Snupin

Title: Bit of Comfort
Recipient: affectedmangoo
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Remus/Severus
Topic: Remus loses his ability to speak as a result of torture
Warning: Some adult language/themes
Summary: When Severus learns that a certain werewolf needs care, he decides to help.
A/N:: This was written for the remus_reads fic exchange. I'd say a bit ooc, at least more ooc than I've done in quite some time but ah well. Since I've been given the okay to pimpity pimp my fic, here it is. Comments are appreciated :)


dbdbdb

When the war ended, the front page of the Daily Prophet contained the list of those killed in battle. Articles were often written on the deceased, as well as the injured, and occasionally on the ones who escaped unharmed.

A list was eventually formed, naming those who had been found alive. Every witch and wizard was excited to see the list, hoping to find a relation or two, as so many had been taken and presumed dead. Months began to pass, and as they did, the list became less popular and less popular. The authors of said list were adamant on keeping it going, though new names became less frequent. Eventually the popularity wore out completely and it was placed on the last page, in very small print.

No one seemed to care any more.

Severus Snape had never really cared about the list at all. He usually passed it by and skipped to the international page for his daily information on the comings and goings of foreigners. Then he was off to go about his day. What did the others matter to him? He didn’t matter to the others, after all.

Then, of course, came the article on Remus Lupin. It was printed unimportantly, just before the list on the last page. A simple little thing, a plea for help, really. Severus wouldn’t have bothered to stop if he didn’t still suffer from his unending curiosity concerning the Marauders.

Remus Lupin, aged forty-six years, was found alive and in poor condition Saturday afternoon. After a raid on an abandoned abbey in Cornwall, Aurors discovered Mr Lupin along with five other deceased males, all presumed to have been werewolves in life. Rumours suggest that the abandoned abbey was used for a sort of holding place for torture and eventual death by, or conversion to, the Death Eaters. No word was given on Mr Lupin’s current state of being and so far as the Prophet has learnt, he has no surviving family to claim or care for him.

Severus read the article three times over before setting the paper down. “No,” he said to himself. “No. I will not go to him.” He repeated this as a mantra but his body would not obey him. Against his will, his arms reached out and pulled his travelling cloak from the peg on the wall. His feet slipped into his shoes and his fingers closed round his wand.

“I can’t do this. I hate Lupin. I don’t want to see him.” It was as though Severus was trying to convince himself to stay. But it wasn’t working. Severus was out the door and headed down the street to an alley where he could safely Apparate to St Mungo’s.

The lobby was empty when Severus arrived, save for the Welcome Witch and the soft murmuring of the fountain. Severus approached the desk and leant his head in close to her. “I’m here to see a patient.”

“Name and nature of the injury,” she asked with a smile.

“Remus Lupin, but I’m unsure of his injuries,” Snape muttered.

The Welcome Witch paused a moment, looking up Remus. “Fourth Floor, Spell Damage.”

Snape grunted in reply and then headed for the lift. “Bloody stupid idea… don’t even know why I’m here,” he was muttering to himself as he rode up to the fourth floor. When the doors opened, Severus stepped out and found a Healer sitting behind a small desk. “I’m looking for Remus Lupin’s room.”

The witch looked up with a rather sour expression. “Room four-oh-seven.”

Severus nodded curtly and headed down the corridor. Remus’ room was at the very end and the door was closed. Severus knocked but when he received no response, he walked in. It was rather dark inside, the curtains closed against any light, and Remus was lying on a bed, his head sunk into a pillow, his eyes closed.

Severus opened the curtains just a crack and looked at Remus in the dim light. He looked almost unharmed; just a few new scars here and there. His hands were lying placidly at his sides and Severus had to almost physically stop himself from closing his fingers round one of them.

“Can you hear me?” Severus whispered. “Lupin?”

Remus stirred a bit but didn’t open his eyes.

“Lupin,” Severus said a bit louder.

Remus let out a breath and cracked open one eye. The blood-shot orb fixed on Severus a moment and he frowned a little. He licked his lips groggily but said nothing. His fingers twitched and then his eyes closed again.

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. It was clear he was going to get no answers out of Remus, so he ventured out into the corridor, in search of Remus’ Healer. It took the surly man ten minutes to find the wizard that was in charge of Remus’ care and he quickly cornered him.

“What is wrong with Lupin?”

The wizard looked annoyed. “Who are you?”

“I’m a wizard curious about his condition,” Severus snapped. “Likely the only one who’s been here to see him.”

The Healer gave a small sigh. “You are right on that point.” He crossed his arms and leant back against the wall. “We are unaware of Mr Lupin’s total condition. We do know that he suffered adverse effects from several hexes and many rounds of the Crutacius Curse. We are currently aware that Mr Lupin has lost his ability to speak because his vocal cords have been severed.”

Severus’ eyes widened. “Is there no help for that?”

“I’m afraid not,” the Healer said. “I also know that unless someone comes forward with the ability to pay for Mr Lupin’s current bill along with whatever else he might rack up, he’s to be chucked out of St Mungo’s.”

“And where the hell will he be put?” Severus snarled.

“I have no idea,” the Healer said with a shrug.

Severus clenched his hands into fists. “What treatments is he undergoing?”

“None at the moment. There isn’t much we can do for him, Mr…”

“Snape.”

“Ah,” the Healer said.

Severus took a step back and crossed his arms. “I need to… think. I need to think. I will be back sometime later.” With that, he turned on his heel and rushed out of the hospital as quickly as he could.

Severus paced the floor of his lounge for hours. He couldn’t stop thinking of Lupin. Yes, he hated him. Well… mostly. Didn’t he? He ought to, right? Because Lupin had almost killed him once. Well… sort of. I mean, it had been partially his fault. Granted the young werewolf wasn’t aware of what was happening and if he had known he likely would have tried to prevent it from ever happening…

“Oh bugger,” Severus muttered. He knew what he had to do. No, what he wanted to do. Gathering his belongings, Severus headed back out the door and to the hospital. When he arrived at the Welcome Centre, he said in his most authoritative voice, “I wish to take Mr Remus Lupin home.”

dbdbdb

It took hours for Severus to secure the paperwork for Remus’ release. He had to pay the entire bill and then sign several documents releasing Remus into his care. It was just so expensive, but Severus went through with it. He was given instruction and aid in getting Remus back to his home.

When the medi-witch, whom had assisted in bringing Remus to Severus’ home, finally left, Severus looked down at Remus’ half conscious body, took a deep breath and got to work as best he knew how. He brewed potions.

Every healing potion he could possibly think of. By the end of the day had a nearly complete apothecary in a large basket and took it up to Remus’ room. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Severus shook Remus’ shoulder un-gently. “Can you hear me?”

Remus opened his eyes just a fraction and gave one slow nod.

“Good. I need you to swallow some things. They’ll make you sleep for some time but I daresay you could use the rest.” Severus didn’t know how he managed the slightly kind words but he was pleased with himself. Uncorking several bottles, he helped tip them down the werewolf’s throat. Remus gave a hesitant smile when he swallowed the last of the potions and dropped straight to sleep.

Clearing everything up, Severus went down to the lounge and picked up the files that had been kept on Remus. He sat down on the sofa and began to read over them. A lot of the wording was confusing, the medical nonsense going right over Severus’ head, but he got the gist of it. Remus had been in custody for some time, at least through one full moon. From the documents, Severus learnt that Remus had been kept unconscious in werewolf form, though the hospital took no precautions. It was disgusting, Severus found, and he tossed the files on the table in anger.

“Rubbish,” he muttered to himself. The hospital had not been trying to heal Remus; they had just been keeping him until someone would deal with him. How quaint. Deciding on a cup of tea, Severus knew his only choice was to wait out the healing potions.

dbdbdb

Two days passed before Remus was well enough to rise. He was surprised at how well he felt and very surprised that he was in Severus Snape’s home. His limbs felt overly weak and his entire body hummed in pain. Still, he managed the walk to the bathroom, relieved himself and washed his face.

He was slightly taken aback by his weight loss and how gaunt he looked, and he kept forgetting that he couldn’t speak. He opened his mouth after he dried his face and tried to groan. All that came out was a sort of hoarse breath.

Panic flooded through Remus as it had the first time he woke in St Mungo’s. He gripped the edge of the counter and bowed his head, breathing shallowly until the panic passed. When it did, he lifted his head, rubbed his face and put the robes that were lying by the toilet.

Going back into the bedroom he had been sleeping in, Remus managed to find a quill, ink and some parchment in the desk. He bent over and quickly scribbled out a note to Severus. When he was finished, he ventured down the stairs to find his host.

Severus was sitting in the lounge, reading over a few magical medical books when Remus came down the stairs. Severus was only mildly surprised by the werewolf’s recovery and didn’t bother to rise when Remus walked in. The tawny-haired man handed the parchment to Severus.

Thank you for the potions, I do feel much better. Anything to help my speech? It’s rather frustrating. I have no idea how to thank you for this but I’m certain you can think of something.

Severus looked over at Remus, who had taken a seat on the sofa. “Do you remember what happened to you?”

Remus nodded, then raised his hand and made a see-saw gesture.

Severus folded his hands over his chest and sighed. “You do know you cannot speak. Have you known for long?”

Remus opened his mouth, closed it and looked rather frustrated. Severus took the opportunity to fetch a quill, ink and parchment for Remus to write on.


Writing takes so long, it’s frustrating. They told me when I woke in the hospital and I remember it when it happened.

Severus sighed. “Ah. How did it happen?”

‘Malfoy,” Remus mouthed before taking up the quill again.

I was drugged for it but I remember Malfoy and a few other Death Eaters. I wouldn’t join, it was their torture.

“Not a surprise,” Severus answered. “And how do you feel now? Any pain?”


Exhausted, some pain, much better. I don’t know how to repay you.

“I’ll think of something, as you mentioned before,” Severus said with a wry smile. “For now, heal.”

dbdbdb

Remus tried to do just that. Months passed and he did heal, a bit. His body remained broken and his speech did not return. He was prone to fits and had them at least once a week. Severus did what he could, but he could only help so much.

Severus and Remus also tried their best to ignore the developing feelings between them. Severus found himself doing small, kind things to Remus, despite his nature. Remus found himself unable to keep his eyes off Severus, no matter what the black-haired man was doing.

The tenth of March arrived and Severus knew what the day was. Though Remus didn’t make mention of it. Still, Severus found himself standing in Muggle London, waiting for the cake he had ordered. It was just a simple thing, bit of chocolate, no decoration, but it was Remus’ favourite. When it was safely packaged and placed in a sack, Severus went home. He found Remus in the kitchen, fixing dinner and he did not complain. Remus might’ve been mostly useless, but he could cook. Severus hid the sack away until later and joined Remus at the table for the meal.

The two men had developed a series of signs, rather akin to shorthand in writing. It helped them communicate just a bit. Remus waved his hand to get Severus’ attention and brought his cupped hand to his lips. He was offering Severus more wine.

“Please,” Severus said. Remus poured the wine and Severus drank it down.

When the meal was nearly complete, Remus pointed to Severus, mimed eating motions and then touched his mouth with the tips of his fingers.

“It was acceptable,” Severus said referring to the meal. It had, in fact, been delicious, but Severus wouldn’t give in that far.

Remus gave a silent laugh and started to clear up the dishes. With him distracted, Severus slipped into his bedroom to fetch the gift that was to be the pudding. As he reached into his wardrobe where the sweet was hidden, he heard the sounds of something breaking on the floor.

Slightly startled and rather panicked, Severus rushed into the kitchen where he found Remus lying atop a pile of broken porcelain. There was a small trickle of blood coming from the back of Remus’ head somewhere and his entire body was stiff with the fit he was having.

Severus knelt down and carefully eased Remus’ head into his lap. He knew he could do nothing until the fit passed, so he waited patiently for Remus’ body to relax. Eventually the man’s amber eyes blinked open and stared around, confused and groggy. Severus carefully lifted Remus and eased him into the bathroom where he fetched a flannel to mop up the wound.

It was rather small, the wound, caused by a scratch from the broken plate and Severus healed it with his wand. Remus was frowning with the confusion his fits caused, as was common, and didn’t protest when Severus brought him to his bedroom and helped him to the bed.

“Do you remember what just happened?” Severus asked calmly.

Remus gave a small shake of his head. He stared off at the wall for a moment before raising his hand and shaking his fist a bit. It was their sign for fit.

Severus nodded. “It was a fit. Do you remember me?”

Remus nodded and gave a very small half-smile.

Severus picked up the wet flannel he had brought with him and carefully began to mop up the spilt blood on Remus’ neck and shoulder. Just when he finished up, Severus felt Remus’ hand close over his wrist and he looked down.

“Remus,” he said softly.

Remus licked his lips and mouthed, ‘Thank you.’

“You owe me,” Severus muttered.

Remus smiled again and tightened his grip. His eyes were so intense that Severus almost lost his breath. Remus sat up a bit and refused to let go of Severus’ wrist. Severus swallowed thickly and found he could not look away.

Remus carefully eased forward a bit and allowed his lips to brush against Severus’. For a moment, the other man didn’t know how to respond. He wasn’t frightened, not exactly, and it wasn’t unwanted. But he was unsure. Eventually Severus found himself kissing back. He freed his hand from Remus’ grip and wrapped his fingers lightly round the back of Remus’ neck.

Their tongues tangled, teeth scraped, breaths mingled. It was over before both of them knew it. It felt like an eternity had passed, yet it felt as though it didn’t happen at all. Severus was near to the point of trembling as he looked at Remus.

“I…” he said, but found no other words.

Remus offered a sheepish smile. He pressed the palm of his hand to his chest, the sign they had invented for sorry.

“Don’t be,” Severus said.

Remus pointed at Severus, pointed at himself and then laced his fingers together. It was something brand new but Severus understood.

“If you wish it,” he said.

Remus frowned deeply and pointed firmly, the tip of his finger jabbing into the centre of Severus’ chest.

Severus looked down a moment before saying, “I have for some time.”

Remus grabbed Severus’ hand and held it to his chest. Severus didn’t smile but he wanted to. He then got an idea and stood up. “Wait one moment,” he said before rushing to the bedroom to fetch the sweet. He bypassed Remus’ room in favour of the kitchen and eventually returned to the werewolf with a plate of cake.

Remus’ eyes widened, as did his grin.

“I had bought you this earlier,” Severus said, passing the plate to Remus.

The tawny-haired man picked up the fork and took a huge bite. His smile grew even bigger and he put the tips of his fingers to his mouth, the sign for good. He cut off another piece and offered it to Severus.

Severus shook his head. ‘Thank you, no. I’m not very fond of sweets.”

Remus set the plate aside after swallowing the second bite, grabbed Severus by the collar of his robes and kissed him deeply. Severus tasted the faint flavour of chocolate, this kiss sweeter than any kiss he had ever experienced.

With the corners of his mouth turned up only slightly, Severus said, “I suppose I don’t mind that sort of sweet.” He paused to kiss Remus once more before saying, “Happy Birthday.”