Snape whirled around. “Lupin.” he responded with a half-hearted sneer.

Lupin knelt down next to Snape and looked, mournfully, at the grave.

Ashling Erinn O’Connor

May 13 1960 - June 3 2000

And He will wipe away

Every tear

“I should have known you’d be here.” Snape snarled, although not as nastily as usual.

Lupin looked at him; was it his imagination or did the man sound congested. “I come every week, and always on this day.”

“I should have figured as much. Bloody sentimental werewolf.”

“You’re here. Judging from the looks of things, I’d wager you’ve been here awhile.” Snape’s robes were soaking; his hair hung in wet clumps around his face, and he was shaking from the chill, or so Remus supposed.

Snape opened his mouth to respond, but instead turned his head and inhaled sharply. “Hihkfff, hechfff, hihchfff.” He blew his nose on a wet handkerchief, an expression of distaste crossing his face.

“Bless you.” Remus told him, risking it, and placing his hand on the man’s flushed face.

“I’mb finde, Lupind.” Severus snapped. “It’s my allergies.”

“And a cold.” Remus responded, gently, yet firmly, slipping off his drier cloak and placing it on the man’s shoulders.

Snape looked forward at the grave. “I miss her.” was all he said.

“Me too.” They sat there in silence for a minute before Snape sneezed again. “Ehhshhfff, huhhhshfff.”

Remus produced a dry handkerchief from his pocket and offered it. After a few seconds, Snape begrudgingly took it. “Ihshmphh” he sneezed into it and blew his nose.

“Severus, let’s get you out of this rain. It’s going to make you worse.”

“I’b fide.” Severus spat, starting to get up, and pausing as a sudden wave of dizziness overtook him. Remus grabbed his arm.

“We’re going to apparate now.” He told him firmly. “Just hold on to me.” There was a pop, and the next thing Snape knew, the sun was shining and they were in a tree lined yard.

“Where are we?” he sniffed, his curiosity getting the better of him.

“Home. Well, for me anyway. Ashling’s house.” They headed around to the front door, as Remus began searching through his pockets for the keys.

“Shit.” He muttered.

“What?” demanded Snape. “Ihshh”

“I can’t find the key.” Remus replied, looking through the window. “Because I left them on the table. Damn.”

“ Hihhshhff…Use your…shkfff…wad. Ad huh..hurry…hihshhkfft…I’b very ahh…ahhihshfff…allergic to these lilacs she idsisted od puttig here. Ekishmmmphh” He pressed the handkerchief to his nose.

“Stand behind me.” Lupin pulled out his wand. “Alohomora.” he muttered as the door creaked open. Remus led Snape into the kitchen and took the cloak, laying it on a chair.

“Hetchhh, ehhshhpphhh.” Snape shivered, pulling out his wand and muttering secarse. Remus did the same, then set about making tea, partly for something to do, and partly to warm Snape up slightly.

“Huhshhh, ehhhhshhh” Snape blew his nose again into Remus’s handkerchief. “Thank you.” he mumbled, hoping the werewolf wouldn’t notice Snape’s, albeit, begrudging thanks.

“Not a problem. You’re still shivering badly. I’m going to check your temperature, so don’t hex me for pointing my wand at you.”

Severus nodded. “Fide. But I cad already tell you I hab a feber.”

“I want to see what it is. Examinus.” Remus said, pointing the wand at him, and looking at what had shown up. “Temperature…101, complaints….seasonal allergies, head cold.” He looked further down the reading. “You’ve got nearly as many allergies as I do, Severus. Right now, I think you should have some tea and lay down.”

Coughing, Severus nodded. “I rebeber the first tibe I was here.” he snuffled as Remus grabbed the tea and led him to the living room. Remus laid a pillow and blanket on the couch, and Snape lay down, taking the tea.

“I remember, too.” Remus responded. “The cat died shortly after she did, so that’s one thing you won’t have to deal with.”

“Ehkisshhh” Severus nodded, blowing his nose and taking a sip of the tea.