Disclaimer: Avalon McKay is of my own creation, no touchy! Everything else (besides actual plot, or lack thereof) belongs to the ever so talented J.K. Rowling.
Rating: PG-13
Chapter One
The girl was just sitting there, next to the pond. The full moon overhead reflected the wolf's flashing grin at his unsuspecting prey. The girl knew he was there and turned to face him. The wolf lunged. The girl screamed. The moon turned red with an innocent's blood.
Remus jerked awake and glanced around the cabin. Three pairs of eyes stared back at him, wide in surprise. The boy next to him spoke first as he pushed his glasses back up on his face.
"Are you okay Remus?" James Potter asked with concern.
"I..." Remus stopped. He wanted so badly to tell his friends of the horrible events that transpired that summer. Yet, he was worried that he would frighten them away.
Sirius spoke up first, "Judging by that look on your face, I'd say you were contemplating not telling us."
"You know you can tell us anything Remus." Piped in Peter. "We aren't going to judge and sentence you. You know us better then that."
James spoke up once more, "Maybe there's something we can do to help out if you told us?"
Remus shook his head and looked out the window. Trees, fields, and pastures whirled by as the Hogwarts Express took them to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It would be his and his companions last year at Hogwarts, and it was already starting out horrible. A few moments went by and his friend wondered if Remus would say anything at all and then he did.
"I attacked a girl this summer," Remus waited for some kind of outrage response, but only received a strangely encouraging silence, urging him on in his story. "This past full moon. I was staying at an uncle's cabin in the woods, away from cities and town or any other homesteads. At least that's what I thought. I was out roaming the woods, passing the time and hoping the moon would fade as soon as possible. The wolf... I heard someone moving about and followed the sound. I wanted to stop, to turn around and go the other way. The wolf wouldn't allow it though and we discovered a young girl sitting next to the pond. I didn't know what she was doing out there. But she was there and she was very human." Remus paused, the memory surging anew in his mind.
The girl had been beautiful. Long black hair with hints of silver highlights. A slender body and slightly tanned skin. "She heard us...me approaching and turned towards me." Her eyes. He couldn't forget them, "She didn't seem afraid though. Surprised, and a little alarmed, but not afraid. The wolf lunged at her, eager to pass on this damn curse." The pale boy gave a dry chuckle, void of any humor. "She knocked me hard upside the head, threw me off balance. The wolf didn't like that though and attacked again."
Remus looked down at his clenched hands and tried to relax them, "Slashed her across the face. Blood everywhere. I heard shouts and managed to convince the wolf to leave." He leaned forward and covered his face with his hands. Nothing was said for a while. Remus was afraid to look up, look at the faces of his companions. What would they think of him now?
"Anything from the cart, boys?" The voice of an elder woman made Remus jump in surprise. With a glance at Remus, James pulled out some money from his pocket and handed it to the dimpled, old witch.
"Four chocolate frogs please," She smiled and handed him the chocolate. She hesitated for a moment and then handed them four more chocolate frogs. "You lot look like you could use some cheering up! These are on the house...but don't tell anyone." With a wink, she slid the cabin's door shut again.
He had to admit it, he did feel a little better after munching on the frog. "What card did you get Remus?" Inquired Peter.
Remus shrugged and looked down at the card, and couldn't help but grin. "I got the new Dumbledore card!"
"No way!"
"You can't be serious!"
"He's not...I am."
The four boys sat there for a moment and then burst out laughing.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
For the rest of the journey, Remus' mood greatly improved. The four boys spoke of the upcoming year and shared any plans they might have for after graduation. At last, as the sun disappeared from view, the Hogwarts Express reached its destination in Hogsmeade. Going from cabin to carriage seemed to excite the boys even more.
Nothing seemed to be able to pull Remus back down, especially tonight! The group took their usual place at the Gryffindor table. The room quickly filled up and many were updating their house of the past summer's events. Remus casually listened to James telling a few other Gryffindor's about a professional Quidditch match he was able to attend. Someone sat down in the seat across the table from him but when he looked to see if he knew them, his blood went cold. Gold eyes glanced hesitantly at him then went back to staring down at the table.
Those eyes. In the forest the same alert eyes seared into his very soul. But the long silver/black hair was gone. She had cut it...or rather had hacked it all off. Even shorter then James' mess on top his head. She glanced around nervously again, as though trying to hide something. As she looked back in his direction, he saw why. A long, hideous scar stretched horizontally from above her right eyebrow and down to her left cheek. Two fainter scars paralleled the large one on either side.
He did that. That horrible scar was his doing. He had destroyed her life! Not only scarring her physically, but spiritually with this damn curse. The wolf had won. He could never forgive himself.
By this point, James had notice the change in Remus next to him. He looked over at his friend and then across the table to where he was staring. He could feel the tension thick in the air and he knew he'd have to break it somehow.
With a grin he reached his hand across the table to the girl, "I don't believe we've met. I'm James Potter." The girl started but took his hand in a shake. "I feel rather embarrassed really, this being our final year and we've never met!"
The girl managed a smile, "Avalon McKay..." She looked over at Remus. "And who are you?"
Remus just sat there, staring at her until someone kicked him hard in the leg. Sirius had obviously joined the conversation. "Ow!.. er... I'm Remus Lupin."
She quirked an eyebrow but nodded. Peter and Sirius introduced themselves as well. Avalon seemed much more cheerful now. Obviously the mark on her face had not been received well by others and she was glad for the respite. They quieted down a bit as new students were sorted into houses but started the conversation up again as food appeared before them. Only Remus seemed quiet and said very little.
"Something's bothering you." Avalon stated matter-of-factly. Gold eyes flashing at him. Gods. He could stare into those eyes forever. He shifted nervously and looked away.
"Just a rough ride here. That's all."
Her eyes narrowed but she didn't say anything else. Desert was being served now and Remus munched on some more chocolate. This was going to be a long year. Dinner ended and Remus and the others headed up to the tower. Avalon walked along with them, encouraged by their humor and respect. The soft, warm glow of Gryffindor tower greeted them and seem to promise soft beds in the above rooms.
Remus had to keep himself from running up to the dorm. He didn't want to seem rude, but he had to get away from Avalon as soon as he could. She broke away from the group and headed up towards the girls side. But before disappearing from view, she turned back to them.
"Sweet dreams Remus," She smiled. "Try to get some sleep, you look like you need it."
Suddenly the comfortable warmth of the tower seemed incredibly hot. Avalon disappeared into the upstairs and Remus felt a nudge in his side. Looking over, he finds James and others grinning at him.
"Are you blushing?" asked James. Glancing to where Avalon had disappeared. "I don't know about you, but she doesn't seem entirely upset about what happened."
Remus shot them all a glare and stamped up to their dorm. The three remaining boys stood there silently for a moment.
"I'm not even sure he bit her," Sirius remarked softly. "He never said he actually did..."
"I doubt he would remember something like that though," said James.
"As much as I'd like to discuss this issue with you all," spoke Peter, glancing back towards the entryway. "But the first years are on their way up and I'd rather not meet them tonight. They're too grabby..."
James and Sirius agreed and followed Remus' path upstairs.
First day of classes and Remus was as nervous as a first year. Not about his actual classes though, but rather who his classmates would be. James, Peter, and Sirius teased him a little about Avalon before she joined them for breakfast. Remus choked down his food and excused himself as quickly as able.
Athermancy was first and he couldn't complain. Compared to Divination, this class made sense. James joined him and commented that Sirius and Peter were together in Divination.
"Oh, well I'm sure they have a morbid year ahead," remarked Remus.
At that moment, Professor Vecter entered. No Avalon when class started. A good start. Hopefully it would stay that way. Defense Against the Dark Arts went by like a breeze, with he and Sirius cracking jokes.
He didn't have a class after lunch, so Remus took the moment to relax. Arriving back at the tower though, he ran right into Avalon.
"Oh! Sorry Remus," she bent down to pick up a few dropped items as Remus stood there like an idiot. "Love to chat, really, but I'm late for Potions. See you later!"
Moving past the dumbstruck boy, Avalon left the tower. Remus Lupin felt like a fool.
With a sigh, he made his way up to the dorm. Sighing even heavier, he practically dropped himself onto the bed. She was driving him insane and he'd only seen her twice today! But he didn't know how to respond. Part of him wanted to fall and weep at her feet, begging for forgiveness. The other part wanted to kiss her. Her eyes flashed in his mind and the sun reflected off her silver highlights. She was beautiful.
Of course he had seen to scarring that beauty as well. Frowning, Remus threw a pillow over his face and let his thoughts wander. In two weeks, there would be another full moon; he could only hope that it disproves his nightmares.
The bell for class change sounded too soon. Remus fumbled for his books and made his way tot he classroom. Advance Care for Magical Creatures. He hated the class. Any actual creatures that were brought in hated him because of his smell. Though he couldn't really blame them. Remus set his stuff on the desk and waited for class to start. His heart leapt into his throat. Gold eyes widen slightly in recognition.
Oh gods no...
"Hey Remus!" Avalon dropped her books next to his.
"I thought you had Potions," inquired Remus.
"Potions, yes, but not Double Potions," she replied. "I'm so advance in it, I only need to stay a normal class period."
"Oh..."Remus grimaced inwardly. Not good.
Class started with Professor Fillensnight explaining his intentions for more animal interaction in it. Remus blanched into his notes. This was going to be a rough year.
"Are you feeling okay Remus?" asked Avalon. He just nodded and she frowned. "I admit, you look a little better the last night, but you still seem kinda pale." Avalon watched him with concern. "I'm sorry, it must be personal. I won't push."
Remus was about to reply when they both received a sharp look from Fillensnight. After class, Remus collected his notes and frantically tried to find a way from Avalon.
"Remus?"
No luck.
"This isn't your best class, is it? You didn't seem very comfortable in there."
That's only half the reason...
"It's my worse class," he replied.
"Oh really? Aside from Potions, it's my favorite class." Avalon smiled, it was a beautiful smile, "If you need any help, just ask." She glanced down the hall, "Hey! There's Severus!"
Remus twitched, "What?!"
"Severus, over here!" she turned to Remus, "I'll see you guys later at supper. Sev and me agreed to work on our Potions homework together. Bye!" With that she ran off towards the Slytherin. Leaving Remus feeling rather shocked a bit jealous.
Grudgingly, he made his way back to the tower. The Gryffindor common room was full of students talking excitedly about their first day. Over in the corner he spotted the 'Maraurders' and went to join them. Sirius and Peter were already working on an essay for divination, creating different demises for each other, with James giving some suggestions here and there.
"Okay, how about this: Death by food fight at the Halloween Feast. Enchanted bat cookie attacks." Peter grinned and jotted the suggestion down. Remus joined the group and received an array of 'Hi's and 'Hello's.
"Any suggestions from Moony?" asked Sirius.
"Death by flashing gold eyes, piercing your very soul. Seeing all your secrets and knowing your every thought." Remus let his head thump against the table.
Silence for a moment, then "So how was your day?"
He shot them all a glare, "thanks for asking...I had Advance Care for Magical Creatures, which is bad enough as is. But Avalon was in there with me." He narrows his eyes, "then she runs off with Severus after class."
Sirius looked like he could kill somebody right about then, "Severus? A Slytherin?" He cursed and started ranting about it. Peter looked bufuzzled and James was...laughing?
Remus glared at him, "What's so funny?"
"Maybe it's just me," James replied, between fits of laughter, "But you sound a bit jealous!"
"I'm not jealous!"
Sirius stopped ranting, paused and then started chuckling as well, "He's blushing again!"
Remus knew he was from the distinct temperature change from comfortable to unbearable hot. "Drop it guys..."
The laughter continued for a few more moments then finally subsided. They goofed around a bit more before going down to supper.
"But still, Severus of all people..." Sirius continued on his ranting, "I feel betrayed!"
"You're being dramatic," said James, "Severus isn't all that bad...it's the just the rest of Slytherin house..."
Sirius glowered but said nothing. Of course they didn't like the Slytherin all that much, but he was gold compared to Lucious Malfoy. Speaking of the Devil, Lucious and his groupies were coming up from the dungeons just then.
"Well, if it isn't the Gryffindor Four." Both groups glared at each other and Lucious spoke up again, "You may want to get out of everyone's way before they lose their appetites....I've already lost mine."
"I'd think it was because you're always looking at your reflection, Lucious." Came a voice from behind Remus.
Avalon had her hands on her hips with her eyes narrowed at Lucious. At least she didn't like all Slytherins. Remus had to admit to himself that she did look sexy when mad. She continued back down the steps, past Remus, James, Peter and Sirius and stopped right in front of Lucious.
"Newsflash to Malfoy: You are not God's gift to women. Just a nuisance." It seemed like everyone in the hall was holding their breath; you could probably hear a pin drop. She certainly had a lot of guts, standing up to Lucious like that. And he obviously didn't like it one bit.
"Speak for yourself." He retorted, sneering. "With such raged scars tearing across your face, who'd ever want you? Is there even a reason behind your retched appearance? Or is it just a birth mark?"
Avalon just smiled as Remus immediately tensed up, "A werewolf attacked me."
Lucious raised an eyebrow as James prodded Remus and nodded past the arrogant blond. Severus had joined the groupies and was staring right at them, and none to friendly either. Remus nearly jumped out of his skin when Lucious burst out laughing.
"A werewolf?!" he mocked her. "What kind of story is that?!"
"What is going on here?" Professor McGonagall, one of the younger teachers, appeared on the scene. "I suggest this ordeal end now or house points will be taken!"
Immediately the crowd dispersed, but as Luscious passed them, he whispered, "This isn't over yet, Potter."
Avalon fumed over supper but managed to calm down after about five glasses of pumpkin juice. Remus shot James a fierce look as he filled her cup up again. They somehow had managed to play 'switch seats around Remus so we can embarrass him' and he was now sitting next to her. She appeared to have calmed down some, to his great relief but before he could relax, she tensed up again and looked panicked.
"I've made myself a target, haven't I?" Avalon's face showed nothing but worry now, "What was I thinking? Standing up to him like that?" She grabbed Remus' arm and leaned into him, "What if he comes after me or something?"
Remus didn't know what to do. He wanted to comfort her, but how? Before he knew what he was doing, he disentangled himself from her grasp and had placed it around her shoulders. "Don't worry, he'll have to get through us first."
The others nodded and he gave her an awkward hug before finishing up supper. He wouldn't let anyone hurt her now. He would make up for the pain and scars he caused her. Remus sighed, at least when the wolf wasn't in control. And in two weeks, he would know just how much he had cursed Avalon's life. He prayed that the curse hadn't spread.
In two weeks.
Rating: PG-13
Chapter One
The girl was just sitting there, next to the pond. The full moon overhead reflected the wolf's flashing grin at his unsuspecting prey. The girl knew he was there and turned to face him. The wolf lunged. The girl screamed. The moon turned red with an innocent's blood.
Remus jerked awake and glanced around the cabin. Three pairs of eyes stared back at him, wide in surprise. The boy next to him spoke first as he pushed his glasses back up on his face.
"Are you okay Remus?" James Potter asked with concern.
"I..." Remus stopped. He wanted so badly to tell his friends of the horrible events that transpired that summer. Yet, he was worried that he would frighten them away.
Sirius spoke up first, "Judging by that look on your face, I'd say you were contemplating not telling us."
"You know you can tell us anything Remus." Piped in Peter. "We aren't going to judge and sentence you. You know us better then that."
James spoke up once more, "Maybe there's something we can do to help out if you told us?"
Remus shook his head and looked out the window. Trees, fields, and pastures whirled by as the Hogwarts Express took them to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It would be his and his companions last year at Hogwarts, and it was already starting out horrible. A few moments went by and his friend wondered if Remus would say anything at all and then he did.
"I attacked a girl this summer," Remus waited for some kind of outrage response, but only received a strangely encouraging silence, urging him on in his story. "This past full moon. I was staying at an uncle's cabin in the woods, away from cities and town or any other homesteads. At least that's what I thought. I was out roaming the woods, passing the time and hoping the moon would fade as soon as possible. The wolf... I heard someone moving about and followed the sound. I wanted to stop, to turn around and go the other way. The wolf wouldn't allow it though and we discovered a young girl sitting next to the pond. I didn't know what she was doing out there. But she was there and she was very human." Remus paused, the memory surging anew in his mind.
The girl had been beautiful. Long black hair with hints of silver highlights. A slender body and slightly tanned skin. "She heard us...me approaching and turned towards me." Her eyes. He couldn't forget them, "She didn't seem afraid though. Surprised, and a little alarmed, but not afraid. The wolf lunged at her, eager to pass on this damn curse." The pale boy gave a dry chuckle, void of any humor. "She knocked me hard upside the head, threw me off balance. The wolf didn't like that though and attacked again."
Remus looked down at his clenched hands and tried to relax them, "Slashed her across the face. Blood everywhere. I heard shouts and managed to convince the wolf to leave." He leaned forward and covered his face with his hands. Nothing was said for a while. Remus was afraid to look up, look at the faces of his companions. What would they think of him now?
"Anything from the cart, boys?" The voice of an elder woman made Remus jump in surprise. With a glance at Remus, James pulled out some money from his pocket and handed it to the dimpled, old witch.
"Four chocolate frogs please," She smiled and handed him the chocolate. She hesitated for a moment and then handed them four more chocolate frogs. "You lot look like you could use some cheering up! These are on the house...but don't tell anyone." With a wink, she slid the cabin's door shut again.
He had to admit it, he did feel a little better after munching on the frog. "What card did you get Remus?" Inquired Peter.
Remus shrugged and looked down at the card, and couldn't help but grin. "I got the new Dumbledore card!"
"No way!"
"You can't be serious!"
"He's not...I am."
The four boys sat there for a moment and then burst out laughing.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
For the rest of the journey, Remus' mood greatly improved. The four boys spoke of the upcoming year and shared any plans they might have for after graduation. At last, as the sun disappeared from view, the Hogwarts Express reached its destination in Hogsmeade. Going from cabin to carriage seemed to excite the boys even more.
Nothing seemed to be able to pull Remus back down, especially tonight! The group took their usual place at the Gryffindor table. The room quickly filled up and many were updating their house of the past summer's events. Remus casually listened to James telling a few other Gryffindor's about a professional Quidditch match he was able to attend. Someone sat down in the seat across the table from him but when he looked to see if he knew them, his blood went cold. Gold eyes glanced hesitantly at him then went back to staring down at the table.
Those eyes. In the forest the same alert eyes seared into his very soul. But the long silver/black hair was gone. She had cut it...or rather had hacked it all off. Even shorter then James' mess on top his head. She glanced around nervously again, as though trying to hide something. As she looked back in his direction, he saw why. A long, hideous scar stretched horizontally from above her right eyebrow and down to her left cheek. Two fainter scars paralleled the large one on either side.
He did that. That horrible scar was his doing. He had destroyed her life! Not only scarring her physically, but spiritually with this damn curse. The wolf had won. He could never forgive himself.
By this point, James had notice the change in Remus next to him. He looked over at his friend and then across the table to where he was staring. He could feel the tension thick in the air and he knew he'd have to break it somehow.
With a grin he reached his hand across the table to the girl, "I don't believe we've met. I'm James Potter." The girl started but took his hand in a shake. "I feel rather embarrassed really, this being our final year and we've never met!"
The girl managed a smile, "Avalon McKay..." She looked over at Remus. "And who are you?"
Remus just sat there, staring at her until someone kicked him hard in the leg. Sirius had obviously joined the conversation. "Ow!.. er... I'm Remus Lupin."
She quirked an eyebrow but nodded. Peter and Sirius introduced themselves as well. Avalon seemed much more cheerful now. Obviously the mark on her face had not been received well by others and she was glad for the respite. They quieted down a bit as new students were sorted into houses but started the conversation up again as food appeared before them. Only Remus seemed quiet and said very little.
"Something's bothering you." Avalon stated matter-of-factly. Gold eyes flashing at him. Gods. He could stare into those eyes forever. He shifted nervously and looked away.
"Just a rough ride here. That's all."
Her eyes narrowed but she didn't say anything else. Desert was being served now and Remus munched on some more chocolate. This was going to be a long year. Dinner ended and Remus and the others headed up to the tower. Avalon walked along with them, encouraged by their humor and respect. The soft, warm glow of Gryffindor tower greeted them and seem to promise soft beds in the above rooms.
Remus had to keep himself from running up to the dorm. He didn't want to seem rude, but he had to get away from Avalon as soon as he could. She broke away from the group and headed up towards the girls side. But before disappearing from view, she turned back to them.
"Sweet dreams Remus," She smiled. "Try to get some sleep, you look like you need it."
Suddenly the comfortable warmth of the tower seemed incredibly hot. Avalon disappeared into the upstairs and Remus felt a nudge in his side. Looking over, he finds James and others grinning at him.
"Are you blushing?" asked James. Glancing to where Avalon had disappeared. "I don't know about you, but she doesn't seem entirely upset about what happened."
Remus shot them all a glare and stamped up to their dorm. The three remaining boys stood there silently for a moment.
"I'm not even sure he bit her," Sirius remarked softly. "He never said he actually did..."
"I doubt he would remember something like that though," said James.
"As much as I'd like to discuss this issue with you all," spoke Peter, glancing back towards the entryway. "But the first years are on their way up and I'd rather not meet them tonight. They're too grabby..."
James and Sirius agreed and followed Remus' path upstairs.
First day of classes and Remus was as nervous as a first year. Not about his actual classes though, but rather who his classmates would be. James, Peter, and Sirius teased him a little about Avalon before she joined them for breakfast. Remus choked down his food and excused himself as quickly as able.
Athermancy was first and he couldn't complain. Compared to Divination, this class made sense. James joined him and commented that Sirius and Peter were together in Divination.
"Oh, well I'm sure they have a morbid year ahead," remarked Remus.
At that moment, Professor Vecter entered. No Avalon when class started. A good start. Hopefully it would stay that way. Defense Against the Dark Arts went by like a breeze, with he and Sirius cracking jokes.
He didn't have a class after lunch, so Remus took the moment to relax. Arriving back at the tower though, he ran right into Avalon.
"Oh! Sorry Remus," she bent down to pick up a few dropped items as Remus stood there like an idiot. "Love to chat, really, but I'm late for Potions. See you later!"
Moving past the dumbstruck boy, Avalon left the tower. Remus Lupin felt like a fool.
With a sigh, he made his way up to the dorm. Sighing even heavier, he practically dropped himself onto the bed. She was driving him insane and he'd only seen her twice today! But he didn't know how to respond. Part of him wanted to fall and weep at her feet, begging for forgiveness. The other part wanted to kiss her. Her eyes flashed in his mind and the sun reflected off her silver highlights. She was beautiful.
Of course he had seen to scarring that beauty as well. Frowning, Remus threw a pillow over his face and let his thoughts wander. In two weeks, there would be another full moon; he could only hope that it disproves his nightmares.
The bell for class change sounded too soon. Remus fumbled for his books and made his way tot he classroom. Advance Care for Magical Creatures. He hated the class. Any actual creatures that were brought in hated him because of his smell. Though he couldn't really blame them. Remus set his stuff on the desk and waited for class to start. His heart leapt into his throat. Gold eyes widen slightly in recognition.
Oh gods no...
"Hey Remus!" Avalon dropped her books next to his.
"I thought you had Potions," inquired Remus.
"Potions, yes, but not Double Potions," she replied. "I'm so advance in it, I only need to stay a normal class period."
"Oh..."Remus grimaced inwardly. Not good.
Class started with Professor Fillensnight explaining his intentions for more animal interaction in it. Remus blanched into his notes. This was going to be a rough year.
"Are you feeling okay Remus?" asked Avalon. He just nodded and she frowned. "I admit, you look a little better the last night, but you still seem kinda pale." Avalon watched him with concern. "I'm sorry, it must be personal. I won't push."
Remus was about to reply when they both received a sharp look from Fillensnight. After class, Remus collected his notes and frantically tried to find a way from Avalon.
"Remus?"
No luck.
"This isn't your best class, is it? You didn't seem very comfortable in there."
That's only half the reason...
"It's my worse class," he replied.
"Oh really? Aside from Potions, it's my favorite class." Avalon smiled, it was a beautiful smile, "If you need any help, just ask." She glanced down the hall, "Hey! There's Severus!"
Remus twitched, "What?!"
"Severus, over here!" she turned to Remus, "I'll see you guys later at supper. Sev and me agreed to work on our Potions homework together. Bye!" With that she ran off towards the Slytherin. Leaving Remus feeling rather shocked a bit jealous.
Grudgingly, he made his way back to the tower. The Gryffindor common room was full of students talking excitedly about their first day. Over in the corner he spotted the 'Maraurders' and went to join them. Sirius and Peter were already working on an essay for divination, creating different demises for each other, with James giving some suggestions here and there.
"Okay, how about this: Death by food fight at the Halloween Feast. Enchanted bat cookie attacks." Peter grinned and jotted the suggestion down. Remus joined the group and received an array of 'Hi's and 'Hello's.
"Any suggestions from Moony?" asked Sirius.
"Death by flashing gold eyes, piercing your very soul. Seeing all your secrets and knowing your every thought." Remus let his head thump against the table.
Silence for a moment, then "So how was your day?"
He shot them all a glare, "thanks for asking...I had Advance Care for Magical Creatures, which is bad enough as is. But Avalon was in there with me." He narrows his eyes, "then she runs off with Severus after class."
Sirius looked like he could kill somebody right about then, "Severus? A Slytherin?" He cursed and started ranting about it. Peter looked bufuzzled and James was...laughing?
Remus glared at him, "What's so funny?"
"Maybe it's just me," James replied, between fits of laughter, "But you sound a bit jealous!"
"I'm not jealous!"
Sirius stopped ranting, paused and then started chuckling as well, "He's blushing again!"
Remus knew he was from the distinct temperature change from comfortable to unbearable hot. "Drop it guys..."
The laughter continued for a few more moments then finally subsided. They goofed around a bit more before going down to supper.
"But still, Severus of all people..." Sirius continued on his ranting, "I feel betrayed!"
"You're being dramatic," said James, "Severus isn't all that bad...it's the just the rest of Slytherin house..."
Sirius glowered but said nothing. Of course they didn't like the Slytherin all that much, but he was gold compared to Lucious Malfoy. Speaking of the Devil, Lucious and his groupies were coming up from the dungeons just then.
"Well, if it isn't the Gryffindor Four." Both groups glared at each other and Lucious spoke up again, "You may want to get out of everyone's way before they lose their appetites....I've already lost mine."
"I'd think it was because you're always looking at your reflection, Lucious." Came a voice from behind Remus.
Avalon had her hands on her hips with her eyes narrowed at Lucious. At least she didn't like all Slytherins. Remus had to admit to himself that she did look sexy when mad. She continued back down the steps, past Remus, James, Peter and Sirius and stopped right in front of Lucious.
"Newsflash to Malfoy: You are not God's gift to women. Just a nuisance." It seemed like everyone in the hall was holding their breath; you could probably hear a pin drop. She certainly had a lot of guts, standing up to Lucious like that. And he obviously didn't like it one bit.
"Speak for yourself." He retorted, sneering. "With such raged scars tearing across your face, who'd ever want you? Is there even a reason behind your retched appearance? Or is it just a birth mark?"
Avalon just smiled as Remus immediately tensed up, "A werewolf attacked me."
Lucious raised an eyebrow as James prodded Remus and nodded past the arrogant blond. Severus had joined the groupies and was staring right at them, and none to friendly either. Remus nearly jumped out of his skin when Lucious burst out laughing.
"A werewolf?!" he mocked her. "What kind of story is that?!"
"What is going on here?" Professor McGonagall, one of the younger teachers, appeared on the scene. "I suggest this ordeal end now or house points will be taken!"
Immediately the crowd dispersed, but as Luscious passed them, he whispered, "This isn't over yet, Potter."
Avalon fumed over supper but managed to calm down after about five glasses of pumpkin juice. Remus shot James a fierce look as he filled her cup up again. They somehow had managed to play 'switch seats around Remus so we can embarrass him' and he was now sitting next to her. She appeared to have calmed down some, to his great relief but before he could relax, she tensed up again and looked panicked.
"I've made myself a target, haven't I?" Avalon's face showed nothing but worry now, "What was I thinking? Standing up to him like that?" She grabbed Remus' arm and leaned into him, "What if he comes after me or something?"
Remus didn't know what to do. He wanted to comfort her, but how? Before he knew what he was doing, he disentangled himself from her grasp and had placed it around her shoulders. "Don't worry, he'll have to get through us first."
The others nodded and he gave her an awkward hug before finishing up supper. He wouldn't let anyone hurt her now. He would make up for the pain and scars he caused her. Remus sighed, at least when the wolf wasn't in control. And in two weeks, he would know just how much he had cursed Avalon's life. He prayed that the curse hadn't spread.
In two weeks.