Full Moon
It had been a long, terribly strenuous day.
Bill poured himself a strong Firewhisky.
Shell Cottage was full of laughing adults and babies.
Bill leaned back in his chair and stretched his legs.
He felt extremely fatigued.
He felt as though if given the chance, he could sleep for a thousand years. He felt as though if allowed, he could eat every edible thing in sight.
He felt extremely ill at ease, and he could feel a wave of totally unreasonable rage, swirling and waving like a whip waiting for an opportunity to crack. He took a sip of Firewhisky. He recognised these feelings.
He glanced out of the window. The soft, feathery clouds were dispersing, parting slowly to reveal the moon. The full, round, yellowish moon. He glanced at Teddy, who was patiently allowing little Molly to put pink ribbons in his hair. He glanced at Victoire, sitting close to Teddy's side.
Bill knew that he should be grateful that out of his three children only one experienced such tensions during the full moon, but he had no time for that just yet. He watched as Teddy's expression grew steely, as Victoire's fists clenched. He knew that they felt no pain, just uncomfortable, cranky, and angry. And hungry, and tired. Just like he did.
Bill watched them, knowing that he was the only person who understood them at that moment. At that moment, every full moon. He could sense the invisible thread that connected him, his daughter, and the son of one of his very close friends.
Meanwhile the adults in the room had sensed the change that had come over the three of them. Fleur handed baby Louis to Charlie and hurried to the kitchen to make them something warm and soothing to drink. Audrey reached forward and pried Molly off Teddy. The rest just watched.
Victoire stood up and looked at her father uncertainly. Though she had experienced this for four years, she was still not used to it. She walked somewhat unsteadily to Bill and sought refuge in his arms. Teddy, at six, was more knowledgeable, and bore the pain bravely for one so young. Nevertheless, he stood up too, and glanced at Bill.
Bill held out his other hand and clasped Teddy to him.
Three people, one thread running through their veins; the same pain, the same feeling. Forever.
Bill closed his eyes, and thought of another man, hopefully watching over the three of them now, knowing what they were feeling, having experienced much much more pain.
A brave man. Remus Lupin.