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Severus lays still, watching the water flow. He’s sitting outside, he’s going back to Hogwarts soon. Tomorrow is his birthday, the day he gets his soulmate’s name. He can’t sleep, so he’s outside on a cold January night, watching the frigid water flow. He always thought he’d share this moment with Lily, that he’d stay up with her and proudly show her the name he gets. Lily is probably asleep.
Severus looks up, the moon is almost in the middle of the sky. A few more minutes.
He lays, waiting for the telling burn on his wrist that will have his soulmate's name, black if they’ve met, white if they haven’t.
The clock ticks to 12. His arm burns for a second, and then it feels like nothing changes. He waits for a few moments, before sitting up and casting a quiet lumos.
Remus John Lupin. It’s written in black, but he doesn’t need the colour to tell him they’ve met, his nightmares are enough proof that they’re well acquainted. Severus isn’t sure what Lupin’s birthday is, he could already know it’s Severus.
Severus goes back to his house and cries.
~
Severus carefully wraps his wrist as he walks to the train station, making sure it won’t come off unless it’s cut. He briskly walks through the wall and is met by Potter, tripping in front of his trolley. Severus sneers down at him, but then catches Lupin laughing out of the corner of his eye. Severus goes tense and moves around Potter.
~
Severus tries his best to avoid the Marauders after that, a hard feat when they constantly try to rile him up. The memories of last year's ‘prank’ would be enough for him to want to steer clear, but knowing he’s mated to one of them pushes him away further.
He keeps his wrist wrapped, even when he wears a t-shirt to potions. He’s sent to Pompfrey, Slughorn saying it was concerning. He tells her the truth, that he doesn’t want anyone to see who his soulmate is. She lets him out but says something about therapy. Severus ignores it.
~
On a random Thursday morning, while Severus is eating his breakfast and mentally preparing himself for a morning class with Slughorn, Lupin storms over to his table, a loose shirt on despite the chilly weather. Severus freezes, watching Lupin’s friends follow him, all looking at each other confused. Severus swallows the bite of toast he’d just had. It must be Lupin’s birthday.
Potter and Black seem to realise what Lupin is doing at the same time, eyes going wide and starting to catch up to Lupin.
“Snape.” Lupin greets, standing in front of him. Severus takes a shaky breath.
“Lupin.” Severus greets back. He can see his own last name curing around Lupin’s slim wrist.
“I had no idea your middle name was Tobias.”
“I had no idea yours was John.” Severus looks Lupin in the eye as he says this.
~
A few minutes later, they’re standing together in an empty hallway.
“So, you knew.” Lupin says, leaning against the wall.
“Yes.”
“How long?” Severus swallows again.
“Since early January.” Severus admits. Lupin sighs.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” He asks. Severus scoffs.
“Why didn’t I tell you? You’re friends with the two people I hate most in this school, you nearly killed me last year, you’re a Gryffindor, you’re a man. Take your pick.” Severus hisses. He begins pacing, chewing on his nails.
“Alright, I get why you didn’t tell me. Does anyone else know?” Lupin hasn’t moved once. Severus gets more frustrated.
“No. I haven’t told anyone that you’re stuck with me, so feel free to shag anyone you want.” Severus huffs. That makes Lupin move.
Except, instead of storming off down the hall to tell his friends how much he hates being mated with Severus, he walks forward.
He grabs Severus’ face. Severus is forced to stop pacing, and his hand drops.
“I don’t want to hide that we’re soulmates, but if that’s what you want, I don’t mind.” Lupin whispers. Severus internally screams at himself to not do something stupid.
Severus melts into Lupin’s arms and sighs.
Stupid.
“I don’t want that.” Severus mumbles against Lupin’s shoulder. Lupin holds Severus there for a moment, before pulling back just enough to look Severus in the face.
“Can I kiss you?” He asks. Severus’ breath gets stuck in his throat. He nods. “I’ve got to hear it, sweetheart.” Lupin whispers, leaning forward.
“Yes.” Severus manages to force out, and then Lupin is kissing him, tilting his head up so he can kiss him thoroughly. Severus is putty in his arms, melting into him and gladly forgetting to breathe.
Unfortunately, Lupin doesn’t. He pulls back, eyes half-lidded and panting. Severus is also struggling to breathe but chases Lupin’s lips. Lupin chuckles and gives him a short peck.