Severus Snape's Quarters

[trio_snape]

*comes through floo to find house elves have already prepared the evening meal*

Good. Last year, Lupin's birthday was a disaster. Black had left him the day before - I understand now because of me.

We will make a better memory tonight.

*lights candles on table and waits calmly for Lupin to arrive*

Comments

[trio_snape]

*closes eyes, places hands on Lupin's shoulders*

So, that is what it sounds like.... *listens to their mutual breathing, trying to maintain composure* But he said- He is hating this day. Because of Black last year, me this year.

I am not Sirius Black. This much, at least, I can show him.

I can't, Remus.

*pulls away, walking toward fire, flicking wand to clear table and draw up chairs to face one another*

Sit.

[trio_remus]

*tamps down viciously on the pain that rises in his throat when Snape walks away from him*

It was a risk. A chance.

*looks back over his shoulder when Snape speaks the simple command*

Why? Do not tell me you can eat-

*sees the chairs now sitting closely before one another, Snape gripping the back of one tightly and keeping his eyes averted*

He is shaken, I can see it...what does he want?

*walks slowly to him and sits, waiting, heart stubbornly refusing to stay down in his chest where it belongs*

[trio_snape]

*sits before Lupin, rolls neck, settling hands comfortably in lap*

I know you have rudimentary knowledge of Occlumency and Legilimency. I want you to use the latter. Now.

*settles back in chair, holding Lupin's eyes calmly*

[trio_remus]

*knits brows, confused*

What is he on about? He wants me to enter his thoughts...his memories?

*searches his eyes* For what? To learn of...what?

Severus, I-

*stops, seeing the look of resolution in his face*

I have begged him to let me in, and now he invites me...

*stomach suddenly knots in a bundle of nerves*

Trust him.

*lifts wand, eyes firmly on Snape's*

Legilimens.

[trio_snape]

*relaxes, allows Lupin to enter his mind fully, in a way no one has been inside since he first learned the mental arts*

There is no beginning, no moment to pinpoint.

There is this. *shows Lupin himself laying on a hospital wing table, covered in a sheet, sick, then transforming*

And this. *Lupin, angry, looking for answers, finding out about sacrifice and debt*