innerslytherin | Redemption - Part 27

Happy birthday, _lore!!!

I wasn't able to write you the fic I desperately wanted, as I'm still wrangling with my Snupin Santa fic, but I thought you might be pleased with a new installment of Redemption on your birthday. *grin*

Repercussion
Prompt: 47 - Family
WC: 3,011
Pairing: Remus/Severus
Slash
Redemption - PG to R (WIP) - After Voldemort's defeat, Remus--crippled in his last battle--and Severus--pardoned but a pariah--manage to forge a connection, despite the expectations of the world around them.

Series so far:
1. Reconciliation 2. Rehabilitation 3. Recovery 4. Reply 5. Rediscovery 6. Receiving
7. Repartee 8. Relapse 9. Requisite 10. Retreat 11. Refining 12. Repose 13. Reconsidering
14. Renaissance 15. Retribution 16. Return 17.Rematch 18. Redefining 19. Relishing
20. Recognition 21. Remembering 22. Refrain 23. Reformation 24. Recrimination 25. Reliance
26. Reverting 27. Repercussion 28. Reminder

Many many thanks to

thesnapelyone for a quick-and-dirty beta. Please forgive any flaws as I was in a hurry to post this for

_lore's birthday. This installment is dedicated to _lore, of course, and to her goes the (dubious) honour of choosing my next prompt. ^_~

Six times in his life has Severus made a list of people who Owe Him: when he left Hogwarts and entered Voldemort's service; when he became a spy for the Order; when Dumbledore saved him from Azkaban; when Voldemort returned; when he fled Hogwarts; when Voldemort was defeated. Six lists in twenty-four years, six very different lists made for very similar reasons--a desire for security, for control, for insurance.

Severus hadn't bothered with a list when he was released from Azkaban, because he hadn't believed he could be owed anything anymore. He has never, until now, felt a need to create a seventh list. Today, looking down at the relaxed and beautiful face of Remus Lupin, who has finally succumbed to the pain potions, Severus is reminded that seven is a very powerful number. Seven years of school, seven Horcruxes, seven deadly sins, seven days of the week.

It's time for a new list.

He begins with the Order. Fleur Weasley, George, Ginny, Tonks, Shacklebolt. (Charlie has discharged his debt, and Severus refuses to count Ron or Hermione.) Arthur Weasley owes him several times over. Percy, while Severus is thinking of redheads. Damocles Belby will owe him, if Severus chooses to share his own research on the Wolfsbane Potion improvements. Cornelius Fudge owes him a great deal, and may still have enough friends to be valuable.

Severus decides to start with Shacklebolt. He's Ministry, and one of the two who took charge when Mulciber and Greyback were killed. He ought to know what happened to Mulciber's wand. If not, at least Severus will be in the right place to continue inquiries.

As Severus is making his way to the Diagon Alley entrance of St Mungo's, he is so focused on his destination and intent that he doesn't notice Hermione Weasley until she says his name a second time. He turns.

"Hermione. I'm pleased you are here." He automatically slips into more formal speech patterns around his former students, had even addressed Draco like this after they fled Hogwarts. "Remus is back in hospital for the moment." He watches her face as he speaks, wondering if her husband has told her the whole truth yet. "If you have a little time, I know he would like to see you. Of course he's sleeping just now..." He trails off carefully.

Her brown eyes are wide and sympathetic. "And you have some business to take care of, obviously. I just picked up some new reports. I could read them in his room and let him know where you've gone if he wakes."

Ah, Gryffindors. Absolutely no pleasure to be had in manipulating them; they're far too easy. Severus looks properly grateful; that is, he stops scowling.

"I have several things I must do, I'm afraid, but he wasn't...quite himself, after yesterday's exertion." She doesn't need to know it was likely the sex that wore Remus out more than the funeral itself.

"I suppose it was very stressful for you both," she says. "Ron got Harry to admit, yesterday, that it was...erm, decent of you to come with Remus, by the way. It's a small victory, but now that Ron seems convinced, Harry might come around."

Severus sighs. "I hope Remus will feel well enough to attend the wedding." In the stress of the funeral and Remus' sudden setback, Severus' concerns about Potter's wedding seem small.

"I do, too." Hermione sighs. "Well, I shouldn't delay you. I'll stay with him until you get back."

Severus nods and departs. That is one of many reasons Hermione Weasley is not on the list; she, among so few, has shown Severus as well as Remus genuine kindness.

Shacklebolt isn't in when Severus arrives at the Ministry. Unfortunately several other Aurors are. He ducks stealthily into Tonks' office and is pleased when she jumps. Her elbow knocks against a stack of papers, starting a chain reaction that results in most of the contents of her desk taking up sudden residence on the floor. A vase of roses shatters, splashing water across the snowfield of reports.

"Ah, graceful as ever, Miss Tonks," he purrs.

"What do you want?" Her tone is belligerent, which suits him; he wants her off-balance.

"I hear you are one of the illustrious Dark Wizard catchers who had the honour of arresting..." He clears his throat delicately. "Well, shall we call him a former paramour?"

It is truly fascinating to watch a Metamorphmagus blush: first the hair, then the skin, goes through a series of colours, ending in a deep magenta. Severus had always enjoyed humiliating Tonks when she was his student; he takes even more personal pleasure in it now.

"Remus and I were never lovers!" she says hotly.

"A pity," Severus murmurs. "I hear he's an animal in bed." He ignores the twinge of guilt at knowing Remus would hate that.

"Go bother someone else, Snape. I'm not interested."

Severus' smile is unpleasant. "And of course you knew exactly to whom I was referring. At least you weren't foolish enough to try to deny that you wanted to be his lover."

She leaps to her feet, sending a cup of Witch Fuel coffee splashing against the wall. "Get the fuck out!"

His smile widens. "July."

The colour and energy drain from her and she slumps back into her chair. She's buggered and she knows it. Amazing. He doesn't even need to specify that he is referring to 14 July 1999--the mere month will suffice. A small thrill runs through him.

"What do you want?"

Dear Merlin, he should have decided on blackmail as a career choice when he was eighteen. This is too easy. He smiles and folds his hands. "I want all evidence from the Greyback-Mulciber Incident."

"Evi--Snape, everyone already knows Remus killed them! Telling people won't damage him. Besides, haven't you done enough to him?"

Severus tilts his head slightly. "The evidence is what I require."

Her hair turns a violent red. "That's stealing Ministry property!"

He sighs. "Tiresome girl. If it will make you feel better, I'll only borrow it."

She scowls, but his face is impassive as he looks back at her in silence. This is his only concession. Finally she sighs.

"Right. Wait here."

*

It feels too easy, but Severus doesn't believe in looking a gift Thestral in the mouth, so he keeps an eye out for Shacklebolt and waits for Tonks to return. He doesn't know why he's relieved to discover that Remus never gave in to Tonks' embarrassing entreaties. It shouldn't really matter. But it is undeniably pleasing.

Several minutes later Shacklebolt strides into the Auror department, frowning in preoccupation. A simple Luring Charm is enough to bring him to Tonks' office. By the time he realises he isn't at his own door, Severus is there to catch his eye.

"Snape? This isn't exactly the best place for you to hang about." Shacklebolt's slow, deep voice is curious.

Severus gives him a disingenuous look. "I'm waiting for Miss Tonks to finish assisting me with something."

Shacklebolt raises an eyebrow. "This has something to do with you and Remus showing up at the funeral together."

There is a reason Severus has always been more wary of Shacklebolt than of Tonks. "Very perceptive of you." He inclines his head slightly. "I have been investigating the curse-related injuries Lupin suffered at the end of the war."

Shacklebolt's other eyebrow goes up. "That's a bit odd," he says. "Didn't think the two of you got on."

Severus shrugs. Shacklebolt may be one of the friends Remus eventually chooses to tell, but he won't hear it from Severus. "I find myself in somewhat...reduced circumstances. One does what one must."

"Mm hmm." Shacklebolt draws in a slow breath. "I don't know what the curses were. I don't even know if they were what affected...em...how Remus chose to deal with Greyback. I did notice he's having mobility difficulties; is that a part of the curse? It's a shame to see the poor bloke using a cane. He was always so graceful."

Severus raises an eyebrow this time. The man has a wife and several children, but it's interesting that he's noticed Remus' grace.

"I always thought it a damn shame the Auror Programme didn't accept werewolves," Shacklebolt says in answer to the unspoken question. "Anyway. Tell Remus I said hello. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help."

"Do I look like a messenger owl?" Severus says acidly. "But now that you mention it...What happened to Mulciber and Greyback's bodies?"

Shacklebolt shrugs. "Standard procedure for Death Eaters. Stripped of all effects and buried in numbered graves."

It is typical, Severus thinks, that the Ministry treats Death Eaters as if they have no family or friends. "And the effects?"

"Logged as evidence."

"Lupin was never charged with a crime, though?"

Shacklebolt shrugs. "What crime? He'd been threatened by two fugitive Death Eaters. He killed them in self defence."

Severus cocks his head. "Self defence is why Nymphadora Tonks finally gave up her idiotic quest to make the werewolf a pity fuck?"

Shacklebolt doesn't even flinch. "Are you certain that's your business?"

"Well, it does speak to the state of mind of the werewolf." Severus' expression is cool.

There is a silence. Then, "She finally realised he wasn't lying or exaggerating when he said he's dangerous. She can handle most types of danger, but this is different, for her."

"And yet you don't seem to believe Lupin is a monster."

"Neither do most people, these days. He's done a lot for werewolf rights, frankly, just by being an Order member." Shacklebolt shrugs. "But then, I know what war does to people. What it did to me. I think Remus handled it better than most. And he's still having to deal with it, isn't he?" He sighs and settles on Tonks' desk. "One of our hit wizards, Augustine? He was desked and put on watch because he started smacking his wife around. Couldn't deal with what he did in the war, started taking it out on her. At least Remus always remembered who the enemy was. Up to realizing you'd been helping us. Remember that, if you're ever inclined to think of him as a monster."

Severus forces himself to stay impassive, but he can't forget that he slapped Remus this morning. He swallows. "I may need your assistance in future," he says aloud. "We'll be in touch."

A brief smile touches Shacklebolt's face. "Get lost, Kingsley," he says, his voice ironic.

Severus frowns. "Wait. I need to see Arthur Weasley before I leave. You can tell Miss Tonks where I've gone."

"Do I look like a messenger owl?" the tall Auror asks mildly.

"Only when you start poking your beak in where it doesn't belong," Severus retorts, though his voice is tart but not unfriendly.

Shacklebolt's laughter is loud and deep, and Severus can't quite ignore the warmth he feels at having earned it with a joke.

*

Arthur Weasley is tilting his chair back and studying the ceiling when Severus pauses outside his office. His hands are behind his head, his gaze unwavering, but he says, "Hallo, Severus," without even looking at him.

"Arthur." There is more respect here; Arthur has earned respect, on many levels--he was unafraid to take a stand, despite the danger to him and his family; he survived an attack by Nagini; he has been strong despite the loss of his oldest child; he has encouraged his children to be bold, despite his wife's fears. For these reasons, and others Severus can't quite name, he respects Arthur Weasley. They are nothing alike, but Severus has learned to value the man's opinion.

"How are you? I didn't get a chance to speak with you at the funeral yesterday."

Severus pauses. He isn't certain quite what tone to take with Arthur. "Remus still isn't making long excursions. I thought it best not to let him over-exert himself."

Arthur nods, then looks at him, his eyes bright and interested. "My daughter-in-law and son tell me you've been helping Remus for the past few months."

Severus makes a show of looking somewhat awkward; it isn't very difficult to do. "We're the only two left, from our year at Hogwarts. And...we survived a war together." He pauses, his mouth still open, searching for words.

"And he's the only family you have left."

Severus' mouth snaps shut. Family? Remus isn't family, he's his lover! But a spouse is family, he supposes. He thinks back at the blazing rows his parents used to have. Eileen Snape would have killed to protect her son--and she would have killed to protect her husband. Lily Potter died to save her son. Severus would die to save Remus, were it necessary.

"Yes," he said quietly. "He is my family."

Arthur smiles. "I think Ron admires you, though he hasn't said it aloud. I know he was a trial to you at school--that all my boys were--but he's grown up a great deal, Severus. And both he and Hermione are much impressed with your concern for Remus."

Severus shifts, feeling wretchedly awkward. Why had he thought talking to Arthur would be a good idea? Suddenly he realises that Arthur must know he and Remus are lovers. Even if Ron has said nothing about that particular admission, it is obvious he's talked about them. He is nearly overwhelmed by a desire to flee.

"I'm sure Remus isn't up to much visiting yet, but when he is, I hope you'll come to the Burrow for tea," Arthur says.

"Thank you," Severus mutters, and he gives in to his instincts and makes his escape.

*

When Severus gets back to the hospital, Remus is still sleeping. Hermione looks at the single package Severus is carrying, then shuffles her papers together and heaves herself to her feet. Her belly is getting very big.

Severus has always been uncomfortable around pregnant women, but he forces his awkwardness aside. "When does the world receive the joy of yet another Weasley?" he asks stiffly.

She finds this amusing for some reason. "I'm due the last of July or the first of August," she says. "Either Harry or Ginny's birthday." She tilts her head. "You were gone quite a while. Are things...all right?"

"An impertinent question, Hermione." He blinks. Only now does he realise he has been thinking of her by her given name for some time now.

She gives him a crooked smile. "I was always good at that."

"Indeed." He mulls it over for a moment. "I do not feel at liberty to discuss all the details without Remus' consent." He has not forgotten the humiliation Remus expressed about Hermione's knowledge of his condition. "Let me simply say that there are those who don't seem to realise that if they hurt Remus, I am the one who will make them pay."

She nods slowly. "I'm very glad he has you," she says, her voice very soft. "I'm glad you have him." There is a long pause. Severus is ready for her to go so he can settle in next to Remus' bed, but she obviously isn't finished. Finally she looks up at him. "Severus, when the baby is born, Ron and I would like you and Remus to name him."

Severus blinks. That's a different version of the naming idea than what Remus has mentioned. "You've scried to learn the sex?"

She smiles. "No, but Weasleys usually have boys."

He clears his throat, uncomfortable again. "Ah. I--we--will give the matter due consideration." She's mad. What do he and Remus know about naming children?

She nods happily and finally, blessedly, leaves.

He is fully engrossed in reading the documents from Mulciber's file when Remus stirs. Severus sets the papers aside and takes Remus' hands in his own.

"How do you feel?"

Remus clears his throat and appears to give the matter some thought. "Calmer," he says finally. "My jaw hurts."

Astonishingly, Severus feels a line of heat burn across his cheeks. "I'm sorry," he mutters. He can't bring himself to look away from Remus' cheekbone, where a smudge of reddish-purple marks the beginning of a bruise.

Remus sighs. "I daresay you were as frightened as I was."

"That doesn't excuse it," Severus protests.

"No. It doesn't," Remus agrees. His hands clasp Severus' tightly. "But it does at least explain it. So I forgive you."

Severus lets out a breath he hadn't realised he was holding. "Thank you."

Remus nods. "It won't happen again."

"No."

Remus' expression softens and he places a finger under Severus' chin, drawing him close for a long kiss. "I love you rather desperately, Severus," he murmurs. "It would kill me to lose what we have, but I won't permit myself to be taken advantage of or abused."

"No," Severus whispers again, his mouth suddenly dry.

"Nor," Remus continues, his voice lowering to a slightly growly tone, "will I allow you to be taken advantage of or abused. You are my lover, my soulmate, my helpmeet, and I am yours, and I will not let anyone--especially not you--destroy that."

A rush of heat goes through Severus, followed quickly by a strange, prickly cold. Yes, Remus does that, protect Severus from his own worst enemy--himself. He draws in a deep breath. "I love you more than anything," he murmurs. The words are difficult to say. "And I--I know I ought to be hexed for hitting you." I won't be my father, he thinks fiercely.

Unexpectedly, Remus smiles. "No, you're a better man than that," he says, and for a moment Severus wonders if he thought that too loudly. But as usual Remus has just read him and answered what he knows Severus will be thinking. It sends a rush of fierce love through him, and he leans forward, gripping Remus' hands tightly.

"I swear we will find out why this is happening," he promises, gazing earnestly into the warm, loving eyes. "And I'll be right here with you, no matter what."