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Too Much Of Not Enough	By : RikuRocks Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > Slash - Male/Male Views: 1782 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to Harry Potter, nor am I making any money from this work of fiction.

Chapter List
- 4
- 5
- 6
Severus was able to hide his ever-growing feelings and concerns better over the next couple of weeks, especially since something happened during the start of the spring term that upset Remus. The obsidian-eyed boy could not figure out what was bothering his friend and the brown-eyed boy kept assuring him that he should not worry himself over it.

Severus could tell that was Remus� way of telling him to drop it. He also knew that the only reason the fawn-haired boy would handle it that way was if it was tied to his condition somehow. The only thing the obsidian-eyed teen could think of was that it had started right about the time Remus should have met with his head of house to discuss his career goals and what his options were�of course, a werewolf really would not have any options.
Severus hated that everything he felt seemed to make so much more sense if he simply accepted that he was falling for his friend; and that all of Remus� abnormalities made perfect sense if he were a lycanthrope.

The sallow-skinned teen finally thought of a way to approach the subject without giving away his desires or breaking their agreement as they walked back to the castle after having lunch by the lake one day. �So do you have any idea what NEWT level subjects you�re going to take after this year?�

Remus sighed softly, before answering. �Well, I�m definitely dropping Divination, but aside from that, I�ll probably just take the same classes I am now. Of course, I don�t know that I�ll be able to take Potions at that level. I suppose I�ll just have to wait until after OWLs. What about you?�

The raven-haired boy fought the urge to roll his eyes at himself. It was still a month before OWLs and the results would not come until before the start of the next school year; of course, there would be no need to worry over it just yet. �I�m planning on taking Potions, DADA, Herbology, Care of Magical Creatures, Charms, and Arithmancy. I�m hoping to do something with potions, so those are the subjects I would most likely need. What are you planning to do?�

The fawn-haired boy was pensive and quiet when he answered, �I don�t know�I never truly thought about life after Hogwarts until recently. Who knows, with this war going on, we may not have that many options for a while.�

Severus nodded slowly. Not for the first time, he wondered what Remus� thoughts on the war were. It was widely known that dark creatures, such as werewolves, were mainly on Lord Voldemort�s side. Many of the six and seventh year Slytherins were talking about joining the Death Eaters and Severus was leaning toward that idea himself, however, he did not want to bring the subject up with Remus yet; not until he had a better idea of where his friend�s allegiances would lie.

Over the next few weeks, the two boys did not discuss the future, but continued to send many enjoyable days in each other�s company, and Remus seemed to come to terms with whatever had been bothering him. Severus, while enjoying his friend�s company more than ever, finally had to admit to himself that what he felt for the brown-eyed boy was more than a passing crush. Too many nights of fantasising about the shorter by combined with even more days filled with unusual emotions and desires had simply worn down his resolve. However, he still had no idea what to do about his feelings.

He also had to admit that he was becoming slightly obsessed with the question of whether or not his friend was a werewolf. All of the evidence pointed towards it, but he needed to be sure and simply could not bring himself to ask�a fact that he blamed on his newly discovered ardour.

Remus� illness had struck right on the night of the full moon again in April, and now, as they neared the final week of May, the lunar cycle was about to reach it�s peak again and, as expected, Remus looked wan and worn. Severus watched his friend closely, looking and hoping for something that would indicate a cause other than lycanthropy, but he could find none.
Finally, the obsidian-eyed teen decided that he would have to sneak out on the evening of the full moon and watch the infirmary; the staff could not be housing a hostile, fully-grown wolf there, which meant the Headmaster must have somewhere to hide the transformed werewolf. He was risking enough just having Remus there, a fact Severus still found hard to believe, Dumbledore could not afford to put the entire population of the castle at further risk by keeping Remus there during the full moons.

The raven-haired boy thought he had the whole thing planned out rather well, but he was also quickly learning that fate is a fickle bitch that delights in throwing mortals through a loop at every possible turn. Therefore, it truly did not come as a surprise that he saw Madam Pomfrey leading Remus across the grounds through a window on his way to the infirmary. Nor was Severus startled to hear a familiar cold voice drawl out from the shadows as he turned to head for the entrance doors.

�Isn�t it past your bedtime, Snivellus?�

Severus turned, sneer firmly in place, as Black stepped out from behind a suit of armour in an alcove. �It is passed yours as well, Black. Despite what you and Potter seem to think, you are not princes here in this school.�

The obsidian-eyed teen turned to leave, but the grey-eyed boy behind him spoke again. His voice haughty as always, �You�re a little far from the snake pit tonight�what are you up to?�

Severus kept the other boy in his line of sight as he walked across the hall casually. The Slytherin wondered if all stuck-up purebloods had an inborn ability to keep such a cold and casual air about them at all times. His lip curled further as he replied; �Nothing as bad as what you and your soul mate in stupidity are doing, I wouldn�t wonder.�

�Oh, but I think you do wonder,� drawled the Gryffindor, as an irritating smirk touched his lips. �I�ve seen you watching us. Are you hoping to catch us breaking some rules so you can tattletale, or maybe all this hostility is just a cover-up, hmm? Perhaps it isn�t anger that colours your dungeon-yellowed skin whenever you see James or me��

The sallow-skinned boy scowled in disgust and anger, �As if I would have any interest in either of you twats!�

�Then why are you always following us around and spying on us?� Black�s smug smirk turned into an ugly sneer as he looked the other boy over. �Even when we�ve been ignoring you lately, you still trail us like a dog stalking a bitch in heat.�

�I see good breeding truly doesn�t mean much anymore�or perhaps it�s just the inbreeding talking now, Black,� Severus retorted, pleased to see the other boy colour in rage. �I know this may come as a shock to your swollen ego, but it wasn�t you I was watching. Now, I have a matter of interest to attend to that does not include bartering insults with an arrogant toerag.�

The obsidian-eyed teen turned again, but only made it a few feet before the enraged Black called out to him, �Not so fast, Snivellus.�

With a frustrated sigh, Severus turned, wondering if he might save time by just hexing the maddening Gryffindor. �Now who�s dogging who, Black? Should I feel especially disturbed or can you just not stand to have anyone�s attention focused on something other than yourself?�

�Where has your attention been focused, then?� questioned the grey-eyed teen, looking suspicious. �You said it wasn�t me you were surveying�or James�� Suddenly, the tanned boy frowned, and confusion tinted his tone. �You�re following Remus? Is that what you�re doing now?�

The raven-haired Slytherin arched an eyebrow, �What business is it of yours?�

Grey eyes narrowed; �Remus is my friend.�

�He�s mine too.� Severus briefly noted that this was the first time he had acknowledged the brown-eyed boy as his friend aloud, and felt somewhat perturbed that Black was the recipient of the statement. However, he quickly decided that seeing the other boy�s dumbstruck expression was worth it. He allowed himself a small smirk as he arched an eyebrow again. �What�he hasn�t mentioned any of our study dates or fulfilling conversations?� Of course, Severus knew that Remus had not, and he had not wanted him to, but knocking Black down a couple of notches was well worth the repercussions, in his opinion. �Actually, I�m not surprised. Why would he bother mentioning anything meaningful to a self-centred prat like you?�

As he spoke, Severus enjoyed watching Black�s expression change from one of shock to defiance, and finally to fury. Black�s eyes were hard and practically alight with ire as his mouth worked wordlessly before settling into a vicious sneer. �Well he obviously doesn�t tell you everything, does he, Snape? You don�t know why he�s gone tonight nor where he�s going, do you?�

The obsidian-eyed boy had to bite back his own anger at the fact that Black�s words actually stung him. He realised then that he must have hoped Remus would confide in him, somewhere in a part of his mind that he did not like to acknowledge. He also hated the implication that Remus had told Black these things, but he tried to remind himself that Black could very well be lying to get a rise out of him�he did not want to admit that it was working, but the Gryffindor git seemed to know anyway.

Black smirked triumphantly before fixing Severus with a calculating stare; �All right, since we have a mutual friend, it seems, why don�t I give you a little hint?� A gleam of malice in his bright eyes made Black look slightly mad, and the words out of his mouth next did nothing to diminish the idea. �Go down to the Whomping Willow tonight, prod the knot in the trunk, and shimmy down the rabbit hole like a good little snake. Then we�ll see what sort of friend you are, Snape.�

Severus� first thought was to argue that there was no chance he was going to trust Black not to be setting him up to look the fool, but then he remembered seeing Madam Pomfrey leading Remus away from the castle�in the direction of the Whomping Willow.

The grey-eyed boy grinned smugly and looked down his nose at Severus. �Of course, if you�re too afraid, then you can always just try it again some other time. Maybe build up your courage by trying smaller feats first�like shampooing your hair. Anyway, I�m off to find James and Peter. Being this close to slimy snakes makes me feel tainted. Night, Snivellus.�

The raven-haired boy stood there for a moment, battling with himself. He knew the odds were high that Black was setting him up. As cruel and callous as the other teenager was, Severus had to admit, however, that he honestly was not sure if Black actually would betray and use Remus just to strike back at an enemy that had bruised his ego. Another part of him hoped that the aristocratic Gryffindor was setting him up, because he felt that a blow to his pride would be preferable to knowing that Remus had confided in Black what he had not in Severus himself.

Nevertheless, he had come this far and the obsidian-eyed teen had to ask himself if it was worth taking the off chance that he might be able to solve one of the biggest mysteries that made up Remus. Ultimately, he realised he already knew the answer and he turned and headed towards the main entrance.

Severus crossed the grounds cautiously in the fading twilight of the evening, but he saw no signs of anyone else being out and figured that Madam Pomfrey had returned to the infirmary while he was arguing with Black. He reached the Whomping Willow and found a few branches lying about, which happened to be the perfect length to reach the described knot in the trunk and wondered if they were there for that purpose.
The moon started rising over the Forbidden Forest as he prodded the knot, and Severus wondered what was happening to Remus at that very moment. His thoughts turned back to the task at hand when the violent tree suddenly stilled and two large roots shifted just enough to expose an opening under the tree.

The obsidian-eyed teen approached the opening carefully, taking one last look about for signs of a trap before casting a Lumos spell and crawling into the narrow passage. He saw an earthy slope before him, which appeared to lead to a short, narrow tunnel. The sallow-skinned boy had just taken his first tentative step down the slope when a gut wrenching scream tore through the tunnel, causing him to slip. He half crawled, half slid down the loose soil until he landed in a graceless heap on the soft dirt ground below.

Severus had to crouch doubled over in order to fit in the tight passageway and he stood in horror for a moment as the agonising screams and moans travelling down the length of the tunnel continued. Holding his lit wand out before him, the raven-haired teen slunk down the passage as quickly as the awkward and uncomfortable position allowed.
He paused soon after, when the screams started sounding wetter, before stretching out into a long, keening sound. It no longer sounded remotely like a human being. Severus swallowed thickly and continued his slow trudge down the tunnel. On and on the passage went, leading him a few miles away from the castle. The raven-haired boy guessed that he was nearing Hogsmeade just as the passage began to slope upwards.

Soon, Severus figured he would be nearing ground level again, and the passage suddenly turned so that he could not see what lie ahead. He cautiously turned the corner, and discovered that the passage opened enough for him to straighten. There was an old, worn-looking, boarded up door at the end, and some faint light filtered through some cracks and knotholes in the wood. Moving closer, the obsidian-eyed teen could hear something distant beyond the door, as though it were coming from another room further beyond it. He could make out a low keening, as well as some grunts and snarls, and several thuds and yelps.
It sounded as though someone or something was being brutalised.

Severus placed a hand on the door and leaned forward to peek through a knothole, pausing in disgust as the tang of blood and raw flesh mixed with the scents of moisture, stone, and earth. When he glanced through the hole, he could only see patches of the small, dreary room beyond, as the soft light of the room leaked in through cracks and small gaps in the boards over the windows. The room was sparsely littered with battered furniture, and a creaky looking staircase lead up to another story.
Thinking over his likely position and the state of the room he was looking into, Severus realised that he must be looking into the Shrieking Shack. As his eyes adjusted to the gloom, he caught sight of several dark stains on the floor and the lowest few feet of the walls; with a small shudder, he recognised that these were bloodstains at various levels of maturity.

The sallow-skinned boy just caught sight of a shadow moving on the stairs when the sounds of someone moving along the tunnel behind him echoed through the passage. He turned to look behind him, keeping his wand at the ready as he whispered, �Nox.�

The sounds beyond the door grew louder, as did the sounds in the passage, both growing closer. Severus shifted so he could glance between both, as he heard panting coming from the tunnel and the sounds of wood splintering, a dull thud, and something whining from the room behind the door.

A voice sounded from somewhere around the corner of the tunnel, speaking in a stage whisper; �Snape�Snape, are you in here?�

Not being able to identify who spoke the quiet words, Severus decided not to respond. The whispered voice called him again, sounding closer this time, and again, Severus did not react�but something else did.

A low, warning growl drifted through the door and Severus turned toward the sound slowly before approaching the door dazedly. He peeked through a crack in the wood, not daring to touch the door this time, and followed the sound to its source. He caught a glimpse of brown, blood-matted fur before a pair of golden eyes, practically glowing as they reflected the light of the moon, stilled his gaze. Severus� breath caught and then his mind barely had time to register the shift of a small, bloodied body and the gleam of white fangs before he stumbled back as the wolf struck the door that separated them.

The obsidian-eyed boy blinked away his shock as a voice behind him shouted his surname and he heard the werewolf�s lupine form strike the door again. Belatedly, he realised that the door must have held an unbreakable charm, and likely, some other spells, as it did not give at all. Again, he heard the wolf slam against the door, this time releasing a pained yelp as it did so.

�Snape!� A hand grabbed the named boy�s upper arm and turned him away from the door, to face a very frightened James Potter, who was holding up a lit wand. Hazel eyes darted to the door as the wolf struck and cried out again, before quickly flickering over Severus, as though checking for injury. Finally, hazel met obsidian, both pairs of eyes cold; �Come on, we have to go.�

�The door is spelled,� Severus spat at the bespectacled teen once the nervous tone of the Gryffindor�s voice registered, �You and Black didn�t know that, did you?�

Potter glanced at the deceptively decrepit-looking door again. �No, but look; we have to go. That thing is either going to get out here�or it�s gonna kill itself trying.�

The last part was spoken softly, almost regretfully, but Severus heard anyway. His eyes darted back to the door. Both boys flinched when they heard a snap that sounded decidedly like bones breaking, followed by a pained howl, then some scraping, and thudding, as though the wolf were having trouble getting back to its feet. Severus� eyes widened, thinking that if that thing truly was Remus�

Without another thought or a single word, the Slytherin turned back for the passage as quickly as he could, hearing Potter directly behind him. They ran as fast as they could at a crouch, as the sounds of an injured monster they both considered a friend drifted through the passage.

Severus shimmied through the roots of the Whomping Willow and spun around, landing a punch on Potter�s jaw as soon as the Gryffindor crawled out as well. �You bastard! You and Black are going to pay for this! If that was R- Oomph!� Something large and heavy knocked into his side, throwing him onto the ground several feet away and knocking the wind out of him in the process.
He heard something heavy hit the ground near him as he staggered up, and saw Potter trying to rise from a heap on the ground as well. Once both teens were standing shakily, they looked back to see that the Whomping Willow was active again, trying to swing its branches at them again, although they appeared to be just out of its range. They still backed up several paces before facing each other again.

Potter held up a hand in a pacifying gesture. His glasses were askew, there were several dried leaves in his unruly hair, and half of him was covered in damp earth. �Look, Sirius was just supposed to be setting up for a trick we were gonna pull while Remus was in the hospital wing. It had nothing to do with you, and I didn�t even know Sirius talked to you tonight until a little while ago; that�s when I came to warn you. I-�

�You expect me to believe that rubbish?� snapped the obsidian-eyed boy as he brushed some dirt off his arm. �Some friend you are, Potter�first you use Lupin like a junk yard dog and now you�re ready to sell out Black to save your own hide! You�re disgusting; it�s no wonder Lily won�t have anything to do with you.�

The raven-haired Gryffindor narrowed his eyes, �Look here, Snivellus, I just saved your greasy arse and I didn�t do it for you! Now if you tell anyone what you learned tonight, I swear-�

�You�ll what?� snarled the raven-haired Slytherin. �Try to feed me to the werewolf again? Don�t waste my time trying to play the hero, Potter; I know exactly what you are! You and that inhuman-�

�James, we�re coming! Are you all right?!�

Both of the enraged teens turned to see Peter Pettigrew running towards them as quickly as his dumpy form would allow. Madam Pomfrey was beside him, and the unmistakable silhouettes of Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall were just a few paces behind them.

�We�re all right,� Potter called back as the figures continued their approach, �Just got knocked off our feet by the Willow.� Once the professors and Pettigrew reached them, the bespectacled boy added, �I think Remus is hurt though; it sounded pretty bad in there.�

Madam Pomfrey sighed, and Severus was surprised to see the emotion on her face as she glanced towards the Whomping Willow in concern. �I�m afraid there�s nothing I can do for him yet. Come on now, best let me take a look at you two just to be sure.�

Rolling his eyes at the return of the nurse�s no-nonsense tone, Severus snapped, �We�re both fine�aside from the fact that Potter and his friends are clearly demented.�

Potter and Pettigrew each opened their mouths to argue, but Dumbledore spoke before anyone else could, �Enough. Mr. Potter, Mr. Pettigrew, and Mr. Snape, I would like a word with each of you in my office immediately. Minerva, Poppy, would either of you mind accompanying us?�

Both of the stern women agreed right away, to no one�s surprise, and Severus had the feeling that he was in for more than he bargained for as he and the other two teenagers were escorted to the Headmaster�s office.
Professor McGonagall summoned a few chairs before Dumbledore�s desk as he took his seat behind it and instructed the boys to sit. Severus sat at the furthest chair, and Potter shoved Pettigrew forward lightly, forcing the blonde-haired boy to sit between him and Severus. Madam Pomfrey quickly waved her wand over them, performing some sort of diagnostic spell, before nodding her approval to the Headmaster.

�Thank you, Poppy,� stated Dumbledore with a nod to the nurse. �Now, you may return to your ward. I believe you�ll want to make some preparations before the moon sets.�

With a curt nod, Madam Pomfrey left, and Professor Crowley, who had taken the position of DADA teacher that year, arrived with a rather bored looking Sirius Black. �Here you are, Dumbledore. Is there anything else I can assist you with, sir? Does the werewolf need to be subdued?�

Black and Potter glared at the man, Professor McGonagall stiffened slightly, and Severus had to fight back a growl at the Professor�s tone while taking about Remus, whom he clearly considered as nothing more than a creature to be studied.

Dumbledore�s eyes hardened slightly at the other man�s tone as well, �No; thank you, Professor, that will be all. You may return to your quarters and I apologise for disturbing you at this late hour.� Professor Crowley left with a polite nod and Professor McGonagall lead Black to the last chair beside Potter.

�Sit down, Mr. Black,� she said before walking around the desk to stand beside Dumbledore and fix the boys with a rather impressive scolding look.

However, it was Dumbledore who spoke; �I do not believe that I need to stress upon any of you, just how serious the current matter is, or how fortunate it is that everyone walked away alive and unscathed.�

Severus scoffed lightly. Judging by the sounds coming from that room, he very much doubted that everyone would be walking away from the incident unscathed. He sneered when he heard Black snort quietly.

Dumbledore spoke again as though he had not heard either reaction, although Severus was sure that he had. His gaze took in the three Gryffindors; �Now, I do not know each of you came to the knowledge of young Mr Lupin�s condition, but,� now, his gaze included Severus as well, �You are each forbidden to tell anyone of it again while you are under my dominion. No one else must know of Mr. Lupin�s lycanthropy. Have I made myself clear?�

Each of the boys nodded and murmured �yes, sir�, each sounding rather irritated but not showing any sign of disagreement. Dumbledore nodded gravely, and then Professor Slughorn entered the office. He offered everyone a polite nod before moving to stand on the Headmaster�s other side.

�We are going to speak to each of you separately,� explained Dumbledore, �And then your Heads of House and I shall decide upon a fitting punishment for each of you. While we are speaking to one of you, the others will wait in the hall and will not cause any further disturbances, I trust. Naturally, we will talk to Mr. Lupin in the morning. Mr. Pettigrew, I believe we shall start with you.�

Pettigrew let out a nervous squeak as McGonagall led Severus, Potter, and Black out of the office. She said nothing as she lead then down the spiralling staircase and to the hallway below. Once there, she fixed the three boys with a stern expression, �If any one of you leaves this spot, draws a wand, or even considers causing any further trouble, you will no longer be welcomed in this school; understood?�

�Yes, Ma�am,� all three teens chimed. Professor McGonagall nodded to them curtly before offering a quick nod to someone to their right, and then turned to head back to the headmaster�s office.

Severus glanced to the right and at first saw no one, until he lowered his gaze. There, Filch�s cat, Mrs. Norris, sat regally and watched the teenagers with her blood red eyes.

�I can�t believe you went down that passage tonight,� murmured Black, and Severus was just about to chastise the buffoon when he realised that Black was not talking to him, but to Potter; �And you sent Peter to Pomfrey�what were you thinking, James?�

�I was thinking that someone needed to clean up the mess you caused, Sirius,� Potter whispered back angrily. �Why would you send Snape down that passage, of all people? At best, he�ll spill Moony�s secret and then he won�t have a chance at any sort of life, at worst, Remus could have been killed for attacking a human being.�

The two friends continued their whispered debate, neither seeming to care that Severus was there or that he could have been killed or cursed that evening by their own foolish actions. However, Severus was paying very little attention to them. He suddenly realised that he had heard them call Remus �Moony� before, but had just never questioned the significance of the nickname. He realised that Black had called Remus �Moony� that day on the stairs, months before, and that was probably why the fawn-haired teen had paled suddenly and why his voice had shook. Black had called it down several flights of steps; anyone might have heard and questioned it.

Other things that Severus had not really thought about before suddenly made sense as well�Remus� social awkwardness, his hesitance to attract any form of attention to himself, even the way he let his friends get away with so much that he clearly disproved of. After all, they knew�they could have ruined his life with a word at any time. Severus wondered what it would be like to have to live with someone like Black, Potter, or Pettigrew being able to hold your very livelihood over your head.

Severus also could not help but wonder how Potter, Black, and Pettigrew had come to know Remus� secret. Had the brown-eyed boy been foolish enough to tell his friends, thinking they would never betray him, or had they noticed the signs as Severus had? The raven-haired teen wanted to believe the latter, nevertheless, that did not explain how they knew how to get past the Whomping Willow. They could have asked where the wolf was kept, afraid that they might be in danger during the full moon. However, even if Remus explained about the Willow and the Shack, why would he tell them how to get through?

The obsidian-eyed boy was torn from is thoughts when the large stone gargoyle before him moved, exposing the stairs that led to the headmaster�s office. Pettigrew quickly came through the opening, followed by McGonagall. �Mr. Pettigrew, go straight to your dormitory and go to bed. I shall speak with you again in the morning. Mr. Snape, please follow me.�

Severus shot Black and Potter a quick glare once the stern witch turned to lead him, before following her up the stairs and back into the headmaster�s office. Only one chair sat before Dumbledore�s desk now, and he took it wordlessly.

�First, I must stress again the importance that you never reveal Mr. Lupin�s condition to anyone,� Dumbledore stated without any preamble. �I know that I can only enforce this oath as long as you attend school here, however, I would hope that you honour it always. If I may have your word?�

�Of course,� Severus sneered, irritated that the headmaster would waste time repeating himself while Remus was undoubtedly tearing himself apart as they spoke; however, he understood that they were more concerned about him outing the werewolf than the others.
Severus found this fact terribly unfair, as he was not the one who had betrayed Remus already. Of course, life had never been fair and he wanted this to move along quickly, so he told the professors what he knew they would accept and wanted to hear. �You have already made the consequences perfectly clear, sir. I have no desire to leave Hogwarts, and nothing to gain by disgracing Lupin. You have my word; I will not tell anyone that he is a werewolf while I�m in attendance here.�

Dumbledore nodded gently. �Very well; now, if you would be so kind as to explain to your professors and myself, just what you were doing out after curfew this evening and how you came to be in a strictly forbidden, secret passage�?�

Severus considered his words carefully. Stating that he had gone out to discover where Remus went every month and whether he was, in fact, a werewolf would be far too incriminating, then again, he did not doubt that the headmaster would be able to spot a lie if he strayed too far from the truth.

�I�ve been restless.� The dreams that resulted from a suppressed attraction to your best friend combined with the constant concern over whether or not he was a lycanthrope for over a month could so that to one, Severus thought cynically.
�I thought a walk in the halls, where there are windows and fresh air, unlike the dungeons, might help.� The raven-haired teen quickly considered that each of the adults in the room had seen him and Remus having a pleasant dinner together over Christmas, and it was probable that Dumbledore at least was aware that they had spent most of the break together, what with his portrait network and all. �I noticed Madam Pomfrey leading Lupin across the grounds through a window I happened to be gazing out and wondered why she was taking him away. Black snuck up on me in the hall while I was on my way to the infirmary to inquire about it.�

�He snuck up on you?� Slughorn repeated questioningly.

�Yes, he stepped out from behind an alcove after I passed and attempted to provoke me. We argued and, somehow, Lupin entered the quarrel. Black did not like the idea of Lupin attempting to befriend me, as he has been, and stated that to truly befriend him, I needed to see something in that passageway, which he informed me of and told me how to gain access to.�

McGonagall arched an eyebrow, �And so you went?�

Severus arched an eyebrow as well, �Yes.� He straightened his robes, �I suppose I should have expected something like this from Black and Potter, but Lupin�s been ill and I suppose I was�curious.�

Dumbledore had that irritating twinkle in his eyes as he watched Severus, before he nodded solemnly, the twinkle fading as though he understood that Severus had wanted to say �concerned� instead. �Well, by your own confession, I think we can take five house points for breaking curfew, five more for leaving school grounds, and ten for a severe lack of judgment. Professors, do you agree?�

�I think that�s fair,� agreed Slughorn with a nod.

�Combined with the scare I�m sure he received tonight, I think that�s a well enough lesson,� stated McGonagall.

�All right then, is there anything else you�d like to say, Mr. Snape?� asked Dumbledore.

Severus considered requesting that Black and Potter be expelled for trying to kill a fellow student, but in the long run, he knew it would account to very little. Even if the headmaster were persuaded to, he could not allow the method of the attempted murder to be released without admitting to allowing a werewolf into his school, which would be political suicide. In any case, Black and Potter�s families could afford to send them to another school overseas, and they would probably not care very much.

�Will Black and Potter be losing house points as well?� he questioned instead.

�Of course,� replied Professor McGonagall immediately. �They will be getting a good deal more if the situation truly did unfold as it appears to have now.�

�I should hope so,� the raven-haired teen stated dryly. �I do consider my life worth more than a few house points. What of Lupin?�

All three professors looked at the teenager blankly for a moment. �I do not believe that Remus Lupin had any knowledge of what his friends were up to tonight,� commented Dumbledore after a moment. �We will confirm this when we speak to Mr. Black and Mr. Potter, and once Mr. Lupin is himself again of course, we will speak to him. As of now, I cannot see that he broke any rules placed upon him or that any action against him is called for. I expect that you shall continue to treat him civilly after this unfortunate event. Unless your Head of House has anything to add, you may return to your dormitory. Professor Slughorn will speak to you in the morning if there is anything else. Good night, Mr. Snape.�

Satisfied with that response, Severus bade his professors a good night and returned to his dorm without any argument. He ignored Potter and Black as he passed them in the hall, save for a sneer and a glare. As far as Severus was concerned, both belonged in Azkaban for their actions that evening. Had Potter not chickened out and gone after him, they would have been directly responsible for the deaths of two other students, never mind that one was a werewolf.

After cleaning himself up, the raven-haired teen lay in his bed for hours, unable to sleep and wishing that the Slytherin dormitory and common room were not in the dungeons�then, he would be able to watch the moon�s progress. As it was, he pulled his curtains tightly closed and lit his wand, checking his watch every few seconds and waiting for the time that he knew the sun would be up. He only hoped that Remus would not be beyond help when Madam Pomfrey went to retrieve him in the morning.

Severus had only slept fitfully for a few hours when his watch indicated that the sun had risen; he immediately rose, already fully dressed, and headed for the infirmary. He quickly ducked into an alcove upon reaching it, as he heard Madam Pomfrey speaking tersely to someone before the headmaster and Professor McGonagall stepped out.

�I will notify you at the earliest opportunity once he regains consciousness,� Madam Pomfrey�s voice followed them out. �I understand the serious of the situation just as well as you, if not better as I know exactly what condition this had left Remus in.�

�Of course, Poppy,� said Professor McGonagall, �We are all concerned for Mr. Lupin as well. We just wanted to know when you expected the boy to be stable and conscious.�

�Not for several hours and perhaps longer if you do not allow me to see to my patient undisturbed,� replied the nurse before Severus could hear her moving about the hospital wing hastily. A moment later, the sounds abruptly stopped, and Severus guessed she had cast an Imperturbable Charm upon the curtains separating Remus� bed from the rest of the room.

The obsidian-eyed boy peeked and saw that the matron was indeed behind a thick curtain in the back of the room before Professor Dumbledore closed the infirmary doors.

�Minerva, I believe you are in need of some rest,� commented Dumbledore, �There is nothing more we can do, but put our faith in the skills of Madam Pomfrey for the time being. You have other students to attend to; I will see to young Mr. Lupin personally when he is able to see me.�

�Thank you, Albus, but that really is not necessary,� replied Professor McGonagall. �The responsibility for the students of my house lies with me and in any case, I think it would be easier for Mr. Lupin if only myself and Poppy were present when he hears of what�s happened.�

�I understand, Minerva, but I am afraid there is more that needs to be said than what you and Poppy are aware of,� replied the headmaster. Severus frowned in his hiding spot, wondering what more the headmaster could possibly have to say to Remus that could not wait for a better time. He listened closely when Dumbledore began speaking again, his tone slightly harder than Severus had heard it before, �I intend to speak to Mr. Lupin alone once he is able. I�m sorry, Minerva, but I must insist. I have my reasons.�

There was a brief hesitation before the Gryffindor Head of House replied; �Of course, Albus, if that�s what you think is best. However, I will be speaking to Mr. Lupin before he is released.�

�Of course, Minerva; I expected nothing else,� Dumbledore responded lightly. �Good night, Professor McGonagall.�

Severus knew a dismissal when he heard one, and it seemed that McGonagall did as well, for she immediately wished the headmaster a good night and headed down the corridor. After the sounds of her footsteps could no longer be heard echoing in in the empty corridor, Dumbledore surprised the raven-haired teen by speaking again. �I daresay that I expected you to have learned your lesson about wandering about when you are not supposed to be, Mr. Snape.�

Severus briefly debated remaining in his hiding place and taking the chance that Dumbledore was only guessing that he was there. However, he quickly realised that, had the headmaster simply heard something that he suspected to be a student lurking about, he would likely have assumed it to be Black or Potter. With a small, irritated sigh, the raven-haired teen straightened his robes and hair as best he could and stepped out of the alcove with as much dignity as possible.

�My apologies, Headmaster,� commented Severus dryly, unable to help his tone at the moment, �I was unable to sleep.�

�Quite understandable, given the circumstances,� replied Dumbledore politely, as though he not noticed the teenager�s tone at all. �I believe there are a few of us in the castle today that have suffered from too little sleep last night. Were you hoping that Madam Pomfrey might be able to help? She�s a bit busy just now, as you likely know, but I�m sure she�d be willing to see you in a moment.�

�No, that won�t be necessary,� replied the obsidian-eyed boy, not wanting to take the nurse away from her current task at all.

Dumbledore nodded, a small smile touched his face and his eyes were starting that irritating twinkle again. �Perhaps it was not Madam Pomfrey you wished to see?�

Severus narrowed his eyes slightly, �I�m sure I don�t know what you mean, sir.�

The old man�s smile broadened slightly, �You know, when I was a young boy, just a little younger than you are now, my brother had a terrible fear of fire ants. I built an impressive colony near our home and forced him to watch it for a time. While he was uncomfortable at first, he quickly saw that they had an intriguing social structure and were in fact, not that different from us. He realised that they were not evil or vindictive creatures; true, they have powerful venom and should be approached with caution, but he understood then that he had no reason to fear them as he had. Perhaps, a similar lesson is in order here?�

�I do not have any irrational fear of werewolves,� Severus replied sternly. While he had been frightened by the incident in the passageway, he was more disgusted by Black and Potter�s cruel actions and pitying for Remus�both for his friends� betrayal and the horrible ordeal he must go through every month.

�Oh, no, of course not,� Dumbledore responded lightly, in a tone that most adults took when insincerely assuring a child. Severus narrowed his eyes slightly, wondering what the old man was up to now. Then, the headmaster smiled again. �However, I believe that Mr. Black, Mr. Potter, and you have shown, in your individual responses to this incident, a certain immaturity for what you have actually encountered. I believe the best way to rectify that is to make sure you are each properly educated on the subject�this is a school after all.�

The raven-haired boy frowned slightly; he really did not think that his reaction to this could be called immature, but depending on what Dumbledore had in mind, it could prove to be a means to access some research materials he could not before, as well as give him an excuse to spend further time with Remus. He arched an eyebrow slightly and looked at the headmaster thoughtfully; �What exactly are you suggesting, sir?�

�An assignment,� replied Dumbledore, looking more serious than he had throughout the entire conversation thus far. �On werewolves, to be turned in to me at the end of term; it may be as short or long as you see fit, but it must inform me of all you have learned. In the cases of Mr. Black and Mr. Potter, I have forbade them from using Mr. Lupin as a study aid or guide; and have asked them to pay certain attention to attack incidents and the differences between werewolves, wolfs, and human beings��

Obsidian eyes blinked and focused hard on the headmaster, �You want them to see the monster instead of the boy�Sir?�

Dumbledore released a heavy breath and smiled sadly at Severus, �I want them to see the monster in the boy; to see what they could have unleashed last night. I have also instructed them to include some information on werewolf processing, registration, trials, and the Werewolf Code of Conduct.�

Severus nodded approvingly; at least the idiots might learn exactly what could have happened to their friend had Remus succeeded in getting rid of him for them. Then, he looked at the headmaster appraisingly, �And what of me, sir?�

�I also want you to study the Ministry�s policies, codes, processes, and positions on werewolves,� replied the headmaster before fixing the young Slytherin with a look the boy could not name. �However, instead of the differences between us, I would like you to pay special attention to our similarities and the other side of the attacks and transformations�the side you will never be asked to explain in an exam.�

�You want me to find the boy in the monster,� murmured the raven-haired teen, his thoughts roaming over the subject already. There was still so much to learn. He nodded slowly and then looked towards the hospital wing doors; �I�ll do my best, sir.�

Had Severus been looking, he would have seen that Dumbledore�s eyes were twinkling brightly once again as he watched him, �I have no doubt, my dear boy. Oh, and unlike Mr. Black and Mr. Potter, you may feel free to ask Mr. Lupin for assistance, however, I must ask that you remember the sensitivity of the subject with him.�

For the first time in his short life, Severus Snape was trying to think of a way to use his intellect and talents in a manner that was far from self-serving. Were he to inform them of the feelings growing inside him, both Dumbledore and Lily would have been very proud. Dumbledore would say that the boy was about to tap into a source of power that Lord Voldemort himself was afraid to touch, while Lily would simply say that it was about time and ask why boys have to complicate things so.

Severus himself just knew that he had to find a way to help Remus. There was no cure for lycanthropy and there probably never could be, but had there ever been any efforts made simply to help werewolves without curing them completely? Even if there had been, it was not Severus who had tried.

It would probably take years, but the obsidian-eyed boy was patient, talented, and meticulous. He knew he would find a way�and in the meantime, there were two traitorous Gryffindors who had to pay for what they had done. Severus was also vindictive and possessive, after all.

The raven-haired teen barely heard Dumbledore comment that he would inform Madam Pince and Madam Pomfrey of the assignments and the new rules regarding those it affected. He nodded and turned down the corridor, lost in thoughts of werewolves, magic, vengeance, and a pale boy with warm brown eyes.

Black and Potter should have known better than to make an enemy out of someone at their level, but then, Severus had always known that they thought rather highly of themselves. He would enjoy taking them down a few notches.
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