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He Couldn't Say No	By : cheapmedicine Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Snape/Remus Views: 2712 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: The authors of this fic have nothing to do with the Harry Potter series of novels or movies. No money will be made from this.

Chapter List
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Remus sat in the kitchen reading the paper wondering why The Quibbler wouldn't publish more often as their track record for objective reporting had begun to exceed the Daily Prophet's. He was about to toss it aside when he saw it, back on the next to last page, a picture of Percy Weasley and Lucius Malfoy shaking hands. Quickly he scanned through the article. Malfoy had apparently donated a large sum of money to Percy's campaign. Remus had heard rumors that Percy was thinking of running, but he hadn't given it much thought. Percy was too young, too inexperienced, too much of a prat honestly to be taken seriously. Now that he had Lucius's support . . ..

He was considering calling Harry when Severus came home.

"Have you seen this?" Remus inquired, holding up the paper. Severus propped himself up in the doorway.

"You know I don't read that rag."

"Well it seems your old flame is throwing his support behind Percy Weasley in the upcoming election."

Severus walked up behind him and snatched the paper out of his hand. That's when Remus smelled it. Smelled him. Severus had been with Lucius. He sat there frozen, unsure of how he should react. They were only just getting over their last fight. He also had no desire to be accused of flying off the handle again. He looked up, realizing that Severus had said something.

"I beg your pardon?"

Severus smirked at the paper. "Nothing," he replied, tossing it down on the table. "I'm not surprised, actually. Weasley's very easily manipulated. His role in the war revealed, Lucius doesn't stand a chance at the position himself. But he wants it. Whatever improves his status is a must-have." Severus stared at the ground and shook his head realizing he was a status enhancement. "It should be an interesting campaign season," he said, sounding regretful.

"I'm sure it will be."

Severus stroked Remus's cheek. "I'm gonna hop in the shower," he said. Remus only looked at him. They both knew damn well that Severus had showered that morning. "I thought maybe you and I could go out and have a nice dinner tonight. I wouldn't want to go smelling like Knockturn Alley."

"I appreciate that." Severus gave him a weak smile and left the room. Remus sighed and took off to the sitting room and a pipe of Neville's Finest. Severus had been with Lucius, but had he been with Lucius?

"Do I really want to know? Does it really matter?" he thought to himself, taking a hit. He knew that Severus was committed to him, but that didn't necessarily mean that he would remain faithful. Not to mention that Remus had damn near dared him to seek out Lucius during their last fight. He knew ordering Severus not to do something was a bad idea even as he was doing it, but he just couldn't help himself. Not that close to the full moon. Not when it involved the only other man Severus had ever been serious with. The only man Severus 'couldn't say no to.'

Severus also knew that Remus would know; that's why he's taking a second shower. Of course there was the possibility that nothing had happened. He had been at Knockturn Alley and Lucius still frequented Borgin and Burkes. If that were the case, why hadn't Severus mentioned something?

"Maybe that's what dinner is about," he mused. "Maybe he's hoping being in public will prevent me making a scene." Remus couldn't be sure either way, not until he heard what Severus had to say. Then again, maybe Severus wasn't planning on saying anything.

Severus came back downstairs a short while later looking far more presentable. Having not washed his hair, however, he still stank of Malfoy. Remus's teeth ground together harshly for a moment.

If he had to smell that man all night, his imagination would get the better of him. In short time, it did.

Remus cringed in disgust as he recalled a drunken conversation he'd stubbornly pursued with Severus some years ago. "What was he like in bed?" He'd insisted on receiving a believable answer.

Lucius was rough but attentive and 'liked a mess,' as Severus attempted to explain to him. "He'd throw a comforter over us in the middle of summer and insist on pulling it over our heads and keeping it there the whole time. He likes sweat and heat. He likes to get inside you and hold you tightly, grinding. He liked what was primitive and uninhibited." Why the hell had he insisted on hearing that?

They arrived just in time to miss the final available table for the evening. Remus thanked the host anyway, and guided Severus toward the door. "Gentlemen!" A familiar voice. An obnoxious voice. "Delighted to see you both again. Out enjoying yourselves. Delighted." Remus's nostrils flared. Bloody Malfoy. "I'm dining with Percy Weasley." He gestured to a nearby table where the knob sat, very formally nodding his greeting, nose in the air at all times. "Would you care to join us? We were just discussing his campaign platform."

"I don't think that's a good idea, Lucius," Severus said smoothly. "Besides, politics is not exactly what I had in mind when I decided to take my lover out to dinner."

"What did you have in mind?" Lucius asked smirking.

"A romantic evening with the man I love." Remus looked at him sharply. Severus had never said those words before. Still, he knew from the way Lucius was looking at them that their earlier meeting had not been innocent.

"You aren't concerned about the future?" Lucius asked. "Percy has some revolutionary ideas."

"Indeed," Percy remarked, "we'll be changing the world. You really must join us. I'd love to try to get your votes."

"We'll also be discussing the finer points of subtly," Lucius drawled, rolling his eyes at the young man. "Please join us. We'd love to have input from two...men...such as yourselves. Veterans affairs is one of our top priorities."

Severus stood, unimpressed. "Unfortunately for you, that isn't our issue."

"So what is your issue?" Percy interjected.

"Being left alone by those who think they know what's best for us," he said, maintaining eye contact with Lucius. "You might as well campaign to someone else."

"I don't know Severus, perhaps we should hear what they have to say," Remus interjected. "It's not every day you're invited to dine with a candidate for the ministry. Who knows what decisions we could effect with our presence?"

"I'm not sure I'm fit for polite company this evening."

"When has that ever stopped you before Severus?" Lucius asked. Remus couldn't help but smile. Severus had walked right into that one. "Shall we, then?" Lucius continued as he escorted them to the table.

Severus sighed as he plopped down in the chair beside Percy, leaving Remus to sit beside Lucius. Fortunately. Remus was already prepared to jump into the seat beside Malfoy. He knew just what sort of antics Lucius and Severus might get up to. Of course that meant he was sitting directly in front of Lucius.

"So, Percy," Severus began without enthusiasm, "what possessed you to seek the highest political office with no discernible qualifications? "

"No discernible qualifications? I've been working at the ministry for 16 years now," he began blustering. "I practically ran Crouch's office while he was ill during The Tri-Wizard Tournament."

"He wasn't ill, he was Imperiused. Are you aware of the difference?" Severus asked.

Percy turned bright red. Lucius placed a hand on his arm cutting off whatever retort he'd been planning. "Don't pay attention to him, he's just pouting because he didn't get his way."

Remus's eyebrows raised in interest. Severus rolled his eyes. "Whatever that means."

"If anyone knows, it's you," Lucius replied. "We don't expect you to share."

"We wouldn't hate it if you did, though," Remus remarked. He and Severus made eye contact as a waiter approached.

"Could I get you gentlemen something to dr . . .."

He could barely finish his sentence before Severus interjected. "Firewhiskey. Double."

"Sir?" he asked, looking to Remus.

"Just a water, thank you." Remus watched Severus while Percy and Lucius placed their orders. He tried to make eye contact, but the other man was not having it. He turned back to his rival. "So Lucius, what made you decide to back young Mr. Weasley here?"

"As I said, he has some rather remarkable ideas."

"Such as..." Remus trailed off knowing Percy would take the bait.

"Well, like Lucius said," the young man began looking over at his backer, "one of our top priorities is Veterans Affairs. There are still too many witches and wizards out there struggling with the after effects of the war."

Remus tuned Percy out as he felt Lucius lift his leg up under the table. He looked over at his mate to see his reaction to what he thought Lucius was planning to do. Other than a slight tensing he didn't react. Though he gave no signs of enjoying it, he clearly wasn't doing anything to stop it either. He was about to do something himself when Percy caught his attention.

"There's also the issue of werewolves and other dangerous beasts that needs to be addressed."

"Really? How so?" Remus asked. Severus groaned before he could stop himself. The night was turning out far worse than he imagined it might. Only a complete dunderhead could miss the fact that Remus was spoiling for a fight. Lucius knew that and was probably counting on Remus making a scene. Percy, of course, was just a dunderhead. Severus was relieved when their server interrupted them to take orders and deliver drinks.

He watched as Lucius leaned over and whispered in Percy's ear. The boy nodded and Severus was certain he saw Lucius stroke the boy's thigh. He turned to Lupin hoping he had noticed, but the man had gone back to glaring at him. He downed his drink and asked for another one as Lucius became more explicit in his attentions. He looked away from the table, ashamed of his own weakness. He looked back when Lucius quickly withdrew his foot from his crotch and accidentally banged the table.

"Are you alright Lucius?"

"Yes, Percy. I'm fine. If you'll just excuse me for a moment." Severus watched as Lucius made his way to the men's room. He looked over at his lover. Remus's expression was far too innocent for Severus to believe.

He wondered if Remus knew how long Lucius's foot had been there. The modicum of insanity Severus saw gleaming in Remus's eyes reminded him that a topic of conversation which would thoroughly distract him from Severus's tolerance of Lucius's behavior was in order.

"So what of these dangerous creatures, Percy?" he asked. Remus continued glaring at Severus, decidedly not distracted.

Percy cleared his throat. "I've been advised we're still ironing out our official position on the issue."

Severus grinned. Percy's nonsense campaign was extraordinary. Unfortunately, it was being run by someone with the ability to undermine and manipulate. "You don't have you own, unique opinion on the 'issue', as you so succinctly put it?"

Percy was cornered and confused. "It's eloquating the opinion that I need to work on."

"Agreed," Severus replied. "You are not eloquent." He smiled, looking forward to his next drink. He was glad he'd calmed his nerves to some extent before going out. Especially considering his diminishing luck when it came to ridding himself of Malfoy. Of course, he might have more success if he were sober. "Time served does not a leader make," he warned. "Apparently it doesn't breed tolerance or common sense, either."

"I see time served hasn't made you less rude," Percy retorted, finally drawing Remus's attention away from him. However much the man might agree, very few people were able to speak to Severus that way in front of Remus and get away with it. Percy was definitely not one of them.

"I'm glad to see how you've matured over the years Mr. Weasley," Remus said dryly.

"Thank you, sir. I'm glad somebody has noticed." Severus rolled his eyes and was a little surprised that Weasley hadn't stuck out his tongue at him. Their food arrived along with Severus's drink. Lucius remained conspicuously absent. Remus, however, seemed to have worked up an appetite and had no trouble diving into his own meal.

"What other issues are you hoping to address?" Severus asked, wanting to keep him talking.

"We're terribly concerned with the under-regulation of animagi. There's been a rapid increase in failure to register. The neglect of the matter is unacceptable," Percy complained, proselytising.

"Why is there any need to register animagi, anyway?" Severus asked.

"We must keep track of witches and wizards who possess skills that could be used for terrorist activities."

Severus snorted. "This is really happening," he reminded himself aloud. "Who isn't a terrorist? I think that's going to be the shortest way for me to figure out your bizarre view of the world."

Percy was saved from having to answer when Lucius returned looking a little worse for wear. "What did Remus hex him with?" Severus thought to himself. He looked over to see Remus was still devoting all of his attention on his dinner.

"Did I miss anything interesting?"

"Your protégé here was just commenting on the likelihood of Animagi and Werewolves committing acts of terrorism."

Lucius gave Percy a look that Severus knew all too well before responding. "No one's saying that Animagi and Werewolves are more likely to become terrorists, merely pointing out that their unusual abilities could be a benefit if one were inclined to pursue acts of subterfuge."

"All of us have unusual abilities, abilities for which our ancestors were persecuted. You would have us further persecute in the name of a false sense of security. That's certainly not something I endorse." He looked over at Remus. "What are your thoughts?"

"I think the idea of security is a myth," he said looking Severus in the eye. "I also don't believe that tapping into people's fears is ever constructive," he continued, looking at Lucius. "What is it exactly that you're hoping to accomplish here tonight? So far I can't imagine you're succeeding."

Severus grinned and looked to Malfoy for his reply. He shot a glance in Percy's direction which Severus recognized instantly. Lucius was embarrassed and Percy would be punished. He sighed, wondering if Remus realized Lucius was shagging Percy.

"It seems Severus's politics aren't as rational as they once were. He's quite driven by his emotions these days."

"I'm driven by my common sense. People are more productive when they're happy. You don't have to scare them out of their wits."

"So you'd rather we lied to you?" Lucius asked.

"You'll lie to us, regardless. On this issue, I happen to know the facts. Animagi are not a threat."

"What about Animagi who run about the countryside with a werewolf during the full moon," he said looking at Remus who couldn't keep himself from blushing. That was a very sore subject with Remus. Anything having to do with the Marauders was a sore subject with Remus. "Could that not be construed as an act of terror?"

"I suppose it might," Severus drawled. "However one might also construe passing on a known dark artifact - a personal possession of The Dark Lord himself - to an eleven year old girl an act of terrorism."

Lucius smiled, oddly politely. "Time passes, Severus. People change. This very conversation is evidence of that," he explained.

Severus nodded. "I'm glad to hear you're finally getting it." In his peripheral Severus saw Remus glancing between them.

"Certain things do not change."

Severus laughed. "You won't have your cake and eat it."

He gulped the contents of his glass and raised it to the waiter, who'd just glanced in his direction. He held up two fingers. "Thirsty?" Lucius asked.

Severus shook his head. "No. A little afraid I might be ambushed and carted off to Azkaban for no reason."

Lucius laughed. "There are so many better places I would hold you hostage."

"Because that worked out so well for you last time. Then again," he said taking Remus's hand, "it worked out quite well for me, so maybe there is an advantage in letting you think you're holding me hostage." Remus looked at him and then at Lucius who hoped that he'd worked out exactly to what he was alluding.

"No one is talking about taking hostages or arresting people for no reason," Percy interjected. "We're simply trying to ensure that everyone is where they're supposed to be."

All three men looked over at the boy. Despite his age, Severus could not think of another word to describe him.

"I hope you're planning on speaking soon, Mr. Weasley. I cannot wait to see how the crowds react to such eloquence," Severus casually replied.

Malfoy cleared his throat and glared at Severus with an expression he knew meant the big guns were being drawn. "I think Percy may win your vote yet," Lucius began. "After all, you like a gamble. I think you told me that only a few hours ago."

Remus felt Severus tense up at that before draining his glass and signaling the waiter once again. At this rate they'd be lucky to make it out of there without wands being drawn.

"Yes, Severus mentioned running into you earlier today," Remus lied easily. "I understand that it was not a particularly pleasant meeting."

"I found it to be quite pleasant. I found it quite," he paused for emphasis, "provocative, if not entirely satisfactory. Then again Severus has always enjoyed the drama of the chase."

"As you said, people change," Remus answered.

"Indeed," Severus drawled. It didn't go unnoticed by Remus that Severus could no longer look anywhere but the table or floor.

Lucius nodded. "Agreed. Severus here has changed into someone who is bored of his life and seeks the thrill of a good . . .." Lucius trailed off, grinning. "Anyway, Severus hasn't changed. He'd merely forgotten who he was." Remus took note of the past tense. "But that's all squared away now." Severus stared, eyes glazed over with drink, at Lucius. His lips parted with a small gasp.

"I'm glad to hear it," Remus replied, deciding that now was not the time for a confrontation, especially as he'd already hexed the man once. "There can be something profound in reminding ourselves what we're capable of from time to time; to remind ourselves how insignificant the greatest heartbreak truly is. It helps bring into focus how far we've come. Especially knowing that at the end of the day, everything is in its right place."

Remus turned to Severus and caressed his cheek before dropping his hand down into Severus's lap and turning back to Lucius.

"You're fooling yourself; but who am I to stop you if it makes you happy?" Lucius said.

"I have no illusions about the kind of man Severus is. It's a shame you haven't had the opportunity or the pleasure of getting to know him as well as I have. He has so much more to offer than you'd ever have the wit to appreciate." Remus could feel Severus staring at him. "Indeed, one wonders why you continuing pursuing someone who is so obviously out of your league."

Percy was glaring at Lucius, apparently only just realizing Severus was the topic of conversation. It occurred to Remus that something was going on between Malfoy and Weasley. Probably Percy being manipulated with sex, if Remus's knowledge of Lucius was anything to go by.

Lucius grinned at Remus. "It's what's base that appeals to me most. Him, too. In the end, you'll grow to accept that. It's only a matter of time before he realizes how much we have to offer. Life could be much easier on him, indeed."

Severus gulped the remainder of his drink. "Fascinating as this is, I think it's about time Remus and I departed." Severus pulled out some money and left it on the table. He stood. "Remus?"

Remus stood up with one last parting shot; "It's a shame you lack the imagination to see how my transformations might appeal to Severus." He threw Lucius and Percy a mock bow before allowing Severus to lead him out of the restaurant so that he could apparate them home.
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He Couldn't Say No