Ensnaring The Senses

Severus met Remus near the Great Hall and they made their way to the top of the castle silently. Remus despised this ritual, but had become accustomed to it in the passing years. Their footfalls made light sounds upon the stone of the castle's walkway as they entered the corridor where Remus's 'werewolf' room had been prepared.

The autumn sun warmed them as they approached the Ministry official that waited for them at the door, his red hair and freckles standing out against the gray walls. “Let's get this over with.” Percy Weasley said impatiently. “My wife awaits me and a pregnant witch can be dangerous if left alone too long.” Percy tried to joke but the faces before him showed it didn't work.

“As you said Mr Weasley, let's get this over with.” Severus said as he walked beside Remus into the almost empty room. He eyed the small table by the door before noticing the shackles attached to the far end walls. The chains were long, but not long enough to reach the door. The windows were uncovered, and the waning sun peeked in, shining brightly off the white painted walls.

Severus and Percy watched in silence as Remus stripped down to his knickers, folded his clothes and placed them on the table before stepping to the far wall. “I'm ready,” He nodded at Severus who stepped close.

“Really Weasley, are chains and shackles needed? I can ward--” Severus was cut off by Percy's raised hand and his words.

“The administrator requires the full works. I'm sorry, Remus.” Percy looked away as Severus picked up one chain and clicked the shackle around one of Remus's wrists, and with a look of distaste repeated it with the other.

“You shame your family name being involved with this!” Severus growled out at Percy as he snapped closed the last shackle around Remus's waist. It hung loosely above the knickers, but when the full moon hit it would tighten as he transformed.

“Rules are rules, Snape. I can't change that.” Percy checked to see if the shackles were tight enough and locked, then stepped back. With a nod, he turned and walked out of the room.

“Why aren't there curtains?” Severus asked. “Something to block the moon? He wouldn't transform then.”

Percy shrugged his shoulders as he warded the door. “Administrator Umbridge fashioned this room herself. These wards will drop in the morning. Penelope awaits me.” Percy walked off and disappeared into another hallway.

Severus stood for a moment looking through the window cut into the door at Remus. He sighed as he watched Remus huddle on the floor as he waited for the moonlight to strike.

“Go Severus, please.” Remus said.

“No, allow me this.” Severus stood and watched as the full moon made its appearance in the window, its rays bathing Remus as he writhed from the pain as they touched him. Severus heard him moan as his bones cracked, stretching his pale skin and the dense fur popped out covering him. His nose and mouth elongated to form a wolf muzzle as he howled in pain and humiliation.

“Satisfied? Now go!” Remus snarled out, his teeth bared and snapping with his words. He looked away from the door, and stared at the moon.

Severus carefully unwarded the door, thankful that Percy hadn't added his signature to them. He opened the door and entered, a small knife in one hand, a vial in the other. “Remus.” He said as he stood by his fellow Order member. Remus turned and sniffed as he looked at the knife and vial.

“What do you need?” Remus asked, sentient and not a danger due to his potions regiment.

“Blood to test, I have the vial still from years ago. Hopefully this one shows proof that your genes have changed and you are no longer a danger to the Wizardry world.” Severus held the knife to Remus's outstretched arm and made a small slice and collected the blood that ran out in the vial. When it was full he capped it and tucked it into his pocket. He waved his wand and the cut healed.

“Thank you, Remus. I'll have the results ready for the Order meeting this weekend.” Severus waved his wand again and conjured up thick black drapes to cover the windows.

“No, thank you Severus.” Remus said as he shrank and transformed to his normal self. His chains clanked as he sat back on the floor.

“Anything else?” Severus asked.

“How about a pillow and a blanket? Without the fur I'll freeze.” Remus laughed, the hollow sound bouncing off the walls.

Severus conjured up the requested items and watched as Remus settled in for the night. Umbridge is going to pay dearly for this, if I have my way! He thought angrily as he stepped out and rewarded the doors. “I'll be back in the morning to release you. Good night, Remus.” He heard the other wizard mumble something back as he walked off.


~*~


Hermione sipped her tea as she and Tonks sat together in the sitting room. “I'm very pleased with your progress, dear.”

“I'm so sorry we put both you and Severus in danger. I should have talked to Remus before I knew. Poor man hasn't been this scared since the Final Battle when I got hexed.” Tonks laughed a little.

“Severus asked me to set a date. You think Christmas break too soon?” Hermione asked.

“It would be lovely. Also about time. You both need a good shaking, Hermione.” Tonks looked over her cup with a smile. “Cissa will look beautiful as flower bearer, even if she's sort of old for it.”

“Once Severus gets here, I'll tell him then.” Hermione set her cup down. “Remus is in his 'room' now?”

“Yes, he's such a stickler for rules. He won't let me talk to Arthur or Kingsley about it either.” Tonks sighed. Arthur had named Kingsley his deputy minister the same year Tonks had joined Remus as co-professor at Hogwarts. She missed her Auror days, but working with Remus teaching the next generation how to defend themselves made it worthwhile to her.

“Severus is calling an Order meeting this weekend. So hopefully Umbridge gets her ickle butt ousted. It's time for a change.” Hermione watched as her friend smiled.

“I agree, the baby is forcing Remus to think about it, at least.” Tonks walked to the door as a knock came upon it.

“Hello, ladies.” Severus greeted them as Tonks let him in. “I provided Remus with some curtains. I am so going to enjoy kicking that old witch in the arse. Shackled in the moonlight? That's so barbaric.” Severus exclaimed as he walked over to Hermione and stood looking down at her.

“You have picked a suitable date?” He asked without further preamble.

“Christmas break sounds good. Will give my mum and dad time to prepare.” Hermione said as she took his hand and stood up.

“Not soon enough, but it will do I guess.” Severus grumbled as he kissed her on the cheek lightly. “I need to write those notes before I sleep. You ready to sit with me?” He looked at Hermione, a suggestion in his eyes that left nothing to her imagination.

“Sure, Sev. I can even help.” She nodded as she slipped her arm through his and they hugged Tonks.

“You'll be fit enough to teach tomorrow, Tonks. Nothing strenuous.” Severus told the former Auror as they slipped out the door.

“Night, you two.” Tonks said as the door closed softly behind them.

~*~*~**~*~
A/N: Thanks for all the sweet reviews. Glad you like the story.