The Rules of Engagement

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** I hope you will be happy with both the length and the content in this chapter.

Glinda


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Yearnings
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Hermione sat hugging her knees, sitting in one of the upholstered chairs gazing into the fire in her hearth, as she had been doing for an undetermined amount of time. She had given up on sleep hours ago. Harry had stayed with her for a while, but he had finally gone off to bed. She turned to look out her window for the hundred and twelfth time, she had actually counted, but the sky still showed no signs of a rising sun yet. Hermione sighed deeply and closed her eyes.

She was startled by a knock at her door. At first she thought it might be Harry maybe having trouble sleeping also, but the knock sounded again and it was the door to the hallway. Hermione unwrapped herself from her blanket, suddenly cold as she only wore a nightgown. Her bare feet padded quickly across the floor and she opened the door to find an extremely tired looking Potions Master there.

“Severus !” Hermione exclaimed and threw herself into his arms, nearly knocking him back. Breathing in the spicy scent coming from his coat, she realized just how worried she had been and felt relief flooding her. That is, until her brain caught up and asked why Severus was knocking on her door in the wee hours of the morning. Her heart leapt into her throat as she forced herself the pull back and look up into his eyes. No, oh no, not Remy too, her mind screamed as tears stung her eyes.

“Hermione ?” Severus whispered, bringing a hand to her face as his eyes searched hers. Then his eyes widened with understanding. “Lupin is fine. He is sleeping now. I thought you might be anxious for news, so I stopped on the way to my chambers. Poppy and Albus are with him now and Tonks is resting.”

Hermione hugged him again with a sigh of relief, then pulled him into the room, closing the door behind them. Without even thinking twice, she lead him over to the rumpled bed and sat him down. Severus looked at the bed longingly, then turned to her with a look of greater longing.

“I should return to my chambers.” The dark man drew a hand wearily through his hair.

“No.” Hermione said firmly, then moved forward and began unbuttoning his frock coat. He raised a silent questioning brow. “I know you. If I let you go back to your quarters, you’ll start making notes or something as equally inane, instead of getting the rest you need. You’ll sleep here.” He acquiesced with a chuckle and undid his cuffs. She took his coat and shirt to her wardrobe to hang up.

“I didn’t get much sleep either. We could both do with some rest.” Turning back to him she saw he had taken off his boots and was stripping off his socks. She watched him finish, then sit there, giving her an uncertain look.

“Come on.” Hermione said impatiently waving the man to his feet. He stood and she could feel his eyes watching her as she unbuttoned his trousers and removed them from him. Trying not the stare at her fiancé’s body too much, she went and hung up his trousers in the wardrobe. Severus was in the bed when she turned around. He had moved to the far side and held the covers for her in invitation as she came back to the bed. Hermione crawled in and settled on her side facing the dark man, the only light coming from the gently crackling fire.

“How did it go ?” She asked softly, her curiosity finally getting the better of her.

“Not as bad as I had expected, thankfully.” Severus said, turning onto his side to face her. “Nymphadora was helpful in keeping him calm. The werewolf snarled some and paced a bit, but overall he did not have much energy. He lay curled up on the rug most of the time, when he wasn’t pacing and sniffing the air.”

“Sniffing the air ? Was he bothered by having you there ?”

“I do not believe so. He ignored me for the most part.” Severus tried unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn. Hermione grinned at him.

“I’ll let you get some sleep.” She rolled over and faced away from him and listened, waiting for him to relax. After a few minutes, a strong arm wound it’s way around her waist and pulled her against a warm hard chest. He nuzzled in her hair for a moment, kissed her neck, then mumbled ‘goodnight’. Hermione grinned to herself and settled down to sleep.

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Severus found he was having trouble letting go of the lovely dream he had been having. He could still smell Hermione’s sweet scent. He breathed deeply, feeling a weight on his chest and his nostrils filled with his fiancé’s fragrance. He cracked open one eye and confirmed brown curls laying across his skin and a soft warm woman half covering him. Not a bad way to wake up, he mused, except his body had reacted to the dream. As his senses awakened, his body pulsed with need. One of Hermione’s plump thighs lay on his hip and far too close his pulsing shaft. Gently he tried to shift his hips to distance himself from the teasing contact.

“And just where do you think you’re going ?” Hermione said, her voice muffled on his chest. She pulled herself into closer contact, her thigh rubbing over the front of his boxers, causing a moan to escape from him. “I see you’re fully awake.”

“Hermione, please.” Severus regretfully pushed her off of him. It seemed she would not be dided.ded. Moving up, she leaned down and captured his lips, forcefully opening them and ravaging his mouth. A whimper came from deep in her throat and her passion overwhelmed him for a moment. When her hand pinched his nipple, a spark shot through his system, seeming to come to rest in the head of his thrumming shaft. He grabbed her shoulders and pushed her back more forcefully.

“Hermione stop this, now.” Her face showed surprise and he thought she might get upset with him, but an inexplicable smile slowly spread across her face.

“I have a present for you.” Hermione said in a low husky tone. Before he could say anything, she bounded up from the bed and retrieved a white paper bag from the desk. Severus pulled himself into a sitting position against the headboard and accepted the bag she gave to him, though what this could possibly have to do with their previous activities was beyond him.

Hermione sat on the bed facing him looking very pleased. Curiosity got the better of him and he opened the bag and peered in. Oh.

“You brought me back sweets, that was very kind.”

“Sweets ?” She said taking the bag back and looking in. “Oh. Harry bought those. No, this is your present.” Hermione pulled out a small box and handed it to him. Severus looked at the box. He did not know what it was, but he didn’t want her to be disappointed.

“Um . . . very nice . . . .thank you.” He said, aboutset set the box aside. Hermione let out a frustrated noise and turned the box over and shoving it back into his hands. Severus read the back of the box. ‘Variety pack condoms. An exciting selection of Flavors, Colours and Sensitive condoms - pick the one that suits your mood! Teat-ended, lubricated and kite-marked for your peace of mind.’ His brow knit in confusion until he looked at the diagram on the package. These were . . . . . Did she really . .?

“Surprised ?” She said, her young face growing brighter, if possible.

“Are these . . . . what I think they are ?”

“Yes.” She chirped brightly. “They won’t interfere with fertility at all and they’re one of the safest forms of birth control. Now we can be together.”

Severus looked from his intended’s hopeful face to the box ofgle gle torture devices and swallowed hard. Hermione wanted him. Wanted him enough to make a special trip out to purchase these things. He looked doubtfully at the supposed answer to their problem and sighed internally. He should be elated, but the idea of wearing one of these dreadful things while making love to Hermione was about the most un-arousing thing he could think of. He looked back up and saw she was still watching him. Seeing her hope and desire filled face made the decision for him. Setting the box on the nightstand, laid her back on the bed and captured her lips, leaving little room for her to doubt he wanted her. As he kissed her, he slowly unbuttoned her nightgown. Hermione grew impatient and sat up removing the offending garment hastily, then reached down to remove her knickers.

“Do you want me to take those off ?” She asked, her eyes indicating his boxer shorts. Severus shook his head, then settled himself overtop of his now very naked fiancé. The shock of the skin to skin contact was delicious. He let out a soft groan as he felt her breasts pressed to his chest. But the best feeling of all was her soft hands rubbing his back and shoulders, then in his hair urging him to deepen the kiss. Her hunger was feeding his excitement far too quickly. He had to raise his lower half away from her undulating hips. She broke the kiss, panting lightly and searched his eyes.

“Severus, please.” Hermione pleaded.

“Patience, my dear.” Their last time together had been over much too quickly. Severus was determined to show Hermione his talents in the bedroom. Nuzzling her neck briefly, he then kissed his way down to the soft mounds of breasts. He drank in the sight. Her endowments were not overly large, but full and ripe, begging him to taste them. Taking the firm flesh into his mouth, he suckled and nipped, drawing excited noises from the woman beneath him. By the gods, she was so responsive to him, it made him want to make this an unforgettable experience for them both.

After showering equal attention to each breast, he continued down to his true target. Hermione gasped and tightened her thighs, when she realized his intentions. He placed a hand on each plump thigh and eased her legs apart.

“Relax.” Severus said in a low purr, his breath stirring softsoft curls. “I want you to lay back and enjoy.”

“I don’t . . . . . I’ve never . . . .”

“Shhh. I promise it will be pleasurable.” He said in a husky whisper. Her body acquiesced as he ran his thumb through her curls, kissing her thigh gently. Increasing the pressure, the pad of his thumb ran overtop of her entrance making her hips come off the bed slightly and her legs open wider giving him better access. The knowledge that he was to be the first to give Hermione this sublime pleasure made him feel powerful and special. He dipped his head forward, lapping lightly at her outer lips and heard her breath catch in her throat. Placing a soft kiss on her hard little pleasure nub, he reveled in the whimpers coming from her. Between his flicking tongue and his thumb pressing into her, Hermione was soon begging him to take her. No words could have been sweeter to his ears or to other parts of him.

“Get one of those muggle . . . . . . things and put it on me.” Severus said before kissing Hermione. He thought she might shy away from kissing him, since he knew his lips tasted of her juices, but to his great surprise, she enthusiastically lapped at his lips before rolling out from under him to get the ne dev device. Severus wasn’t looking forward to using it, but at this point he was nearly bursting with the need to be inside his love.

Hermione sat up and pawed at the box. She suddenly let o sou sound of aggravation. Severus got on his knees behind her to see what the problem was. When he realized she was just trying to go too fast, he chuckled gently in her ear.

“Hermione . . . . slow down. I am not going anywhere, my dear, I promise.” She let out a nervous laugh also and went about her task more slowly. When she finally had the box opened, there appeared to be three different kinds of the little shields. Hermione set the bright colored green packages aside,n sen seemed to be trying to decide between the silver and blue. In the end, she opened one of the silver packages. Severus laid back on the bed to give her easier access. Frankly, he was so excited, he worried about her touching his shaft, but he had no idea how to put one of those things on.

Hermione smiled at him, then bent to kiss the crown. He groaned loudly and watched his length bob and a dollop of clear liquid form at the tip. Seeing the wetness, she bent her head again and licked at the opening. Severus’ hand went to her head, lifting her from him as he closed his eyes and tried to remain in control. When he opened his eyes, she was watching him closely, her youthful brow furrowed.

“Not just now. Later perhaps.” Severus said. Hermione nodded, then went about the task of putting the shielding device on him. She took it out of the package. It looked innocent enough, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad.

“I chose the Ultra Sensitive. It seemed the best choice.” Hermione said as she rolled it onto him. The feeling of being encased was overridden by the sight of Hermione’s hands on him. She gave his sac a light squeeze, then laid on the bed next to him. Rolling over on top of her, he nestled himself between her legs. She pulled him down into a kiss. Severus’ mind was confused with conflicting sensations. He could feel her body everywhere except where he wanted to feel it most. Hermione’s hand worked between their bodies to grasp him and direct him to her entrance. To his horror, he realized his length had softened. He looked into her face with shame, but she smiled at him and her delicate hand stroked him into full hardness again. She then placed him at her entrance and lifted her hips. He sank into her a bit, the feeling was strange. Almost right, but not quite. He wanted to feel her heat, her moisture, her arousal, but the damned shield preventim fim from being close to her. It wasn’t right. It wasn’t natural.

“Severus ?” Hermione looked at him questioningly. Crashing realization fell upon him as he felt himself flag yet again. It wasn’t going to work. Severus pulled out of her arms and ripped the offending thing from his body with a snarl. He was furious with himself for disappointing her yet again. He grasped his wand, dressed himself with a spell and left Hermione’s room as fast as he could. He could not bring himself to look at his fiancé and see the disappointment on her face.

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Hermione sat on her bed in complete shock. How could he just leave ? She hugged herself feeling her body pulse with the unanswered desire. It was her fault, all her fault. She never should have ambushed him with this. She sighed with agitation and got up from the bed and dressed. Taking her wand, Hermione left her rooms for the dungeons. He would have to listen to her. The damn man was probably blaming himself. She shook her head as she descended the stairs two at a time.

Hermione raised her hand to knock on the door to Severus’ private quarters, but she didn’t feel any wards in place, so she opened the door and went in. The dark man was standing with his back to her at what might have been a small bar. His head snapped around to see who the intruder was, then turned back to the drink he was pouring.

“You should go.” He said plainly, sounding deceptively neutral. She took a few steps towards him.

“I’m sorry.” Hermione said. Severus whirled around.

“What the bloody hell are you sorry for ? It was I that could not . . . .perform.” He looked miserably into his glass and drank half of the contents.

“Severus ?” His name burst out of her mouth in a nervous laugh. “You don’t honestly believe that, do you ?” From the glare she was receiving it appeared he did. She walked over to him and took the glass from his hand, setting it down on the side table.

“I never doubted your virility.” Hermione said as her hand rubbed the front of his trousers. She grinned up into his face as his shaft hardened. She could almost feel him breath a sigh of relief, but then his body tensed and he stepped back from her.

“It’s all my fault” Hermione went on. “ because I pushed you into using those things. You can’t help how you react to them.”

“You are disappointed.” Severus said with a scowl.

“No.” She said, then thought about it. “Well, yes, in a way.” Hermione grabbed his hand and lead him over to the large bed dominating the room. Sitting Severus on the tall bed made them nearly eye to eye. “I wanted to touch you, to please you. I still do, if you’ll let me.”

The dark man sighed deeply. “We cannot. The problem remains.”

“We don’t have to have intercourse. I think there are other ways I could pleasure you.” Hermione tried to give him a meaningful grin.

Dark eyes stared back at her, still full of desire. She began unbuttoning his coat, slipping her hand in to touch the hot skin of his neck. He let out a low ‘Mmmm’ and reached for his wand. In an instant, they were both unclothed, Severus giving her a seductive smirk. She propped up some pillows and had him sit back against the headboard. Then she crawled up on the bed and settled between his legs.

“Can you perform a cleaning charm ?” She asked indicating his groin area. Severus looked almost insulted. “The condoms havemicemicals in them to kill sperm.”

“Ah.” He said, then held his hand over semi-hard length and whispered a cleaning charm. Then he looked er uer uncertainly. “You do not have to do this.”

Hermione crawled up his body to kiss him. “You silly man, I want to. Only . . . . I’ve never done this before. You’ll have to let me know what to do.”

Severus cd hed her cheek in his hand, his eyes smiling in amusement. “You do what comes to you naturally. I will let you know what feels good.” She nodded and moved back into place, facing the gently bobbing flesh. She reached out and wrapped her hand loosely around him amazed at the silky texture and heat. Holding him a little firmer, she stoked him slowly. Severus let out a little sigh and shifted his hips to a more comfortable position. Hermione took this as a good .
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Looking at the moisture accumulating at the tip reminded her of the brief taste she had had earlier and she wanted more. Holding him loosely, she opened her mouth and let the tip of her tongue and lips tease the opening of his hot flesh. A hand found it’s way into her hair, gently urging her take more of him in. She obliged by slipping her mouth down over a few inches, pulled back up and repeated the movement as his long sensual fingers massaged her scalp. Getting overconfident, she mistakenly took too much in at one time and choked herself. Severus pulled her up with a concerned look. She waved him off and went back to licking the silken shaft, listening for each hitch in the dark man’s breathing and making metal notes of what he seemed to like best. Twirling her tongue around the crown always won her a deep groan and squeezing his sac made his hips rise slightly off the bed. Taking him in her mouth again, she thought she might finally be getting the hang of it when he lifted her up from him. She looked into his eyes. Hadn’t she been doing it right ? He appeared to be enjoying himself, if the throbbing in his shaft was any indication.

“As always, you are a quick learner, but I do not want to finish like that. I want to kiss you. Come up here.” Severus’ voice was low and seductive, making Hermione finally pay attention to the throbbing in her own sex. He had her straddle his lap and drew her into a passionate kiss. As she began to tremble with need, the thought occurred to her how easy it would be hold his length at the right angle and sink herself down onto A A small moan sounded in her throat followed by a deeper one as she felt one of those lovely hands stroking in her folds. Instinctively, she began rubbing his shaft, quickly matching the rhythm of those luscious fingers moving inside her. She panted breathlessly against his lips as she felt the thumb of his other hand begin to stroke her hardened nub. Shgan gan riding his fingers, her hips moving of their own accord, as squeaks of pleasure rose to her lips and she stroked him quicker.

“Yes . . . let yourself go.” He whispered hoarsely. “I want to hear you call my name. Open your eyes, Hermione. Look at me. Let me see your passion.”

Hermione could scarcely breath, staring into those intensely dark eyes full of more passion than she would have previously thought possible. A harsh groan started low in his chest and she stroked him faster, gripping the head tightly on each pass. The knowledge that he was about to explode sent her over the top as she moaned out his name. She had just enough presence of mind to see his eyes widen before she felt his hot fluid flow from him and down her hand, then she gave herself over to her own feelings and the waves of pleasure continued to surge through her.

After a few minutes, Hermione became aware she had her head buried in the dark man’s neck and his lips were close to her ear, his warm breath on her flushed skin making her shiver.

“Did you enjoy that ?” He whispered softly. Hermione giggled and bit his neck playfully. He must have taken that as a yes because he cleaned them both up with a charm, and they laid down drawing up the covers. She sighed contentedly in his arms.

“As much as I enjoyed that, my dear, we cannot do it again.” Hermione lifted her head to look down at him.

“Severus, don’t be insufferable.” He raised an eyebrow at her.

“Tell me you did not think about completing the act.”

“Well of course I thought about it, but I didn’t do it.” He pulled her back down and hugged her snuggly to him.

“I might not be as strong as you were there to be a next time. We cannot take the chance.” He said. She started to rise up and argue with him. “Hermione please, this is difficult enough.”

“It doesn’t have to be, you silly man.” Hermione grumbled, but didn’t argue further.

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Hermione went with Severus to check on Remus. As they approached the door to the Defense Professor’s rooms, Madam Pomfrey was just leaving.

“Severus. I hope you got some rest.” The nurse asked in her clipped professional tone.

“Yes, Poppy, I did get some sleep. How is Lupin?” Severus asked.

Madam Pomfrey clasped her hands in front of her. “Remus is resting. The potions you left for him have helped with the pain, but they keep him fairly drowsy. I sent Tonks off to bed again, the poor girl could barely keep her eyes open.”

“Can we see him ?” Hermione interjected. Madam Pomfrey’s face pursed as she considered.

“Keep your visit short and do not excite him. The Headmaster will be along presently.” With that Madam Pomfrey gave them a curt nod and walked away. Hermione stared after the older woman, not liking the woman’s attitude. A warm hand touched her shoulder gaining her attention.

“She is vexed, Hermione. Poppy has always had a soft spot for Lupin. I suppose because he spent so much time in the infirmary when at school.” Hermione nodded, then proceeded the dark man through the door he held open.

Remus was laying in his bed slightly propped up, his skin had a grayish-blue cast to it, but his eyes smiled gently when he saw his visitors. Hermione went over and sat on the bed, leaning down to give him the best hug she could, then kissed him on the cheek. Severus sat in the chair beside the bed. Remus breathed deeply and his eyes danced merrily looking at each of . W. When the werewolf’s eyes met hers again, she remembered how heightened his senses must still be and that he was sure to smell the evidence of her’s and Severus’ earlier activities. She knew she must be blushing furiously, but Remus only patted her hand.

“How are you feeling ?” Severus asked.

“Great ! Ready to head back to classes tomorrow.” Remus said, sitting up a little straighter.

Severus snorted. “That is the potion talking.”

“Remy, you should res Her Hermione said concerned.

“I’ve done nothing but bloody rest for days. I can’t wait to get back to my classes.”

“We shall see.” The dark man said in a tone that ended the discussion.

They stayed a while longer. Hermione asked Remus about the next week’s classes, anything to get his mind off of his illness. Severus sat patiently watching listening, occasionally letting out a snort of disapproval, but didn’t offer more.

The forth time Hermione’s stomach growled and Severus’ answered, Remus told them to go to dinner, he would be fine, Dumbledore was coming by soon. She looked to Severus, who nodded and stood up. Hermione leaned over and kissed her friend’s cheek again.

“I’m happy for you.” Remus whispered with a gleam in his eye. “You’re good for him.”

Hermione grinned, not knowing what else to say, she stood up and followed her fiancé to the door. They walked side by side down the hall and stairs. Not touching, but she did notice Severus had slowed his pace to match her own.

“He knew, didn’t he ?” Severus said plainly. Hermione stopped, clasping the railing on the stairs. She looked up into his dark eyes and they held a glint of amusement.

“Remus said he was happy for us.” She said, continuing down the stairs. She heard a ‘Mmmm’ from the man beside her.

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Hermione saw a small group huddled outside the doors to the Great Hall. One head rising above the crowd had familiar long red hair.

“Bill ?” She gasped excitedly when they reached the group.

“Hermione.” The oldest Weasley said as he broke from the crowd of Gryffindor girls who were oogling him. He gave Hermione a fierce hug, then set her down. Bill turned his attention to the tall dark man, offering his hand to the Professor. “I hear congratulations are in order. I hope you don’t mind. ”

Severus accepted the offered hand and shook it, imewhmewhat stiffly. “Thank you, Mr. Weasley. If you will excuse me.” He nodded to the red head politely, then bent down and gave his fiancé a kiss that left little doubt that he had laid claim to her. He then went into the hall walking up to the staff table. There was a stunned silence around Hermione for a few moments, then suddenly the group of girls giggled and walked away. Bill’s warm chuckle was also heard.

“I guess things are going well ?” Bill asked with a lau
“
“Yes. What about you ? I haven’t heard a thing since the wedding over the summer. How is Fleur ?”

“It’s a wonder you haven’t heard. Mum is so excited, she’s gone completely balmy. Fleur is pregnant, with twins, no less. Has me a bit worried. I hope they’re nothing like Fred and George.”

“Bill, that’s fantastic.” Hermione hugged him again with a broad smile. Her stomach chose that moment to let out a loud protest.

“Soulikelike you need to eat.”

“Come sit with us. You can tell me why you’re here.” Hermione slipped her arm through his and lead him to her regular section of the Gryffindor table, where he was greeted by the others. They sat down and began filling their plates.

“So what are you doing here, Bill ?” Ron asked through a heaping forkful of potato.

“Dumbledore owled me. He said Remus needed to take some time off and wondered if I could fill in for a bit.” Bill said, before putting a piece of chicken in his mouth. There were several ‘what’s from the students around him, but Ron looked positively stricken.

“What’s the matter Ron ?” Neville asked. “Won’t it be neat to have your brother teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts ?”

“Who do you think he’ll use for demonstrations ?” Ron whined. A slow evil smile appeared on Bill’s face making everyone laugh. Well, everyone except Ron.

Everyone tucked in, Hermione especially since it was her first meal of the day. Just befdiggdigging into her pudding, she asked Ron a question.

“Ron, why didn’t you tell us Fleur was pregnant ?”

“Fleur’s pregnant ?” Harry piped in excitedly.

“Oh, uh.. . . . . yeah. Guess I forgot to tell you. Twins.” Ron said abashedly.

“I’m surprised you didn’t hear mum’s shrieks from here. She’s absolutely wonky about her first grandchildren. She’s already set her needles to knitting and we don’t even know the sex of the babies yet.”

“When is Fleur due ?” Hermione asked, feeling a twinge of jealousy.

“About the middle of June the Medi-witch said. If the twins don’t come early.” He then received congratulations from the boys. Hermione sighed to herself quietly and cast a glance up to the head table and found Severus watching her. She gave him a small smile and he inclined his head, then snapped it to the side, hair flying, when several Gryffindor girls giggled.

“When are you getting married, Hermione ?” Bill asked, getting her attention again.

“Over the Christmas holidays. I’ll be sending invitations out soon.” She answered. Bill leaned over and spoke quietly.

“Are you sure you want to marry Professor Snape ? I understand why you might not want to marry Ron. I mean with you two being so close and all, but Charlie is still single. You and he always got alongl anl and I know . . . . . .” The red head had to stop because Hermione put her hand over his mouth.

“I am marrying Severus. I . . . . I can’t really explain it to you.” Nor at the moment could she explain why her heart was racing and a knot had formed in her stomach at the mention of marrying someone else. She let her hand drop.

“If you’re sure.”

“I am. Severus is . . . . . . more than most people realize.” Bill looked at her curiouslyen hen he let the subject drop.

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rus rus swept down the hall on his way to breakfast, scowling at any who dared to look him in the eye. Dinner last night had set him in a dark mood. He knew that Weasley was married, but it didn’t matter. Bill was showing ‘his’ fiancé a bit too much attention and now he was going to be teaching here.

Coming through the Staff door, Severus saw Lupin was seated at the table with Tonks on his far side. Severus slipped into his seat and nodded a greeting to Bill, who was sitting on his right. Cozy, the dark man thought with disgust.

“What are you doing out of bed, Lupin ?” Severus snapped.

“I tried to tell him to take it easy. I could handle teaching with his class plans, but he won’t listen.” Bill said before finishing his eggs.

“I told you I was teaching today. I’m fine, ask Tonks.” The fair haired man said, then Severus turned his attention to Tonks who had thankfully kept her natural appearance. She shook her head gently.

“He’s a wreck. I’m sorry Remy, but it’s true. I think Severus is right, you should be resting.” Her hazel eyes appealed to Severus and Bill for help.

“I have gotten all the blasted rest I need !” Lupin growled aggravatedly. “Once I take my potion I’ll be fine.”

“I am not giving you the potion unless you eat. It should not be taken on an empty stomach and you have had little for days.” Severus said. Lupin reached out, grabbed a piece of dry toast and ripped it in half, glaring at Severus but not eating. Severus raised his eye brow and the werewolf sighed and took a small bite of one of the halves. The Potions Master set the vial on the table between them and began filling his own plate.

Bloody stubborn, that’s what he is,eruserus fumed. That damn Gryffindor tenacity never leaves them apparently. It was several minutes before Severus noticed how fast and how angrily he was eating. He consciously slowed down, his eyes flickering to the Gryffindor table. Hermione was talking with Longbottom and Potter. Weasley was staring starry eyed at the auror next to Lupin. Severus snorted quietly to himself. As if the young woman would pay a bit of attention to the boy ! She appeared to have her robtchetched for Lupin, if Severus was any judge, which in these matters he admittedly wasn’t. But none the less, the red headed boy was seventeen, Nymphadora must be twenty three or twenty four. He was jostled out of his musings by a puff of steam from his side. He looked over and saw the man topping the vial and setting it down. Severus glanced at the toast still resting on the plate in front of Lupin with barely two to three bites taken out of it.

“I told you, you wereeat eat something with that.” The dark man snapped.

“I have some biscuits in my office. I have to get there early to find out what has been going on in my classes in my absence. I promise, I’ll have something.” Lupin chuckled and patted Severus on the shoulder as he got up and walked towards the staff door. Severus turned back to his meal, grumbling to himself. There was sudden thud behind him.

Tonks gasped. “Remy !!”

Severus was out of his chair and joining Bill next to the prote bte body of the Defense teacher. Bill had his head on the man’s chest and Severus lowered his to Lupin’s face.

“He’s not breathing.” Severus puffed out in shock.

“No heartbeat either.” Bill added quickly.

“Tonks. Go get Poppy.” Severus ordered the gaping woman, as the sounds of the children worried voices in the hall started registering in his ears. But she just sat there wide eyed and staring. Severus griped her arm hard, making sure pain broke through to her. “Get Poppy now !!”

Tonks nodded her head then was off at a run. “We need to get him in the staff room.” Severus observed. He and Bill dragged the body into the next room, closing the door on all the noise from the hall.

“I do not know what to do. I do not know any medical spells for this.” Severus admitted with wide eyes to the red head who was arranging the body. He felt himself panicking and didn’t like it.

“Neither do I, but I know a muggle method that will help. Watch what I do, you will have to help me.” The young man said firmly. Severus nodded and watched as Bill tipped Lup hea head back and pinched his nose. Then he leaned over and covered the werewolf’s lips with his own. This is no time for a kiss, Severus’ mind screamed, but as he watched Lupin’s chest rose. Oh ! It made sense now. Bill was breathing for him. The red head did it twice more, then moved down to press in the unconscious man’s chest, counting to himself.

“Do what I did Severus. You breath for him and I’ll pump his heart five times. Go.” Bill stopped what he was doing and waited for Severus to do his part. Without a second thought, Severus mimicked the actions Bill had done before, he took in a deep breath and transferred it to the quickly cooling lips of the werewolf. They continued this pattern for what seemed like hours, until after one of his breaths Lupin coughed and groaned softly. Bill patted his cheek spo spoke to him.

“Remus, stay with me now. Poppy is on the way.” Bill said loudly, trying to keep Remus awake.

“Classes.” The fair haired man whisper.

“Oh Remus, do shut up.” Severus snapped.

“Where is he ?” Poppy asked, bursting in the door with Tonks in tow. She was relieved to see R awa awake and responsive. Severus stood and cast Mobilicorpus on Remus and floated him to the Infirmary, setting him to rest on the bed in the private room, off the main area. Hd nod not been surprised to see Hermione and Potter waiting by the doors of the hospital wing for them to arrive. Poppy told them he was stable now, but that they could not say. Hermione had cast Severus a worried glance, but left with Potter.

After Poppy had changed the sick man into a hospital gown with her wand and checked his vitals again, she left the room to get some things out of her supply cabinet. Bill had already taken Tonks back downstairs to calm her, so it was only Severus and Remus left in the room.

“Severus.” The werewolf called weakly. Severus took the seat beside the bed, pulling it up closely.

“I want you to do something for me, Severus.” Remus said seriously. “You need to prepare Hermione and Harry.”

“Prepare them for what ?”

“My death.” Remus said evenly.

“You are not going to die.” Severus said with more conviction than he felt.

“Severus, you know as well as I do, I won’t make it through another transftiontion, if I live that long.” Amber eyes held his as the sick man went on. “Now Hermione is sensible. If you tell hhe the truth, she’ll be able to prepare herself, then she can be there for Harry. Harry will not take it as well, I’m afraid. He will need to be watched closely. He had a hell of a time after Sirius died. I need to know he’s in good hands and he trusts you. He knows you won’t sugar coat things for him and he respects that. My affairs are in order. What little I own is left to Harry. You will find all of my papers in the top drawer of my desk. I know this is a lot to ask of you. . . . . ”

“Now you listen to me Remus, you are NOT going to die, do you hear me ! You are the closest I have to a friend, damn it and I am not giving up that easily. Who will stand with me at my bonding, if not you ?” Severus snarled. Remus looked taken aback. “That’s right. I am a selfish bastard and I am not letting you leave. Now you are to take everything that Poppy gives you and you will rest as instructed. If you give her any trouble, I will hex you myself when I come back.” Severus then stood.

“Did . . . . . Did you just ask me to stand for you ?”

“Yes. Do you accept ?” The dark man snapped. A weak smile came to the were’s l’s lips.

“I don’t suppose you would consider moving up the date ?”

“No.”

“Severus . . . . “

“Do you accept ?” He asked more forcefully. Remus grinned and shook his head slightly.

“Of course. I would be honored to stand with you.” Remus said. Severus gave him a curt nod and left the Infirmary quickly. He ha see see Albus to cancel his classes for the day. That damn werewolf had scared him more than he wanted to admit. There had to be something he was missing in his research. There simply had to be.

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I want to see LOTS of reviews on this one. I had planned to stop after Remus hit flo floor, but I thought that would be too cruel. I hope you enjoyed the lemony bits and the condom scene. It may not be as good as buttercups, but I did my best staying true to how I view these characters.

Let me know what you thought !

Glinda

ps – Don’t forget to stop by Potterotica Universe and get in on the ‘language in smut’ discussion.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Potterotica_all/




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