"Well Severus, it looks like you have a cold," Madame Pomfrey told him, putting away her wand. "As you well know, we cannot heal common Muggle colds with potions or spells. You'll just have to ride it out like the rest of us mere mortals."
Severus coughed. "Very funny, Poppy. I'm going to my own rooms. I'll be more comfortable there and will rest better."
Poppy sighed, knowing that Severus was so stubborn that he would waste what energy he had left fighting a stay in the hospital wing, so she reluctantly agreed. "Very well Severus, BUT I'm sending one of the staff members down to help take care of you. I don't want any arguments," she continued, as Severus opened his mouth to protest. "If you so much as utter one word, I will bind you to a bed right here, right now. Only a couple of children stayed on for the Christmas holiday, and most of the teachers. I'm sure I can find someone willing to take care of the grumpy Potions master."
Severus snapped his mouth shut and merely glared at Poppy, who was completely unfazed and simply glared back. He sighed, resigning himself to the fact that someone would have to play nursemaid. He could only hope it wasn't Trelawney, the Divination teacher he was quite sure was completely insane, or Hagrid. Not that he had anything against the half-giant, but the thought of Hagrid taking care of him like one of his 'pets' made him a little queasy.
Severus glared at Poppy again. "Fine. Send whoever it is down, if you can find someone who will subject himself or herself to a sick, bedridden old git."
Severus used Floo powder to return to his chamber, too tired and weak to walk back down to the dungeons. He thought using Floo powder might not have been his most brilliant idea as he flew out of the fireplace and fell flat on his face, banging his forehead into the floor. Luckily he had a thick soft rug just in front of the fireplace, and the only thing truly hurt was his pride.
Severus picked himself up off the floor, muttering to himself. "Thank Merlin no one saw that. How bloody embarrassing." Instead of dusting himself off, he simply stripped off his robe and went to the bathroom to wash the soot off his face. After that, he stumbled into the bedroom and crawled into bed, pulling the blankets high. He fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
Two hours later, the sound of voices softly speaking awoke Severus from his nap. His eyes fluttered open and then snapped shut again. "Oh, bloody hell," he groaned, pulling the covers over his head.
"Now, Severus, none of that," one of his companions told him. "We're here to take good care of you."
"And how am I supposed to get any rest with you and Potter here, I would like to know," Severus mumbled from underneath the blanket.
"Oh, I'm sure we can find a reason or two for you to be exhausted enough to have a good sleep, can't we Harry?" his companion said, his hand tracing over Severus's thigh over the blanket.
Harry slapped at the trailing hand playfully. "Remus, leave him alone. Our cute little Sev darling doesn't feel well."
Severus flung the blanket off his head, glared at Harry and roared, "Do NOT call me that!" This sent him into a coughing fit, and he sat up before he choked.
"Calm down, Sev. I'm just teasing, you grumpy old git," Harry told him, sitting next to him, patting his back lightly and placing small kisses on Severus's temple, while Remus conjured a glass of water.
"Here Sev, drink this," Remus said, handing him the glass. While Severus drank the water, Harry walked over to the couch on the other side of the bedroom and looked through the bags of Muggle medicine he and Remus had purchased an hour ago.
"What are you two doing here?" Severus asked, handing the empty glass to Remus. "I thought you were going to spend a couple of days with Black and Weasley."
"We Apparated to Bill and Sirius's house and told them that you were ill, and we wanted to take care of you. They understood, and send you their regards," Remus explained, as he and Severus watched Harry pull off his robes.
Severus highly doubted anything having to do with Sirius. "You mean Weasley sent his regards," Severus muttered. Remus and Harry didn't contradict him.
Harry rolled up the sleeves to his green turtleneck. He then grabbed several Muggle medications that he and Remus bought while they were in London. He turned to see that Remus had also rid himself of his robe, and now sat beside Severus in the bed. Severus was cuddled against his chest. Harry smiled at the sight. "You two look really cute like that, you know."
Severus sneered and Remus laughed. Harry brought the items over and deposited them onto the bedside table. He sighed and prepared himself for the chore of getting Severus to take the Muggle medicine. Severus didn't like to take anything that he didn't make himself.
Harry heard Severus sneeze and gave him a box of tissue. Harry then looked through the medications and decided that they would try the Nyquil first. It seemed to help various symptoms, and was supposed to help the ill rest a little better. He remembered taking it once when he was sick at the Dursleys', and that was only because they didn't want to hear him coughing and wheezing while they ate.
Severus blew his nose and then looked over at the table, raising an eyebrow in surprise. "Well, I'm impressed, Harry. You seem to be excellently equipped."
Harry grinned. "Thank you! I didn't think you could tell through these trousers."
Severus moaned and muttered "insolent brat" while Remus snorted, as Harry opened the Nyquil while fighting a fit of giggles. He knew the potions professor really was sick if he allowed himself to walk into that kind of comment. Harry poured the recommended dosage and looked at Severus, who glared back.
"And what are you going to do with that? While I appreciate the gesture, I hope you aren't thinking what I know you're thinking."
"You are going to take it, Sev," Remus answered, keeping a tight grip on Severus's waist.
"I think not. I most certainly do not need any of those poisons that those Muggles call medication. I will be just fine, thank you very much!"
"Sev..." Harry said, giving the potion master a stern look. "You are most certainly going to take this, even if I have to ram it down your throat. It won't kill you. It didn't kill me when I took it before. Come on." Harry sat on the bed, holding out the little cup for Severus to take. Severus clamped his mouth shut and crossed his arms across his chest, glaring at Harry.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Merlin help us. You are such a big baby. Come on Sev, open up." Harry leaned over to hold the cup up to Severus's mouth. "Come on!" Severus knocked the medicine away, causing it to slosh out of the cup and onto Remus's white jumper.
"Now look what you did! Really, Severus, I know children who don't act like this. Now stop messing around and take your medicine." Harry got another dose of the Nyquil and tried again. This time, it ended up on Harry's face, dripping down his glasses. Severus stuck his tongue out at the young wizard, and Remus sniggered.
"That's IT!" Harry poured another dose of the medication and sat on top of Severus. "Hold his arms, Remus," Harry said, as he held Severus's nose to get him to open his mouth. "Open up Sev." Severus opened his mouth, breathing through his teeth, and Remus laughed at Harry's frustrated growl.
"All right, I didn't want it to come down to this, but you give me no choice." Harry leaned down and started licking, nipping and sucking at Severus's nipples. Severus's overly sensitive nipples were always his undoing. As soon as Harry heard Severus gasp, he poured the Nyquil down his throat and dropped the cup, using his hand to clamp Severus's mouth shut before the medicine could be spit out. Harry proceeded to tease Severus's nipples until Remus told him Severus had swallowed the medication. Harry looked up and smiled at Remus. "See, Remy, I told you Sev would take his medicine."
Remus laughed. "Yes, and now we are all covered in Nyquil. Oh what fun. Honestly. Was that really so bad, Sev?"
"Yes," Severus snapped, wiping at his mouth. "That was disgusting."
"And I thought you liked it when I played with your nipples," Harry said, pretending to be hurt.
"Not that, you insufferable brat. The medicine."
"Oh, come off it, Severus. I have to take that nasty Wolfsbane Potion every month, and it's the most disgusting thing on the planet, now that Voldemort is history. And I manage just fine. You can deal with a little medicine." Remus looked down at his chest, which was covered in greenish blueish goo that was seeping through his jumper. He looked at Severus and Harry, who were both dripping with the same syrupy goo. "I think we could all do with a bath. Besides, Sev, a bath might make you feel a little better.
"I think you're right," Harry said, grabbing some of tissues to wipe the medication off his face and Severus's chest.
Remus kissed Severus on the cheek and jumped off the bed, heading for the bathroom. He stripped as he walked, first flinging off his slippers, then his jumper. He took off his jeans after he walked into the bathroom. He turned on the water, making sure that while it was warm, it wasn't too hot to make Severus uncomfortable. He poured in some bath salts and the room filled with the scent of lavender, Severus's favourite scent. Remus watched as the bathtub filled, for a moment lost in the memories of all the times the three of them had spent in the luxurious tub. When Severus had become entangled with Remus and Harry, Severus transformed his single person tub into the large marble tub that had permanently become a part of the Potion master's bathroom.
Remus shook off the memories and realised he was still alone. He turned off the water and walked to the door. He peeked out of the bathroom and into the bedroom. The two were still sitting on the bed, talking quietly, both naked. "Well, are you two going to join me, or are you just going to sit there and be sticky all day?"
"Coming," Harry said, helping Severus off the bed. Severus clung to Harry reluctantly as they walked to the bathroom. Remus was already in the tub, and he helped Severus climb in and situate himself between Remus's legs. The werewolf pulled him back against his chest and watched as Harry climbed in, facing them.
"Now, let's get you cleaned up, Sev." Harry grabbed the soap and started washing the Potions master down, while Remus placed little feathery kisses along his ear and jaw line.
Severus moaned as Harry's hands travelled down his torso. Harry chuckled when he discovered his lover was already half hard. Harry stroked him lightly and Severus glared at him. "Merlin, Harry, now do you see why you shouldn't be the one to take care of me? Neither you nor Remus. I'll never get any rest this way, and I don't want to go to back to the hospital wing!"
Harry stopped stroking him and smiled. "I'll behave if you behave. Take your medicine and let us take care of you, and I'll be good. I promise."
Remus gave Harry a wicked smile and winked. "Really, Severus, we just want to help you. But if you prefer, Trelawney offered to take care of you, and we can always go tell her to-"
"NO! You two will do fine. I don't want that bat telling me that she sees a grim in my tea! Honestly Harry, I cannot fathom how you managed to sit in her class all those years and not be tempted to hex her on sight."
Harry chuckled, continuing his cleansing of Severus's body. "Trust me, sometimes it took all of my strength not to throw a hex or two at her. I think she wanted my death more than Voldemort."
"That woman is full of-" Severus said, cut off by a kiss from Harry.
"Sev, you're supposed to be relaxing, not getting all worked up because my ex-professor thrived on my impending doom."
"All right," Severus said, coughing a little. "Wash yourself up so we can get out of here. It's not much fun sitting in here when I can't have any fun."
Harry laughed, scrubbing the residue of the medicine off his face and body. He held out the soap to Remus, who shook his head. "I cleaned myself just before you two came in."
"Okay. Let's get Sev dried off and into bed." Harry stepped out of the tub and helped Severus out, wrapping a large fluffy towel around the lean, muscular body. Harry wrapped a towel around himself and went to change the sheets. Remus grabbed another towel and knelt down, drying off Severus's legs. He grinned as he 'innocently' allowed his hand to travel up and cup Severus's sac.
Severus gasped before finding his voice. "Remus! What did I just say?" he cried hoarsely.
Remus hung his head remorsefully. "I'm a naughty boy! Naughty, naughty, naughty! I'm sorry."
Severus looked at him, unimpressed. "You know, I might actually believe that if the wolf half of you wasn't leering at me."
Remus chuckled. "You know how much Moony adores you. I can't help it if he likes to leer at your naked body."
"Considering you are one and the same, I doubt that. However, that is neither here nor there. But," Severus said, snatching the towel out of Remus's hand, "I think I will dry that particular area myself."
Remus shrugged. "As you wish." Remus stood back and leered at the dark-haired wizard while he dried himself off. He loved looking at Severus, sometimes much to the chagrin of the Potions master. Severus had a well-toned body, but he had several scars from the many tortures he'd had to endure as a Death Eater. Remus and Harry had to work very hard to get Severus to allow them to see him in the light. He was deathly afraid that once they had seen his scars, they would run for the hills. Remus and Harry did no such thing. Remus had many scars of his own, thanks to the lycanthropy, and Harry had a few as well, from his many death-defying antics and from the abuse he'd taken from his cousin Dudley and Dudley's wayward friends.
"Remus?"
"Hmm?" He looked and saw Severus staring at him questioningly.
"What are you thinking about? You were so far away. I've called to you three times."
Remus smiled, stepping up behind Severus and wrapping his arms around Severus's waist. "I was just looking at you and thinking about how much I loved you."
Severus smiled weakly when Remus kissed him gently on the cheek. "Can I go lay down now? I'm tired."
"Ah, so the medicine is working?" Remus teased.
Severus snorted, unwilling to admit anything. "No, I'm just sick."
"Fine, have it your way. I just hope when it's time to take it again, you'll be a little more cooperative."
"AGAIN! I'm not taking that disgusting crap again!"
"Yes you will, Severus, even if I have to suck you like a Hoover vacuum cleaner just to get you to open your mouth," Harry said, walking back into the bathroom.
Severus allowed his two lovers to lead him to their bed. "You wouldn't dare. What is a Hoover vacuum cleaner anyway?"
"Wouldn't I? A vacuum cleaner is something that sucks the dirt off floors. It's a bad Muggle joke. It's a term also to refer to someone who is really good at...nevermind." Harry slid his hand between Severus's legs. "It's not like I haven't been there before," Harry said silkily, removing his hand and letting his eyes roam lustfully over Severus's body.
Severus groaned, climbing into the bed. "You would dare. I swear this cold is affecting my capacity to think! I hope this illness leaves me quickly. I fear I may be losing my sarcasm and nasty demeanour."
"Oh, most definitely. You haven't screamed at anyone besides us and Poppy in over ten hours," Harry teased, climbing into bed and snuggling against the Potions professor.
As Remus climbed in on the other side of Severus, Severus asked, "What are you two doing? How am I supposed to sleep with you two twits tormenting me?"
Remus pulled him to his chest so that Severus could snuggle into him. "We're doing nothing. I know you like it when Harry and I cuddle you-don't try to deny it, we all know it's true. I figured you would sleep better this way. When you get up, we'll feed you. Now go to sleep."
"Yes, sir," Severus said sarcastically, earning him a little nip to the nose by the werewolf. Severus sighed and closed his eyes, falling instantly asleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Severus woke up a few hours later, finding Remus wide-awake and still snuggling with him. Severus buried his face in Remus's neck and mumbled, "Where'd Harry go?"
"He went up to the kitchens to get you something to eat."
"Mm. Not hungry."
"Sev," Remus said, growling. "You need to eat, love. If you eat a little something, it will make you stronger, and your cold will go away faster if your body is strong enough to fight it."
"Still not hungry."
"Fine. Then you have my full permission to tell Harry that. Merlin knows I don't want to tell him. You know how protective he is when one of us is sick."
"Mmm..."
Remus chuckled, kissing Severus on the head. "Is that all you can say?"
"Mm."
"I give up."
Harry swung the door open, closing it with his foot. He was carrying a large tray full of food for all three. He saw Remus mouth 'he's awake'. Harry set the tray down on the table and walked over to the bed. He crawled in and buried his face in Severus's hair.
"Hey, Sev. You ready to eat a little something for me?
"No."
"Please?"
"No."
"If you do, when you get better, I'll..." Harry's lips travelled to Severus's ear and whispered something only he could hear. Remus didn't hear what was said, but whatever it was worked. Severus pulled away from Remus and nodded, blushing a furious shade of red. Remus grinned. He'd find out later what Harry said. Only Harry could get Sev to blush that deeply. Harry had a mouth on him that could make a sailor blush. Even better, Harry could prove his words true.
Harry brushed the stray strands of hair from his lover's face. "Okay Sev, I brought you some of that chicken soup you like so much, and some biscuits. I brought you some apple juice to sip on." Harry got up and grabbed the tray, bringing it over to the bed. "I brought you a steak, Remus. I know how you like meat closer to the full moon."
Remus grabbed his plate eagerly. "Thanks, love."
"Welcome. Okay, Sev, here we go." Harry scooped some of the soup in the spoon, and held it up to his unhappy lover. "What's wrong, sweetie?"
"I'm not a child, Potter. I can feed myself." Severus glared at the younger wizard.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Why is it I can feed Remus, and he can feed me, and you can feed both of us whenever we're sick, but when you are sick, you have to be so damned independent?"
"Simple. I am me."
"Oh, there's a strong argument. We go through this every time. Why don't you just get over yourself already?"
"This is the way I am. If you don't like it, you are perfectly free to leave."
"I'm not leaving you here all sick and staying away until you're better."
"I was speaking on a more permanent basis."
"Bloody hell!" Harry tossed the spoon down and shoved the tray on Severus's lap. "You know what? I am so sick of you threatening to kick me out of your life every time I try to do something for you. I love you and you threaten me. Fine, feed yourself." Harry stomped over to the couch and flopped onto it, sulking.
"Harry, eat something."
"No, Remy, I'm not hungry anymore."
Remus sighed. It was the same every time Severus got sick. Luckily, he didn't get sick all that often. Remus sighed again as he watched Harry get up off the couch and stalk into the bathroom, slamming the door shut. He saw the tears on Harry's cheek. Part of the problem was that Severus didn't realise how much Harry got his feelings hurt when he acted like this. Harry loved Severus as much as he loved Remus, and Harry was very caring. He only wanted to care for Severus, who made it nearly impossible. Remus knew it tore Harry's heart to shreds when Severus threatened to cut himself off from him.
Remus looked over at Severus, who was pushing his soup around with his spoon. "You didn't have to do that, you know."
"He always treats me like a child. I'm almost twenty years older than he is, for Merlin's sake."
"He treats you just like you treat him and the way you treat me. In case you don't remember, I'm the same age as you."
"Still, I don't like to be treated this way. I don't understand why he does it."
"Why? I don't know, Severus. Maybe because he didn't have any family that cared for him growing up? Maybe because he's simply a very caring human being who wants to help? Maybe because he loves you? And what do you do? You rip out his heart, throw it on the floor and stomp on it. And he keeps coming back. What does that tell you?"
"It tells me he needs professional help," Severus spat out.
"Maybe he does, because you treat him like shit sometimes and he still loves you more than his own life. He would die without you and yet he still sticks around after you run all over him. He wakes up sometimes in the night and if doesn't feel you there and he panics, thinking you're finally sick of us and have left us forever. He cries himself back to sleep. He's in there crying right now. I don't think you truly realise the effect you have on him."
Severus blew out an exasperated sigh. "What do you want me to do? When you two came here, you knew I would not be anything other than myself. I don't see what the problem is."
"Quit threatening him like that. He doesn't deserve it and you bloody well know it! Now fix this, or you'll be finding yourself alone at night for a very long time." Remus got up and took the tray away from Severus. He went into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. A few moments later, Harry came out, his eyes all red and puffy. He glanced over in Severus's direction before looking at the floor.
Severus felt a deep pang of guilt and remorse. He didn't really mean to make Harry cry, and he certainly never would throw him out. He loved him far too much. It was his worst fear that Harry and Remus would tire of him and leave him alone again.
Severus held out his arms to Harry and Harry bounded over to him, ready to forgive as he always was. "I'm sorry, love. I didn't mean any of it. You know how much of a bastard I am when I don't feel well. Don't pay any attention to me. You know how much I love you. I'm sorry I made you cry." Severus kissed the top of Harry's head.
Harry sniffled into Severus's neck. "Okay. Apology accepted. And I love you, too. Now, can I feed you?"
Severus rolled his eyes and said, "Fine, do so if you feel you must."
Harry pulled back and smiled warily. "You sure? You won't get mad."
Severus sighed and nodded. "I promise."
Harry kissed Severus on the cheek lightly and went to grab the tray. He called out to Remus. "Remy, you can come back in now."
Remus peeked out the door. "Is everything better now?"
Harry nodded, grinning at one half of his heart. "Yes, I'm sure. Severus is going to let me pamper him for a change."
"A momentous occasion," Remus said lightly, coming out of the bathroom and picking his food back up. He resumed his place on the bed and continued eating.
Harry picked up the spoon again and lifted it to Severus's mouth. Severus grudgingly accepted the soup from his lover. Remus snickered.
"Shut up, mutt," Severus muttered as Harry spooned another bite of soup into his mouth. Severus had to admit to himself that it was kind of nice to have Harry fuss over him. Not that he'd ever tell that to the young man. He'd take that secret to the grave.
"That's it, Sev," Harry said brightly several minutes later. He set the empty bowl back on the table and grabbed his own food. Luckily Dobby had spelled the trays, and his food was still nice and hot. Harry placed himself at the foot of the bed, facing his lovers.
After Remus finished his dinner, Severus snuggled into the werewolf's chest. "You two really don't have to stay," he said. "I don't want to ruin your holiday plans."
Remus kissed his forehead. "You're not ruining anything, love. We didn't want to leave you in the first place, but you kept insisting we go see Sirius."
Harry swallowed. "Remy's right. We didn't want to go without you."
Severus scoffed. "As if I would set foot into that mangy mongrel's lair. We would hex each other before I even stepped through the door."
"You've got a point there," Harry admitted.
"I know I do," Severus stated haughtily. The effect was ruined by a loud sneeze.
"Bless you," Remus and Harry said.
Severus blew his nose. "Thank you. As I was saying…Black, you tell me, still has some difficulty with you two being in a relationship together. He doesn't like it, and he supposedly loves the two of you very much. He hates me as much as I return the sentiment. Harry, I cannot count how many hexes he and I threw at each other the night he found out that you were allowing me to share your bed."
Harry made a face. "Don't remind me. We didn't need candles or torches to light up the Great Hall with all the sparks you two were shooting off. And don't say that we 'allowed' you to share our bed. It makes it sound like it's some kind of great sacrifice." Harry set his plate away and took off his robes. He slid under the blankets and pressed his naked form against his ill lover. "We are with you because we love you, as much as we love each other. We want to be with you."
Even after a year and a half, Severus still looked a little unsure. Harry sat up and cupped his face. "I love you. I'm with you, and I'm not going anywhere. Neither is Remus. We've accepted long ago that you and Sirius will never be friends. We don't even expect civility from the two of you. Sirius and his opinions will not take me away from you. He's my godfather and I love him, but if it comes down to me having to choose between you and him, I choose you. Not him…you. Do you understand? Do you believe me?"
Severus stared at him, speechless for once in his life. No one had ever cared enough to give up their family for him. No one had ever given up anything for him. He could think of no sarcastic comment or scathing remark, so he just nodded dumbly.
"Good," Harry said lightly, kissing the tip of his lover's hooked nose.
Severus gave him a weak smile and then he started coughing again.
Harry sighed and glanced at the table next to the bed. He looked at the bottle of Nyquil, then at Severus and back to the small bottle, and then back to Severus.
Severus had recovered himself fully and he glowered. "I don't care what you do to me, Harold James Potter. I will not take that horrendous poison again!"
"Oh yes you are, Severus Salazar Snape! I will use any means necessary to get you to take this, resorting to sexual bribery if need be."
Remus stroked Severus's stomach. "Come on, love, just take it and get it over with. Then we can do whatever you want, provided you don't have to get out of bed to do it."
Severus looked from one to the other, a slight gleam lighting up his eyes. "Anything?"
"Within reason," Harry said, giving his werewolf lover an 'are you out of your bloody mind?' glare. Giving Severus an open-ended invitation like that wasn't always a good thing.
Severus snuggled closer to Remus. He knew that Remus would give in to anything, while Harry tended to be a bit more restrictive. Severus guessed that it was because of Remus's deep-seated need to please his mates. He wasn't above using that advantage if it got him what he wanted. "Will you make me some hot cocoa?"
"Yes I will, love," Remus said.
Severus turned his attention to Harry. "Would you read to me? I like it when you read to me," he said silkily, his long, delicate fingers tracing little patterns through the little patch of crisp, wiry hairs that nestled his young lover's cock. Severus let his finger travel lightly down Harry's hardening cock.
"Yes," Harry said shakily. He knew the lengths Severus would go to just so he would get what he wanted. Harry guessed that was one of the many reasons the man had been sorted into Slytherin. He also knew that if anyone other than he and Remus ever saw Severus act the way he did around them, that person would die of shock. Either that, or Severus would kill him for having too much information on him.
Severus put on his best innocent look. He asked Remus, "Would you give me a massage?" Remus always gave him the best massages. He preferred them even to Harry's, as good as Harry's were.
"Yes, I will." Remus wasn't stupid. He knew Severus was playing to his instincts, but he didn't care. Truth be told, while he tended to be the more dominant one when it came to sex, he was more than happy to give in to Harry and Severus's demands, or requests, as the case may be.
"Will you feed me chocolate mints?" he asked Harry. It was a well-kept secret that Severus was a chocolate fiend, and Chocolate Frogs and chocolate mints were his favourites. As he asked his question, Severus cocked his head to the side and subtly batted his lashes.
Harry was going to hex Draco the next time he saw him. That gesture was pure Malfoy. Harry vaguely wondered if Lucius gave his lovers the same look when he wanted something. "Yes, I will. Now will you take this medicine or not?" Harry glared at Severus while he pretended to weigh his options.
Remus just sat back, trying desperately not to laugh. He loved being privy to Severus's personal demeanour. It wasn't until they got together that he realised how different Severus could be in private, with the people he loved. To the outside world, he was icy and he was sometimes considered a cruel bastard. True, he was cranky and sarcastic, but he also had a heart of gold that he was very protective of. This behaviour was a prime example of his more playful side.
"All right. I guess I can choke down another dose of that poison you call medication, but only if you go and get me more pumpkin juice to wash it down with."
Remus got up. "I'll make the trip. I'll be back in a few minutes. Harry, make sure he stays in bed," Remus ordered as he pulled on a robe and fastened the buttons.
"Yes, sir!" Harry said, saluting him. Remus growled at him before walking out the door.
"So, what's the first thing you want to do after you take your medicine, my manipulative little Slytherin?" Harry asked the dark-haired wizard who was now resting his head on his chest.
Severus coughed a little. "I think I'd like you to read to me a little bit."
"Fine. What do you want me to read? We finished The Scarlet Letter last weekend."
Severus thought for a moment. "How about The Count of Monte Cristo? I haven't read that one in quite a while."
"All right. I'll go get it off the shelf." Harry made to get up, but Severus held him where he was.
"Wait until Remus gets back. I want you to hold me for a while, please."
"A Slytherin saying please? The world is coming to an end," Harry quipped. He yelped when Severus bit his nipple in response. "Ouch! That hurt!"
"Serves you right for making fun of me. Now shut up, you unbearable pain in the arse, and hold me!"
Harry gave in to his demand, and wrapped his arms tightly around the Potions professor. Severus relished the sensation of having Harry hold him. He was the one who usually held Harry. Remus was the one who always cuddled him, and it wasn't often that he had Harry in this position. As he moved closer and burrowed his head into Harry's neck, he tried to figure out why that was. It didn't really matter, though, because he was there now.
Harry was thinking along the same lines. Usually Severus wanted to hold him. He loved to cuddle Severus, but he didn't want to invade the Slytherin's space, and he usually let the older man initiate any cuddling that they did.
Both of them drifted off, and when Remus came back into the room, he smiled warmly. The two men on the bed looked so sweet together. It once again amazed Remus how young Severus looked when he was asleep, and the weight of his position was lifted from his shoulders.
"Wake up, you two," Remus said, shaking them awake. "It's time for you to take your medicine." Remus set the pumpkin juice on the table and handed Harry the bottle of medication.
Harry measured out the liquid and gave it to Severus, who obediently swallowed it with only a grimace of disgust. He quickly swallowed the pumpkin juice. He handed Remus the glass and settled back down in his former position.
Harry smiled at his lover. "I have to get that book you wanted me to read to you, Sev."
"I'll get it," Remus offered. "Which one is it?"
"The Count of Monte Cristo," Harry told him.
Remus went to the shelf and collected the book. He brought it back to Harry. "Since you two are going to read, I'm going to go down and see how the children that stayed are doing. They're outside building a snowman and having snowball fights."
"All right, but be careful you don't get sick. Put on something warmer than only a robe," Severus ordered his light-haired lover.
"Yes, love," Remus replied, sliding his jeans back on and grabbing a jumper from their closet. He pulled on one of his winter robes that Severus had insisted on buying him before the year started.
Remus kissed each of them in turn and waved. They watched him walk out of the room. When the door shut, Severus kissed Harry's neck lightly. "Read."
"Of course." Harry opened the book and started to read.
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Remus came back inside and took off his robe. He sat down next to his two lovers, who had fallen asleep while he was out. He had stayed out longer that he'd intended. The children wrangled him into helping them with their snowman, and then he'd been involved in a long snowball fight.
From the bottle on the bedside table, Remus could see that they had been up to something other than reading while he was gone. He screwed the cap back on the jar of lubricant, and peeked under the blanket. He was right. Severus and Harry were spooned together, and Harry was still embedded deep inside Severus. Remus's smile grew wider. Harry usually was the one on the bottom of their threesome, not that Harry complained. On the contrary, he had said numerous times that he loved being in that position. They were happy to let him have it, since he enjoyed it so much.
Remus slipped off his clothes and slipped in behind Harry. He threw his arm over his two lovers and fell asleep.
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A few hours later, Harry woke up. He looked over to see Severus and Remus otherwise engaged. Chuckling, he got up to go use the toilet. When he came back out, they were done.
Harry shook his head and stared at Severus. "Is it me, or are you more randy than usual?
"I don't know…possibly." Severus held his arms open and Harry slid back into bed.
"Are you hungry yet, Sev?" Harry asked. They had slept through dinner.
"A bit, but wait a while. I want to lay here with you two right now. It's so rare that we have a chance to just be together, at least during the school year."
Harry and Remus could wholeheartedly agree with that statement. All their classes, meetings, and papers to grade left them with little time for anything else, much less time for them to nestle together in bed for hours on end.
After another hour of cuddling and fondling one another, Harry got dressed and made another trip down to the kitchens.
After dinner, Remus gave Severus the massage he promised him, and Harry read while he did so. Once Severus was nothing but a giant puddle of Potions professor, Harry drew the three of them another bath.
Bath taken, the three settled back into bed and took turns reading until they were sleepy. They went to bed wound tightly together.
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The next day passed better than the first, with Severus complaining a great deal more. Remus and Harry knew he was feeling better.
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The third day found Severus ready to deal with the world at large, with only a little sniffle to betray the fact that he had ever been sick. He wished he could say the same for the other two, who were now lying in bed, blankets pulled up to their chins, sneezing and coughing.
The End