A Stubborn Solution - Snape/Lupin for ellid
Title: A Stubborn Solution
Recipient: ellid
Pairing: Harry Potter - Snape/Lupin
Rating: PG
Word Count: 4,755
Summary: It wouldn't be too long, he was certain. Remus wasn't a fool. He knew a good opportunity when he saw one. Severus knew that his plan was foolproof.
Author's Note: This story was originally written for the dearsanta exchange and gifted to ellid.
The story does manage to ignore several large cannon points and is technically post-DH. But...who cares as long as they're happy? ^_^ And please excuse the random and seriously ridiculous commentary that is sparingly left throughout. (Should've apologized for that sooner.)



"Can I pick a book for us to read tonight?"

Severus nodded and motioned for his daughter to head to the bookshelves. He only hoped she would not be reading Call of the Wildfor the tenth time. Leave it to Remus to find something so stereotypical for their child to love.

Eight-year-old Marie Celeste pulled the stool up to the shelves and started looking over the titles on the multi-colored spines. She reached out for a moment, pausing over a much loved copy of Charlotte's Web. Severus could not stop the small smile that formed as she did this. It had been the first book that Marie had read to them without assistance. She had been so proud of herself, smiling and telling everyone for days.

Marie moved her hand briefly to a copy of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. She smiled and looked back at Severus for a moment. "I remember when we read this last Christmas. Do you think we can read it every Christmas?" she asked.

Christmas was a few days away, but Marie and Remus were certainly fond of their sentimental notions. Severus could not completely understand the need for traditions and habits, but even after all of this time he was still learning new things about being a "proper family".

"If you would like," Severus said with a small shrug.

Marie nodded and went back to the bookshelf once again. Severus moved to the shelf beside her, trailing a finger across the spines. He paused over the gold lettering of a collection of Dickens' work. It had only been a few days before that he had been unable contain himself, as he watched Remus's rapt attention on the thick tome.

It had started out innocent enough. He stood in the doorway to the living room, after sending Marie to bed, watching the way Remus's eyes focused on the pages in front of him. Remus had grown his hair out enough to pull it back into a loose ponytail at the base of his neck. He repeatedly played with the strands of the ponytail (a poor habit of endless nervous energy that belonged to a child and not a grown man). He chewed on his bottom lip briefly, picking at his chapped lips.

It was so simple and yet so Remus that Severus was crossing the room and devouring his lips. The book slipped to the floor as Remus let out a surprised squeak. Severus was lost in the taste and smell of Remus. He could not get enough until they were both replete and spent across the sofa.

"I shouldn't be surprised that Scrooge would turn you on," Remus said with a laugh.

"Don't be ridiculous," Severus snapped, but it was softened by the way that he had curled himself against Remus's shoulder.

"Can we read this one, Father?" Marie asked. She held out a copy of Sense and Sensibility.

Severus had no love for Austen. The romance was often ridiculous in his opinion. The only thing that he could enjoy was watching the exchanges between those of different ranks and title, considering it was reminiscent of watching the interaction between most of the Slytherin house.

He took the book from Marie's hand and motioned for her to head to her bedroom. "Get into your nightgown and wash up. I'll be there in a moment."

Marie nodded and headed down the hall, leaving Severus alone with the book. "At least she isn't any sort of fluffy-brained idiot," he muttered to himself. He heard the rush of bath water and knew that Marie would not be ready for at least another twenty minutes.

He turned back to the bookshelf and looked over the titles once again. It was a shame that Remus was not there to enjoy the book with them. He was currently in England visiting Teddy. Despite the English Ministry's ridiculous notion of harsher restrictions on werewolves, Andromeda wanted Remus to at least be a part of Teddy's life. It was generous of her and Remus was grateful for the privilege.

Privilege, Severus scoffed. Only Remus would think it a privilege to visit with his own son.

Remus was only staying for the first few days of Teddy's holiday break before he would be back for Christmas with Severus and Marie Celeste. Severus sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose for a moment. As loath as he was to admit it, Severus was hoping that Remus would hurry up. Marie Celeste seemed fine, as she was always more understanding about Remus leaving to be with Teddy than perhaps even Severus was.

"I know I would be very sad not to get to see Daddy every day. I can let Teddy spend time with Daddy every once and a while. You and Daddy told me that sharing is a good thing," Marie Celeste had told her father on one occasion.

Severus removed the book under his hand from the shelf with a sigh. It was almost irritating that his own daughter showed more signs of sense than he did at times. If he wasn't so proud of her, he might have ended that discussion with an argument.

He sunk down into his favorite chair and flipped through the opening pages of Count of Monte Cristo. It was a book he found himself often going back to, not for it's reminders to his rather sordid past, but because it reminded him of the turn their lives took eight years before.

~*~*~*~

It had been a summer holiday and he had been reinstated as the Potions Master at Hogwarts. There had been a great deal of clean up work after the last fall of Voldemort and Severus was inclined to let everyone else suffer the pains of having to clean up the mess that had been left behind. There was more than enough evidence, character and factual, to ensure that he would not be spending the rest of his life in Azkaban. Severus owed the world nothing and he was determined to give them just that.

(Severus tipped his hat and said, "Screw you guys, I'm going home.")

Severus was deep in his book, settled for an afternoon of reading, when Remus burst into the house. He was ranting as he tore through the kitchen pulling out the tea things. Severus attempted to read a few more paragraphs, but as Remus did not appear to be stopping any time soon anything more would be impossible.

"What in the world are you tearing through the house for?" Severus asked, as he came into the kitchen.

Remus turned to Severus quickly and for a moment, Severus thought that he might actually throw the teacup in his hand at Severus's head. He calmed after just a moment and leaned against the counter.

"It was just a stupid fight," Remus said with a sigh.

"I would have to disagree with that," Severus said. Severus crossed his arms and arched a brow. "You've nearly broken all of our best china."

Remus shook his head. "I was just talking with Molly…"

Saying that was enough to put Severus on edge. Molly had not supported their relationship since they had admitted to it less than a year before. Molly was convinced that Remus was still in love with Tonks and only lying to himself by having the relationship with Severus. For whatever reason, she seemed bound and determined that Remus should only be with another woman or no one at all.

It was a blessing that Remus had fewer problems with other friends, but Molly was going to be the end of them if she continued to interfere the way that she was.

When Severus had not immediately responded, Remus continued, "I was talking with Ginny about her children and one thing led to another and I was admitting that I wish that I could have another child. Molly cut us off and started clucking on and on about how she knew the right girl for me and I could be set up nicely by the end of the year. I tried to tell her that I would never leave you and she said that I would never have any children then. I sort of lost it at that point…I was screaming at her and telling her that I would have a family and children and I could do it all with you."

Severus moved closer to Remus, placing a hand on his shoulder. Remus sighed again, hunching over the counter further. "It's ridiculous for me to have claimed that I could do it. I know I can't. There are laws here preventing me from every having custody of children. The only reason they didn't take Teddy away from Tonks and I was that she was an auror and she was…the only one listed on his birth certificate…"

Hard as he was, Severus couldn't bear to see Remus in such a state. He pulled Remus into his arms and Remus sagged against him, letting out the last of his steam. There was nothing that Severus could say in regards to Remus's pain. If there was a way that Severus could change the laws and take away every Ministry obstacle, he would have in an instant. The truth was that werewolf reform was years away. Greyback had reinforced the fear of weres in the Wizarding populace. It would take a great deal more work before anyone could begin to forget him or the atrocities the other werewolves caused during the wars.

The only thing that Severus knew he could do was reassure Remus. "What does that stupid cow know?" he said. "A family isn't created by gender or genetics or whatever damn thing she wants to insist upon this time. Your future will not be controlled by anyone or anything. If there is something that you want, then we will work together to get it."

Severus then took Remus to bed, trying to distract him from his dark thoughts. It was apparent after a few days that Molly's words would not be soon forgotten, however, and Severus was left with a problem of finding a way to correct this rather ridiculous problem.

Now until this moment, Severus had never really thought about having children of his own. It was ridiculous since he did not feel inclined to pair himself off with anyone in a manner that would allow it. Families were not acceptable for a spy, as they would only suffer further if they were known. After the wars, there had been Remus and it was not possible for them to have children alone.

Severus dove into research regarding alternative families, but found that they were nonexistent in Wizarding England. Other than a ridiculous suggest of male pregnancy ("Over my dead body!") there were seemingly no other options available to them. Severus was not to be deterred however and turned to the only other source of information.

Muggles had less difficulty with same-sex pairings and he knew immediately that he had done the right thing. The matter of how they could have a child was almost immediately resolved and Severus then turned to the more challenging concern of ensuring that they could have their child in their custody.

It had taken him months to work out the arrangements that would put his plan into action. There was one final hurdle to jump, and thankfully it was a simple one.

Severus arranged for a peaceful dinner at home on the weekend. Remus was the one who was more often home, as he still was unemployable according to the Ministry laws, but Severus instructed him to be as far from it as possible until he was finished with his arrangements. Remus returned from an afternoon of doing who knew what with his former Gryffindor students. He already seemed to be in a better mood, smiling a genuine smile and chatting amiably with Severus before they settled to dinner.

"I'm sorry that I've been in such a rut lately," Remus said during a brief lull in their conversation. "You've been very patient with me, and I really appreciate it."

Severus waved a dismissing hand at the apologies. "Don't act as if you had no reason to feel low. I have a complete understanding of your thoughts on family and your wish to recreate what was stolen from you. I realize I lack the appropriate parts to immediately rectify that situation, but I believe that I may have a suitable alternative."

"Suitable alternative? Well…Severus…as much as I'm…honored that you would…go through it…" Remus said, seemingly searching for the appropriate words.

"Go through with it? What are you talking about?" Severus asked, arching a brow.

"Have…you know…a child…for me…" Remus said.

"Lupin, if you think for one moment that I would change my gender for you to have a child then you are sorely mistaken," Severus said, with a growing scowl.

"Oh…good," Remus said, looking immediately relieved. "That's just…well…weird really."

Severus rolled his eyes. "Wizarding methods are sadly outdated. The acceptance of same-sex pairings is limited as you are well aware. However among Muggles it is much more common and there are many more options to parents wishing to have children," he said.

Remus was surprised, and Severus was curious to know if it was because Severus was suggesting doing something the Muggle way or simply that he had found a way at all. Perhaps it was a little of both.

"I believe I have determined the most appropriate method to suit us," Severus said. "Ignoring the laws that prevent you for just one moment, I know that you have your need for a child, but you would not be satisfied with simply adopting one. You would much rather see a physical representation of the fruit of your loins."

"Fruit of my…Severus!" Remus burst into laughter, hiding it behind his hands.

Severus just resumed his glaring and continued on. "As such, I know that you do not simply want to find some woman and get her pregnant. The child would still be partially hers of course and it could lead to complications in the future. What I suggest we do is find a surrogate that would be willing to carry a child that is a byproduct of both of our genetics."

"A byproduct?" Remus asked, calming himself enough to respond. "Like it's just some lab experiment that went awry."

"Not an experiment. This is something that has been tested and there have been several successful results. It is a combination of Muggle and Wizarding techniques. Muggle science has not been able to successfully create a fetus using the egg of two women or the sperm of two men. The combination of appropriate spells can do what science cannot," Severus explained.

"For as awful as you're explaining this, you've really done your homework," Remus said. "Since we're still assuming that I would be allowed to do this, say we combine our genetics and we create a fetus, how exactly do we go about finding someone to put it into?"

Severus summoned several brochures to the table, taking the top of the stack and handing it to Remus. "Muggles have groups of women that simply…enjoy being pregnant…"

"You've got to be kidding…" Remus said, staring at the pamphlet. "Tonks said if I ever knocked her up again, she'd brain me. There are really people who like pregnancy?"

"I didn't make it up," Severus snapped. "There are organizations across the globe like the one mentioned in that pamphlet, and recently I've learned that there are a few very rare Wizarding groups as well."

"All right so, if we pick a surrogate mother to have a child that is the…fruit of both of our loins," Remus began with a smirk. "How exactly do we get around the small problem of the Ministry laws not allowing me to be a parent?"

"That would be the harder part," Severus said. "I've learned that England is rather…alone with its ridiculous laws that they have for dark creatures. Since the creation of the Wolfsbane potion, more countries are willing to show support to responsible Wizards and Muggles that have been cursed against their will. Many countries are trying hard to be more like their Muggle counterparts with their constant struggle for equality."

"But…move…out of the country…?" Remus said, rubbing his neck. "It's not that something like that isn't appealing, but I can't just leave Teddy."

"I realized that this would be the harder part for you to accept. This is not carved in stone. There are simply more options to us if we chose this route. If we were to go to a more welcoming country, you would be able to gain employment and Minerva has already volunteered to write as many recommendation letters on your behalf as you need," Severus said.

"But my son couldn't come with me. I wouldn't force that on Andromeda. She's alone enough as it is," Remus said.

"If you don't want to force that on her then just tell her to come with us," Severus said. "What else is there here for her?"

"Now who's being ridiculous?" Remus asked. "You've got to understand that uprooting yourself from your home is not an easy thing. I know you've done a lot for me to help me, Severus. This is a huge decision though. I can't just make it without really considering all of my options. It's just too much."

Severus leaned back in his chair with a sigh. He could not understand why Remus would fight the best option that he had come up with. Remus was miserable in England and Severus knew that without a shadow of doubt. How could a man be happy when his only companions of a similar age were either tied up with Ministry affairs or were harassing him repeatedly about finding a nice girl? Remus tried to associate with Potter and his troupe of former students, but that was hardly an equal relationship. Remus would never be able to build a life with his son and have that a-typical family that he was dreaming about, much less a job or any semblance of respect from the people that he risked his life to protect.

"I need to think this over," Remus said, standing up from the table. "I…just don't know…"

Severus looked up at Remus briefly before nodding. "I had no desire to rush or force you into anything. If you feel you need time, then take as much as you need. The options for us are not changing."

Remus nodded in return before leaving the kitchen. Severus could hear the rushing sound of the floo and he sighed. He had never expected that his grand plan would be tossed on its head so quickly. "He really is a stubborn fool," Severus said, before he began to clear away the remains of dinner.

Severus settled in the living room, once the dishes had been put away and the house was once again in its former pristine state. It wouldn't be too long, he was certain. Remus wasn't a fool. He knew a good opportunity when he saw one. Severus knew that his plan was foolproof. For the time being, he settled by the fire with a book and waited.

One hour became two, and then three, and then four. The Dumas classic slipped from his fingers and fell to the floor with a soft thud. Severus was startled awake for a moment, but his eyes drifted shut once again. He could rest for just a moment more. He had had a long day with brewing and planning his surprise for Remus. Remus would wake him when he returned.

He had not expected to wake the following morning, with a painful crick in his neck. The sofa offered no support and his whole body felt achy. Severus dragged himself to the kitchen for proper fortification before going upstairs. Remus must have left him on the sofa the previous night. He would suffer the consequences of his actions severely, but considering the circumstances Severus might offer him some leniency.

A cup of tea and he was ready to face Remus, with the proper amount of wrath and fury. He headed up to the bedroom and a cold lump settled in his stomach. Everything was still as perfect as he had left it the previous morning. The bed was made and there wasn't a single sign that Remus had returned.

Severus tore through the house. Remus had to be there. He wouldn't have run away from everything because of a simple suggestion to move out of the country. He couldn't have.

The house was achingly empty and Severus felt the lump in his stomach grow into a heavy boulder, weighing him down to the spot. He had to do something. He had to find Remus. He quickly collected his coat, ignoring the way his hair stood out in different directions. He didn't know where to start, but even if he had to beg the information from all of his dunderheaded friends he would gladly do what it took to ensure that Remus came home.

"Severus?"

It might have been considered comical the way that Severus skidded to a halt just in front of the fireplace. Remus had to step back in surprise in order to avoid being bowled over.

"Severus?" Remus asked looking at Severus's bedraggled state curiously.

Severus didn't respond immediately. That Remus was home was wonderful, but he looked nearly as awful as Severus felt. There were dark circles under his eyes and his hair was a mess. Severus finally forced himself to move, pulling Remus into a tight embrace.

"You're home," he said.

Remus nodded weakly and slumped against Severus. Severus pulled him towards the sofa, sitting him down and going into the kitchen for a fresh pot of tea. When he returned, Remus sat with his head in his hands as if the weight of the world was over him.

"I've decided to go through with all of this," Remus said, as Severus sat the tray down on the end table beside him.

"You have?" Severus asked. "Then why is it that you look like I've kicked your favorite animal?"

"Because I don't want to do this," Remus said. "Andromeda insisted that I needed to do this because I can't be happy here. She's unfortunately right."

"But you won't be happy leaving England," Severus said.

Remus just nodded in response.

Severus was silent for a few moments. The task of fixing tea helped him keep a level head, as he was feeling the sudden need to rage at Remus for acting so foolishly. He wanted a family, and the English Ministry would do everything in its power to ensure that he did not have it. Remus received nothing but scorn among his own people because of something he never asked for. His child was taken away from him simply because he could not be "trusted" to care for him.

Oh. Teddy…

"You're not happy because you'll be leaving Teddy behind," Severus said.

"Why would I want to leave him behind? He's my son and despite everything that happened I care about him more than my own life. How could I honestly feel good about leaving to live in another country and have a family without him?" Remus asked.

"It doesn't have to feel good," Severus said with a faint nod, pressing a cup into Remus's hand. "But what will you tell your son when he asks you why you cannot have a job? What will you tell him when he asks why you are not happy?"

"I'll have to tell him the truth. I wouldn't want to lie to him," Remus said.

"And what if he found out that you had the chance to have everything that you wanted, but you didn't take it because of him?" Severus asked. "People can weigh themselves down with obligations, but it will never satisfy them. Guilt will only eat away at you until you suddenly wake up one day and you hate the very person that you are doing everything in your power for."

Remus looked up at Severus and their gazes locked. Severus knew the pain that was caused by obligations and guilt fed duty. That guilt had fueled him for years, and cost him any semblance of happiness through two wars.

"You have the chance to be a parent to him that he will be proud of. You can show him that you were willing to do what it took to stand on your own two feet without the support of others. You can show him that he does not need to live his life under the restrictions that others put him under. He can truly be just who he wants to be," Severus said after a moment of silence.

A small spark of life came into Remus's eyes as Severus spoke. He did not respond immediately and Severus scrambled for more of the encouraging words that seemed to be helping.

"It won't be so bad. You can write to him often. He'll want to know everything that you are doing, of course. You can visit him for the holidays or any other time you wish. You can spoil him with as many gifts and toys as you'd like because you earned the money to purchase them. There's no reason that leaving the country means forever," Severus continued.

"No…it shouldn't mean forever," Remus said with a small smile. He put down his cup and reached for Severus, pulling him down onto the sofa beside him. "We can really do this."

"Of course we can, you stupid wolf," Severus said, finally losing his patience. "I researched every contingency, every possible problem, and I know that it will not be easy, but it is something that we can do."

"Together," Remus said. His smile grew and he reached out to hug Severus tightly. "Do you really think he would be proud of me?"

"Idiot, who wouldn't be proud of you?" Severus said, returning the hug lightly.

"I'm rather proud of you," Remus said. "You've done so much, and you're willing to make such a huge sacrifice for me."

"It's not a sacrifice. Unlike you, I have no ties left to this country, outside of you. I do not need to remain here to complete my work. In fact, it would be good for me to broaden my knowledge of potions by meeting with fellow brewers. I'll have opportunities out of the country that I will not have here," Severus said. He ran a hand lightly through Remus's hair. "I wouldn't do any of it if I did not know you would join me."

"Good. I'd hate to be alone and guilt ridden for the rest of my life without you. At least if I keep you around then you'll nag me to death," Remus said with a light chuckle.

Severus rolled his eyes, but kept his sharp retort to himself. He had to remind himself that only a few minutes ago he had been filled with dread, thinking that Remus had decided to run from him. He would ensure that Remus paid for his transgressions later, but for now. He would just enjoy the closeness that they had.

~*~*~*~

They decided to move to Canada, settling in Toronto. Marie Celeste was born over a year later. Remus began teaching at the Canadian Academy for Wizards and Severus worked out of their home brewing and experimenting. They had a good life together and Remus finally had the family that he had wanted.

"Papa?"

Severus looked up at Marie, who was waiting for him in the hallway. "Are you going to read to me?" she asked.

Severus smiled gently and nodded. "Of course," he said. He stood up and escorted his daughter to her room. The little girl scrambled under the covers quickly and looked up at Severus.

"Are you thinking about Daddy again?" Marie asked.

"There are few moments when I am not thinking about you or your father," Severus admitted.

"If you're going to be sad because Daddy isn't here, I could sleep in your bed to keep you company," Marie said.

Severus chuckled lightly. "That is not necessary," he said. He sat down on the edge of the bed, leaning against the headboard. He opened the book and pulled out his reading glasses from his robes. "Let's just read for a while. Your father will be home again soon."