An Experiment Gone Wrong

When all was said and done Severus had to admit that lunch was not going over as bad as he thought it would. Black managed to be his usual charming Gryffindor self with the few staff remaining, talking mainly about young Harry and his renewed project of rebuilding his flying motorbike. Basically the only reason it went so well as far as Severus was concerned was simply because Black was avoiding him pretty much completely.

Which was fine by him since he figured it was far better being ignored then glared at all during the meal. Severus was actually a bit envious that Sirius was working on the motorbike, in Paris he had ridden quite a few of the muggle inventions and had enjoyed them immensely. Which ironically made him internally grin when he thought bout what Sirius Black would ever say if he knew that Severus himself owned a few black leather biking outfits. Not to mention that according to Stephan, he looked 'damnably dashing and debonair' on the last bike he'd ridden.

As it was he said little to nothing during the meal though, letting Remus have his time with Sirius which Severus knew he needed. He could tell both of them were still a bit weary of each other, but hopefully with a little bit of time they would get over that, more for Remus's sake mainly. He didn't want his Remus hurt anymore, least of all by the likes of Sirius Black, someone who was supposed to be his friend.

Not that he really counted Stephan and the others in Paris his 'friends', but those hours spent all these years among such people made him realize how important the values of the word 'friendship' really meant. The only person in the wizarding world he considered as even close to that aspect would have to be Lucius Malfoy, though that was a 'friendship' he preferred not to think about.

By now he had pretty much had tuned out everyone round him to think on all this, so he was surprised when he heard his name being called by Albus. Blinking for a moment to refocus his thoughts he said, "Forgive me. What did you want Headmaster?" Years of being 'proper' still wouldn't allow him to called Albus anything but that or Professor whilst in public, even if now in private he would.

"It's quite alright. I was asking you if you had heard from Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy. Seems they came forth with some news of their own earlier today," Albus said smiling at him.

Severus shook his head. "I can honestly say Headmaster that I have not read a copy of today's Daily Prophet as of yet. So therefore no, I am not aware of any news from the Malfoys, nor from any one else in the world for that matter," he said in his usual silky drawl.

"Ah well then, perhaps I should inform you that the Malfoy's also had cause to celebrate yesterday. I believe the young lad's name is Draco. Yes, Draco Lucius Malfoy I believe," Albus said to him.

Severus did show some slight surprise at that news. "Already? I thought Narcissa wasn't due for at least another month."

"Apparently it seems the child was anxious to join this world of ours a bit earlier. Two births in one day, being separated by only two hours in birthtime, and only two rooms from each other. Sybill would say that's truly an omen of sorts for these two children," Albus said with a twinkle in his eyes.

"Now don't you start that Albus, you'll give that woman an ego boost. Personally I think it's just typical of the Malfoy's. They just couldn't bare to have all the attention focused on the birth of little Harry that's what it is. What kind of name is Draco anyway, too dramatic for my tastes," Minerva said with a sniff.

"Come come Minerva, I'm sure the Malfoy's didn't purposely have their child on the same day our Harry was born just to antagonize you and the rest of the wizarding world. From what I understand there was a slight complication in the child's condition, resulting in the early birth. I'm sure it will not take away any happiness from the Potter's," Albus said to her, his blue eyes twinkling in amusement.

"Draco is actually a form of Lucius's father's name Drakonen, if I remember correctly that is err..Professor McGonagall. And I usually do remember correctly," Severus said though he didn't look at Minerva when he spoke. In fact as he glanced at Remus and saw the bemused look on his face, he realized he might never be able to look Minerva in the eyes ever again. *Just you wait Remus, I'll get you for this!* his mind wryly thought.

"I"ve done a bit of study on names in the past actually, an old hobby of mine. Draco, or rather it's parent form Drake in the Old English texts means Dragon, a name of power. Harry's name however comes from ah..yes the muggle religion of Judaism, and means Ruler of the House," Remus said lightly, trying to draw attention away from the slightly fidgeting Severus.

"That is correct Remus. Harry couldn't be more aptly named in that respect considering things. Severus is also correct in that it was the late Mr. Malfoy in which Draco was named from. Perhaps when you visit St. Mungo's later this evening you might want to stop in and say your well wishes to them Severus. I'm sure Lucius and Narcissa will be happy to see you," Albus said.

Severus looked up startled. "L-later...Headmaster?"

"Yes Severus, later tonight. You are still planning on going with Remus to see young Harry aren't you? Or was the owl I received from James this morning in error?" Albus said turning to Severus. For the briefest moment he saw Albus's eyes flicker to his neck, and he saw the barest nod come from him as if he knew what the mark on Severus's neck really was.

Severus looked away from Albus's gaze hurriedly, not because he really cared that Albus probably knew what he and Remus had done, but because he didn't think it was anyone's business but Remus's and his. He did wonder however why Albus was going out of his way to make it clear to all present that Severus and Remus were obviously going to hospital later, and specifically to the point that they were going together...to see the Potters and not the Malfoys.

"Wait a minute here...Remus? You actually intended to bring Snape to see Harry? And James agreed to this?" Sirius said finally stepping into the conversation again while looking at Remus incredulously.

"Yes I do Sirius, I trust you don't have a problem with that? Seeing of course that James hadn't any problem when I asked it of him," he said keeping his voice light though he gave Sirius a look that meant anything but.

"Lupin..." Severus began but was waved off by Remus.

"No Severus, let Sirius answer this one for himself. I think he's quite capable of doing that, don't you agree...Sirius?" Remus said with tension now in his voice.

Sirius looked at Remus, a million thoughts running through his mind, most of them not good. He knew his friendship with Remus was still on tenterhooks, and for all the pranks in the world he wasn't going to make anything worse, at least not here in front of these people. "Of course...I have no problem with it Remy," he said smiling quickly. "Besides Lily would destroy me if I were to even dare try and stop you from coming to see them. You know what Lily can be like mate, that hair of hers matches her temper!" he said with an actual chuckle now.

Remus relaxed, chuckling himself and shook his head. "Redheads eh?" he said with a grin. "We both should know by now never to argue with Lily, we never could win against her."

"As if we'd even try! You remember the time we snuck out of the dorms for our first kitchen raid? We were what...13? James wangled that house-elf into finally telling him how to get there and we planned it for weeks. When we finally did get the chance to go there I thought she would kill us on the spot when we got back!" Sirius said grinning broadly.

Remus laughed. "I think she was more angry that we only brought back enough for ourselves and not her though! She swore revenge on us if we didn't bring back enough for her too the next time we snuck out," he said grinning.

"And she got it too remember? James 'neglected' to inform her of our next raid, conveniently 'forgot' her food, and the next night he went to sleep only to find a bed full of newts waiting for him!" Sirius said laughing.

"Oh cor, I nearly forgot that! It took him hours to get all those magiking things out of the dorm, they were everywhere in the end. Good thing Lily didn't come in, I think James would have hexed her into the next week. Poor James though, he had to sneak down to the lake and put them all back too...only except he forgot a few and woke up to a nasty little surprise the next morning," Remus said grinning.

"Oh honestly boys! I swear you five were the deaths of all of us back then. I don't know how we ever managed not to expel you for all those pranks you pulled. It was bad enough when you were doing it to the other students and the teachers, but when it was directed at each other..." Minerva said rolling her eyes though a grin was on her face.

Remus and Sirius grinned back at her sheepishly. "You always had a soft spot for us Minerva, especially for James, face it," Sirius said grinning at her. "Ah...those were the days though eh Remy? Hey, that reminds me...you haven't heard from Pete have you? James said he got an owl from him bout a week ago, something bout him taking a trip down south, but nothing since," Sirius asked.

Remus thought for a moment and shook his head. "No I haven't heard from him, but that's not unusual for Peter lately. He's been acting a bit strange going off and such. I wouldn't worry bout it, most likely he's probably found himself a girlfriend and just too afraid to tell us, you know how shy Peter is."

Sirius groaned. "Don't remind me! James and I used to spend hours trying to convince him to talk to that Hufflepuff girl back in 7th year, not that it did any good. Ah well, that's Pete for you. Well much as I do hate to say it, I do have to go. I've got some parts that came in for the bike and want to make sure the bloke doesn't close his shop up before I can get there. Muggles and their 'tea time' honestly! Never will understand that custom," he said with a shrug and got up from the table.

"Oi, you couldn't survive a day in the muggle world Siri, and I pity you if you ever did have to," Remus said chuckling. "And when you do get that thing finally working let me know. Wouldn't mind a spin on it myself," he said standing up and giving Sirius a hug.

"You? Ha! Remember the last time I took you out on Black Beauty? You nearly strangled me!" Sirius said shaking his head.

Remus snorted. "That's only because you failed to put up the invisibility and silencing charms before we took to the air, and those muggles just happen to have been standing right where you just had to land. Really Siri, if Lily hadn't come when she did to cast a few memory charms..." Remus said with a mocked grimace.

Sirius threw his hands in the air in defeat. "Alright alright, I promise to take you out and this time I'll remember to stay invisible. Wonderful meal as always Albus, Minerva. I'm sure I'll be seeing you again," he said smiling at both of them.

"Take care of yourself Sirius, and stay out of trouble for a change will you?" Minerva said with a slight grin.

"Awe Minerva you're just no fun!" Sirius said with a grin and winked at her.

"I'll be in touch Sirius," Albus said with a nod, Sirius nodding back to him.

Giving Remus a last hug he turned to go, stopping only a moment at where Severus was sitting. Leaning in he whispered to him, "Take care of him Snape cause if you don't you'll be dealing with me...and...for what it's worth...thank you..." A nod from Severus told him that his words were understood, and with that he headed down the rows of tables and out the doors of the Great Hall.

"Everything alright Severus?" Remus said turning to him questioningly.

Severus nodded. "Just fine Lupin. I believe you wanted to speak with the Headmaster about something, so I will wait for you back in the classroom," he said, and with a nod from Remus got up and headed out the side door reserved for the school teachers, heading himself back towards the dungeons.

Black's words bothered him a bit, though why he didn't know. As he approached the classroom and sat down at his desk, he replayed the scene earlier again in his mind. One thing that had helped Severus in his line of work was that he had a photographic memory, and when need be he could recall not just ingredients and the like, but people, places, names and conversations in total perfection.

That's when it hit him what was bothering him bout Black. It was what he had said to Remus right before Remus allowed the dark powers to take him over. And a part of him couldn't believe what he was remembering..."If I had known what Snape was earlier I never would have let you come back here. I thought I was doing the right thing sending you back to that git..."

*He sent him back...to me? That day he went to see Black, Remus returned here so quickly...could it be possible that...that Black knew? That he deliberately sabotaged his friendship...his relationship even with Remus...because of me?"

Absentmindedly Severus got out of his chair and began to pace the classroom, so many things running through his head that he didn't understand. Yet...if he was honest with himself, he was beginning to see a larger piece of this whole puzzle. Remus's reaction when he had returned that night. Black's reaction towards him now though Remus had assured him they hadn't been together in years. And things began to fall into place.

*My gods...he...he loves Remus! Even now...even knowing he can never have Remus again...he still loves him! Something must have happened that day though..something to cause him to realize Remus didn't love him back...so he did the only thing he could do. Black let him go...to the one person Remus did want...*

Severus's new hearing skills alerted him that someone was coming down the corridor so he stopped his pacing and waited, staring at the door of the classroom. Moments later Remus walked in, a smile on his lips. That was until he saw the strange look on Severus's face, and that smile faded a bit. "Sev? What's wrong...you're looking at me funny...is there something on my face?"

Severus just stood there for a moment looking at Remus, debating what to do. A part of him was saying to leave this alone, to not get involved. But a bigger part of him was screaming to know the truth. To know if what his thoughts were saying were true. Without even realizing what he was doing he said softly, "What happened between you and Black that day Remus. I need to know the truth..."

Remus was more than a bit surprised at what Severus was asking him. He knew full well what it was he meant, though he didn't understand why it had anything to do with them now. "Why Severus? What does it matter now, it's over. Can't we just forget about it?"

Severus shook his head. "No Remus, you might be able to but I can't. You don't see it, but I do. Why he let you come back here? Why to me? Don't you see it Remus...can't you see it?"

Remus looked at Severus with an unsure expression in his eyes until finally those words did sink in. Lowering himself into one of the student's chairs he sighed deeply. "Oh Sev...you're right...gods I've been so blind all these years. He did love me...didn't he..." he said quietly.

Severus walked over to where Remus was sitting, his body feeling almost like lead. Shaking his head he said, "No Remus...it's not that he did love you...it's that he still does love you. And it killed him that his love wasn't returned. That's why he will never learn to accept me Remus, because he'll never stop hating me for taking you away from him. He knows now he's lost you forever...and he'll hate me forever for being the one you love..."

"No...that can't be right...can't be true. If Sirius loves me then...then why did he hurt me so badly? Why did he send me away like that after we...." Remus said stopping short at almost revealing what he didn't want to reveal.

Severus however didn't miss that implication. "You slept with him that day didn't you," he said quietly.

Remus sighed and slowly nodded, hanging his head down in shame. "Yes...I did....not that I really had a choice at the time but...it's a long story Sev. He still pushed me away in the end, made me come back here. If he really loves me than he would have fought harder to keep me..." Remus said, tears forming in the corners of his eyes.

"Oh Remus, don't you see? Love can make the smartest man become the simplest of fools. I believe it's the muggles who have a saying..."If you love something set it free, if it returns to you it was yours. If it doesn't, then it was never yours to begin with." I think he was still hoping you would come back to him...and now that he knows that can't happen..."

"He still loves me though...even though I won't be back. Gods he's crazy..." Remus said sniffing back his tears.

Severus gave a light chuckle and shook his head. "Much as I have to say I'd like to believe that...but...now that I know what being in love is like...I'd have to say I'd be just as crazy as Black is. If the situation was reversed Remus, I'd be hating me too honestly. I can't imagine my life without you in it now, how horrible it would be to not have you here with me."

"I won't always be though Sev, you know that...the Order...Albus...they need me," Remus said.

"Damn the Order and Albus, I need you more Remus. Gods now I know what Black must be suffering through...the thought of even one day without you near me is torturous! Oh Remus promise me...promise me you'll never stop loving me...needing me...I'm not like Black...I'm not that strong....I can't let you go..." Severus said pleadingly.

Remus got up from the chair and walked over to Severus, wrapping his arms round his mates body tightly and looking up into his eyes. "I love you Severus...not Sirius...just you. I promise that no matter what happens, no matter where I am...I will never stop loving and needing you. But we both know that there's a war going on out there, and that we are needed by far more people then just ourselves right now. You have to be strong for me Sev, you have to be because I can't do this alone...." he said quietly.

Severus sighed deeply and nodded, wrapping his arms tightly round Remus's body as well. "You're right, I know you're right. It just hurts me to know we have to be separated soon. I'm sorry I asked you about that day you were with Black, I really am..." he said apologetically.

Remus shook his head. "No Sev, you made me realize a few things bout that day I needed to know. I thought Sirius sent me away because he hated me, because he was using me all this time. I was wrong it seems, he was only saying what he did because he knew I wouldn't leave him otherwise. If you want the truth, I don't know what happened that made him do that, I probably will never know. He did what he had to do, and I will love him forever for that. For sending me back to where I really belong...with you..." he said softly and leaned up to give Severus a tender kiss.

Severus melted into Remus's words and kiss fervently. He had needed to hear that from his lover, he had been afraid that when Remus learned the truth bout Black still loving him that he would have had doubts bout what happened between the two of them. That Remus would regret binding with him and not Sirius, and it was dizzying to him that in this case, he was grateful to be wrong.

Breaking the kiss he gazed deeply into Remus's shining eyes and whispered, "I love you so much Remus Lupin...how is it possible you chose me over Black though...I hope this isn't some strange potion induced dream...because if it is I pray I never wake up...." he said dreamily.

Remus grinned and gave Severus another quick kiss on the lips. "If this is a dream Severus Snape, make sure not to wake me up either. And why I choose you is simple...just because. For everything you are, good and bad. For the way you can be so cold and cruel at times...to the way you can be so gentle, tender and loving. For the midnight chats, the late night novel readings...for everything. Just because I love you...and that's good enough for me," he said firmly.

Severus chuckled, "Gods I wish I had gotten to know you sooner. If only I hadn't been so damned afraid of you Gryffindor's...."

Remus grinned. "Not as much as we were afraid of you Slytherins believe it or not. Half the pranks we pulled on you guys back then was only because we knew we could get away with it and if you came back at us we would get off scot free. What Sirius said was true...Minerva did have a soft spot for us...mainly James. But then being who he is that's not surprising I guess."

Severus looked at Remus questioningly at that comment. "What do you mean by that? And now that I think of it...why is Harry's name so appropriate according to Albus?"

Remus looked up at Severus debating if he should tell him the truth or not, but he didn't want any secrets from his lifemate. "Because I know I can trust you Sev I'll tell you. But this is between you and me, no one else is to know. The only reason we found out about it is because we overheard James having an argument with Albus after his parents died as to what was going to happen to him."

"I understand. I promise you I won't tell a soul what you tell me Remus, you know I won't," Severus said firmly.

Remus drew in a breath and exhaled it slowly, stepping away from Severus to gather up his thoughts. "I remember that day James and Albus talked like it was yesterday. His parents...they were murdered...by Voldemort..."

Severus paled. "Merlin Remus...I...I didn't know that..."

"No...no one did. All the official reports said were that they met with an accident abroad. It wasn't an accident, they died here, fighting against Voldemort. He came to James's father, telling him that if he joined with him, that together they could rule the world...two bloodlines joined as one...but James's father wouldn't have anything to do with it...or him. He was too proud, too noble. Voldemort in anger at his refusal killed him and James's mum just to prove he could do it."

Severus gave a low whistle. "I knew Voldemort was crazy...but killing a pureblooded family? Why?"

"Simple. Voldemort knows the truth about the Potters. Or...rather...I should say...the Gryffindors..." Remus said slowly.

Severus stared at Remus completely floored. "G-Gryffindors? You don't mean...you're not saying that...Potter is..."

Remus nodded. "That's exactly what I"m saying Sev. James's great great grandmum on his dad's side...her maiden name was Gryffindor. James...and of course now Harry...are the last surviving direct heirs of the house of Gryffindor. Godric's own descendants. That's why Albus and James were arguing that night. They didn't know Sirius and I were listening however."

"Why were they arguing though?"

"It was just before Yule in our 7th year when James's parent's were killed. James wanted to go back home for their funeral and to put the house at Godric's Hollow in order. Albus refused to let him leave the school. He said it wasn't safe, that Voldemort was going to come after him now to try and succeed where he failed with James's father. That Voldemort had vowed to kill every last heir of Gryffindor if they didn't join him. It would be James's death if he left right just then."

"What happened then?" Severus said quietly, still awed by all this.

Remus shrugged. "Albus lost. James went home with Arabella Figg, though now I can understand why she was chosen since she's a protector. He came back right before the rest of the school did and for a while he was in pretty bad shape. It took us weeks to get him to come back halfway round to his usual self. But...he was never really the same again after that Yule...." he said thoughtfully.

"How so? What changed?"

"I guess you could say James grew up after that. Oh he was still a prankster and all but...he became more serious. Taking his Head Boy responsibilities to the fullest, studying harder for the N.E.W.T.s., even...asking Lily to marry him though their relationship had been more for fun than anything else at that point. She doesn't know the truth by the way. Far as I know, Sirius and myself are the only two who do know of our group. We both agreed we'd never tell James we'd overheard that conversation, and we never have told him."

"So...James Potter is an heir of Gryffindor...it makes sense now. Of course that's why all of you got away with so much, while the rest of us paid for our rebuttals. McGonagall and Albus would never dare hurt a descendant...Merlin though Remus...Harry! What's going to happen to him?" Severus said worriedly.

Remus shivered. "I don't know Sev, I don't know. If I know James though he's got up more then a few spells and charms round that kid already, probably as many as he's got up round himself."

"What do you mean by that? What kind of spells and charms?" Severus said questioningly.

Remus looked at Severus and chuckled. "Oh honestly Sev! Being an heir of Gryffindor gives him...I don't know...some sort of special stuff you could say...I don't know how to explain it. Powers I guess. It doesn't make him immortal or invincible or anything like that, but I do know he's got certain protections. Like he can use magic spells without a wand."

Severus blinked. "That's not possible Remus. Not even Voldemort can do that and he's an heir of Slytherin. You just can't do it...potions yes, not spells."

Remus shook his head. "He can Sev, I've seen him do it. If he gets really angry...I've seen what he's capable of. Things happen round him Sev...odd things. Things that you and I would need a wand for...he doesn't. By rights he should have been expelled from Hogwarts hundreds of times during the Yule and summer hols for as many times as he 'accidentally' let lose with the 'odd' spell or powers or whatever he's got. But the ministry didn't even bother sending him warnings after a while...when they did his father took care of them just like that."

"So how come his father didn't do that? How come they died, that Voldemort could kill them so easily?" Severus said still a bit skeptical.

Remus shrugged again. "I suppose it's not powerful enough that they still couldn't die probably, but enough to give them warning of things I'd wager. James probably has them round Lily and Harry too if I guess right. I doubt even the Unspeakables or the best trained Aurors could see the spells he's got on him. The only reason I slightly detect something is my wolf senses pick it up. You'll see too, tonight when we go. Then you can judge for yourself."

"For his sake...and his family's...I hope so Remus. I have a good feeling that the only way we're ever going to bring Voldemort's demise lies within the Potters. Call me crazy if you will but...if the heir of Gryffindor can't defeat the evil that is Voldemort...then all hope is lost..." he said with a sigh.

Remus nodded in agreement. "I think you're right Sev. James is the only hope we all really have...if he dies...who knows what will happen then. Harry's only a baby, he can't fight Voldemort yet. We have to help protect him Sev. It's not much of a chance, but it's a chance nonetheless. I've got to learn more of the dark arts...sometimes the only way to fight fire...is with fire. Dark to dark. And so help me I'll do whatever I can to help James, Lily and especially Harry. And everyone else."

Severus nodded slowly. "You're right Remus. This goes way beyond you and me, beyond all of us. I promise you here and now, I vow to protect Harry with my life as well. Thank you for telling me the truth about Potter. I don't know if he'll believe me, but somehow tonight I"ll try to convince him that my intentions are for the best."

Remus smiled at his mate, positive that he would do just that. "I know you will Sev, I have faith in you. Besides, it's not James you have to worry bout...it's Lily. If you can win her over then you'll have no problem at all...it's getting past her first is the problem," he said with a wry chuckle.

Severus grinned. "Hmm, so Potter's been beaten by a mere woman eh? Well, I can honestly say I know little to nothing bout the female species, and I am no way shape or form a charmer like Black is, but I think I can manage to get on her good side. Or die trying..."

Remus laughed. "Die is the key word. She's got a temper on her that one does, make no mistake. Just stay calm and cool and she'll realize you don't mean any harm to her, James or Harry. And besides, far as I'm concerned Severus Snape, you are even more charming and dashing then Sirius Black could ever be."

"Coming from you love, those are words I could happily die by," Severus said with a smile. "Now, I do believe that you said something about plans for this afternoon? Or was I perhaps being misled Mr. Lupin?" he said teasingly.

Remus chuckled. "Not likely, I"m usually the misled one. But as it happens yes, the plans are set. I suppose I could tell you now, only if you promise you won't back out at the last moment..." Remus said warningly, though it was more in jest then for real.

Severus gazed up into the air and threw his hands up. "On my mother's grave I swear I won't..."

Remus snorted and said, "You're mum's not dead Severus, that much I do know...try again mister..."

Severus laughed. "Alright alright...on the grave of my father then..happy?"

Remus grinned and nodded. "That works, considering I know how much you hated him...but anyway...we're flooing out from Hogsmeade to London. We're going out."

"Out? Out where?" Severus said puzzled.

"Oi Severus, you're impossible! What else do you do when you go to London...you go out! We're taking off the afternoon and spending it together. No school, no nothing. Just you and me. And muggle London."

"Muggle London. And what Remus, are we planning to do in muggle London?" Severus asked him wonderingly.

Remus laughed. "Be muggles that's what! We're going to do what muggles do...go sightseeing...and hopefully...catch some dinner while we're out and about. I know this wonderful little Italian place down in Kensington..."

Severus stared at Remus in shock. "You've got to be joking Remus...you are...aren't you?"

Remus shook his head and laughed. "No I"m not kidding Sev. For all the time I've spent living amongst the muggles, I've never done anything fun. I've always been too afraid, and too damn lonely. I want to do what two people in love would do on their first trip to London. Go sightseeing.....I have just the perfect places too...starting with the Tower of London. You'll love it there...I hear it's all dark and depressing...just you're style Sev!" he said with a laugh.

Severus groaned and shook his head. "Unbelievable. You are impossible Remus Lupin!"

"And you are adorable Severus Snape! And you are going to enjoy yourself, trust me. The place I mentioned for dinner can be quite cozy too...very romantic..." he said with a coy grin.

Severus rolled his eyes. "Oh really now...and you would know this because....?" he said teasingly.

Remus grinned. "Not what you think I would that's for sure. I admit I have been there, and no not with Sirius. He hates Italian food for starters. And no not with anyone else either, trust me there. It's just that I rather fancy Italian food and never having been to Italy...it's as close as I've gotten. I found the place quite by accident one night when I was walking home from Paddington Station that's all Sev. It is a nice little place though...you do like Italian food I hope?" Remus questioned now.

Severus looked into those lovely eyes of Remus's and couldn't even dare to turn down what his lover wanted him to do for the afternoon. "As a matter of fact, I love Italian food, though not nearly as much as I love you. I'll agree to this muggle outing of yours, but don't expect me to become all 'muggleish' while I"m there."

Remus chuckled. "Severus, I wouldn't deem to ask you not to behave in your usual 'public' persona when we're out. In fact I find it rather enjoyable sometimes. It gives a unique air about you, mysterious even. Not to mention how much it thrills me when I know that underneath it all is the softest, sweetest, not to mention sexiest man I've ever known in my life..." he said playfully.

Severus only responded by pulling Remus back into his arms and showing him just how much of all that he really was. When he finally let go of Remus's lips he whispered breathlessly, "I won't even begin to describe what you are to me....now what time was it that we were supposed to be leaving?"

Remus looked at Severus through still half dazed eyes. "Umm...bout an...er...hour or..so from now...why?"

Severus swept Remus up into his arms and started to walk towards his private rooms. "Good, that gives me an hour to take you back to bed and shag you senseless...that's why," he said with a sweet smile.

"Severus Snape you are insatiable!" Remus said laughingly, though at this point he was more than willing.

Severus only answered Remus with a long passionate kiss, and closing the door of his private rooms behind them, the classroom was silenced. And those two people for the moment tried to forget everything else going on round them in the world. For that one hour it was their time. No war, no hatreds, no deaths, no evils. Only their love for each other was all that mattered.....

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