Severus could hardly believe that only a week ago, he'd lost his virginity. Instead of finally getting a chance to be happy and experiencing the verge of something that might have been love, he was laying in the infirmary, rolled to one side and refusing to speak to anyone.

Professor Dumbledore had tried assuring him, but what kind of help were the words, "You might have been more seriously hurt" when it felt like your heart had been physically ripped from your ribcage? And "seriously"? Who taught that man his student/teacher relations? At least, he could have chosen his words more carefully.

Remus was a werewolf. Lupin was a werewolf, Severus mentally corrected himself. Severus had nearly been killed yesterday because Black had lured him to the Whomping Willow, with promises of revealing what Remus - Lupin - got up to each month.

Damn it. How could Severus have been so foolish? Black had walked in on he and Re- Lupin in a state of undress, then Black's suddenly friendly to the person he's tormented since they started school? Not at all suspicious.

It was Lupin's fault. He let Severus's defences lower. All the werewolf's fault. Severus tried sneering threateningly and failed.

When Black had walked in on the pair's fervent kissing, Lupin said, "I'll go talk to him." The next day, Lupin found him and assured Severus that he and Black had reached an agreement. Lupin was sure everything would be fine and Black was his friend, so nothing would happen to Severus. He was calm because he was always calm. That calm convinced Severus. Lupin's tranquil attitude was what initially drew Severus to him. Lupin never tormented him, as Black and Potter did, and the two had each mastered the art of hiding one's true feelings. Lupin's predilection towards men and the fact that a month ago Severus had been pounced on when they ran into one another in the Prefects Bathroom only accelerated that interest.

A month ago. Severus suddenly realised what that meant. The damned werewolf had been in heat, probably wanting to rut the nearest able body. God, Severus was stupid.

Severus nearly bit through his lower lip, trying to ignore images of his hands on Lupin's body or their lips crushed together, tongues and teeth gently nipping and licking. In Severus's mind, Lupin's mouth transformed into the mouth of a snarling werewolf, one bent on murdering Severus.

Lupin never bothered telling him he turned into a dog once a month. He just shagged and left and let his friend have at the person he claimed to care about. Severus scowled. That would teach him to trust anyone.

It wouldn't be happening again.