin as he lubed and positioned his cock at the relaxed entrance to Snape's face as he grabbed the headboard to gain some sort of leverage. 'Oh this is so not possible' he thought a little hysterically 'he's going to tear him apart.'

Lupin caught his lover's eyes and said quietly. "I am not going to hurt him. I would never hurt him." Harry thought, but wasn't sure, he heard a snort at that but it was quickly cut off as Lupin pressed forward, disappearing into Snape's body. After the ridge disappeared Snape growled and his eyes closed, breathing deeply, eyes closing, a look of intense concentration crossing his face. Harry reached out and stroked his cheek and his eyes fluttered open, absolutely black with desire "I'm fine." He panted and to illustrate the point he pushed back.

Harry looked up to his lover who was controlling himself admirably, muscles standing out in sharp relief, gleaming with sweat "Want you. . ." Harry breathed after a several moments.

Snape pulled himself forward and rolled out of the way as Lupin sat back on his heels, eyes trained on his partner. "You're sure?"

"Yes." he answered, clear and sure.

Snape found his wand on the floor by the bed and used it to quickly and efficiently clean Lupin who shuddered a bit at the tingle.

"Come here, Harry." Snape said and Harry, instinctively drawn to the gentleness of the tone, moved to straddle Severus' thighs, allowing his weight to rest on him. Strong arms encircled him, hands stroking the smooth, fevered, skin of his back.

Inside the protective circle of Severus' arms he was able to relax this time and allow Remus to slide a finger inside him. It didn't hurt, but it felt odd. When a second finger joined the first his muscles tightened involuntary but soft, soothing words and gentle touched relaxed him, allowing him to enjoy the intimate touch.

When Remus continued to stretch and caress him he felt a sharp jolt of pleasure and thrust forward involuntarily, his hard length sliding against Severus' matching erection and he gasped and was soon reducing to whimpering and pleading incoherently under the dual sensation.

Snape looked over Harry's shoulder to Remus and nodded. He was ready. Remus allowed his fingers out of the tight head and replaced them with the solid heat of his cock. Snape ran soothing hands down Harry's quivering back and said, "Take a deep breath and relax. Let him take you. Let him love you."

Protected and sheltered, surrounded and loved, Harry relaxed. Remus, feeling the tension easing out of his lover, pushed forward slowly, easing, into the tight heat. He moved forward almost painfully slowly, arms braced on either side of him against Severus' shoulders. He leaned forward and kissed the back of Harry's neck once he was fully sheathed, whispering to him, soothing him, loving him with his words as well as his actions.

When he pulled back and thrust back them and joining them chorus. Voices blending together in perfect harmony. in they cried out in pleasure, Severus' voice joining theirs, the velvety soft baritone flowing over.

Harry had never felt so safe. So protected. So loved. The sensations were absolutely unbelievable. Remus above him, pushing him into Snape below him. Nothing in his life, nothing in his limited sexual experience, had prepared him for such deep pleasure. It was fantastic, wonderful, and it was totally overwhelming.

Seeing Harry lost in pleasure Remus reached for the partially formed bond and Harry met him without reservation. Wanting to complete the bond, needing to complete it. Magic flowed around them, and through them, joining them to one another, body, heart and soul. It made him pity those who would never have this and Muggles who could never share themselves this way. The color and lights made for a spectacular display, but the quiet intertwining of magical energy was truly fantastic.

"Harry." Lupin gasped.

"Remus." Harry's voice thick with emotion.

The bond was in place, and nearly visible in the dimly lit room, a pulsing thread of living magic joining them. Nearly but not quite.

Remus increased the pace of his thrusts and Harry met him eagerly, pushing back to meet him and forward against the other man. It was more than enough. It was too much and orgasm crashed through them, flowing through them.

Completely and totally exhausted, physically and mentally Remus rolled to the side pulling Harry with him. For several long moments, as they recovered, their labored breathing and the crackle of the fire were the only sounds. When Harry opened his eyes, it was to find Severus, face streaked with tears, easing from the bed. He reached out and grabbed his arm.

"Stay. You belong here now Severus. Without you. This." he gestured vaguely "wouldn't have been possible."

Snape stayed, surprised by the gratitude and love reflected in Harry's eyes. He shouldn't stay. He didn't belong here. Yet for the moment he couldn't even summon the energy to hide or stem the flow of tears, still streaking silently down his face. Harry brushed the tears away gently and Severus closed his eyes and turned his face into the light touch. Harry moved and kissed the high cheekbones, tasting the salt.

Remus watched for a moment, filled with love and pride as his young husband offered his love and compassion freely, comforting the other quietly. After a moment he reached across Harry's body and ran a hand lightly across Severus' chest, feeling the hitch in his breathing, the pounding of his heart.

It was only with the physical evidence of pain that he began to guess at the depth of hurt in the other man. "Thank you," he said, knowing he could never regret this, never apologize. Without him he wouldn't have Harry. Still, he knew the cost to his friend was higher than he'd anticipated. He knew Severus didn't love easily. What he was beginning to understand was that when he did love, that love was without measure, holding nothing back.

Snape lay quietly for a few more moments, surrounded by the gratitude and affection of the other men, allowing the undemanding touch, in truth needing it. After the tears stopped and the pain was locked away behind his shields and walls, relegated to some dark corner of his mind he stood silently and dressed.

"You're welcome," was all he said before he turned to leave.