Unwanted pet (Snupin) *Complete*

Part 21: To know thy Slytherin

Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters from the Harry Potter world, which is trademarked by J. K. Rowling. This story is purely for entertainment purposes, no money is being made from it.

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Remus dwelled on the conversation they just had, trying to sort through the turbulence of fillings. This was what he wanted, and yet all happened so fast or too slow, depending on point of view.

He felt happy and scared at the same time.

Him and Snape, werewolf and former Death Eater - how for all hairs in Merlin's beard that can work out. How long can secrecy last? Snape told him, he might be a factor of damnation for both of them.

Closing his eyes, banishing unhappy thoughts from his mind, Remus smiled. He will take what he can, as long as it is possible.

How in Merlin's name does he know all that?

"Does Slytherin has private classes about Muggle psychology in their dorms?" The question flew out of his mouth before his brain managed to think it through.

"No." Snape laughed taking him by surprise, he never even thought that's possible. Not wanting to alarm Severus at his slip he just asked.

"Then how do you know all that?"

"There is plenty of literature..." replied Severus vaguely.

"Were? In the restricted section?" His question caused another eruption of laughter.

Remus realized that before today he never heard Snape laughing. Remus enjoyed the unusual site, wanting to remember the glimmer in onyx eyes and softness of otherwise harsh features, brightened with a smile.

Usually sharp and mask-like face was, now, live and even attractive.

"No," Finally gasped Snape. "In Muggle literature."

"Never took you for someone who read Muggle literature."

"There is a lot you do not know about me," replied Severus evenly.

Remus flinched - that was true, he barely knew anything about Snape. What made him the way he was? Shure, some of it was clear, he even added to it, but that could not be all. Truth was, he did not know sullen Potion Master at all.

"Give me some time." Remus finally winked.

"I believe that we should start working." Reminded him Snape and he agreed. Next few hours they spent in setting the basis for their research paper.

In afternoon Snape ordered lunch for them and then went to the bathroom to take a shower. Remus returned to ponder on their conversation.

What does he like? If I figure that out, I have a fair chance to become his friend.

Going in his head once more through the entire conversation he looked for clues. It seemed like Severus did not leave any. Approaching a problem from different angle thought crept into his mind.

What if we are more alike than either of us know?

Looking around the room carefully, Remus discarded the wall with torture devices, it simply didn't fit. Books and scrolls about plants, beasts and potions. Snape's room was revealing as much as his words. He inhaled deeply.

Lavender and hint of chamomile...

"Bloody hell! That is it!" Whispered Remus.

The room had no portraits, no photographs. In school, there were no owls with private mail, even when Severus was a kid. Snape's clothes were dark and strict. Everything about Severus - from this room to his appearance and demeanour was carefully designed to repel. However, this smell . . . his scent . . . they were mild and gentle.

Snape kept the unappealing presentation of his persona with care. . .

His hair always appeared greasy, but he spent enough time in Severus's presence to noticed - Severus's hair was just heavy. Snape's eyes were deep and brilliant like black jewels when he allowed emotions to surface.

Everything about Severus Snape was either hard like stone or soft like clouds. There was no middle, but Remus had a feeling that he knew where the true nature of Snape lay. He believed he found the perfect solution.