After the Moon
a Harry Potter story
by Tina
"Ronald, make sure you pack up your things before bed, we'll be heading back to the Burrow first thing in the morning." Mrs Weasley said handing him his supper.
Ron looked surprised "How come? I thought we were staying here a bit longer." They had been at the Order of the Phoenix headquarters at 12 Grimmauld Place for several weeks then.
"You father feels we need to be seen back at home so as not to arouse suspicion." she passed Ginny a plate. At the moment the Weasley's were the only residents present in the home. Most of the other members of the Order were away on an important mission and Remus Lupin was away to undergo his monthly transformation.
"What about Professor Lupin?" Ron asked with concern. He knew that Lupin had not been feeling well before his transformation and that he would need someone to care for him until the other members of the Order returned."
"Your father's working on that," She smiled at Ron, noting his thoughtfulness.
"Working on what?" Mr Weasley entered the kitchen sitting down at the table in front of the plate Mrs. Weasley had just prepared for him.
"Finding someone to stay with Remus." she answered."Have you had any luck yet."
He shook his head. "None yet, it seems most of the Order is tied up with this mission, and aren't due back for a few more days."
Ron looked concerned, over the last few weeks he and Lupin had fallen into a comfortable friendship, brought together initially by the thing they had most in common, their devotion to Harry. "Can't he come with us then, to the Burrow?"
His mother looked distracted at the news,"He can, but he won't. I've tried to talk to him about that before. He wants to remain here, he's afraid he'd be a burden to me there. He says he'll be fine on his own here." She paused thinking, "Maybe if Bill could stay at the Burrow with you two for a few days, I could stay here to care for Remus. Your father will be so busy at the Ministry..."
"I could stay here with him." Ron spoke up.
"Oh no Ronald, your too young for that." she automatically replied.
"No Mum, I'm not. I know that I could take care of him, it's just a few days. Besides he was getting sick before he left, he'll need someone with him."
Mrs Weasley started to open her mouth to answer but Mr Weasley spoke first. "You know Molly that just might be a solution." She started to protest be he continued. " It is just a few days, and you know it's safe here. I can have someone from the Order check in on them from time to time. I think Ron has proven himself responsible enough to do this."
She didn't look convinced at all. "Please Mum, " Ron pleaded "I would really like to do this for him."
She finally relented but she was not happy about it. As Ginny helped clean up after supper, she gave Ron careful instructions on what Lupin would need, and prepared numerous meals in advance for them. Ron thought there must be at least a month's worth of food. She then sent Ron and Ginny off to bed while she and Mr Weasley talked.
The next morning the family was packed and ready to go when Arthur Weasley returned with a very weak, very pale Lupin. He and Mrs Weasley settled him in his room and then Lupin asked to see Ron before they left. Ron nervously approached the bedroom, he was a little frightened, having never really seem Lupin immediately after his transformation. Lupin smiled up at him from the bed, "Come on in Ron. Have a seat." he motioned to the chair next to the bed. " I want you to know how much I appreciate you offering to stay with me. But really, it isn't necessary. I will be fine on my own. I know your mother has left me well provisioned." He paused a moment turning his head towards the wall and sneezing into his elbow. "ISHOOOO.... .etchooooo! Excuse me. And really all I'll be doing for the next few days is sleeping. ETCHOO! Well, maybe sleeping and sneezing." he looked sheepish.
"Professor Lupin..." Ron began
"Ron, call me Remus." Lupin interrupted.
"Remus," It still sounded strange to Ron, Professor sounded so much more natural to him. "You're sick, and weak and you need someone to be here with you. I want to stay."
"Ron, really, ISHHOOO! I'm fine, I just need to rest. I'm sure you have other things you'd much rather be doing, and.......ishhooo..."
Ron put his hand on Lupin's arm, "Please let me do this for you. I want to. You've been there for us, for me and for Harry, let me help you this time."
Lupin smiled gratefully at Ron, "I've always felt Harry was lucky to have such a good friend, now I see that I am lucky as well. If you're sure you don't mind, I would really enjoy your company."
Ron smiled, "It's decided then. I'll let my parents know they can leave."
The Weasleys minus Ron set out back to the Burrow. Ron's mother looked worried as she left but did so without voicing further objection. Ron was a bit nervous as well, hoping he hadn't gotten himself into something he couldn't handle. He was relatively sure he could manage this, he had taken care of Harry when he was sick before and was sure Lupin would be an easier and less demanding patient. And he had truly grown fond of Lupin, he was something like a cross between an uncle and a friend to Ron. They had taken to playing chess most evenings since they had been staying at Grimmauld Place. He had also been able to talk to Lupin about things he could never talk to his parents about, like his worries for Harry and the future and his frustrations at not being able to do anything to help with the Orders work. This was, he realized, the first thing he had been able to do that would actually be helping with the Order.
He made some tea and brought it in to Lupin who was lightly dozing. He set the tea quietly on the bedside table and started out of the room. Lupin opened his eyes, "Thank you Ron" he called out weakly.
"Are you hungry at all?" Ron asked already knowing the answer would be no. Lupin shook his head He looked to be having difficulty reaching the tea so Ron came back to the bed and helped him sit up. He was about to hand him the tea when he noticed the expression on Lupin's face.
"Heh.......ehhh........" Ron grabbed a handful of tissues and got them to him just in time. "ETCHOOO! ESHOOOO!!!" Lupin sneezed into the tissues and blew his nose wetly.
"Bless you," Ron said quietly when he was through, handing him the tea.
"Thank you. You know Ron maybe you should minimize your time in here with me, I don't want you to catch this cold." Lupin was now feeling guilty he'd probably infect the boy.
Ron shook his head. "I'll be fine, and I stayed to take care of you, I can't do that if I'm not here with you can I?"
"But..." Lupin began.
"But nothing." Ron told him firmly "Drink your tea."
Lupin grinned at him, "You sound just like your mother now"
"Well then, I learned smothering from the best, so be prepared."
Lupin seemed ready to sleep after the tea so Ron left him to nap for a bit, checking on him frequently. He wandered about the house for quite a while wondering what to do with himself. He finally settled into his bedroom to do some reading. He usually read downstairs but wanted to be near to Lupin in case he was needed. After a couple of hours Ron knew Lupin was awake by the sound of sneezes coming from the bedroom across the hall. Ron popped his head in offering blessings and making sure Remus could reach the tissues, then headed downstairs to make some tea and heat up some soup for lunch.
Lupin was still to weak to make it downstairs to eat, so Ron ate with him in the bedroom. Lupin slowly ate a little of the soup and sipped his tea. He watched Ron devour his soup and bread and realized with a twinge of guilt that Ron must have been starving waiting for him to wake up. He thought about telling Ron not to wait for him for meals, but then realized how much he would miss his company and resolved to have Ron wake him for meals instead. They ate mainly in silence, Ron watching Lupin closely anticipating his needs for more tea, or tissues when his nose was running or he was about to sneeze. Lupin was a little embarrassed at the attention but was grateful for the company and concern.
After lunch Lupin was again exhausted and ready to sleep. Ron left him again settled with water and tissues and went back to his room to read. Lupin almost asked him to stay and read in his room, but he couldn't quite bring himself to do it. He really didn't want to be alone, but didn't want Ron to feel obligated to stay in the room with him. Besides, he thought more chance of him getting the boy sick that way. Ron, on the other hand would've welcomed the invitation to stay in Lupin's room. He was still finding the care giver role a bit awkward and wasn't sure how much he should be hanging around Remus and how much would be smothering him. It was different than with Harry.
Ron woke him for supper as Lupin has requested, he warmed up a stew his mother had left and they again had bread and tea. Lupin picked at his supper, eating very little. Ron felt it was probably his illness, not the transformation. He noticed Lupin's previously very pale coloring was a bit pink in his cheeks tonight and suspected a fever. His sneezing continued through supper, frequently interrupting the conversation he was trying to have with Ron. "Have you heard from Harry?" Lupin asked him.
Ron shook his head, "No, Dumbledore says he's fine. Doesn't want us sending many owls back and forth. I feel bad he's stuck there alone with those muggles."
Lupin nodded in agreement, " But....heh.... he is.....eh...heh..ETCHOOO!!! safe there. Excuse me."
"Bless you Pro....er Remus."
Lupin smiled at him, "Thank you Ron."
"How are you feeling?" Ron asked, "you're looking a little flushed, like maybe you've got a fever." Ron wasn't sure whether he should feel his forehead to check or not.
"I think you may be right, "Lupin nodded again, "I'm feeling very warm." Ron helped him pull off some of the heavy blankets and left him more lightly covered. Lupin smiled his thanks. "I think I'm finished with supper, "He yawned and settled back down into bed. Ron made sure he had everything he needed and started to leave the room with the supper dishes. "Ron, "Lupin called after him. Ron stopped and turned. "I just want you to know...how much I..... eh... .heh... appreciate... ehchoo!!! your being here. It really means a lot to me. Ishhoooo!!!!!! ETCHOOOO!!!!!!"
Ron smiled, "Your welcome, and bless you. Now you get some sleep and I'll be back to check in later." Ron found himself at a loss for something to do after he cleaned up the supper dishes. This would be the time he and Lupin normally played chess, or he'd play exploding snap with Ginny. He finally settled back in his bedroom starting to read but soon drifting off to sleep.
Lupin was dreaming, dark horrible dreams brought on by the fever. He was back when he learned of the deaths of James and Lily and Peter - he felt betrayed and alone and the pain was so raw so fresh. Then he realized Sirius was innocent and then he was reliving losing Sirius as well. He was alone - totally alone he had noone . All his friends were gone and he had been unable to save them. His despair was overwhelming, the pain was too much to bear all the losses seemed to almost smother him.
Ron heard the sobs and moaning and ran to the room. He found Lupin burning up from fever and not responding to his touch and voice. For a moment he was terrified not knowing what to do. Then he calmed himself and thought for a minute. Composure regained, he went to the bathroom and got a basin of lukewarm water and a cloth. He unbuttoned Lupin's top, shocked at all the scars and old wounds he saw there, and started to sponge his face and chest trying to cool him down. Lupin seemed to calm slightly as Ron spoke softly and gently sponged him, but his sobbing continued. Ron could almost feel Lupin's pain and wished desperately he could wake the man, and bring him out of whatever fever driven nightmare he was experiencing.
The night was long, it was hours before the fever finally broke, and even then Lupin didn't awake. Ron wanted to rouse him to be sure he was alright but decided to let him sleep because he seemed so peaceful finally, the dreams were gone at last. Ron was afraid to leave him alone, so pulled an armchair up beside the bed and fell asleep there.
Ron awoke again to Lupin's cries of pain. He seemed to be dreaming again, the nightmare was back and the pain and sobbing were there as well. Ron touched his forehead finding it somewhat warm but not as hot as before. "Remus, wake up!" He shook the man, gently, "You're dreaming!" He leaned over Lupin. "Please, wake up everything is ok"
Lupin continued to sob, not seeming to hear Ron. His pain was so terrible to witness, Ron didn't know what to do. He climbed onto the bed and sat beside Lupin. Lupin seemed to move towards him, to crave the contact so Ron finally leaned over and hugged him trying to comfort him, speaking softly, reassuring him that it was just a dream, that everything was alright. Finally the sobbing stopped , Ron was afraid to let go, afraid to see Lupin experience the horror again. So he stayed until Lupin's body finally relaxed and his sleep was peaceful again. Ron barely slept the rest of the night, afraid to take his eyes off his patient. He finally drifted off sometime after dawn.
It was Lupin who awoke first, the vague memories of his dreams till haunting him. He was disoriented for a moment , then he saw Ron sleeping at his bedside and realized where he was. The boy looked exhausted curled up in the uncomfortable chair, Lupin guessed he must have spent the night caring for him, but really couldn't remember. At any rate, he looked like he should really be in his own bed getting proper sleep. "Ron, " he spoke softly, touching his arm gently.
Ron started awake, pleased to see Lupin looking at him with clear, understanding eyes. "Are you alright?"
"I am." Lupin answered, "I'm guessing we had a long night?"
Ron nodded, not sure how much he should reveal to Lupin."Your fever was really high, you were.... well I guess out of it. You seemed to be having dreams, nightmares really I couldn't wake you. I finally got your fever down, but the dreams ...came back."
Lupin had only fuzzy memories of the dreams, but he knew the pain well, he also had a vague memory of feeling comforted, of a soft touch, someone holding him and making him feel safe. He didn't want to embarrass Ron, but he wanted him to know how grateful he was. "Ron, I don't remember much......but I ..... well I guess I remember feeling cared for, taken care of ....and I just want you to know it meant a it.... it made me feel safe. It helped.... a lot. So, thank you."
Ron looked embarrassed, "Your welcome, I'm glad I could help. At first I wasn't sure what to do...."
"You did everything right,"Lupin said noticing the basin at the bedside as well. " I don't know what I'd have done if you hadn't stayed. I guess I'm sicker than I thought I was." he paused to sneeze further emphasizing his point, "Hehchooo ishhoooo, ETCHOOO!! Excuse me."
"Bless you, " Ron offered then tried to change the subject. "Are you hungry? How about some breakfast?"
"Actually I was planning on suggesting you head to your bed for some rest."
Ron shook his head, "No, I'm fine, it's definitely breakfast time. I'm starving. What can I get you Remus?"
"Hmmmm, "Lupin began, "I'm still not very hungry, some tea and toast perhaps." Ron frowned at the small order, deciding to make him some eggs as well.
"Ok, then I'll be back shortly." Ron headed to the kitchen to make breakfast. He was surprised by a knock at the front door. He listened carefully to make sure if was the proper pattern of knocks to be from someone in the Order. He opened the door slowly and was surprised to find Professor Snape standing in the doorway. For a moment he froze.
"Well don't just stand there Weasley, let me in!" Snape snapped at him.
"Oh... um sorry Professor." Ron quickly stepped out of the way.
"Dumbledore sent me to check on how you were making out with Lupin." Snape seemed quite bothered to be there.
"Well, ok I guess, " Ron was grateful to have someone else there to check on Lupin, even if it was Snape. "His fever was really high last night. He was having nightmares, and I couldn't wake him up." Snape nodded motioning Ron to continue. "His fever finally broke early this morning, and he's awake now . I .... I was really worried last night....." He hated opening up to Snape, but he was all he had at the moment.
Snape was surprised that he actually felt sorry for Weasley. He was somewhat less offensive when Potter wasn't with him and he did seem genuinely concerned about Lupin. He certainly had no support to offer him but was at least willing to go and examine Lupin. "I'll go and see him." He declared and strode out of the room.
Ron breathed a sigh of relief and finished making breakfast for himself and Lupin. He thought about offering some to Snape but that was just too weird. In the end he did bring up an extra tea cup with breakfast so he could at least offer him some tea. Snape had just finished with Lupin when Ron entered the bedroom. The two of them helped Lupin sit up in bed and propped him with pillows to eat. Ron thought he looked even paler than he had when he'd just left the room. Lupin seemed to have no interest in any of the food but he sipped at the tea.
Snape said goodbye to Lupin and motioned Ron to follow him out. When they reached the bottom of the stairs he turned to speak to Ron. "Lupin's condition is very concerning.. He is much weaker than he should be after his transformation and I'm very worried about the fever. At the moment his chest his clear but he will need to be watched very closely over the next day or two." Ron nodded and Snape continued, " If he develops a cough or his lungs become congested he will need to see a healer as soon as possible, I'm sure in his state this could quickly progress to pneumonia. Also you will need to push him to drink fluids to prevent dehydration and take measures to cool him down should his fever spike again. Do you think you will be able to handle all of that Weasley?"
"Yes Professor....." Ron began.
"Good! I will be back again in the morning, should you have any concerns send me an owl immediately. No matter what time it is." He made his way to the door and started to leave.
Ron could not believe he actually felt grateful to Snape and was pleased he would be coming back to check on Lupin again. "Professor......." He addressed Snape as he was on his way out the door.
Snape turned, "Yes, Weasley?"
"I ...uh..... just wanted to say thank you." Ron stammered. Snape nodded his head and departed.
When Ron returned to Lupin's room he was already sleeping. His food seemed to be untouched. Ron shook his arm gently encouraging him to take a little breakfast and at least finish his tea. Lupin sat himself back up with Ron's help and tried to comply, but he just couldn't seem to bring himself to eat. Ron watched him closely with concern as he sipped at his tea. "Ishhhhhhh!! Heshooooo!" Lupin's sneezes seemed weaker, as if his body just didn't have the strength to put into them, yet they seemed to take so much out of him. `Hetchhhhh! Oh, Ron," Lupin shook his head sadly, "I'm afraid I'm not feeling well at all."
"I know, "Ron patted his arm reassuringly, "But you will, soon. How about you drink a glass of water for me and then you can sleep for a bit."
Lupin nodded, unable to speak as more sneezes overtook him, "Heshhhhhh!! Ishoooooo! Heh... heh....hehchoooooo!"
"Bless you Remus, " Ron handed him a handful of tissues and Lupin weakly tried to blow his nose. Then Ron took the tissues and helped him with the water, he was afraid if he handed him to whole glass he wouldn't be able to hold it without spilling it. Lupin gratefully sipped at the water, he did feel so dry.
After finishing the water Lupin slid back down into the bed and Ron tucked him in warmly. Ron picked at his own, now cold breakfast realizing he wasn't really hungry anymore. He cleared and washed their breakfast dishes then returned to Lupin's room. He settled in with his book in the chair next to the bed do he could watch Lupin closely. He found he couldn't really get interested in the book, his mind kept coming back to Lupin. He watched the man sleep, wondering if he would be alright. Lupin at least seemed to be resting peacefully at the moment, his pale face was relaxed and he slept deeply.
Lupin slept through until lunchtime. Ron heated up some soup and brought it up in a large mug, along with some tea and a large pitcher of cold water. He sat on the edge of the bed and touched Lupin's arm gently to wake him. He woke slowly, seeming a little confused at first, then he saw Ron and smiled. "Have I been sleeping long?" he asked in a raspy voice.
Ron nodded, "It's lunchtime, I've brought you some soup."
Lupin cleared his throat then spoke, "That sounds lovely thank you." He started to sit up and Ron made to help him, but Lupin held up his hand as the familiar tickle in his nose struck again. Lupin turned away from Ron and sneezed two forceful sneezes into the crook of his arm. "ETCHOOOO ! ISHOOOOO! Oh....excuse me." Ron started to grab the tissues for him, but seeing how red Lupin's nose was becoming he instead went to the top dresser drawer and retrieved one of his handkerchiefs instead. Lupin nodded his thanks as more sneezes were building. "Eh..... eh.... hehCHOOO!!! Ishhooooooo!!! Ishhhhhhhh."
Ron waited until he was finished sneezing and then blowing his nose."Bless you Remus. You don't sound like you're feeling any better. Are you alright?"
Lupin nodded, trying not to worry Ron, "Oh, I'm alright Ron. This cold's just hitting me harder than ususal because of my transformation. I'm sure it'll pass in a day or so."
Looking at his pale, haggard face, reddened sore nose, and red rimmed eyes Ron was not at all reassured but he also did not Lupin to worry anymore than he probably already was. Ron nodded and helped Lupin sit up in bed. He handed him the mug of soup, staying close by in case Lupin started to sneeze again and he needed to take it back.
Lupin sipped the soup and smiled, "This is wonderful. Your mother does make the best soup I have ever tasted." He sniffled as the warm soup cleared his congested nose and it started to run. He handed Ron back the mug for a minute while he stopped to blow his nose. Ron was pleased as Lupin took the mug back and finished all the soup. He refused a second helping but did drink a cup of tea and some water for the insistent Ron.
After finishing Lupin looked exhausted once gain. "More sleep?" Ron inquired.
"Soon, "Lupin smiled at him, "Maybe we could chat for a little bit first."
"Sure ", Ron was pleased , but soon realized that Lupin was putting on a front for his benefit. Lupin, for his part really did try to keep up conversation, but he was so very tired, he was almost dozing off in midsentence. After a few minutes Ron put his hand on Lupin's arm, "Remus, I think you need to sleep now. We can talk later." Lupin started to protest but Ron just shook his head and the older man reluctantly agreed, sliding back down under the covers. Ron once again tucked him in and then set off with the dishes to the kitchen.
The afternoon passed uneventfully with Lupin sleeping soundly and peacefully. Ron settled in again at his bedside watching closely and worrying still. Ron fell asleep in the chair and was surprised to wake up to darkness. He lit the lamps and checked the time, it was past 7:00pm and Lupin still slept on. Ron went downstairs and decided on more soup for supper since Lupin had seemed to enjoy it at lunchtime. He made a fresh pot of tea and a sandwich for himself and headed back upstairs.
Ron noticed Lupin's color seemed a little flushed when he went to wake him. He felt his forehead and his worries about fever were confirmed. Lupin awoke slowly, his eyes appearing somewhat glassy. He seemed totally exhausted and sat up in bed with difficulty, even with Ron helping him. "Remus, are you ok?" Ron asked with concern.
Lupin nodded, "I'm just so tired....."
"It's the fever, " Ron told him, "Try to at least drink for me, please." Lupin nodded and reached for the soup mug, luckily Ron kept a hand on it as Lupin seemed not to be able to get a secure grip. Ron held the mug to his lips while he sipped the soup. He seemed very thirsty and finished all the soup and a full glass of water. His nose was running by that time and Ron retrieved another handkerchief for him. Lupin swiped at his nose, even simple blowing seemed like too much effort.
Ron settled him back in bed as soon as he finished, once again removing the heavier blankets and leaving his lightly covered. Lupin drifted off almost immediately. Ron brought the dishes downstairs but returned immediately not wanting to leave Lupin unattended. He brought a large pitcher of cool water to have if Lupin woke up, and once again settled in at his bedside. He was prepared for another long night as he could tell Lupin's fever was on the rise. After watching him sleep restlessly and once again feeling his forehead Ron decided it was time to start sponging him down, hopefully preventing a fever as high as the night before.
He retrieved the basin and cloth from the bathroom and once again unbuttoned Lupin's pajama top. He spent the night keeping vigil over the feverish Lupin trying to keep the sick man cool but not chilled. Lupin remained somewhat restless, but did not seem to be dreaming or in pain and Ron was glad for that. His fever finally broke early in the morning and Lupin awoke. Ron had been dozing but roused immediately when Lupin stirred. "Hey, "Ron smiled, noticing his clear eyes, "Would you like some water?"
Lupin nodded and tried to clear his parched throat. He guzzled the water , asking for another glass when he was finished. Ron happily filled a second cup and waited while Lupin drank. "Thank you, " Lupin spoke finally his voice hoarse.
"How are you feeling?" Ron asked.
"I .....I guess I don't know, " Lupin began."Sweaty, exhausted, thirsty, stuffy, but better I think."
Ron smiled, "Well, at least better is good."
Lupin smiled back, "I'm sorry to have been so much work for you Ron."
"Remus, please don't worry about it......"
"No, let me finish. I know this has been much more than you could have anticipated. But, you have been an outstanding care giver, and I will always be grateful to you."
"Well then, your welcome Remus." Ron was embarrassed at the attention, but so happy to see him looking better."Are you hungry?"
Lupin thought for a moment then responded, "A little I think. But why don't you go in to bed to sleep for awhile first. You look exhausted Ron. "
Ron shook his head, "I'm fine, I slept off and on during the night. Besides we need breakfast."
"If you insist," Remus smiled Their conversation was interrupted by knocking at the door.
"That would be Snape." Ron made his way down to the front door and let the Professor in. He gave Snape a full report on Lupin's condition and then went to make breakfast while Snape went to see Lupin.
Snape seemed pleased with Lupin's condition when Ron returned with breakfast. Ron helped Lupin sit up to eat and sat next to the bed with his own food as well. "Weasley, " Snape addressed him suddenly, "After you've finished eating you'll need to get some sleep." Ron started to protest but Snape cut him off, " I know you have gotten very little sleep over the last two night and I have freed my very busy schedule to remain here with Lupin today so you can get some rest. I don't want to have to come here tomorrow to take care of you!" Snape tried to manage his usual snarl but Ron saw the gesture for what it was and he was grateful, he was exhausted.
"Ron, I think it's for the best, " Lupin chimed in and Ron nodded in agreement.
Ron started to clear away the breakfast dishes after they ate but Snape wouldn't allow it and sent him to bed. "I don't want the wrath of Molly Weasley on me, "he told Lupin after Ron had left.
Ron slept through until well into the afternoon. He was surprised to find Lupin standing in the doorway watching him when he sat up. "Remus, are you alright?"
"Much better, "Lupin nodded "I just awoke from a nap myself and wanted to check on you. I believe Severus is making us some supper."
Ron was shocked, but pleased as he was felt as if he were starving. Lupin felt stronger so the two ventured downstairs together to the kitchen to check on supper They entered the kitchen to find Snape setting the table and a pot of Mrs. Weasley's stew heating on the stove. He turned as they entered, "Oh good, you're both up Your supper is ready and now I shall take my leave."
"Are you sure you don't want to join us Severus? Molly's stew is always delightful." Lupin asked, then fumbled in his bathrobe pocket to find a handkerchief to catch a wet sneeze."Eshhooooo. Excuse me."
"I have no doubt about that but I have duties to attend to at the school and I have spent enough time among the germs in this house. Weasley, you're not sick are you?"
Ron shook his head, "No sir." And as Snape was leaving he called after him, "Thank you Professor, for everything."
Snape turned to look at him. "Your welcome Weasley, but don't get used to it."
Lupin and Ron barely contained themselves until they heard the front door shut before bursting into laughter.
Not mine, just playing.