Can Love Survive...

"OWW! Remus get the bloody hell off my foot!" Severus said yelping with a scowl as he and Remus came round the corner of Hagrids hut, nearly tumbling into the outside fire pit.

"Shush! Sorry Sev, didn't mean it. Forgotten how confined this cloak was for more then one person. It has been a while you know." Remus said muttering back quietly and making sure they hadn't been heard by Hagrid or Fang.

"Well it was you're idea to go back and 'borrow' Harry's cloak not mine, least you could do is remember how to use it properly!" Severus bit back hushing his voice while they both inched their way towards the place they had last seen where the unnamed 'dot' on the Marauders Map was waiting.

"I'm sure Harry wont mind we 'borrowed' it Sev, it's not like we're planning on keeping it. Still, I wonder what made him run off like that though. He seemed quite distressed didn't he?" Remus whispered quietly. Even though they were under the cloak, it only made themselves invisible, not their voices.

"We'll worry about that another time Remus. Right now we have to figure out what's out here, not what's going on in there. I dont like the thought that a werebeast or a vampire might have escaped the wards of the Forest." Severus said in a tight voice.

"I dont exactly like it either Sev. Although I'm no danger thanks to the Wolfsbane Potion you brew me, I know with a snap I can be just as dangerous as one of the wild ones out there. I know what my kind can do." Remus said, a little catch in his voice all too revealing.

Severus stopped short for a moment, disturbed at what Remus had said. Even though he couldn't really see Remus all too well underneath the cloak, especially with the clouds that were just covering up the moonlight now, he instinctively took Remus's hand in his own. "Remus J. Lupin let's get one thing straight. You are not like those monsters out there. You never were. Not to me anyway, despite Black's little prank back then, and although I tried to hate you I couldn't. Werebeasts are pure instinctual killers Remmy, you are not."

"I wish I could believe that sometimes Sev, I really do. But I wear the tag of the Ministry of Magical Creature Monitoring Department, I'm never allowed to 'forget' what I am." Remus said, oddly enough his voice held no bitterness at this.

"One day I"m going to rip that bloody tag off your bloody neck and show the Ministry just what they can bloody well do with it." Severus scowled, angry that the person he lifebonded with was treated as if he were no more then a common criminal.

"I know you would love, I dont deny you wouldn't, but right now forget bout that Sev. We have to find out what's out here before someone might get hurt." Remus said with a small sigh, and thought back to two years ago when this argument first began.

* * * * *

It was three months now into the new term, and Severus was allready feeling the effects of the tasks he'd been assigned. After the end of term last year when Harry came back with Cedric Diggory's body, and Voldemort was brought back to life, he had resumed his 'role' as double spy for Albus and the Order. He hadn't told Albus, though he highly suspected he already knew, that when he had returned he'd paid dearly for his 'treachery' in not responding when Voldemort first rose back up. Only Poppy was really aware he hoped, of what he had suffered, for she had been the one to clean him up after that fateful first day back into the 'fold' of deatheaters.

This however wasn't what Albus had summoned him for this time, this was something else, something he couldn't believe he was hearing and it made his blood boil in anger and he paced the office, keeping one eye on Albus, and another on his fulltime companion and lifemate. However Albus had managed to contrive it, Remus J. Lupin had been allowed to return to Hogwarts to teach DADA this year, and Severus couldn't have been more surprized at what ended up happening.

Only a few people knew of the preexisting 'relationship' that Severus and Remus had shared so long ago. James and Lily Potter - now deceased, Sirius Black - still on the run as a wanted criminal, and Albus Dumbledore. Of all of them, only Albus Dumbledore knew there were still underlying currents between these two, and when Remus had come back 2 years prior, he hoped that Severus and Remus would have patched things up, however it was not to be. The feelings were still there, of that he had no doubt, but perhaps it was too much to ask for when they hadn't seen each other for so long.

This time however, when Remus returned a second time, Albus was rewarded. He contrived to get Remus to the school nearly a month before term would start while most of the staff were still was on holidays, and instincts took over. Because they were confined, and more then often left alone to themselves, their relationship renewed itself. Though they were still at odds with each other in public when term started, in private Albus knew all too well things had worked out just as planned.

The problem now lie in the fact that the Ministry wasn't happy about Remus coming back to teach at Hogwarts, and wanted certain 'guarantees' for the parents that it would truely be a wise decision to keep him there. They were putting pressure on Albus, and now he found he couldn't refuse their requests any longer, hence why Severus Snape and Remus Lupin were now sitting before him.

"Calm down Severus. Sadly this is not a joke, and we must deal with it, otherwise I am afraid the Ministry will force my hand and make Remus resign." Albus said sitting down at his desk pondering things.

"It's barbaric is what it is! What right does the Ministry have to..." Severus began, but was cut short by Remus.

"They have every right to do this Sev, and honestly I"m not sure I dont blame them. Remember the last time when I did forget to take the potion, if Sirius hadn't been there I shudder to think what might have happened to Harry, Ron and Hermione. Even you Sev." Remus said quietly.

"But that was only because Black had gotten you distracted Remus, otherwise you wouldn't have forgotten to take it. I blame myself really, I should have paid more attention." Severus said walking over to where Remus was sitting, a hurt look in his eyes.

"It's not your fault though Severus. You and I weren't even on speaking terms hardly back then. It wasn't your job to remember something I needed to do. It doesn't matter anyway now, what's done is done." Remus said looking up at Severus.

"Regardless of what was, right now we have to either do as the Ministry asks, or Remus has to leave. I see little choice here. The students have taken quite a liking to Remus, the staff is assured and happy to have him here, and I for one, do not want to lose the best Defense Against the Dark Art's teacher I've ever had at this school." Albus said as if deciding for everyone.

"I cant believe you'd really go along with this Remus. Is this what you really want?" Severus said softly and gazed deep into Remus's brown eyes.

"If it was a choice between this, and losing you Severus Snape...do you really need me to answer that?" Remus said gazing back into Severus's jet black eyes and giving him a little smile of assurance.

"Well then, it's decided. We'll leave for the Ministry tomorrow morning since tomorrow night will be the full moon. I'll make sure both your classes will be covered." Albus said, and they parted ways then, Albus going to his room, while Severus and Remus to the dungeons still discussing what they were going to do the next day.

The next day the three of them apparated from Hogsmeade to the Ministry, and in Severus's mind, Remus J. Lupin went on 'trial'. Severus realized after a while however, that it wasn't just Remus that they were doing this for, but all werebeasts, and that infuriated him even further. Luckily between Remus and Albus, he didn't lose his famous temper, and was able to demonstrate for the Ministry exactly how the Wolfsbane Potion worked, what it was made up of, and that it did indeed, render the drinker coherent during the transformations.

They stayed the night in London at the Leaky Cauldron while the Ministry debated things over. The next day, the hammer was dropped. It was a subdued party of three that returned to Hogwarts that evening, even though a celebration should have been in order.

Remus would be allow to stay, provided that potion was administered properly. To be on the safe side, he was to be chained within an unused room in the top of one of the castle towers, and alone until becoming human again. There would be a sealing charm placed round the entrance to the tower as well, so no wayward students could enter. That wasn't however, the worst of it.

Though of course they had no clue of the relationship between Remus and Severus, this display of factions in Remus's teaching gave them time as well to discuss and create new laws involving the 'nonwild' werebeasts like Remus. The main laws were as follows:

1. All 'nonwild' werebeasts will be registered with the Ministry. They must provide full name (including any muggle aliases), most recent address, type of wand (if any) that has been issued to them, type of werebeast they are, and if they are with any mates.

2. "Nonwilds' must be at all times, monitored during their transformations. If not already under the care of a magical facility (such as Hogwarts School, St. Mungo's Hospital, and the like) they will have to report to the ministry the morning of the transformation and either stay there for the remainder of the time until transformation is complete, or be put under a 'location charm' that will be monitored by the ministry.

3. Under no circumstances shall any nonwild who has a lifemate have children while in any form.

4. All 'nonwilds' will be issued a tag that will include the information mentioned in paragraph one (with the exception of the mate information, that will not be included). Werewolves will be issued golden coloured tags, wererats will be issued silver coloured tags, werebats will be issued green tags. Please refer to the new "Rulebook on NonWild Magical Creatures - Werebeasts" for the correct colour tags for the other species. These tags must be worn either on a wrist band or a neckband. Any nonwild caught without wearing one will be sevearly reprimanded and sentenced to no less then 30 days confinement in the Ministry gaol, and possible other penalties.

The list went on, other rules and stipulations were set. It was with great efforts that Remus and Albus had managed to drag Severus out of the courtroom earlier that day before he could explode into a tirade of the injustice of what had been done to his lifemate. Even Albus had protested at many of these asinine rulings. It was only Remus, who's insides had been nearly torn out by these new rules, on the surface appeared calm and collected.

He didn't care really what rules the Ministry would set upon his kind, even the tags didn't really bother him. He still had his teaching job which to him was almost everything. He no longer had to walk the wizarding world searching for someone, anyone, who would see past his wolf side and give him a home or a job. At Hogwarts he had all that, a home, a job, good food, friends...and of course, Severus. Let them do what they must the Ministry, they weren't going to take Severus away from him.

The only rule that Remus secretly wished wasn't on that list was the 3rd one. It had been his fondest dream that someday, somehow, Severus and himself could have a child together. Oh it was more then true Severus wasn't really the 'fatherly' type, but a child would have given Remus something to hold on to, especially now that Severus was back in the 'match' as it were. Something that should anything happen to Severus, he'd have a reminder always. Of all the rules, this was his regret.

* * * * *

"Hello....Remmy? Remus you awake?" Severus said noticing that Remus had gone off on a tangent and was no longer doing anything but standing there.

Remus blinked and recovered himself with a sigh. "Yes, sorry. Daydreaming a bit. Come on, let's keep moving before Fang sniffs us out." he said, and together they slowly moved further away from Hagrid's tiny hut.

Ten minutes later they stopped to get their bearings. "Should be right round here Sev if I remember the map correctly. The 'dot' was right round the copse over there."

"Right then, wands out?" Severus said removing his wand now, Remus getting his out as well and nodding.

Silently they crept round the copse of trees, ready to bolt if need be. Severus had seen more then his share of things over the years, but vampires and wild werebeasts were two things he actually feared the most, even if he refused to admit that to even Remus. He didn't know why they could reduce the otherwise hardened man to near jelly, perhaps it was the fact that unlike Voldemort who atleast had plans and dreams, albeit warped ones, these creatures killed on instinct, whim, and without any other reasons then that they could.

Remus was the first to notice the figure standing at the edge of the forest, and tapping Severus's arm pointed it out. They moved a little closer to get a better view, then stopped short in their tracks. What was before them was not a creature of the forest after all, in fact they had never seen anything like it.

"I will nae harm you children, you have no cause to fear me. Come so I may see you." a soft melodic voice swirled in their minds and ears and they found themselves removing the invisibility cloak and standing to face the creature.

She, for they could tell it was a woman, was beautiful. Golden hair that was wild and untamed, filled with flowers weaved within the strands, and it flowed down to the ground she stood on nearly. She wore a white robe, bound with a golden belt that twined round her waist like a serpent, which on further look revealed to be one. Her eyes were green as emeralds, and held wisdom that was ancient, as if she'd seen the dawn of the world, yet she was small as a child in appearance.

"How....why....what...?" Remus said slowly, unsure even of his own thoughts.

The child/woman laughed, a sound that sent peace throughout both of the men, a sound that the stars must make when twinkling in the night sky. "You come alone? Where are the other children I came for?" she asked then suddenly.

"O-other children? I-I dont understand?" Severus said finally finding his voice.

"Yes. The Old One said there should be two more of you here." the child/woman said turning her gaze to Severus.

"Look, there is only us, noone else. Who are you, what do you want?" Severus said stepping back away from her, not quite in fear, but unsureity.

"I told you that you nae need to fear me, Severus Snape. I am bound by the laws of Tir Nan Og and my people that I cannot harm a human." she said airily, a smile still on her face.

"Tir Nan Og? Then...then you are..." Remus said realizing finally what this person was.

"A Tuatha De Danann, yes. The Old One said you were clever Remus J. Lupin, I agree." she said turning her gaze to Remus now, the smile never wavering.

"I dont understand...your kind no longer associate with humankind. Why then would you come here now?" Remus said completely awed now at the fact he was speaking to the woman.

"Excuse me..but what exactly is a Tuatha De Danann? I know I've heard of them somewhere, but I cant remember where." Severus said stepping back now towards the child/woman.

"Ah yes, I recall the Old One told me you had been damaged not long ago. Perhaps at another time I can speak with my people, and help you child. For now though as to what we are is simple. We are the only true magical race of the faeries. We went to Ireland to banish the Firbolg and the Formorians, which we did. However in the end, we ourselves were defeated by a race called the Milesians, and we retreated to our world Tir Nan Og, where we live away from humankind, ageless and beautiful. It is from us that all races of Faeries are descended Severus Snape. And sometimes, when the need is great, we leave Tir Nan Og, and help those who desperately need it."

"Who is this 'Old One' you keep refering too though? And why do you keep calling us children when we hardly are that." Remus cut in.

The child/woman laughed again replying, "You are children...to me. I am over 1000 years old now, so therefore you are still children in my eyes. As for the Old One I call him that from respect and for his wisdom. I believe you call him...Albus Dumbledore, yes?"

"The headmaster? You know him as well?" Severus said still a bit surprized at all of this.

"For many years now. He called upon me earlier today, and told me that there were those here that needed my help perhaps. So here I am. If you had not come tonight, I would have returned until you had. But he told me there were four, not just two of you that I should seek." she said thoughtfully.

"I cant think who the other two could be....unless..." Severus said slowly thinking.

"Of course, I see it now! It has to be Harry and Draco, who else?" Remus said putting everything together. "And here we thought we were going to interfere in that Sev, seems Albus beat us to the punch yet again." he said chuckling.

"I believe you were going to interfere, I was mearly going along as a back up. But why would Albus call for you, that I dont understand." Severus said turning back to face the child/woman.

"You may call me Perrine, my name would not be pronounceable in human tongue to you. As for that I do not quite yet know myself, only that I would be needed. The Old One is quite cryptic when he wishes to be, even to the likes of my people." she said with a chuckle.

"Well we've established that you're here for Harry and Draco at any rate." Remus said, wondring yet again where Harry had run off to back at the castle, and hoped he was allright.

"You are wrong Remus Lupin. I am not here for Harry and Draco." Perrine said softly.

"I thought you just said you were?" Severus asked sharply glancing at her.

"Had you listened Severus Snape, I did say I was here for four of you. I am here for you and your lifemate as well." she said.

"Remus and I dont need any help, especially from a meddling old fool like Albus Dumbledore. We're perfectly happy as we are." Severus said in a huff. If it was one thing he really couldn't abide with was meddling in his own life, even though it had brought Remus back into his arms.

Perrine laughed again, "The Old One said you most of all, would be reluctant to seek the help, or to listen for it. But your lifemate is not, are you Remus Lupin." she said turning again to Remus, and gazing deep within his eyes as if examining his very soul.

"I...I...dont know what you mean." Remus said, turning his eyes away from her to look into the forest instead.

"Regrets are hard to bear Remus Lupin, I see them in your soul. It pains me that you believe now that wishes cannot come true." Perrine said in a saddened voice, as if she could feel Remus's pain.

"Remus? What is she talking about? What regrets?" Severus said sharply and turned his lover to face him.

"Its...it's nothing Severus." he said, then turned back to Perrine. "Look, the past is the past, it cant be changed. It's Harry and Draco I worry for now, not my own pitiful regrets and remembrances."

A look of sorrow passed quickly through the eyes of Perrine, but she understood the wolf. When the time was right, this one might be more willing, but till that time, she would not interfere further. She would concentrate now on the other two children she had been called for, their need equally as great as the dark one's and the wolf's. She closed her eyes then, using the magic of her people, and reached out her mind to find the children she now sought. She had to get round several magical barriers, but in the end, her magic hadn't failed her.

"Come, we shall seek out the other two children, I know now where they are." she said opening her eyes and refocusing them, and started to walk towards the castle.

Remus and Severus were a bit surprized that Perrine would know what they didn't, but then they couldn't begin to understand the magic of the faeries. That was magic unlike their own, and would never be seen in the wizarding world. Without comment or question they followed her back to the castle, stopping right before the front doors. To Severus and Remus's surprize yet again, a person was waiting there, or what appeared to be a person. The person seemed familiar, yet he was not a part of the staff nor any student either.

Perrine walked up the long stairs to the entrance, and stood before the man, a small smile on her face. "It's been a long time my friend." she said softly.

"I had a feeling Albus would have sent for you. He is wise beyond his years, for an old man." he said grinning.

"I take it that it was you who led them to that place?" she said.

"Did you expect less of me that I wouldn't help one of my own when I could?" the man giving her an odd look.

"Are they strong enough do you think, to overcome this?"

"From anyone else Perrine I would think that was an insult to my own." the man said a twinkle in his eyes.

"You are sure he is one of yours?" she said now thoughtfully.

"As sure as you are standing here before me girl. He is blood of my blood, no less. He has shown time and time again his true colours, despite the fact he has been tainted by a serpent." the man said with a touch of a frown.

Perrine laughed, "How ironic for you then that it is a serpent he is to be forever bound to then eh?"

"Under normal circumstances I wouldn't permit this union, I would rather my own lie at the bottom of the lake then submit to a serpent. But I have watched this serpent, he is not what he seems, therefore I have allowed it." the man said.

"Come then. We shall see if it as you claim, and they are strong enough to know what they are." Perrine said, and swept past the man into the Grand Hallway, Remus and Severus behind her. The man however waited a moment, looking out towards the Forbidden Forest.

From inside the Grand Hall Perrine's voice filtered out, "Do be a dear and hurry Godric, time runs against us this night, and I will soon need to return to Tir Nan Og for you know my magic fades in the human world at dawn." And with that, the man turned and walked inside, the front doors closing softly behind him.

* * * * *

The information above referring to the Tuatha De Danann is accurate by the way, though I fudged it on the description of what one might look like. I'm picturing them as if they were nymphs and goddess like, then mortals, and because they are faeries, I do see them childlike in size. Their info is courtesy of this website http://webhome.idirect.com/~donlong/monsters/monsters.htm , feel free to visit it for it's been quite an inspiration to me in writing when I've needed to throw in assorted creatures where need be. :)

2002-03-13 7:27:12 PM