A/N: So yeah…

A couple of changes from what I'd initially planned on doing with this chapter, but it worked out the way I wanted.

Thanks for the reviews

Usual apologies

Disclaimer: See previous chapters

"Morning Severus-"

"Save it Lupin, we both know why you're here so there's no point in wasting time with idle chit chat." Severus said before simply turning around to leave the floo room and walk down the hall, Remus blinked and quickly followed the other man out the room and up the stairs.

Remus' eyes flickered from one side to another. Nothing's changed much since the last time he went there, he and Sirius weren't on the best of speaking terms so the last time he actually went to Grimmauld place was one month ago on the last full moon so he could collect his potion from Severus.

Still, although nothing about the townhouse itself was any different from the last time he went there, Severus certainly was.

Remus couldn't really pinpoint what it was but something about Severus was different, it wasn't just his appearance but his mood as well.

Before the potions master seemed to be just short of miserable and of course Remus knew why.

He's never approved of Sirius' relationship with Severus, even when they were in school he knew that things would not end well between the two, not because of house sorting's or anything juvenile like that but because of Sirius.

Remus noticed after all, even though no one else did.

He knew of all the girls that the animagus was fooling around with during school, how he'd shag some poor desperate Ravenclaw before spending the rest of the day doting over Severus. He noticed all of those looks those girls would give him when he walked down the halls with the Slytherin only for Sirius to move on like they weren't even there. But he never said a word.

In all honesty he didn't think that Sirius and Severus would last that long, he thought that Sirius would move on passed whatever phase he seemed to be in or that Severus would notice all of those things himself and they wouldn't make it passed graduation.

But they surprised him.

They got married, moved in together and for a while Remus almost thought that his friend had turned over a new leaf, that Severus really was such a great influence on him that the animagus had changed his ways and was trying to be a better person. I mean, that certainly seemed to be the case, especially since Remus is sure that he's never seen either one of them happier than they were when they were together.

But then came that day in the pub.

Remus was in between jobs and Sirius decided to cheer him up by treating him to a drink and a night out, and the werewolf accepted. Not that he was all that comfortable with the display of charity but he'd been terribly depressed as of late and staying cooped up in his shitty little apartment for days on end wasn't doing anything to improve the situation. So they went out and at first everything was going fine, they talked about this and that with Sirius continuously bringing up Severus in the middle of every new topic that they talked about.

Remus couldn't help but smile at the warmth that spread right up to Sirius' eyes, feeling just the smallest spark of jealousy at his friends happiness since he got to be with the person that he loved without being judged too harshly on their relationship, something that the werewolf could only wish he had at the time, when a girl suddenly came in and slid into the seat beside the animagus and the everything went to shit.

It was like watching a muggle car crash happen right in front of you in slow motion.

The girl had brown hair and large green eyes, she hadn't even noticed Sirius at first being too preoccupied with her friends when Sirius said hello, smiled that charming smile and made the girl giggle and laugh.

It was disgusting.

Sirius had gone from fawning over his husband one moment to shagging the first easy slag that walked his way.

Remus tried to get his friends attention back to him and away from the severely terrible mistake he was about to make all to no avail. One hour later Remus was dragging Sirius out of the door by the collar of his shirt and they were screaming at each other at the top of their lungs, arguing about Severus and that tart and how Remus just knew that Sirius would end up hurting Severus in the end. Sirius just stared back at Remus at that part, his eyes went cold and his form was tense as he told Remus that he had no right to meddle on his and Severus' affairs, completely ignoring the fact that he was having affairs while Severus stayed obliviously faithful and then started screaming again until Remus just got fed up and left.

They didn't speak for a month after that.

Remus ignored Sirius' owls and avoided him as much as he could. At the time Severus hadn't been using him as a test subject for the wolfs bane yet and he got all of his potion from Dumbledore instead so thankfully he didn't have to see Severus at all during that time. Remus wasn't at all sure what to do, part of him wanted to tell the potions master the truth since it wasn't fair for him to be deceived in that way but the other part of him wondered what would be the point.

He knew about the infamous clause that Walburga Black placed on the marital clause that was meant to be used for all of her children, Severus could do nothing short of actually having Sirius' child in order to leave him so what would be the point in telling the raven if there was nothing he could do about it?

So Remus never said a word about any of it to Severus, however that didn't mean that Sirius was let off the hook either. Every time he saw the animagus the meeting would usually turn into an argument with Remus trying to talk some sense into Sirius and the animagus denying that there was anything wrong. After a while, Remus realized that there was something incredibly wrong with Sirius, since it seemed like the animagus honestly believed his own denials: that nothing was wrong and he wasn't doing anything wrong It was starting to drive Remus insane, until about a few months later when he went to Grimmauld place to see his so called best friend but spoke to Severus instead and that's when he realized…

Severus knew.

Remus could tell from the heartache in the raven's eyes and the sense of utter defeat that suddenly hung over the once proud potions master's form. Somehow Severus seemed even paler than normal and just so incredibly exhausted, this lasted for a year until Severus just didn't seem to care anymore and he started resembling the old Slytherin recluse that he used to be before he and Sirius started dating back in school.

But he looks different now, Remus realized as he followed the potions master up the stairs and down the hall to his study, completely ignoring the portrait of Mrs. Black which started screeching obscenities on half-blood filth in favor of just watching the raven instead.

Severus' skin looked healthier, less pale although it was barely noticeable; his eyes were brighter more alive that Remus has seen them in months and Remus could feel the shift in moods. Yes, the wolf could still feel that slight underlying sense sadness but more than that Remus could feel warmth. Severus was pleased, content almost… happy.

Besides all of that, there was a new scent on Severus now, one that he's sure he's smelled somewhere before but for the life of him he couldn't figure out where-

"Lupin."

Remus blinked and realized that Severus was standing on the other side of the study beside the boiling cauldron, staring back at the blonde with a brow cocked in question while he just stood there staring like an idiot.

"Is there a problem?"

Remus quickly cleared his throat as he stepped inside and the door closed behind him and he took his usual seat in front of the desk. "No, I'm just a little distracted is all."

Severus nodded as he turned towards the potion and took the crystal ladle that lay on a table beside it to stir the boiling brew as he spoke, "Long night?"

"Uh, something like that." Remus said with a slight smile and Severus hummed, "And how are the Malfoys doing these days?"

Remus' head snapped up and he stared at the raven with wide eyes, "What?"

"Spare me the pointless attempts at denial Lupin. I'm well aware of your new…" Severus looked up almost like he was trying to think of the right word even though Remus could see that hint of a smirk tugging at the raven's lips as he spoke, "Living arrangements and the motivations behind it."

"How do you-"

"Narcissa doesn't know how to keep anything to herself."

Remus sighed, "Cissa, of course."

That woman will be the death of him.

Severus gave a snort as he just continued to stir the potion, "Now, I believe you haven't answered the question. How are things at the manor, I hope Draco is doing well."

Remus paused for a moment twiddling his thumbs as he stared down at the floor before glancing up at the other man, "They're fine. Are you-… I mean how do you feel about all this?"

Severus paused, "How do I feel about it?"

"Yeah, I mean about Lucius and I."

Severus took a deep breath as he looked back down at the potion brushing back a stray lock of hair that fell from the loose bun on his head as he started stirring again, "What you, Lucius and Narcissa choose to do behind closed doors really has very little to do with me. As long as my godson is happy then I see no reason for concern."

And Remus let out a silent breath at that.

He's always held just the tiniest bit of concern when it came to the idea of anyone finding out about his relationship with Lucius. It was an odd combination of shame and anger. Shame because he was essentially having an affair with a married man and anger because it isn't fair that he has to hide his mate from the rest of the world.

Yes, mate.

It's true what they say; werewolves mate for life and Remus Lupin unfortunately found his mate in Lucius Malfoy when he was just fifteen years old. Unfortunate since everyone in Hogwarts at the time knew of Lucius' engagement to Narcissa Black. The word "awkward" didn't even begin to explain how he felt that day after one of James' pranks somehow horribly wrong and he ended up stranded in a closet with the Slytherin prefect and he suddenly came upon the startling realization.

The word pathetic didn't begin to describe his behavior when he suddenly caught himself drooling over the blonde in the hallways or in the Great hall during dinner. The word "fucked" didn't even begin to describe his predicament when he realized that he wouldn't be able to stay away from Lucius for much longer about a month later when he saw the Slytherin walking arm and arm with his fiancé in the courtyard one sunny summer's day.

Fortunately, Lucius hadn't reacted half as badly as the Gryffindor thought he would when he noticed the blonde's increased attention on him. Fortunate since Lucius hadn't been half as cruel as Remus knew he was capable of and never really did more than teased the younger man on most days. And then came Christmas break.

And everything went horribly wrong or horribly right depending on how you look at it.

Point is, after Christmas break things had changed; they had changed to the point where Remus had then found himself in the middle of an affair with Lucius. The following few years were hard, what with the war and the fact that his mate was working on the opposing side and had a child with another woman well difficulties are surely to be expected.

But then Narcissa came to see him in the dungeons beneath the Malfoy manor after he and Sirius were captured and she helped them escape, asked for help so that they could escape the dark lord's rule but most importantly of all she told him about Lucius, how he'd been doing and how much he missed Remus and at those words Remus' wolf was suddenly filled with joy completely overruling the depression it had been suffering under for the past few years.

A few years later the war was over, Remus was living in the manor and his relationship with Lucius had never been better. Also his relationship with Narcissa had improved.

Is improved the right word? Technically he is still having an affair with her husband while simultaneously having a sort of relationship with Narcissa.

Sort of.

Remus almost sighed at that, he honestly isn't at all sure what on earth he's doing with the Malfoys.

He loves Lucius, Lucius is his entire world and despite his arrogance and sarcasm Remus couldn't imagine spending his life with anyone else. Remus loves Draco as well, not just because the boy is his mate's heir, but because Draco really is a lovely child, once you get passed that insistent Malfoy shell of arrogance. Draco is bright and confident and generally a lot more pleasant than he seems, he likes spending time with Draco.

His relationship with Narcissa on the other hand is a little more complicated.

At first it was more or less just a matter of necessity. Lucius loves Remus, but he also loves Narcissa as well, they're married they have a child together and if Narcissa was willing to accommodate him for her husband's sake then shouldn't he be willing to do the same?

While his wolf certainly wasn't happy about the situation in which he was being forced to share his mate, Remus was willing to compromise but things are different now. Remus isn't quite sure how to explain it really but he's grown to care for Narcissa in very much the same way that he cares for Lucius although it isn't with the same intensity. Most surprising of all is how his wolf seemed to have grown more accustomed to Narcissa. He didn't even feel a fracture of the hostility that he used to feel around the woman before their little arrangement, in fact feeling the same kind of comfort and protectiveness around her that he felt around Lucius at times.

That much left him feeling completely confused, but being a werewolf Remus hasn't really had anyone he could ask about his predicament seeing as how the only other werewolves that he's had any kind interaction with were either dead, serving time Azkaban or considered him to be a traitor and hated him.

The werewolf looked up at the potions master watching as Severus stared down critically at the brew before giving a slight nod as he walked over towards the other side of the room to retrieve the goblet he kept in one of the cupboards beside the bookcase.

It might seem a bit childish, but other than Dumbledore Severus has always been the smartest person that Remus has even known and although he could probably consult the headmaster about his current situation Remus didn't think he'd be able to form the words let alone tell his old headmaster about his relationship with the Malfoy's but since Narcissa has already done him the great honor of telling Severus herself then maybe-

Remus took a deep breath and spoke, grateful for the extra bit of confidence that his werewolf aggression afforded him so close to the full moon, "Although, I've been feeling a bit strangely as of late."

"Oh?" Severus turned back with a crystal flask in his hands instead of a goblet as he headed back towards the cauldron, "Strange how exactly?"

"Well the wolf, when we were still on school, it chose Lucius as its mate." Severus paused and stared at the blonde in surprise but Remus didn't pay too much attention to that. Apparently Narcissa didn't tell him about that. "So I've always felt a bit aggressive and possessive around Lucius whenever Cissa was near because of it but lately, things have been different."

The raven sighed, "I'm going to need more than just different in order to understand what you mean Lupin. Different how, do you think it has anything with the wolfsbane I gave you last month?"

"No, it has nothing to do with the potion; at least I don't think so." Remus sighed again, "Cissa, I feel protective of her, the way I do about Lucius only, I'm not sure if it's exactly the same way."

"And you didn't feel this way about her before?"

"No."

Severus nodded before letting out a deep breath as he stirred the potion one more time, "Lucius is your mate but your wolf seems to be accepting Narcissa in the same way." , before lifting it up out of the cauldron to pour the thick green liquid into the crystal flask only for the color to change to a light sky blue. "I'm afraid I can't help you Lupin. I have no idea what on earth that could mean. My knowledge on werewolf physiology only goes as far as what I've read in books and what I've learnt from experimenting on you."

"Oh." Remus said trying to ignore the pang of disappointment as he returned his gaze to the carpet beneath his feet.

"Although, if this works the way it should give you some clarity on your condition." Remus' head snapped up at that and he watched as Severus approached him, sealing the flask with a stopper before using his wand to cast a quick cooling spell on it. The potions master handed him the bottle and Remus stared at the flask with a raised brow before looking up at the raven.

"What do you mean?"

"You need to head out to the Shack earlier this time around because you need to take that twice a day every day after meals for the next three days." Severus explained as he reached up to pull the tie from his hair and fell around his shoulders in thick black waves, "I've already arranged with the headmaster for one of the elves to check in on you after each dose, in case the potion kills you."

Remus rolled his eyes at Severus' casual tone, "What happens if I actually manage to survive?"

"Then it does what it's meant to do." Severus said folding his arms across his chest. "It gives you control over your mind after your transformation during the full moon."

The werewolf frowned, that can't be it.

"And?"

"And…" Severus smirked, "It gives the wolf control as well."

Remus' eyes went wide, "What?"

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Severus looked…

Good.

Regulus thought as he discreetly watched the potions master from across the kitchen table while Kreacher went buzzing around them, seeming to be in an absolutely brilliant mood due to his master's return. Regulus was glad to be back, he'd been away for far too long and missed home terribly even if his memories of home were less than pleasant.

At least Sirius had had enough sense to have Grimmauld place renovated after he took charge of his inheritance. Regulus could barely even recognize the cold, dark depressing townhouse he used to call home anymore. Everything was bright and just so warm for a moment he couldn't imagine ever leaving again, especially with the raven haired man sitting across from the table living there as well.

Again, Severus looked good.

He'd grown his hair out till it was down to his back, long raven locks that seemed a bit bothersome as the potions master continuously had to push them back out of his eyes but Regulus couldn't help but like the way that those stray strands seemed to frame his face every time they fell. His skin was still pale but healthier, warmer with a glow that Regulus could only describe as a glow of happiness and contentment even in Severus' normally cold pitch black eyes.

Sirius must be taking good care of his husband.

"You're looking well Severus, life in England is treating you well I see." Regulus said as he lifted his tea up to his lips to take a sip while Severus pause for a moment making the younger man frown at the odd flash of sadness he saw in the man's gaze before it just as quickly vanished.

"I could say the same for you, Regulus." Severus said brushing back yet another lock of hair, "Spending time in the Egyptian sun seems to do wonders for ones disposition."

Regulus shrugged, he'd changed somewhat since those dark years during Hogwarts and in the midst of the war. His hair was shorter and his skinned was tanned to a golden brown. His somewhat feminine features had hardened over the past few years so he no longer held that boyish charm that all those young naïve witches used to fawn over when he was still in school and for the most part Regulus was glad for it.

When he left England he did it because he wanted a change, he wanted to see a change in himself not just emotionally but physically as well. The old Regulus, the one who did as his parents told him, the one who could never quite escape his brother's shadow even after their parents disowned him and let people walk all over him, that Regulus died that same night that he stole the horcrux from the dark lord.

That night as he drifted in and out of consciousness just barely clinging onto life, Regulus sort of saw himself for the first time. He realized the strength that he's had within himself all those dark depressing years that he'd remained underneath his parents thumb. So after he recovered and the war ended, Regulus became determined to live his life the way that he wanted to live it and he hasn't regretted a single thing since.

Well… he regrets some things.

Severus Snape being one of them.

Regulus was happy for the older man when he found out that he was inlove and planned on marrying as soon as he graduated. He was even glad to find out that Severus wouldn't be joining the dark lord or taking the mark because of his engagement. What he wasn't happy about was the fact that Sirius would be the one to marry Severus.

That fact actually almost broke Regulus' heart in half.

He'd liked Severus since the moment he started at Hogwarts, despite the fact that he was just a half blood, unfortunately it was the fact that he was a half blood that made Regulus keep the other at a distance and make sure that their relationship never went passed the basis of being strictly platonic since his parents wouldn't approve of him associating with a half blood in such despicable ways.

Unfortunately Sirius didn't have such qualms and could really give a toss about what his parents thought of him so when he noticed Severus, really noticed him as more than just another Slytherin or victim that he could torment to his delight, he didn't waste any time in making Severus his and again Regulus was quite heartbroken at that fact. But Severus was happy and really that's all he could ask for.

Even if Sirius didn't deserve him.

"No more than Sirius seems to be for you." Regulus said with a soft smile as he took another sip of tea, "You're positively glowing, I assume my brother's taking good care of you?"

Severus didn't answer and when Regulus looked up at the other man he frowned at the heartache and anger he suddenly saw in those dark endless eyes. "Severus?" Regulus asked as he set his cup down and Severus almost seemed to snap out of it at the sound of his name. The potions master took a deep breath as he lifted his own teacup to his lips and took a sip. "Hardly."

"And what's that supposed to mean?" Regulus asked and Severus almost seemed to swallow hard before he just shook his head, "It doesn't matter. How long do you plan on staying, I'm afraid I've taken over your old room so, you'll have to sleep in one of the guest bedrooms."

"Severus-"

"Regulus, there are lots of things I would love to discuss with you however your brother is not one of them." Severus said clearly looking the other raven straight in the eye as he said it. But Regulus could still see that sadness aching in the older man's eyes and he was about to make Severus talk about it whether he liked it or not when Kreecher suddenly appeared right beside the table.

"Begging your pardons Master Regulus and Master Severus but master Potter wishes to speak with Master Severus in the floo."

"Potter? James Potter?" Regulus asked in disbelief when Severus smoothly slid out of his seat and suddenly that sadness seemed to vanish as if it were never there to begin with. "Since when do you get on with him?"

Severus sighed, "It's too long a story to be bothered with. Excuse me, I'll be right back." As the potions master left the room Regulus just watched him go, wondering what on earth was going on when Kreacher, his beloved elf, answered the question for him.

"Master Potter cares for Master Severus, cares for him very deeply." The elf said and Regulus frowned, "Cares for him how deeply exactly?... Kreacher?"

The elf stayed silent for a moment looking back in the direction where Severus disappeared before he finally spoke, "Cares for him the same way you do."

Regulus' eyes went wide with shock. Kreacher knows how Regulus feels truly feels about the potions master so when he says that Potter cares for Severus the same way then wouldn't that mean… the wizard stuttered for a moment before he spoke again, "And how does Sirius feel about that?"

Kreacher's eyes suddenly darkened, "Sirius Black doesn't matter."

"What, why not?"

"Sirius Black is a dog, a filthy dirty dog." The elf hissed with a dark glare in his eyes, "Mistress Black says that filthy dogs need to be fixed."

Regulus frowned all over again, wondering what on earth that could mean when the reference suddenly clicked as he remembered his mother saying something similar once, about a pureblood wizard that lived just a few streets away. The wizard always seemed to be in the company of women, usually a different woman every week which isn't something Walburga would have cared about if it weren't for the fact that the man was known for bedding muggles and muggleborns as well.

"Just like a dog." His mother used to sneer as she stared out into the street, "The wizarding world as a whole would benefit from having dogs like him fixed so they could never breed and corrupt this world."

The wizard's eyes went wide, before he let out a hiss as he slammed his hand down against the table causing the tea cups to rattle and shake as they spilled their contents while Kreacher jumped in surprise.

"Damn it Sirius!"

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When Sirius got home later that night the house was quiet as always but strangely enough there was light coming from the living room. The fire place was alight with bright flames burning in the bottom of the hearth, while a few of the lamps around were on as well and for a moment he hoped that Severus was still up.

They haven't spoken in days. Severus was always either in his study or out for the night, out for the night obviously meaning that he was out seeing his secret lover.

Sirius suppressed a growl at the thought.

Severus is having an affair.

Sirius isn't sure what's worse finding out that his husband was having an affair or finding out that his husband was having an after he looked him right in the eye and told him.

Of course Sirius knows that this was all his fault and he deserves every ounce of pain what he gets after everything he's put Severus through but that didn't make him feel any less angry either.

Sirius wondered who it could be, what they looked like and what on earth Severus could have seen in them to actually begin an affair with them. What did they have that he didn't?

It was right in the middle of those thoughts that he stepped into the living room and found it to be completely empty. The animagus frowned for a moment when he was suddenly grabbed and spun around only for him to hit the ground hard when a fist suddenly connected with his face.

Sirius groaned at the pain he felt in his jaw and looked up to see who his attacker was only to blink in surprise as he found his brother standing over him, with dark rage filled eyes.

"Reg'?"

"What the bloody hell do you think you're doing?!"

A/N: I still haven't decided on the final pairing yet, but I've read some pretty compelling arguments so we'll see

Anyway please review