Unwanted pet (Snupin) *Complete*

Part 22: Dobby

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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This Saturday Snape had to sit through 3h of almost full class with students that he gave detention. When Snape was gone, he set his plan into motion. Remus busied himself wondering how to summon a house-elf when one bold head appeared in front of him with a soft POP.

"How Dobby can help Mr Lupin, sir?" Gasping in surprise, he looked at the oddly dressed elf, his name was familiar enough to him

"You can call me Remus."

"Thank you, sir, for honouring Dobby with the name. What Dobby can do for Remus, Mr Lupin, sir?"

"Dobby, how well do you know professor Snape?"

"Dobby knows professor Snape, Dobby is the only elf who want to go to Professor Snape, sir."

"Can you tell me what professor Snape likes?"

Dobby looked at the floor but remained silent.

"Do you know what professor Snape favourite meal is?"

Elf smirked, looking half worried and half like an angry mother. "Professor Snape avoids food. Dobby has to nag professor Snape to eat. Yes, Dobby knows. Professor Snape loves red meat with cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes, and a glass of elven vine with it."

"Is it possible to get that for dinner here tonight?"

"Yes, Dobby will bring professors Snape favourite dish." Said elf happily, and lingered, he looked elf with curiosity.

"Sir, can Dobby ask something, sir?"

"What do you want to know Dobby? Ask away."

"Will Mr Lupin, Remus, help Dobby to take care of Professor Snape?"

"You Dobby taking care of Professor Snape?"

"Sometimes, yes." Elf wobbled his head. "Professor Snape is nice to Dobby, giving Dobby clothes and sickles, and he is a good man, sir. Professor Snape doesn't take care of himself, Dobby is worried, sir."

"How do you know that professor Snape is god man, Dobby?"

"He makes medicine, like the one you drink sir, for some poor families. He sends them every month, by owl or Dobby, and he never wants money for it, sir. When Remus, Mr Lupin, was sick professor Snape barely slept or eat. He was sleeping in a chair next to the bed, you sir, you were in professor's bed. He put you in your bed only one day before you woke up. He didn't even allow Dobby to take care of you so he could rest. And..."

"Yes, Dobby."

"When you started to throw-up blood, sir, he was...he cried, sir. Dobby never before saw Professor Snape cry, and he argued with Dumbledore, he never argues with him. Dumbledore is like a father to Professor Snape, sir." Dobby sighed "Professor Snape is still weak sir, Dobby is worried."

"Professor Snape cried in front of you?"

"No sir, Dobby was worrying and watching from where he could not be seen."

"I will help you Dobby, but it might be smart not to tell professor Snape about this conversation."

"Oh no, sir! Professor Snape would be mad at Dobby. He would not allow Dobby to take care of him!" The elf looked honestly scared in the prospect of that idea.

He took two sickles from the pocket and offered them to the elf, but the elf refused

"Mr Lupin, Remus, sir won't give Dobby money. He will help Dobby take care of professor Snape and Dobby is happy. Dobby will bring dinner at right time sir." exclaimed elf and disappeared with a POP.

Looking at empty space Remus was still for a while. Finally, he walked to the armchair and slumped in it.

The little elf told him, maybe, more than he realized. Certainly, more than Snape would like to. Remus shook his head.

Why in Godric's name would he cry?

Feeling torn between content and sensation of pure undiluted guilt, he could not decide what emotion was dominant. Reluctantly he returned to their research.

Around dinnertime, food appeared on the table. It was time for Severus to show up.