The Light In The Darkness

Severus would not say that he disliked Sirius Black. ‘Dislike’ simply was not an adequate word to describe the level of pure contempt that he felt for the other man. Severus loathed him…completely.

However, he was…fond -certainly no one would expect Snape to claim love- of Remus Lupin, who once again considered the wretched Black a friend. Therefore, Severus found himself in the unexpected and most irritating position of having to tolerate the escaped convict out of respect for his lover. It would have been much easier if Black felt the need to pay the same courteously to his friend.

As it was, both men needed to thank Merlin that Remus was so patient and forgiving, as far as Severus was concerned. He doubted Black was observant or considerate enough to notice how their tiffs distressed the already overtaxed werewolf. Especially since the entire Order left the handling of the mutt to Remus, as -ironically- he seemed to be the only one besides Dumbledore who could exercise any level of control over the insufferable man.

This is how Severus found himself standing in the hall one day, waiting for Remus to finish talking his half-mad friend down from some crazed notion that had entered his failing mind. Aside from the Potter brat‘s name, said brat’s sire, and some talk of acting ones age, Severus could not make out what was being said, only that the conversation seemed to be getting heated, at least on Black’s end. Remus’ voice sounded hoarse and mild as always….until an uncharacteristically firm demand cut through the argument about a half hour after Severus arrived.

“Sirius, let go of me now.”

That was all the incentive Severus needed to invade their privacy. Remus might have more backbone when it came to facing his friend now then when they were in school, but that did not mean he would not endure more than Severus was willing to allow.

Either Black had been respectful for once or Remus had removed the offending limbs, because Black was not holding onto Remus when Severus entered the room. He was, however, in the shorter man’s personal space and practically radiating aggravation. Severus did not hesitate in casting a full body bind.

“Severus,” Remus exclaimed as his friend’s prone body hit the carpeted floor. “I told you I could handle this.”

“Indeed,” Severus lowered his wand but did not put it away. “It sounded more like Black was handling you.”

The werewolf sighed and then glanced down at his friend, “Well I think we’re done talking for now. Will you please wait in my room while I release him? I’ll be there in just a minute.”

“You have three,” the raven-haired man replied before glaring down at Black, “After that, I will handle this.” Without waiting for a response, he turned and swept out of the room.

Two and a half minutes later, Remus joined Severus in his bedroom. The werewolf looked tired, but at ease, and his eyes were gentle as he asked, “What was that about?”

“It sounded as though you might need assistance,” Severus commented dryly as he looked the shorter man over slowly before meeting his gaze.

“I’m fine, Severus,” Remus answered the unspoken question calmly. “This is not the first disagreement Sirius and I have had since he’s returned, you know.”

“You’ve never used that tone before, and you have never mentioned him invading your person, as I assume you would.”

“Of course,” conceded Remus, looking slightly bemused. “He just lost his temper, Severus. It was nothing.”

“Really?” Obsidian eyes narrowed slightly, “Where did he touch you?”

“Where…?” The werewolf repeated, looking thoroughly confused and then very thoughtful before his eyes widened slightly. “Severus, are you- You think Sirius made some sort of…sexual advancement on me?”

Severus arched an eyebrow, “And if I do?”

“Is that why you reacted as you did?” Remus frowned; “Severus, I already told you I have never been with Sirius…I’ve never even been interested in him. Most importantly, I’m with you. I certainly would never consent to-”

“That is precisely my concern,” interrupted the raven-haired man levelly, although he was inwardly pleased by the sincere reminder of where his lover‘s interests lie. “One picks up a different set of morals in prison. You spend too much time alone in this house with an insane convict whom you trust too much. What would you be willing to do to defend yourself should he attempt to harm you?”

To Severus’ satisfaction, Remus actually appeared to consider the question before responding sadly, “Anything short of killing or biting him. Or anything equal to that…we both know there are worse fates.”

“I would still go further,” Severus admitted quietly, “If it was necessary.” He looked at his lover thoughtfully, “What about if it were me at risk? Then, what would you be willing to do?”

Remus did not contemplate this time, “Anything.”

“Then do the same for yourself,” Severus’ tone was just shy of demanding, “Fight with everything you have for my sake. Be it against Lord Voldemort or Sirius Black. I won’t lose you.”

With a few paces, Severus closed the distance between them and lifted his hands to cup the perplexed lycanthrope’s face. “I don’t care what claims Black, Dumbledore, Greyback, or any others might believe they have on you. You belong to me.”

As soon as the words passed Severus’ lips, he questioned whether it was wise to say such a thing to a lover, especially one whose species was treated as subhuman. Despite that, he could not honestly say he regretted feeling that way…especially when Remus moved to press his lips against Severus’ in a soft but fulfilling kiss.

Remus remained close enough for his lips to brush Severus’ as he whispered, “I do. Never forget that.” He then nuzzled his lover’s jaw before pressing his face into the crook of Severus’ neck and wrapping his arms around his waist.

Severus wrapped his arms around the shorter man and rested his cheek against his hair. Not for the first time, he wondered how all of the unsuitable things that he said and did managed to sit so right with Remus, as though the werewolf and he were speaking a completely different language from everyone else.

In the end, he supposed it did not truly matter, as long as Remus was his.

…He still loathed Sirius Black though.