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“I gave you my word, Severus. No Aurors. No wand. Search me if you wish.”

“No need.”

“You trust me then?”

“I trust no-one. If you were carrying a wand, you could not have entered the Shack.”

“I see. Still, at least you came.”

“Why here?”

“Why not? You have access. I have access. No-one is likely to interrupt us.”

“What do you want?”

“I want a lot of things, but the truth would be a good start.”

“There are many truths, wolf. As many as there are ways of bending them.”

“Perhaps. But I believe a man can be forced to live one truth while his inclination tends to other directions.”

“Are you talking about me or yourself?”

“Both of us. Truth is a complex matter. One often doesn’t see the events leading to an action, and they may be crucial to view the scene in context.”

“Sometimes, that is the intention. It may be critical for a certain understanding to be reached in order to further one’s goals in other areas.”

“At what cost? Is it worth it, Severus?”

“It is everything!”

“But... your reputation. Your safety. Your life.”

“Is nothing! I do what must be done.”

“It’s too much. You’re worth more than the meat of a sacrifice offered to the altar of Dumbledore’s grand plan. There must be another way.”

“No. Lupin... Remus. There’s no other way. No, please don’t touch me. I can’t—”

“Feel me, Severus. Feel my hand on your skin. You press your face against my hand despite your denials. Who was the last person who gave you the simple warmth of their touch?”

“I don’t need your pity, wolf. Go back to your wife!”

“My wife. She’s an incredible woman, Severus. No, don’t sneer. I’m very fond of her. But I wouldn’t have chosen her if Albus Dumbledore hadn’t forced me to take an Unbreakable Vow. I believe that was when he let it slip it wasn’t the first Unbreakable Vow he’d used.”

“Why?”

“Why did he use a Vow?”

“That as well. Why did he force you to marry Nymphadora Tonks?”

“He knew about us, Severus. He knew, and the canny old bastard didn’t want his spy to have any means of succour after he had appeared to perform the ultimate betrayal. He forced me to marry Tonks and remain silent about the Vow so you would have no reason not to carry out his wishes.”

“Why are you telling me this now?”

“He’s dead. The Vow is void.”

“Indeed, but why are you here?”

“Someone needs to be. Who better than the man who loved you? Still loves you. You’re not alone, Severus. And one day...”

Characters: Lupin, Snape