Message In The Ashes

http://orcapotter.tripod.com/index.html , my website.

 

Chapter Eight

The First Step

By that afternoon, all remaining fifteen members of the Order of the Phoenix had gathered around the ancient table in the secret room behind Albus Dumbledore’s office at Hogwarts. Every single person there was subdued, seemingly lost in thought as they silently sat in their chairs while Dumbledore gravely crossed his fingers and rested his regal chin atop them. The twinkle in his eyes was gone, and Remus was sure he had never seen the powerful wizard look so disconcert.

Hardly a sound was uttered, except for a few murmurs and stifled coughs. Everyone appeared to be at a loss for words, trying hard not to glance at the empty chair where Emily had sat before. Remus looked solemnly at his closest friends, who all had apparently forgotten the morning’s conflict. Peter sat biting his fingernails, sitting next to Sirius who was wearing a dark look. James’ expression was similar, no doubt remembering the meeting that took place after his parents were killed. Lily sat close to him, massaging his right hand slowly while staring distantly at the wall.

Both Arabella Figg and Mundungus Fletcher sat with fierce looks in their eyes, arms crossed and faces taught. The twins, Kalina and Katina Atrus, wore their usual blank expressions. Clara and Aaron looked very dejected. The Longbottoms were both very stricken, holding each other tightly as they looked at Dumbledore. Charles Gates was for once completely quiet, and his partner Darwin Edwards simply had his head turned away. If he was troubled, it was hard to tell.

It was the first time in several weeks that the entire Order was brought together, and Remus noted bitterly to himself that it seemed to always be after a death. Dumbledore sighed, apparently ready to address his group.

"I knew when I decided to reinstate this sacred rite that I was putting each member at risk, and that it was more than likely there would be much lost. Yet it is always a shock when a valued comrade looses their life. Each of you is important, and Emily was someone who took her job seriously and with great enthusiasm. She will be missed, but not forgotten."

"How did it happen?" Charles asked, his tone lacking its usual cockiness.

"She had found out about the ambush against James and Lily and went to alert them before a Death Eater intercepted her. Emily was found hidden among some trashcans about a block away from where they were ambushed." Dumbledore answered gravely.

Remus glanced at James and Lily once more. Both of them were staring at the tabletop with narrowed eyes. No doubt they felt responsible.

"What about Pettigrew?" Arabella Figg spoke hoarsely, looking directly at Peter. "Wasn’t he her partner?"

Peter’s eyes went wide and he let out a squeak, looking quickly at Dumbledore with an innocent expression.

"I-I told her to wait so we could get the others! I went and got Sirius!"

"It’s not his fault, he’s telling the truth. He did come and get me, and that’s when I apparated there," Sirius said loudly.

"That’s right," Clara agreed softly.

"We’re not blaming anyone," Dumbledore said sternly, shooting Arabella a firm look. "What we’re here to discuss is why the Death Eaters had concentrated solely on James and Lily, while other Ministry and Order officials were nearby as easier targets."

"That’s simple enough." Frank Longbottom let out a rough laugh. "They’re the best at the job and it’s them they fear the most."

Remus leaned back, his arms crossed, looking at James. He was shaking his head slightly, but no one else noticed. Remus wasn’t sure if even Dumbledore knew of the prophecy, so he wasn’t about to mention it to the group if James hadn’t said anything prior.

"Getting rid of the enemy’s strongest point would be a victory to ensure success," Katina said with her droning voice.

"Although that goes against the ancient practice of hitting the enemy’s weakest point for the same result," Kalina added.

"Whatever the reason," Dumbledore said. "The point is that Voldemort’s followers are getting cockier and harder to follow. We need information and we need it now if we hope of making a definitive blow against them."

Remus stood up straighter when he noticed that Dumbledore was looking straight at him. His heart began to pound anxiously; how could everything be up to him now?

"How do you propose we get this information?" Fletcher asked.

"I already have Hagrid on his way to meet with the Giants. Word has it that they have already been swooned over to Voldemort’s side." Dumbledore averted his eyes.

"Granted Hagrid is a good… er, man," Fletcher muttered carefully. "But are you sure-"

"There’s hardly a person I could trust more," Dumbledore interrupted firmly, looking confidently up at Fletcher. His eyes widened slightly under the expression, before looking down at the table.

"Right," he whispered.

"Now," Dumbledore said, taking a deep breath and assessing the group. "I’ve already written up new assignments. Read them carefully. I’ll be expecting reports delivered in the stated manner daily. We will not let this latest tragedy make us weaker. You are the Order of the Phoenix, and you will rise from the ashes stronger than you were before!"

Everyone seemed comforted and enlightened with Dumbledore’s confident words, and each member nodded and voiced their newfound confidence. Dumbledore dismissed them, only after raising his hand once more.

"I have sent a package to each of your residences containing the ceremonial robes that those of the Order in the past have been issued for formal and burial occasions. It is your choice to attend Emily Maxwell’s funeral tomorrow afternoon, but if you should decide to go, it is the greatest honor to wear the uniform of the Order.

"Go with peace, and keep in touch. James? Remus? If you two could stay for a moment, please?"

Remus knew instantly what Dumbledore wanted, and his heart began to race. For some reason, as he watched the others leave, he felt like his entire soul was exposed. Everything he had ever done, ever thought, ever said, was visible to the world. The lives of countless others depended on his own judgement, his own experiences, and his own betrayal.

Lily left the room somewhat reluctantly, looking at James with longing and then at Remus with wonder. He knew what she was thinking: there was something more going on with the quiet and peaceful Remus she knew. It made him shudder, and to his relief, he only did so after the door had closed behind her.

"James," Dumbledore said, looking at him. Remus considered them both, and James was staring ahead at the wall before him with a distant expression. "James, there is something you are not telling me."

James looked at him, so that Remus couldn’t see his face. He could only see Dumbledore, and the parental concern he wore gave the room warmth. It was as if nothing mattered with him, and that anything could be told and it wouldn’t change a thing. There was only you and him, and the level of trust so high, that there was no doubt.

"Remus already knows, that is why you and I are not alone." James must’ve prompted Dumbledore to say that. What surprised Remus and not surprise him at the same time was that the wizened wizard could know such a thing.

"If you know that much," James said quietly. "Then you already know what troubles me."

"Hmm." Dumbledore nodded, glancing slightly at Remus. "But I would like to hear it from you."

James took a deep breath, and, seemingly forgetting Remus was in the room, he looked up at Dumbledore, his body rigid.

"The prophecy. The prophecy is about me, isn’t it? The only son of the slain?"

Remus looked carefully at Dumbledore, who had sat back in his chair with a solemn expression.

"I do not know much more than you do, other than that the facts in the prophecy have not matched until now."

"Is that why it was never mentioned? Is that why you let me open the safe after my parents were killed?" James asked.

"Yes," Dumbledore said.

"That is the real reason why the Death Eaters concentrated on me and Lily, right?"

"More than likely," Dumbledore affirmed.

"Than how is it that they know and I didn’t before?" James’ voice escalated.

"That, I do not know." Dumbledore’s voice never rose above a whisper.

James’ body lost its intensity, and he sagged back in his chair. To comfort him, Remus put his hand on James’ shoulder. James turned slightly, a faint smile of appreciation just visible on his face.

"So what is it you want?" James asked Dumbledore, not unkindly.

"You need to be careful, you and Lily. Not just about where you go, but who you talk to. I have a feeling… a bad feeling, that someone is leaking information." Dumbledore looked in James’ eyes intently, and Remus felt a breath of cold air flow by him.

"Who?" James sat up, suspicious.

"It’s only a feeling. There is much we do not know about Voldemort and what he is capable of now. One thing is for certain, he is nearly as powerful as myself." Dumbledore sighed.

"You should go to Lily now," he continued. "I need to speak with Mr. Lupin here for a little while. I’ll have him back to you before dinner time, I assure you."

James let out a big breath, and, with a long look at Remus, he left the room. Remus was unsure of what kind of expression he had had.

"I understand that you have successfully joined with Beta," Dumbledore said, getting straight to the point.

"Joined the Pack," Remus emphasized, clearing his throat and willing himself to stop fidgeting.

"How many are there?" Dumbledore asked.

"Seven, including Beta," Remus said. And without further inquiry, he spilled into what he had seen, heard, and said during his first official meeting with Beta and the Pack. Remus was so nervous, that he hardly took a breath. He described everything, down to every dirt-covered rug and light bulb. It was difficult to remember all the details of the Network, which probably would not have been a problem if he wasn’t so anxious to get everything right. All Dumbledore could do to soothe him was look at him kindly and patiently, for he couldn’t get a word in edgewise until Remus finished. Finally, he stopped, and Remus sagged back in his chair much like James had and closed his eyes.

"You did very good, Remus, I’m exceptionally proud of you. I trust your judgement, so you needn’t worry so much about doing things right." Dumbledore beamed at him.

Remus felt comforted, but why did he still feel terrible?

"Have you told James and the others, yet?" Dumbledore asked.

"No. I don’t believe I will. James and Lily are already in too much jeopardy for me to get them involved. Sirius would only get himself in a predicament, and Peter… well, Peter would get so nervous he’d bite his fingernails right off." Remus sighed, looking away. So he had made his decision, and for that much he felt sure about it.

"Perhaps. It’s better for them, anyway, but it won’t be easy. May I suggest something?" Dumbledore looked at him benevolently.

Remus nodded. "Sure."

"James and Lily… well, they may need to move, if my sources are correct. The reason, I’m not so sure, nor is it right for me to tell at this time. Anyway, it may be wise for you to find your own personal residence. Someplace small and out of the way, more characteristic of your place in the Pack. It will eliminate, if not lessen, suspicions by both your friends and the Pack members. It may make things easier."

"I…well, I…" Remus grasped for words. Again, things were moving quicker than he would have liked them to. He had known he was going to have to find his own home soon, but the way Dumbledore put it, he was going to have to start right now.

"I’m sorry, Remus, I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable." There was that tone again. Pity. It made the words come out of Remus’ mouth before he realized what he was saying.

"I already have a place in mind, don’t worry." What am I saying? Remus screamed in his head.

"What will you tell James?" Dumbledore looked at him thoughtfully. Did he suspect that Remus really didn’t know what he was going to do?

He thought a moment, considering what he was going to say, both to Dumbledore and James.

"It was decided long before even my mother was killed that staying at James’ house would be temporary until I found my own place. James and the others know that I’ve been meaning to move out for a while now." Remus pulled his hands through his hair.

"Well, if you should need anything, let me know," Dumbledore said. "Otherwise, when you have settled and things with the Pack continue, we will meet again. Just remember how to go about contacting me."

Remus nodded, and stood up to leave.

"Oh, and Remus?" Dumbledore called after him before Remus reached the door.

"Yes, Professor?" He turned.

"I have faith in you."

 

At the Potter Manor, standing in the doorway of the study, Remus silently watched James from behind as he worked at the large oak desk in the room. It was dusk, just before dinner, and for the remainder of that afternoon Remus had literally torn apart the classifieds of The Daily Prophet looking for a new home. Now, standing there with a torn piece of newsprint covered in red ink in his hand, Remus contemplated what he would tell James.

His mouth opened several times, and each sudden movement James made at the desk made Remus flinch. After seven years, he knew his best friends’ body language, and the way James sat poised in the plush armchair in front of the desk revealed that he was agitated and, perhaps, a little afraid.

Concerned, his mind now caught up with what he was going to say and what possibly could be wrong, Remus stepped closer. Before he could speak, he could see the old and tattered piece of parchment on which the prophecy from the Potters’ old vault was written was held in James’ hands. Slowly, shaking his head, James opened a large drawer toward the bottom and slipped it inside.

"What does it mean, Moony?" James suddenly sighed, making Remus jump.

"How’d you know it was me?" he asked breathlessly.

"Moony, I could hear your mind," James chuckled softly, turning in the chair and looking up at him. His face was already downtrodden, no doubt thinking about the prophecy. But when his eyes met the marked up piece of The Daily Prophet, James frowned.

"So," he said slowly.

"I need to talk with you, James," Remus said seriously.

"What’s there to talk about, Remus?" James looked away and stood up, walking over to a bookshelf and staring unseeingly at the old leather bindings on the books. "I’m not your parent, there is nobody keeping you here. You are forever welcomed to stay, and you are free to come and go as you please. It’s you decision on what you want to do. You have my support, as well as Lily’s I’m sure. Sirius too, in his own way, but Peter’s no use since he worries about his own mother living alone."

Remus let out a deep breath, playing with the newsprint in his hands, getting red and black ink all over his skin.

"It’s just… it’s just that… oh, I dunno."

James turned and considered him a moment. He walked over and James put his hands on Remus’ shoulders, looking deep into his eyes.

"You’re afraid of something, Moony. There’s something going on, isn’t there?"

Remus looked back, breathing erratically. He couldn’t tell, he just couldn’t!

"I’m afraid for you, and Lily," he admitted truthfully.

James sighed again, hanging his head.

"So am I. Oh, what am I going to do? This prophecy appears to be real. Is staying with Lily putting her in danger? She’s not related, after all. Should… should we… separate? How does Voldemort know about it, when I didn’t know anything before I opened that vault?"

Remus could only shake his head, his face taut. James slid his hands off of Remus’ shoulders and sat back down in the armchair. He nestled his head into his upturned palms.

"Don’t you wish we could go forward in time, and see how things turn out so that we know what to do in the present?" James muttered.

Remus nodded, looking back down at the newsprint.

"The ironic thing is… we probably could."

 

Remus did not waste any time the following morning in inquiring about the small house he had picked from the classifieds. He left early, before James and Lily were even awake. Owen, the house elf, tried to corner him into the dining room to eat breakfast, but Remus politely refused and easily got past him.

The ad described a small, one-bedroom cottage that was nestled in a rural area ten miles from the shed that led to the Pack’s underground hiding place. It had previously belonged to a Muggle-born wizard who had tried in vain to write a novel, but had died before finishing his life’s work. For five years it had been unoccupied, and there were some repairs needed that could easily be done. A well-worn dirt road led from the cottage to nearby Bristol, but it was otherwise secluded from the outside world.

Remus had owled the landlord beforehand to arrange a meeting, and when he arrived at the cottage’s address, the landlord was waiting.

"Mr. Lupin?" the tall and skinny old man asked as Remus walked up to the front steps.

"That would be me. I’m sorry, but may I have your name again, sir?" Remus asked sheepishly. He had marked all over the ad, and had accidentally covered the landlord’s name.

"Leroy McGreene, at your service." He smiled, revealing several missing teeth. Otherwise, he appeared friendly enough. With wispy gray hair and a long nose, it made his eyes appear small and bright blue.

"Well, I’ll show you around some," McGreene said, turning to go back up onto the porch.

Remus followed, looking around. The place did look like it had been left alone for years. Dirt and leaves, as well as dried mud from previous rains, littered the porch. It was quite small, big enough to fit a few chairs to watch the view of the forest, which closed in around the cottage. The front door sagged a little off of its hinges, but it was made of solid oak, and with a bit of polishing and new brackets, it would look presentable.

McGreene opened the door and stepped inside. Remus followed, trying not to wrinkle his nose in response to the strong odor of mildew. Lighting a match, McGreene stepped aside so that Remus could get a view.

The small foyer emptied into a large open sitting room. Three French windows allowed plenty of light to filter inside, only currently they were completely tinted by inches of brown dust. In the middle of the opposite wall, a tiny and very dirty fireplace was placed underneath a narrow mantle. A small kitchen was nestled toward the back, where another badly uncared-for door led to the backyard. Off to the left was another door, to which McGreene silently went to open and show him inside.

Remus carefully peered through the doorway, hearing his shoes stir dirt from the floor and his weight caused the wooden floorboards to creak in protest. An empty bed frame was pushed against the far wall of this small bedroom. A sink and toilet was off to the side, and a little niche in the corner revealed a showerhead. Otherwise, the room was empty.

"Well, it’s, er…a fixer-upper!" McGreene struggled with a cheery tone. He looked at Remus nervously, until he looked at him and McGreene would only smile merrily. "But I’m sure you could suit it for your needs."

Remus frowned slightly, biting his lip. Maybe Lily could help him redecorate? He was hopeless at such things, but if he was to live here it needed to be modified.

"I will make arrangements at Gringotts to make the appropriate transactions. Thank you, Mr. McGreene, it will work just fine.

 

The sanctuary was engulfed in orange and red. Birds sang low and sleepily in the vastly cooling air. Fall came quickly here, and the trees had suddenly become bare, making the ground turn brown and orange. Where had time gone? Had it really been two months since Remus left Hogwarts as a student?

Two months. It was almost the end of August, and it was only two days ago that the moon had been full. So much change in so little time, and already the Order had lost one member. Remus never would have guessed that he would be standing where he was at that moment.

Fourteen people, dressed in long and regal orange and red robes lined with gold trim, stood next to Remus who wore the same. The phoenix pin that was normally worn out of sight was now pinned prominently above a crest that was embroidered on the right of the chest. Remus glanced at Lily long enough to notice the subtle difference between the male and female uniforms. She wore a short crimson colored woolen skirt, with black boots that reached close to her knees, along with an orange sweater with a white collar. Otherwise, the top robe was the same, the hem dragging slightly on the leaf strewn ground. The males wore heavy fleece vests with ties and black slacks. Standing together, the group looked very impressive, in Remus’ opinion.

It was the air that spoiled such a sight, and Remus’ face was set as he looked around at the dozens of crying and pale faced family members. They stood surrounding the casket, which was elevated and closed, covered with flowers that had been shipped in from more tropical climates. A velvet pillow was placed among the flowers, and Remus could only just make out a glint of gold sitting on top of it. Emily’s pin as a member of the Order.

Dumbledore stood off to the side a little, along with Minerva McGonagall and a few other professors from Hogwarts. Other members of the Ministry were also there, not only to attend the ceremony but also to protect those attending- Death Eater attacks were a constant concern, especially with the entire Order standing there. It was an easy ambush.

Words were said, the priest gave his blessings, and one by one each person went to the casket to make their final farewell. Emily’s mother, whom Remus had met very briefly only just before the funeral, collapsed in sobs over the casket, only leaving as other family members pulled her away. Dumbledore and the other professors went next, and finally each member of the Order paid their respects.

Remus was the last to approach the mahogany that surrounded a woman that he had only spoken to just hours before she was so coldly murdered. She had annoyed him terribly, but now his heart pang with regret.

You never know what will happen, so be careful what you say. You just might not know when… or if… you’ll see them again. He placed his hand on the highly polished wood, a lily blossom caressing his fingers.

"Your fight is over, Emily," he finally said silently. "I’m sorry."

With a final look, he left the casket. James, Lily, Sirius, and Peter were standing off toward the worn path in the leaves where everyone was leaving. He walked over to them and Lily took his hand.

"Are you sure?"

"About what?" Remus looked at her.

"Moving away?"

He smiled kindly at all of them and he squeezed her hand in response.

"It’s for the best. But, guys, it’s not like I’ve moved to Brazil! I’m merely a hop, skip, and a jump away. You’re welcome to come over anytime and make a mess of the place!"

Sirius grinned and elbowed James in the shoulder. "He’s starting to sound like me. Should we really be scared now?"

"Good Lord, Moony… he’s got a point. That’s scary!" James laughed.

"I’m proud of you," Peter said, looking up at Remus with bright eyes. "I still don’t think I’d be able to live on my own."

"Yeah, wouldn’t want to miss those peanut butter and jam sandwiches mummy makes everyday!" Sirius snickered.

"Let’s go back to the house and I’ll gather what I need to help make Lupin’s home more like a home. We’re getting stares ‘cause all of you are laughing at a funeral." Lily looked at them pointedly with her hands on her hips. Remus grimaced and nodded, James and Sirius looked at each other guiltily and Peter had already scurried away.

As Remus prepared to apparate to James’ house, he noticed a shadow in the corner of his right eye. However, before he could turn to get a better look, the shadow was gone.

"What’s wrong, Moony?" Sirius asked, having had waited a moment while the others apparated.

Remus frowned slightly and narrowed his eyes before turning back to Sirius and shrugged.

"Nothing. Let’s go."

 

Eight hours. Eight long hours and by the end of it all, Remus never wanted to see a brush, mop, or feather duster ever again.

Lily had completely taken over Remus’ new cottage, putting everyone to work. Magic could only do so much, so Remus and the others got down on their hands and knees and cleaned like they never cleaned before. The cottage was spotless inside and out by the time they were through, and that only left interior decorating.

Remus had never shopped for furniture before, so he gave Lily an allotted amount of money from his Gringotts account and let her take care of the matter. Fortunately, she knew his tastes, and she bought the most modest (yet stylish) furniture his budget would allow within two hours hopping wizarding villages with James. The new purchases were transported to the cottage directly, and while Lily and James were still out, Remus, Sirius, and Peter attempted to arrange the pieces with as much aesthetic know-how as they had.

After a break for dinner, Lily set about rearranging things with Remus’ permission and put the finishing touches in place. When she was through, the cottage was cozy and warm with earthen colors and strategically placed candles filled the two rooms with light.

"There!" Lily said proudly as she hung the last item from a hook James’ had conjured to the roof of the small porch. "This wind chime is perfect here."

A gentle breeze flowed through, ruffling everyone’s hair, and it passed through the large metal tubes that began to clang together in a haunting and soothing bass. Remus closed his eyes as he listened, and no one spoke for a moment.

Four candle lanterns crafted with a Celtic style design glowed from their positions mounted on the four pillars of wood that held up the porch roof. Remus opened his eyes and looked at his friends, seeing their shadows sway with their movements on the cottage wall and front window. Only, he saw a fifth shadow that was not his own, and he looked out into the black woods to try to find the owner.

"What is it, Remus? Don’t tell me you want the trees decorated too?" Lily joked lightly, her sweet smile making the porch appear brighter.

Remus didn’t answer for a moment, before he shook his head and smiled back at her.

"My eyes are playing tricks on me today, that’s all."

Everyone nodded and smiled, before making their excuses to leave. Peter left first, followed by Sirius. James and Lily hung back a moment more, standing on the steps of the porch as they looked up at Remus.

"I hate to leave you here alone," Lily said quietly.

"This place is out in the middle of nowhere," James commented, his hands in his pockets. The candlelight reflected brightly off his glasses, hiding his eyes.

"Don’t forget, I’ve lived my entire life out in the middle of nowhere. The woods is where I really belong," Remus reassured them.

"You know that’s not really true," Lily chided gently.

Remus sighed. "I’m a wild spirit, truly."

"You may be right, but I’m going to miss you not being right down the hall… or in the bed next to mine," James said.

"I’m only a fireplace away, James. Besides, now you and Lily can be alone…together… catch the hint?" Remus grinned at them.

Even in the muted candlelight, he could see both their faces turn scarlet.

"Good night, Moony." James turned to leave, laughing.

"Sure you’ll be alright by yourself out here?" Lily asked again, still red in the face.

"I’ll get a dog," Remus said.

"You already have one. His name’s Sirius," James said, turning back to take Lily’s hand.

"Very funny," Remus chuckled. "I’ll be sure to tell him such."

Still laughing, James and Lily disapparated. Remus took a deep breath and looked around a moment longer before deciding to go inside. The wind picked up again, and the new wind chime began to clang loudly.

"You have interesting friends," said a voice, suddenly out of nowhere.

Remus whirled around. Beta stood with her arms crossed, leaning casually on one of the wooden support pillars. Her face held an impassive expression as her eyes bore into his. Remus took a moment to still his heart and calm himself, still looking at her.

"You’ve been following me today? That was you at the funeral, wasn’t it?" His words were not a question.

"When you didn’t come back to the Den this morning, I went to see what was more important," she said.

Remus looked at her with his eyes narrowed.

"I do have another life, you know. There are other priorities as well."

"You still fight the Death Eaters," she said coldly, looking away.

"Of course!" Remus barked out a laugh at such an absurd remark. She knew very well he was still a member of the Order of the Phoenix.

"How many more of you will die before you realize that it’s a lost cause? There are too many of them now, and the Master is powerful." Beta cocked her head, tossing her bangs out of her eyes. The reflection of the light on her face made her look very menacing. Remus suppressed a shiver.

"What do you want?" Remus asked harshly, irritated.

If Beta had any response to his tone, she didn’t show it. Instead, she stepped closer to him, her eyes still on his.

"There’s work to do."

Remus scowled and took a step back.

"Yeah, well it’s late and I’m tired. It can wait until tomorrow."

"Fine then," Beta huffed, her hands on her slender hips. "I’ll be back. Keep in mind, though, Rogue… I’ve got an eye on you. One wrong move…"

Remus was too tired to take her warning seriously. He merely waved a hand and turned his back to her.

"Whatever," he said as he yawned, and he closed his new front door in Beta’s face.

The sound of birds chirping and intermediate low chimes filtered gently into Remus’ keen ears. He stretched his body, which was nestled comfortably under a thick goose down filled comforter and soft fleece blanket. Reaching out his arms and flexing his muscles, his hands reached over the sides of his new queen sized bed, which was considerably more modest than what he had slept in at James’ house. Just a few regular pillows was all Remus needed, and for the first time since his last night in his old bedroom in his parents’ house, he had slept on a bed without posts.

Sunlight filled the small bedroom, warming his face and coaxing his eyes to open. With a slight and unconvincing moan of protest, Remus turned over and slowly lifted his eyelids. When his eyes slid into focus, he screamed.

Sitting on a chair close to his bed and against the facing wall, was Beta.

"’Morning, sunshine." She smirked, cocking her head at him.

Remus shot straight up, throwing the covers off of him, mouth agape and instantly flushed in the face. When Beta raised her brows, Remus looked down and noticed that he was bare skinned from the waist up. Furiously, he pulled the fleece blanket up to his chin and struggled to reach his shirt that was slung over the foot of the bed.

"What the…! How did you…? What right…? Just what do you think you’re doing here?" Remus cried, enraged and completely embarrassed at the same time.

"I came to get you. Get dressed, like I said, we’ve got work to do." She stood up, no longer looking at him and her expression business-like. Remus glared at her back as she strode out of his bedroom and he heard her rustle around the kitchen. Hastily, he pulled on his shirt, changed into his black slacks that he had worn the day before, and stomped out holding his shoes and socks in one hand and a toothbrush in the other.

"And just how did you get in my house?" Remus fumed, slamming the articles in his hands down on the small table that served two for meals and the like. Beta merely shrugged, putting the kettle on the stove for tea. The original builder of the house, who was a Muggle, had installed the gas range. It was very small, and aged with rust. Beta struggled with the starter for a minute, but managed to get it alight before Remus impatiently had pulled his wand out of his pocket to do it magically.

"Well?" he snapped, still glaring as he went to the sink and began to brush his teeth.

"Can’t you do that in the bathroom like normal people?" she asked, folding her arms in front of her.

"Can’t you knock at the door like normal people?" he countered, pausing to do so.

"You left it open," she said innocently, shrugging again.

"I did n-" Remus started, before he stopped himself. He didn’t remember locking the doors! When the blood rushed to his cheeks, Beta nodded, as if satisfied by his realization. However, Remus was too startled out of a comfortable night’s sleep to let her win the argument.

"Just what made you think you could just walk into my bedroom and watch me sleep, then?"

She didn’t answer, turning her back to him again as she tended to the kettle that had begun to whistle. Grabbing two mugs, she set them down on the table and somehow located the sugar and honey to take out too. Remus stared, toothpaste and spit beginning to dribble surreptitiously down his chin. When she finally looked at him, and motioned slightly with her fingers at her mouth, Remus finally fell back to earth and flushed again as he quickly cleaned his face.

"Alpha has a job for you," she said, immediately jumping to business as they both sat down and nursed their tea.

Remus stirred a lemon slice he taken out of the ice chest into his mug, swirling it around with his spoon.

"And?" he prompted when she didn’t continue right away.

"The pack that has territory south of ours is threatening to set us up if we don’t hand over fifty gallons of dragon tears. Apparently, Puck had made a sweet date with one of their females, and promised them the rare commodity in exchange for her services." She said "Puck" and "services" with scorn laden on her words.

Remus swallowed hard. He knew what was coming.

"What do they want with dragon tears?" he asked, trying to prolong the inevitable.

"Theory is that with dragon tears, mixed with other ingredients that are just as hard to come by, you can make a potion capable of increasing your strength ten fold. For a fully-grown adult male, especially the alpha of their pack, you need at least fifteen gallons of dragon tears. It sounds like the whole pack wants a taste." Beta took a tentative sip of her tea.

"Why can’t you just get one of your Death Eater friends to get a supply," Remus asked bitterly. "Surely the Dark Lord has his own store."

Beta glared at him with narrowed eyes.

"It’s not that simple," she growled. "To ask such a ‘favor’ of the Dark would be pointless, for it has nothing to do with their goals. If we were to ask certain associates for what we need, they would simply laugh in our faces. No, this is a werewolf matter. If we do not supply the fifty gallons by tomorrow evening, then we’re in for a midnight brawl. It could mean the surrender of our territory, our lives, or even civil war."

Remus let out a long breath, stirring his tea again and staring into the dark brown swirls. He looked up at her, his expression slightly softer.

"And just how do you suppose I find fifty gallons of dragon tears?"

Yet again, she shrugged, but her gaze bore into his so intently that he sat up straighter and fidgeted.

"You want me to filch from the Ministry’s potions storehouse?" he whispered incredulously.

"Have a better idea?" she asked.

"I could loose my job if I’m caught!" Remus hissed angrily.

"Then don’t get caught," she said simply.

"Easier said than done," he grumbled.

"I’m sure you can pull it off," she said casually, leaning back in her chair and taking a generous sip of tea.

Remus considered her for a few moments, taking deep breaths. He stared into his own mug, watching the lemon slice bob up and down.

"Why do you have so much faith in me?" he nearly whispered. He cocked an eye up at her to see her reaction. For once, she did not have a smart comeback. Actually, Beta looked startled. When he straightened up in his chair to look at her better, she shook off whatever surprise she had and looked away.

"Because you’re the only one who can do it?" Beta whispered in reply.

Silence. The birds and the wind chime continued to conduct their song outside. Remus did not break his gaze at her, and it wasn’t until she looked him in the eye after a while that he spoke again.

"Well then," he stood up, making his chair screech on the wooden floor. "Better let me go if you want this done."

All Beta would grant him was a nod. Not a "thank you" or "I knew you would" comment came out of her mouth. She simply nodded and stood up as well, taking the china to the sink and rinsing them. Remus resolved to let it go, focusing his mind on the task while trying not to panic. Should he go straight to Dumbledore now?

"I’ll have some of the others follow you and stay close should you need help," Beta said when everything was cleaned. She turned to him, expressionless and drying her hands on a kitchen towel.

Guess going to Dumbledore is out of the question, then, he thought.

"Then what are you going to do, if you’re not following me?" Remus asked, quelling his panic again.

While her expression did not change, Remus could have sworn that her skin paled a shade lighter.

"I’ve got… something to do." And without further comment, she brushed past him and left.

Remus stood in his kitchen, staring at the door where she left, feeling the weight of dread pile on his shoulders.

Oh, boy.