A/N: At the end.
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Heading North
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An unsettling numbness filled her as she got out of bed and donned her housecoat.
He was gone….
He'd gone after…
To protect me…..us…….
Her hand went to her abdomen reflexively and her eyes closed as she exhaled, halting her tears in their tracks.
Now was not the time for tears.
Tears wouldn't help anyone….
Won't help him.
She went out into the sitting room and her eyes strayed to the desk.
My will is in the desk drawer.
The letters haunted her, blazed in her line of vision for a horrific instant, blocking all else from sight.
Without deciding to, she found herself moving toward the desk and sitting down, opening the drawer.
Just as he'd said it would be, his will sat on top of the small pile of parchment the drawer held.
She reached out, her shaking hand picking up the envelope and moving it aside, removing instead several sheets of the parchment beneath.
I'm not going to read it…..
I can't!
I refuse!
I know what it will say……..
Sliding the drawer shut, she arranged the parchment out before her, took up the quill and dipped in the ink well.
If he wants to write letters, then…..so be it.
-----
He was much too close.
His smell lingered on the wind.
If he was lucky, perhaps he would be able to draw him away…..
It was her only chance…..
And he would do whatever he had to.
He set his course, knowing full well that his scent would be picked up before nightfall.
The full moon wasn't far off.
The further away he could lure him, the better.
-----
She packed light on principle, but now….
Well, what did she really need to pack?
A hair brush?
Hardly practical on a tracking mission.
Spare clothes?
Those would take up too much room.
No, just the bare minimum this time….
Possibly the last time…..if….
NO!
I won't think like that!
I'm going to find him and he'll be fine and we'll come home.
The bare minimum…..
A cloak.
A wand.
That was it.
She stood at the window, looking out at the gray afternoon sky.
It was probably going to rain.
How fitting.
Poetic, really.
Erskine hooted at her and she looked at the brown and silver owl that had been her familiar during her school days.
She stroked his head and sighed.
"I need you to take one more trip for me, Erskine."
The owl perked up at the mention of a job.
"I need you to take this to mum and dad for me." She said, holding her letter up for him to see.
"Think you can do that, old boy?"
He hooted.
She gave a weak and strained smile before fixing the envelope to his leg.
Opening the window allowed a gust of wind to hit her.
A storm was definitely not far off.
"Off you go." She said.
The owl spread his wings and took flight.
"Take care, boy." She whispered, watching him fly further and further away.
When he was less than a speck, she closed the window and pulled on her cloak.
Glancing around, she bit her lip wondering if she would ever come back.
Pointing her wand, she dropped the wards and walked out the door, drew up the hood of her cloak and disapparated.
-----
The figure in the shadows had been watching.
Had been waiting.
It was only a matter of time.
He knew she'd leave…..eventually.
And finally, months later, his patience had paid off.
She'd left.
Now all he needed to do was find her.
-----
The scent was stronger.
He was following.
Good.
Let him follow me, just so long as he leaves her alone.
He'd spent the day moving slowly, hoping to tempt him out of hiding, tempt him to follow.
It'd worked.
Heading north was the best option.
That would take them away from people, away from potential victims, away….
-----
"Ann….."
"Hmm?"
"Erskine's back."
She came into the kitchen just as Ted was removing the owl's burden.
"Why would Nymph send a letter now? Mad-Eye hasn't said anything…" Ann said.
Ted gave her an uneasy look, opened the envelope and withdrew its contents.
Mum and Dad,
I don't know if Mad-Eye's told you, but two of the Aurors that were on the mission with me are…were responsible for Greyback's escape. Hell, you probably already know… You probably told Mad-Eye to investigate them. Anyway, I think they did it to spite me because they were fired. They were found dead in an alley and all signs point to Greyback.
I realize that he was only trying to protect me, but Remus didn't tell me, not until…. Greyback is moving closer and…
He was gone when I woke up this morning. He left me a note explaining… I can't let him go alone! I have to find him! After all we've been through, I refuse to lose him now! I can't lose him now. Not when everything we wanted is almost in our grasp, not when happiness is so close.
I know this is hard to read. It's hard to write and I'm sorry that I'm making you read this. But I couldn't bring myself to visit, not when….
Just….just in case… My will is in the desk in our sitting room, beside Remus'.
Please tell Mad-Eye-gramps that I love him. You will do that for me, won't you? And Rhea and Mars will need to know….if something goes amiss.
I don't expect you'll be very happy with me, but I hope that you can understand. I know that if one of you were in danger, the other would do all they could to bring them safely home.
I love you both very much.
Nymphadora
He covered his mouth as he handed her the letter.
The look in his eyes frightened her and she quickly read it.
"No!" She shrieked.
He wrapped her in his arms and drew her close as the first tears trailed down his cheeks and slipped from her eyes.
"We have to go after her, Ted!" She told him.
"No." He said.
His voice was broken.
"What?!"
He looked down at her sadly.
"We'd only slow her down and get in the way. She doesn't need to worry about us too, Ann."
"But she could…."
"I know."
"Ted…..I don't want to lose her!" She sobbed, burying her face in his chest.
He drew her close again and rubbed her back, trying to soothe her.
"I know, honey. I don't want to either."
"What if….what if she freezes when she sees him? What if…."
"Don't play that game, Ann. There are as many good what ifs as bad ones."
She clutched at him.
"She's just a baby…."
"She hasn't been a baby for a long time, honey. She's a big girl and we taught her as best we could. Mad-Eye taught her too and she's his masterpiece. We have to hope that it's enough."
"Mad-Eye….. Do you think he could…?"
He shook his head.
"As much as I hate to say it, this is between Remus, Nymph and Greyback."
She simpered and took several deep breaths, finally calming down slightly.
"Then we'd better not tell him. Not yet, at least." She said.
He nodded.
"Everything's going to be okay…" She murmured.
"I don't know, honey…."
She looked up at him, fire in her eyes.
"It has to be."
-----
He would try to lead him away; that much she was sure of.
And he had almost a day of travel time on her, leaving her at a disadvantage.
The storm had come and the rain came down, icy and thick.
His trail was as cold as the precipitation.
But he would head as far away as possible.
As far away from people as his luck would allow.
Tomorrow night is a full moon…
North.
He would head north.
Open fields and desolate farms….
The perfect place for a battle…
The perfect place for a sacrifice….
-----
Just because he had given up the job, didn't mean he'd stopped using some of the lesser-known privileges.
A real perk, the ability to track a witch or wizard, even when they apparated and disapparated.
Hopefully no one would find out about that…..strictly illegal, if you weren't still in.
She was heading north…?
But there's nothing north except….
He smiled.
Even in this bloody rain, she can track….
Quite a talent.
A very honed skill for such a young Auror.
-----
He laughed when the wind picked up and he caught the scent.
His scent.
The weakling.
How droll.
He'd come out of hiding.
Very predictable.
Must have worried when those Aurors showed up in that alley…….
I knew I was close.
Hmm….
The bitch's scent was faint, almost gone from him.
An interesting development, in any case.
And he's alone.
A perfect opportunity.
He's heading north……
Perhaps a little 'Follow the weakling' is in order…..
And then….
-----
He didn't dare stop to rest.
Greyback was less than a mile away.
And now he was no longer behind him to the south, but to the east…
The rain had come, heavy and unrelenting.
That would slow him down….but not enough. If he wanted to attack, well…..
But he doubted he would.
He was playing with him. Toying with his prey….
Greyback would move past him, he was sure of it, and he would walk right into him.
He would be waiting for his quarry to come to him.
He shook his head at the thought.
He was now the quarry. Funny how he'd started out as the hunter…
-----
"Ann, you should try to rest."
She looked up at him reproachfully.
"And you shouldn't?"
"I didn't say that." He told her.
"I won't be able to rest until I know she's safe. Until I know they're both safe."
He sighed and handed her a cup of tea.
She blinked in surprise.
"What?" He asked.
"You made tea…..?"
The corner of his mouth turned up in a half smile.
"I am capable, you know."
"I…I know. It's just….."
"Yes?"
"The last time you made me tea….."
"Was a very long time ago."
"Mhmm." She murmured as she sipped the tea.
"Is it alright?" He asked.
"Of course." She said.
"Yours is probably better…" He sighed, sitting down beside her on the sofa.
"Apples and oranges, dear." She said, patting his knee.
He frowned.
"Luckily, I happen to like fruit."
He looked at her and chuckled.
"Thank you for the tea." She said, serious again.
"You're welcome, honey."
They were silent for a long moment.
"The rain hasn't let up…" He said.
"Yes….It's going to make things difficult for Remus and for Nymph."
"Not to mention all the mud…"
"It sort of suits, considering everything that's going on…But part of me wishes it wasn't raining…"
"Part?" He asked.
"It reminds me of crying. The sound of tears thudding to the ground."
He slipped his arm about her shoulders and she leaned against him.
"Reminds me I should fix the upstairs faucet." He admitted.
She chuckled.
"Not now. Just stay here with me for a while. Please?"
His arm tightened around her and he kissed her hair.
"Faucet will still be there tomorrow. And next week… This is more important." He said, gently squeezing her shoulder for emphasis.
"I'm glad I rank higher than a drippy sink." She muttered.
"Ann…."
She shook her head and sighed.
"I know." She said, giving him a small smile.
-----
He was surprised that she hadn't stopped.
She was still moving on, still chasing.
By now she had to be tired…..Hell, it was almost dawn…..
Not that one would be able to really tell, since the rain was still coming in buckets.
But the rain was a bit of a blessing in disguise.
It covered the sound of his movements and hid his tracks.
She would have no idea….
-----
How…..amusing….
The same farm.
Oh, this will be fun.
And now all I have to do is wait.
He'll come by nightfall….
Come into my parlor said the spider to the fly…
-----
He was still moving, she was sure of it.
He would want to be secluded for the moon….
But if he kept up this pace….
He must be exhausted……
If he's still moving, then….
A shiver ran down her spine.
Greyback is close….and if he's that close….
He's got to know Remus is in the area….
And he's not one to go for the kill right away….
A sadistic cat that likes to play with the mouse….torture it…
But how is he going to…?
She looked around, scanning the area and it was vaguely familiar.
Shit!
Remus is going to walk into a trap, probably knowingly….
But he doesn't know….
And if Remus gets angry….Greyback will have the advantage he needs….
Her pace increased.
She had to reach him, get to him before….
-----
His scent was coming from the north before noon.
He was ahead….waiting for him.
He wasn't eager to meet him.
But he would.
He would meet his demon.
And by dusk, from the looks of it.
How……unlucky.
A full moon….
Two werewolves….
His wand would be useless.
And he knew from his time spent underground that Greyback had the advantage, in human form and in his wolf form.
Greyback's size was an asset….
Then again……maybe I can do enough damage….
No.
I have to.
-----
She walked up behind him.
"Anything?" She asked.
He sighed and shook his head.
"No news." He said.
"Well, that's good news then." She said.
"Mmm."
"Maybe Nymph's found Remus and they're on their way home…" She said hopefully.
"I doubt it. Remus wants to protect her. He won't come home until he's sure Greyback won't be able to follow. And Nymph is a good tracker, but Remus has a day on her. I doubt she's even caught up with him yet, though she probably knows where he's headed."
"Ted?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you think Mad-Eye might have heard anything?"
"I don't know…"
She sighed.
"Well, he's involved. And….since it did come up in our conversation during our visit…. He deserves to know what's happening, Ted."
"Owl or another visit?" He asked her.
"I really don't want to leave, just in case…"
"Owl, then. Just do me one favor, honey?"
"What's that?"
"Don't use Erskine. Poor bird is too old for it. He was over ten when Nymph got him for school." He told her. "And if something happens to him, Nymph won't forgive us."
She smiled.
"Alright."
-----
Damn it!
It was going to be sunset soon…
Not that the sun had actually deigned to appear today…
It was a constant downpour all day.
But the clouds were finally moving on.
The moon would be out. Clear and bright.
She had to hurry…
-----
He was there waiting.
Just as he knew he would be.
"Finally come out of your hole, weakling?"
Remus regarded him but didn't answer.
"The bitch's scent has faded. I wonder why that is? Don't tell me she's not your mate any more?" He laughed.
Still Remus didn't speak.
"You picked quite the time to show yourself, weakling. A full moon? And I thought you despised transformations."
Remus smiled.
"No." He told him.
Greyback grinned.
"Do you like our location? Nice and secluded. Only thing for miles are the horses in the barn behind me. And such a special barn too. Just being back here make me nostalgic."
He was nostalgic…?
Why the hell…..?
"You see; this is where I broke your bitch. Where I killed your unborn child."
Remus' hands clenched into fists.
Greyback was toying with him, trying to make him act in haste.
Greyback smiled, baring his pointed yellow teeth.
"Hit a nerve, have I? Well, you shouldn't have taken up with the bitch in the first place. It's your own fault. You have only yourself to blame. I can't have weak blood polluting our ranks. I just wish I could have killed her too."
When Remus didn't charge him, he snarled.
"But I suppose I'll just have to kill you and then I'll be free to go and finish off your little bitch."
Remus bristled and looked directly at Greyback.
"I won't let you." He growled, the transformation already underway.
"Weakling, you can't stop me! I'm stronger." Greyback half barked, fur breaking out all over his skin, his clothes shredding.
Yes, you're stronger….
But my motivation isn't misguided revenge. It's much stronger, more powerful……
When Remus looked up again, a large filthy gray wolf was charging him.
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A/N: And so it begins. Nymph's not content to sit at home and wait and I don't blame her. Poor Ann and Ted are worried. And Remus is facing the sorce of his nightmares... Quite cheery, don't you think? And we have a guest character in this chapter doing a bit of tracking of his own. Can you guess who? If you've paid close attention, I think you can.
Just so I don't get sued... I do NOT own "Come into my parlor said the spider to the fly". At this point, I think it's public domain, but to be safe...
I'd like to thank my wonderful readers and reviewers. You guys are the best. 212 reviews and over 21,000 hits for this fic so far. I always appreciate it when you take the time to write to me and I love reading what you have to say about the chapters, characters... I even enjoyed the threats I received because of the last chapter. (You all know who you are for that one. "Don't pull a JKR!") I really hope you'll continue to review and let me know what you think.
On an almost completely unrelated topic... Now that the HP series has reached its end we all need other books to enjoy. Since everyone's favorite werewolf is featured in this story, perhaps it is a safe assumption that some of my readers enjoy werewolves and possibly vampires. If this is not the case, then please ignore what I'm about to say. There is a wonderful author by the name of Stephenie Meyer who writes a series about vampires and werewolves. Twilight and New Moon are the first two books in the series and the third book, Eclipse was just released to bookstores yesterday. I HIGHLY recommend this series. I've read all three books and, though Bella, Edward and Jacob are no Harry, Hermione and Ron, they are still very endearing characters. So, if it sound like your cup of tea, I hope you'll check them out. They're a great read.