Inell's Fanfiction Archive

"You need to get some sleep."

Severus didn't look up from the potion he was brewing as he said, "Sleep is highly overrated."

"Is it?" Remus asked softly as he entered the Potions classroom. "What are we working on this evening?"

"We?" Severus finally looked up, arching a brow as he looked at the slender wizard. "*I* am working on a draught that should assist those suffering from the effects of too many Crucio curses. You are merely distracting me and being quite bothersome."

"Crucio?" he repeated slowly. "Will it work?"

"If you'd go away and let me complete the draught, I'll be certain to owl you the results," Severus said sharply before turning his attention back to the cauldron before him.

"I would like to help, Severus," Remus said softly. "It's nearly Christmas, and Albus told me that you've not left this room for a week."

"Albus has more important things to worry about than my daily schedule," Severus muttered before adding two drops of Jihyr to the boiling cauldron. "I have been working on this Potion for five days, not a week. The first effort was less than stellar, though the results from the second batch proved more favorable. I do believe I've discovered the problem so this batch should be correct."

"You say it should aid those suffering from repeated Crucio?" Remus asked curiously.

Severus paused in his stirring to look at the other wizard. His voice was quiet as he said, "If it works as the text suggests, it could very well protect from Crucio as well as lessening the effects of repeated exposure. Do you see why I must complete the potion? If it is successful, it will provide defense against one of the Unforgivables. The children, they would be protected from one of the dangers facing them. I must finish the testing, Lupin."

"Then you need sleep," Remus decided, his voice soft but firm. "Tell me what to do, Severus. I was rather apt at Potions, if you recall."

"Stubborn prat," Severus said as he narrowed his eyes. "Fine. It is pointless to argue with a Gryffindor. Stir the potion forty-three more times. Once stirring is complete, add three drops of Grefin and two Loki roots. Let it simmer for two hours. I should be awake by then. If not, you will wake me."

"Of course," Remus nodded, not at all surprised that Severus was only allowing himself a few hours of rest. There were circles under his eyes, his skin looking more pale and gaunt than normal, and he gave the impression that a strong wind might knock him over. Despite the thin, gangly frame, Severus had strength that few possessed and would most likely curse the wind for daring to disturb him.

"Are you listening, Lupin?”

“Forty-three stirs, three drops of Grefin, and two Loki roots. Simmer for two hours. I was listening, Severus,” Remus replied sardonically.

“Yes, well, I was unable to tell since you commonly have that dazed expression on your face. I will rest briefly. Do try not to ruin my potion.”

“I’ll do my best,” Remus assured him, watching with satisfaction when Severus glared at his failure to illicit a reaction with his scathing words.

“Coming from the likes of you, that is not entirely reassuring,” Severus drawled as he stepped away from the cauldron. Before he was able to make another remark, thin lips pressed against his briefly.

“Get some sleep, Severus,” Remus instructed his lover, his lips curving into a small smile as he began to stir the potion.

The End.