Posted 4/30/2001

Rating: NC-17

Pairing: Lupin/Snape

Summary: Dumbledore thinks he has found a new classroom and he has asked Remus and Severus to help evaluate it.

Feedback: Please, I'm a needy nymph. I posted this on fanfic.net in chapter format, if you prefer to read it there...

Author's note: This is my haphazard attempt to make Snape a little gruffer, a little meaner, and still...putty in Lupin's hands.

Warning: This story is SLASH.

Snape and Lupin sat at opposite ends of the teachers' lounge working on their class plans. Lupin, however, found it hard to concentrate. He was a bit unnerved by the dark menacing looks Snape had shot Harry's way throughout breakfast.

"Do you hate him?" asked Lupin suddenly.

"Who?"

"Harry Potter?"

Snape's face darkened. "Of course not," Snape replied.

"Then do you care to tell me what that was all about at breakfast," asked Lupin?

Snape looked at him. Lupin had a kind, compassionate face. But he looked tired to Snape. Snape continued study his face for a few seconds before looking away, returning to his work.

"No, I do not care to tell you about it," replied Snape.

Lupin got up from behind his desk to walk over to where Snape was sitting.

"He reminds you of James, doesn't he?" asked Lupin, tilting his head and peering into Snape's downcast eyes.

"Yes. But that's all you'll get from me today, Remus. Now please," Snape said looking up from his work, "leave me to my duties before I physically throw you out of here."

Lupin took a half step towards Snape and said in a low, soft hiss, "I'd like to see you try."

Snape stood to face him, their noses an inch apart, "No, you wouldn't," replied Snape with menace in his voice.

"Boys!"

Both men jumped. Dumbledore had just walked into the teachers' lounge and was standing at the doorway with hands on his hips.

"Is everything OK in here?" asked Dumbledore with a twinkle in his eyes.

"Yes," growled Snape. Dumbledore looked at Lupin.

"Yes, of course. Everything is just peachy," said Lupin through gritted teeth.

"Good!" said Dumbledore clapping his hands together, "I'm glad to hear it. And since you are both here, I have a special job for the two of you!"

Snape and Lupin both inwardly groaned.

"Deep inside the Forbidden Forest is a lake," Dumbledore began. "Remus, I'm sure you are aware of it."

As the three men sat in the otherwise empty lounge, Lupin nodded his agreement.

"I think this lake has great potential for being the site of a 'lab' for our 7th years," said Dumbledore. "Hagrid tells me that new herbs have been growing along its banks. These plants are apparently extremely rare; Severus you might find them especially handy."

Snape stared at Dumbledore blankly before responding, "Why can't Hagrid pick them?"

"Severus," Dumbledore patiently explained, "I really do not want Hagrid rummaging around amongst plant life that he is not familiar with. If *Hagrid* finds something new and unexplained in the Forbidden Forest, than you can bet it's something significant."

"Humph," Snape replied.

Dumbledore turned to face Lupin. "Remus, I'd like you to study the activities that occur around the lake at night. You don't seem especially intimidated by the forest. I'd like to find out if it's even safe for our students to study and learn at this location."

"And we need to do this together?" asked Snape sarcastically.

Dumbledore looked at Snape, placing his steady gaze up on him. "I'll not have you going into that forest alone, Severus. The same goes for you, Remus." Dumbledore looked from one man to the other before continuing sternly, "I insist that you work together on this, gentlemen. I'm simply asking for an evaluation of the site. I know you won't let me down."

At these final words, Dumbledore got up, turned and left. Snape laid his head down on his desk and muttered, "Oh, great," while Remus rubbed his temples where a new headache threatened to brew.

"I can't believe I'm walking into this deathtrap with you again," spat Snape as he trudged behind Lupin. Snape struggled with his poorly packed hike pack while Lupin walked ahead him easily. Much to Snape's annoyance, Lupin seemed to gracefully slice through the forest without trouble.

When they came upon the lake, Lupin was thrilled to find it was within twenty feet of a cave. Snape and Lupin gathered a pile of wood and set it up near the entrance of the cave. Standing before the cave's entrance with his hands on his hips, Lupin's curiosity got the best of him. Lupin went inside to investigate.

"You're not really going in there, are you Lupin?" asked Snape, yelling after him.

From within the cave, Snape heard Lupin say, "Lumos!" Snape rolled his eyes. ~Does this man have no fear?

Snape sat down. With a tap of his wand, he ignited the fire. He sat there and sulked while he warmed his hands and waited for Lupin to return. He secretly prayed that he would not have to go in after him. Snape detested caves.

Within minutes, Snape heard the sound of crunching footsteps as Lupin emerged smiling.

"Back so soon?" asked Snape as he stared at the fire, not looking up.

"Look what I found, " exclaimed Lupin. "This!" Snape jumped as Lupin produced a large brown jug from behind his back. Snape had expected a bat or a snake, or something worse.

"What the devil?" stammered Snape, annoyed at Lupin's prankish behavior.

"It's probably Hagrid's," said Lupin uncorking the top and sniffing the contents. "Whew! Yes, it's Hagrid's!" Lupin lifted the jug to his lips and took a deep swallow.

"Remus, I don't think-"

"Good God!" choked Lupin laughing and blinking watery eyes. "I'll have to thank Hagrid for leaving this behind!"

Snape stared at Lupin and shook his head in bewilderment.

"Want to try some?" offered Lupin, holding out the jug.

"I don't think so," answered Snape primly.

"Not man enough, huh?" laughed Lupin. "Well, I understand. It *is* awfully potent stuff. You're just not used to-"

Snape stood and snatched the jug away from Lupin.

"Give me that, you shit," growled Snape before lifting the jug to his mouth and taking a deep swallow as well. He grimaced at the first taste and returned to take a second deep drink.

"Uh, Sevvy, old man, you might want to take an easy on that..." recommended Lupin.

Snape swallowed, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and tossed the jug back to Lupin. Snape sat back down by the fire and returned to poking it with a handy stick.

Lupin stared at him open-mouthed, obviously impressed.

"I must say, every time I spend a minute alone with you, I learn something new," said Lupin in awe.

"Lucky you," growled Snape.

Lupin sat down beside Snape and watched the fire with him. Night was falling and it would soon be very dark. It was a good thing for the both of them that there was no moon tonight; but the darkness was not something Snape was looking forward to.

"We will keep this fire going all night, Remus," said Snape trying to sound tough.

Lupin, knowing Snape's fear of the forest simply answered, "Sure."

Lupin picked up the jug again and took another sip. Another big swallow was not something Lupin could handle a second time. He shot an inquiring glance at Snape. Snape held out a hand and took the jug next. He tossed it back, drinking deeply and sat the jug down between them.

"Uh, Severus. Everything ok over there?" asked Lupin delicately prodding for some openness from Snape.

"I don't hate him, Remus," Snape answered.

Lupin let the silence settle between them for a few moments. They each shared another drink from the jug.

"I know that you don't hate Harry, Sev," said Lupin gently. "My guess is he makes you feel old."

Snape turned to look at Lupin, his face unreadable.

"Since when did you get so goddamned smart?" said Snape, his words slightly slurring.

Smiling, Lupin reached to touch Snape's hair at the point it fell past his ear. "I have my moments."

Snape opened his mouth to say something, but thinking better of it said, instead, "I'm hungry."

Lupin opened his pack and produced bread and fruit. As he dug through the satchel, Snape stood and stumbled over beside the lake.

"Severus, you want to tell me what you're doing?" asked Lupin, getting a little worried.

"I'm hungry for fish. I'm going to catch one."

Snape's slur was more obvious now. He stood swaying in front of the lake's edge peering into the water. He cupped both hands along side of his head as if to see deeper into the water.

Rolling his eyes, Lupin stood and walked over to Snape to bring him back.

"Come on, buddy. You sit down, I'll catch the fish," said Lupin, laughing at his intoxicated friend.

"Let go!" growled Snape pulling his arm away from Lupin's grasp.

Before Lupin knew what had happened, Snape lost his balance and fell into the water, totally submerged.

"Oh, for God's sake!" spat Lupin. "Can't I take you anywhere?"

Lupin reached down into the water and hoisted Snape up. Snape was a tall man, but with Lupin's strength, it took no effort at all for him to haul Snape out of the water.

Snape came up and out choking and spitting, cursing and coughing.

"Take it easy, I've got you...it's ok," said Lupin, throwing his arms around Snape, calming him down.

Snape stopped coking and slumped against Lupin. "I've really done it now. I'm an ass. A rotten ass," Snape muttered.

"Hush. You've got a fine ass, Severus," said Lupin, pausing to grin at Snape. Snape glared back. "Now let's get you out of these wet clothes. I've brought extra."

Snape stood besides the fire shivering and allowed Lupin to unfasten his robes and undress him. Lupin handed him a clean, dry shirt and shorts and hung Severus' robes to dry. While Snape clumsily dressed, Lupin used magic to capture two large fish from the lake and brought them over to the fire to cook.

"You don't have to do that," said Snape, in a hoarse whisper.

"Don't be silly, I want to," said Lupin. "Besides, fish sounded good."

As the two men ate in silence the night deepened. Lupin and Snape observed unicorns delicately approach the lake to drink from it. Rabbits scurried about and an occasional owl could be heard softly hooting overhead. The night seemed alive with sounds of nature.

Lupin and Snape occasionally took a sip from Hagrid's jug, but Snape had certainly slowed down his assault on the powerful liquid. He did not like losing control.

Snape huddled down and inched closer to the fire. He seemed to be shivering.

"You ok?" asked Remus, looking at Snape over his bread.

"Fine," Snape answered gruffly.

Remus scooted over to sit closer to Snape. "I'm glad you're here, Sev," said Remus kindly, "I wouldn't want to come out here with anyone else. I mean that."

Remus reached out and gently touched Snape's face with the back of his hand.

"Good, God, man, you're burning up!" exclaimed Remus.

"How can I be? I'm freezing," spat Snape. He tried to stand to walk away from Lupin and nearly toppled over.

"Sit, Severus!" commanded Lupin. He guided Snape back down to the log he had been seated on. Lupin quickly unpacked the bedrolls and additional blankets and made a bed beside the fire.

Lupin hurried to kneel beside Snape. He put a protective arm around him. "Come on, Sev, you're going to bed."

"I'm...fine," stuttered Snape, knowing full well he was not.

"Come on, Sev," urged Lupin, "we can watch the lake just as well while laying down. Until that fever breaks, I'm not letting you out of my sight."

Unable to effectively protest, Snape allowed Lupin to walk him over to the blankets. Lupin took the blanket off of Snape's shoulders and guided him to lie down. Lupin spread the extra blanket over Snape. Lupin then quickly disrobed and stood naked by the fire. He looked down at Snape with a worried expression.

"What the devil are you doing?" asked Snape, trying to maintain the menace he so artfully wielded in the classroom.

"Shut up and let me help you," replied Lupin roughly, in return.

Lupin knelt down beside Snape, lifted the covers, and crawled in behind him.

"Don't you dare-" Snape started to say, but fell silent. Snape was so cold he was shivering uncontrollably, but when Lupin's warm body spooned up behind him, he felt himself sink into the warmth.

"Let me help you," Lupin repeated, this time must softer.

Lupin wrapped his free arm around Snape and held him tightly. Lupin was shocked by how fevered Snape's body was. Snape seemed to vibrate as he shivered. Lupin was beginning to wish he had not found the jug that Hagrid had left behind. He felt solely responsible.

As if he were reading his mind, Snape said, "This isn't your fault, you know."

"Hush," whispered Lupin.

Snape allowed Lupin to snuggle closer and wrap his arms around him tighter. Snape reached up to weakly touch Remus' arm, sending an unspoken "Thank you".

As the night progressed, Lupin felt Snape drift off to sleep. When he pressed his body against Snape's he discovered, much to his relief, the fever had dissipated. Lupin continued to hold him close even though he no longer had to. He softly kissed Snape at the base of his neck.

"Remus," replied Snape to the kiss.

"How do you feel?" asked Lupin, propping himself on his elbow and looking down at Snape.

"Like I've got to pee," replied Snape gruffly.

Lupin rolled back and allowed Snape to get up. He watched him briefly stumble as he shuffled into the night to go behind a large tree trunk. By the sound of things, Snape was doing just fine.

When Snape returned, much to Lupin's surprise, he dropped down and crawled back into the makeshift bed. He resumed his original position. Remus spooned up against him once again.

"You're not old," Lupin whispered into Snape's ear.

"Are we back on that subject again?" glowered Snape.

"Sorry," laughed Lupin, pressing into Snape, spooning tighter still.

Lupin pressed his body against Snape's...and he felt Snape tighten. Lupin's erection betrayed him. It had been steadily growing since Snape awoke.

"Sorry," repeated Lupin, and he started to roll away.

Wordlessly, Snape reached back to grab Lupin's thigh, pulling him back, urging him to return.

"Don't be," said Snape in a quiet tone.

Lupin rolled back and hugged Snape, holding him. He pressed his hardness against Snape's buttocks. It was then Lupin realized, much to his delight, that Snape was naked. Snape must have discarded those shorts after his 'pee'.

Lupin draped his arm over Snape and firmly stroked his chest. Lupin could feel Snape's heart race as he paused to pinch a rock-hard nipple.

Snape's breath became ragged as Lupin steadily rocked his hardness back and forth along Snape's crack, brushing his opening once or twice. Snape arched his back, pushing his butt out to meet Lupin's demanding tempo.

Lupin was still spooned in tightly behind Snape when he pushed just right, sliding erotically into Snape's tight opening. Snape gripped Lupin's hand and held it tightly as his body adjusted. Lupin remained so beautifully still.

As Snape lessened his death grip on Lupin's hand, Lupin allowed himself a tentative thrust.

When Snape desperately whispered, "Remus...Remus," it was enough to send Lupin over the edge. How Lupin loved it when Severus spoke his name like that.

As he gently moved inside of Snape, Lupin placed his mouth outside of Snape's ear. "Tell me what you want, Severus Snape." Hot air washed against Snape's neck, torturing him. "You need to tell me, Severus, and you'd better make it quick..."

Snape's response was not at all what Lupin had expected. Snape crawled up on all fours forcing Lupin up with him. Snape hissed over his shoulder, "I want to lose control."

Lupin placed his hands on Snape's ass and steadied himself. He needed to after that fevered reply. He pulled partly out and slammed back into Snape roughly.

Snape's vocal reactions told Lupin he was giving Snape exactly what he wanted...what he needed. Lupin slammed him again and again and again as Snape moaned and wept. Lupin reached around and grabbed Snape's penis.

As Lupin's thrusting became deep and intense, Lupin began to stroke Snape's length. Before long, Lupin's hand was frantically flying up and down Snape's shaft as Snape bucked madly into Lupin's thrusts.

Reaching orgasm together was more than either of them could have hoped for. They both shouted, screaming into the night as their bodies pulsated with the intensity of their completion. Nearby animals and birds scurried away in horror. Had Snape not been delirious with passion and lust, he might have laughed.

Snape collapsed and Lupin fell down on top of him still imbedded deep inside. Lupin continued to gently thrust inside of Snape as Snape's trembled. Snape's fists clenched a handful of blanket as Lupin continued to softly and gently move in and out. His movements were slowly fading. How he wished he could keep this up forever.

He pulled out of Snape and reached down to slip a finger inside.

Snape was speechless...this felt so impossibly good. Lupin stroked him there for several minutes before pulling out. When he did pull out, he crawled down to kiss Snape along his spine and followed it down to his butt. He playfully bit Snape's cheek and pressed his face into the back of his thighs. Lupin closed his eyes and slept there. Snape was touched by the compassion of his friend and he knew he would never find the words to express to Lupin how he made him feel this night.

When dawn broke Lupin and Snape awoke to a silent forest. Blinking they looked around. No rabbits...no unicorns...no birds.

"Gee, pal, I hope we didn't scare them way," said Lupin in a teasing tone.

Snape looked back at him without expression. This would be a difficult one to explain to Dumbledore.

Lupin lifted the jug that sat beside them and offered it to Snape. "Hair of the dog?" he asked, an impish grin on his face.

"God, no!" spat Snape. "Keep that stuff away from me!"

Snape shot Lupin a warning glance and Lupin laughed and sat the jug down. He stood up, stark naked, and stretched. Snape could not help but watch him. Lupin looked down at Snape and softly spoke, "Touch me again, Severus."

Snape reached up to touch but a low guttural growl that came from the cave behind them brought Snape to a halt.

"What the *hell*?" spat Snape. Snape shot a menacing look up at Lupin who shrugged.

"Don't ask me!" said a befuddled Lupin.

Snape struggled to his feet and both of them backed away from the cave slowly, ten, fifteen, twenty feet away. Lupin suddenly ran back towards the smoldering fire.

"What the hell are you doing, you stupid git!" hissed Snape after him.

Lupin grabbed his robe from the ground and grabbed Snape's off of the tree branch where it had been hung to dry. He hustled back to Snape who stood naked, staring at the cave in dread.

"Put this on, Snape!" commanded Lupin. "Whatever is in that cave may chase us back to our lovely green lawn of Hogwarts. When we emerge from the trees, I'd rather it looked as unsuspicious as possible!"

Sure enough, a large hairy creature emerged from the cave. He snorted irritably. Snape and Lupin watched from behind a tree in awe.

"Good God, it's Fang's father!" said Lupin in amazement.

"You have got to be kidding," said Snape incredulously.

It lumbered clumsily to the smoldering fire and sniffed it. It bent down and pushed at the jug with its nose, crinkling its face in disgust and pushing it over.

"See, even *he* won't drink it!" teased Lupin.

"Shut UP!" growled Snape.

The creature moved to the pile of mussed blankets and sniffed them as well. It cocked its head inquiringly and sniffed some more. It looked up from the blankets and seemed to stare directly at the two men. They held their breath, unable to move.

The creature returned to the blankets to push at them with its nose.

"He smells you, you yummy bastard," whispered Lupin.

"DO YOU MIND?" snarled Snape.

The beast looked up.

"Oh crap!" said Lupin.

"What do you mean, 'oh crap'?" whispered Snape frantically, but when he looked back at the beast, he knew what. It was quickly lumbering in their direction.

"Let's go!" shouted Lupin as he turned and ran. "Come on, Snape, move it"!

Snape pulled his eyes away from the creature to see Lupin moving away from him into the woods and away from their camp.

"Wait for me, you miserable -" And Snape stumbled and fell.

He scrambled up and continued to run and stumble finally catching up with Lupin.

They had easily outrun the large furry creature and in just a few minutes they emerged from the trees panting, sweating, and covered with scratches. Blood oozed from some of them. They were back at Hogwarts.

Snape glared at Lupin. "That is the LAST time I go ANYWHERE with you!" Snape hissed, standing up to Lupin. Once again they were nose to nose, panting heavily, and covered with dirt and blood.

Lupin reached up and pulled a twig out of Snape's hair and showed it to Snape, who barely managed not to laugh. Luckily it was still very early in the morning and no one was awake. Lupin reached down and stroked Snape through his robes.

"God, you are beautiful," Lupin whispered.

"Next time," Snape hissed, "tell me over a beer at The Leaky Cauldron."

Snape and Lupin greatly condensed their story when they explained to Dumbledore why the Forbidden Forest's lake was not a good place for students to study.

"It appears that a large creature has taken up residence in the cave," explained Snape. "I do not recommend disturbing it...again."

Lupin cleared his throat and smiled. When Dumbledore shot an inquiring glance at him, Lupin shrugged and grinned.

Lupin later confirmed that it was indeed Fang's father that lived in the cave. After working out a deal for another jug of Hagrid's whiskey, Lupin promised not to tell Dumbledore that Hagrid had been the one who provided "sanctuary" and put Fang's daddy there.

Snape, of course, was greatly annoyed that he was not warned ahead of time about the cave. He shuddered to think that Lupin walked into that cave unaware when he first retrieved the jug.

"You are a complete ass!" Snape thought to himself as he sat across from Lupin at the Leakey Cauldron staring at his smirking friend.

"You are beautiful...for an old man," whispered Lupin slyly, looking back at Snape.

Snorting in his beer, Snape managed a "Thank you". As the two men sat amongst the crowd, they sipped their beers in silence, sharing their unspoken secrets.

-fin