Disclaimer: These characters are not mine, nor are any of the places. If Sevvy and Remy were mine, they'd still be alive :'(

This is for all those who have taken the time to read my story, thank you. And for cayxcay who said they wanted more! Again, I don't want to appear like I'm bugging everyone for reviews, but guidance is welcomed so if you like the story, then please give me a shout if you think my characterisations are dodgy or if the plot is boring or just to say you like/hate it. Thanks!

Summary: Remus deals with the full moon and Severus has his own nightmares to contend with.


Chapter 3: Moonlit Ghosts

The wind roared louder, irritating the questionable structure of the Shrieking Shack. Twilight was upon Remus, the sun fading for the day leaving behind the eerie blue-white moon to stretch across the starry sky, bigger than ever. The light it cast on the world below made Remus shiver, its presence prickling his skin uncomfortably; it was not going to be a good month.

"Hey, it's going to be okay, Moony," said a soft voice as Sirius, having transformed back into himself, pulled him into a hug.

Remus sighed against his friend's chest. "I'm not ready, Pads."

Sirius held him tighter, muttering words of comfort. Behind them, a beautiful pure white stag and a small rat stood in silence, hoping their support would be enough for their friend. Remus could not express how happy and relieved he felt that his friends were not treating him differently because of his defensive behaviour over a certain disliked Slytherin. To his delight, the Marauders had finally drawn the conclusion that Remus was just trying to stop them receiving another detention, unaware of the effect the spell would have on him.

Remus let out a straggled gasp as the moonlight hit his arm, causing a jolt of lightening to course its way up to his shoulders and down his body. Sirius loosened his grip reluctantly.

"Transform," Remus choked as he bent over double, grabbing the threaded carpet beneath him as the pain became more intense. "Now."

Remus finally braved to look at the moon and his whole body immediately began to burn alive, his limbs shook with tremendous force, his eyes rolled back and the darkness took him and he knew no more.


Severus Snape looked up at the midnight sky and frowned at the moon, in its full glory. The light cast an eerie glow on his face and hands, making them appear ghostly white.

A small, fragile looking boy of seven tried to squeeze himself into the narrow gap between his desk and wardrobe. The sound of heavy footsteps could be heard in the distance. The boy's breathing became too intense as he closed his eyes hoping the footsteps would pass by his door that night. But the footsteps became louder, closer. Tears streamed down the young boy's face as a loud creak indicated the opening of a door, light flooded the carpet in front of him as he desperately tried to hide himself better. A shadow appeared, blocking some of the light. A strong, foul stench of whisky reached the boy's nose. It was him.

"You think you can hide from me?" Said a cold, drooling voice.

The shadow became larger. A sickly gasp of laughter rang through the room. The boy shivered, unable to contain his sobs. His eyes remained closed as he felt the familiar hot breath on his face, the stench of alcohol was unbearable.

"You can't block me out, Severus." Said the sneering voice, "not your own father."

Severus opened his eyes after what felt like hours but knew was barely a minute. The cold, darkly disturbing face of his father was inches from his own. He wore a smug grin on his face; he knew who was in control. In one swift action, he lifted the boy from his hiding place and threw him onto the ground in the middle of the room. The first blow was the hardest; Severus knew that as he curled up into a ball on the rough floorboards, once again shutting his eyes tight. Tears leaked from his closed eyes as he tried to block out what was going on.

The pain was no less unbearable and when all was done, he lay there unable to move, the only thing in his line of vision was the dark sky and the silver glowing orb that hung in its velvety blanket. The moon saw it all, and it was laughing at him.

Severus turned away and closed the curtains across the window, pushing away all the thoughts and feelings that began rushing through his mind. As he lay down on his bed, he wondered how Remus was and whether he was in any pain after the accident. Probably not, thought Severus, he'll be running around the hospital wing, giving Pompfrey hell trying to get him to lie down and rest.

At that thought, Severus smiled into his pillow. Outside, the distant howl of a wolf could be heard.


Piercing light flooded the room through the gap in the curtain, settling unwanted on Remus' face. He clenched his eyes closed tighter, trying to block out the light to prolong the much needed sleep. As always, it was an unsuccessful attempt and he groaned as his mind cleared reminding him of the previous night's transformation. He made every effort not to move, but all the joints in his body burned intensely regardless, causing him to let out a small murmur in pain. No matter how many times he had to endure this, it never got any more bearable, nor did he become even slightly accustomed to it.

He pondered on the thought of attempting to go back to sleep under the warm covers, however he knew any such attempt would be useless now he was aware of the tingling pain in his body. He gingerly opened his eyes to see the, by now, very familiar interior of the Hospital Wing. The curtains beside his bed were open, allowing Remus to see the whole of the room. There was not a single other person in there except Madame Pomfrey sitting at her desk in her office. It was unusual for him to see the room in its entirety; he was mostly kept hidden in a corner bed as to not arouse suspicion that he was there every month. He had to admit waking to the warm sunlight falling upon his face was one of the nicest ways to awake, despite the continuous pain he still felt.

After a few minutes of just laying there, Remus resolved to try and sit up. Resting his weight on his arms to push himself up, he shrieked in pain as his weary limbs rejected the strain causing him to fall down again. At this, he heard a nearby door open and footsteps.

"You foolish boy, what do you think you are doing?" Asked Pomfrey.

"Sorry," he muttered. "jus' wanted to sit up 'bit."

Pomfrey gave him a stern look and then smiled. "Mr Lupin you are impossible." She said, hurrying off to get him some breakfast, a smile faint on her lips.


Severus kept his promise, he did not attempt to visit Remus again in the hospital wing for a few days; three to be precise. On the third day, however, he needn't keep his promise any longer as, sitting and laughing at the Griffindor table, pale but clearly better, was Remus. He smiled very genuinely at the sight in front of him. Remus had looked so small and fragile in that Hospital Wing bed and it had really affected the Slytherin unlike ever before. He had just wanted to look after Remus since, protect him and make sure nothing bad ever happened to him.

He still could not comprehend the fact that Remus had stood in front of him, taking the spell's force. It was the first and only time he could recall that anyone had put him first, the only time anyone had ever protected him and he certainly wanted to do the same for Remus. He shuddered as a stream of painful memories threatened to open wounds he had tried so hard to heal. The scars followed him around like a ghostly presence making sure he could not forget. Severus believed that was why he was so overwhelmed with Remus' behaviour when Potter aimed the spell at him. Throughout his life, no one had ever thought him important enough to save, not special enough. Yet Remus must have wanted to protect him, to save him. So surely, he must think him important, perhaps...special. Severus grinned at this thought.