Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Remus stared at himself in the mirror. The full moon had set, and he was still transformed.

Bloody hell fucking shit fuck-

Remus broke into a nervous pant as he paced around his room. He was such an idiot. What was he thinking, purchasing Wolfsbane Potion from an advert in a seedy pub's washroom? Finding someone selling it at an affordable price had felt like a miracle, but now Remus was paying the price for being so naive.

Remus lapped back around in front of his mirror and stared at his reflection again. He'd just have to wait this out. The potion would eventually leave his system and he'd return back to his regular human self. Surely it wouldn't take more than a few hours, at worst a day.

Remus was still transformed three days later.

It took eating all the food in his kitchen that he could access without thumbs for Remus to finally admit that he needed help.

He needed Severus Snape's help.

*

During the war, every werewolf obsessively followed the development of the cutting edge, miracle-cure Wolfsbane Potion. Unlike everyone else, though, ugly feelings soured in Remus' gut when Snape was listed as the project's head researcher. Was Snape's near-death experience in fifth-year motivating his work, or was it just coincidence?

Remus could never bring himself to hate Snape as much as James and Sirius did, even after rumors of Snape joining the Death Eaters stirred. The world wasn't as black and white as his friends wanted it to be. Spending time with other werewolves, the ones who never had the privilege of the education and loving family he did, showed Remus how flimsy the differences between each side of the war were. Snape never acknowledged Remus the few times their paths crossed, and Remus was more than happy to follow suit.

The only time Remus and Snape were forced to interact was when the people on all sides of the war strongly suggested to Remus that he should check up on the Wolfsbane potion's development when news of the project stagnated. Greyback's pack was getting wilder and harder to control each month, and everyone was desperate for some kind of leash. Word had gotten around that Remus had gone to school with the wizard leading the Wolfsbane Project, so it became his fate to knock on Snape's door late one evening. Remus barely managed to stumble through the most awkward confrontation of his life. Snape was both unimpressed and unintimidated (not that Remus was trying very hard) and sent Remus on his way with an ice-cold glare and a promise that the first live trials would begin after the following full moon.

When the dust settled after Voldemort's defeat, Snape appeared to be on the Order of the Phoenix's side. It was unclear if Snape was always aligned against Voldemort, but the details didn't matter to Remus. Remus' own alliance was constantly questioned during the war, if Snape was with them by the end, then that was good enough for him.

*

It was a few day's journey to Snape's home by foot. Remus couldn't risk traveling during the day, so it was barely dawn when he finally arrived at Snape's back step. Remus scratched at the door, straining his ears for any sign that someone was home. He quickly heard the shuffling of footsteps and Snape's angry muttering. Remus sat down and wagged his tail in what he hopped was an unthreatening manner.

Snape swung the door open with a glare. "Orders aren't available for pickup until noon sharp-"

He froze at the sight of the large wolf on his doorstep. Remus froze at the sight of two-year-old Harry Potter on Snape's hip.

The silence was broken when Harry waved his hands and cheered, "Doggy!"

Snape's wand was out before Remus could blink. Remus rolled over onto his back in a submissive gesture, his heart racing at the fierce protectiveness in Snape's eyes. Remus anticipated Snape throwing a curse or two his way before realizing Remus was tame, but a child being present meant Remus now had to fear for his life.

Snape spat a stunning spell that bounced uselessly off of Remus' werewolf hide. Snape's glare hardened, then he cast the spell that forced Animagi to return to their human form. Remus yelped in pain as the flesh beneath his skin tried to boil off. He thrashed on the ground, trying to scrape the spell off on the rough gravel path.

Harry cried out in distress, "Doggy?!"

Snape swore and dropped the spell. Remus looked up and saw Snape trying to unclench Harry's tiny, determined fist from his shirtsleeve.

Remus tried to stand to run away, but his skeleton felt like hot, brittle glass. He couldn't hold back a painful whine when he tried to put more distance between himself and Harry. Snape looked back at Remus, his gaze less angry now and more calculating. Remus flopped down onto his side in a gesture of defeat. Snape raised his wand the best he could with Harry still clinging to his arm, but before he could cast another spell, recognition flashed across his eyes.

"What the hell are you doing at my home in this disgraceful state, Lupin?"

Remus barked and weakly thumped his tail on the ground. He thought his reason for being here was pretty obvious.

Harry screeched in Snape's face, "Doggy! I Want Doggy!"

Snape's eyes didn't leave Remus when he scolded, "Manners, Harry. That's not how we ask for things we want."

Harry made a frustrated noise. "Pease I want doggy."

The hint of a smile ghosted Snape's lips. "Very good, but this monster is dirty and dangerous, so you won't be petting it."

Remus' head was spinning. What was Harry doing with Snape? Wasn't Harry supposed to be with Lily's sister?

Snape turned to go back inside with Harry. Remus let out a panicked bark and staggered to his feet.

Snape sneered, "Just because you were friends with Harry's dreadful father doesn't mean you can show up at our home unannounced. Especially in this state. Is this what you mongrels do now, abuse my potion to entertain children by performing party tricks on the full moon?"

Fuck you, too, Snape. Remus let out a frustrated bark and looked up at the sky.

Snape followed Remus' gaze. The color drained from his face when he saw the waning moon. He frantically beckoned Remus inside. "What are you still doing outside, you useless animal? Explain yourself at once!"

Remus darted under Snape's outstretched arm. Snape slammed the door behind them and herded Remus into his study.

"What did you take? Where did you get it from? How long ago was the full moon? No, you stay right here." Snape pulled out his wand again when Remus tried to follow him back into the rest of the house. "Harry needs breakfast and I refuse to let you bring fleas into the kitchen. So just sit here and- I don't know, think about what you've done."

This delighted Harry. "Doggy time out!"

A genuine smile broke across Snape's face. "Very good, Harry. The doggy has been very naughty and needs a time out."

Harry pointed at Remus. "Doggy time out." Then he pointed at Snape and burst into laughter. "Uncle Sevwus time out."

Snape shot Remus one final glare before shutting Remus inside his study and leaving for the kitchen. Remus heard Harry's continued laughter when Snape said, "Oh? What did Uncle Severus do to deserve a time out? I don't know if I can cook us sausages for breakfast if I'm on the time out chair."

Remus wondered if this was all one long, full moon induced nightmare. How had he not known Snape was taking care of Harry? Remus hadn't spent much time in wizard society with its increased werewolf prejudice after the war, but surely he would have heard about Harry being raised by someone who kept less than favorable company during the war.

Remus looked around at Snape's study. The walls were lined with texts covering topics from potions to the dark arts. A small pile of board books lay at the foot of the desk, and a half-assembled train set lay abandoned in the far corner. The door to the rest of the house wouldn't be too hard to open without thumbs, but Remus couldn't afford to test Snape's trust. Remus was at the man's complete mercy, Snape could justify any act of violence under the claim of being attacked first.

Remus sighed when heard the clattering of kitchenware. His body still ached from Snape's spell, and he was tired after traveling all night. Finding answers would have to wait for now.

*

"Explain yourself, Lupin."

Remus startled awake at Snape's sharp demand.

Harry could be heard playing in the living room. Remus ignored Snape and stared at the open door. It had been over a year since he last saw Harry. Spending time with James and Lily's son always felt too good to be true. The open adoration of a small child, innocent to the knowledge of Remus' monstrosity, had the power to bring Remus to his knees.

Snape shut the door and snapped, "Before you go crying to Dumbledore, I have legal custody of Harry. Petunia was terrified the dark wizards who killed her sister would come after her family next. She insisted that I care for Lily's child in her stead."

Remus sighed and tore his gaze from the door. He wasn't suspicious of Snape, Harry seemed happy and well-fed. Remus was jealous.

Snape glared, misinterpreting Remus' reaction. He sat at his desk and grabbed a notebook and pen. "The sooner you answer my questions the sooner I can fix your predicament and get you out of my hair. Are you under the influence of the Wolfsbane Potion?"

Remus nodded.

"Did you purchase it from a reputable potion shop?"

Remus looked away and shook his head.

Severus swore. "I told the Ministry the Wolfsbane Potion needed to be regulated, but they insisted on making its recipe public. It's not something an amateur can brew. Do you know anyone else who's purchased from your supplier?"

Remus shook his head.

"Have you taken Wolfsbane Potion from this supplier before?"

Remus shook his head.

"Did you drink the full week's worth of doses?"

Remus nodded.

"Have you maintained your full mental faculties since you transformed? I will tell you only once that I demand your complete honesty if I am going to figure out why your potion failed and how to fix you."

Remus vigorously nodded his head.

"Did the potion have an extremely bitter smell and taste?"

Remus nodded.

"Was it a deep golden hue?"

Remus tilted his head to the side, unsure. The potion was delivered in metal flasks.

"Does that mean you don't know?"

Remus nodded.

"Did you experience any side effects besides mild, transient gastrointestinal upset?"

Remus winced and nodded his head. The potion had made him dizzy and nauseous, and it took almost an hour of lying down for the vertigo and resulting headache to subside.

Unfortunately for Remus, Snape had to rely on the process of elimination to get the information he needed. Snape launched into an interrogation about what seemed like every adverse reaction known to modern medicine, many of which were very personal in nature. Remus wondered multiple times if a question was actually relevant, or if Snape was just using this as an excuse to torture him.

Remus' growling stomach spared him from a full day's interrogation. Remus dramatically licked his lips, hoping Snape wouldn't let him starve.

Snape rolled his eyes and stood. "It would be a shame for you to starve to death before I've worked out how to counteract this black market potion." He waved for Remus to follow him to the kitchen. "Are you feral enough to demand raw meat?"

Remus let out an offended huff and trotted behind Snape. Right now, he didn't care what he ate.

They passed the living room where Harry was playing with wooden blocks in a play-pen. Remus lingered in the doorway, his heart aching with jealousy.

Harry ran to the edge of his pen and lifted his arms up at Snape. "Up, up!" When he saw Snape's pointed look, he added, "Pease up!"

"Very good, Harry." Snape sent Remus a look that demanded Remus keep his distance from the boy. When Harry started to whine about petting Remus again, Snape snapped, "You need to wait until I fix Lupin before you can say hello." Snape lifted Harry up. "Since you remembered your manners, you may sit at the table while I make him breakfast."

Remus dutifully stayed a few places behind when he followed Snape into the kitchen. He was surprised Snape didn't plan on throwing him out as soon as he was cured.

Snape gave Remus cold leftover sausages in a bowl on the floor well out of Harry's reach. Remus inhaled the food, making a mental note to be humiliated at eating table scraps on the floor later. When the bowl was empty, he hesitantly gave Snape a look asking for more. Snape obliged without comment and gave Remus some canned beans and boiled eggs.

After he finished eating, Remus scratched at the back door to be let out.

Snape narrowed his eyes, "I don't think it's wise for you to be out in your state."

Remus whined and scratched the door again. Before Snape's thorough interrogation about his bodily functions, Remus would have been embarrassed at asking to relieve himself, but right now he just really needed to piss.

Snape caught Remus' meaning and unlocked the door with a flick of his wand. "Be quick. I'll claim no knowledge of you if you're seen."

Remus took the fastest piss of his life and dashed back inside. Harry spotted Remus before Snape could, and he ran at Remus with a squealed "DOGGY!"

Remus clamped his mouth shut and froze. He distantly heard Snape swear and shout when Harry tackled him into a full body hug.

Harry pulled at Remus' fur and buried his face in Remus' scruff. Remus was sure he was about to die by Snape's hand, but he couldn't help wagging his tail when Harry laughed and tried to climb on top of him.

But the killing curse didn't come. Remus looked up to find Snape was pale as a sheet, gripping his raised wand hard enough that the wood creaked in his hand. Snape's wand lowered a fraction when Remus met his gaze. Praying he wouldn't spook Snape, Remus gently shook himself out of Harry's grasp. Harry let out an unhappy whine when Remus fled towards Snape's study.

Snape exploded as soon as Remus was out of sight.

"THAT MONSTER IS DANGEROUS, HARRY! You could have been MAULED, or WORSE-"

Remus' heart shattered when Snape's voice broke and Harry burst into tears. When Snape didn't say anything further, Remus risked looking back around the corner.

Snape sat on the floor with Harry in his arms. His hands shook as he looked Harry over for broken skin. When Snape wiped at his own eyes, Remus realized Snape was crying too.

Remus hated himself. He hated himself for taking that stupid potion that made him too dangerous to be around Harry. He hated himself for it taking such a huge mistake for him to even find Harry. He hated himself for losing his only chance of having Harry in his life. Snape would be a fool to let such a careless, naive, idiotic, horrible, dangerous werewolf anywhere near Harry.

Remus silently retreated to Snape's study. He listened to Harry's wails and Snape's silence. Eventually Harry calmed down and was ordered to his room. Remus prepared for the worst when he heard Snape approaching.

Snape stopped in the doorway, looking like he'd just aged fifty years. Remus flinched back with his tail tucked between his legs when Snape raised his wand at him. Snape studied Remus for what felt like an eon before lowering it.

"That can never happen again."

Remus' heart broke all over again at the lingering tremor in Snape's voice. Remus whined in agreement. He couldn't live with himself if he accidentally passed his curse to Harry.

Snape turned his gaze from Remus to the bookshelves lining the walls. His voice was mechanical when he said, "I need to look into some things before I try to brew your antidote. I have some theories as to what's causing your condition, but I need more data before I start experimenting on something as dangerous as a werewolf's transformation."

Remus' head spun. Snape was still going to help him?

Snape scoffed at Remus' obvious confusion. "I'm not going to leave you like this, not when there's bound to be more of you drinking this disastrous potion."

Remus wagged his tail in thanks, struggling to keep up with all the emotions swirling in his head. He paced restlessly as Snape collected texts and sat down to read. Snape sent Remus an annoyed look, which Remus ignored. What Remus really wanted to do was to run off the adrenaline buzzing beneath his skin, but that was a luxury he hadn't been afforded since he was in school.

An egg timer rang from Harry's bedroom ten minutes later. Remus ran behind Snape's desk and sent Snape an alarmed look when he heard Harry's small footsteps approach the study. Snape cast a barrier spell around Remus before standing to meet Harry.

"Uncle Sevwus?" Harry stopped in the doorway. "Time is out over."

Snape knelt in front of Harry. "Yes, it is. Thank you for waiting quietly. Would you like to play with your train while I read my books?"

Harry nodded. "Yes pease."

"Very good manners, Harry. You may join Lupin and I as long as you keep your hands to yourself. Can you do that?"

Harry nodded again. "Read to me?"

In a voice that could only be described as loving, Snape answered, "Of course I'll read to you. Go pick out a book from your room."

Harry raced back to his room with a hollered, "Thank you!"

Snape sat on the nearby reading chair. In an act of shocking vulnerability, he held his head in his hands and sighed, "It wasn't your fault. I should have kept a closer eye on him."

Remus shook out his coat and barked in protest. He should have left as soon as he saw Harry that morning. It was only a matter of time before something like this happened.

Snape's voice was almost too soft for Remus to hear when he said, "I can only imagine what you must think of me, one of the people his mother hated most, raising her son."

All Remus could do was watch as Snape tried not to fall apart, all alone in his study, surrounded by so much knowledge that did nothing to help him in the way he needed most. Remus suddenly wished he could be there for Snape, but he was stuck in this useless, dangerous body. The only thing Remus could hope for was a polite dismissal as soon as he was cured.

Snape sat up straight when he heard Harry running down the hall. "What book have you chosen for us to read, Harry?"

Harry burst through the door. "Aeropanes!" He perked up when he noticed Remus sitting in the corner. "Read to doggy?"

Snape lifted Harry onto his lap. "The wolf's name is Lupin. He can listen to the story from where he is." Snape opened Harry's book and read, "Let's take a trip to the airport today. I wonder what kind of planes we'll see..."

Remus hung onto every word, wagging his tail when Harry imitated the different airplane noises. When they reached the jet plane, he howled along to Harry's cheered, "BOOOOOOOM!"

Harry tired for his midday nap after the fifth re-reading. Snape summoned a blanket and pillow to settle Harry on the plush reading chair. Snape sent Lupin an unreadable look before returning to his research.

Remus stretched out behind his barrier as he watched Snape devour text after text. His gaze wandered across the room to where Harry slept. A now familiar longing burned in his chest when he saw Harry fidgeting as he dreamed. Maybe if Remus behaved well enough, Snape would let him come back to visit Harry.

Snape cleared his throat to get Remus' attention. "It would be beneficial to learn how the potion is affecting your physical health and magical core. May I cast some diagnostic spells on you?"

Remus nodded. The spells Snape cast over him weren't painful, but they definitely weren't pleasant. The first spell revealed a black aura around Remus that made him shiver despite his thick coat. The second spell projected different representations of Remus' organs that lit up in various hues. The third caused a wolf-shaped billow of smoke to erupt from Remus' mouth. Remus coughed as the smokey beast snarled and thrashed around him.

Snape's eyes burned with fury when he broke the spell. "You told me you've retained your complete mental and physical capabilities. Was that a lie?"

Remus held Snape's gaze when he shook his head. He couldn't sense the wolf at all. When Snape didn't look convinced, Remus rolled over onto his back with his tail tucked between his legs. He was sure the wolf wouldn't allow the act of submission if it had any ounce of control.

"Doggy?"

Snape spun around at Harry's voice. Harry still sat on the armchair, his hair an even wilder mess after his nap. Harry didn't look scared, but all of his previous eagerness to keep Remus as his new pet had vanished.

Remus held his position with his mouth snapped shut.

All of the venom left Snape's voice when he said, "Thank you for not trying to pet Lupin, Harry."

Harry smiled and waved at Remus. "Hi doggy."

Remus wagged his tail. His back was starting to hurt, but the pain was worth it to earn Snape's trust.

Harry pointed at Remus. "Doggy is upside down." He rolled over so his head hung off the seat of the armchair. "Harry is upside down!"

Remus' tail wagged faster. He couldn't hold back a delighted bark when Harry mimicked him by wiggling his bum. Harry squealed with laughter and barked back.

Remus risked a look at Snape. To Remus' surprise, Snape was ignoring him completely. A small smile ghosted Snape's lips as he watched Harry bark and roll back and forth on the armchair. Remus let out another delighted bark and rolled from side to side, causing another peal of laughter from Harry.

A particularly enthusiastic role caused Harry to topple off the chair. Snape was at his side before Harry could realize what had happened. Snape's voice was soft but stern when he said, "Let's play a different game. Would you like to play with your train set?"

Harry pulled on Snape's shirtsleeve. "Doggy pay?"

Snape's tone was sharp when he said, "You may not play with Lupin. Remember when I said you'd get another time out if you tried to pet him again?"

Harry pouted. "Yes Uncle Sevwus."

Snape drew a sparkling red line with his wand across the floor in front of his desk. He told Harry, "As long as your hands and feet don't cross this line, you may play with your toys while I work. The sooner I figure out how to fix Lupin, the sooner you two can play together."

Harry let out a frustrated noise before stomping over to his train set.

Snape almost sounded amused when he said, "Thank you for listening, Harry."

Harry grumbled, "welcome," and turned away to assemble his train tracks.

Snape returned to his notes, only sending Remus a brief glance when Remus settled in a more comfortable position.

Remus watched Harry smack his trains around. Thankfully, the two-year-old's attention span was very short, and Harry quickly forgot how upset he was at not being able to play with his new werewolf friend.

*

Remus stayed behind his barrier when Snape and Harry left for a late lunch. Snape returned with a bowl of water and a bowl of corned beef that Remus devoured before he was let outside to relieve himself. Then Snape promptly escorted Remus back to his study and placed Remus behind a barrier again. Remus was surprised at how lonely he felt when Snape left him alone for the rest of the day.

Dinner that night and breakfast the next morning followed in the same routine: a brief hello, an offered bowl of food and water, and a watchful escort outside. Remus was surprised to find Snape making a phone call when he came back inside after his morning piss. Remus was even more surprised to see Snape wearing Muggle trousers.

"Thank you, Mrs Granger. I apologize for this being a last minute request." Snape paused to listen to her response. He answered, "None the less, I am grateful. We'll see you soon."

Snape hung up. He gave Remus a look that dared Remus to say anything. Remus desperately wanted to ask why Snape had a muggle phone and who this Mrs Granger was. Snape wordlessly gathered Harry from the kitchen table and began the process of wrangling the boy into his raincoat.

"Lupin will not be coming with us, Harry," Snape snapped when Harry was more interested in watching Remus shake the rain from his fur than putting on his coat, "You'll be spending the day with the Grangers, I'm sure they'll let you pet their cat if you ask nicely."

Harry finally tore his focus away from Remus. "Mione?"

Snape finally wrangled Harry's arms into his coat and buttoned it closed with practiced movements. "Yes, you're going to visit your friend Hermione. Go choose a toy you'd like to bring with you."

Harry cheered and ran to his room. Snape sent Remus a defensive glare once the boy was out of sight. "I wont have Harry socializing with other witches and wizards until everyone gets over their ridiculous Harry Potter worship. I refuse to let the boy develop an ego the size of his father's."

Remus bristled at the insult to dead friend, but he didn't disagree with Snape's decision to have Harry keep muggle company. Remus hadn't expected Snape to see muggles as the lesser of two evils, but he did understand to the need to distance oneself from the magical world.

Harry returned with a toy aeroplane in his arms. Snape pulled on Harry's boots and shrugged on his own coat. "Does Hermione like playing aeroplanes, too?"

Harry bounced up and down with excitement. "Yes!"

"Does she have a favorite?"

Harry's expression twisted in concentration. After some contemplation, he answered, "Mione likes big panes."

Snape guided Harry out the front door, seeming to have forgotten Remus was present. "Big planes? I think those are my favorites, too. Which are your favorites?"

Harry cheered, "BOOM!"

Remus had never seen Snape so gentle. Snape was by no means a smothering mother figure, but the man's blunt, often rude demeanor softened for Harry. Remus didn't want to investigate the emotion that twisted in his gut as he listened to Snape mimic aeroplane noises with Harry as they walked away. When Harry and Snape's voices faded, Remus let himself admit that the emotion felt somewhere between longing and affection.

Then Remus realized he hadn't been sequestered behind his barrier in the the study. He leapt at the opportunity to snoop. Snape's home was tidy and sparsely decorated. The only pictures on the walls were of Harry, Lily, Harry with Lily, and a single picture of Harry with Lily and James. Remus stared at the photograph of his dead friends smiling and cooing over their sleeping newborn child. How would Lily feel about Snape raising her son?

Remus searched for Harry's room next. The boy's room was a mess of toys and books. Posters of cartoon characters and hand drawn art covered the walls, and glow in the dark stickers decorated the ceiling. There was a muggle photograph on Harry's night stand of himself and a girl his age with wild brown hair. Was this Harry's friend, Hermione?

A picture of Harry and Snape had fallen onto the floor. Harry's cheeks were flushed pink with joy at his and Snape's matching party hats. It was surreal seeing a still photograph of Snape after years of following his progress in the wizard newspapers. Snape's magical photographs never strayed from his usual glare, but this Snape was almost smiling. The envy in Remus' chest was almost overwhelming. Harry was the last link he had to his lost pack, his lost family.

Remus had practically fled the magical world once the war was over, only keeping in touch with a handful of people he'd met during the war. It was easier to get hired by muggles who didn't assume you were a bloody-thirsty monster if you couldn't work a few days a month. The only muggle who connected his illness to the moon's cycle was a woman who was jealous of his deep connection to their Mother Moon. She demanded to perform a Taro reading for Remus. Remus didn't know what the hell Taro was, and was surprised at how much it got mostly right. He had to practically tear himself away from her when she tried to sell him crystals that would cure him of the dual-natured spirits warring inside of him.

Remus left Harry's room to explore the rest of the house. Both the basement and what Remus assumed was Snape's bedroom were locked. Remus returned to the living room and searched for signs of other inhabitants. Did Harry have friends over? Did Snape have a girlfriend? Snape mentioned orders yesterday morning, did he sell potions from his home? Maybe with a business partner? Remus told himself he was only investigating to know if he should be on alert for any visitors who wouldn't react well to his presence, but deep down he knew he was just nosy.

Remus was sniffing around the kitchen when he heard Snape walk up to the house. Remus couldn't hear anyone else, but he hid in Snape's study just in case.

Remus came out of hiding when Snape called out, "If you made a mess while I was gone I'll throw you out in broad daylight."

When Remus joined him, Snape said, "I need to take some additional measurements before attempting to brew your antidote. It would be irresponsible for me not to mention that this is uncharted territory and I can't guarantee the safety of what I brew. All I can promise is that I will do my best not to kill you or cause you unnecessary harm."

Remus nodded, his heart kicking into a nervous rhythm at Snape's warning. He followed Snape into the basement. A large cauldron and preparation table stood in the center of the room, and a smaller cauldron full of a bubbling, sweet smelling potion, stirred itself in the corner. The walls were lined with ingredients and even more texts. The air was hot and muggy, the only ventilation being a small window just below the ceiling.

Snape cast another diagnostic spell over Remus that caused a warm sensation to slither up his nerves and through his veins. After even more notes, Snape began to select his ingredients. Curious, Remus followed a step behind. He couldn't hold back a nervous sneeze when Snape collected a sprig of wolfsbane flower. Textbooks always listed the flower as having a pleasant, earthy aroma. Remus' stomach, however, churned whenever he smelled it, a reaction none of his other classmates had when they worked with it during Herbology lessons. The flower was only toxic to werewolves when ingested, but the aroma still made Remus break into a cold sweat.

As if he could read Remus' mind, Snape lectured, "Wolfsbane's potent toxicity to werewolves is what makes the potion so difficult and dangerous to brew. The potion has to be strong enough to weaken the feral half of the werewolf's magical core, but not so toxic as to harm its human host. It's a miracle your back-alley potion didn't kill you outright. I have a few theories on how the imbecile who brewed it managed to prolong the transformation while still allowing the host to maintain control." Snape paused before murmuring, "It's a precise balance to achieve, I wonder..."

Remus kept his distance when Snape stood at his workbench to brew. Snape took even more notes as he went, contemplating each ingredient a final time before its preparation and addition into the cauldron. He skinned a single petal of wolfsbane with deft fingers and added just its inner flesh to the potion.

Remus suddenly wondered what else those fingers could do, then thanked the stars that he was currently incapable of blushing. He blamed Snape's asking if there were "any changes to his libido" the day before for the images that flashed through his mind as Snape gracefully wielded his paring knife.

Remus lay down and faced away from Snape's sexy completely average looking fingers. Remus' mind wandered as he listened to Snape gently stir the potion behind him. Remus had been transformed for almost a week and had definitely missed enough work for his normally very lenient boss to fire him. Was it worth going back and trying to make excuses?

After a few hours, Snape announced, "I'll be attempting to correct your body's natural lunar rhythm. I've added just enough wolfsbane to the brew to make you easier to restrain if I end up making your transformation worse."

Remus approached the bowl Snape set on the floor. The potion smelled foul, but not as bad as the one he drank before the full moon. His skeleton began to crack as soon as he finished drinking. Remus barked out a warning and staggered back as he began to transform back to his human form. Snape held his wand at the ready as Remus writhed on the floor. It was as agonizing, but thankfully as quick, as his usual transformations. When it was over, Remus was too relieved to care that he was sprawled naked on the floor of Snape's basement.

Snape handed Remus the cloak from his shoulders to cover himself. "How do you feel?"

Remus wrapped the thick fireproof wool around himself, and refused to think about how it was saturated with Snape's scent. "Somehow even more painful and exhausted than I normally am after a full moon." He slowly rose off the floor and sat on a nearby stool. "I hate to ask another favor of you, but do you have a spare bed I could use? I don't think it would be wise from me to travel right now"

Snape waved away Remus' concern. "It would be best if I continued to observe you for the next twenty-four hours to ensure you don't experience any unintentional side effects."

Remus' smile was exhausted and genuine. "Thanks, Snape. Sorry I've been so much trouble."

Snape was already climbing the stairs out of the basement. "The worst you've done is strengthened Harry's desire to get a pet dog. I'll never hear the end of it."

Remus' entire body hurt, but his smile grew. "He seems happy with you."

Snape glared, "I don't need your approval."

"Of course you don't, but I'm glad you're taking care of him, regardless."

Snape waited for Remus to slowly make his way up the stairs. Once Remus caught his breath, Snape confessed, "Harry uses my only spare room."

Images of sharing a bed with Snape flashed across Remus' mind. Remus pushed the thoughts away and said, "The couch is no bother, I've recovered on much worse. And don't worry about keeping Harry quiet. Si- James and Peter used to make a game of seeing how much noise I could sleep through after a full moon."

Anger flashed behind Snape's eyes. "I'm not so cruel as to make you sleep on the couch in your state. You can retire to my room for the day. I'll transform the couch into a bed for you tonight."

Remus winced. "Sorry, didn't mean to imply-"

Snape cut him off, "I'm not interested in your groveling." He unlocked his bedroom door, changed bed sheets and blankets with a flick of his wand, then summoned a set of pajamas for Remus. "I'm off to fetch Harry. There are more blankets in the closet down the hall if you need them."

Remus took the fleece pajamas. "Thank you, Snape. I mean it."

Snape walked away.

*

Remus woke up disoriented. His mind was sluggish with exhaustion, but he was acutely aware of Snape's comforting scent surrounding him. Why was he thinking about how nice Snape smelled? Remus blushed when images of Snape's hands flashed across his mind again.

Stupid Snape and his stupid sexy fingers.

Remus forced himself out of bed when his stomach growled and he could no longer ignore his aching bladder. He hoped Snape wouldn't mind him borrowing a house robe and pair of slippers in addition to the pajamas. Remus used the wall to help keep balance on his sore, unsteady legs as he made his way down the hall. His pace quickened when he heard Harry babbling happily in the kitchen. Remus could finally spend time with Harry without his monstrosity getting in the way.

Snape was making dinner when Remus arrived. Snape didn't mention the additional borrowed clothing when he gave Remus a critical once-over and gestured for him to sit at the kitchen table. "We're having meatloaf and vegetables. I assume you're not feral enough to demand raw meat?"

Remus almost did a double take. Did Snape just make a joke? He answered, "Whatever you've made will be lovely, Snape, thank you."

Remus gently lowered himself onto a chair next to Harry, not wanting to waste what little time they had together. He held out a hand for Harry to shake and introduced himself with dramatic formality. "Hello there, my name is Remus Lupin. It's been some time since I've made your acquaintance."

Harry happily grabbed the offered hand, delighted at being treated like an adult. He recited, "Nice to meet you. My name is Harry Potter." Then he pointed to Snape and said, "Uncle Sevwus is not my daddy."

Snape said, "That's right, Harry. I'm not your father, but I still love you. I'm taking care of you because you're parents are unable to."

Harry cheered, "Mummy and Daddy are dead!"

Remus shot Severus an alarmed look. Snape's voice was even when he explained, "It's important to be honest with children. He doesn't understand what being an orphan means, but when he does, he'll know they loved him and I do, too."

Remus blinked, suddenly fighting back tears. He cleared his throat and said to Harry, "Your mum and dad were two of my best friends. I hope we can become best friends, too."

Harry smiled. "Pay panes?"

Remus beamed. "I'd love to play aeroplanes."

Remus was unfortunately too tired to do anything but sleep after dinner. "I'm sorry, Harry, I need to go to bed. We can play aeroplanes tomorrow."

Harry looked confused. "Bedtime?"

Snape replied, "It's almost bedtime. After your bath I'll read you a story, and then we'll all go to bed."

Harry wasn't thrilled with the idea, but he was easily bribed with the promise of a bubble bath.

Remus sent Snape a tired smile. "My wand's still at home. Would you mind transfiguring the couch for me?"

Snape hesitated. A flash of an emotion Remus couldn't decipher flashed behind Snape's eyes before he replied, "Of course."

*

Bone shattering pain woke Remus in the middle of the night.

"SNAPE!" He screamed, "I'M TURNING BACK-"

Snape burst from his room, his eyes wild with fear. He immediately summoned thick iron shackles around Remus' limbs and neck that pinned Remus to the floor, then cast Protego Maxima in front of Harry's room.

Remus prayed Snape's restraints would be enough. His cry of pain morphed into a howl when his transformation completed. Remus instinctively flailed against the chains. His relief that they held fast was clouded by the wolf's rage at being restrained.

Snape's sharp voice cut through Remus' panic. "Lupin! Are you still in control?"

Remus let out a panicked snarl, only able to think about how much pain he was in. Every muscle and every bone in his body in his body felt raw. He hadn't had time to recover from his first transformation before he was forced to turn again.

Snape demanded, "Lupin, answer me. Bark three times if you are in full control of your mind and body."

Remus growled and forced himself to take thorough stock of his mind and body. He was in control now, but unlike his last transformation, he could feel the wolf thrashing in the back of his mind. Could he maintain control if his pain or exhaustion overwhelmed him?

Remus whined in response. He couldn't be trusted.

Snape summoned two more chains that crossed over Remus' body. Between the new chains and existing shackles, Remus couldn't move.

Snape examined his work with a frown. "It's not elegant, but it's too dangerous to transport you somewhere more isolated." When he saw the terror in Remus' eyes, Snape said, "I promise I will keep Harry safe. I won't let you hurt him."

Remus let out a desperate whine and held Snape's gaze, hoping Snape could understand his gratitude.

Snape fought to keep his expression neutral. When it was clear Remus wasn't going to try to break free, he said, "I'm going to make sure Harry didn't wake. I'll return throughout the night to monitor your restraints."

Remus thumped his tail weakly in response. When Snape disappeared from sight, Remus allowed himself a single howl of anger and grief.

*

Remus didn't realize he'd fallen asleep until he was woken by another bone shattering transformation. The crushing weight of the chains pinning him down was as reassuring as it was agonizing. Remus thanked every power he could that they'd stayed fast.

Remus' voice was raw when he called out, "Snape?"

Snape was more compared than last night when he emerged from the basement. He gave Remus a thorough look over before vanishing the chains.

Remus whimpered in pain. The thought of moving made him want to cry.

Snape swaddled a blanket around Remus and slowly levitated him to the still transformed couch. Remus broke into tears when his head gently landed on the soft mattress.

Snape's tone was clinical, but concern leaked through his eyes when he asked, "What hurts?"

Remus croaked, "Everything."

Snape looked furious, but for once Remus didn't think the anger was focused at him. Snape pulled two flasks out from his pockets. He gently lifted Remus' head enough to pour the potions down Remus' throat and chase them down with lukewarm water.

Remus shivered as the potions soothed the worst of his pain. "Thank you."

Remus' gratitude only made Snape more angry. "Don't thank me for something I should have done sooner. I'll ask you about your experience last night once you no longer look like you've been trampled by a herd of Thestrals. I've already gathered enough information to start creating what should be your final antidote." Snape paused to see if Remus was coherent enough to follow along. When Remus managed a grunt of acknowledgement, Snape said, "You transformed right after the moon rose and returned to yourself right after it set. It seems you're sensitive to any presence of the moon."

Remus looked out the window where the bright afternoon sunlight was shining through. He'd been out for most of the day.

Snape continued, "My second potion should fully correct your lunar rhythm. My first attempt was too weak. My caution against hurting you only made you more dangerous to yourself and others."

The unspoken I'm sorry hung heavy in the air.

Remus asked, "Is Harry alright? I don't remember much after you left."

Snape's eyes glinted with pride when he answered, "I had already made preparations in case something like this happened, of course. I cast a barrier and one-way silencing charm on his room after putting him to bed. I spent the night in his room after I secured you, he was quite excited to be having a sleep-over together."

Remus sighed in relief. "Where is he now?" Then he realized he'd spent his entire transformation in the middle of Snape's living room floor. His stomach sank at the thought of traumatizing Harry again. "Did he see me?"

"He's at his usual weekday daycare. I dropped him off earlier than I normally do for work, so he was too excited about getting to have their awful sugary muggle cereal for breakfast to notice you." Snape placed a second blanket over Remus. "Now rest. The moon rises again in twelve hours, I need to make sure my potion is perfect this time."

Remus, already half asleep, grunted, "You're missing work?"

"Go to sleep, Lupin."

Remus took a deep breath of Snape's soothing scent, and did as he was told.

*

Snape woke Remus with a foul smelling potion a few hours later.

Remus winced as he sat up. "Is it worth asking if it tastes better than it smells?"

A smirk ghosted Snape's lips when he replied, "Unlikely."

Remus' stomach roiled when Snape offered him the goblet. Their fingers brushed when Remus pushed it away and mumbled, "I think I should eat first."

Snape flinched back, almost spilling the potion. "Of course. Stay here. I'll bring you something."

Snape was gone before Remus could apologize. Remus sighed and wrapped the warm blankets around his shoulders. He tried not to think about how nice they smelled. What was wrong with him? Remus hadn't thought about Snape since the war, and now he couldn't stop thinking about how nice the man smelled.

Snape returned with a bowl of lightly steaming porridge and a cup of tea. Remus didn't know if he wanted to laugh or cry when he thought about how nice Snape's hands looked cradling the cup and bowl. He mumbled a thanks before attacking the porridge.

Snape's voice was almost hesitant when he asked, "Would you like some more?"

Remus sighed, "Better give me the potion first."

The potion wasn't as bad as Remus feared. He could have sworn Snape looked relieved when he told him told so.

Snape brought Remus a second bowl of porridge and more tea. When Remus finished his bowl and emptied his cup again, Snape said, "Tell me about last night's transformation."

Snape took notes as Remus recalled as much as he could. When Remus' memory reached its end, Snape asked about the person he'd bought his wolfsbane potion from. Remus was embarrassed to admit that he knew very little.

"You can look at the few correspondences we had," Remus offered. "You're welcome to collect the letters from my flat if you don't want to wait for me to recover." Remus hesitated before adding, "I'd appreciate you fetching me my wand and some spare clothes, if you do."

Snape stood. "It's no bother. Where do you live?"

The offer didn't surprise Remus as much as it would have three days ago. He gave Snape his address. "Thank you. I really appreciate all you've done for me, especially after all the trouble I've given you."

Snape dismissed Remus' gratitude. "You're helping me hunt down someone selling dangerous potions. I won't have my breakthrough research sullied by amateur hacks."

Remus smiled. "Right, of course."

*

Remus woke to a hesitant hand on his shoulder. Remus knew it was Snape without opening his eyes. He let himself indulge in one more sleepy inhale of Snape's scent before slowly opening his eyes. Snape stood with Remus' wand in hand and Harry clutching the skirt of his robes.

Harry asked, "Pay panes?"

Snape said, "Not now, Harry. Lupin is very tired and needs to go to bed. Depending on how he feels, he can play with you tomorrow."

Remus grunted when he sat up, his entire body still aching. "Don't worry, Harry. We'll play together as soon as I feel better."

Remus noticed his cane leaning against the foot of the bed. Warmth bloomed in his chest at the proof of Snape's commitment to keeping him comfortable after his traumatic back-to-back transformation. The heat spread further up to Remus' ears and cheeks when Snape offered a cautious hand to help Remus to his feet. Severus' eyes briefly flickered to Remus' blush, and Remus could have sworn Snape's cheeks pinked, too.

Snape's tone dared Remus to argue when he announced, "You'll take my room tonight. I refuse to let you keep sleeping on a transfigured mattress in your state."

Remus was sure Snape would be disgusted if he knew the reason why he agreed to sleep in his bed, but Remus was selfish and already dreading the loneliness he knew would come when he was sent away. What Snape didn't know wouldn't hurt him.

Harry followed Snape and Remus down the hall. Harry had never seen a grown up act the way Remus was, like the kids at his daycare who couldn't walk or run as good as he could. Was their new friend hurt? Why was he walking with a stick?

Harry pointed at Remus' cane and asked, "What is that?"

Remus answered, "This is my cane. I use it when I need help walking and standing."

To Remus' surprise, Snape added, "It's like how you use your push-cart toy to help you run faster."

Harry considered this. "I have?"

Snape replied, "Lupin needs his cane right now, but you can have one your own, if you'd like."

Harry was delighted at the promise of getting a new toy. He followed close behind Snape and Remus with an eager grin.

Snape's usual stony expression slipped when they arrived at the doorway to his room. He asked Remus, "Are you hungry? I can bring you something to eat."

Remus slowly sat on the edge of the bed. "I don't want to be anymore of a bother. I'll make something for myself when I wake up."

Snape made a valiant effort to sound disinterested when he replied, "It's no bother. Are you still nauseous from the antidote?" He turned to leave for the kitchen before Remus could answer. "I'll get you something easy for the stomach."

Remus' cheeks burned again. He couldn't hold back an embarrassing smile as he watched Snape march away. It had been years since someone cared for him after the full moon, and here was Snape, almost doting on him.

Harry was still lingering in the doorway when Snape returned with a bowl of chicken soup and glass of water. Harry watched Remus take the offered food with a soft thanks. Harry remembered Uncle Severus saying that he made Harry food and took care of him when he was sick because he loved Harry. Harry liked that Uncle Severus loved their new friend, too.