A Season of Change

Chapter 7

Charlie Weasley wiped his sweaty brow impatiently with his forearm. He couldn´t believe how warm it was in the dungeon of the abandoned castle. Balancing on his knees, he slowly pushed the heavy iron cauldron closer to the glowing coals.

Twenty long minutes passed. He had stripped down to a ratty white tee-shirt, sleeves cut out, and a pair of jean shorts. His short muscular frame was covered with a fine sheen of sweat as he delicately removed the dragon egg with a long pair of tongs. He placed the egg gently in the hatching chamber. Sighing with relief, he quickly extinguished the fire.

Watching the birthing process was a bittersweet moment. This particular egg´s mother, a Welsh Green, was killed in what should have been a routine restraining effort. However, thanks to the ineptness of a certain partner, Charlie could recall every detail of the resulting tragedy.

"Whitney!" Charlie screamed hoarsely, dodging the fiery blast radiating from sixty feet above. Falling to the hard dirt, he rolled quickly away from the crackling grass and heaved himself up on his forearms. In the smoky haze, his eyes frantically searched out his partner. Clutching his wand shakily, he mentally kicked himself for missing his target. Charlie prepared himself for the next attack, narrowing his eyes at the smooth green scales between the dragon´s steely eyes. "One, two--move you idiots," he bellowed, angry and frustrated with the inept motions of the less experienced dragon keepers. Just as he was about to yell the appropriate Cunjunctivitus Curse, he noticed Howard Whitney standing directly below the Green Welsh´s chest. Whitney was frozen in place, his mouth moving wordlessly. "Whitney!" Frantically Charlie propelled himself to his feet and charged forward. Through the rising smoke, Whitney seemed to move in slow motion as he hit the dragon with a misdirected spell, the sheer force knocking the life out of the beautiful creature. Her feeble cry produced one last fiery wave before she crashed to the ground. Charlie pushed Whitney out of the way and noticed vaguely that his partner´s arm was on fire. Whitney´s tortured screams filled the eerie stillness of the night as his arm burst into nasty red welts. Pandemonium ensued as the keepers struggled to revive the mother. Charlie separated himself, his eyes roving the ground in search of her eggs. He knew that she had only been acting out of nesting instincts and was instinctively enraged at the humans invading her safety zone. Suddenly furious with the whole lot of dragon keepers, wizards who were trained to know better, he argued, he ran across the field frantically searching for her nest. A cry from their leader, Augustine, drew his attention back to the dragon´s still form. Walking slowly back to the circle, Charlie´s eyes burned with unshed tears as he stared at the perfect symmetry of her smooth emerald green scales. Augustine stood before him, holding a smooth ivory object speckled with grayish green flecks in his soot covered hands. The Welsh Green´s only surviving egg. Charlie walked up to his stunned leader, and out of the corner of his eye took in the destroyed nest, the rest of the eggs smashed. Swallowing hard, he placed the egg gently in his waist pack before turning and Disapparating.

A wry smile broke across Charlie´s freckled face as he remembered his mum´s astonished look as he placed the egg on the kitchen table. She had been rendered speechless. The silence lasted only a split second, however, before she ordered the egg, and Charlie by association, out of her house.

Howard ducked his tall frame under the archway and peered into the darkness of the room. "Weasley?" he called, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the dimness.

Charlie shuffled to the side, and the warming lights under the hatching chamber glowed red in the dark of the dungeon. "C´mon over here, Whitney," he called shortly. "She´s about to hatch." His bulky frame made room for Howard´s lanky body. Howard gently touched the egg´s crack.

Nodding in agreement, Howard absently scratched his left arm.

Charlie looked down and frowned. "How is your arm faring?"

Howard shrugged. He pulled his sleeve back over the raw skin and continued to stare at the egg. His long white-blonde hair was pulled back with a strip of leather and his dark grey robes fell in casual waves around his well-defined body. He was the proverbial catch of all the keepers. Charlie had been fervently against the match, complaining to Augustine that the rash young man was more concerned with the notoriety of the profession than with the science of dragons. He had scrutinized Howard´s every movement during training. And yet, even though he had passed his training in triumph and thrown his worn fire-protection gloves at Charlie´s feet, Charlie still maintained his reservations regarding Howard´s skills. And I was right, he reassured himself. Howard was too inexperienced to have been given a position on this particular assignment. Augustine placed too much faith in this idiot and look at where Whitney´s rash act of foolishness has taken us.

Charlie appraised the other man silently. The man´s gray eyes were shadowed, and his face was covered with faint stubble. Starting, Charlie consulted his wristwatch and swore under his breath.

"Whitney," he said tightly, "Look here, I have an appointment and I´m already half an hour late. Do you think--" Charlie paused briefly, his brown eyes penetrating the wary eyes raised to him. "I need you to take over the hatching. I´ve set everything up--just make absolute certain to keep her warm. The Welsh Green are easily susceptible to cold. Augustine knows this is happening and wants to be informed the moment she hatches. Think you can manage this?"

Howard stared in amazement. He could hardly believe his luck. To be left in charge of the hatching of one of the only surviving Welsh Green dragons! Nodding, he swallowed once before beginning haltingly, "Of course, Weasley. Where should I take her once she´s hatched--"

"Augustine will handle that, Whitney," Charlie interrupted impatiently. "Look, I´ve got to go. Just don´t screw anything up." With his warning hanging in the air, Charlie apparated to his appointment.

**********

Cecilia lay in her narrow bed uncomfortably. On the far side of the room Genevieve snored softly. Shifting, she plumped her pillow in frustration, finally lying back down, resigned to her cheap bedding. I should be accustomed to this, she thought bitterly. I´ve only slept in the same bed for years. Flipping to her stomach, she buried her face in her arms. I should have told Mr. Lupin what was wrong when he asked. Her regret pounded through her head relentlessly. It´s my responsibility to tell him...How I could be so selfish...

Sighing, she sat up and stared at the moonlit path flowing across the worn pine floor. Cecilia loved the pull of the moon, and during the evenings Genevieve had night duty, she would frolic like a wood sprite in the privacy of her chamber.

Pushing the blankets aside quietly, she padded softly to the window and pressed her nose against the glass. Breathing in deeply, she tried desperately to inhale the moonlight. Oh to be free... She whispered a little prayer inside her heart, begging for release from her prison. She released her hair from its customary bun and allowed it to ripple down her back in waves of riotous curls. Deciding to ignore Genevieve´s presence, she began to twirl across the floor. Her heart sang, and for a moment she forgot her surroundings as the pull of the full moon drew her close.

**********

In the cool shadows of the Lupin-Black cellar, Remus curled up in his wolf form and rested his soft muzzle on his paws, his bright golden eyes boring holes through the wooden shutters covering the window. Faint streaks of moonlight seeped through the cracks enticing the wolf to come out and play. His home for the night, however, was in the cellar, away from his sleeping daughter who slumbered peacefully upstairs. His mind raced as it was wont to do during his lupine state, and he whined deep in his throat. Sniffing the air frantically he tried to detect the scent of his pack mate and released a tiny howl at his futility.

A low bark came from behind the locked door. Racing to his feet, the wolf leapt to the door with newfound energy and circled madly, his sharp claws digging into the soil. Growling, he grew frenzied in his mad urge to reach his mate. Communication passed from the other animal in the form of short punctuated barks causing the wolf to cease its growling. Whining, the subdued wolf pressed his muzzle against the crack of the door and sniffed in delight as the familiar dog´s smell reached his nostrils. The gentle panting from the other side warmed his frantic mind and allowed for a partial release of anxiety. The wolf knew there was a reason the dog was not in the room with him, but his present mental state did not afford the knowledge of understanding. Time passed slowly as dog and wolf lay with their muzzles pressed to the ground. Soon the pull of fatigue overcame them and they slept.

**********

Yawing broadly, Padfoot stretched his black doggie legs in contentment, his long pink tongue lolling from his mouth. Blue eyes caught the faint light spilling down the cellar stairs, and he quickly transformed.

Moaning slightly, Sirius leaned backwards and slowly cracked his back, knowing full well that if Remus were present he would receive a scolding. Smiling mischievously, he leaned closer to the door and proceeded to crack his knuckles.

"I can hear that, Padfoot," Remus´ tired muffled voice floated under the door.

Muttering the counter-locking spell, Sirius pulled the heavy door open and walked anxiously to the corner of the room. Remus lay prone on a pile of old mismatched bedding. His gentle eyes were covered with swollen lids. His pale milky-white chest and legs were exposed to the cool morning air, a corner of a tattered blanket pulled across his midsection in a half-hearted attempt at modesty.

Sirius pulled the shivering man up into his strong arms and bundled him in an old quilt. Planting a soft kiss on the fevered brow, he lifted him effortlessly and cradled the beautiful head against his shoulder. "You need to get more sun," he teased gently, his large hand smoothing the mussed hair soothingly. "Just rest..."

Remus smiled wearily against his lover and squeezed Sirius´ arm affectionately. "Thank you, love..." he managed before passing out.

Climbing the stairs carefully, Sirius marveled at how frail his partner seemed. His normally strong figure was deceptively light in appearance yet always managed to convey a strong presence of both mind and body. After the transformations, it was as if every ounce of strength was drained away--devoured by the ravenous wolf.

Laying Remus gently on the bed, he tucked him in tightly and cast a quick warming spell in the room. Sirius sat softly on the edge and absently ran his hand back and forth over his lover´s chest. Biting his lower lip, Sirius´ eyes scanned the sleeping man´s features. Milky-white translucent skin covered taut facial muscles and a slow pulse drummed in his left temple. After years of dealing with the complications of Moony´s monthly transformations, he had developed a little system that allowed him to absorb some of the pain while in dog form. When their paws connected an electric current surged between the two canines and emotions and physical sensations mingled so that each bore the pain from the resulting transformation.

Sighing, he caressed the warm forehead. He knew that it wasn´t possible to be locked in the room with Remus during the transformation. Elizabeth couldn´t be left alone all night, and the wolf wouldn´t understand the urgency of the situation should he have to transform back into his human state. Frustrated, he squeezed Remus´ hand. This month´s transformation without Padfoot´s companionship had wrecked havoc on Remus´ body. Someone needs to stay with Elizabeth during the full moon, he thought anxiously. Remus can´t be alone... and when I am away he´ll need help with her...

His own eyes heavy with fatigue, he glanced quickly at Elizabeth. Her eyes were buttoned in sleep. Satisfied that she was okay, Sirius removed his clothing and climbed into bed, pulling Remus close. Remus shivered slightly in his sleep at the contact. Sirius paused as he adjusted the blankets and smacked his forehead at his own stupidity. He had forgotten that his feet were ice cold. Muttering a quick warming charm, he snuggled back in bed and promptly fell asleep, his arms encircling his lover tenderly.

Many hours later, Remus awoke with a start, his eyes blinking in confusion. A persistent tapping came from the direction of the window. He looked around the room for Sirius and realized he must have gone downstairs with Elizabeth. Sighing tiredly, he worked the blankets off his body and carefully put his feet to the floor, wincing as his abused muscles screamed in protest. He hobbled across the floor and pulled on his dressing gown. His temples pounded and his raw throat felt on fire. Groaning at his own weakness, he carefully raised the glass pane.

"Come here," he croaked, allowing the little owl to land on his outstretched arm. Untying the missive, he sent him off downstairs for nourishment. Sinking into the rocking chair, he drew the blanket up over his shoulders before breaking the seal.

October 15^th

To: Mr. Remus Lupin and Mr. Sirius Black

From: Mr. Charlie Weasley

Remus and Sirius,

I just returned from a meeting with the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures. I was invited to sit on a special panel regarding a new particularly vicious cross-breed of Welsh Green and Hungarian Horntail--am not quite sure why they chose me and not Augustine--but that´s not important right now.

Listen, there was a woman there, someone called Margaret Lancaster from the Infant Wizard Protection Agency, who huddled in the back corner with Macnair for a long time. I happened to pass them on my way out and overheard them talking about a Mr. Remus Lupin. You are the only Remus Lupin I know, so I´ll admit to leaning down and pretending to tie my shoe--was actually wearing my leather boots with no laces but I don´t think they noticed anything. Anyway, she´s a regular bitch--very hostile. I kept hearing the words "vicious out of control werewolf snapped at me" and "I feared for my life". I must have "retied" my bloody shoe half a dozen times at this point. Then this nasty biddy said, "It´s getting out of control--the Minister is overstepping his bounds--vicious non-humans adopting my children--going to make an example of this werewolf who dares to presume--wait for my signal." And then Macnair said something about the executions of wild, uncontrolled beasts. It´s not verbatim, but it´s the best I can do. Sorry.

Remus, you need to be aware of what is going on. I just happened to be at the right place to over hear this, and I want to assure you that I will keep my eyes and ears open. I´ll do anything to help--you know that.

Listen, Remus, Sirius, I may have misheard some of these things but I´m still very concerned. I want to inform Dad, Percy, and Hermione about this--see if they have heard anything in the Ministry grapevine. I´m staying at the Burrow while on assignment here in England. Contact me there as soon as possible.

Charlie

Remus froze in his chair, the letter clutched tightly in his shaking fist. "Sirius," he croaked. Mustering all his strength, he lurched painfully to his feet and yelled hoarsely, "Sirius, I need you now!" Stars formed in front of his eyes.

Through the hazy pain, Remus heard footsteps pounding up the stairs. Collapsing back into the chair, the blood drained completely from his face. Remarkably his mind remained sharp as the absolute fury of the wolf merged with that of the man.

"Moony! What is it? Are you okay?" Sirius broke into the room. Little Elizabeth bounced in his tight grip, her hands holding fistfuls of shirt. She stared at Remus and cried plaintively, "Da da!"

Sirius stroked her soft hair and whispered gently, "Shush, Lizzie." He kissed her gently. "Daddy Remus isn´t feeling well. Stay here with me."

Elizabeth pointed at Remus and struggled to get down.

Remus unfroze and shook his head dazedly. "It´sokay, Siri," he said gruffly holding out his hands. "Let me hold her."

Frowning, Sirius shook his head as Elizabeth continued to squirm frantically. Finally, he placed her in Remus´ lap. He watched worriedly until he saw her cuddle closely to Remus´ slender frame, her tiny hands touching the place on his chest where his heart lay. Taking a seat on the floor next to his mate and daughter, he grabbed Remus´ shaking hand, smiling faintly as Elizabeth slapped the offending hand, showing her growing possessiveness over Remus. In his heart, he was faintly relieved that she also conducted the same ritual whenever Remus tried to draw his attention.

"What´s happened, Moony?"

Remus shifted his arms and dislodged the letter that had fallen under Elizabeth´s bottom. "Read this," he said shakily.

"Why is Charlie Weasley writing us?" Sirius looked up at Remus in confusion. At Remus´ aggrieved look, he dropped his eyes back to the letter and began to read.

**********

"Listen to me, Percy! We´ve got to go directly to the Committee--maybe Macnair knows something we don´t!" Charlie stumbled into the table and splashed pumpkin juice all over the tablecloth. Ignoring the mess, his strong arms reached out to grab his younger brother´s robes. He was determined to shake the condescending look off Percy´s face.

Percy frowned angrily at Charlie. He never thinks logically! "It´s never a step by step process with you is it, Charlie? Look--the Committee isn´t some dragon that you can charm into doing you biding. You´ve got to look at this rationally--or is rational thought something you´ve lost over your years dealing with wild beasts?" he sneered.

Charlie lunged forward. I´ll shake some sense into the little bastard, he thought wildly. Gripping Percy tightly, he glared furiously at the other wizard. Smaller in stature, he still managed to knock the wind out of Percy quite effectively.

"Charlie!"

Molly entered the room and dropped her market bags on the floor. "Unhand him! Charlie!" She rushed forward and pulled open her son´s strong grip. Gasping for breath, Percy leaned over the back of one of the chairs, his gray face slowly returning to its normal color. Molly held her older son´s arms tightly at his side and silenced him with a look.

"Why are you boys here?" The firm tone of her voice booked no nonsense.

"Charlie called me from the fire and told me it was urgent that I come to home--something about Macnair, Remus and Sirius. Interrupted a very important international call--and I don´t know, Mum!" Percy rasped indignantly as she frowned at him. Folding his arms belligerently across his chest, he continued angrily, "He´s gone mad, Mum! Bloody attacking me..."

Charlie fumed at his younger brother. He hated Percy´s pompous air--the way he tried to twist everything to benefit his own good. Definitely Ministry material, he groused. Swallowing, he worked to control his full-blown Weasley temper.

"I had an appointment last night with the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures and I overheard Macnair and a woman named Margaret from the Infant Wizard Protection Agency talking about Remus. Look, it´s was not a favorable conversation, Percy! They are clearly up to something--something connected to Remus´ lycanthropy. Stop turning this into some bloody battle about a grudge I may or may not have against the Ministry!" Charlie began to pace.

"I owled Remus and Sirius this morning and told them I would be here," he continued in a calmer voice. Percy rubbed his neck with a sour expression. Molly´s eyes mirrored the concern in Charlie´s. She tapped the kettle to begin tea.

"Shouldn´t you call Hermione also?" she asked over her shoulder, her gaze falling upon the Weasley family clock, Arthur´s arrow now pointing to "In Transit."

Charlie nodded, "Yeah, I left a message with her assistant. Apparently she off on some assignment. Her assistant said she´d have Hermione contact us as soon as possible." He executed a quick cleaning spell at the mess.

"Thank you, dear," Molly said, coming behind Charlie and ruffling his short red hair. Standing over Percy, she gently lowered his hands and rubbed a soothing balm on his tender neck. Bright red handprints covered the mottled flesh. Percy continued to shoot daggers at his older brother, but his eyes softened as he thanked his mum.

With a pop, Arthur apparated into the kitchen and glanced quickly around the room. "Where are Remus and Sirius?" he asked in confusion.

Charlie shook his head. "Should we place a fire-call?"

Just as Charlie made his suggestion, Sirius´ head appeared in the fireplace. A tic worked angrily in his jaw.

"Charlie?"

Charlie knelt before Sirius´ head. "Hello Sirius," he answered gravely. "How´s Remus?"

"As fine as can be expected in this bloody situation!" Sirius snapped. Charlie nodded. "Listen, Charlie, we need to talk with you, but Remus is too weak to leave the house." Lowering his voice, he continued quickly, "He had a bad transformation last night and has a high fever. He wouldn´t want you to know this though, so..."

Arthur´s face came into view. Sirius´ smile was grim as he acknowledged the older man. "Arthur," he said.

"Sirius, we can be at your house momentarily if that´s all right. Molly´s here--she´ll be happy to tend to Elizabeth." Arthur beckoned Percy forward. "Charlie contacted Hermione´s assistant and she´s trying to locate her. Is there anyone else you want involved right now? Harry?"

Sirius shook his head. "Harry´s still in Croatia. The Venezuela trip was postponed for another month. There´s still a heck of a mess over on the Continent."

"Still... Percy, can you have your department send word to the Auror division? It needs to be conducted officially, and I would feel more comfortable if they didn´t know Sirius was involved."

"Of course, Dad," Percy answered quickly feeling a pang of guilt at the frantic worry on Sirius´ face. He apparated to the Ministry.

Arthur stared firmly at Sirius. "We´ll be right over. Just give us a minute." Sirius disappeared from the flames. Standing, Arthur grimly faced his wife and son. Rubbing his wrinkled face tiredly, his eyes held none of their usual sparkle. The kitchen stood cold and still, tiny cracks whistling faintly as the strong October wind whirled around the rickety house.

Molly quickly packed a basket of nourishing staples, intent on nursing poor Remus back to health. She added a bottle of Pepper-Up potion and a sachet of fever-reducing herbs.

Arthur and Charlie waited patiently for her to finish. The three exchanged brief looks before tossing floo powder into the flames, and within seconds the Burrow stood empty.

**********

Remus coughed harshly, his thin shoulders shaking with effort. "Smashing," he groaned weakly from the armchair Harry had criticized on his last visit. "I´ve caught--cough--a bloody cold..." He shivered with chill and closed his bloodshot eyes for a brief moment.

Sirius entered the room with a fresh cup of chamomile tea. "I can´t believe we forgot to buy a new bottle of Pepper-Up."

Remus opened one sleepy eye and appraised his mate dryly. "I told you, Paddy, I´m not taking any of that foul stuff. I already have enough gray coming out from my head--I certainly don´t need any help."

"Aw, Moony," Sirius teased, tucking the blankets closer over Remus´ shoulders. "You are so cute with the little gray tendrils of smoke curling about your ears!" Placing the tea in Remus´ hand, he prodded him gently. "Drink. The Weasleys are coming over any minute."

Remus sipped experimentally. Ah... Sirius had finally learned how to brew a proper cup of tea. "Come here, my little dog star..." he whispered, his eyes closing once again. Sensing his presence, Remus opened his eyes and barked out a shout of laughter. Sirius stood next to the chair complete with a bubble-head charm.

"Yes, Moony?" he asked innocently, his voice sounding as if he were yelling from the bottom of a cave.

Remus stared at the comical figure in front of him trying desperately to make him laugh. He raised his hand slowly, and with deliberate precision, pressed his entire palm on the glass. His giggles turning into full chuckles as Sirius sputtered indignantly.

"Moony, you´ve streaked me!"

Laughing, Remus wagged his eyebrows wickedly. "I believe we´ll have to save the streaking for later, Padfoot."

Their smiles quickly disappeared as a commotion from the fireplace drew their attention. Arthur crawled out of the fireplace followed closely by Charlie and Molly. They all stopped abruptly, bumping into each other. Smiling in comprehension, Remus touched his head once and Sirius blushed, tapping his bubble-head with his wand.

"Arthur, Molly, Charlie. It´s good to see you." Remus extended his hand genially. Sirius marveled at the way Remus maintained his control in the presence of others. Only he was privy to the depths of emotion that shook the other man to the core of this being--and even then, an outburst was but an occasional happening. Touché, he thought wryly, remembering cautionary words spoken just minutes ago--a warning that he, Sirius, was acting like a worrywart.

Molly took Remus´ flushed face between her cool hands. Like a mother hen, she gently kissed his brow and frowned at the heat radiating from him. Clucking her tongue, she bustled towards the kitchen calling over her shoulder, "Where is that delicious baby of yours?"

"She´s having a nap," Sirius answered.

Charlie propped his arm on the mantle, his brow furrowed as he wondered where to begin. "Percy´s heard of Margaret Lancaster," he began slowly. "He says she´s known for her questionable alliances. There were rumors circulating about which side her loyalties lay during the war. Supposedly the Minister of Magic was prepared to remove her from the post of Deputy Caseworker at the IWPA but with the shortage of trained nurses after the war, Margaret´s been allowed to stay on."

Arthur nodded in agreement. "Margaret is notorious within the Ministry for stirring up trouble."

Remus tried to make sense of the whole matter. "I´m afraid I don´t understand, Charlie. Why is Margaret attacking me? My lycanthropy was cleared through the Ministry before she was even involved."

"Remus--" Charlie started.

"Remus! Sirius!"

Hermione had arrived.

She rushed forward in a swirl of crimson robes, pushing her hood down impatiently. Her brown hair managed to stand up everywhere, individual strands bonding to the electricity in the air. Bending down, she gently kissed Remus´ cheek and then moved quickly to kiss Sirius, Arthur and Charlie.

"I am so sorry I´m late. Morgan only just tracked me down--the Division sent a team down to Portsmouth where we have been setting up experimental Apparating ports--and anyway, Morgan didn´t have time to fill me in on the situation. What´s happening?" She looked quickly from Remus and Sirius and back to Charlie, her fast movements making Remus slightly nauseous.

"Hermione, what do you know about a woman named Margaret Lancaster?" Charlie asked.

Wrinkling her nose in disgust, Hermione answered shortly. "The Lancaster woman? She´s horrid, that´s what she is." Her voice rose angrily. "What does she have to do with this?"

Sirius noted ruefully that once again his hands were tucked inside his cuffs. "Charlie overheard Margaret speaking with Macnair after a Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures panel. We figure she harbors ill feelings towards Remus--hell, who am I kidding?" he laughed bitterly. "Margaret hates Remus because of his lycanthropy and it looks as if she´s dragging Macnair into the mess--concocting these stories about Remus threatening her. Now Charlie´s overheard Macnair talking about the execution of wild, uncontrollable beasts. If you ask my opinion it seems as if the two have been in cohorts for awhile now."

Hermione paled. She tried to recall just what it was about the Lancaster woman that nagged at her memory. Aha! She glanced worriedly at Remus, worrying her lower lip.

Remus noticed Hermione´s hesitancy, and his lips thinned. "Out with it, Hermione," he said shortly. "I´m not fragile. If you know something about Margaret you need to tell us--all of us."

Hermione swallowed nervously. She felt as if she was standing in his classroom back at Hogwarts and he was Professor Lupin again, not Remus. She remembered vividly that one dreadful day back in their third year when Professor Lupin stood looking at the three of them with such disappointment in his golden eyes. I hate disappointing him...and here I am doing it again. She shifted uncomfortably under his piercing stare.

"Margaret Lancaster is the woman who was the key witness at the execution trial of the condemned werewolf from Bristol. Do you remember this case, Arthur?" She looked over at her father-in-law who was slowly turning gray. "This particular werewolf was the guardian for his deceased sister´s child--a little boy around the age of six at the time, I believe. Lancaster petitioned against his rights to be a parent--and succeeded. She painted a horrid picture of this man--completely fabricated--and managed to destroy all of his credibility," Hermione´s voice shook with anger. "The trial lasted for months. Lancaster worked closely with Macnair to bring forward people who would be willing to lie on the stand about the nature of his character, and soon he became known as the Raving Werewolf of Bristol. Eventually the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures handed down the verdict and... well, he was executed. This all happened about ten years ago, and since then no werewolf has been legally sanctioned to have parenting rights--until you, Remus." She paused, her voice trembling. "I--I´m so sorry, Remus..."

Remus was certain he was going to be sick. Hot bile forced its way up his throat. Lurching over the side of his chair he retched, his back heaving as he forced out the contents of his stomach to the floor.

Sirius ran quickly to his mate, his own stomach revolting against Hermione´s story. He stroked Remus´ back and held back locks of hair that had fallen forward. "Shh... Remus, just breath... that´s it... take another breath, love..." His clammy hand brushed nervously against the sweat-drenched forehead.

Slowly Remus´ dry heaves ceased. His mouth burned unpleasantly, and his eyes stung. Sirius leaned him back against the chair, pulling a tissue from the box on the little stand. He gently mopped Remus´ brow and the corners of his mouth as Molly quickly cleaned away the mess. Charlie held out a glass of water which Remus gulped eagerly, desperate to wash away the unpleasant taste.

"I´m so sorry..." Remus said weakly, humiliation coursing through his body.

Sirius placed a finger over his clammy lips and shook his head firmly. "Never apologize. I wanted to retch myself." He smoothed his hand over the flushed cheeks and wished for the ability to take away his lover´s pain. "We can´t condone what happened ten years ago. We´re united together in this, Remus, and there is no way in hell that Lancaster and Macnair are going to succeed this time. Besides," he continued with more confidence than he truly felt, "We don´t even know if the situations are the same--or what the situation is exactly."

The rest of the group nodded quickly, and Remus smiled weakly at their attempt to ease him. Liars, he thought tiredly. Good liars, but still... Coughing harshly, he watched as Molly reached into her basket and removed her reliable bottle of Pepper-Up.

Grimacing, Remus clamped his lips tightly like a small child.

Frowning sternly at him, Molly pressed the spoon to his lips and ordered him to open up. When he wouldn´t oblige, she deftly pinched his nose with the experienced air of a mother of many and popped in the spoon when he gasped for air. Smiling sagely, she placed the bottle on the table.

"Sirius, dear," she called over to the taller man whose shoulders shook at the aggrieved expression on Remus´ face as his ears began to steam. "I noticed you don´t have any Pepper-Up in your pantry. I´ll just leave my bottle with you. I have plenty in reserves at home."

Charlie nodded with a grimace. "It´s true, mate. Better take it than risk arguing with Mum."

"Why thank you, Molly," Sirius said, his lips cracking slightly at the disgruntled look Remus threw him. "You´re too kind." He placed a warm, strong arm firmly around Remus´ shoulders and hugged him tightly. He gazed down into Remus´ eyes and his heart sunk at the dazed hurt expression. He bent and kissed him swiftly. "I love you terribly, Moony." His voice shook slightly as he proclaimed this in soft undertones so the others wouldn´t hear. "We´ll get through this--just promise me you won´t close yourself off. I can be strong for the both of us, I´ll do all the work, but--but my heart truly can´t stand it when you pull away from me. Promise me, Moony..."

Breaking through his own pain, Remus´ heart ached at the vulnerability he heard in his lover´s voice. He reached up and gripped the hand lying across his shoulder fiercely. "You have my promise, Padfoot."