Phases of the Wolf

Phases of the Wolf 3: A miracle and the damn war

Remus shivered and blearily tried to recall if he'd ever heard of a sick werewolf.

This had been growing worse for several days now and had got to the point where Sirius had demanded he stay in bed instead of, what were the words, 'fainting every damn minute'. Not that Sirius didn't relish every opportunity to carry him all about the place - ever since he'd let that particular secret slip, Remus had teased him mercilessly and now the twins were onto it as well. No rest for the wicked.

However, Remus, by nature, was a creature of activity. He wanted to be up and working, contributing to the ever-increasing work of the Order now Voldemort had appeared in the middle of the Ministry. There was chaos in the wizarding world and all he was good for was vaguely suggesting tomes of use from his position sprawled across Sirius' chest.

Not that he would complain about that. The fact that Sirius was in one piece for him to lounge over was a miracle all in itself. A few inches to his left and Bella would've sent him straight through that damned veil into...well, goodness knows where but it couldn't be good. As it was he landed in a heap on the stone-cut steps, stunned into an attractive target.

Without thought, Remus had fought his way towards him, standing over him like some demented guardian angel - an idea Sirius had latched onto like a dog with a bone and incessantly repeated it to all who would listen and most that wouldn't.

Now it was Sirius doing the guarding, having settled himself into his old bed and dragging Remus' lethargic form up over his. Remus was huddled into his side, shivering under the blanket and wondering why he felt so sick when he hadn't eaten in days.

Still, it helped, being close. Sirius kept up the steady caresses through his hair, the irrationally soothing gesture keeping Remus sane. His prattling lover had assured him that it worked for him just as it worked for domesticated dogs, smirking once more at the connection between their alter egos' ancestries.

In a departure from form, however, Remus had only gotten through half his evolutionary superiority argument before giving up because the room was spinning. Sirius had at once retaken his temperature.

"You're meant to chase hens not become one," he mumbled around the wand, as Sirius removed it and watched the little smoke numbers drift out of the end.

"Hmm...the fever hasn't risen. Let me get you some water."

"Will dribble," Remus protested, but Sirius was not one to be deterred by such petty excuses. He didn't take any prisoners after full moon and he certainly wouldn't now.

The pull of the celestial orb grew stronger as his strength waned - he didn't know if he could survive a transformation in this state, but he wouldn't voice such fears to Sirius. Secretly, he was terrified that his body was finally succumbing to the stresses of a two-id conflict, killing him by degrees as had been the fate of so many of his kind.

Remus Lupin had too many reasons to live for death to take him now.

"Full moon tomorrow," Sirius said quietly, and Remus cursed him for reading his mind.

"I am aware, Sirius," he said tiredly, shifting against him. Sirius ran an apologetic hand over his back and planted a kiss in his sweat-soaked hair.

"When Dumbledore gets back, he'll sort it," Sirius said with confidence. Remus admired the ease of the lie - he knew that Sirius no longer possessed that kind of faith in their former Headmaster, but he would pretend for Remus' sake.

"I am sure Professor Dumbledore will have much to say on the matter." Remus was not looking forward to that conversation. He wondered how he could get Sirius out of Apparating distance.

Sirius shifted and Remus felt his stomach roll, but Sirius was incapable of stillness. He pushed away the proffered water and buried his face in Sirius' neck. He just wanted to sleep and never wake. Yes, that would be nice - a long, dreamless sleep, with no fever, no fleas and certainly no flittering veils.

There was the soft sound of a throat being cleared and Molly Weasley cautiously entered the room with a tray of tea and a bowl of chicken soup. Remus looked up, his cheeks tinged faintly pink. Ever since the woman had walked in on their exchange of light, teasing kisses in the first couple of months at 12, Grimmauld Place, she had been both wary and faintly embarrassed at seeing them together.

Sirius had been his usual defiant self about the whole thing and had, in Remus' opinion, gone out of his way to touch Remus in public view and sneak kisses at highly-likely moments of discovery. Remus, a private person by nature, had tried to keep such things to behind locked doors but with the illness settling into his bones these past days, he had welcomed Sirius' solid and rather blatant presence.

Molly set down the tray and smiled sympathetically. "How are you feeling, dear?"

"A little better, thank you," Remus lied smoothly, but was ratted out by Sirius' snort.

"The fever hasn't risen but the sickness is persisting. He hasn't tried to stand today because he can't."

Remus shifted his head to glare and tried to ignore the stabbing pain in his neck. Sirius just shrugged. Remus hadn't the strength to be angry, so just flopped back on Sirius' chest, utterly miserable. He hadn't been properly sick for decades - now was a lousy time to start.

"Albus said he wouldn't be back for another week yet - do you think we should Owl him, Sirius?"

"I am perfectly fine, Molly," Remus interjected, but they weren't listening to him.

"I don't know - I don't want to disturb the kids' training if it turns out to be nothing, but he's not showing any signs of getting better. And the full moon..."

Molly nodded sagely, looking at Remus with concern. He held back a scowl - it wouldn't do him any good anyway. The invalid never got a say in his care, especially not with such mother hens in his company.

"Stick Sirius in your broth, Molly," he mumbled, which earned him a light chuckle and another soft kiss to his temple.

"You never did take attention well," Sirius said fondly, and a glimmer of warmth settled in Remus' chest. He was suddenly struck by the utterly absurd feeling that everything would be all right if only Sirius kept running his fingers through his hair. That's it, Moony, he thought, you've really lost it this time.

"We don't need to trouble Albus, Molly," Remus said patiently. "If I feel exceptionally weak at noon tomorrow, we will rethink, but until then I see no reason to disturb him."

He waited with baited breath and saw the hint of grudging acceptance lodge itself upon both Molly and Sirius' faces. Nodding to himself, he allowed himself to rest, watching the evening light fade outside the curtain.

Molly left after a moment, muttering about all the Order members she had to feed, and Sirius attempted to shift him into a sit. Remus allowed himself to be pulled around like a rag doll until he was propped up against Sirius' chest with the tray across his knees.

There were rules, of course. Remus liked his life to be fairly ordered, and while there was little chance of that with Sirius using up all the hot water and determined to right the wrongs of thirteen years separation, guidelines were useful. Such as 'Under No Circumstances Intercept and/or Burn My Letters' and 'I Am Not A Damsel, Do Not Carry Me.'

However, this attack of illness had awakened the overprotective, overbearing white knight lurking beneath the affable if somewhat neurotic canine companion he'd had to work to draw out in the first place.

Once more Remus Lupin had sacrificed his autonomy for the sake of Sirius Black's ego. If he had the strength, he'd shout and scream and tell Sirius exactly where to get off. Of course, that would also require a personality transplant on his part, as he had never shouted at Sirius and he wasn't likely to start now. A firm word, perhaps, and his best "exasperated teacher look", as Sirius so succinctly put it.

As soon as the ceiling stopped turning cartwheels.

Remus clumsily ladled half a spoon of chicken broth into his mouth and forced himself to swallow. The liquid crawled down his throat and he tried to control his rebellious stomach. A strong arm curled round his chest and Remus held on as he shook with the cramps, tears rising in his eyes.

"I'm here, Remus, it's okay, okay..." Sirius murmured, becoming adept at hiding the panic in his voice. He only sounded close to hysterical this time.

The dinner tray was levitated shakily away from them - his spells were improving, Remus noted - and Sirius just encouraged him to breathe for a couple of minutes. This was worse than full moon, worse than that first wrenching transformation - this was his human form tearing him apart and that unsettled him more than anything.

Maybe he should have asked Albus to return - the man's presence would serve to reassure if nothing else, but Remus couldn't be that selfish. This was a war - it was far more important for the children - almost adults now - to learn how to defend themselves, to fight should the need arise. Harry had been quiet recently - he was caught in the nightmarish 'what if' of the veil and Sirius' fall; they had been lucky, and when Remus finally fell to sleep, it was all he dreamed of.

Ron and Hermione tried to be cheerful, crack jokes and keep everyone smiling, but he'd seen their concern when he'd started feeling ill as they'd left for their summer retreat. Hermione fretted that he'd caught one of the wild spells that had been cast in the fury of the Death Chamber and Sirius had immediately started casting all manner of revealing charms about his person, which had only made him sneeze and cry purple tears.

At least they had parted in gales of laughter and it had done Sirius good to see Harry smile again. Remus too, if he were honest, and the thought brought another smile to his face, as the door was once more eased open.

Remus didn't even have to look - the sudden tension in the room spoke volumes. "Good evening, Severus," he said politely, attempting to straighten himself. Snape nodded curtly and held out the faintly smoking goblet, which Remus eased into his shaking hands.

Of course now he was back amongst civilisation, the Potion was a necessity. Neither he nor Snape would put anyone in danger because of their petty differences and Snape had dutifully brewed the potion for him every night of the week preceding the full moon. Remus was especially appreciative this month, as the bitter liquid was the only thing his tumultuous stomach would suffer.

He sipped carefully and Snape nodded in approval before turning to leave.

"Snape." Remus held his breath. "Thank you - Remus and I, we're very...grateful."

Another curt nod and Snape was gone. Remus inclined his head towards his lover, a faintly bemused smile on his face. "Perhaps we should take your temperature."

Sirius scowled and smacked him lightly on the arm, causing them both to smile. Remus drank down the potion slowly, careful not to spill any, and then set aside the goblet. Weariness overwhelmed him and Sirius, possessing some strange telepathy, slid them both back down under the coverlet.

Sleep engulfed him easily, and Sirius' gentle fingers kept the nightmares at bay.

~

Molly slowly ascended the stairs and took a moment to watch Sirius. He was moving about the room, pulling the curtains to and adjusting the comforter, talking all the while even though Remus was dead to the world.

"Of course, they are both pack animals, which is an advantage. Yes, I do realise dogs don't hunt in packs now but they used to. When they were wolves. I know that proves your point, but I was hoping you wouldn't notice."

He settled himself on the edge of the bed, running a hand through Remus' hair and watching the sun through the crack in the curtains. Evening was drawing on and soon it would be night...

"No luck then?" he whispered softly, and it took a moment for Molly to realise he was talking to her.

"Hedwig just flew around in circles - the concealment charm is obviously working too well."

"Better that way," Sirius muttered, securing Remus' hand between his own and frowning at the chill.

"He still hasn't stirred?"

"He's exhausted," Sirius said tiredly, rubbing at his own eyes. Molly laid a hand on his shoulder.

"So are you. Get some rest - he'll need you soon."

Sirius seemed to consider for a moment, thumb moving in circles over the back of Remus' hand, but then shook his head. "I...I can't leave him, Molly. I can't bear the thought...that he might slip away."

Molly swallowed hard. "Do you really think it's...that bad?"

He sighed. "I really don't know anymore. No one knows anything useful and now he won't even wake up. I don't know how...tonight..."

She drew him against her, hugging him like she would one of her children. Ginny had been kept away from the room - she had seen the older ones' reactions and she wouldn't put her daughter, who practically worshipped Remus, through that.

"Remus is strong, my dear," she said, still holding him. "He's had to be, and that strength will bring him through, you'll see."

Sirius nodded dully, but Molly could tell he didn't really believe it. She couldn't say that she truly did either.

"I don't know if I can do this again," he said in a broken whisper, and she didn't know what to say. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a small red-headed figure pull the door closed.

~

It burned.

A harsh fire now, searing through his body, gripping him in a vice and refusing to release him, even as another part of his mind began to emerge, fighting for control of this sickened, weakened form.

If he could be rational right now, he would say this was ridiculous. But as it was, he could only think about how much it hurt and how he knew Sirius was close, could hear, could sense his presence, but couldn't *reach* him and that was worse than any pain.

The presence was fading - whilst his being screamed for Sirius to stay, the small part of him that still comprehended logic knew he should go. He couldn't hurt Sirius.

Another voice, another scent - also familiar, but not like Sirius. But of course Sirius was achingly, wildly familiar in every way. His mind shifted into sense memory for a moment and that was enough time for the potion-subdued wolf to roam freely through his mind. He was too tired to fight it right now.

All his senses went wild - enemy! Sirius came closer, would he fight? He wished he could fight too, savage this intruder, defend the pack. Gentle Sirius hands holding his head and then liquid in his mouth, down his throat. He tried to fight it but the hands were insistent - Sirius was working with the enemy!

His mind and body reeled as he sank further into the darkness.

~

"Thank you, Snape," Sirius said tiredly. The slimy git actually looked quite awful, and Sirius wondered for a moment whether he'd been as affected by a choking, struggling Remus as he had. Anything was possible.

"Good luck, Black," Snape said hoarsely and then left, leaving Sirius to contemplate the fast-fading light and the fragile figure lying in his bed.

Pushing the door to, he moved over to the bed and peeled back the blanket. Remus was wearing that dreadful nightgown, the only thing Sirius could shift him into the previous evening with his limbs so heavy and splayed. Now he was glad, as he rolled Remus into his left arm as he stripped him with his right. He let him settle on his back as he carefully removed Remus' right arm and head from the sweat-soaked garment, before throwing it aside.

With the utmost care, he gathered Remus' naked form into his arms and laid him on the rug beside the bed, stealing a glance at the sky. He didn't want to leave, he really didn't, but Snape was right - the potion was no guarantee at the best of times, but with Remus' mind so confused...it could well be suicide to stay.

Sirius would've stayed anyway.

Planting a tender kiss to Remus' neck, he murmured, "Hold on, Moony. I'll be back soon." With one last, longing look, he stood and walked backwards towards the door. He opened it with a shaking hand before retreating and shutting it quickly, before he had time to change his mind.

"Colloportus," he said quietly and the lock clicked. He slumped down outside the door, resting his head against the wood. It was a disquieting reminder of the last time he'd been in such a position, Remus shoving him away and forcing him to merely listen to the darkness beyond the door. Of course, the following memories were more pleasant and Sirius permitted himself a small smile.

A faint noise broke his reverie and he looked up to see Ginny Weasley studying him with red-rimmed eyes. She seemed to consider him a moment before sitting down beside him.

"Shouldn't you be in bed?" he said, wondering what she was doing there.

She gave him a look of derision. "It's only nine o'clock. Besides," she paused, "I want to stay here."

Not having the strength to argue, Sirius merely nodded and then waited.

The first howl was always the worst. Ginny jumped and grabbed hold of his arm. The second was positively painful, and Ginny whimpered. Moved by some godfatherly instinct, he pulled her into his arms and together they cried, listening to Remus tear himself apart and be remade.

Then there was silence, an eerie silence that was somehow worse than the horrific sounds of rending flesh and pained howls. Ginny was still shaking by his side - Molly's gonna kill me, he thought absently.

Sirius listened closely, trying to discern if he was, at least, still breathing. He thought he could hear something, a laboured wheeze that could mean nothing good. Should I go in? Does he need me? Oh, Remus...

A half-strangled howl of distress made up his mind and he sprang to his feet.

"Ginny, go to your room now," he said with as calm a tone as he could muster. She leapt up and grabbed his arm.

"But you can't! Mum...she said..."

"Now, Ginny," he repeated and she nodded slowly, releasing his arm and running down the stairs.

He wasted no time, through the door as soon as the 'Alohomora' had left his lips. He slammed it shut again and dared to look. The wolf lay on its side, panting hard and emitting small, pained whimpers. Its bright golden gaze met his and Sirius instantly saw Remus behind those eyes, desperately calling for him.

In an instant, Padfoot was beside his mate, a comforting lick to his muzzle before lying protectively over Moony and whining softly. The wolf replied in kind, a non-verbal conversation that still resounded with meaning and Padfoot pawed at Moony's chest, trying to slow his ragged breathing.

The wolf seemed calmer and Padfoot was glad, glad he had leapt in. Nothing should keep him from his mate - what did that slimy git know anyway? A soft growl escaped his throat and Moony gave an inquiring whine. Padfoot just licked his nose, a silent 'it doesn't matter', and Moony seemed satisfied with that.

They simply lay together for a while - Moony still suffering, but better for Padfoot's presence. The door was tried after a couple of hours and Padfoot's greyed vision and superb sense of smell recognised Molly Weasley.

"Well, at least he's awake," she muttered, and Padfoot barked in agreement, not too loud in deference to the sickly Moony.

"Call me if you need me," she added before leaving and Padfoot felt a surge of appreciation. He would've leapt up to lick her if it were not for Moony, but there was Moony and he had thoughts for no one else.

Eventually, Moony settled into an uneasy sleep and Padfoot didn't know whether to be relieved or worried, glad he was resting but afraid that he wouldn't wake again. Padfoot shook off those thoughts and settled to sleep, one ear cocked. He was protector here, and he would not let his mate come to harm.

He had to fight what demons he could.

~

When he had stopped screaming, Remus realised he was lying in Sirius's arms. He smiled weakly.

"Still here?"

Sirius smiled a big doggy smile and Remus took in the wildly erratic strands of hair and rumpled clothes and realised what had happened. His eyes narrowed.

"Should you really have been here?"

A snort told Remus what Sirius thought of that, and Remus' smile widened. Typical Sirius.

"And listened to you whine like a kicked puppy? Not likely. Bloody wolves."

Sirius shifted so Remus was secured in his arms before standing slowly and depositing him on the bed. Not bothering to dress him in the summer heat, he just pulled up the blanket and perched on the edge of the bed.

"How do you feel?"

"Terrible," Remus confessed, cataloguing his symptoms and deciding which were wolf-induced and which sickness. "Still sick. Want to sleep..."

Remus felt the last of the wolf's strength desert him and he fell soundly to sleep with Sirius' lips against his forehead.

~

Sirius opened one eye slowly and observed the room. Nothing out of the ordinary, no enemies near, just Remus, still breathing, still fighting whatever malady had ensnared him.

He shifted into a more comfortable sitting position, cracking his neck to relieve the tension from sleeping in a chair. Remus didn't appear to have woken, almost a day later, and that continued to scare him, though he was reassured by both the wolf's wakefulness and Remus' few seconds of lucidity after the change.

In some ways, he didn't want him to wake. He seemed so peaceful despite the low-grade fever and marks of tension in his body. Here, sleeping, Sirius could protect him, ensure no harm befell him. They didn't talk about those thirteen missing years, but Sirius was fairly certain they hadn't been a bed of roses for Remus and not all of the twisted, jagged scars that marred his flesh could be attributed to the wolf.

Then he thought of the beauty that was Remus in motion, the passion in those emerald eyes when he had a point to share or the infinite patience in his smile as he reminded Sirius that 'swish, flick' was the only way anything was going to be flying. And then the predatory, base side to his Moony, the one that waxed and waned with the moon, moving above him, dragging him down...

The screech of the emergency summons rang through the house and Sirius leapt up as if he'd been bitten. Remus didn't even stir.

The door burst open and Molly, panting, tried to speak. "Dumbledore...the children...we have to go!"

With one more desperate look at Remus, cocooned in sleep, Sirius headed for the door, nearly colliding with Ginny.

"I'll watch over him," she said solemnly, and he hugged her briefly, words catching in his throat.

"When he wakes, tell him what's happened. If we...if we don't..."

She nodded and he released her, knowing he had to leave, wishing he could stay. Pull yourself together, he demanded harshly. Harry's in danger. Remus is a grown man, he can take care of himself.

Without looking back, Sirius marched down the stairs, determined to be back as soon as possible with the children by his side.

There was no other option.

~

It was the tear-streaked, pleading voice that roused him and the incoherent sobbing that persuaded him to open his eyes. The room spun in lazy circles, as Remus struggled to focus on the petite red-headed figure perched on his bed.

"Ginny...what?"

She looked up, shocked, and promptly flung her arms around his neck. Startled, he tried to console her but she kept sobbing into his shoulder about Sirius and Dumbledore and Ron...

"Hush, hush, child. Now tell me, slowly, what has happened."

He somehow managed to support them both, though his body screamed its protest and his head told him that sitting up was a terrible idea and he had no business considering standing up at all.

Ginny pulled away and let him flop back down, resting up on his elbows and trying to remain conscious. "Professor Dumbledore...he sent the summons thing. It screamed so loudly, my ears were ringing. And Sirius, he said to tell you that they had gone and then he started saying about what happened...if they didn't...but it's been five hours, Professor! I've been trying to wake you up for ages but you...you just lay there! We have to go help them, please, we have to!"

It took a few moments for Remus to process what she was saying but when he did, his blood ran cold. Harry, Ron and Hermione in danger, the Order gone, Sirius...and no word, nothing, for five hours. No wonder Ginny had been so pleased at his waking.

He was still sick, he knew that, but it no longer seemed to matter. Gathering his strength, he forced his voice to remain calm. "And I will. Please fetch my clothes from the drawer, the middle one if you please; my wand should be with them."

Ginny fetched them immediately, but as she moved to leave for his privacy, her eyes were steel. "I'm going with you."

She was out of the door before he could protest and when he had struggled into his underwear and robes - the clothes hung off him limply; another lecture due from Sirius - he brought himself shakily to his feet.

"Ginny? Where are you?"

The girl appeared round the door, her cloak over her shoulders and his in her hand, while the other clutched her wand tightly. Remus knew he should forbid her accompanying him but every movement brought a cramping agony to his muscles and he didn't quite know how he was standing as it was.

"We are going to be as inconspicuous as possible. We will not confront anyone unless forced. You will stay close to me at all times - is that clear?"

"Yes, Professor," she said earnestly and hurried forward to take him arm before he fell to the floor. He murmured his thanks and considered what to do next.

"Do you know which room Professor Snape has been using?" She nodded. "Fetch one of the green bottles from the oaken chest in the corner - it should help me remain...alert."

Ginny nodded her understanding, including that which he did not say, and left the room swiftly. Remus sat on the edge of the bed and put his aching head in his hands. The world had the worst timing, he considered. Here he was, post-transformation, sick as a dog and his mate had just vanished to defend the innocent. And had not returned.

The cold feeling crept back into his veins and he shivered. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was wholly, consumingly *wrong*...

"Professor Lupin..."

Her voice was hesitant, scared, and when he looked up, he understood why. Hiding his revulsion, he stared at the bowl of shiny, silver chippings she held in her hand and the pieces slid into place. Letting out his breath in a gasp, he stared at his own shaking hand before returning his gaze to the bowl.

Trying desperately to rationalise - spells, defence, potions - he only drew a blank, the innocuous metal sickening him along with the realisation that the man he had trusted with his life had poisoned him.

"Put it away, Ginny, we don't have time. Do you have the potion?"

"I don't think you should drink it," she said instantly, and her voice wobbled.

"Give it to me please, Ginny."

"Professor, he tried to kill you!" It was then Remus realised her voice was shaking with anger.

"But this isn't meant for me. We're running out of time and they need us now." His quiet but firm voice persuaded her and she reluctantly handed over the green vial. He drunk it down without thought, letting the restorative draught warm him from the inside and ease away his headache.

The pain faded and that was all he could ask. He glanced around Sirius' bedroom and found the ancient map propped against a wall. Remus seized it and stumbled out of the room and down the stairs, Ginny on his heels. The hallway was heavy with the tang of a recent burst of magic and Remus rolled out the map quickly. Holding his wand between thumb and forefinger above the parchment, he uttered, "Locus evocatiorum," and dropped it.

The wand landed on its end, quivering over New Zealand's North Island before dropping onto it side. "They were summoned there," he said, more to himself than Ginny but then looked up at her. "The signal is getting fainter - quickly now."

Pulling his cloak over his shoulders, he took up his wand and pointed it at the hat stand. "Portus," he muttered and the wood glowed blue.

Taking Ginny's hand, he reached for the Portkey. "Wand at the ready now," he said, as he jerked forward into a maelstrom of colours and sound. No sooner had his feet left the ground then he was landing hard, snow yielding beneath his feet.

As soon as he regained his senses, he dragged Ginny behind him and turned slowly, drinking in the sight of the deserted battlefield. There was no other way to describe it, he realised numbly - discarded hats, and even wands, rent material, churned up snow stained with mud and what the wolf's keen scent recognised as human and canine blood.

Sirius was bleeding, but that scent was purely human - there had been a whole pack of dogs present at the battle. Was Sirius right, did the enemy know, or was it just a new tactic? He attempted to view the picture coldly, inhumanly, but the scent of Sirius and others he knew was too heavy in the air.

There was no death here though - no bodies, not even the faintest hint of rotting flesh. Obviously whoever had attacked them wanted them alive. Remus turned to Ginny to impart this news and saw her face was bone white and she was trembling under his hand.

"Ginny, it's all right - far worse than it appears. They may be hurt, yes, but none of them are dead. When they left here, they were all very much alive."

She looked up at him, desperate to believe. "You...you can sense that?"

He nodded and she looked down, trying to compose herself. Remus wondered if he would have been as brave at her age - werewolf-induced wounds seemed positively tame compared to this.

"As long as you need," he found himself saying quietly and she nodded, taking two deep breaths then looking back up at him.

"Do you know where they went?"

"Let's have a look, shall we?"

Working out from where they'd arrived, in the centre of the disturbance, Remus scanned the white world intently, looking for any clues to where several wizards and witches might've departed. The marks of what appeared to be sleds led away from the site and there were a few spatters of blood before only the scent lingered.

Sirius he would recognise anywhere.

He looked up from the ground and his eyes narrowed. There was a glimmer on the horizon, very faint against the setting sun and barely noticeable if you didn't know what you were looking for. "Ginny, look over there," Remus said, pointing at the glimmer and taking the opportunity to lean on her shoulder.

"It's a castle!" she exclaimed, and he nodded. Child's sight was always the most valuable - they never had any preclusion about the world around them, always seeing what was really there. "Is that where they are?"

Observing the tracks and their general direction, Remus looked once more at the glimmer, pleased that he could now make out the faint impression of stone. "Let's find out, shall we? We must make haste."

Ginny slipped beneath his arm and put her hand on his back, silent support and determination by his side. Remus smiled his thanks and they began their trek for the castle.

~

Sirius Black came to and scowled. This was the worst run of bad luck that ever existed, of that he was sure. First, Remus got sick, then the full moon came, and now he was sitting in a cage with the last hope of the wizarding world. Just brilliant.

"Sirius?" a small voice said, and he turned to where Hermione, Harry and Ron were gathered in consultation. He hauled himself up and moved over to the gathering, noting their tired anxious faces. They look how I feel.

"How are you holding up?" he said as cheerfully as he could and Ron gave a nervous smile in appreciation of the effort.

"There are four guards," Harry said quietly. "You've slept through at least one watch."

Sirius noted that the others were stirring now and remembered some kind of mass-stunning spell. He glanced down at his right arm which bore a particularly nasty bite mark - he saw anti-rabies spells in his future. Sirius may be a mother hen, but he had nothing on Remus.

A sharp pang struck him at the thought of Remus, still sick and alone. Almost alone, he amended - they had left Ginny with him. He wondered briefly if Remus was even awake yet, if he would wake...

"Go round to each of the adults - slowly, no sudden movements. Make sure they can move, walk. I'll talk to Dum...Professor Dumbledore."

They nodded gravely and he moved away to talk to Dumbledore, who had been standing watching them. "They are so young," he murmured and Sirius silently agreed.

"Can we escape?" he asked, voicing his concerns and those he had seen in the children's eyes.

Dumbledore tapped the cage bars and they sparked blue. "Magically reinforced - even with our wands, we would have difficulty with Voldemort's magic."

"This is definitely his doing?" Sirius said, suddenly afraid of the answer.

"Undoubtedly, Sirius. So many Death Eaters gathered in one place, and the power to break my concealment charm. My only concern is why he has kept us alive."

Sirius suppressed a shudder at the frank declaration and looked away, taking in the rest of the room. It appeared to be a banqueting hall of some kind, simple tapestries covering the stone walls and a solid oaken table pushed against the wall with a couple of oak benches. What appeared to be a throne still held its position of state at one end of the room, facing the giant oaken door, which was flanked by two Death Eaters, hoods up, standing stock still. But watching - definitely watching.

Everyone was awake now and Sirius used the opportunity for a head count - Arthur and Molly Weasley, with the twins beside them (as if they'd be left behind whilst Ron was in danger), Kingsley Shacklebolt, Tonks (they needed to talk - Remus had been consuming his time and he'd almost forgotten about her), Mad-Eye Moody, Snape (trapped in a cage with Snape - this day just got better) and the three children, Harry, Ron and Hermione, with Dumbledore. With him, that made thirteen - unlucky for some - but only eight trained wizards and most of them injured. Considering the veritable army of Death Eaters that had fought them, the odds weren't looking good.

The rest of the Order, to his knowledge, was deep in assignment and by the time they returned to 12, Grimmauld Place, the summoning spell would have long faded and become virtually untraceable. They were at Voldemort's mercy. It was a chilling thought.

With a loud creak, the great doors began to swing open. Instantly, everyone was on their feet - Tonks yelped as she stood on a sprained ankle - and pushing the younger members to the centre of the group, protecting them as much as was possible. Sirius defiantly stood beside Dumbledore at the head of the group and they were soon joined by Mad-Eye, who was sporting a nasty gash on his forehead. "Keep Potter from him and we'll have done well," he said gruffly, and Sirius nodded his agreement.

The cloaked figure that entered appeared frail and old, hunched over under the cloth, taking achingly slow steps. Then the laughter started - a high-pitched, mocking laugh that seemed to drain all joy out of the room.

"Oh, Dumbledore, you thought you could hide from me! How...naïve."

"Tom," Dumbledore said conversationally, and Sirius shot him a look. "I have suddenly become a great believer in coincidence. The very spot I pick for my students is in the shadow of a medieval castle. In New Zealand. That you just happen to inhabit."

More laughter and Sirius was building the distinct impression that he was in the presence of a madman. He should know, after all.

"You do amuse me, Dumbledore. When one has eyes everywhere, what need is there for coincidence? As for my quaint little dwelling, it was no great effort to transport it here. It's been flitting here and there for quite some time now."

Voldemort approached the cage and held out a hand. "Come forward then, my dear. We have a lot to discuss, don't we?"

There was a stirring behind him and some gasps, but Sirius didn't look. He couldn't bear the thought of a spy, no, a traitor in the Order. But he had to look eventually and his eyes were angry.

"Snape!" he hissed, but the man ignored him, passing through the bars as if they didn't exist. He turned to face the company, looking blankly at them all as if they weren't worth his attention. Sirius' hands tightened on the bars, and blue sparks flew.

Voldemort smiled and placed his right hand on Snape's chest, and with a satisfied smirk, whispered, "Finite Incantatem."

Snape fell to his knees, gasping and clutching at his chest, looking up at the cage of Order members somewhat dazedly.

"You are all just too easy!" Voldemort exclaimed, laughing again. "A simple Imperious curse was enough to subdue the man, guiding him through your little hideout. And to let him make his precious potion, far too easy, but with just one slight of hand - ah! Pretty specks of silver floating in the goblet, not too much but just enough to sicken, slowly poison, kill. We could've been so great together, Lupin and I, if he'd just embraced the wolf! Don't you think so, Black?"

Sirius paled, as the truth dawned on him. How had he not seen it? The illness always getting worse after the evening potion, the only thing that could sicken a werewolf...Sirius cursed himself for ten kinds of fool and wondered what could be done, if he could get back in time, find a cure...

"Too late, Black. But it is rather touching to see your face fall so. I almost wish I could put the two of you together one last time, just to see his fading destroy you..."

"Was there any reason for this cruelty, Tom? Or is there no point to your actions now?" Dumbledore's voice was quiet but lethal, though Sirius barely heard him over the roaring in his ears. Silver, silver, silver...

"Whilst it would've entertaining, Dumbledore, not to mention a considerable challenge, capturing and torturing a werewolf is a lot of effort. This was the simplest way to avoid it. However, Black..."

With a wave of his hand, Voldemort had Sirius through the cage and on his knees before he could blink. And he couldn't move. "What do you want, Voldemort?" he bit out slowly, ignoring the ache in his jaw even that small movement caused.

"Just a little sprinkling of information," another roll of his fingers and Sirius was sailing through the air. He hit the wall hard and stuck, his bruised back scraping against the unyielding stone.

He noticed blearily that Molly Weasley was attempting to conceal him from the children - good thing too - and that Voldemort was coming closer. "I've decided that, in some instances, magic is highly overrated."

In his hand, there was a glint of metal and Sirius belatedly realised it was chisel as it was plunged into his leg.

Sirius passed out to the sound of his own screaming.

~

The spell was getting stronger as they approached, Remus noted with exasperation. His faint impression of the building had long since disappeared and when they were about half a mile away, Ginny gave a shocked little gasp and declared that the castle had disappeared.

"As I feared. This close to the source, the glamour is more effective. Still..." Remus trailed off as the wolf twisted within his core, sensing darkness nearly, brethren...

"I can find it," he said softly, and Ginny started them forward again without question. Her concern was mounting, he could tell, as was his own - not only for the Order members trapped within but for his own ability to aid them. He was weary already and the cramps that seized his muscles only worsened with time.

By all rights, he should be in bed with Molly's chicken soup and Sirius casting all manner of healing spells as if he were Poppy Pomfrey. And if anyone was going to suffer, it would be Severus...

Remus swallowed down the wolf's blood lust and concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other. His head was spinning again, but he had little need of sight as he followed the call of the wolf, the aura of darkness guiding him. Takes one to know one, he thought bitterly.

They walked in silence for a time, trying to keep to the sparse treeline as much as possible. He saw no need for a watch out here in the wilderness, but one could never be too careful. It was just as the aura was becoming overwhelmingly strong that the castle snapped into view barely ten metres away, and Remus drew Ginny behind a clump of trees.

Up close, it was obviously medieval, worn and weathered but undeniably majestic. There were a couple of Death Eater guards, confirming Remus' worst fears, but they weren't paying much attention.

Just then a couple more Apparated in front of the castle. They greeted their fellows amiably and relinquished their wands without argument before proceeding. Interesting - did Voldemort not trust his minions now? A raven with a basket alighted beside the guards and they dutifully placed the wands inside before the raven flew back to its perch on one of the battlements. It appeared to remove them and sort them in some way - a highly trained raven then, perhaps even a familiar. Edgar Allen Poe had no idea.

So no wands then, if he wanted to enter by the front door. And that did appear to be the only option at the moment - the question was how...

"I can see a drain," Ginny said quietly, and pointed to a small opening several feet to the right of the door.

"Do you think you can fit through it?" Remus said, without thinking, and she nodded vigorously. "I can get in that way and..."

"Keep out of sight. I think I can enter the castle without too much suspicion being raised - I doubt all Death Eaters are known to the others, Voldemort is too clever for that. No, that shouldn't be a problem. If only I had a hood..."

"You do have a hood," Ginny said, puzzled, and Remus looked at her quizzically before reaching behind his head and discovering that yes, indeed, he had a hood. It was then that he realised Ginny had picked up Sirius' cloak and not his own - a fine wool garment that screamed Pureblood and would help him fit right in with the Death Eaters inside.

"All right, Ginny, here is the plan. I will move towards the door and hand over my wand - in this time, you will slip inside the drain. Try to head out as quickly as possible - it will not be pleasant and your mother will skin me." This earned him a smile, and he continued. "Head for the battlements and see if you can't persuade the raven to relinquish those wands. I will attempt to locate our friends and remove them to a safe location until you return to us. If I fail...they need you, Ginny. You must stay free - do you understand me?"

Ginny nodded solemnly and he leaned down to embrace her, wondering at the bravery of this young woman. She moved away quickly to position herself as close to the drain as possible. Remus watched her go and when he saw that she was ready, raised his hood and prepared himself to Apparate.

He was very thankful to materialise in one piece considering his shocking light-headedness and made his way slowly and purposefully towards the Death Eater guards.

"Fine day for a summons," he said conversationally, rubbing his arms and looking around at the cold white world. He held out his wand. "How's it going?"

One snorted whilst the other took his wand. "The Dark Lord hasn't left the prisoners since we brought them in - we'll be lucky if this Council is held today at all."

"Try your luck though," the other offered. "If your news is important enough, he might spare a moment for you."

Remus bowed his head and proceeded into the castle. He crossed the inner courtyard quickly, following the sounds of laughter to a small room that could be an antechamber. Two guards stood before the door and they barred his way. "Password."

Bugger.

"I haven't had the latest briefing," he said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Who should I see?"

"MacNair will see to you. Wait in the stables."

Remus bowed his head again and glanced quickly to his left to confirm where he was going. He buried his sigh of relief and tried not to waver on his feet. The surge of adrenaline had dulled the cramps at least, but his stomach was protesting now, a nauseous roll for every step. He didn't have time for this!

He reached the stables and realised he didn't have much time to think. In fact, he had no plan at all and limited resources. For once, he wished for Sirius' rash and reckless nature and the quicksilver mind that came with it.

Looking around desperately, he caught sight of a tack wall and the rope and horseshoes that had evidently been displayed there. He removed them quickly as heavy footsteps approached. Shifting his weakening body beside the door, he allowed MacNair to enter before slinging a horseshoe at his head. He crumpled forward and Remus set on him quickly, trussing his hands and feet up and sticking a wad of leather into his mouth.

It was all over in less than a minute and Remus felt exhausted. There had to be another way to find where Sirius and the others were, one that didn't involve that door and its guards, with the promise of more Death Eaters beyond.

He had lost before he'd even begun.

A bell tolled, frightening Remus half to death. It continued its ominous ringing and Remus poked his head out of the stable door to see the antechamber empty and the mass of Death Eaters ascend a stone staircase and enter a door on the second floor. He tried to count them but soon gave up - a hundred, maybe even two. This wasn't looking good at all.

Now all that remained was the door and the two Death Eaters guarding it - a much easier task. He exited the stable and made for the door, clenching and unclenching his fist. He hoped he was strong enough for this - he had to be.

"The meeting's just started - if you hurry..."

"Stupefy!" Remus intoned, a flash of red escaping his outstretched palm. One guard went down slowly and his partner started to raise his hand. "Petrificus Totalus!" Remus said hoarsely and the man froze, his hood slipping to reveal a shocked expression. With a stirring of discomfiture, Remus realised he had been a Slytherin in his Hogwarts year.

Moving forward as quickly as his failing energy would allow, Remus entered the antechamber and crossed the empty splendour to reach another door, thickset and glistening an unholy blue. Locked.

As he approached, silvery words floated before it - 'The darkest banner soars.'

"A riddle," Remus muttered with despairing tears. "I don't have time for this!"

Fighting exhaustion and illness, Remus forced himself to concentrate and sat down to think.

~

By the fifth twist in the passage, Ginny was almost used to the smell. She reminded herself once again that this had been her idea and whom she was searching for. It didn't ease the affront to her nostrils.

There were handholds in the sloping tunnels - for children such as herself, she assumed, to clean out the drains - and she clung to them desperately, pulling herself up the never-ending passage.

After a couple more turns, she started to hear voices. She hesitated, not wanting to draw attention to her hiding place, but she soon recognised Ron's voice and hurried forward. She was near their cell, she realised, she could...

Remus stern commands came back to her and she paused. Nothing daring then, but just to see them, make sure they were all right...

Having persuaded herself, Ginny crawled closer to the voices, realising they were filtering through a grating in the roof of the tunnel. The prisoners' latrine, no doubt. Wrinkling her nose at the stench, she nevertheless continued until she could see up through the grating and into the room above.

"Psst!" she said, as loudly as she dared, and the nearest voices quietened. Very slowly, a familiar dark head came into view and Harry gasped softly.

He beckoned to others behind him and both Ron and Hermione's heads appeared over her.

"Ginny!" Ron whispered furiously. "What are you doing here?"

"Rescuing you, idiot, what does it look like?" she said affectionately, just so glad to see them alive that even Ron's 'big brother' act didn't annoy her. Ron turned to Harry with a faint smile.

"Get Dumbledore."

~

Sirius managed not to cry out as he returned to consciousness, but it was a close thing.

Looking up into Tonks' white face, he gave a ghastly grin and tried, "It's worse than it looks."

"Like Hell it is," Tonks said savagely and wiped the sweat from his forehead with her sleeve. He chanced a look at his leg and shuddered, glancing away quickly. He doubted that pulped mass of bone and flesh could be stood on, let alone moved.

"You may have a point," he muttered weakly and her tight smile spoke volumes.

"Indeed, Sirius. I recommend you listen to this highly competent young woman."

"Professor?" said Sirius, in a small voice. "Why is he doing this? If he wanted to know something, a drop of Veritaserum..."

"Voldemort may have spies everywhere, but Veritaserum is still a highly-controlled commodity. I would not be surprised if all production has been suspended and the remaining draughts destroyed or carefully hidden. Such a powerful potion would be carefully guarded." Dumbledore grimaced. "And its use is not quite so...entertaining."

Sirius shuddered and then his eyes widened and he grabbed hold of Dumbledore's sleeve. "What did I say? Please tell me I didn't..."

"You were very brave, Sirius," Dumbledore said fondly, as if comforting a small child. "With three revivals, you still did not speak - the Order secrets are safe."

With a relieved sigh, Sirius relaxed and released Dumbledore. He was just about to speak again when Harry came into view and bent down so his whispers could only be heard by Dumbledore and himself.

"Ginny's in the drain."

The sentence didn't make sense for a moment, until both the reality and significance of this statement hit home. "Is Remus with her?" he blurted instantly, but Harry only shook his head.

"She could not have got here on her own, Sirius," Dumbledore said gently and stood up to investigate. Sirius struggled to sit up with Tonks' support and subtly tried to observe the children and professor gathered around the grate. There was a furious discussion, which Sirius could hear none of, but eventually Harry took pity on him and moved across to speak with him.

"Remus has sent Ginny to find our wands. We're going to pretend to be asleep so that Hermione can escape down the drain - she's the only one who'll fit." Harry didn't seem particularly upset about this - Sirius couldn't really blame him.

With a smile, Harry disappeared back towards the grate as Dumbledore moved the other wizards and witches into a protective huddle around the grate and 'sleeping' children. Snape remained in his corner, slowly rocking back and forth, not saying a word. Sirius almost felt sorry for him.

Remus is here Sirius thought dully. The thought of a sickly, exhausted Remus stumbling through this place and facing that mob of Death Eaters chilled him to the bone - he could be dead already, and any minute now, Voldemort would come and gloat...

Suddenly the doors burst open and a haggard figure staggered through them, the ghost of a green shape behind his head. The guards turned, preparing to salute but merely stared in shock. Raising his shaking hands, the hooded figure shouted, "Stupefy!" and the guards were bowled over with red light.

The figure promptly collapsed forward, the hood falling to reveal a tousled head of grey-brown hair.

"Remus!" Sirius shouted without thought, instantly trying to lean closer to the bars. Remus stirred slightly but couldn't see to move.

"Moony!" Shaking off Tonks' restraining hands, Sirius dragged himself to the bars and pressed his body up against them, his entire being calling out to the crumpled form of his lover.

Remus raised his head weakly and his eyes locked with Sirius'. With painful slowness, he hauled his body across the floor, his strength nearing its end. Behind him, Sirius could hear Mad-Eye muttering, "Wandless magic - lad's done well to last this long."

"Remus," he said desperately, "you can do this. Just a few more feet and we can help you, c'mon Moony, I have faith in you."

With one last show of strength, Remus pulled himself up against the bars and they sparked blue. "Ah," he said, quietly, and closed his eyes. For one terrible moment, Sirius thought he had died.

"Morsmordre," was the harsh whisper from his lips, and the eerie green, glittering skull flew up to the ceiling of the hall. Abruptly the bars disappeared and Remus pitched forward into Sirius' arms.

"My brave Moony," said Sirius, kissing his forehead and then looking up at Dumbledore for guidance. The professor was already organising people, with fervent glances towards the door.

"Harry, Ron, help Sirius to stand. Severus," Snape looked up, "can you carry Remus?"

The dull eyes flared and the man nodded, rising slowly to his feet. Sirius held onto Remus protectively, but realised that Dumbledore was probably right - they needed to move quickly and Sirius couldn't even stand himself.

"Sirius, no, he's working..." Remus started weakly, but Sirius shushed him. "It was Imperious, Moony, it's all right." With great reluctance, he allowed Snape to take Remus into his arms, which he did with unexpected gentleness.

Harry and Ron had him on his feet a moment later and he suppressed his scream. He kept his gaze focussed on Remus, never letting his eyes waver and drawing his strength from that unconscious form. He was alive, shattered but alive - and in that moment, Sirius couldn't ask for more.

As a group, they moved slowly forward and Sirius kept his eyes of Remus, only looking away when Harry and Ron stopped and the sound of a slow clap permeated his brain.

"Oh, bravo! So near and yet so very far, dear Lupin. I thought you would be a corpse by now."

"It takes more than a tainted potion to destroy me, Voldemort. Have you not learned that yet?"

Sirius turned to see Remus standing shakily, supported by Snape. He ignored the cold stab of jealousy, as Snape carefully led the man to Sirius' side as Harry and Ron set him down, and the Order closed ranks.

Remus flopped into Sirius' lap and gave him a little half-smile. "Some rescue, Pads."

"You almost got us out, Moony," Sirius said, pride swelling his voice as he touched Remus' cheek.

"Almost isn't good enough," Remus said with regret, and in his silence, Sirius realised Voldemort was still speaking.

"-unconditional surrender. I trust we can end this peacefully and the Potter child won't have more deaths on his conscience."

"Harry's not responsible for your insanity, Tom. And we will not back down."

Sirius smiled down at Remus. "I think now would be the time to duck."

The first shots of red echoed across the hall, as Sirius bent over Remus, protecting his head and torso from the wildly-flying spells.

After a few seconds, there was silence and Sirius slowly raised his head. Voldemort was stood smiling at the collapsed bodies of the Order, several fallen Death Eaters by his side. With a flick of his wrist, the case had been raised again and he locked eyes with Sirius.

"Now this is going to be fun."

~

Hermione wasn't sure what was worse - the nauseous smell of rotting excrement or the feeling of being a rat caught in a maze.

"A grating!" Ginny whispered delightedly and Hermione sighed with relief.

The red-head moved to the other side so Hermione could help her remove it, and very slowly they raised it just a fraction.

"A cell," Hermione concluded despondently.

"But an empty one," Ginny countered. "And look, the door's open!"

"I'll lead," Hermione said decisively, feeling that was the responsible thing to do. She squeezed out of the grate and watched the door intently as Ginny joined her.

Silently, they edged towards the door and Hermione carefully leaned out. There was no one to be seen and not a sound could be heard along the echoing stone corridors. Hermione beckoned to Ginny and together they inched towards the end of the corridor, backs flat against the wall.

They reached the second door but still nothing. Hermione gestured towards a crumbling stone staircase that seemed to lead up towards the battlements. She started to cross the corridor when footsteps and voices came from the adjacent corridor. Hermione slipped behind the heavy oak door, pulling Ginny with her and waited with baited breath.

"--werewolf came after his love. How...romantic."

"Don't be sick, Lucius. The thought..."

"The Dark Lord laughed at them - all they've succeeded in doing is edging their cage a few feet closer to the door."

There was a sharp laugh then, a dangerous sound with no genuine warmth or mirth to it. Hermione shuddered.

"And deprived themselves of a privy at the same time, no doubt."

More laughter, but the voices were fading and Hermione began to breathe again.

She peered out as quickly as she dared and saw the coast was clear. She turned to Ginny, who was biting her lip nervously.

"What do we do now?" Hermione asked desperately. "We're the only ones left."

Ginny considered for a moment. "We take the wands," she said slowly. "And then we free them."

"But how?" Hermione said in exasperation. "It's all very well saying it but..." she trailed off.

"The drain," they said in unison and exchanged triumphant smiles.

"We'll have to take out the guards," Hermione said seriously, and Ginny nodded.

"And hope someone knows how Professor Lupin opened the cage in the first place."

"We have to hurry," Hermione suddenly realised, and they peered out once more before crossing the corridor and starting to ascend the stairs.

The staircase would up for several flights but there were no more Death Eaters to be seen. At last, Hermione declared she could see light and stepped up to it, only to find herself facing a hundred foot drop. She swallowed her scream and Ginny quickly pulled her back from the edge.

"There must be a way up," Ginny protested, but her tone conveyed her doubts.

Taking a deep breath, Hermione anchored herself to a wall and then looked up.

"There are handholds," she said shakily. "We have to climb."

"I'll go first," Ginny said quickly, and before Hermione could stop her, she had swung herself out onto the side of the castle wall.

Hermione watched her climb the wall with trepidation but she was soon at the battlements and waving Hermione up. Hermione reminded herself of why she was about to suspend herself from a castle and started the climb.

The grooves in the rock were more like steps and when she had found a rhythm, the climb wasn't too bad. She took considerably longer than Ginny but as she had reached the top safely, she wasn't the least bit concerned.

She looked around for Ginny and spotted the girl moving slowly towards a shiny black raven that was jealously guarding the keys.

"Be careful, Ginny," Hermione warned and she nodded slowly, her eyes never leaving the raven. It was watching her closely as she approached and Hermione took the opportunity to locate their wands.

They were in a wicker basket beside the raven and she realised this was going to be quite a challenge. She glanced up and realised Ginny was still talking to the raven, some soothing prattle that seemed to be distracting it.

Not quite enough though and as Ginny's hand reached for the nearest wand, it cawed loudly and dove for her face. Ginny screamed and jumped back and Hermione lunged forward and seized upon a wand.

"Finite incantatem!" she shouted and the raven seized its attack, regarded her for a moment and, with a gentle caw, flew away into the open sky.

Ginny stood slowly, a hand pressed to her gouged cheek, and Hermione stopped a moment to inspect the wound. It was a shallow mark and it stopped bleeding after a few seconds of pressure.

Hermione quickly gathered two handfuls of wands, as did Ginny, and they stuffed them in their pockets. "Let's hope we're not too late," said Hermione grimly and they prepared to descend.

~

Remus watched with sickening clarity as Sirius was sent flying into the wall of the banqueting hall. He owed it to him not to look away and when Sirius' eyes desperately met his, he was glad he had held fast.

"You don't seem to appreciate my methods, Black." Voldemort approached him and calmly stuck his fingers in the open wound on his leg. Sirius' eyes filled with pain but he didn't look away from Remus, whose heart was breaking with every grimace.

"All I earned from you was incoherent screaming. Perhaps, though, we could up the stakes..."

Before he knew what was happening, Remus was soaring through the air and landed hard against the adjacent wall, seeing Sirius' expression turn from pain to horror. Voldemort laughed.

"A werewolf is a strong creature, it is true - I would not ally myself with anything weak. However, they have one pesky little failing, don't they?" Voldemort withdrew a shining metal dagger from within his robes and Remus tried not to recoil. "Purest silver is such a beautiful thing, isn't it Lupin? And with just a touch of magic..."

Voldemort pressed the flat of the blade to Remus cheek and he let out an involuntary gasp, as the metal burned, his flesh smouldering under the barest stroke of the dagger. It was pulled away a moment and then returned to the same spot, the poison scorching already inflamed nerves and sending spasms of pain across his face.

The silver in his blood leapt towards its brother, and cramps began to travel through his body. He bit down on his lip until he could taste blood - he would not cry out, he would not give this creature the satisfaction.

"So, Black," Voldemort said conversationally, "would you like to tell me how you escaped the Dementors of Azkaban? Not once but twice, I might add. I'm sure it is a remarkable tale."

So that's what he wants Remus thought darkly, gritting his teeth. It did make sense - Voldemort would want to know any weakness of his creatures, and the inquiry that had cleared Sirius was private and its members beyond reproach. They too had realised the value of this information; Remus only hoped Sirius was strong enough to resist this.

He brought up his eyes and communicated his resistance to Sirius, who was forcing himself to watch his agony. Remus almost wished he wouldn't, that he wouldn't allow himself to be coerced, but at the same time, he was grateful for those eyes to anchor him, to stop him giving in.

"No? I have all day, Black, and several more after this. We could be here a while."

Remus screamed as the blade bit into his flesh, blood mingling with silver and sending lightening flashes through his body. He could hear Voldemort's cold, high laughter and Sirius desperate pleas for him to stop, just stop, please don't hurt him...

The blade left his flesh and he took a moment just to breathe, wild eyes searching desperately for Sirius' and seeing nothing but pain. "Be strong," he mouthed and he saw Sirius nod miserably, cheeks stained with tears.

"You chose a strong mate, Lupin. A dog for a dog - it's all the same really, isn't it? But the wolf is purer, better. But how much better? Now that is a question."

Voldemort drew the dagger down his torso, rending his robe and revealing the pale skin beneath. He pressed the tip of the dagger to the soft flesh of his abdomen and smiled.

The metal once more pierced his flesh and the wolf saw red. With a savage howl, Remus surged forward to protect himself and his mate, dragging the dagger further into his body as he grabbed hold of Voldemort.

Screams that cried of blood and pain rent the air, but Remus didn't break his hold, wild feral energy flowing from his hands into the struggling form in his grasp.

There was a sudden flash of red and the figure twitched before falling still. Someone shouted as bright green light filled the chamber and Remus allowed himself to fade.

~

Sirius hardly dared to open his eyes, afraid of what he might see. A quiet sigh enticed him to give in and look and he saw, quite unexpectedly, his bedroom ceiling.

"Is it such a surprise?" came the amused voice to his left, and Sirius turned his head to see Remus lying beside him, smiling beatifically, as if all were right with the world. Sirius took a moment to consider the possibility that maybe it was.

"What...I don't..." Memory rushed back in an instant and he found himself gaping, staring at Remus in disbelief. He dragged his gaze away from those laughing eyes to gently lay his hand across the bandage that wrapped his torso, studying Remus' face for any sign of pain.

The horrific memory of that dagger marring his lover's flesh, the physical pain he'd felt at watching Remus impale himself upon the silver, snarling that no one could hurt his mate...

"I heal fast," Remus said nonchalantly and reached behind him with only the smallest of winces for a glass of water. Supporting Sirius' head, he forced him to drink down half the glass before letting him speak again.

"Since when do you leach electricity then?" Sirius aimed for light and ended up somewhere around amazed. "I mean, I always knew you were weird, Moony, but this really takes the biscuit."

Remus laughed then, grimacing when he began to hurt and gently catching Sirius' probing hand. "Shall I tell you a story then, Sirius? Of gallantry and daring and great escapes?"

Sirius uttered a long-suffering sigh. "If you really must, Moony - but no teacher looks!"

"I will do my very best," Remus smiled, bowing his head and earning himself a playful smack. With a grin, he settled himself and entwining his left hand in both of Sirius', began his tale.

"Once upon a time..."

"Remus!"

"All good stories start with 'Once upon a time', Sirius."

"I don't care - this one doesn't."

"Very well. A long time ago, in a galaxy far..."

"Moony, I swear I will throw you out of this bed if you don't hurry up."

Laughing again - and Sirius confessed that he could spend all day watching Moony laugh - Remus ran his thumb over the back of Sirius' hand.

"Whilst Voldemort was playing with silver," Sirius' fingers convulsively tightened on Remus' hand, and Remus leant forward to kiss his forehead, "Ginny and Hermione apparently appeared through the grating in the floor - splendid young women, had quite the adventure whilst we were...occupied. You, showing great presence of mind, asked for a wand from Ginny as Hermione stunned Voldemort. A brilliant casting of the Dark Mark - I do feel rather tainted by that, you know - removed the cage, allowing the occupants to seize their wands and make good our escape. Harry cast an impressive Incendio and that was really the end of that."

Sirius was silent for a moment, before meeting Remus' eyes. "You still haven't answered my question," he said quietly.

Remus smiled and looked away, a faint colour rising to his cheeks. "Ah yes. It would appear that the wolf took objection to the torture of its mate and so harnessed its supernatural energy to, uh, do something about it. At least, that is Professor Dumbledore's theory."

"In defence of me?" Sirius said wondrously and Remus leaned forward then and pressed a kiss to the tip of his nose.

"Well, probably Padfoot, but quintessentially, yes."

The thought was somewhat overwhelming. That Remus loved him so much as to voluntarily cause himself pain was one thing, but that the darkest, basest side of his nature was so caught up in the same feverous love that it could defeat Voldemort was truly stupefying.

"Are you going to say anything?" Remus breathed against his cheek and Sirius just looked at him with a ridiculous smile on his face.

The door crashed against the wall and they both looked up to see a grinning Ginny before she turned and bounded down the stairs shouting "Mum! He's awake!"

"How long have I been asleep exactly?" Sirius said, and Remus shrugged.

"Oh, about five days or so." Sirius stared incredulously. "Wounds need time to heal, even with the aid of magic. And you were obviously exhausted."

Remus gave a guilty smile but as Sirius rushed to reassure, the doorway filled with faces.

"I think we're a tourist attraction, Moony."

"Some people have been anxious to see you awake. Can't imagine why."

Sirius looked at them all carefully, automatically searching for signs of injury. Ginny had a small scar on her cheek and she and Hermione looked slightly pink but they were otherwise unscathed.

"How are you feeling, Sirius?" Harry said and Sirius flashed him a grin.

"Never felt better, Harry."

"Come now, children, they need to rest!" Molly made to shoo them all out, as Ron scowled at her for calling him a child. "Just one last visitor though," she added carefully, and stepped aside for Severus Snape to enter.

"Lupin," he nodded to Remus, "Black," a quick glance at Sirius, "I wish to...convey my deepest...apologies for what transpired. I fear I..."

"Oh give it a rest, Snape," Sirius sighed. "It wasn't you and you know it. We both know you wouldn't do anything like it voluntarily so there's no point worrying about it."

"But...but my Occlumency, it should have..."

"Voldemort's power is growing rapidly - we don't know what might happen in the future. You're not the first and you certainly won't be the last, but next time, you'll be ready."

Snape nodded once, a flash of gratitude in his eyes, before he disappeared out of the door.

"And don't you dare offer to take my temperature," Sirius growled, and Remus laughed, kissing him full on the mouth, effectively banishing lingering thought of Snape from the room.

"You need to sleep."

"I've been sleeping for five days!" Sirius protested, but Remus curled around him and closed his eyes, so Sirius relented, relishing the warmth and wellness of his lover so close.

And as they lay in gentle slumber, the wolf, appeased, settled beside its mate.