My Brother is a Teenage Werewolf

Exact Words

Severus and Remus Age 16

Right before sixth year

***

Severus knocked on Remus's bedroom door and opened it when he heard a quiet, "Come in."

"Come downstairs," Severus said as soon as he saw Remus sitting at his desk. He didn't even wait for an answer before he turned to walk away, assuming that Remus would follow.

"Why?" Remus called after him. "I'm busy."

Severus turned back around and glanced over at the homework that Remus had spread out on the desk. "Bring it with you. I'll be in the kitchen."

Remus groaned, hating the way that Severus just demanded he do things, even as he was already gathering up his books and supplies.

The two teenagers had actually become quite close over the last two months of summer holiday, which was the expected outcome when you all but forced them to live under the same roof for such a long time. Though neither would admit it, of course, they had developed at least the beginnings of a friendship. In any case, Albus and Minerva no longer had to listen to their near-constant arguing.

Remus came downstairs and into the kitchen where he found Severus leaning against the counter next to the sink with his arms crossed over his chest. His cauldron, Advanced Potions book, and several ingredients were laid out behind him. Remus took in the sight and raised an eyebrow at his newly adopted brother. "What are you doing?"

"I'm about to brew the Elixir to Induce Euphoria."

Remus shook his head. "I don't think so."

Severus honestly looked confused by Remus's reaction and tilted his head to the side.

"Yes, I am. I've got an idea to counterbalance the side effects of it."

"No," Remus said again as he dropped his Transfiguration book down onto the table and walked over to Severus. "Remember what you said about the Gigglewater, Sev? This is what we with brains call a really bad idea? Albus said you couldn't brew without them here."

"No," Severus corrected, "his exact words were, "Severus, you are not allowed to brew alone." And I'm not alone, am I? That's why you're here. Besides, nothing is going to happen. They're not due back for hours and by then, I'll be finished, and no one will know."

Remus still wasn't convinced. "We haven't learnt how to brew this potion yet!"

"I've been studying it for days, Remus. It'll be fine."

"Oh, well as long as you've studied it," Remus said sarcastically, moving away back to the table before dropping down into a chair to work on his homework. He had a sinking feeling that this wasn't going to end well.

***

Quite a while later, Severus was about halfway through brewing the potion and Remus was still sitting at the table. He'd finished the essay he had been working on and was now quietly watching as Severus dropped a few porcupine quills into the cauldron before continuing to stir it. He took a moment to read over the next step in his book before murmuring something about not needing as many as the book had instructed.

Once the potion had changed from yellow to dark blue, Severus reached over the counter and picked up a sprig of peppermint before stirring it in as well.

"Perfect," Severus said when it turned purple.

"Sev," Remus suddenly said, standing up from the table. He was sure that he had just felt someone enter the wards around the house, and that could only mean one thing.