Current mood:	accomplished
Entry tags:	fic: nc17, prompt: fantasy fest '07

Fantasy Fest Fic: Without A Word
Title: Without A Word
Author: odogoddess
Disclaimer: The characters are Rowling's. The situations they're in are mine. No profit was made.
Pairings: SS/RL, HP/HG
Rating: NC-17
Word Count: approx. 9,800
Prompt: Final battle leaves S unable to speak (any reason). In interest of fairness, trial postponed until he can testify for himself. R offers to take him in & gets more than he expected. no prev rel. elaborate/silly means of communication & NC-17 would be loved.
Content info: highlight between brackets if you prefer story warnings!
[mention of character deaths (not S or R), a bit of gore, a bit of torture, medical tmi, angst, humour, voyeurism, mutual wanking, disabled sex, tub sex, h/c, a bit of frottage, first time]


~

Remus slept in that Tuesday. He'd been up rather late, for one thing. For another, he'd managed to convince Severus to sleep in the nude.

Modesty aside, it was simply more practical than his waking Remus for his assistance, not to mention a tad more dignified.

Nude, Snape could just walk to the loo and sit, or in the case of a recalcitrant morning erection, stand before the shower stall and release his bladder.

Remus would still have to help him dress, but the warming charms would allow Severus to walk about comfortably, or at least as comfortable as the dour Slytherin was likely to get whilst walking about in the nuddy.

Still, he could not feed himself, so Remus did not sleep past nine, mindful of the fact his houseguest was an early riser.

After attending to his own morning rituals, he headed downstairs with a heavy brown robe over his arm, which he draped over the sullen Snape's pale shoulders where he sat by the fire.

Before he could try to point or vocalize, Snape's stomach rumbled loudly. Remus smiled at him.

"I'll get some tea and toast going. I hope bangers and chips are all right?"

Snape nodded tersely, trying now to shrug into the robe, a manoeuvre hampered by the fact that one arm was missing and the other was in a cast.

Remus left him to it, knowing any attempt he made to help would be met with a snarl and sneer.

As he stepped into the hallway that led to the kitchen, he heard the unhappy sounds of frustration and they nearly made him turn about. The only thing that kept him was the fact the few wandless hexes Snape knew were painful, embarrassing or both.

~

Remus saw no earthly reason they could not eat off the same plate. He had to feed Severus, as well as himself. Why shouldn't he eat, too, whilst forking bits of banger into Snape's mouth?

He noted Severus kept his mouth barely open, and he wondered if he was wary of him seeing his stump of a tongue, or if it still pained him. The Ministry healer had not been very helpful as regarded Snape's injuries, and not wanting to subject him to clearly substandard healing, far less uncaring bureaucracy, Remus had simply gotten him out of there as soon as possible. Severus definitely seemed to appreciate it, but now his wariness bothered Remus. The man wouldn't tell him if he was in pain or not, but now -- he *couldn't*, even if he was and that bothered him. He didn't evince any qualms over revealing his missing arm, so Remus guessed it wasn't his maiming which troubled him.

Still, if Snape's hesitation was due to some sort of phobia over sharing a dish with a werewolf, Lupin wasn't putting up with it. It was *his* house. He had no qualms about eating from the same dish or using the same fork with a Death Eater. His lycanthropy was not catching, unless he bit him on the full moon, so as far as he was concerned Snape could remain discomfited.

Severus drew the line at sharing a tea mug, though, despite the fact Remus offered to drink it his style, which he knew thanks to the year he'd worked and sat side by side with him at meals, was black with a spoon of honey. He wondered if this was due to innate fastidiousness or something else.

Perhaps, Remus thought now, he felt he'd given enough of himself and no longer wished to share.

Not long after Voldemort had discovered Snape was actually a traitor to his cause, something Snape deliberately revealed in order to buy Potter more time to position himself before the Final Battle, the dark wizard had cut out his tongue, informing him he would never let slip another secret from his traitorous lips. Using a sensory distance spell, he had set it in a vat of corrosive lye. Severus had felt every moment as his tongue had dissolved, screaming wordlessly to the laughter and uncaring jeers of the Death Eaters.

Then he'd been stripped of his Dark Mark, symbol of his brotherhood with the Death Eaters, by the simple expediency of removing his left forearm, which MacNair had been delighted to do with his enormous executioner's axe.

Voldemort had used the same spell and let Severus feel every moment of his arm being devoured by Fenrir's pack. The Order had arrived as he was in the middle of having his remaining hand and forearm crushed by a young and Imperiused troll. Harry, in particular, had undergone something of a conversion as regarded Snape, once the particulars of what had been done and why had been made clear to him. Voldemort himself had gloated to the entire Order of what he'd done to their precious spy.

The healer at the Ministry had not been able to heal the hand, since the bones were not merely broken, but pulverized. It would heal, but it had to do so naturally if he wanted full use of it, so it had been set, none-too-gently to Lupin's eye, and his entire hand, fingers included, had been encased in a thick and rigid plaster cast that went up to his elbow. The cast would have to stay in place for at least six weeks, possibly as long as eight, they were informed.

The healer had then ensured the remainder of his tongue and arm weren't suffering infection, but had not been able to give any sort of prognosis for possible recovery, since Remus did not know the spell used to remove it and Severus could not write or otherwise communicate to explain.

The Ministry would have placed him in a holding cell after that, if Remus had not offered to house him, vouching for his conduct and agreeing to place Severus under a holding spell keyed to his house that would keep him from Flooing or Apparating. Lupin was to inform the Department of Magical Law Enforcement as soon as Snape could either speak in his own defense or use a quill to testify, so they could go about scheduling his trial. Since the holding cells were full, the staff was undermanned and wary of holding a Death Eater anyway, his offer was quickly accepted.

Which was why Remus currently waited, yawning, as Severus sipped at his tea. The cup clinked against his teeth as Lupin involuntarily stretched and Snape growled his irritation.

"Sorry. I'm very tired for some reason."

Severus glared at him and Remus sighed.

"We are really going to have to figure out a better way to communicate."

Severus sneered and eyed his tea mug, clearly wanting more. Remus obediently tipped the mug to his lips so he could drink.

Just as Snape began to relax again, contentedly sipping, Remus jerked the cup away, excited.

"I've got it!"

~

"It's a Muggle game."

Severus stared unhappily at the battered Scrabble^TM board. He lifted an inquisitive eyebrow at Remus.

"Sometimes I work in the Muggle world. This was an acquisition I made whilst working at a charity thrift shoppe. I became friends with the owner and she liked playing this game so she taught me to play. When a board was turned in, she insisted I keep it so I could play."

Severus considered this and then looked back at him. Remus could tell he was wondering "so now what?"

"I know you can't handle a wand, but I'm hoping you might be able to move the tiles by use of wandless magic."

Severus frowned, and Remus pulled out the wooden tiles and laid them out on the table.

"Give it a try."

Severus looked at the stump of his left arm and sighed. He waved the cumbersome cast over the tiles but nothing happened and both he and Remus looked upset.

Then to Remus's surprise, Severus stood, and then glared at him fiercely before bending over the table. He fought to keep a straight face as Severus used his nose to push the tiles into an unsteady row of words.

I WAN TO DRNK M TEA

Remus sighed, but nodded, stifling a smile.

~

After breakfast, Severus had spelt out DRESS ME so Remus had led him upstairs and to the bathroom. Snape looked at him, puzzled.

"You didn't have a bath when we came home yesterday, as we were obviously too tired, and frankly, we both need a wash."

Snape shook his head and Lupin informed him, "No bath, and no clothes. Why should you put fresh clothes on a soiled body?"

Severus shook his head again and tried to cross his arms, having forgotten his left arm was gone and his right was encased in heavy plaster, which made him even more aggravated. So he glared at Lupin.

"Shall I bring up the Scrabble tiles? Not that it matters as regards the bath, since you will not be dressing without one."

Severus glared more and Remus summoned the tiles.

"Use your toe instead," he suggested, putting the tiles on the floor before Severus.

A few moments of foot calisthenics spelled out Y NOT SCOURGIFI.

"Head to foot? That would take a while and you'd still have to strip and turn in place in front of me. Besides, when was the last time you had a nice, hot bath?"

Snape began toeing the tiles furiously.

DONT STINK

Remus sighed. "I didn't say you did. I need one, too. And as I've already seen you naked, modesty's a bit out of place."

The tiles shifted against the wooden floor.

ALONE

"If you don't mind, I'd rather not spend the extra money, which I don't have anyway, to pay for using so much hot water. This is not, if it's somehow escaped your notice, a Wizarding home. It's a Muggle one."

HEAT WATR BY WAND

"I still end up paying for the extra water, Severus."

His toes fairly flew to rearrange the tiles.

AQUAMENTI

"Severus, I don't wish to argue with you, b--"

To Lupin's shock, Severus made a strangled, groaning sound of frustration, then got a wild light in his eyes. Then, he began to hum, a sorry croak of sound from deep in his throat that clearly hurt him to perform, although whether that was because of pain or loss of dignity, Lupin could not say.

After a moment, Remus recognized the guttural notes as the main chorus of the Harpies hit song "What Kind Of Wizard Are You Anyway?"

He gazed at Severus, who was repeating the chorus again, and compressed his lips.

"Very funny, Severus."

Severus stopped humming and his toes spelled out WELL R U A WIZRD.

Remus closed his eyes against the incipient headache. "I am not going to argue with you. Yes, I can use magic for things instead of going it the Muggle way, but I still won't let you bathe alone."

Severus's lips compressed even further now and he looked dour.

Remus turned to the bathroom, but not before he heard Severus's rough and hollow baritone hum the opening stanza of the Port Key Punters operatic rock ballad "Bastardi."

~

That afternoon, Harry visited with Hermione in tow. This was hardly surprising since the two were practically inseparable since the weeks leading to the end of the war. They had been fateful weeks that had seen many battles, and subsequently, many deaths, including Ginny and Ron, who had succumbed to a hideous curse whilst trying to rescue the twins from a vicious Death Eater attack.

While Hermione was smart enough to realize Harry had not loved her in a romantic sense, she was very aware that Harry needed her, more than ever, and this, coupled with an unexpected, but very passionate bout of sex before the final battle had cemented their bond. Remus privately hoped their relationship would survive past the initial post-battle stand down. Watching them now, almost silent but still communicating so much with their eyes and gestures, he smiled and nodded, allowing himself to feel pleased for them, to feel a touch of happiness. His own happiness in that regard had been curtailed after Auror Tonks had become heavily involved with another Auror in the first year of the two and a half year war. Not that he minded all that much. He felt far too old for her and far too avuncular toward her. On top of which, he was mostly gay, which would have been awkward to explain.

So now he watched the dynamic duo in his sitting room. It was hoped that Harry might be able reverse any spell damage done to Snape, especially, Lupin hoped, his tongue.

Hermione's input, as a fledgling Healer who had already accumulated enough practical healing experience to cover her apprenticeship thanks to the war, might also be useful.

Snape sat with stoic forbearance as Hermione cast diagnostic spells and Harry reviewed the single sheet of parchment the Ministry healer had given Remus.

"I don't see anything I could really do that would be helpful. These injuries weren't caused by malevolent spells," he finally said.

Remus looked to Severus, a touch alarmed. He hesitated then seeing the look in Snape's eye, asked outright, "Not even his tongue?"

Harry and Snape shook their heads in unison.

"He never did say how," Harry recalled now with a sombre expression. "He just told us he'd removed it."

Remus's expression grew stricken. Hermione jumped when Severus stretched his cast-heavy arm to Remus who understood he was pointing and brought the game tiles over.

"How clever!" Hermione noted with approval as Severus began toeing the tiles before them.

VOL CUT ID OUT

Harry winced and Remus frowned.

"With a knife, Severus? Or his wand?"

KNI--

"So that's why it's scarring so thickly. I'd bet he just sealed it, not healed it, right?"

Severus nodded.

WANNED ME ALIVE TORTUR

Harry swore slightly, but it was obvious he was angry at the Ministry healers as he scowled at the parchment he held and tossed it to the table.

Hermione lifted her wand and cast a pain-lifting charm to Snape's mouth. He sighed, almost melodramatically, then opened his eyes and nodded to her in gratitude.

"If you can open your mouth for me, I can heal it properly," she said quietly.

He eyed the other two then toed the tiles.

OUT

Remus and Harry took the hint.

~

Harry had nearly caught Lupin up with news of their friends when Hermione stepped into the kitchen.

Remus immediately asked, "You left him alone?"

She put up a hand. "He's sleeping, Remus. I cast a light calming charm on him. His anxiety levels are sky high."

Lupin considered this. "Did he say what he's anxious about?"

Hermione shook her head. "I didn't mention it to him, I know how private a man he is, but it might be useful to cast a surreptitious calming charm if he seems agitated. Quite, frankly, I'm impressed with his state of mind. I'd been concerned he might be suicidal."

Lupin nodded. "I was worried about the possibility. He's been through so much."

"I'm doing my best to ensure he won't stand trial," Harry informed him. "I've meetings tomorrow with the MLE and the chairwitch of the Wizengamot."

"And I'll research possible spells and potions that might help him regain speech, as well as prosthetic replacements for his arm," Hermione added. "His arm and tongue are as healed as they're likely to get for now. Still, there are always new possibilities, perhaps even Muggle methods like the tiles you discovered, that might help."

"I appreciate your help on any front, and thank you on behalf of us both."

"In the interim, I summoned a palmful of pebbles and created a few dozen more letter tiles," Hermione admitted. "I also used a shaping charm on his cast to add a small projection, like a blunt hook, so he can manipulate them more easily and point."

"I'm sure he appreciated that," Remus chuckled.

"The first thing he did was scratch his neck and chin. I'm afraid this is going to be very hard for him, the temporary loss of independence more so than the loss of speech and limb."

Remus nodded. "I'll keep an eye on him."

"Just remember if he gets obstreperous -- he's frightened and frustrated. Try to be easy on him."

~

Hermione's modification to the cast was so very helpful, that Remus was amazed at how much more determined to be self-sufficient it made Snape.

Still, he needed assistance with most things, especially when it came to using the loo, unless he wore nothing, which he refused to do. That night, their most humiliating moment arrived when, after fidgeting for nearly an hour, Severus abruptly got up and headed for the toilet.

Aware he could not manage without at least getting a hand with lowering his trousers, Remus sighed and followed.

He found Snape determinedly trying to unbutton his trews with the small hook like projection Hermione had made to his cast. He had gotten the top one open, but the rest were less easy to manipulate.

"I could have cast an unbuttoning spell before you came in, you know," Remus said before stepping forward to stand in front of the pink-faced Snape.

"Allow me."

He waved his wand, undoing all the buttons and looked back at Severus.

"Will you need me to pull them down?"

Severus's nostrils flared and he jerked his head toward the door.

"Just... thump the floor three times if you need me."

When he heard the toilet flush, he got up, knowing Snape would need a hand lifting up his trousers, but there were no expected thumpings.

There was however, a crash, followed by guttural sounds.

"Severus, I'm sorry, but I'm coming in."

To his surprise, his shaving mug, usually on the top of the toilet tank, was broken on the floor. The straight razor he employed was askew on the floor. Severus stood uncertainly, trousers around his ankles, the cast held before him, protecting his modesty.

"Are you hurt? Did you cut yourself?" he demanded.

Snape shook his head, but to Lupin's chagrin, his face grew very flushed and his eyes grew very bright.

"What is it, Severus?"

He didn't think it was possible for him to get even redder, but he did, not answering.

"Severus, please. I only want to help you. "

Snape's head dropped, hair partially obscuring his face. Then he pointed with his cast to the loo roll.

"Oh."

Remus was stymied. He did not think either of them would survive the ignominy of his wiping Severus's arse. So he thought for a moment, then lifted his wand.

"Scourgify."

He aimed it between Snape's legs, so the entire area, front and back, was cleansed. Then without preamble, he bent and helped to remove his trousers, gently placing his toweling robe on him.

"Maybe you should use this, except for company. No one will see you but me here, and until--"

He hadn't finish talking when Severus abruptly turned and left.

Before Remus could follow, the door to the guest room slammed shut.

~

It was near midnight when Remus's sharp ears heard the soft noises from Severus's bedroom.

He got up, wrapping a threadbare toweling robe around himself and hurried down the hall.

He did not bother to knock, easing the door open to peek in.

To his dismay, Severus was on his side turned from the door, heavy cast pressed to his face, shoulders shaking with his effort to suppress his sobs. Indeed, it was his sobs that had alerted him -- low, miserable sounds, deep from his throat.

Remus was torn between leaving or staying, knowing Severus would not want him to see this display, but when he lifted his cast and began to strike his leg and hip, Remus could no longer abide it.

He cast a calming spell as Hermione had suggested.

Snape suddenly drooped, then returned to his side, shoulders trembling.

Remus left quietly, unhappy with his decision, but unable to bring himself to do more or intrude further on the man's privacy.

~

The next morning, he found Severus waiting at the kitchen table, as sombre as ever.

DONT DO THAT AGAIN

was written on the table.

Remus wondered how he'd gotten the tiles up there, but said nothing about that, merely nodding.

"All right. But I'm only human, Severus, or Gryffindor if you prefer. I can't just stand by when someone else is hurting."

Fierce black eyes glared at him, and Remus was startled to feel the rush of magic sizzle past him, lift the tiles and then dropped them into neat, accusatory lines with decisive little wooden clacks and clicks.

IT DIDNT BOTHER YOU IN SCHOOL

Severus stomped out of the kitchen and up the stairs even as the tiles scattered throughout the room with one parting blast of uncontrolled magic.

Remus sighed and put his head in his hands.

~

Whilst the atmosphere in his house was decidedly chilly, which made taking care of Severus that much more discomfiting, his burst of angry magic seemed to have unleashed something in the brooding wizard.

He was more communicative now, less apt to hesitate over spelling something out, and far, far less apt to express gratitude. In all, Remus was regretting having asked to take him in.

It was two days of near total silence later when Remus was awakened again, this time by a very different sort of sound.

He got up and made his way to the guest room. Once again, he did not knock, peering in carefully to assess the situation, telling himself he would not, no matter what, use the calming charm this time. What he'd do instead he had no clue, but the sight that greeted him stole his wits and stayed his hand.

Severus was on his knees, hunched over the bed, what was left of his left arm holding him awkwardly up as he pressed his heavy cast between his legs. Every thrust made him groan, although whether that was pleasure or pain from his arm it wasn't clear. Every thrust also shifted the bed ever so slightly, making a faint creaking sound.

Lupin's mouth went dry as he watched Severus masturbating. He felt himself grow aroused, even as he told himself he should go away.

Instead he watched, achingly hard now, as Severus groaned his way to a satisfactory conclusion, falling against the bed.

Remus quickly and silently closed the door, then carefully padded his way back to his own bedroom, where he shoved a hand down his pants, squeezed his rampant prick and bit back the sounds he longed to make as the semen burst from him and pulsed over his hand and down the inside of his pyjama bottoms.

One wandless cleansing charm later and he had sense enough to hope Severus could cast one, as well.

He made a mental note to change the sheets in the morning and fell asleep.

~

The next morning was bath time, something no amount of scowling and tile rearranging would change Lupin's mind about.

"It's been three days. We both need one."

Severus maintained a perpetual sulk until he was urged to step into the water, holding his cast out and off to the side of the tub. Remus stripped and lightly stepped in behind him, flannel in hand.

"There we go. No sense in wasting water."

Severus snorted.

Remus methodically washed them both, scrubbing Severus's arms gently, carefully washing his stump, then down the other arm to the elbow. He scrubbed his neck and back, and did the same to himself. Then he moved on to his chest, which made Severus go rigid.

Lupin sighed, slowing his hands a little, trying not to be too rough as he gently washed the sparse hair Severus had on his chest and moved down along his torso. Severus leaned forward, pulling away from him and Remus decided to ignore him, washing his own neck and chest and belly. Then he scooted forward slightly.

"Last time I let you soak, but needs must, Severus. It's important to maintain proper genital hygiene. I don't want you to develop an infection anywhere delicate and you don't, either."

Severus cringed a little and Remus frowned.

"Oh, come on, man. It won't take a moment and we can wash our hair and get out of here."

Severus made no sound and Lupin manoeuvred to lean over him slightly, in order to reach what needed cleaning.

He could not see very well, over the hunched shoulders, but he pressed the soapy flannel to his sternum and slid it down... to run right into a very hard, very hot erection. Severus jumped slightly, but did nothing else.

Remus was nonplussed, but merely continued his action, running the washcloth along it, gently washing the uncovered head. Severus made an odd noise in his throat, but did nothing else and Remus unhanded him, rinsing his flannel.

"There we go. My turn and then our hair," he said lightly, working more soap into the flannel and following through on his statement.

Nothing further was said as he washed Severus's hair, then his own. Remus got out of the tub first, though, and wrapped a towel around himself and, arranging the folds, hoped his own erection wasn't too obviously apparent.



That afternoon, Remus was bemused to hear Severus humming to himself as he read.

It sounded rather like the Muggle song "Help" by that long defunct group called the Beatles.

~

Hermione was to visit the next day, so Remus dressed Severus in the morning. She brought groceries and supplies, and a few books for them both, as well as a couple of large, colourful puzzles.

"I figured you might get bored. This might help pass the time."

THANK YOU, MISS GRANGER

There were piles of game tiles in practically every room now for Severus's use.

She beamed at Severus, who, to Remus's surprise, blushed slightly and turned his attention to one of the puzzle boxes.

"I also brought..." she pulled a rectangular box from one of the bags and proudly put the box on the table. "Straws. Bendy ones."

Severus and Remus both frowned, but as soon as Hermione had summoned a glass, used Aquamenti to fill it and put in a straw and placed it before Severus, their questions were answered.

"I don't know how well this might work, though," she admitted fretfully, holding up a large rubber band and a spoon. She silently asked Snape for his arm which he extended to her.

Working with care, she affixed the spoon in place near where his thumb would be, sticking out slightly, the handle attached with the rubber band around his cast.

"I figured it might be of help to be able to eat. You can switch that out for a fork if need be."

Snape eyed the contraption and his lips quirked. Both of them smiled, aware he was pleased.

~

Remus heard the noise again that night and fought with himself.

He did not have to go check; he knew what Severus was doing.

It was private, he told himself, turning onto his side and manfully ignoring his growing erection. It's perverse. Indecent.

Remus groaned and got up, sneaking barefoot down the hall to Snape's room, wand in hand.

He silently opened the door with a flick of his wand and stuck it in the pocket of his robe.

Severus was not on all fours, though.

He was lying on his back atop the bedspread and thrusting his cock against his cast, groaning.

Remus stifled a groan of his own as his hand slipped into his robe and wrapped around his own cock. His gaze was now riveted on Snape.

What remained of his left arm flailed for a moment, then Severus threw it to the side, a look of desire and frustration on his face. His hips broke rhythm for a moment, then he began thrusting again, throwing his face aside now as if ashamed to see what he was doing. This had him looking right at the door.

Remus froze.

Severus thrust on impulse a few more times and stopped, black eyes staring at his door, which was obviously ajar.

Remus held his breath.

Several breaths passed, then Severus turned heavily onto his side, facing the door, and pushed his cast down to press against his cock again. His eyes never left the door as he began to undulate his hips.

Remus groaned, and he was sure Severus could hear it. He sped up his hand and all too soon, both men were groaning out their climaxes.

Remus quietly shut the door as he left for his own room, saying not a word.

~

"It's bath day."

Severus paused in his awkward scooping up of oatmeal the next morning to eye Remus. He did not reach for the game tiles, turning his head to sip some tea with a straw.

Remus kept eating, as well, aware of Snape's eyes on him and the fact he knew it was not a bath day.





He used Aquamenti, then a warming charm. Severus merely watched him, seemingly calm.

Remus then gently helped Severus remove his robes, saying nothing about his aroused state. He slipped off his own pyjamas, revealing his plum-red erection and smiled at him.

"Into the tub then."

Severus eyed him, then stepped in carefully, sitting down with his knees slightly bent, his right arm dangling out of the tub, keeping his cast dry.

Remus got in behind him. He had no flannel.

Without preamble, Severus leaned back slightly and Remus found that warm smooth back against his lightly haired chest.

"Severus."

That long neck was revealed as Snape leaned back to look at him. Remus swallowed.

He reached out a wet hand to trace Snape's larynx and down to his chest. Severus shuddered.

"I, uh... guess you realize we're not really going to bathe," he found himself saying inanely.

Severus arched his back, head pressing against Remus's shoulder, lifting his swollen cock out of the water and settled back again, a look of frustration and desire on his face.

Remus shifted closer and slid his arms around him. Severus nodded rapidly and Remus slipped his hands over to those light tan nipples, rubbing them. Snape groaned.

Lupin reached down one hand to touch, to hold Snape's cock and Snape groaned again.

He moved closer, pressing his own erection against Snape's writhing back and began to wank Severus with smooth, even strokes. The groan became a bitten back whimper of sound as Severus pressed up into his touch.

"Severus..."

The gleaming black strands tickled his collarbone as Severus turned as much as he could. He reached with his left arm, then his eyes closed and he put it back down, turning away.

Remus paused his actions and shifted up, pulling his hands away. He gently turned Snape to face him.

Tears glistened on those long lashes and he found himself kissing them away. A moan escaped Snape and he did it again and again, ghosting kisses along his closed eyes, along his cheek and his nose, to his li--

Snape abruptly pulled free, a look of alarm on his face. Lupin frowned.

"What is it, Severus?"

Severus shook his head.

"I don't understand."

Snape looked miserable, then he tapped his lips with his cast and shook his head. Remus abruptly understood; he did not wish to kiss him, ashamed of or uncertain about his missing tongue.

Remus nodded, gently touching Severus's jaw.

"It doesn't matter to me... except that I wish it hadn't happened, that you could still speak," he admitted huskily. "I love your voice, Severus. I've never told you, but I love the sound of your voice."

Tears suddenly slipped down those austere cheeks and then Snape screwed his eyes shut tight and moved in to kiss him, keeping his lips closed. Remus acceded to his need silently, keeping his own lips closed, but pressing firmly and moving his lips slightly to indicate his desire.

Lupin's hands slipped down now, even as Snape threw his head back, trembling with need. They were facing each other, legs around each other, practically on one another's lap and so Remus reached down and wrapped a firm hand around both their straining erections.

Snape groaned, pushing up and he obliged him, stroking firmly, pressing them together tightly, and fighting a groan himself as he felt his climax building.

Severus suddenly convulsed. Heated fluid pulsed over Lupin's knuckles and Remus issued a choked-off cry as his own orgasm struck. Over and over they seemed to jerk and tremble with sensation until finally the intense feelings died.

Remus caught his breath, let go and rinsed his hand in the water. He looked to Severus then who was breathing heavily, face red and still wet with tears. Remus reached up his other hand and gently wiped them away.

"It's all right," he managed to say. "We'll do, I think. Once your hand is healed, things will be better."

Snape considered this, then released a deep sigh. He reached out with his cast and carefully ran it down Lupin's cheek.

Remus smiled.

~

Hermione returned, with Harry in tow, a week later. This time Harry carried most of the groceries. Hermione had a small healer's bag and another stack of books and puzzles, as well as a brown paper sack releasing fragrant steam.

"We figured we'd bring some Chinese take out. I imagine you both are tired of porridge, eggs and chips and tinned soup."

Remus chuckled, going to help Harry sort out the groceries in the kitchen. Snape, on the other hand, nodded vigorously and Hermione smiled, setting down the sack and noting he watched her remove the various cartons with avid interest.

Remus walked back into the room before long with a stack of plates and some utensils. Harry followed with a tray of tea things.

Hermione had carefully begun to wrap the rubber band to Snape's cast when Harry asked, "Why don't you just use a Sticking Charm?"

The three looked stunned at him and Snape shook his head whilst Lupin chuckled.

The four ate then, Snape with his fork firmly stuck to his cast near where his thumb would be, sipping at truly excellent tea via his bendy straw. He listened as Harry and Hermione detailed happenings in the outside world, growing sombre as Harry indicated how much trouble he was having with the interim Minister, one Kingsley Shacklebolt. Not so much in reasoning with the man, but in getting in to even see him.

The Minister was very fair-minded, to a fault, and Harry had finally given in and made an appointment, for four weeks hence. It had been, the young man said now, the first one available, and that was marking it urgent.

"Bureaucracy is one thing I don't like about any government," Granger had noted.

Lupin then regaled them with a tale about his experience in the Americas, having lived there for one four-year stretch, doing custodial work, before finally landing a teaching job at a Wizarding academy run by a charismatic man named Xavier. Until he had gotten the job, however, he'd had to rely on public assistance, and the level of bureaucracy he'd faced made them all appreciate the Wizarding World's form of bureaucracy.

Still, wasn't it always a case of, better the demon you know?

~

The next few weeks passed in a mostly contented manner. Remus and Severus were sharing one room now, although Severus kept his few things in the guest room for what Remus guessed was propriety's sake in case any visitors wondered.

As for visitors, Harry and Hermione came regularly, of course, coming over with take out food once a week and Flooing them from time to time. Headmistress McGonagall, the still-recovering Flitwick, floating on a small rug since both legs had been crushed and were still in casts, and Hagrid, had also all dropped by to visit once or twice. Arthur and Molly had Floo-called, but since Snape could not speak and had winced a bit at hearing their children piping up in greeting behind them, they had not dallied long.

The days passed with these visits and with various household chores, Snape watching Remus sweep and mop, helping to hold open doors and push chairs out of the way, and even helping dust and wax by way of attaching the dust rag and polishing cloth to his cast with a Sticking Charm.

Severus watched Remus cook, and helped him chop things and even stir pots with a knife or spoon attached to his cast with a Sticking Charm.

Severus, Remus had learned, liked to feel useful. So he did not gainsay him, but helped him find ways he could help. Remus also had to cast the occasional anti-itching charm from time to time on Severus's right arm now, a welcome indication that it was healing.

After tea, they enjoyed the nice long stroll down the hill where Remus's house was, toward a grassy area with a single huge beech tree. There they stood under its branches, watching the sunset before heading back home. The area was Muggle, but few lived anywhere near, and Remus's wards kept them from approaching, so no one disturbed them aside from the Order members they knew.

Evenings back at Remus's house were spent working on puzzles and listening to the wireless, sometimes Wizarding airwaves, sometimes Muggle. Remus found himself bemused at the slight quirk of Snape's lips when old songs he remembered came on. In particular, he noted Snape's entire body relaxing when a love song was played. He was partial, he noted, to Muggle love songs of their parents' era. Sometimes Snape sighed, and Remus particularly noted those songs, as the sigh was often accompanied with a heated glance. He seemed to particularly favour one American troubadour whose songs were spotlighted one evening. He seemed to reflect heartfelt emotions in a quiet and understated way, rather like Severus himself. Lupin found he rather enjoyed the heated looks Snape gave him as the music played.

Their nights were taken up with quite different activities, but no penetrative sex so far, to Lupin's chagrin. Severus did not mind frottage, and in fact, often instigated it, sometimes waking him up by rubbing against him. Nor did he seem to mind Remus wanking him.

He'd even, with Lupin's absolute approval, carefully rubbed his left elbow against Remus's rearing erection until he'd spurted semen all over Snape's face and hair and neck. Severus had moaned, and his own load of semen had burst forth without his cock even being touched, the actions quite clearly arousing to him.

It was so novel an experience that now they indulged in this every few days, but with Remus gently wanking Severus as Severus rubbed him to orgasm. But Snape drew the line at oral sex, pulling free of Lupin and getting out of bed or the tub if he tried it. No amount of discussion would make him budge and he refused to manipulate the tiles to explain himself.

Hence, Lupin did not feel free to ask him for the same, much less any more intimate form of sex. Snape did not show any indication of desiring more, either, which disappointed him. Remus loved oral sex, loved anal sex and rimming and fingering and mutual sucking. He had so hoped to be able to enjoy all this with his newfound Slytherin lover, but for some unspoken reason, Severus demurred.

Still, some sex was better than no sex, so he did not complain. They enjoyed each other as best they could, and their days were otherwise harmonious.



The third week of take out turned out to be Italian, and the smell of lasagna and pizza filled the kitchen. Hermione had even brought a bottle of wine that the men gladly partook of.

When they were done, Harry suddenly smiled, then pulled a small yellow and purple sack from his pocket.

"Nearly forgot! I brought along some of the latest Wheezes!"

Snape rolled his eyes as Lupin smiled and accepted one. A moment later, a large turtle sat in his chair, wearing a cardigan. Even Hermione couldn't help but chuckle. Snape merely sat back and pursed his lips, waiting for Lupin to return. Harry ate a confection and promptly began to whistle like a teakettle.

Suddenly Hermione stood, her chair crashing to the floor. Remus had only just returned to normal so he looked puzzled as Harry whistled at her urgently, a look of alarm on his face, and Snape watched her carefully, trying to remember if she'd eaten a confection or if something else was happening.

"I need your Floo!" she cried, dashing out the kitchen to the fireplace where she threw a handful of powder in, calling out "Hogwarts Academy - Headmistress McGonagall's office!"

Harry watched her disappear in a green flash and issued a not-quite ear-blasting sigh, which slowly dwindled into a normal human sound.

"She does that at times," he muttered with a sheepish smile.



It was nearly three quarters of an hour later when Hermione returned, with the Headmistress, a Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes bag and Poppy Pomfrey. The men all stared, Snape a little warily.

"I think I've got the answer for you, Severus. But I'll need you to trust me."

He eyed them all, noting the look of hope on Pomfrey's face, and expectation on Minerva's. He reached for the game tiles.

WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO

"Let's go somewhere more comfortable, as there is surgery involved," Pomfrey suggested.

Remus looked alarmed. Harry stood up and put up a hand, smiling to show his confidence in his partner.

"Hermione honey, wait up. Take a few moments and tell us what you have in mind."

Severus nodded vigorously and when Harry sat back down, the rest joined them, the Headmistress conjuring two extra chairs for herself and Poppy as Hermione began to explain.

~

"Are you ready?"

Severus swallowed nervously, turning his head to look at Remus who smiled encouragingly and gently stroked along his left elbow with his free hand.

Harry and Hermione had stayed downstairs, in the sitting room, not wishing to interfere. Hermione had desperately wanted to watch the proceedings, but Remus had gently dissuaded her, suggesting she remain with Harry and allow the rest of them to do this thing, and she had acquiesced with no small regret.

Now he waited for Severus, who finally nodded at him. Remus put up his other hand and nodded at Severus who opened his mouth.

Lupin popped the Ton Tongue Toffee he held into his lover's mouth. Snape bit and began to chew. Soon, he felt something odd, something filling his mouth, then spilling out, even as he panted and felt like gagging.

He choked and tried to cough as Remus held his arm firmly. Without Remus, he would have reared up and tried to spit out his suddenly two foot... then three foot... then four foot tongue. As it was, he was moving too much for Poppy's peace of mind.

"Petrificus Totalus!"

Severus froze in place, no longer able to move as Poppy stepped up and assessed him. He was having a difficult time breathing with the huge, swollen lump of a tongue protruding from his mouth.

He heard Minerva call out, "Permaneo!" and felt a surge of magic tingle throughout his mouth and throat as the spell made the candy's effect permanent. He felt faint.

"He needs oxygen," Remus muttered. "He's turning blue."

McGonagall swiftly spelled a modified bubble head charm that wrapped itself around his nostrils, leaving his mouth alone. It helped a little, and Severus felt himself grow more clear-headed.

"This will be a bit gruesome, dears, for which I apologize," Pomfrey murmured, moving forward with her wand extended.

It was unfortunate in that a mere Shrinking spell could not have sufficed in providing Severus a new tongue, because the end of what was left was a thick and uneven keloid thanks to Voldemort's method of extraction.

It was fortunate, however, or so Remus kept telling himself as he watched his lover going through the bloody and painful procedure, that there was any possibility of recovery in the first place.

~

Harry and Hermione sat side by side on the living room couch, leaning against each other and waiting nervously.

The sounds that had come from upstairs earlier were disconcerting.

When footfalls sounded, Harry swiftly sat up, then stood, bringing Hermione with him, holding onto her hand tightly.

The Headmistress briskly stepped down the staircase and nodded at them both.

"It appears to have worked."

Hermione beamed and Harry exhaled sharply, even as Remus appeared at the top of the stairs and tiredly began to step down.

"He's sleeping," he told the three, running a hand through his already tousled hair. "I don't think he'll wake until morning."

"So we won't know if he'll be able to talk?"

"Not until morning, at least. Poppy didn't want him to risk her still healing handiwork, which was extensive, since she not only had to reshape, but trim excess tissue."

Harry winced, but Hermione nodded. It was one of the things she had considered when the idea first came to her, and something they had discussed before undertaking the procedure.

"I'm so glad. We'll come by then, tomorrow. For tea?" she asked.

Remus nodded. "That would be fine. I think we'll want a lie-in and, quite frankly, I'm not sure he'd appreciate an audience for his first attempts to use his new tongue."

"Well, he'll have to put up with me," Poppy informed as she headed down the stairs. "But as I've dealt with him for more years than I care to remember, I know how to handle his crankiness."

"I can't make it for tea, but please do Floo me, Remus, and let me know."

"I will, Minerva. Thank you so very much."

"Oh, pish tosh. I'll be off then. I still have a great deal of work waiting for me."

"Oh, Minerva, I'm so sorry!" Hermione suddenly exclaimed. "I never even thought-- I was just so worried about Severus and then excited about the possibility of helping to heal him--"

"Never you mind, Hermione. I need no apology for helping you bring hope to a badly injured man, especially that one. Severus has helped me many times over, as he has helped us all in varying ways. It's no bother to help him for a change."

That said, the Headmistress nodded at them all and Flooed back to her office.

Harry and Hermione took that as their own cue to leave, which they did after Hermione hugged Remus and told him to call her if they needed anything at all.

Soon it was just Pomfrey and Lupin. The medi-witch smiled slightly at Remus.

"Well, then. I'll pop over as soon as you Floo call me when he's awake. I need to check on his healing."

"All right."

"If there is any severe or sudden swelling, extreme pain, or if he has difficulty breathing, Floo me straight away and place a calming charm on him. It will help keep him from panicking or going into shock until I can assist him."

"Understood."

"Don't let Severus eat in the morning until I've had a chance to assess the outcome. And get some sleep yourself, Remus. You look all in."

"I am. It's been a rather hectic day, all things considered."

"Well, rest up. The full moon is in less than a week and you can't afford to get run down."




Remus awoke in the pre-dawn hours to a strange sound. He turned in bed and looked around, confused, before he remembered that he'd fallen asleep in the guest room beside Severus... where they'd performed an untried, makeshift surgery.

Lupin sat straight up after registering that Severus was not in bed with him and that he could still hear that odd sound. It appeared to be coming from downstairs.

Remus quietly went to the lavatory and then headed down the stairs, equally quietly.

He found Severus with his cast against the kitchen table, his head resting atop it. He was crying, the sobs nearly silent except for an occasional gasping, rattling intake of breath.

Lupin's heart fell. This was only the second time he'd seen Snape cry since his maiming. Had something happened? Had the surgical changes made come undone?

He stepped forward and placed a warm hand on Snape's shoulder.

"What's wrong, Severus?"

Without a word, he turned into Remus's side and held onto him tightly.

Remus let him, stroking his long black hair and gently rubbing his back.

"Is it the surgery?"

Snape shook his head.

"Are you in pain?"

Snape shook his head.

"Can you tell me?"

Snape shuddered, then pulled free of Lupin, keeping his head down. He drew in a breath.

"Ih wuhk."

Remus frowned, hardly breathing. Severus had said something! His voice was heavy and thick as if he had a bad head cold, but it was purposeful sound.

"It worked?"

"Yeh."

Remus couldn't stand it any longer and gently tilted Severus's face up. He stroked away the tearstains with his thumbs.

"What is it, Severus?"

Snape shuddered.

"I hhhound awfuh."

Lupin pursed his lips and stroked Snape's head.

"Well, that might be expected. Remember what Poppy said? There may be swelling, and the nerves still aren't fully healed, so you may have to be patient, practice a bit and get used to it."

Fresh tears sprang in Severus's eyes, and he admitted softly, fearfully, "Hhhheyoh aff."

Lupin shook his head. "I'm sorry, dear heart. I didn't get that."

Severus turned away, stricken, then laboriously began to arrange game tiles before him.

THEYLL LAUGH

Lupin sighed, but merely squeezed Severus's shoulder before bending over to kiss him on the forehead.

"They might. But then I'll hex them."

~

"Beautiful work, if I do say so myself," Poppy informed them half an hour later in the same spot.

"There's a bit of swelling, which will go down over the next day or two, and you might find food tastes a bit off at first and that you need to be careful swallowing, but otherwise you've leave to use it as you ever did. I especially want you to practice speaking."

Severus nodded. "Hhhank you, Poppy."

"The sound of your voice is thanks enough, my dear." She turned to Remus. "Now, I'll be back in three days to bring you some Wolfsbane. I'll reassess Severus at that time to make sure the swelling's all gone down and that I don't have to make any minor surgical corrections."

"Thank you, Poppy."

"Not a bit of it, my boy. My oath is to help heal and I've seen similar injuries in my time and been able to do nothing. To be able to restore Severus's speech is, quite frankly, one of the most fulfilling rewards I've been given."

"Going to write a paper with Hermione then?"

"I'll certainly assist her if she wants my input, but really, though, I don't care so much for accolades. I just want my patients to get well."

She smiled at them both and stepped briskly from the room.

~

Tea was something of an ordeal, but Severus soldiered through it, keeping from wincing as Hermione exclaimed and Harry congratulated him. It hadn't been quite so stressful as the Floo call to Minerva, who had, upon hearing Snape mumble, stepped through and pulled him to her, hugging him tightly.

To both their chagrin, they burst into tears. Remus figured Severus was overdue a few and his system was catching up, so he did not make a meal of it. Instead he transfigured two handkerchiefs for them, and then went to make some tea.

"Oh, my boy! My sweet boy!"

"Mih-erva..."

"Oh, I so hoped it would work!"

"Mih-erva..."

"Poppy assures us the swelling will go down and once he's used to it all again, he'll be right as rain," Lupin said over his shoulder from the stove.

"Oh, of course he will!" She beamed, then completed Severus's mortification by kissing him soundly.

~

That night, Severus stopped Remus from moving over to him in bed. Remus frowned uncertainly and Severus touched his cast gently to his lips to stop his questions. Then he moved closer and leaned over to kiss him.

Remus groaned, then stilled as Severus opened his lips and carefully extended his tongue into his mouth. The sensation thrilled him, causing blood to flood into his crotch and making his pyjama bottoms quite uncomfortable.

"Oh, Severus..."

"Remuh..." Snape murmured, kissing him over and over, stroking his tongue along Lupin's, then moving from his lips to lick gently along his cheeks, his throat. "Remuh..."

"Severus."

That tongue slid over his larynx, making him tremble, then made its way down to his flat brown nipples, where it circled them and stroked them until they peaked into aching nubs. Remus groaned.

Snape's arm was roaming as his tongue worked, and Lupin's swollen cock was gently caressed.

"Severus..."

Snape ignored him to glide his tongue down to his belly where he pressed it in and out briefly, before licking down along his treasure trail to the damp head of his cock. Remus held his breath.

Without hesitation, Severus took him into his mouth, tongue swirling along his tender glans, making Remus quiver. Then he began to suckle, gently pressing his tongue along the sensitive underside, down to his aching bollocks.

"Severus!" Lupin stopped him, meeting that burning black gaze with his own apologetic one. "I don't think I can control myself if you keep doing that, and I'd really rather not come in your mouth right now."

Severus nodded, moving back. He stifled a groan as Remus gently lifted up his nightgown, sliding his hands over his groin and up his torso and chest as he removed it.

Once they were both nude, Remus smiled at him. "Now. Would you like to take me?"

Severus hesitated, something like fear flickering briefly in his eyes.

"Severus, what is it? Is it to do with why you hadn't wanted to have sex before?"

That fine, black hair covered Snape's face as his head tilted down, then he softly mumbled, "I nevuh have."

Remus reached a hand out to him and Severus looked up, his eyes filled with desire.

"I wah... I wooh..." he stopped, frustrated, then slid down onto the bed, on his back. He reached out with his cast and Remus joined him, laying atop him and gently stroking his face.

"Would you like," he asked, kissing his cheeks and ears and chin as he spoke. "For me to show you, then later you can do the same thing to me?"

Severus nodded, and Remus dipped his head to kiss him, deeply, immensely grateful for Hermione's gift to them.





Remus was careful and generous and all too soon, Severus was writhing, impaled on two scissoring fingers, hips thrusting up, his cock so engorged it looked painful. Incoherent sounds were coming from his lips that Remus knew had nothing to do with his still-swollen tongue.

"Now... I'm going to slip in."

Severus nodded, urging him on silently, and he wailed as that thick cock penetrated him fully, plump head pressing on his prostate.

"That's the way. Easy now. I'm going to move."

Severus cried out again as Remus began to gently thrust within him and he extended his arms in frustration, unable to hold his lover. Remus laid a warm hand on Snape's belly.

"It's all right, Severus. Just enjoy it."

Severus continued to cry out as Remus rode him, a slow and steady rhythm that slowly built until both men were panting. Then Remus adjusted his position a bit and began to pump hard, reaching in between them to stroke Severus who screamed, arching his back and spurting semen everywhere.

Lupin kept up this punishing pace for only a few moments more before grinding his hips hard and coming deep within his lover.

"Gah..."

Remus smiled as he slipped free of Severus to stroke his unsoiled hand along his sweaty face, pushing strands of black hair back from his eyes.

"That was wonderful, Severus. I hope you were satisfied."

Severus kissed him.

~

Three days later, as Poppy was declaring herself satisfied with Severus's condition now that his tongue was fully healed, the Floo suddenly lit up with an excited Harry.

"Remus! Severus!"

"Easy, Harry. What's the matter?"

"Can we come through? I've got news."

"Be my guest," Remus beckoned as Poppy moved to sit on the chair by Severus.

"Oh, good morning, Madam Pomfrey, Severus, Remus," Hermione said politely as she stepped through before Harry.

"Good morning everyone!" Harry added brightly, before waving a paper in Remus and Severus's direction. "I did it!"

"What did you do, Mr. Potter?"

Hermione smiled at Snape's familiar tones, and even Harry paused for a moment before answering, "I finally had a chance to speak with Kingsley, er, Minister Shacklebolt, and Severus doesn't have to go to trial. I'm going to testify before a closed session of the Wizengamot, along with Dumbledore's portrait from Hogwarts. Minerva agreed to corroborate what I saw the night of the Final Battle and how we, er, found you."

Severus nodded.

"If that's not enough, the Minister himself will state he is willing to add his own and some Aurors' testimony to the accuracy of our own statements. There should be no need for a trial."

"That's wonderful, Harry."

Harry beamed at Remus.

"Thank you, Mr. Potter."

Harry smiled at Snape. "That's all right."

"No, I'm afraid it means I owe you another life debt," Snape said a bit morosely.

Harry frowned. "No, it doesn't. I owed you. You saved my life First Year. You tried to save it Third Year. You did everything you could for us all Sixth Year, and you let Voldemort torture you to buy me time at the Final Battle. I think, if anything, I still owe you."

Snape considered this and sighed. "Then, let us call it even. I do not wish to accrue any more life debts. Alas, I still have two to negotiate, much as I dread the thought."

"To whom?" Remus frowned.

Snape turned to Hermione. "Miss Granger. It was your idea that enabled me to speak once again. I am in your debt."

"I'm just glad it worked, sir. And if you don't mind, I'd like to write a paper on it, but if you'd rather I not use your name, I'll understand."

"That would be all right," Severus nodded.

"Who else do you owe, Severus?" Poppy asked now, curious.

Snape closed his eyes and sighed. His tone was funereal.

"The Weasley twins."

"Oh, dear, I'd forgotten," Remus murmured.

"Believe me, I have not."

"Well... no one says we have tell them their candy helped out."

"I pay my debts, Mr. Potter. Even if it hurts."




Which was how, it turned out, Severus Snape became chief researcher for Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, Inc. Though, they decided, there were definite compensations, not only in the twins' increased revenues, which Severus netted fifteen percent of, but in the adult products of their new and aptly named Sensual Sensations line, of which he and Remus were full partners.

The fact Remus was able to work by his side, designing adverts for the twins and taking part in experimental research was, of course, a mere bonus.

~

FIN

ETA: correction made to section where my beta's suggested edits got mistakenly applied to the wrong character. Thanks to _lore for the heads-up. *headdesk*