Title: Darkness of the Moon pt. 12/15

Author: Deathangelgw

Disclaimer: saaaaaaame as always!

Warnings: Sweet stuff! Darkness on the horizon though…

Pairings: yea…like I’m changing that anytime soon…

Rating: PG-13

Note: We’re out of school!! Finally!! Ahem, anyhoo, things get more towards the ending of this part…*sobs* Enjoy! And please review!

‘thoughts’

“/Remus/Evie speech/”

The times were dark after the group had graduated from Hogwarts, but it was lightened by special occasions…namely the marriages of Remus and Evie, Lily and James, and Sirius and Severus. Lily and James, in their usual outgoing way, had a big wedding, inviting friends, schoolmates, and family from all over. Remus and Evie kept theirs a bit more toned down, having just what little family they had as well as their friends and some coworkers, along with some of the teachers.

Sirius and Severus though, kept it quiet, having just their closest friends, Dumbledore, McGonagall, and a couple of the Aurors there. They didn’t invite Peter, for both felt unsure about their friend in these dark times, but it was a special occasion. With joy, all three couples became wife and husband (or in Sirius and Severus’ case…husband and husband).  Not long afterwards, they had all gotten homes in or near the countryside.

Remus and Evie had bought special land that was surrounded by trees. They had put special charms on it so that its complete location would change every few days so that people couldn’t find them without a special password. Lily and James had been given a home as a wedding present and had put charms on it so that it wasn’t visible to anyone unless they too said a special password. Sirius and Severus moved into Severus’ Manor, happily making it a loving home as they lived together.

It was decided that, instead of Sirius and Severus, Peter would have the job of being keeper of the passwords for both houses at the insistence of Sirius. The others knew what they were, but could only remember when they were with one of the ones who lived there. It was an interesting arrangement, but one that they didn’t mind whatsoever in these perilous times. With Voldemort seeking greater power and his Death eaters attacking almost every week, they needed to have safety as well.

Thus were Evie’s thoughts as she and Remus got their house ready for the group’s first Christmas party since they had all married. It was going to be even more special because Lily and James had announced that they were expecting their first child! Evie was just bouncing with excitement at the news. She was going to be an aunt!

“/Remus…make sure that the cider is ready! Remember what Sev suggested! Two cups of fairy spirits should do it perfectly!/” Evie called out as she stirred the gravy for the potatoes. She’d gotten a bunch of recipes from Mrs. Potter a couple of years back, along with some cookbooks for their wedding. She was happy to be making dinner this Christmas…especially in their new home!

“/I know, love! Let me finish up with this garland and…oh hells!/ Wingardium Leviosa!” Remus’ voice called out and she giggled as she saw him levitate the garlands to the proper spot.

She cast a charm on the rest of the food cooking and went out to help him with the last of the decorations, tickling the fairies that were playing around in the tree as they lit it with color. “/You little ones are having too much fun!/” she declared with a laugh and they giggled as well before settling down and singing softly the carols that they had learned happily for their two friends.

“/How do you do that? They wouldn’t settle down for me!/” Remus asked in amusement as he wrapped his arms around her waist and grinned at the singing fairies.

“/I just like playing with them! Plus…I’m female,/” Evie replied with a snicker and giggled as he growled and tickled her. They both jumped, laughing as the doorbell rang. “/Go answer that! I’m going to check the food!/” Evie ordered with a laugh as she disentangled herself from her love and ran towards the kitchen.

Snickering, Remus went to the door and opened it. “Happy Christmas!” James, Lily, and Peter cried in greeting as they waved.

“Happy Christmas, you guys! Come on in! Presents under the tree and watch the fairies!” Remus ordered with a laugh as he stepped aside. He hugged them all as they came in, then looked out in time to see Sirius, Severus, Dumbledore, and McGonagall appear as well. “Come on in you guys! Happy Christmas!” he called out cheerfully.

“Happy Christmas, Remus!” Severus called out, then laughed as Sirius hit Remus with a snowball. Remus laughed and tackled his friend into a snow bank as the other three ‘made a getaway’ into the house. The two wrestlers came in after a minute, dripping wet and laughing as they took off coats or went up to change clothes.

Sirius smirked as Severus came over with some cider and kissed his husband lovingly. “Hmm…now I’m toasty warm,” he purred out, then smirked as Severus shook his head and bopped him on the nose. They both saw the women jabbering away and grinned as they went over by James, Dumbledore, and Peter, who were laughing and gesturing away as they talked. They glanced over as the doorbell rang some more and Evie ran over to answer it, gleefully greeting the latest guests as they came in. Three little redhead boys ran in, laughing as they chased each other and ran from their flustered mother as she called them back. “Ah…the Weasleys…quite the pack,” Sirius stated with a snicker then hugged Arthur Weasley as he came over with a grin.

“So what’s this I hear you’re expecting again, Art?” Dumbledore asked with a chuckle as the redheaded man put down one of the twins he was carrying and let him go run with his brothers. Arthur blushed brightly as the other guys hooted with laughter and pounded him on the back in congratulations.

“Maybe mine and Lily’s kid will go to school with yours, Art!” James predicted with a big grin as he glanced at his wife while she talked excitedly with the other three women she was with. The guys laughed again as they talked, joined soon by the Prewitts and Longbottoms as everyone arrived.

“Time to chow!!” Remus called out as he came out and cheers rang out from the guests. They all went into the large dining room, dodging running redheads as the little ones raced to the table to sit down. Evie was bouncing one of the twins while Lily played with the other, laughing lightly as they finally all came into the room. Murmurs of appreciation rang around the room as the guests took in the ambience of the room, lit by candles with fairies playing in the chandelier. The food sparkled on the clean white tablecloth, while holly and mistletoe decorated the center around the dishes. Everyone sat down for a long cozy dinner, talking animatedly as time went on everything, telling Remus and Evie what a wonderful dinner it was.

Dessert came and then they moved to the living room to open gifts from each other. They all were laughing as the kids got entangled in rewrapping paper, a trick by Minerva and Severus to make things interesting. They finally cast the charm to stop it and the kids dived in to open another present, undeterred. The night wore on happily, everyone’s hearts soothed by the thoughts of a peaceful Christmas, and especially with such happy tidings as three babies to be gracing their lives in the next year. For now…Voldemort was gone…and life was joyful…even if only for a short while.

*~~**~~*

Severus sighed softly as he came up to the door. He hoped one of them was home…

Knocking, he waited patiently, rocking on his heels as he kept his hands behind his back. He glanced around worriedly; hoping that one of them would answer. It was hard to tell on these ‘drop in visits’.  It had been about eight months since Christmas when he’d come over to the Lupins’ house and, with all of the births, he’d lost track of his time with them. And now with this new request by Dumbledore…

Finally, he smiled in relief as the door opened. “Sev?! Hey! What’s up!?” Evie’s voice asked in surprise and delight as she opened the door and hugged her dear friend.

“I was wondering if I could talk to you and Remus, Evie?” Severus replied with a strained smile as he hugged his friend tightly back.

“Of course! Remus just went to Hogsmeade to get some groceries, so he’ll be back soon,” Evie explained with a smile as she stepped in and led her friend into her house. “Can I get you anything?” she asked over her shoulder as she headed towards the kitchen.

“No thanks, Evie…I just came to visit and such,” Severus answered as he went into the kitchen and smiled as he relaxed. It still felt so homey and gentle at their house. Despite what they were, Evie and Remus always were the calmest of their loving group. He sat down and rolled his eyes as she brought over some tea, grinning impishly before sitting down. “How have things been for you two?” Sev asked as he put some honey into his tea and sipped it.

“Fine and happy! He keeps on wanting to put in some special things and I’m just like, ‘Not with the kids we baby-sit and my godson coming over!’ Oi vey, men…” Evie replied with a giggle and winked at her friend as he smirked. “And you and Sirius? How have things been? How’s teaching?” she asked before sipping her own tea.

Severus smiled slightly before looking down into his cup. “Things are relatively ok. They are a bit strained with all of the missions we’ve been having to take for the Order, but…” Severus trailed off, sighing slightly. “Dumbledore’s made a request from me and Sirius isn’t too happy with it. That’s why I came to you both,” he said finally as she watched him in concern.

“Oh? What kind of request?” Evie asked in concern as she reached over and held his hand. “Sev…are things really ok with you and Sirius?” she asked in worry as Severus looked away. They both looked up and smiled as Remus came in carrying some bags. “Remus! There you are! Just in time for some company and tea!” she declared cheerfully as she got up to help him.

“Oh? Sev you old dog! How ya been?!” Remus exclaimed with a big smile as he shook hands awkwardly with his friend before grumbling and floating the bags into the kitchen, where they set about emptying themselves and the contents putting themselves away.

“It’s good to see you, Remus,” Severus replied with a smile as Evie snickered in amusement. “How has work been?” he asked as he sipped his tea while Remus sat down after tickling Evie.

“Work has been…work!” Remus replied good-naturedly and grinned as Evie giggled. “I’m just glad I have a job even though I’m…well you know,” he said, shrugging as Severus nodded in understanding. “How’s teaching? Still like kids?” he asked with a grin.

Severus smiled again, though with less strain. “It has been busy. We’re getting ready for the next year of kids and with the missions it has been rather stressful. I’d like to take a vacation some time with Sirius…just us,” he said wistfully as he looked down into his cup.

“Things are not going well?” Evie asked again in worry as the two werewolves watched their friend in concern. “You mentioned something about Dumbledore making a request.  What’s up?” she asked quietly.

Sighing softly, Severus rubbed his eyes and looked at them. “He’s asked me to look into making a potion to either cure or at least stave off the worst effects for werewolves. Sirius isn’t happy about it because I wanted to ask you both to be my…guinea pigs, so to say,” he explained with a frown.

“Sirius is worried about it? But you’re really good with potions! I’m sure you’d be careful!” Remus said in concern as he looked at his wife. “I’m fine with it personally,” he stated with a shrug.

“Same here! If you can get something so we aren’t as big a threat during the full moon, I’m all for it!” Evie added cheerfully and grinned as Severus smiled slightly at her, relaxing.

“I’d make a different concoction for each moon, trying to get a good mix. I’d like it if you could give me information how things felt during your transformations as well as while you were in your form. I’d also like to…be present when it happens,” Severus added, shivering slightly. He grabbed their hands quickly when he saw their saddened faces and said softly, “No, no…it’s not that. Yes…I’m still afraid. But…but I want to help you both so much.” He squeezed their hands and smiled as they smiled back at him.

“Did you ask Sirius if he wanted to help?” Remus asked as they resettled themselves and sipped their tea.

“I…didn’t think on that. Do you think I should?” Snape replied as he chewed on his lip slightly, looking younger than he was.

“I would! He’s been around us when we’ve transformed!” Evie chirped out and grinned as Remus snickered while Severus grinned. “Seriously, Sev…talk to Sirius. I know! Why don’t you both come over for dinner tonight and we’ll talk about it then? Password is Unicorn Haze…since we’re moving tonight,” she suggested while grinning cheekily.

Chuckling softly, Severus shook his head. “All right. I’ll owl you if it doesn’t work for tonight. Tomorrow you two have that mission, right?” He nodded as they did and sighed softly in worry. “The full moon isn’t for another couple of weeks. I’ll start on several types of potions and see what we can figure, ok?” he asked as he looked at them for reassurance. They both smiled and nodded in agreement and got up with him as he stood up. “All right. I will contact you later then,” Snape stated with a smile and hugged them both good-bye. He walked outside with them then apparated as he stepped off the steps.

With a crack, he reappeared at his home that he had with Sirius and sighed. ‘I just hope Sirius is in a better mood now,’ he thought hopefully. He firmly told himself that, after this next mission, he was going to take Sirius on a nice cruise so they could relax and spend time together. The honeymoon had faded a while back and Severus missed it. He also hated lying to his love and resolved again to tell his beloved what he was…and just how he was connected with these missions.

He came into the manor and smiled as he smelled lilac on the air and heard soft music playing in the study. Lilac was his favorite scent and Sirius had come to love it as well. With a hopeful smile, Severus went to the study and peeked in. He smiled warmly as he saw his husband sitting at the desk, writing up some papers for work as he hummed to the music. His soft black hair trailed over a strong shoulder as he bent over his scroll and wrote in swift, long strokes. Sirius looked up suddenly and over at the door, smiling softly. “Hey you. When did you get in?” he asked softly as he stood up and stretched.

Severus chuckled softly as he came in and sauntered up to his husband and wrapped his arms around the slender waist. “Just now. I…was visiting Remus and Evie. They say hi and want us to come over for dinner tonight if possible to discuss it,” he replied, feeling his face tighten as Sirius frowned and sighed.

“What did they say to it?” Sirius asked quietly as he wrapped his arms around his husband’s waist and gazed into the dark eyes he loved.

Sighing as he relaxed, Severus replied, “They wouldn’t mind it at all. In fact, they had suggested that you be there along with me since you know what to expect more often than not.” He smiled as Sirius cocked an eyebrow and shrugged. “What with your being an Animagus and such,” he added slyly, grinning as Sirius flushed slightly.

“I still can’t believe how you found that out…” Sirius muttered as he flushed even more and grinned as Severus laughed in a sultry tone. He leaned his head in and kissed his husband softly, smiling as Severus melted against him happily. “I’m sorry for being angry, love. I just…Evie and Remus always have had it tough with being werewolves and I just didn’t like the thought of experimenting on them,” he explained apologetically.

“It’s ok, Sirius. I understand. I feel the same way, yet I wouldn’t want to trust this with anyone else. And I think, that is also why Dumbledore asked me as well,” Severus stated with a smile up at his love as he cupped his husband’s cheek tenderly. “But you can trust me. I love those two like the siblings I never had. I would never intentionally harm them. And they have given permission,” he added with a sad smile.

“Don’t look like that, love…it’s ok. I trust you. I was just…concerned. That’s all,” Sirius said softly as he brushed a thumb over the saddened lips before kissing them. He pulled Severus tightly to him and murmured, “Were they expecting us tonight?”
 

“I can…owl them if something…comes up,” Severus replied with a chuckle as his husband nibbled down his neck, purring. “Is something…up, love?” he asked teasingly as he moaned and let his head fall back.

“Yeup…and you aren’t going to be for much longer,” Sirius replied with a leer before pushing his laughing husband onto the plush couch nearby. Severus’ laugh echoed around the room as they came together and ‘made-up’.

*~~**~~*

Later that week, the four got together for dinner at the Lupins’ home. Evie and Remus had a good time teasing the two males for ‘not having made it’ the previously chosen night, but they were happy to see that the two were more relaxed around each other. After dinner was done and dessert was settling happily in their stomachs, the four grabbed their cups of tea and went into the den to relax and discuss the ‘project’ seriously.

“I personally don’t see anything wrong with it. It is a wonderful opportunity to get this taken care of finally,” Evie stated as she sipped her tea and leaned into Remus.

“But it’s dangerous too. What if the Deatheaters catch on? You might be too vulnerable and we-“ Sirius pointed at Severus and himself, “might not be able to protect you completely. Plus, what if the potion makes you even more vicious? We might not be able to defend against you two!” he said, looking upset as he saw how that hurt them.

“Well, first off…maybe we should think about putting us in a cage? Observe us through the bars. It would be safer and we wouldn’t be risking your lives,” Remus suggested as he cocked a pale brown eyebrow.

“That would work, if you wouldn’t mind,” Severus replied quietly. He too was a bit apprehensive about being around the two if they were free and hadn’t wanted to mention the cage. He didn’t want to cage his friends…

“Don’t worry, Sev. We trust you both completely. You’re family afterall!” Evie said cheerfully as she smiled cheerfully at them.

“Yes…family,” Severus murmured softly as he sipped his tea and listened to them discuss the plans for the upcoming moon. It was decided that they would meet at the Lupins’ house early on that evening before moonrise so that the two could take the potion. Silently, Severus prayed that he wouldn’t do anything to hurt any of them. He didn’t see his husband watching his brooding as they spoke.

With the decision made, the two black haired young men left the warm house of their friends and headed back. Once there, Sirius took his beloved and made love to him until Severus was hoarse from his cries of pleasure. They snuggled close, no words being said, but their love bonded them even through the tension. Severus sent a silent prayer to any guiding force that he never lost his beloved. Especially to the Dark Lord.

TBC