As was usual this time of year, Snape’s allergies functioned as his alarm clock. “Hah-ESHOO, HAESHH.” He fumbled for the box of tissues that had been placed (probably by Remus, he grumbled) next to his bed and blew his nose. He got dressed and went downstairs for a glass of water. Returning to the room, he dug deep into his bag and produced his bottle of allergy pills. As much as he hated to admit it, the muggle medicine did do a lot to control his symptoms, especially since he could no longer take the wizarding potions. He proceeded to Ashling’s room. She was finally sleeping somewhat peacefully. As much as he hated to, he shook her awake.
“Mrghh. Gwwy.”
“Still incredibly articulate upon awakening, I see.” She rolled over and leaned back on the pillows. She was pale and had dark shadows under her eyes, indicating just how rough the night had been on her.
“Did you sleep okay?” She asked. “I hope I didn’t keep you awake all night.”
Snape held up his hand while digging his handkerchief out of his pocket. “Heh-AHSHOO, hey-EHSHOO, HERASHOO.” He paused to blow his nose. “I slept fine. I got up with you a few times, but you sent me back to bed. Do you want some breakfast?”
“No, not right now. I’d love a bit more sleep though. Go make yourself something.” “Okay. I’ll be back in ahh…Ah-huh-SHOO…bit.” Snape returned a half hour later with some tea for her and settled in the chair with his book. She was still sleeping restlessly, and he was still reading when he heard the door open and Remus head upstairs. Remus appeared in the doorway, looking even more worn and haggard than he had the night before. Snape noticed some fresh cuts and bruises as well.
“Lupin.” He assessed the werewolf.
“Hello, Severus.” He went and sat on the edge of the bed, and Ashling woke up and looked at him. “I’m back, Ash. Rough night?”
“I’ve had worse. I’ve also had better. Let’s get you cleaned up.”
She started to sit up, and Remus put out a hand to stop her. “You’re sick. You need to rest. I can handle it.”
“Remus, you need help. You’re hurt pretty bad. I’m not that sick.”
“I’ll get it, Ashling. I’m fine. It’s just a few scratches.”
“Remus -”
Snape interrupted her. “I’ll take care of it, Ashling. Just tell me where everything is.”
“Bathroom. Thanks, Sev.”
Snape got the things from the bathroom and followed Remus to his room. “I don’t have anything for the bruises.” he told him as he set about cleaning the cuts. “It’s going to sting a bit, too.” As Snape leaned in to clean a cut on Lupin’s chest, Remus pushed him away. “Do you want me to clean you up or not.” He snapped.
The werewolf didn’t answer but instead turned his head and buried his face in the crook of his arm. “Huhishhoo, ihhshhoo, heyshoo, heyihhshhh, eehshoo.” He sneezed. “Sorry.” he sniffled, reaching for the tissues. “I - iihhshhoo-shoo, huh-ihhshhoo, huh-ishh. I didn’t want to sneeze on you.” he explained.
“Appreciated. You’re not sick, now, are you?”
“Do. I dond’t get sick whend I trandsformb ind the sumber, but after the trandsforbationd, by senses are evend more…ehshoo…heighted thand they normally are, and my allergies get worse. I’ll take something whend your donde.”
Snape nodded at his explanation and continued cleaning and bandaging the wounds. “Just warn me if you’re going to sneeze again. I don’t relish the idea of getting your snot all over me. Hold on.” Snape pulled his handkerchief out of his pocket and let out a few sneezes of his own. “Hetchmfff, heh-chfff, huh-chuff. Excuse me.” When he was done patching up Lupin, he watched as the man, tiredly, limped to the bathroom to take something for his allergies. Lupin hobbled back and laid down on the bed, yawning.
“Thanks for doing this. You can go. I’ve got things now. I hope you don’t mind if I don’t walk you out. I’m rather tired and sore.”
Snape started to head out to get his stuff and stopped. “Lupin, you look like shit. I’d be surprised if you could take care of yourself right now.” he sneered. “She’s really sick. How are you going to manage to take care of both of you?”
“We’ve managed before, and we’ll manage again.” he replied, wearily.
“She had a really bad night. She needs more care than you look able to provide right now.”
“And just what do you propose I do? I can’t change things.”
“I’ll stay and take care of her until Sunday night. You are on your own. If you want to eat what I cook, you can, but other than that, you can take care of yourself. Heh-mmphh. And that mangy flea-bitten beast.”
“Aren’t we one and the same?” Lupin retorted.
“I meant the cat, werewolf.”
“Better not let Ash hear you call Boots that. She’ll have at you. Thank you for everything, Severus.”
“Once again, Lupin, I’m not doing it for you. I’m doing it for her.”
**End Flashback**
“Heh-chmff, heh-chff.” Snape rubbed at his nose with the handkerchief.
“I can’t believe you stayed until it was time for your classes on Monday.”
Snape’s eyes softened almost imperceptibly. “If it had been anyone else, I wouldn’t have. But for her…I wish I could have done more. Het-mmphh, heh-ngkk.”
“Have you taken anything for your cold, Severus?” Remus inquired politely.
“Can’t. Allergic to pepper-up. Well, thank you for the tea and a chance to warm up. I should be going.” He rose to leave and almost immediately sank back onto the couch again.
“Severus?” A note of concern entered Remus’s voice as he went over to the Slytherin.
“I’m fine.” He shook off Remus’s arm. “Just a little dizzy all of a sudden.”
Remus looked closely at him. Severus was flushed and shaking. “You look like hell. Let’s go upstairs and have you lay down. You’re staying here. You are in no condition to travel. I’ll call Dumbledore and have him bring you what you need.”
“I’ll be fine, Lupin. I don’t need you taking care of me.”
“I know you don’t want me to, but you look like you could use some help. And I could use some company right now, someone who knew her. And, perhaps, you could to. She would have wanted this.”
“Fine. I’ll stay. I have to admit, I don’t feel up to traveling.”
“Let’s get you into bed, and then, I’ll call Dumbledore.” Remus turned his head and pressed his arm over his nose. “Huhihhshhoo, ihhsshhoo. Excuse me.” He rubbed his nose with the back of his hand and helped Snape upstairs.
Before, Ashling had always kept the bedroom doors opened, but now, two were closed. Remus led him into one of the open bedrooms, the one Snape slept in whenever he stayed over.
“Can’t stand to look in those rooms?” he attempted to sneer, but ruined the effect by sneezing. “Ihhkfff, hehchfff, ehhshfff, iihhkshff.”
“No. Lay down. Other than clothes and a toothbrush and hairbrush, what else do you need?”
“My allergy pills and I’d like the book by my bed.”
“I’ll go call Dumbledore. Try to rest some more.”