Disclaimer: The typical anti-litigation charm would apply here...

Look everyone, it's a - gasp - new chapter!

Took me long enough, too. But it's a long chapter, so hopefully that will make up for a bit of the delay.

We're getting close to the important stuff, so it won't be long now. And the end isn't that far off either. I'm thinking about ten more chapters, give or take a few.

Thank you to R J Lupin's Kat for all her wonderful help with this chapter! Your encouragement and exceptional grammatical skills are much appreciated, m'dear.

Any remaining mistakes are purely my fault.

* Edited for content - May 7, 2012


MAN OF THE NIGHT

Chapter Twenty-Eight

The Winds of Change


Remus

The first week of classes passed quickly and with little trouble.

Our plan of keeping a subtle watch over Draco Malfoy's movements and behaviour, while having someone constantly with Hermione when outside of her room, seemed to be going well. Her patrol schedule and several other Head Girl duties were altered or redistributed to ensure her safety. No signs of trouble were spotted, yet. But, we were not going to let our guard down.

Unfortunately, because of the need for a 'security detail' to be practically attached to Hermione's hip, we had little to no time to spend together since returning to school.

That was going to change tonight, though.

After the 7th year Defence class today, I asked her if she would join me for a private dinner tonight – to be served in my rooms after the normal dinner hour in the Great Hall - I wanted to avoid attracting unwanted attention with our mutual absence from the scheduled meal. Not that I thought many people would notice, but why tempt fate?

Instead, I planned on making a show of being present for the evening meal, but not actually eating. If anyone asked, I would blame it on the approaching full moon. Always a good excuse.

The Hall was crowded and noisy as always when I entered and made my way towards the staff table. Taking my seat next to Sirius, a rolled-up copy of the Evening Prophet landed on my empty plate, startling me.

Glancing up, I noticed no post owls fluttering about.

"This just came before you arrived," Sirius said in a low tone. "You'll want to read the headline."

Before I could, Minerva leant over from behind me to whisper, "Order meeting right after dinner. Eat as fast as you can." She disappeared through the staff door a moment later. Severus followed not long after.

A few moments later, Albus stood up from his seat and left the Hall as well.

"I'm going to take a shot in the dark and say that the meeting has something to do with whatever is written in here?" I asked Sirius while tapping the rolled-up Evening Prophet on my other hand.

"No doubt," Sirius replied, taking one last bite of his dinner before putting his fork down. "Come on, we better get a move on it."

I glanced at the Gryffindor table quickly before leaving, trying to spot Hermione. Her brown eyes were already focused on the staff table, having apparently noticed several professors leaving earlier than normal.

We shared a moment and she subtly nodded in understanding. There would be no private dinner in my rooms tonight. Shame, as I was really looking forward to it.

Albus' office was neatly packed with the 'inner circle' Order members. Sirius and I were apparently the last to arrive, so we swiftly grabbed the two remaining seats before Albus began the meeting.

"For those of you who have not seen it yet, here is the reason for this meeting," Albus said, unfolding the Evening Prophet and holding it up.

The headline read: Death Eaters Strike Again. The three pictures beneath the headline showed a familiar setting: the Dark Mark floating above a nearly demolished house.

"According to Ministry sources, three separate teams, each consisting of no more than two Death Eaters, attacked two Muggle families and one pureblood wizarding family," Albus paraphrased the article. "It is suspected that the Muggle families were targeted at random; however, the wizarding family is one that has switched alliances after the first war."

"Why now, why all of a sudden?" Molly asked sadly. "It's been relatively quiet for some time. Those poor families…" she trailed off into sniffling sobs.

Arthur, moving to comfort his emotional wife, looked to Severus. "Was there a meeting recently? Did you know anything about this?" Arthur's tone was not accusatory, but it was obvious that the doubt was there.

Severus scowled at Arthur for a moment, before glancing at Albus. "There has not been a meeting for a few weeks, at least, not one that I was summoned to attend. But, during the past few gatherings, it has become obvious that the Dark Lord is becoming overzealous in his bloodlust, yet highly suspicious of his followers. I would not doubt that he only called a few Death Eaters at a time for each attack." He paused to let the information sink in before adding, in an annoyed tone, "And it goes without saying that had I known about these attacks ahead of time, I would have done something about it."

"Thank you, Severus," Albus said, taking the floor again. "Obviously, Tom's increasingly suspicious nature puts us at a disadvantage."

The meeting was of the long and drawn out sort – full of strategy, planning, and arguments. It was nearly two o'clock in the morning by the time I returned to my rooms, stomach growling madly from not eating since lunch.

A quick floo trip to the kitchens supplied me with a light meal to satisfy my empty stomach before I went to bed. Entering my bedchamber, I shed my clothes, climbed into bed, and slipped my wand beneath my pillow – a trick I learned from Moody, the hard way.

A warm body beneath the covers startled me. A quick Lumos and I realized that the warm body was Hermione. Not that I really expected it to be anyone else, but one never knows. She was sound asleep, curled up on her side, one hand under her head. I leant over to kiss her forehead before snuggling up beside her. Lightly wrapping one arm around her waist, I quickly forgot about the meeting and fell into an exhausted, yet content sleep.

….

The rest of January was full of Order meetings and missions, random and completely unpredictable Death Eater attacks, staff meetings, essay marking, teaching, and the very occasional moment of free time (not taken up by sleep, that was) spent with Hermione.

February did not appear to be any less stressful.

February fourteenth approached suddenly and silently. It took me completely by surprise when, upon arriving later than usual for breakfast, the Great Hall was particularly hectic with floating red hearts and numerous cherubs darting about with valentines for the students and staff.

The house tables were rife with emotional adolescents, from one extreme to the other. Oh, classes today were going to be a right joy. I wanted nothing more than to go back to bed and forget about teaching and valentines and over-emotional teenagers.

Focusing on the Gryffindor table once I settled into my seat next to Sirius, I noticed a rather sad expression marring Hermione's face before she glanced up in my direction. Her smile was small and tight when she met my gaze, not the vibrant grin I often received at breakfast.

Shit. With the lovers' holiday sneaking up on me in such a manner, I completely forgot about sending anything to Hermione. Not that I could have sent it to her during the breakfast hour or any other point during the day, really. It would attract too much attention. Perhaps I could find something to give to her this evening, if I had time.

"Something wrong, Moony?" Sirius asked, noticing my furrowed brows.

"I forgot all about what day it is, Padfoot. I didn't get anything for my girl and I'll be lucky if I can scrounge up a last minute something by tonight."

"She's a smart girl, Moony. She'll understand. We've been absurdly busy with all the shit going on," Sirius said, taking a bite of his breakfast. Chewing quickly, he added, "Just be sure to make some time to see her tonight. Even if it's just for a minute, make it a minute she'll never forget."

Nodding, I turned back to my breakfast and quickly devoured what was left on my plate. It was nearly time for class and I needed a few moments to think about what to do for Hermione.

The solution to my Valentine's Day dilemma turned out to be rather simple.

I made a quick trip to Greenhouse Three during my free period and asked Pomona for permission to snip one of her Tantalizing Tulips. I did not provide a reason, nor did she ask for one, thankfully.

After that, I went back to my rooms and scrawled a quick note on a spare piece of parchment requesting Hermione's presence in my rooms after dinner. I then tossed some floo powder into the hearth and stepped through to the Head Girl's room. Leaving the note and flower on her bed, I went back to my rooms to prepare for the rest of my day. And I must say that the rest of the day seemed much more bearable after that.

Dinner in the Great Hall was a rather subdued affair as most of the 'lovers' were anxiously or nervously inhaling their food so they could move on to the snogfests they undoubtedly had planned. I could not fault them, however, for I had planned one, as well.

Now, sitting on the settee facing the hearth, I was impatiently waiting for Hermione's arrival. She ought to have been here by now – it was at least a half hour after the last student finished dinner. And I knew for a fact that Hermione was one of the first to leave the Great Hall.

In reality, I know that she was probably performing some Head Girl duties in the Gryffindor common room – no doubt the number of couples making spectacles of themselves could keep her busy for some time. But, in my impatience, I wanted her to ignore the randy, rule-breaking students for a little while so that we could spend some time breaking rules ourselves.

The fire flared green and a moment later my girl stepped out looking rather flustered.

"Hello love. Everything alright?"

Stepping forward, I grasped her hand and led her to the settee. Sitting, she sighs. "Er, yes, everything's fine. I'm just exasperated with the ridiculous number of couples lounging about the common room snogging without a thought or care for the younger students. I mean, I know it is Valentine's Day and all, but just have some respect!"

Chuckling, I pulled her close and leant forward to kiss her. Just as our lips touched, a sharp cry erupts and a patronus appeared in front of me.

Excellent timing, as always. Not even five minutes into my peaceful evening with my girl and it was over already.

"Damn it!" I exclaimed, pulling back abruptly. "Why tonight? Am I not to have any peace this term?"

Glancing from the patronus to me, Hermione raised a brow quizzically. "Is that Professor Dumbledore's patronus?"

"Yes, it is, unfortunately," I growled, standing up and tidying myself.

"Something has happened, right? I mean if he's calling a meeting tonight of all nights, something must be wrong?"

Nodding, I reached out a hand to help Hermione up and pulled her close. Leaning down, I whispered against her lips, "I'm sorry, love. I don't want to go, but I have to." I kissed her deeply for a moment before pulling away.

"I understand. I should probably go back to the common room to keep things proper. Please be safe if you end up having to go out for a mission." Her expression was worried and disappointed.

"I will." Another quick kiss and I gently pushed Hermione towards the hearth. As soon as she disappeared, I tossed a handful of floo powder and stepped through to the Headmaster's office.

This better damn well be something important.


Hermione

Ruddy Death Eaters and the ruddy Order! Had to ruin a perfectly delightful evening, didn't they?

Bastards.

What to do now?

Leaving the damn room wasn't an option – aside from going up to the common room - because all possible escorts were off enjoying some snogging with their 'lovers'. Not that I blamed them, really – I would be taking advantage of sudden staff and Order meetings too, if my lover wasn't a key part of them.

Well, there was always homework.

Not more than twenty minutes later I exhausted my meagre resources for both the Potions and Arithmancy assignments due next week. A trip to the library was necessary if I wanted to finish tonight.

That won't be happening.

Running up to the Gryffindor dorm, I checked to see if anyone was available by chance. Harry, Ron, and Ginny are nowhere to be found. A quick conversation with a pouting Neville reminded me of their whereabouts.

Professor McGonagall arranged for the Gryffindor team to have Quidditch practice tonight – it was her way of limiting the naughty student relations, at least among the Gryffindors. How bloody convenient.

I guess it was back to my room then. Oh joy.

Unless…

It was possible he took it with him to use tonight after practice, but maybe, just maybe, Harry left it behind for some reason.

There was only one way to find out.

Under the presumption of Head Girl duties, I scrambled up the stairs to the boys' dormitory. Preparing myself for what I might encounter upon entering the 7th year boys' room, I quietly opened the door after casting a silent Alohamora.

The room is dark, only the flickering light of a few scattered wall sconces guided my way. The curtains were drawn across Seamus' bed and faint slurping and kissing sounds could be heard, followed by heavy panting and intermittent moans.

Wonder who was in there trying to get to his lucky charms?

Merlin, I cracked myself up sometimes. I struggled to hold back a snort at the thought. Thankfully, a rather loud moan sounded just as I lost the battle.

Casting a quick silencing charm on myself to prevent any other close calls, I wondered briefly why neither one of the bed's occupants thought to do the same. Unless, of course, Seamus wanted to show off should any of the other boys come back? Or he just wanted to take full advantage of Harry and Ron having Quidditch practice for several hours tonight. Good thing poor Neville was downstairs sulking. He would have been horrified at the sounds coming from that bed.

Merlin, the boys were messy! How in the world was I supposed to locate Harry's trunk, let alone his Invisibility Cloak?

After five minutes of tense but silent rummaging, the trunk was located. It was locked and warded, but not terribly difficult to open. I reminded myself to teach Harry a few more advanced locking and warding spells if he was going to continue keeping important and relatively dangerous items in his trunk.

The cloak was there, hidden inside his old dress robes from 4th year. The map was noticeably missing, though. He must have taken it with him, which meant he was probably planning a little excursion after practice. Shame really, as I could have used the map, too.

Careful to put things back exactly as I found them, I donned the cloak and escaped the confines of the room as quickly and quietly as possible. Just before I shut the door, however, Seamus cried out. "Oh, yes, that's it, Dean! Rock me world!"

What?

Wide-eyed, I leant against the fully closed door, and chuckled. Definitely didn't see that coming. I wondered if Ginny knew her ex-boyfriend was a poofter? Who was I kidding, of course she knew. That's probably why the relationship ended – it explained why she never really mentioned why she broke it off.

Seamus and Dean? Really?

Forget Ginny, I wondered if the boys know?

Unbidden, an image appeared in my mind's eye – Seamus and Dean going at it on Seamus' bed with the curtains drawn while Harry and Ron sat on the bed right next to them scowling at the curtains. Who I would pity more…

Blinking rapidly, I mentally shook off the image and made my way down the stairs, through the common room, and passed the portrait.

It was still a while before curfew, so the corridors, while not exactly full, had quite a few students mulling about – though most were couples skulking in dark corners and coves. Taking care to watch where I walked, and taking every shortcut and secret passageway I thought of, the journey to the library was rather painless.

Unsurprisingly, the library was deserted. Even Madam Pince was noticeably missing. Perhaps she was enjoying a Valentine's rendezvous of her own? I wondered who her 'sweetheart' would be… Mister Filch, mayhap?

Ech! What was it with the disturbing thoughts tonight? I'd been spending entirely too much time with the boys lately. I was beginning to lose brain cells.

I picked a table hidden off in the stacks, so I could take off the sweltering cloak and still be out of sight on the off chance anyone decided to come to the library tonight.

Laying the cloak over the back of my chair for easy access, I set out my notes for each class and reviewed what references I needed to complete both assignments. After casting Accio! a few times, several books were lined up for my review.

I ignored the nagging voice in my head – which, oddly enough, sounded like Remus' raspy voice, laden with disappointment – telling me that I was putting myself in danger under this false sense of security I was feeling, as I set about paging through the first book.

Malfoy had been doing an extraordinary job of ignoring my existence since the return from the holidays. He was so good at his act, that I guess I let myself believe he would not suddenly decide that Valentine's Day would be an excellent time to revert to old behaviour.

A sudden puff of air about ten minutes into my studies raised the hair on the back of my neck. Not wanting to lose my train of thought, I put the feeling off as just one of the passing ghosts or something – no matter that the air was decidedly warm and somewhat humid. When it happened again a few minutes later, I knew something isn't right.

Sitting up stiffly, I slyly moved my hand below the table to my pocket where my wand was hidden. Once my wand was grasped firmly in hand, I turned swiftly and gasped.

Draco Malfoy stood directly behind me, a sneer marring his chilling face. "Fancy seeing you here, Mudblood. Where are your loyal bodyguards? Out shagging their ugly girlfriends, perhaps, leaving you to the comfort of your precious books? Merlin knows no sane wizard would willingly touch you, Valentine's Day or not."

My breath came in gasps and I felt like I was going to hyperventilate. How the hell did he find me? Why didn't I hear him approach? Why didn't I just keep the invisibility cloak on, or just get the books and go back to my room? A dozen other frantic thoughts clouded my though processes. I swore, for being a purportedly intelligent young woman, I completely lacked common sense on many occasions.

Not wanting to let Malfoy see me panic, I schooled my face into a mask of indifference. "What's the matter, Malfoy? Nothing better to do tonight, of all nights, so you thought you would search me out?"

Really, why couldn't he be like normal 7th year boys? They were more concerned with getting a good snog, shag, or whatever, than terrifying the target of their petty revenge.

"Not that it's any of your business, Mudblood, but I've had plenty to do tonight. I just came down here to take advantage of an empty library to peruse the Restricted Section. What a pleasant surprise it is to find the little Gryffindor Mudblood here all alone."

Oh Merlin, why did I have to leave the safety of my rooms? Why? The bigger question, why was I not hexing the shit out of him right now?

"Your time is coming, Granger. Nothing can prevent it. Not that brain of yours and certainly not little Potty and Weasel." His voice was menacing as he advanced toward me. "You will get yours."

Backing away and putting some distance between us, I prayed to any deity listening for some backup or at least a search party. Merlin help me if he laid a hand on me.

A sudden, sharp bang resounded throughout the library and frantic voices were heard as several people entered from the hall outside. My attention turned toward the direction of the noise when it happened and when I turned back seconds later, Malfoy was gone.

He disappeared so soundlessly, and left no sign of his presence behind, that I was left wondering if he was ever really there to begin with.

"Hermione! Hermione, are you in here?" a raspy, worried voice called out.

Remus.

Gearing myself up for a lecture, I swiftly slipped back into my seat at the table and called out that I was, in fact, here.

Remus, with his acute senses, focused on my location just from the sound of my voice – and probably my scent, too – and appeared next to the table in a matter of seconds. He looks haggard and worried, but his expression quickly turned angered when he glimpsed all the books and parchments scattered about the table.

My breathe hitched as I watched Remus' nostrils flare and I was sure that he picked up Draco's scent. Whether he knew that it belonged to Draco or if he just sensed a male, I didn't know. He drew breath and opened his mouth, no doubt to question me, but he was cut off by the appearance of Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore.

"Miss Granger! Thank Merlin, you are alright. You gave us a terrible fright. Explain yourself immediately!" Professor McGonagall exclaimed breathlessly, her lips thin and her expression fierce.

Oh, here we go. I really loathed getting in trouble.

I rushed through my explanation, barely stopping for breath and leaving out Malfoy's presence moments ago, though I was uncertain as to why.

Frowning up at the three professors, I suddenly wondered how they found me. I mean, I only left the Gryffindor common room less than 20 minutes ago and it was still before curfew. Probably pressing my luck, I put voice to my wondering.

"Please, Professors, how did you know where I was or that I even left my rooms?"

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat haughtily, on the verge of chastising me for questioning a professor, I assumed. Professor Dumbledore offered me a sad smile and briefly explained a charm that Sirius found to alert the staff when an invisibility cloak was in use within the castle walls – which was how they knew I left Gryffindor Tower.

Nodding faintly, I turned to Remus as he added to the Headmaster's explanation in a low tone that I was sure the others could not hear. "Did you forget the significance of the ring you are wearing, Hermione?" His voice was tight with barely controlled emotions. It was obvious from the flecks of amber in his eyes that the wolf was prowling, just waiting for a chance to pounce.

I felt the blood rushing to my cheeks and neck. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Why did I always forget the important magical things when under pressure? I always froze up and reverted back Muggle ineptitude. Would I ever learn or was it some kind of ingrained programming?

"Remus, would you mind escorting Miss Granger back to the Head Girl's room? Minerva and I must return to the meeting," Albus said after a few intense minutes of stern lecturing from Professor McGonagall. "I trust you will not be roaming around on your own from now on, Miss Granger? "

"Of course, sir," I replied, shooting a glance at Harry's cloak. Well, now that I couldn't even get away with sneaking around under an Invisibility Cloak any more, what was the ruddy point?

"Good night then, Miss Granger. Remus, we shall see you back in my office when you are through." With that, the Headmaster and Professor McGonagall turned and left the library, but not before confiscating Harry's cloak. Harry was going to be angry about that. Whoops.

Looking down at my feet, not wanting to meet Remus' eyes, I whispered, "I'm sorry."

Silence reigned for some time before Remus sighed. "Pack up your things; we need to get you back to your room." The disappointment in his voice overwhelmed and I felt an influx of salty tears flood my eyes as I followed his instructions.

The tension was palpable during our journey back to my rooms. I thought Remus would have used this time to lecture and berate me on my ill-conceived notions of independence and safety… blah, blah, blah… but he maintained a stony silence. I knew he was very unhappy with me.

At the portrait guarding the door to my room, he looked at me searchingly. Not knowing how to respond to his gaze, I stared back.

"I'll wait until you enter your room," he said finally. His words hung heavily in the air, their meaning torture to my heart.

Some of my pain and dejection must have shown in my expression because Remus glanced about the corridor before raising a hand to gently stroke the side of my face. The heat of his fingers was like scalding fire to my cheek as I felt the disappointment practically leaching from his skin to mine.

Dropping his hand almost instantly, he motioned towards the portrait. His tone light but brisk as he said, "I must return to the meeting now, but we will speak tomorrow. We have much to discuss. Come to my room for breakfast." He glanced about the hall again before leaning in to graze his lips against my forehead. "I am truly relieved that you are safe. Now get in your room."

Ashamed at my poor judgement and the resulting encounter with Malfoy, I nodded sadly and did as he said. Once the door was closed behind me, I leant back against it, the tears stinging my eyes.

I loathed being wrong, but I hated causing disappointment – especially to those whom I loved – infinitely more. And I knew that Remus was quite disappointed in me, his silence and actions spoke volumes.

I felt like an errant child being punished, left to the confines of her bedroom to ruminate on the consequences of her actions. Which was exactly what Remus intended, I thought.


Remus

Merlin, that little slip of a girl – young woman – was going to be the death of me!

How fitting that would be, I scoffed silently. Survived a vicious attack from a werewolf at a very young age, managed the transformation into a werewolf every month for the past 30 plus years, intimately involved myself in two wizarding wars, faced Death Eaters on numerous occasions… all of that only to fall at the hands of an 18-year-old chit!

A growl emanated from deep in my chest as the wolf stirred in agitation. He was worried, just as I was, about Hermione.

Anything could have happened to her the other night, had Malfoy found her – and I had my suspicions about whether or not someone was in that library with her just before we arrived.

And that charm Sirius developed, it did not work as well as I had hoped. There was no indication beyond a dull alarm to let the staff know that an invisibility cloak was in use. It did not inform us of a location or even who was using it. In a school like this, it was like searching the haystack for a needle if you did not already have some inclination as to the 'who' or the 'where'.

If it hadn't been for the location charm on Hermione's ring, we would not have been able to find her as quickly. Sirius' charm was not ready for real emergencies, should there be any in the future.

Hermione's behaviour that night after we found her, and again the next morning during our breakfast chat, led me to believe that something did happen before we found her. I could practically smell the fear rolling off of her in waves in the library; I could hear her heart beating rapidly from several feet away. And I could distinctly detect the scent of another person – a male – but I was unable to decipher just who it might have been. The next morning, she insisted that nothing happened, but the subtle nuances in her tone and expression told me otherwise.

I had no idea what else to do to keep Hermione safe at this point. She understood that she could not pull a stunt like that again, and the Headmaster had possession of the invisibility cloak in his office, just to ensure that she wouldn't attempt to use it again. Beyond that, the constant contingent of escorts and the enchantments on her jewellery would have to be enough.

I still felt that all of it was just not enough.

The feeling only worsened as the days and weeks passed.

Another growl erupted from deep within as the wolf paced within me. He felt it, too.


Sirius

Several weeks later – March 10th

Slamming the glass down on the side table, I swallowed convulsively in an attempt to rid my throat of the burn. "No more for a bit, alright mate?" I wheezed.

Remus scoffed as he downed another shot of the amber liquid without a flinch. "What's the matter, Padfoot? Can't hold your liquor any more?"

"Apparently not," I laughed, "Especially not this cheap imitation rubbish. Whatever happened to your quality supply? Drink it all in the past few weeks, did you?"

Pouring himself another round, Remus settled back into his seat with a sigh. "No, but it would not have been unwarranted if I had. It's been a rough couple of months, wouldn't you say?"

"Doesn't seem likely to let up either," I replied morosely. "But let's not think about that tonight, mate. It's your birthday, old man, you ought to be happy, not depressed."

Remus chuckled, downing his glass of whisky. "I'm not depressed, just worn out. This past transformation was a bit rough, considering. I still don't think I've recovered fully even though it has been nearly three weeks."

"Why was it so bad this time?" I asked, somewhat surprised. "I thought you were getting on alright in that respect."

Remus took another shot and sighed heavily. "I was. I am. It wasn't because of that." He paused as if considering his words. "I've come to accept the wolf, I think. Remember a few days ago, when you caught me admiring myself in that mirror in my room?"

"How could I forget?" I replied, chuckling. "I never realized you were so vain."

Remus rolled his eyes in amusement. "That mirror was a gift from Hermione. It was charmed to let me see myself as she sees me. It's really helped in accepting who – or what – I am. I can feel the wolf inside me. He seems to be as concerned about Hermione as I am. That has helped a lot, as well. I don't think that I will ever like it, but I am steadily learning to accept my fate. It's really all thanks to Hermione. She's quite a woman."

His tone turned wistful by the end and I sighed. The old boy always got awfully sappy and sentimental when he hit the bottle. Still, I was terribly proud of him for finally accepting something that had been a part of him for so very long.

I wondered, briefly, if he was ready to tell Hermione yet. Somehow, I doubted it.

Turning back to the original line of conversation, I said, "So, why was this past transformation so hard on you?"

"I think I'm just rundown with everything that has been happening lately. I feel like I haven't had a moment to catch my breath," Remus explained. "I've realized that the wolf feeds off my emotions, so the anxiety was a bit much for us this time around, I think. Of course, you would have noticed that had you been there to keep me company, old friend."

Chuckling, I sipped from my glass and sputtered as I inhaled some of the liquid. Remus, my dear friend, merely laughed at my expense as I tried to quell my coughing fit.

The fire in the hearth in front of us flared green and Hermione stepped out into the room. Dusting the ash from her Muggle clothing, she beamed at us.

"Arse-over-tea-kettle drunk already, are you?"

Remus and I both replied with a resounding "Never!" as we slammed our respective glasses on the table with a tad more force than necessary.

Feeling more pissed than I liked to admit, I grasped the back of my chair as I stood. "Well, I think I could use a nice kip right about now. You two have a good night."

Hermione laughed, watching me cross the room on unsteady feet. Really, I didn't drink all that much… maybe my equilibrium was just off tonight. Yes, that must be it.

Lurching toward the hearth, I managed to grab a pinch of floo powder without dropping or breaking the bowl it was kept in. Tossing the powder into the fire, I turned back to the two – wait, since when were there four? – occupants of the room and grinned.

"I think our furry friend could use a nice massage, 'Mione. Just be sure to give him the 'happy ending'! It is his birthday, after all." I just managed to catch Hermione's snort and Remus' snarl as I stepped into the flames and disappeared.

Stumbling out of the hearth in my sitting room, I chuckled. At least poor old Moony had a pleasant birthday night ahead of him.

Perhaps I ought to floo Tamara and see if she would believe it was my birthday...


Remus

A week or so later, just after dinner, Severus alerted the Order of an impending attack on the families of two Aurors and one Muggle shop. Apparently, Severus was supposed to be leading one of the attack teams and only happened to hear of the other two locations by sheer coincidence.

An emergency Order meeting was called to determine which members would be sent on recon and defence missions. Neither Sirius nor I were selected, so we remained in the Headmaster's office, ready to be sent out as reinforcements, if necessary.

In all the madness, I only took a gulp of my required dose of Wolfsbane Potion - the remains laid splattered across the desk in my office, where I dropped it in my haste to get to Headquarters after Sirius burst into the room with the news of Severus' alert.