An Experiment Gone Wrong

Dinner that night was quite a feast. Everyone was still in great spirits on the birth of little Harry Potter, and the butterbeer flowed freely. Even Hagrid got slightly tipsy giving Minerva a smooch on the cheek, and she returned it in kind. Remus of course was given hearty congratulations since he was the closest to the family.

"Remus, are you planning on going over to the hospital to see the little one?" Minerva said cheerily.

"Er...ah that is...well really I wasn't but um...I suppose I might if James and Lily let me." Remus said.

"O' course you will Remus! Why wouldn' they wan' you to be there eh? You're like family to 'em!" Hagrid said giving Remus a pat on the back.

Remus winced. "Er...right Hagrid. I'm sure I'll go."

"Now now leave Remus be everyone. He'll go when he's ready. Now, since everyone's quite finished I do think it's time for me to retire for the evening. Remus, Severus if you would? We have some matters to attend to I believe." Albus said with his usual twinkling smile.

"Awe Professor th' nights still young!" Hagrid said almost wistfully.

Albus chuckled. "You may celebrate as you see fit Hagrid. I'm sure Minerva and the others will be more than happy to join you." he said good naturedly and headed towards the door of the Great Hall, Remus and Severus in tow. "Good evening all."

"Evenin' professor!" Hagrid yelled out.

"Goodnight Albus." Minerva said pouring herself and the others another round of butterbeer.

"Night Albus!" Poppy Pomfrey called out. "Oh, and make sure Remus is in bed early Severus, he's had a rough day, you hear me?" she said eyeing both Severus and Remus intently.

"Yes Madam I hear you." Severus said bowing slightly to her and heading out the doors. *Oh I have every intentions of making sure Remus is in bed early....sleeping however, might be another issue entirely my dear woman...*

As the three of them got to the stone gargoyle Albus stopped suddenly. Turning to both men he said, "Now, I want you both to know that it took quite a lot to convince certain parties that my intentions weren't for nought. I trust you will behave yourselves accordingly. I have every reason to believe that you deserve to be here at this time, otherwise I wouldn't have asked for this meeting."

Severus and Remus both nodded. "Of course Albus. We won't do anything to make you or anyone else think your trust has been misplaced." Remus said firmly.

"Yes, I promise you Albus we will." Severus said in agreement.

"I know you will not disappoint me. Now shall we?" Albus said smiling and with the words, "Jelly Babies" the stone gargoyle opened allowing them all to enter.

When they got to the room Remus and Severus were surprized. Collected in the room were some people they knew well, other's that they didn't, though they wondred why they were all there. A few of them were talking by the fireplace, some already had sat themselves in the various sofas and chairs. When the three of them walked in however, they all rose in greeting.

"Ah good, is everyone here then?" Albus said nodding his head in greeting.

"No, two people are still missing, though I can understand if they don't show up." one of the people said grinning broadly.

Albus chuckled. "One of them will be here, he said he would. Now, I realize I was rather short in my summons of you all, and I do apologize for that on such a day as this. However I felt the need to call this meeting to order at this time for particular reasons." Albus said sitting down at his desk. "Boys you may take a seat."

Remus and Severus felt a bit nervous but they found a spot next to each other on one of the sofas. Without even consciously realizing it Severus took Remus's hand in his, giving it a squeeze of reassurance. Though it was noticed by all present, noone dared would say anything, though a few did try to hide their smiles.

"Now, if everyone would please..." Albus began but the door suddenly burst open.

"Sorry I'm late Albus! Floo network was backed up at the hospital with everyone coming and going. Sirius sends his apologies he..." a voice began to say until the person noticed who else was in the room.

"James?" Remus said jumping in surprize, although he could see James wasn't really all that happy to see him. "You didn't say James would be here!" he said looking accusingly at Albus.

Albus smiled. "I didn't say he wouldn't be either. Now, if you would take a seat James? Congratulations from us all on this momentous occasion of course. I trust our young Harry is doing well, as is his mother?"

James nodded, though he was staring at Remus and Severus noticing that the two of them were holding hands. "Um yeah, he's doing fine. He's allready got us both wrapped round his little finger. Lily's a bit upset that Petunia didn't come but I say good riddance. Like we need her kind round." James said with a grimace.

"Now James you must learn to be tolerant of the muggles who don't see eye to eye with us." a man said from somewhere near the fireplace.

James muttered. "She's not a muggle she's a bloody nightmare Frank. Honestly you can't imagine how unmugglish she and that toad of a husband of her's are! Well atleast Lily is being occupied by Harry. You must all come see him, he is adorable!" James said grinning now like the proud papa.

Someone laughed from off to his side. "If he's anything like you I'd say we're all in trouble!"

James chuckled. "Oi yeah rub it in Ara. True though, he's the spitting of me but with Lily's eyes. He's just like his mum, going to be a heartbreaker when he grows up, but he'll have my Quidditch skills eh! His godfather's allready gotten him a toy broom!" James said grinning, though he did notice the slight shiver that passed through Remus.

"That's....that's really great James. I"m sure he will be....I ah...guess Sirius...is his godfather?" Remus said hesitantly, squeezing Severus's hand tightly without even realizing it.

James looked at Remus almost angrily for a moment, but reschooled his smile. "I thought I told you bout that...Remus." he said a bit coolly.

Remus flinched, hearing his name said like that from James was all too clearly saying what James was feeling towards him. "No actually, you didn't. But...it's not a big deal, Sirius will make a good godfather. Then again he always was better with children more then adults..." Remus said just as coolly.

The two of them passed a look between them that spoke volumes. It was clear James didn't approve of what was going on with Remus, and Remus was not going to back down on his decisions any more to appease James. Finally though James broke the silent tension.

"Remus, you're here before us which tells me Albus accepts you and trusts you. But I don't, not yet anyway. You've got alot to go before you can prove to me you belong here." James said in a steely tone. "As for Snape..." James said turning to give Severus a glare, "I can't imagine why you'd be here. If I'd know you were going to be here, I wouldn't have come." he said coldly.

"He is here at my request James, do not forget that." Albus said as if reprimanding James who flinched as his tone of voice. "Severus has proved to me that he is worthy to be here, as has Remus. You can return back to Lily at St. Mungo's if you do not want to hear what has to be said."

James looked from Remus to Severus then to Albus, and knew Albus meant what he had said. With a sigh and a nod at Albus he said, "I"m a member of this Order, I have not forgotten that Albus. If you think they should be here, then you know best." James said humbly.

Albus nodded at James and turned to the rest of the people in the room. "Now, since Remus and Severus may not know all of you, would you please go round and say your names for them?"

The people nodded and a woman off to James's left started off.

"Arabella Figg."

"Frank Longbottom."

"Cindy Longbottom."

"Mundungus Fletcher."

"Arthur Weasley."

"Molly Weasley."

"Beatrice Bones."

"Martin Bones."

"Amos Diggery."

"Dedalus Diggle."

"Alastor Moody."

"And of course you know myself and James. Sirius Black, who is currently not here obviously, is also is a member of the Order." Albus said smiling at the two men. "Now I"m sure everyone already knows the two of you, and since time is short for the evening, I will make this as quick as possible. Remus, Severus..the people before you all belong to an ancient group called the Order of the Phoenix. We are dedicated to one common goal, the elimination of evil forces in our world."

"We are comprised of many different types of people. Aurors.." he said pointing to James, Frank, Martin, and Alastor. "Ministry officials..." he said now pointing to Amos, Dedalus, Arthur and Mundungus. "Healers..." he said pointing to Molly and Beatrice. "And of course our protectors..." he said pointing to Cindy, Arabella and himself. "Sirius of course, fits into the auror category."

"All of these people are more than just trustworthy. They would give their lives not only for the members of the Order, but for the entire wizarding world if need be. They are the eyes and ears in the wizarding and muggle worlds. With Voldemort gaining more power and supporters daily, it is our job to report whatever we find, whatever can be used against him and the death eaters."

"Albus, I don't understand though. Severus and I...we don't exactly fit into any of those err...categories exactly. What do you want with us then?" Remus asked puzzled.

"Aye Albus, I'm of the same mind. You want these two here, that's fine. But what is it they can do for us? I mean a werewolf and a professor? Seems a bit off to me..." Alastor said grudgingly.

Remus tensed at what was said, anger forming in his eyes. Just as he was going to bite back a retort, Severus squeezed his hand and cut him off. "Mr. Moody, I am well aware of your reputation as an auror. Perhaps, if the Headmaster will allow, I believe I can show you what I am capable of..." he said coolly and turned to Albus for permission.

At the nod from Albus, Severus began to speak again, keeping his eyes trained on the headmaster. "If I am correct in this, you do not want me to stop being what I am." he said keeping his voice calm though inside he was shaking. His growing suspicions were more then dormant now. He guessed what Albus wanted of him, and with a glance at Remus, he knew he was going to come through for him.

"And what praytell are you exactly Mr. Snape? Other then being a Hogwarts professor...oh and of course a Potion's Master." Alastor said though it was more mocking then Severus would have liked.

Turning to Alastor now he didn't care what he would have to do to prove himself. From the moment he had told Albus the truth a great weight had been lifted from him, and he would gladly do anything Albus asked of him now. Even if it would shock the rest of the people in the room, including Remus.

Gazing sharply at the older man, a dark look in his coal black eyes, Severus walked over to Alastor. Unbuttoning his left shirt cuff, and in the same hypnotic voice he used with his students to hold their attentions he said, "I"m much more than that Alastor Moody. I'm what you fear the most. I am the dark..." and with a fluid motion he lifted back the sleeve of his shirt to just past his elbow.

Alastor's eyes grew wide and he swore. "Your one of...them!" he spat accusingly in an icy tone to Severus. If looks could kill, Severus would have been dead 1000 times over from the stare of Alastor Moody right just then.

"Albus what the bloody hell are you thinking?" Frank said shocked.

"Albus have you gone daft? Allowing a...a....a deatheater to be teaching our children?" Molly said angrily.

"Please, everyone calm down!" Albus said authoritively, and motioned for Severus to be reseated. Waiting for the furor to subside, and making sure Severus was reseated he said, "Now I understand you have your concerns about this. However, you of all people should know that I would not have brought him here unless I knew what I was doing."

"But Albus...really...a deatheater? Of all things...how do we know he isn't a spy for...for...You-Know-Who?" Arthur said warily keeping an eye on Severus. "And forgive me but...how does Remus fit into all this? Is he also a deatheater?"

At hearing that James finally had to say something. "Remus is no more a deatheater then I am Arthur, on that I can vouch....atleast..." James said turning to Remus a pleading look in his eyes. "You aren't...are you Remy? Tell me this isn't because of Sirius...that you didn't....I could maybe handle it if you really are with...him...but...gods Remy...if you're a deatheater too..."

Remus sighed and shook his head. "No James, this has nothing to do with Sirius allright? Not anymore anyway. I admit that I have been working in the dark arts..." Remus said giving Severus a glance and feeling the frightful stares everyone was now giving him , but he would hold his ground. "I know I've alot to learn yet, but I am not a deatheater that much I assure you. But James, you have to understand something...I am a werewolf...and I'm tired of pretending to be someone...something I'm not." Remus said turning to James a determined look in his eyes.

James gazed back at Remus with a sad look in his eyes. "Oh Remy..."

"No James. For over half my life I've been told I'm nothing. A noone. I could never compete with you or Sirius, and frankly I didn't care to at the time. Everyone has always used me, lied to me. You have no idea what it's like to be shunned for something you didn't want to be in the first place. I have been running for so long I don't even know who I am anymore. But I know what everyone thinks of me...I'm nothing more then a monster...an outcast. But not anymore..." Remus said with his eyes blazing.

"Remy that's not true...." James began, feeling very sorry for his friend and very guilty.

"I don't want your pity James. What I do want is for you to accept me for who I am. Severus and Albus are willing to give me that chance. Now I ask the same of you. If you're not willing to do this, then our friendship is at an end. But I warn you this...I am going to continue my training in the dark arts, with or without your permission. And neither you nor Sirius will stop me." Remus said surprizingly calm yet firm tone of voice.

James looked at his friend as if it was the first time he was ever really seeing him. In all the years he had known Remus Lupin, this was the first time he'd ever really known how bad things were out in the real world for him. Even if it meant that Remus was going to be with Snape, atleast he would be happy, and that had to be better than this tormented, angry man infront of him.

"You're right Remus, I can't stop you...but I will accept you. I admit I don't exactly like the idea of you messing with the...ah...dark arts...but...if that's what will make you happy then...Oh hell Remy you're one of my best friends...do you really think I want to lose you over something like this? Besides, Lily will have my hide if I didn't accept you. You know she's always had a soft spot for you in her heart....next to me of course..." James said with a half grin. "Friends?" he said then holding out his hand.

Remus looked at James and let his anger and fears go. A smile came over his face and he felt almost like he was going to cry right there infront of everyone. "Oh James..." was about all he could say and rather then taking James's hand he swept him up into a giant hug with a laugh.

"Oi you put me down! Merlin Remy you're squishing me!" James said with a faked groan as Remus did put him down embarrassed.

"Oh sorry mate, forgot it's still the day after the moon...still have my strength..." Remus said blushing a bit, then went over to sit back down on the sofa, putting his hand back in Severus's, who turned to give him a surprized look. Ignoring it for the moment Remus turned to Albus and asked, "So..what did you want of us Albus?"

The rest of the group, though still a bit shocked by all of this, seemed to relax a bit more after that scene. If James trusted Remus, then they had no reason not to. After all, though not well known, James was an heir of Gryffindor, he would know if someone was truely evil right?

"Aye Albus, I still don't understand what you want these two to do for us...Remus may be allright..but Snape's still a deatheater in my book..." Amos said still a bit weary of this all.

"Ah, therein you see is the answer. Severus is a deatheater...infact he has been spying on me for Voldemort." Albus said to the gasps of many in the room again. Before anyone could respond though he said, "Yes, this is truth, but I do think that his abilities and knowledge would be well suited for our purposes. Call it...a turning of the tables..." he said with a twinkle in his eyes that were directed right at Severus.

Severus held his breath a moment, he knew exactly what Albus was saying. Now there was no question in his mind what he wanted him to do, and he held his head up proudly, his black eyes blazing with renewed gratitudes. "I will do what you want me to do Albus. In front of these witnesses I renounce my association with Voldemort as his servant. I now pledge my loyalties to you. I will be your spy now, and noone elses." he said with firm determination.

Albus bowed his head thoughtfully at Severus for a moment. "You have show all of these people the courage of admittance, and the loyalty you wish to uphold. How will you show you're bravery to them?" he asked quietly.

Severus was not daunted by this. In a very serious tone of voice he responded, "With my life. I am willing to take whatever risks I must, even if it means losing that life. I will protect these people, and the wizarding world, as best as I can. Put me to any test you wish, I will take it so I can prove my worth."

The room was quite for a moment but then someone did speak. "I believe you already have taken our test young Severus Snape....and as far as I see it...you have passed." Arabella Figg said softly.

"I do believe Ara's right. It took great courage to admit what he is, and that he was wrong to believe in the evils of You-Know-Who...I trust him." Frank Longbottom said with a smile at Severus.

"I agree with Frank. I think he will be an asset to the Order." his wife said.

Amos, Mundungas and Dedalus conferred, then they too nodded their heads in agreement. "Agreed. He may be the only chance we have at obtaining inside information."

The Bones's nodded as well. "We trust him...and Remus too. I think both of them will be good for the Order." Beatrice said smiling at both Severus and Remus.

Alastor was thoughtful on the situation for a moment before answering. "I"ll trust 'em both...for now. Time always can tell with that lot."

"I wouldn't expect less of you Alastor." Albus said jovially. "James? I know you will not speak for Sirius...nor would you considering the situation, so I will not ask. So far majority is in positive vote, but I would like to know what you have to say."

James too was thoughtful for a moment, but said finally, "Remy trusts him...and I trust Remy. So there you have my answer Albus. But...what do you want from Remus anyway? You never did say..."

"Ah, that is quite simple. Remus is going to be our liaison to the dark creatures. If we can bring them to our side before Voldemort does, we have a far better chance at winning. With your ah...learned interest in the dark arts now, I'm sure, though it will be a big task, you might be able to help us on this?" Albus said turning to Remus searchingly.

However Severus was the one put out by this. "Albus you really don't mean to send Remus out there to..." he began but Remus cut him off. Severus didn't even realize he called Remus by his first name in public as upset as he was by this, but everyone else had, including Remus.

"Severus, please." Remus said softly, though he was secretly thrilled to hear Severus say his name. *Gods he sounds so sexy when he says my name like that....* Pushing his thoughts back he turned to Albus and said, "I understand what you're asking me to do Albus...and I accept. Although werewolves somewhat stick to our own kind usually, I don't think I will have much problem convincing the other werebeasts and hopefully the vampires as well. I do fear that the dementors are out of the question though..." he said sadly.

"Dementors are the least of my concern. There are far less of them then there are dark creatures. I will prepare for you reports by the next full moon of where the highest concentrations of activity is across the world. I only ask you to do what you can." Albus said.

Remus nodded. "I will do my best. I promise you that."

Albus smiled at Remus and nodded his head back. "I know you will, I have faith in you Remus. Now, since the hour is getting late, and I know you wish to return to your families and such, we will break this meeting. I do ask that before Remus leaves for his mission we meet again in one month's time. Shall we say 2 days after the next full moon?"

Everyone nodded in agreement, and with last minute words said, they made their departure. All of them that but James. He did want to get back to hospital and Lily and Harry, but there was still too much left to say, and he didn't want to leave with a guilty conscious. Instead of waiting in Albus's office, he waited outside in the corridor by the gargoyle for Remus and Severus to come back out.

Remus and Severus however had some last minute words of their own now that they were alone with Albus. "Thank you Albus. You have no idea what this means to me...to us.." Remus said softly glancing at Severus, who was being very quite all of a sudden.

"I would not have done this if I didn't think it was time for you both to be here, I told you that. Now go on, Poppy will have my head if I don't shuffle you both off to sleep. She's a wondrful friend, a brilliant mediwitch, but a woman nevertheless, and when she gets angry even I am powerless before her..." he said with a chuckle, and even Remus and Severus had to grin at that.

"Goodnight Albus." they both said and headed down the stairs, only to find James waiting for them at the bottom.

"Can I talk to you both for a minute? Please?" James said hesitantly.

Severus wasn't too happy bout this, but he knew Remus needed to do this so he agreed. "Allright Potter, but make it quick. We've both been ordered to bed by her majesty of the infirmary." he said coolly making the implications, noticing the momentary startled look that came acrost James's eyes. He wanted it very clear however that he was staking his claim as well, and there was nothing James Potter or Sirius Black could do about it now.

"Severus stop that, don't be so mean..." Remus said but more teasingly then anything else. He knew what Severus was doing, and honestly right now he didn't mind in the least. He even went so far as to put his arm through Severus's to make the effect more real. "Now James...what did you want?" he said with a smile.

James looked at both of them, a strange expression in his eyes. "Siri told me...that is....what I mean is...is it true Remy? You and him...are...well...you know..." he said looked at Remus only now.

Remus pressed Severus's arm in warning, telling him to let him answer this. Looking James back in the eyes he said, "Frankly James far as I see it I don't care what Sirius told you. I meant what I said back there...if you want to accept me for who I am, then you have to accept me with whomever I choose. And yes, I choose Severus. If you don't want to be my friend because of that, then I'm sorry. You're free to go back to hospital, tell Lily that I send my best, but that I am unavoidably detained and will not be able to see Harry after all."

James looked at his friend yet again in wonder, but he knew Remus was right and he made a split second decision. "Hell no, why you don't you tell her that yourself then? Honestly right now I value my life! She'd kill me if I didn't talk you into coming to see Harry!" he said with a grin.

Remus breathed a sigh of relief and gave a small chuckle. "Knowing Lily, that's not an empty threat either." he said with a grin. "Allright James, I'll come by tomorrow. After dinner sometime, when it's less crowded."

"Smashing. I'm sure Lily will be glad to see you. She's worried you're not taking care of yourself lately...but...I guess that isn't a problem anymore is it..." he said hesitantly.

Remus grinned. "No, it isn't. But..."

"But what Remy?" James asked puzzled.

"Would it be allright if Severus comes with me? He hasn't left the castle all summer and...well he could use the break...the potion hasn't been going all that well you see..." Remus said a bit nervously.

James was a bit startled at the request, but agreed. "I'm sorry to hear that...really I am. I know you were looking forward to...well...anyway...that's allright I guess but...maybe you should come later in the evening then. I"ll make the arraignments with the hospital ward so you can come late, this way...well..."

"Hey it's allright James I understand. It's better for us too, less questions...just promise me you'll say nothing to Sirius? I...I'd rather him not be there if possible." Remus said quietly.

James sighed and nodded. "Yeah, promise I won't tell Siri. He's been busy nights anyway lately with....er...I mean...I gather he is anyway..."

"You don't have to cover up for him James. I know over the last 3 years he wasn't exactly pining away for me if you know what I mean. That's Sirius Black for you though...the man's man..." Remus said trying not to be bitter, though the edge was in his unmistakably in his voice.

"Yeah..well...shall we say maybe 10 PM then? Noone but me and Lily should be round at that time of night. Ward usually closes at 8 so it should be safe. If you can, apparate to the back door, I'll wait for you there. You remember where that is right?" James asked.

Remus nodded slowly. "Yeah, believe me James, I know St. Mungo's better than anyone. I spent nearly a year there after I got bitten before they'd let me go back to my parents." he said with a sigh at those painful memories.

"Remus we have to go before Pomfrey catches us...." Severus said glancing down the corridor worriedly. He needed to break this up between James and Remus before one or both of these two got morbidly sentimental. There were two things he did not want to happen right this moment...to get caught by Pomfrey, and to have Remus upset for what he hoped would make a perfect end to this evening.

Remus flashed Severus a small smile and a nod, then turned back to James. "Sorry James, he's right. Poppy will kill us if we don't get into bed soon. We'll see you tomorrow night allright? Give my best to Lily meanwhile." Remus said.

"I will. Tomorrow then." James said, and watched as Remus and Severus went down the corridor, Remus's arm still through Severus's. *So that's it then....first Peter...now Remus...it really is the end of the marauders...* James thought sadly and turned to go back to Hogsmeade so he could apparate back to the hospital. Though how he was going to tell his wife that Severus Snape of all people was going to come see them tomorrow night was beyond him. For James Potter, this was going to be a very rough night after all.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~