Disclaimers: J. K. Rowling created the Harry Potter Universe.

No profit is being made from this writing. It is written for the enjoyment of those who wish to share it.

Summary: Snape rectifies a mistake

Drama

Rating R

~~~~~~~~~~~

MOON DREAMING

Terrified, the injured wolf ran through the night, almost there …

He knew he was near. He knew he would be safe there.

BANG!

Another shot rang through the night.

BANG! BANG!

The wolf yelped in pain as the shots hit their target.

“Yer got it...!” one of the muggle’s voices said excitedly. “Let’s finish it!”

The muggles came closer.

The wolf knew it didn’t stand a chance in his wounded condition. Standing and fighting wasn’t an option if he wanted to survive.

Sniff. Sniff. Water. He was almost there. The wolf saw a boat and he ran as fast as his wounded legs would carry him. With a colossal and painful effort threw himself into the boat, and which sailed into the mist. And then he lost consciousness. He did not hear the muggles' angry words, nor their virulent curses as they left, believing the wolf had hidden to die.

Hogwarts school stood proud, but to the muggles, it looked like a fog as they left, angry they had not seen the wolf dead.

After a rather long and annoying day of exploding potions, melting cauldrons, courtesy of Neville Longbottom and a wand fight almost breaking out between his Slytherin and Gryffindor students, followed by a rather lengthy detention period, for the entire class, Professor Snape went for a long stroll outside Hogwarts grounds, still quite annoyed at the holes in his cloak, easily fixed, but still. He sat down on the grassy river bank, and breathed in the fresh night air, a rare tranquil moment and he looked up at the moon, just beginning to wane.

Seemingly out of the mists a boat sailed upon the lake. Snape looked somewhat puzzled, also quite curious. He stood and watched it as it began to drift away. Something about he boat made the Professor uneasy. He held out his hand, using his magic to being the boat to him. Some part of him was afraid to look inside, but he did.

His expression changed to one of horror.

He lay in the boat unconscious, almost drowning in his own blood, his light robes stained deep vermilion. Snape reached in and gently lifted him. “Apparate!” he said, desperately. Of course one could not usually apparate in Hogwarts, unless in case of an emergency, and that this was.

Snape appeared in the hospital wing, startling Madame Pomfrey. She gasped and dropped her tray, rushing to him.

“Lie him on the bed, quickly ... Gently ... “

She looked at the unconscious form. “Ohh who would do such a thing, I mean I know he’s a .... but still ...”

“Do everything you can for him.”

“I promise you, Professor, I will.”

Madame Pomfrey placed her hands on the man’s chest, determine not to lose him. She began an incantation, removing the bullets lodged in his body. Then centred herself, took a deep breath, closed his eyes and began whispering the enchanted words to heal this man.

* * *

Snape returned in the wee hours of the morning.

“How is he?”

“He’s going to be fine.”

The Professor did not let on how relieved he was. “Thank you.”

She smiled. “Professor, if you had brought him here just a few minutes later, there would have been nothing I could have done.”

Snape swallowed and looked over at the sleeping form.

“He’s still quite out of it, and will be for some time. He took quite a shock.”

Snape nodded. “Call me when he wakes.”

“I will.” She watched him leave, her opinion of the Professor taking a leap into the positive.

“Oh, and Madam Pomfrey, should he inquire as to who brought him here ...”

“Your secret is safe with me,” she said, not wanting to lie to her patient but also respecting Snape’s feelings

* * *

Three mornings hence, he awoke, grateful beyond words to be alive. He saw the greetings and baskets of goodies left for him and smiled, but it was a while before he let Madam Pomfrey know he was awake, as he needed time to relax his mind and body.

“Glad to see you’re awake, Professor.”

He smiled. “Oh, I’m not a professor anymore.”

“Well still. We almost lost you.”

“I know. Thank you, without you I’d be with Merlin. Not that I have anything against him, but I’m not ready to join him just yet.”

Madame Pomfrey smiled as she his temperature. “I don’t blame you, neither am I.”

“Don’t even *think* of leaving this hospital, young man.”

He chuckled, then winced. “Of course not ... and thanks for calling me young, I haven’t felt young in a long time.” He drank half a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, by the bedside table. No sooner had he set the glass down when Harry Potter burst into the hospital wing.

“Professor!”

Lupin smiled warmly. “Harry.”

“Thank Merlin you’re all right. I was so worried.”

“Thank you, Harry. It’s nice to know people care and thank you again, without you I wouldn’t be here.”

Harry looked puzzled.

“If you hadn’t brought me here, I’d be dead.”

Potter shook his head. “But I didn’t bring you here...”

Now it was Lupin’s turn to be puzzled. “Then who...”

“I don’t know, Professor.”

Lupin smiled. “You know I’m not a really professor anymore,” he said, still quite puzzled as to who could have brought him here. A student? A teacher?

“You’d best be off to class, don’t want to be late.”

“Definitely not, I got potions.”

Lupin chuckled, then winced.

“Professor?”

“Don’t worry, it only hurts when I laugh.”

“I’ll be back after class.” The young boy left.

“Madam Pomfrey,” Lupin asked, somewhat uneasy. “Who brought me here?”

She swallowed. “...Why Professor Dumbledore, of course,” she said, after a pause remembering her promise to Snape.

“Oh ... Thank you...”

* * *

Lupin stayed in Madam Pomfrey’s care for another three weeks before she was convinced he was fully recovered and he was quite touched at all the love and attention he received from students and teachers alike.

* * *

“I’m not going to keep up this charade forever Severus,” Dumbledore said. “Sooner or later he’s going to discover the truth about who brought him in. I’m only doing this for your benefit, but you know what you must do. You can’t hide your feelings forever and if you do not tell him, I will.”

Snape sighed. “Yes, Albus. I’ll tell him.”

* * *

“I see you’ve recovered.”

Lupin turned around to see Professor Snape. “Yes, thank you,” he said.

Snape was somewhat surprised. Lupin’s tone brooked no malice, masked no hatred, after all it was Snape who had caused his departure from Hogwarts in the first place.

Lupin sighed. “I don’t blame you, Severus if that’s what you mean, I mean I could and I would be perfectly justified in doing so, but I don’t.”

“I don’t know if I would be so forgiving in your place.”

“You wouldn’t be,” Lupin said flatly.

Snape looked annoyed, but realised Lupin was right.

“I must thank Dumbledore, I wouldn’t be alive if it wasn’t for him.”

“Yes, Snape said and cursed himself for not being able to say anything.

Lupin turned his natural fibre robes swaying gently.

“Oh and Severus... Thank you.”

“What for.”

“Saving my life.”

Snape paused, trying to think of something ... anything.

“Stop trying to think of a way to deny it."

“What do you expect me to do? Leave you there, bleeding to death?”

“No one would have been any the wiser.”

Snape seemed hurt by that. “Despite our past, Remus, I’m not that much of a bastard.”

Lupin smiled. “Glad to hear it.”

Snape seemed to smile, a small smile. Lupin turned and left. Snape let him go. There was still so much more he wanted to say, but he felt he couldn’t. He hated himself for being so weak. At times he hated his conservative nature. Would he get the chance to say what needed to be said? Would his damned conservative nature let him say even one word? He slammed his hand against the wall and cursed when he’d hit a sharp knob. Nursing his bleeding hand, he took himself to the hospital wing.

Severus waited while Madam Pomfrey fussed about him. Some part of him liked the fuss, no one ever fussed about him, the other part wished she’d shut up and get on with it, though he said nothing.

“Severus?” Lupin inquired.

Snape was surprised to hear genuine concern in the other man’s voice.

“Just a flesh wound,” he said, somewhat embarrassed.

Lupin gently took his hand and looked at it. “You’re lucky you didn’t tear a tendon.”

“That’s what I told him,” Pomfrey said, saying a few magic words.

The wound began to heal instantly.

“Thank you,” Snape said. “ Please keep this quiet.”

“Doctor patient confidentiality.”

Snape gave a nod of respect.

“Is everything all right?” Pomfrey asked Lupin.

Snape noticed she seemed more concerned about him, though he refused to let himself feel jealous. The man had been shot three times.

“I’m just feeling rather tired,” he said. “I was wondering if there was anything you could suggest?”

“Yes. Sleep. Your body needs sleep. You’ve been to hell and back.”

Lupin nodded. “Thank goodness that’s all it is. Thank you, Madam Pomfrey.”

She smiled. “Now off with you both. “Remus, sleep, and Professor Snape, no strenuous activity with that hand for at least a day or two.”

“Whatever you say.”

“I mean that.”

Snape and Lupin had already left, leaving the magic nurse shaking her head and smiling.

“What puzzles me Severus, is why you didn’t put one of your potions on your hand? I mean surely-“

“One can never be too careful with such things. I like to be thorough.”

“Or you thought I might be there.”

Snape gave him a look. “You heard the doctor. Get some sleep.”

“There are some things I need to do.”

“Do I have to walk you to your room and put you to bed myself?”

Lupin sighed. “ No, but you can walk me to my room.”

Snape sighed. “Just as so you don’t drop off on the way. You look exhausted.”

“Believe me, I am.”

Snape walked with Lupin to his room.

“Thank you Severus.”

“Don’t mention it.” Snape said automatically and Lupin wondered if he meant it,

“Good night.”

Snape gave a nod as Lupin closed the door. At first Snape had no idea why he lingered by Lupin’s door. He came to realise there was so much left unsaid, but it will have to wait for now. Snape sensed that Lupin was already fast asleep.

* * *

“Have you heard?” Draco gathered around his Slytherin friends. “The werewolf’s back at Hogwarts. When my father finds out -“

“The ‘werewolf’ is perfectly harmless when he takes his wolfsbane,” Professor Snape snapped, annoyed, though he couldn’t work out who he was more annoyed with – himself or Malfoy.

The child looked up at Snape. “Uhm, sorry, Professor, I was just...”

Snape looked down at Malfoy, silencing him in an instant.

From the Gryffindor table Harry was rather amused by Snape grilling Malfoy, but somewhat surprised. Was Snape sticking up for Lupin? It certainly seemed that way, but why would he when he got Lupin kicked out in the first place? Harry talked amongst his friends.

“Snape being nice?” Ron said. “Stop it, you’re scaring me.”

Harry chuckled. “Well it seemed like he was.”

“And muggle pigs might fly.”

“It’s possible he feels guilty about what he did,” Hermione said.

Ron laughed so loud, some of the students from other houses looked around, wondering what was so funny. Snape heard, but didn’t seem to care.

Malfoy had been taken aback by Snape’s comments, and trusted him, though he still didn’t like Lupin, despite the efforts the former teacher had made to assure students they were in no danger.

* * *

“It’s time,” Lupin said.

“I know,” Severus held up a vial of wolfsbane.

Lupin grimaced. “I don’t suppose you’ve found a way to sweeten it?”

“I’m afraid not. Any type of sugar will render it useless.”

“Honey?”

“Not unless you want to have a severe bout of diarrhoea and a colossal stomach ache for the entire three days of your transformation and a whopping hangover afterwards.”

Lupin looked disappointed as he took the potion. He swallowed it in two gulps and grimaced.

“I want to go down the passage.”

“But you don’t need to.”

“I know, but I don’t want to frighten the students. They’re timid enough as it is when I’m human, especially the first and second years.”

“All right." Snape sighed.

Lupin indicated the full moon rising. “Won’t be long now. I’d feel better if you wait outside.”

Snape did so and waited until the transformation had taken place.

He walked with the tame werewolf to the Whomping Willow, some students curiously watching.

* * *

Snape sat in his room, feeling rather ... He couldn’t quite put his finger on what he was feeling. Or he didn’t want to admit what he was feeling. Guilt.

Even Harry and his friends seemed to behave themselves in his Potions classes and neither Harry, nor Ron were late to one class, which surprised him, but he didn’t let it show.

* * *

He let Lupin out three days later. Remus winced for a few moments as his eyes got used to the daylight.

“Thank you, Severus.”

“Enjoy yourself?”

“I can’t remember.”

He began to walk back to Hogwarts with Snape.

Dumbledore apologised to Lupin for his hasty departure a year ago.

“I understand, Headmaster,” Lupin said, “though I am grateful for your hospitality.”

The older wizard smiled. “I have made it clear to those who are concerned there is nothing to worry about.”

* * *

Snape sat in his room, half heartedly marking assignments. He was rather cross when he heard a knock at the door. Scowling, he put down his quill and answering his door.

Lupin stood there.

“I came to say thank you,” he said after a while.

“You already did.” Snape had that sinking feeling that Lupin had come for more than that. “What can I do for you?”

“You know what you can do for me, Severus? Actually it’s for you, not me.”

“I see.” He knew just why Lupin was here now.

“If you want me to leave, I’ll go, Lupin said softly. He turned,

“Remus...”

Lupin turned back.

Snape couldn’t say what he wanted to, but he had a feeling Lupin wasn’t going to leave until he did.

Thankfully, Lupin broke the silence.

“Just why did you save me?” he asked.

“I’ve told you. Anyone would have done the same.”

“Yes, I suppose they would have, but you’re not anybody.”

Snape took a deep breath. He wanted to tell Lupin, but could he?

“I couldn’t just leave you there,” he said, barely audible after a long pause.

Lupin took his hand. “Neither could I if you had been the one lying in that boat.”

“All that blood ... you ... were close to death ... “ Snape took another breath, hoping his damned conservatism would just bugger off.

Gently, Lupin took his hand. “Can I come in?”

Severus didn’t answer, but he stepped aside and Remus took that as a yes.

Snape took a deep, silent breath. Could he say what needed to be said? He was grateful Lupin seemed ready to listen, but was he ready to tell him?

Part of Snape wanted Lupin to leave, the other part would scream if he did.

“I couldn’t let you die...”

The words were so soft, Lupin barely heard them.

“Thank you, Severus,” he said, almost as softly as Snape. Gently, Lupin took his hand again. “I would have done the same for you.”

“Even after what I did?”

Lupin gave a gently smile. “You were upset, hurt...”

“Yes, but I had no right to do that to you. I hurt you ...”

“Yes, you did, but I understand, Severus.”

“You were just as much a victim of Black’s prank...”

“Yes, I was and I’ve settled my differences with him. You can’t carry this around forever, Severus. As much as you hate Black, he’s paid his debt. Thirteen years in Azkaban. He didn’t kill those people, Wormtail did.”

“I know that .... now, but ...”

“In time you’ll learn to put it to rest.”

“Perhaps.”

Lupin smiled. “You will.”

He held the other man’s hand gently. “Thank you,” he said again.

Snape spoke again after a long pause. “Seeing you there ... all that blood. I ... I ...” Severus looked into Lupin’s ocean grey eyes and held his hand tighter. “I couldn’t leave you there, Remus ... I”

“Shh...”

Gently Lupin stroked a lock of Severus’ long black hair away from his face and kissed hid hand. Severus took Lupin’s hand into his. Softly, Lupin stroked the other man’s long elegant fingers and smiled warmly. Gently he pushed Snape further back into the room. Snape made no move to stop him, though everything in his conservative nature screamed that it was wrong. He didn’t care.

“Relax, Severus...”

Snape took a deep, but silent breath. Lupin smiled and began to stroke his face and neck.

“I...”

“Go with it,” Lupin purred.

“I don’t know if I can...” Snape barely whispered, shivering slightly.

“You can, Severus...” Lupin urged softly.

Slowly Severus took Lupin’s hand into his, the two were very close now. Snape closed his eyes and he and Lupin shared a gentle kiss.

After a while, they parted.

Lupin smiled. “That wasn’t so hard, was it” he whispered.

Part of Snape felt completely at ease, even at peace, the other part screamed ‘by the Wand of Merlin! I just kissed another man!’ He told that part of himself on no uncertain terms to sod off as he pulled Lupin closer to him before he could change his mind.

“I couldn’t bear to lose you like that ...” he blurted out, “...all that blood ... I thought you were going to die ...”

“If it wasn’t for you I would have.”

“There’s so much left unsaid...” Snape said after a pause.

Gently Lupin stroked Snape’s pale cheek. “Yes,” he said.

“I’m truly sorry ...” Snape said softly. The worlds were still hard to say, but he said them.

Lupin kissed him. “Apology accepted.”

“You’re far more forgiving than I would be .”

“We are all different, Severus,” Lupin said, stroking Snape’s jet black hair. Snape almost stopped him, but he didn’t.

Lupin smiled. “Just relax...”

Gently he nudged Severus closer to the bed before pushing him onto it and held his finger to Snape’s lips when the Professor was about to protest. Lupin’s lips touched his and despite Snape’s initial objection, he went with it.

Lupin smiled warmly. Snape grabbed him and kissed him again and Lupin looked impressed.

“I couldn’t just leave you there,” Severus said, holding Lupin tightly ..”Without saying I’m sorry ...”

Lupin smiled gently. “Thank you, Severus, that means a lot.”

“As much as I hate Black, I realise you weren’t responsible.”

“I’m glad,” Lupin said, kissing Snape again.

This time Snape didn’t even feel himself protest. He ran his hands through Lupin’s thick, short hair and over his face. He looked a lot older than he was for his age, but Snape didn’t care. Many would say that about him. Lupin closed his eyes and leaned against Snape’s chest, content to have the other comb his fingers through his hair.

After a while, Lupin looked up and smiled. “I could only ever dream of this,” he said softly.

Snape looked at him. “You loved me.”

Lupin nodded. “From a distance.”

“And I was too blind to see it.”

“Would you have indulged me?”

“Probably not.”

Lupin nodded. “And to think what Black would say.”

Snape half smiled. “He can go and fornicate himself.”

“Part of me feels that way, though he told me he only wanted to scare you.”

“He almost did.”

Lupin looked sorrowful, but lightened the moment with a kiss.

Slowly his hand began to venture inside Snape’s robe. He hoped Snape wouldn’t protest and the taller man did not, and he obliged Lupin taking off his robes so they slid down his slender body. Snape slowly and a little clumsily at first, nervously started to take off Lupin’s robes. Lupin smiled and helped him feel more at ease and gave a reassuring smile.

“What will the others say if they found out?” Snape asked.

“They won’t unless we let them. We’ll just call it acarnum amatorius....” He whispered he last two words.

“Secret love...” Snape said, softly, translating the Latin and he smiled.

He and Lupin shared another kiss before magically removing the rest of their garments. Part of Snape still couldn’t believe he was doing this ... but the other part, there was no part of the Universe he’d rather be but here. Naked now, Lupin leant against Severus slender body, and gently began to massage him. Stating at his shoulders, Lupin gently massaged the Potions Master. Snape felt he was melting to Lupin’s soft touch and although the conservative voice was still protesting, it was getting softer and softer ... Snape sighed as Lupin poured some oil onto his hand from a bottle hidden in his robes. Snape looked somewhat impressed.

“I hoped I’d get a chance to use this tonight. It’s a mixture of pomegranate and aspen essential oils in a jojoba base.”

“Impressive, hard to come by.”

Lupin smiled as he rubbed some more onto Severus’ bare chest. Snape laid back, closed his eyes and enjoyed the sensation. Lupin smiled and gently began to run his fingers along Snape’s collarbone. Snape sighed and Lupin saw him smile, if only for a moment. Softly, he massaged some of the rare and expensive oil onto Severus’ neck and began to play with Snape’s long black hair. Snape sighed once more. Even his conservative side seemed to have forgotten he was lying on his bed with another man massaging oil onto his naked body. Tenderly, Lupin kissed him and continued to play with Severus hair. Snape was content to lie here forever. No one had ever played with his hair before. It was a unique and beautiful experience. Lupin smiled once more, as if sensing Snape’s feelings. Softly, he kissed Snape’s cheek and stroked his pale cheek.

Lupin resumed massaging Snape’s chest before venturing further down, caressing the Potion Master’s stomach, drawing no complaints from the Professor. Snape took Lupin’s hand into his and caressed it. Lupin moved up and kissed his cheek. Together, they shared a passionate kiss, body to body, soul to soul. Snape ran his hands down Lupin’s arms and began to caress his back. Lupin melted into him and sighed. Snape glad his touch had the desire effect as he continued. Lupin felt any tension he had leave his body. Gently, Snape pushed him onto the bed and began to caress his chest. He kissed the other man softly and continued to massage him.

“Turn over,” he whispered after a while.

Without question, Lupin obeyed. Snape began to scratch his back lightly. Lupin shivered slightly with pleasure. He’d always wondered what having one’s back scratched would feel like.

“Mmmm ...” he moaned, shifting slightly.

“Like that do you?”

Lupin gave a pleasurable noise and turned around. Severus smiled and kissed him again. The kiss started gentle, but soon became fiery enough to make Tartarus jealous. Snape’s bedside drawers were wiped clean, but he didn’t care. All that mattered now was the moment. This moment.

When the passion had ebbed, the two men took to massaging, caressing and gently scratching each other’s backs. Snape’s hands ventured down, across Lupin’s small buttocks, and he began to caress the other man’s legs, releasing more built up tension.

“I never realised massage could be so therapeutic.”

“You’re the one giving the massage,” Lupin said.

“It goes both ways,” Snape said quietly, caressing once more.

Lupin relaxed as the last dregs of tension left him.

“Lie down,” he said to Snape.

The Professor did as he was asked. Gently Lupin brushed a wayward lock of hair from his face as he once again began to massage him. Snape sighed to Lupin’s soft touch. The wolfman caressed Snape’s back, ventured over his snow white pale buttocks, and massaged his legs, hoping the sensation was as pleasurable as when Snape massaged him. He didn’t get any complaints.

When Lupin had finished, he felt more of his own tensions leaving his body as he massaged the tension from Snape’s body. The Professor sighed.

“Thank you...” he whispered. “I don't think I have even been so content.

“Neither have I...” Lupin kissed him and the two embraced, their naked bodies against each other, wondering how in the Universe they could have ever hated one and other.

* * *

Lupin came to Snape for his wolfsbane.

“I don't suppose by some miracle you’ve found something in the last month to make it taste better than shit?”

Snape smiled. “I’m afraid not, though not for lack of trying.” He gave the potion to Lupin.

“You’d better take me to the Whomping Willow.”

“No.”

“What do you mean no? If the children see the wolf they might flip out, especially the younger ones.”

“You don’t have to go out. Stay with me.”

“Severus ... “

“Please ...”

Lupin almost wasn’t sure he heard right ...Snape had just pleaded him.

“Oh all right ... “ he gave in, “just remember to lock your room. Shit, what if I flip out and make your room look like Voldemort hit it?”

“Don’t worry about that. That’s what the wolfsbane is for.”

“I’m still not sure about this, Severus.”

“You’ll be fine, trust me.”

Lupin nodded. For one thing Snape was true to his word. Blocking his nose, he took the potion and grimaced.

“Sorry,” Snape said apologetically.

“It’s not your fault. It’s mine.”

Lupin spoke again after a lengthy pause. “I’m going to change soon. Are you sure you want to watch? It’s not pretty.”

Snape nodded. “I’ve seen worse in my time ... I wish I could give you something for the pain.”

“So do I, believe me. It’s like giving birth to a child, times ten.”

Lupin undressed. It wasn’t long before he began to transform, his body growing hairy, hands and feet becoming paws and his face becoming a long, snout. Snape winced during Lupin’s Transformation. It didn’t look as bad as he had imagined, though as Lupin had said, it wasn’t something the muggles would put on the cover of Vogue, but as Snape had said, he had seen worse in his time. A lot worse.

“Lupin?”

The large wolf looked up and sniffed, then prowled about Snape’s office, before circling around, curling up and falling asleep. The transformation was exhausting.

Snape sat in his chair next to Lupin, and stroked the wolf gently. “I know the feeling.”

* * *

When Lupin resumed his human form he was glad to see that many of the children had forgotten their fears.

“Thanks,” he said to Snape.

“It was the least I could do.”

* * *

“You’re leaving, Professor?” Harry said, sadly

“Yes, Harry,” He didn't correct him this time, the boy remembered him as Professor Lupin. “There are some things I need to take care of, but I will come back.”

“When?”

“I‘m not sure.”

“I’ll miss you.”

“And I you.”

The two shared an embrace.

* * *

Together, that night, Snape and Lupin walked down the corridor, unaware that Harry and friends were out and about under Harry’s invisibility cloak.

“So you’re leaving?” Snap asked,

Harry, further down the corridor gave Snape a hateful look.

“Yes, Severus, I have some unfinished business.”

“Don’t hurry back.”

Harry’s hands clenched into a fist. He could tell his friends weren’t impressed either.

“You ca drop the act, Severus, no one’s here.”

Snape glanced up and down the corridor. When he was satisfied he leaned forward and he and Lupin shared a long kiss.

Harry and Co stood, too shocked for words and Ron had to cover Hermione’s wide open mouth, should she let out an involuntary scream.

Snape embraced Lupin. “Take care if yourself.”

“And you, Severus.”

The Professor gave a smile. As he watched Lupin leave in the dead of night, before he turned away.

Harry and friends watch Snape leave, before they took off the cloak.

“Did you... s ... seee..”

Hermione stood wide eyed and speechless. Ron didn’t know whether to smile or hurl.

Granger finally took a breath. “By Merlin’s beard ...” she gasped.

“You can say that again,” Ron said. “I mean he ... he...”

“We saw,” Harry said. “How long do you suppose they’ve been ...”

“I don’t wanna know.” Ron stated firmly.

“Now we can’t tell anyone,” Harry said. “Snape’ll have us for dinner.”

Ron and Hermione nodded emphatically, agreeing.

Hermione had regained full control of her vocal chords. “As strange as it might be, I think it’s rather romantic, now I’m off to bed before I see anything else that might warp my fragile mind.”

And the two boys followed.

* * *

Snape sat alone in his room slowly brushing his hair. He felt alone and smiled when he realised so much hatred had vanished. He felt lighter, his soul felt almost complete. He didn’t know if he could ever forgive Sirius Black.

Perhaps in time, but he sure as Hades knew he wasn’t going to go to bed with him!

*

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