Blood Lines

The corridors of Durmstrang were absolutely silent. This was not due to any sort of cute little charm; it was due to fear. The thousand or so students that called Durmstrang 'home' did so because it was tradition.

Reaching the staff room the cloaked figure lowered her hood and entered. The few faculty members who were already there looked up from their various amusements long enough to identify her. With her hood off, her oily shoulder length black hair hung in her obsidian black eyes. She was by far the youngest member of the faculty. After hexing the hormones out of half the male staff, she had been left alone. Going straight to her favourite writing desk, in the back corner furthest from the fireplace and, tucking her bangs behind her ear, she opened the letter that had just arrived.

~~~My Dearest, my one and only treasure, Severa,

She choked back a laugh at the endearment. Extravagant openings to their letters were part of the game they played since she had moved so far away.

I have just been speaking with my old friend Albus Dumbledore, from Hogwarts.

He has just told me that there is a position about to become available, in the potions department.

Her eyebrows rose, 'I thought Snape was heading potions for them.'

*You don't think they could have let him go, do you?*

'From what I've heard Snape's turned out to be a genius at what he does, Dumbledore would have to be mad to let him go.'

I would like to see you get it. Before you start to write your resignation though, there is one thing you should know. Snape is still there; the position that has opened up is for an assistant. Now I know that it would be a huge sacrifice on your part, but I also know I would sleep better with you in the country now that he has returned.

Please think over what I have said, but remember, what ever you choose, I will support you. I could not have sent you to attend Durmstrang and then allowed you to seek a professorship there, if I did not have the utmost confidence in your ability to er, protect yourself.

Moody~~~

'Well now, I guess...'

*You've got to. Its Hogwarts! Even if it is the most demeaning placement he could ask you to fill. It's your dream.*

'But to be an assistant? The only thing worse would be if he wanted me as an apprentice!'

Shaking the internal conflict from her mind Severa closed her eyes and sought the still small voice that would give her the answer she needed.

After a few moments of silent waiting, she felt a sense of peace about the coming changes. With confidence she reached for the quill and parchment that she kept at her table. 'It can be a very good thing, being ignored. They would probably lynch me for writing to Alastor, without sending a copy on to him,' she grinned.

~~~My Doting and ever watchful Guardian,

She opened in an attempt to one-up him.

I would not have you pulling any strings on my behalf. I want that perfectly clear up front. That having been said, I will apply for the position of assistant as you suggested.

One thing troubles me though. Do you think he'll have me back after the way we parted? He was not pleased that I agreed to go to Durmstrang.

Imagining the laugh he would have on that particular understatement, she smiled and closed the short missive as she always had,

Moody2~~~

@--'---,---------------

"Severus, you should go back to the school now. Your next class starts soon and you will need to get cleaned up." The Dark Lord's tone was cold.

Seeing that he was about to protest Voldemort cut him off, "I shall contact you later about the assignment. For now, I want you to isolate what it is that is causing you these, problems."

"Yes, Master," Snape was entirely compliant once again.

These shifts in mood worried him, but Voldemort said nothing. Trusting that with proper diagnosis and treatment his pet would be well again. He watched as Snape replaced his mask, drew up his hood, bowed low and awaited formal dismissal.

(Even though Voldemort preferred to have a more casual relationship, Snape always followed protocol. He claimed that it ensured that there would be no lapses when there were others around.)

His voice was like the scratching of dry leaves, as he again placed his hand on Severus' head, "Go, and do my bidding."

Now formally dismissed Snape stood and left the room. His silken cape and indifferent air a mask far more effective than the one that covered his face.

* Ha! Yah, you'll show him alright.*

Nearly everyone close enough to see him, was trying to discern by his stride and apparent composure, whether things had gone well or ill for him. (Most hoped for the later.) He slowly walked back into the centre of the room and began to mingle for a few minutes.

Having made the strategic social connections and silently reassuring everyone that yes he was still on top, Snape moved to a deeply shadowed alcove. Keeping in mind the warning he had received from Voldemort, Snape Apparated to an unlit alley that he occasionally used for these kinds of situations.

"What in the-?!" he blurted as the world coalesced around him once again.

It was raining, hard.

Removing his mask and tucking it away, he found that he had already put something in to the hidden pocket. Curious he pulled out an unopened letter and casually made his way to a dim street lamp at the corner. Flipping over the envelope to see if he could make out the seal he was surprised to recognise it as the Headmaster's personal mark. Managing a subtle glance up the street toward the school's gates, he was easily able to spot the 'stumbling drunk,' also known as the Department of Secrets' agent, that had been assigned to watch for his return. Making for a secret entrance (Hogwarts had several) he eluded said agent's bleary, watchful eye.

In the safety of the hidden passageway Severus, once again, drew out the letter and, leaning against the stone wall, began to read. Reaching the end of the note he slid down the wall and sat heavily on the floor.

"Oh god." 'The Headmaster's wrong I can't handle all of this,' closing his eyes he curled himself into a tight ball.

Several minutes passed before rising to his feet, Snape silently made his way to his private rooms. After washing his face and changing to a more appropriate cloak, he hurried to his classroom.

Having reached the right door he stepped in and froze.

Though his face remained devoid of emotion, inside he was reeling, 'I can't handle this right now.'

Clearing his throat, *As though you need to get their attention. Ha!* He strode forward. Turning to face the class he casually leaned back against his desk, crossed his arms over his chest, and arched one eyebrow.

"I should think that Seventh Year Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs could begin taking notes, without the aide of, adult, supervision," he said, disdain practically dripping from his lips.

He paused and watched, as the tension of waiting for him to continue became too much for first one student, and then another. One by one, they began to defensively huddle into their robes, a few even began to sweat.

"Or do you need me to remind you that you were unable to successfully complete your assigned work last class?"

When class was finally over, to the utter amazement of the pupils, the first one out the door was Snape. As the clock struck the hour he flew from the class. The heavy solid oak door was thrust out of his way with enough force to send it banging against the wall.

The first students to leave cautiously peered out into the hallway before running up the stairs and finally escaping into the 'safe' aboveground portion of the school.

The walk to Lupin's room was not nearly long enough to calm him. As he approached the charmed wall panel he slowed his pace and took several 'calming' breathes.

A few seconds after the barely audible chime had sounded Snape remembered that Lupin would not have had time to reach the dungeons yet, let alone his new quarters.

By the time Lupin arrived he had finished pacing and was leaning against the wall beside the door.

"I have a new theory to try, but if it doesn't work I need time to make your usual. So drop your stuff and lets get going." He announced without looking up.

"Thanks, my day was terrible, and you are in desperate need of a shower," Lupin shot back wrinkling his sensitive nose.

Lupin sighed and closed his eyes; they had come to a tenuous understanding before he had left the school. Basically, Snape did his job and Lupin drank or ate or inhaled whatever he was given. But Snape's rather brutal bedside manner was difficult to handle this close to the full moon.

As he brushed past he noticed that Snape stilled for the moment that it took him to give his password and enter his room.

After storming around his living room for several minutes he set the piles of uncorrected work he had been carrying, on his table. Changing to a well-worn robe he sighed, 'No sense in ruining one of the good ones.' With a last glance at the scrolls, 'I won't be able to get to them till, well maybe Friday.' He moved to the door. Pushing it open he glanced down for an instant-

"Get your work," Snape quietly spoke into his ear.

With a yelp Lupin jerked back, "What?!"

Snape had not moved from his place beside the door and as it opened he had meant to merely stop Lupin before he had closed it. 'What is he so jumpy about?'

*We are way too close!* Snape looked away and took more slow deep breathes, *Not a good idea. The air in the corridor is so still that Lupin's scent is going to make me choke, * he reflexively licked his lips.

"Don't do that," Lupin nearly shouted, once his heart was back in his chest, "and what's with the heavy breathing?"

"Just get your work and let's get out of here," he ground between his teeth.

"My work why? I won't be able to correct any of the papers until I'm rested again."

Looking up at the ceiling Snape pulled an acidic grin, "I am qualified to teach Defence, even if no one cares. The Headmaster assigned you these rooms for more than just their aesthetic value. He wanted to make sure that I could, fill the gap." Turning back to Lupin he attempted a more civil tone, "Could we please hurry along now?"

With a nod he headed back into his living room and gathered up the scrolls he had just put down. Back in the hall he made as though to hand them to Snape. But he turned and headed in the direction of the lab with out a glance at Lupin.

"What's the rush? It's only three thirty the sun won't set for hours."

"I am glad to find that the inhibitor I worked so hard on has given you enough relief from the effects of the moon that you were able to attend to your class. But I would appreciate your not asking anymore stupid questions." He did not sound glad or appreciative.

Lupin held his tongue until they got to Snape's private lab.

When they entered Snape motioned toward a long table that was pushed against the left-hand wall, "Put those over there, and get on the slab."

Placing the scrolls on the table as asked Lupin took a moment to look around at the now familiar contents of the room. Each wall had at least one table running along it, and several wall sconces had been strategically placed above them. The tables in the middle of the room gave it the feel of a large maze and the air was almost cold enough to show his breath. Open parchments and experiments in mid-completion were on every available surface, except one. The Slab as Snape referred to it was a sort of examining table, with extras. Channels running the entire length funneled fluids toward a drain at the foot, and adjustable restraints were set at head, chest, wrist, thigh, and ankle.

As he removed his robe Lupin shuddered remembering the first time he had been strapped down. To be at another's complete mercy was bad, the fact that it was Snape made it infinitely worse. With only his boxers on Goosebumps pricked over his skin.

Lying on the freezing cold metal table, staring up at the lights, he shivered again.

Snape had been gathering things and arranging them on wheeled trays, but he heard the hitch in Lupin's breath, "The inhibitor should wear off soon, I'll start after it's out of your system." He pushed the trays into position beside the reclining figure. Looking down into the amber eyes of his patient/guinea pig Snape hesitated. Coming back to himself with a start, Snape glanced up at the clock, "It's nearly four, at five-thirty I need to get Black and smuggle him down here," picking up a stethoscope he turned back to Lupin. "Breathe normally." After checking heart, lungs, and blood pressure, all with Muggle tools, he placed a thermometer under Lupin's tongue; "I'm going to have to set up an I.J. and an A.J. on you so get up and move around. I can't have you getting twitchy on me."

Swing his legs over the edge Lupin quickly sat up. Raising an eyebrow he tried to question the new terms.

"Do you feel the inhibitor wearing off?" Snape glanced at him before turning to check a Muggle medical device that Lupin could not identify.

Nodding an affirmative Lupin bit back on his rising temper. Once the four longest minutes of his day went by, he handed the thermometer back to Snape without looking at it. Standing beside the table, now with nothing to do, Lupin watched every move made by Snape. He winced as fifteen-centimetre long needles were brought out, and felt queasy when Snape loaded them onto the tray beside the slab-

"What are those for?" he nervously indicated the needles.

Pulling several packets of what looked like very thin tubing out of an under the counter cupboard Snape looked up, "What? The needles?" Then remembering Lupin's fear of anything even remotely resembling a needle he rolled his eyes, "Phobic," he muttered under his breath, fully aware that Lupin's already acute senses were only heightening as the night drew near.

"I'm not Phobic," he knew Snape was aware of his unease around needles, and hated the fact that Snape knew so many of his weaknesses. "If I was, the Boggart in my class would look like one of those," he pointed at the tray, which was now loaded with needles, sealed packages of fine tubing, alcohol wipes, and several other muggle things that he did not want to be able to identify.

"Put your right arm on the slab." Snape slid on a pair of latex-free rubber gloves and opened an alcohol wipe, "I'm starting am I.V. so you should probably close your eyes."

Lupin's fast shallow breathes and the sheen of sweat on his brow combined with an accelerated heart rate belied his rather pathetic attempt to seem calm. The IV went in smoothly and a bag of saline was started on a slow drip. After hanging the bag from one of the hooks that were set in the ceiling above the slab Snape again told Lupin to move around.

"How am I supposed to move anywhere with a tube in my wrist?" he groused.

Not looking up from the machine he was tinkering with Severus distractedly answered, "First of all it's called a 'line' and secondly I don't need you to run around the room, jogging in place would be fine." satisfied with the readouts from the box he stepped up to Lupin's side.

"Here," Snape suddenly grabbed his right hand and forced it to a spot on Lupin's thigh, "Do you feel the muscles here?" He pressed Lupin's hand against his flesh. "Now if you could relax for a minute," he chided, "you would feel the muscles go soft."

It took a great deal of effort, but he was able to relax his leg and feel the loosening of his muscles, "Ok, but did you have to show me that? " he demanded through clenched teeth. 'I already knew that much about muscles, and did you have to touch me?!'

With a smirk Snape moved their interlocked hands a little higher on Lupin's thigh, "Now feel here. You need to press hard to feel the sub-layers of muscle," he squeezed Lupin's hand tighter. "Do you feel that twitching?"

"Yes," wincing Lupin nodded, waiting for more information. He was surprised when Snape jerked his hand away and walked to the other side of the room.

Leaning forward placing his palms against one of the shiny metal counters Snape spoke, "The twitching is caused by an excess of adrenaline in your system," he told the wall, "Excess adrenaline is what dogs are burning when they move in their sleep. You'll feel better if you can get rid of it." With his back to the confused werewolf Snape knew he sounded unnerved.

He heard the slow rhythm that Lupin's feet beat on the stone floor, but it came from a distance and was not relevant to him.

~

After a half-hour of jogging in place Lupin was too tired to care what was wrong with Snape, 'It's not like he has ever been normal. Even when we were kids he was creepy. But how long has he been on the Plasti-juice? Could he have been taking it since then?' he wondered for the second time. With the inhibitor nearly gone from his system he was feeling more tired than usual. On the plus side however, after jogging for so long the room did not feel as cold. Panting slightly he rested against the central table and quickly glancing away from the I. V. in his forearm remembered the odd terms Snape had used earlier, "What are an eye jay and an a jay?" He looked over to the corner Snape had ended up sitting with his back to.

With a slight shake of his head Snape looked as though he were just being reminded that Lupin was there.

"It is almost five-o'clock I should head out soon." He stood and avoided Lupin's rather pointed attempts at eye contact, 'It will be hard enough to meet him at the old well house. I can't believe that I've got to find a way to get Black past the agent at the gate too.'

"I thought you said you would be leaving at five-thirty," Lupin hesitantly voiced.

"Things came up, it'll take longer than I thought," Snape snarled back.

Shaking his head again and picking up his robe from the tableside stool he had thrown it over, he almost-laughed, "An I.J. and an A.J. are two large IV lines that go in either side of your neck. Your jugular is the only vein that I know I can hit once you've shifted." At Lupin's worried look he smirked again, "I wasn't trained in veterinary medicine. I've had to get what I can from books. When you shift you change mentally, chemically, and physiologically. Getting the major points down, and keeping my job, hasn't left much time for a detailed study of werewolf anatomy."

As he left the stunned, and more than slightly unsettled werewolf in his lab he made one final comment, "I'll be back before six, you should try and sleep," and with that he closed the door.