Entry tags:

lupin, nc-17, slash, snape

Howl-o-Ween Challenge: ~Friend or Foe~ NC-17
Title: Friend or Foe
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Lupin/Snape
Kink(s): Dub-con, Bestiality
Challenge: Howl-o-Ween 2007 at Pervy Werewolf
Prompt: There is something haunting in the light of the moon; it has all the dispassionateness of a disembodied soul, and something of its inconceivable mystery. ~Joseph Conrad
Word Count: Just under 4,000
Summary: When Padfoot and Prongs come back for Moony, will he go? Are they really his friends, or some Dark Magic?
Warning: Contains fruitcake
Notes: This takes place after OotP, during the fall of HBP. Thanks to snegurochka_lee and busaikko for beta help. They did their best – any screw-ups are mine 'cause I can't stop tinkering.

~Friend or Foe~

From far away, faint as the whisper of a memory, the sound tickled the ears of the sleeping wolf. He raised his head, instantly alert, and turned toward the window, ears twitching to draw in the sound. A minute ticked by, then another, and still he waited, barely breathing. There it was again! Far away, he heard the bark of a dog. The wolf stiffened, glanced at the sleeping man on the bed beside him, then got down quietly. Padding to the window and putting his paws on the sill to look out at the night, the wolf stilled again, his shallow breaths making patches of fog on the chilled panes. Nothing moved on the moon-lit hillside behind the cottage as his eyes searched the tumble of rocks and dormant heather. The Hunter's Moon made it almost as bright as day, leaving little shelter for the animals of the moor.

There it was again, closer now.

The sound of a barking dog wasn't all that uncommon here in the hills, but this was different. This wasn't just any dog.

The wolf whined softly, then moved quickly down the stairs and trotted back to the small kitchen. He stood up on hind legs to look out the window of the door, and an urgent sound rumbled deep in his chest.

The bark came again, and now Moony saw him: a big, shaggy dog, black in the moonlight, standing at the back of the garden, tail waving, tongue lolling, and doggy smile inviting him out to play.

Padfoot!

Whining, the wolf scratched at the door before the human part of him took hold. Reaching for the knob with his teeth, he tried to get enough of a grip to turn it. It took him a couple of tries, but he heard the latch click, and pushing his thick snout into the crack, he wedged the door open and burst into the garden.

The dog jumped him, rolling him over and over, yipping happily and nipping at his face and ears. Then he sprang up, leapt the low rock wall and gave a quick look back over his shoulder before racing off.

The human part of Moony's mind was shouting warnings, but the wolf ignored them as he raced off to recapture his happiest memories.

They sprinted over the low hill, then down toward a clump of scrubby trees. As they approached, a shadow detached itself from the others and moved into the light.

Prongs!

With a garbled sound of glee, the wolf jumped the stag, and they fell into a tumble of hooves and paws and antlers. Padfoot ran around them in a circle, barking, until they scrambled up. Moony stood panting but the others were off, streaking through the moonlight, leaping rocks and plowing through the dead bracken. Moony hurried to catch up.

Faster! he seemed to hear them call inside his head. Run faster!

He tried. On and on they ran, and always he heard their voices in his head, urging him on, telling him that if he just ran fast enough and far enough, he could join them and stay with them forever.

He didn't know how long he ran, or how far, though when he stumbled in a stream, he thought it might be the one behind the cottage, that they might have been running in circles. He tried to gulp some of the icy water, but they called to him from the top of the bank. When he looked up, his vision blurring from exhaustion, their shapes seemed to waver a bit, like a mirage on a hot day.

Pads? he called in his mind, and the big dog shook himself. Pads, I need to rest.

Come on Moony! He heard the beloved voice clearly in his mind. Only a little further, a little longer. Do you want to be left behind?

The wolf dragged himself up the bank of the stream, his lungs burning and his heart feeling as though it would burst from the effort. At the top, he staggered and fell.

~~

Snape came to with a start, wondering what had wakened him. The bed beside him was empty, the covers cold to the touch. Lupin must be downstairs; not an unusual thing. He turned over and pulled up the quilt against the slight draft.

Draft?

Snape was out of bed in a blink. Pulling on trousers and grabbing his wand, he glided soundlessly down the stairs and crept into the kitchen. He swore softly at the sight of the back door standing ajar, and he quickly summoned boots and a cloak while searching the moonlit landscape. He was buttoning his cloak when he spotted three shapes streaking across the moor. There was a large stag being relentlessly pursued by two canines. The lead canine was unknown to Snape, but the second one, larger and seeming to flag, was so familiar he could recognize it at a glance, even a quarter-mile distant. Something wasn't right, though. The lead dog was now running abreast of the stag, but making no attempt to bring it down, and Lupin... Lupin was stumbling. Even a small dog could run a deer to ground, and Lupin was not small. They dove down the slope to a rocky stream, and a few seconds later, the first two emerged. Lupin was not with them and they turned, looking back into the gulley.

Cold fear washed over Snape as realization hit, and focusing carefully, he Apparated to a point just downstream from the pair at the moment Lupin dragged himself up the bank and collapsed. Snape was at his side instantly, cradling the big head in his lap and resting a hand on the heaving ribs.

The dog growled and started to approach, but he backed off when Snape raised his wand.

"No. You've taken him from me twice before; you're not having him now."

The stag pawed the ground. Under his hand, Lupin's breathing became shallow, his heartbeat fast and light.

"I don't know what magic brought you here, but I'm warning you, leave him be or I'll send you back to whatever hell you came from."

The two hesitated, then turned and loped off. Snape watched until he was sure they were really going, then half-levitated, half-heaved the unconscious wolf onto his shoulders. Struggling to his feet, he staggered toward the cottage. With Lupin as weak as he was, he was afraid to use too much magic on him, but he couldn't help thinking that for such a slender man, Lupin made a very heavy werewolf.

Snape was gasping from the effort when he finally got Lupin up the stairs and lowered him gently to the bed. He ran his hands over the still body, checking for injuries, then pulled the quilt over the wolf and ran a hand through his own hair. Lupin didn't seem hurt, just exhausted. He laid a hand on the rib cage and felt the rapid, thready beat of the heart. Could werewolves have heart attacks? Snape supposed so, but had no idea what to do about it. Even if he dared risk the Apparation to St. Mungo's, would they take care of Lupin, or just lock him in a cage?

Snape finally stretched out beside the wolf and moved as close as he could under the quilt. He didn't put an arm around him, didn't want Lupin to have the stress of the extra weight on his ribs, but he curled as close as he could, offering heat and concern where other skills failed him.

~~

Snape awoke with a start when Lupin's transformation began. He cradled Lupin in his arms, trying to keep his flailing lover from injuring himself, and spoke soothing words, grateful that at least, being unconscious, Lupin was for once spared the agonizing pain of his monthly ordeal. When at last Lupin lay panting and still, Snape banished the fur that seemed to get everywhere, tidied the bed and tucked the quilt under Lupin's chin. He decided to stay a little longer, even though the sun was well up, and drifted into an uneasy sleep curled protectively around Lupin's body.

When next Snape woke, he was feeling head-achy and cranky, but both disappeared as soon as he discovered that Lupin's deep breathing was a sign of sleep, not unconsciousness, and he relaxed a little as he pressed his ear to Lupin's back and heard his strong, steady heartbeat. Rising, he dressed quietly and went downstairs. He wanted to do some research in the Hogwarts library, but didn't want to leave Lupin alone. After making a few notes, he paced restlessly, then headed for the kitchen.

The cottage was Lupin's, with Snape coming for the moons and any other time he could get away from Hogwarts and his duties with the Order. As it lacked an extensive library or a potions lab, the kitchen had become Snape's favorite place to think.

~~

Lupin woke slowly, gradually becoming aware of the sunlight, the singing of a bird outside the window, and the aches that throbbed in every joint. He walked carefully to the loo, then took a long, hot shower. A tub soak would have been nice, but he couldn't be bothered, so he settled for standing under the scalding water. Leaning against the wall, he was almost dozing when the cooling water roused him. Drying off, he pulled on minimal clothing and headed to the kitchen, where enticing smells made his stomach rumble.

Snape was busy with something at the counter when Lupin entered. He gave Lupin a quick, appraising glance, then filled a bowl from the pot on the back of the stove and plunked it on the table. Lupin sat, and the bowl was joined by a plate piled with thick slices of bread. Soon there was butter and cutlery, all arriving in silence.

Lupin bit into a slice of fresh bread and closed his eyes with a happy sigh.

"You've been baking?"

Snape made a non-committal noise.

Lupin tasted the stew; mutton, rich with carrots, potatoes, parsnips and onions, and alive with the flavor of several herbs he couldn't be bothered to identify. "This is wonderful, Severus. Won't you sit with me?"

Snape grunted and started turning out several small tins. Lupin sniffed.

"You made fruitcake?"

"You had all the ingredients." He sounded almost accusatory.

"I was thinking of trying to make some for Christmas." He studied Snape's back. "I'm sorry I worried you so."

"What makes you think I was worried?" Snape banged the tins in the sink and set them washing themselves.

"Well, when you're worried, you make potions. Since you don't have access to a potions lab here, I'm guessing that cooking is the next best thing."

Snape sighed. He poured tea for both of them, then sat opposite Lupin. "I find the process of brewing – or cooking – helps me clear my mind and order my thoughts." He sipped his tea. "What happened last night?"

Lupin mopped the last of the stew from the bowl with a crust of bread and chewed thoughtfully before answering. He reported in his best scientific style. Just the facts and observations, no conjecture. When he was finished, he waited quietly.

"So." Snape refreshed their tea. "Your friends continue have an utter disregard for your life, but you'd still rather be dead with them than in this world."

The unspoken, with me screamed into the silence.

"No." Lupin leaned forward and fixed Snape with a steady look. "No, Severus. This is not about us. My years at Hogwarts were some of the happiest of my life; they were the happiest of Moony's life. He thought he saw something he's dreamed of ever since leaving Hogwarts. He thought he saw his friends, alive again."

"Come on, Lupin, you're the Dark Arts expert. And these hills have magic far older than anything in our world. It's only a few days to Halloween, what did you think you were seeing?"

Lupin sighed. "You know Moony doesn't think that way; you created all the experiments we've been doing these many months. With the Wolfsbane, Moony has my humanity, not my brain. He can't do maths, or reason out a logic problem." Lupin waved a hand in the air. "He can hardly pay attention long enough to complete your tests." He leaned forward and rested a hand on Snape's wrist. "He wasn't running away from you, he was running toward something else."

Snape was still for a moment, then nodded and ran a hand through his hair. "They weren't ghosts."

"No. Nor Inferi."

Snape frowned. "They did cast shadows. Did you touch them? Did they have substance?"

"Yes, though not like you or me. When Pads jumped on me, it was like being hit – hard – by a very solid pillow. Same when I jumped Prongs, mostly solid, but with no elbows or knees, no hard parts."

"Did they smell?"

"Pardon?"

Snape shook his head. "Did they smell, Lupin. Did they have an odor?"

Lupin thought for a moment. "No, no they didn't." There was a touch of surprise in his voice.

Snape fetched a packet of Jammie Dodgers and emptied them onto a plate between them. Lupin ate one without seeming to notice.

"So." Snape watched in amusement as Lupin bit into another of the biscuits that he claimed not to care for. "Not ghosts, not Inferi. That leaves us with... ancient magic of the land, or some of my lot. Anyone who might want you dead?"

Lupin brushed crumbs from his jumper. "I don't imagine I'm on Greyback's Christmas card list."

"He hasn't the brains or the magic for this."

"Any of your lot know of my Animagi friends?"

Snape frowned at the table for a moment. "Yes."

"Well then." Lupin poured more tea. "I don't imagine I'm on any of their Christmas lists, either. Who has the skill? Who would bother?"

Snape's eyes narrowed. "Do not underestimate their opinion of you. The work you've been doing with the werewolves is not appreciated." He moved the almost empty plate of biscuits out of Lupin's reach. "Bellatrix has the skill, and running you to death would appeal to her sense of humor."

"A charming woman."

Snape snorted his tea. When he had stopped coughing, and wiped his eyes, he looked at the clock. "Another moon tonight. If they try again – try to kill you again – we should have a plan."

"I don't think you should be involved."

"And why is that?"

"If it is old magic, something conjured from my being and tainted with some evil from the long past, I've got to face it myself."

"And if it's Bellatrix, or one of the others? I don't think these things have the capacity to report any information – at least I hope not, or I'm in a lot of trouble – but there are two of them."

"And I am the Dark Arts expert. No, Severus, where they failed last night, whoever created them – if someone created them – well, they may come back with them to see if they can help things along. You'd best stay out of it."

Snape started to speak, but Lupin held up a hand. "Please. Wherever they came from, this is something Moony and I need to deal with."

"I'd feel better about it if Moony was the Dark Arts expert, rather than an expert on catching mice in the woodshed."

Lupin laughed as he rose from the table and stretched, joints cracking and popping. He came behind Snape and draped his arms over the seated man's shoulders. "Trust us, Severus." He nuzzled Snape's ear, then straightened up. "I'm going back to bed for a while. Care to join me? Just for company?"

"Is that supposed to be an incentive?"

Lupin brightened. "I believe I could arrange for more."

Snape snorted. "You'd fall asleep on me. You're swaying on your feet now." He slipped an arm around Lupin's waist and turned him toward the stairs. "Come on."

Lupin rubbed his cheek against Snape's shoulder and let himself be led upstairs. He curled up in Snape's arms and was asleep almost instantly. Snape lay awake thinking for some time, then got up and went back to his notes.

~~

It was just after midnight, and Snape was reading at the desk when Moony come down the stairs at a trot. He was on full alert, hackles up and growling deep in his chest. He headed straight for the back door without so much as a glance at Snape. By the time Snape had risen and followed, Lupin had the door open and was out on the walk. He whined and Snape saw the clear shapes of a stag and a dog at the foot of the garden. Moony yelped and started forward.

"Remus!" The cry was out of his mouth before he could stop it. Moony hesitated, throwing a brief look over his shoulder, then charged off after his friends.

Snape took the stairs two at a time. The bedroom had the best view of the moor, and he sat on the side of the bed, eyes searching the moonlit hills.

Nothing.

He stared out for hours, until, unaware, he slumped against the headboard and dozed.

~~

The bed bounced so hard he almost landed on the floor.

"Remus?"

"Arrrawaaarawwooo."

Snape could almost hear the laughter in Lupin's response, as though asking if he were expecting some other werewolf to land in his bed. An icy nose burrowed under his collar and a warm tongue licked his neck.

"Stop that! Damn it, your nose is freezing."

The werewolf "laughed" again and pawed at his robes, then tugged at the cloth with his teeth.

"No. Yes, I'm glad you're back and seemingly in one piece, but no."

The wolf tugged harder and the cloth of Snape's pants gave way.

"Fuck! Lupin, don't you dare put that cold nose of yours anywhere near my bits. Shit! That tickles."

The cold nose was sniffing deeply, little puffs of air and long whiskers moving over Snape's most sensitive parts.

"No. No, no, no! We discussed this, and it's just not on. It's too much. It's... oh, gods!" Snape gasped as the long, warm tongue wrapped around his balls.

"No! I will not have sex with an animal."

Lupin's wolf-tongue stroked up Snape's cock – which didn't seem to mind at all – and Snape choked on his protest as the big animal went on licking him, long, broad strokes, relentless in their regularity, slow and lazy.

"Lupin!" Snape buried his fists in the soft fur of the wolf's ruff and held on, unable to either pull him close or push him away. "Stop.... don't.... gods... don't stop...."

Snape arched up and cried out as he came, spilling himself for the pleasure of the hungry wolf.

The werewolf licked him clean, then, with a sigh, flopped down on the bed beside him and rested his head on Snape's chest.

"I thought we had an agreement?" Snape was slightly breathless.

Lifting his head, the wolf licked Snape's face.

"You think I'll forgive you? Just because you gave me the most brilliant orgasm?" He sighed and pulled the quilt up over the both of them, then turned and ran his hands over Lupin's body, probing and squeezing gently, looking for injury. The wolf whined and licked his face again. "All right, all right, I was just checking. And I shall expect a full report later this morning, organized and detailed. No sloppy work will be accepted."

The wolf nudged his chest and put his head down with a sigh. The big brown eyes blinked closed.

"Later then." Snape murmured into the soft fur.

~~

Snape woke up shortly after sunrise. Moonset wasn't for another couple of hours, so he gathered his clothes – including the torn remnants of what he had been wearing the previous night – and went for a long shower.

He was just sitting down to a full plate of eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms and bacon when a slightly bleary-eyed werewolf strolled into the room and sat at his side, fixing him with a soulful stare.

"No."

The wolf licked his lips, adjusted his seat slightly, pricked his ears and brightened his gaze.

"No. And stop trying to look cute, it's unbecoming – not to mention undignified – in a middle-aged werewolf." He slathered butter on a slice of his homemade bread.

"Arrroowrrraaar."

"Look who I'm trying to reason with." Snape grumbled to himself, then raised his voice to classroom level. "Which part of no don't you understand?"

The werewolf's brush of a tail waved across the floor.

"Yes, I seem to remember you have trouble with that word."

The wolf rested his snout on Snape's arm.

"It won't work. You know perfectly well that if you have anything in your stomach during transformation, you'll spew, and I don't care how good your cleaning charms are, I will not have werewolf vomit on my pillow."

The big animal put his snout under Snape's arm and lifted it, sending his butter knife skidding across the table.

"What?"

The werewolf blinked.

Snape sighed and rubbed the soft ears. The wolf's eyes closed and he leaned into Snape's hand. "I guess I can do this much," he muttered, watching the big animal relax.

The clock in the hall chimed the hour. "Seven minutes to moon set. Upstairs with you – I'll be there in a minute. And I'll expect that report promptly!" he called after the retreating form.

Snape ate a little of his food, then gave up, cast a Keeping charm on it and headed upstairs to hold his lover through the torture of transformation.

~~

Lupin dozed a little after transforming, then rose and showered. He stumbled into the kitchen to find that Snape had made him a breakfast equal to his own, only with an extra rasher of bacon.

"Thank you." He said quietly, tucking in.

Snape drank tea and watched him eat. When Lupin had finished and pushed back with a contented sigh, Snape sent the dishes to the sink and poured them more tea.

"Report."

Lupin did, and it was clear, concise and well ordered enough that even Snape couldn't find fault.

The "apparitions" [they used the word for lack of a better one] were indeed old magic, brought into being by Moony's unhappy longing for his old friends, but twisted by the spirits of the local region and Lupin's unspoken inner turmoil about his former companions, into something deadly. He had run with them, then faced them down. It had been a long and unpleasant night, but Moony had returned, intact and happy to be where he was.

"No more regrets?"

"No." Lupin's eyes were shining. "Moony and I are right where we want to be. What he wanted was something that had ceased to exist long before anyone died. He wanted the time when everything was about friendship and trust, and that time ended before Godric's Hallow." Lupin sighed. "There is a new time now, another time of friendship and trust, and we're happy here."

Snape cleared his throat, then sipped his tea. "You're sure?"

"Absolutely." He reached out and lifted Snape's chin with a finger. "And Severus? That trust has to go both ways." His gaze became laser bright. "Your time with Moony will come."

Snape stared at him for several long seconds without breathing, then swallowed hard. "I...."

Lupin stroked his thumb over Snape's cheek. "Trust us."

Snape took a deep breath, then moved to the sink and started sorting dishes.

"Severus?"

Snape turned, a slightly wary look on his face. "Yes?"

Lupin fixed Snape with a very Moony-like look. "May I have some of that fruitcake?"

Snape turned away to hide the twitching at the corner of his mouth.

"No."

~end~