Hi guys, double update! I decided to upload two so I didn't seem to fixated on the pairings I have chosen, I realise they may not to be everyone's taste but I'll try to make them seem as natural as possible. However whilst there will be romance there will be no M rated love scenes, what you've already read is as graphic as it will get. As always I own nothing, all sports mentioned are real and things in bold are things from the real world that are probably trademarked/copyrighted. Please read and review
"What just happened?" asked Luka as she slowly turned to Professor Snape.
The Potions master was equally perplexed, what the hell had prompted this announcement?
"Ahh," groaned Luka as things finally slotted into place.
"What?"
"He was up when I got back to our quarters. He asked me where I'd been and I said at yours. That and I don't think the state of my clothes and hair helped either," Luka looked on in annoyance as her head of house narrowed his eyes, "it's not my fault that he tried to square five and got the cube!"
"I don't care. Just tell Lupin he's wrong before he spreads this all over the castle," snapped Professor Snape.
"He said he wouldn't tell anyone," retorted Luka as she began to walk off before turning back to him for a moment, "by the way Sev-chan I think I know the location of another Firebolt; your ass. You should have it removed before it causes permanent personality dysfunction,"
XXX
Professor Lupin strode through the corridors as quickly as his legs could carry him. He needed to get to the Room of Requirement soon and without meeting anyone, he would snap at them at the very least. Moony was clawing his way to the surface and filled the professor with the need to destroy something. It had taken all he had not punch or head butt Professor Snape there and then, the wolf within was in no mood for the subtlety of spells. Damn, why the hell did the room have to be so far away?
Tracking his scent Luka followed the professor through the halls, judging his speed he was either angry or upset. An angry Lupin she could handle but if he was upset... Luka hated the thought of seeing sadness cloud his eyes. As she trotted up another staircase she finally found her target.
"Remus! Remus wait up!" she yelled to his back.
Professor Lupin stood frozen in place. Why? Why had she followed him? Moony was so close to the surface and he wanted to hurt her for her betrayal. Professor Lupin squeezed his eyes shut as images of what Moony wanted to do came unbidden into his mind. No, he wouldn't hurt her. But he didn't know how long he could hold out.
Luka smiled as she caught up with the werewolf but it quickly faded as she pulled him around to face her. The terrified look in his eyes made her voice catch in her throat. Acting on an alien impulse she pulled his surprisingly rigid form into a hug.
"Remus, Severus and I aren't together. I just put him to bed and I leant on the headboard and fell asleep. Nothing happened," Luka said earnestly as she looked up to see the professor's now tightly closed eyes.
Professor Lupin released the breath he had been holding as he slowly opened his eyes. He could feel Moony's anger instantly dull, the emotion being replaced with excitement at Luka's proximity.
"Is there anyone else?" he asked as he reached to stroke her cheek with this left hand.
Looking slightly confused Luka shook her head.
"Good,"
Before Luka could squeak in surprise Lupin had pulled her into a fervent kiss. Hesitating for only a second Luka responded eagerly. She felt the professor smile against her lips as he deepened the kiss. Reaching up to stroke her partner's hair Luka decided to fight back a little, if Professor Lupin thought he could dominate her easily he was in for a shock she thought as she nibbled his bottom lip. This earned her a groan of approval and the professor's teeth joined the party. The lustful embrace continued until Luka felt the catch of her bra release.
"Remus!" she squawked as the werewolf yanked his hand back from under her top.
Flushing with mortified embarrassment Professor Lupin stuttered an apology as he back off and averted his eyes as Luka bent her arms around to redo her bra, her actions having the side effect of pushing her chest forwards. Silently he cursed himself, just because Moony was saturated with the need to claim his newly found bedmate didn't mean he had to go along with it. In an about turn he was glad she hadn't found him in the Room of Requirement, Merlin knew what the room would have conjured in response to his desires. Luka would have cursed him into oblivion.
Once finished Luka looked over in the professor's direction, he seemed genuinely embarrassed so she quickly thought on how to proceed. The students would be back in a couple of days and she had her Friday shift, although on the upside the duelling club wouldn't resume until the third week of term due to the students needing to get back into their routine and the Quidditch match in the second week.
"What are you doing tonight Remus?" she asked, may as well strike whilst the iron's hot.
The professor turned around still flushed but he looked pleased that no lasting harm had been done.
"I have to do some marking to finish and help look over Harry Potter's new Firebolt but apart from that my time is my own," he smiled.
Trying to dispel her sudden nerves Luka pressed on, "Would you like to go to the pub later or perhaps watch a film?"
There, it was said, a subtle but hopefully clear invitation for a date.
"I would like that a lot. Are you going back to our quarters?"
"Yeah, lesson plans have been piling up and I've got plenty of brewing to do," replied Luka glad that the professor had accepted.
"We can walk down together," said Professor Lupin as he offered Luka his arm.
XXX
Professor Snape muttered as he moved through the castle. Black had apparently sent Potter a booby trapped broom so now everything had to be dropped to make sure the 'chosen one' was safe and to top off an atypically bad Christmas the stupid half-breed actually thought he would stoop to cavort with his ex-student. Cursing the wretch's stupidity he paused at a junction due to the sounds of what he imagined to be overly amorous students. Turning with an insult on his tongue he was surprised to see two of his most disliked people snogging. Sneering in disgust he walked away, it was bad enough when it just the students.
XXX
Now back in his office Professor Lupin watched as Luka was just stepping through the hidden archway. Moony was still far from satisfied with the earlier contact and egged him on from the back of his mind.
"Would you like to do your work here? I don't think your room has a fireplace and it's still quite cold," he asked hopefully.
"Yeah sure," replied Luka with a smile, Elise was probably napping and Mel had just been fed so he wouldn't want to leave his nest.
Returning with her A4 lesson pad and pencil case Luka resumed her delayed work on lesson plans. As far as she was concerned the Muggle studies OWL and NEWT syllabi were far from adequate. They focused on odd minutiae of Muggle life rather the wider picture of politics, economics, history and religion which was something that Luka wished to redress in her classes. However she faced the same dilemma as her Muggle counterparts; teach for the exam or teach actual knowledge. At the moment she was just fence sitting by splitting her time between the two options. One method of redressing the balance she was contemplating was to have news and documentary nights in one of the disused classrooms. She could scrape together the Muggle newspapers she subscribed together as well as the ones she knew Professor Burbage read, these would go at the back for pupils to read at their leisure. Using her laptop it would be possible to stream the seven o'clock news. It may be license fee evasion but ah well hopefully the authorities would never know. Now, what documentaries to use? Considering the year's anniversary of D-Day it would probably be best to show a series on the two World Wars. However she would have to ask for permission to set up the evening first.
Professor Lupin cocked his head at the Luka's huff of annoyance. He watched as she shifted, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. She must have moved her legs as well for he felt his foot being nudged.
"Sorry," Luka apologised as she looked up quickly and the foot was withdrawn.
Professor Lupin smiled at the coy display, "Don't worry, I just thought you were playing footsie,"
Luka replied with a smile of her own, "You know, I've never really understood why people do that. If someone nudged me I'd probably see it as an invitation to a shin kicking contest,"
"Shin kinking does exist doesn't it? I think I remember something about it..."
"Yup, it's in the CotswoldOlimpicks. I've never been but I would like to, though I suppose having werewolf strength rules me out of competing,"
Professor Lupin raised an eyebrow, "Isn't it supposed to be quite brutal?"
"Well yes but steel toecaps are banned and the Medieval rule of the first one to break their opponents leg wins is no longer followed. That and it just looks like lot of fun, like the cheese race on Cooper's hill," smiled Luka after a small pauses, noting the professor's lack of comprehension she continued, "on the Whitsun bank holiday a Double Gloucester is rolled down Cooper's hill and people race each other to the bottom of the hill. The winner gets the cheese. I had a go in my second year at university, no cheese but I twisted my ankle. Still, it was a good day out and there are crazier sports,"
"Really?" said the professor in disbelief.
"Indonesian fireball,"
The professor blinked, "Do I want to know what that is?"
"Football with a ball made of coconut fibre doused in diesel played bare foot,"
Shaking his head at the foolishness of Muggles he returned to his own work. The silence was companionable with the odd patch of conversation. However Luka had finally completed her lesson plans setting her up for the next term as well as a third year potions essay on Undetectable Poisons. Whilst this essay was an absolute gem in terms of ideas it gave Luka it was a pain with regards to length as at Hogwarts essays were measured in inches rather than word count. Using Muggle lined paper meant she had to do more work due to the small spacing. Having collated about ten pages of notes over the Christmas holidays Luka had sat at Professor's Lupin's desk stitching the information together into a cohesive whole. Professor Snape had been foolish enough to say that by doing two years in one she would submit inferior work. In response Luka had made sure each essay was a university grade paper with an abstract and references, she was even tempted to type them up, it would certainly make addition simpler. Perhaps for her OWLs... Now with all written work done Luka returned to her room a moment to collect her potion ingredients on her way out the professor looked her over curiously.
"Why do you always wear that?" he asked as he gestured to her lab coat with his quill.
"I need to cover my clothes in the event of an accident and I deem the wide, flowing sleeves of robes to be a fire hazard," Luka replied before saying good bye.
Leaving Professor Lupin's office she swiftly made it to her favourite dungeon room. Locking and warding the door she set out her potions paraphernalia with the addition of her laptop, sometimes when her familiars weren't there she liked to brew to music. Picking her Prodigy playlist she got to work. The first order of the day was a relatively easy third year potion, her second assignment would require more privacy wards to make sure she wasn't discovered. Tears of Death was one of the Undetectable Poisons that she had found during her research and a few trips to Knockturn Alley had yielded a book with its formula amongst other injurious potions. Its production process was long winded but she believed that it would be worth the wait. The potion would first produce a fever and then scurvy-like symptoms of bleeding gums, joint pain due to internal bleeding and trouble breathing. The latter was caused by the poison attacking the intercostal muscles that lay between the ribs and the tissue of the alveoli. This was the cause of death by this particular potion, the other effects being mere frippery in comparison. Being relatively potent Luka would have to water it down considerably to make it non-lethal.
XXX
Finally finished with her nefarious enterprise, the poison would have to steep for a fortnight before filtration, Luka returned to her quarters before tea time. Since Professor Lupin was already there curled up in an armchair book in hand they decided to go down to the Great Hall together. Not fearing being caught by students they walked hand in hand and stole a quick kiss before entering the hall. With all staff having returned they were back to their old table with the handful of students seated at a table in front of them.
Professor Snape watched the entry of the couple with a sneer and the detestably lovey dovey glances hadn't been noticed by him alone.
"Remus, Luka why the good cheer?" asked Professor Dumbledore with a twinkle as the pair took their seats.
Luka cursed the old wizard, did he have to watch everything they did? Besides there was little to tell. At least they were too far away from the students for them to be heard, however now the attention of the entire faculty was upon them.
"Erm, we've just decided to have a go at dating each other," replied Professor Lupin with an embarrassed smile as he kept his eyes strictly on the food he was serving himself.
"Oh? Can we anticipate the pitter patter of tiny paws then?" sneered Professor Snape, his voice dripping derision and disdain.
Despite the harsh word and angry murmurs from the more polite members of staff Luka smiled, "I'm afraid the joke's on you Severus. One of the few good things the Ministry ever did for me was to render me sterile,"
The nephilim's smile widened at seeing Professor Snape slightly taken aback, that'd show him for poking his nose into her private life. In contrast Professor Lupin looked at Luka with slight pity, he had no desire to have children due to his condition but surely that would be a bitter blow for a woman.
"I'm sure we can do something about that," said a bristling Madam Pomfrey.
"There's no need Poppy, I've never had any intention of having children," replied Luka before things could spiral out of control, perhaps she'd picked the wrong come back.
"Really? I thought it was the desire of every woman to birth and look after children," mocked Professor Snape who for once didn't seem to notice the ice cracking under his feet from the fiery glares of his female colleagues.
"Contrary to the stereotype perpetuated by men and women alike not all of us live merely to spawn. I for one see pregnancy as tantamount to self mutilation and I have no intention of abandoning my career for childcare," snarled Luka.
With that the two Slytherins lapsed into stony silence. From his vantage point the headmaster had looked on. He'd been glad to hear of the possible relationship between the werewolf and nephilim. Remus was steadfast supported of the Light and an Order member, he would likely be able to resist the temptation of the Darkness within Luka whilst simultaneously anchoring her to the Light. Yes, such a match could prove to be most useful.
After dinner the young couple headed back to their quarters both uncomfortable that there was more than one pair of eyes on them. Once back home it was decided that film would be best as the weather had become absolutely foul making travel unpleasant. After a small discussion and root round in Luka's DVD collection they decided on 'An American Werewolf in London'. Luka was surprised to find that the professor had never seen it and he wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Hooking up the DVD player to a magical projector that was aimed at the wall Luka joined Professor Lupin on the settee. Snuggled together they watched in silence until the beginning of the end.
"Is that the same creature you have as a teddy bear on your bed?" Professor Lupin asked as he watched the beast decapitate a police inspector.
"Yup, he's pretty cute for a movie werewolf. Most are usually too human for my taste," replied Luka as the professor raised his eyebrow in surprise at her sense of aesthetics.
As the film came to an end Luka packed away her things whilst Professor Lupin stood shifting uncomfortably. He didn't know whether he was pushing too hard but Moony was giving him no peace. When Luka turned back to him he decided to press on.
"Umm... would you like to spend the night with me?" he managed to stammer, as Luka opened her mouth he elaborated, "Not for erm... you know, just to sleep,"
Luka was surprised at his forwardness but accepted. Once she had concluded her ablutions and turned off Mel's and the fish's lights she knocked on the professor's door. On the other side Professor Lupin was hastily stowing the stolen sock in one of his drawers and doing a last minute check of room cleanliness. Thanks to the house elves the room was devoid of any leftover food items or strewn clothing that would usually mark the room of a bachelor. Hearing the light knock he eagerly invited Luka in, the thump of Moony's imaginary tufted tail wagging against his skull irritating him slightly. He was slightly surprised at the full length polka dot pyjamas but given the weather he shouldn't have been he admonished himself. After all, he was wearing one of his striped winceyette sets. Usually he would have gone to bed in his boxers but he hadn't wanted to scare Luka off by giving the wrong impression.
"Is it ok if I put this on the bedside table? It doubles as an alarm clock," Luka asked as she held out her phone.
"Of course, I think we tend to get up at around the same time anyway," the professor replied happy that any awkwardness had been dispelled as they climbed into bed. Little did he know that he would be woken by the throbbing beat of 'Get Up (Rattle)'.
As they inched closer together Luka spoke again, "Um, sometimes I shift back into my true form when I sleep so if I accidently gore you it's nothing personal," she smiled.
Professor Lupin nodded in understanding before languidly kissing her goodnight. As they settled down for the night he smiled in contentment. Regardless of whether it worked out or not at least he knew that he would never have to lie or find covers for his condition and that certainly brought him peace of mind.
XXX
The next few weeks passed pleasantly. The students returned and whilst there was some disruption in the form of a call to arms over Buckbeak's pending possible execution from the 'Hogwarts Express' things swiftly switched back to the norm. The duelling club was back in full swing and it gave Luka some amusement to see that some of the students had overindulged and were now having a little more difficulty doing the tasks she assigned. That said the Hogwarts feasts didn't exactly help in that regard, had the Wizarding world never heard of the obesity epidemic? Now watching the students wander out of the Great Hall after their Muggle combat practice Luka's thoughts turned to her 'boyfriend', it felt odd to use that word considering their ages. They had continued to do their work in his office as well as having snuck off to 'The Three Broomsticks' a couple of times. As they got to know one another better Luka was glad to find that they had more in common than she had originally thought. The professor had needed to occasionally take jobs in the Muggle world so she found that she had at least one person with whom she could have a conversation about politics with without that person becoming manically excited. That and having to read through all of her volumes when Luka was still a student had seemed to have imparted a liking for manga on the werewolf. Still reminiscing Luka smiled at the memory of their earlier walk to the Forbidden Forrest, she had wanted to use the pocket guide of magical plants he had gotten her for Christmas to collect cuttings that she could propagate in her room for use in potions. As Professor Lupin had been heading out on walk so he could savour the spring air before being bedridden by the full moon they had decided to go together. Strolling across the grounds they discussed recent events such as Potter's Anti-Dementor lessons. The boy had apparently managed to conjure a shield Patronus which had made Lupin incredibly proud. Nearing the edge of the forest they had parted ways, the professor had offered to continue their discussion but Luka attempted to dissuade him on the grounds that it would probably take her hours to find anything and he'd be bored out of his mind. That and if any Dark creatures appeared odds are it would be them that fled. She had dispelled a boggart by sheer force after all. Instead of pressing the matter as he may have done when they had just met Professor Lupin just smiled and wished her luck with her herb hunt. Standing in the tree line Luka had looked upon him fondly, his unblemished heart was one of the reasons she had been attracted to him. Despite his condition and its effects on his life he didn't view people and their actions with the same jaded eye as Luka did. It was refreshing.
Once the professor was out of sight Luka moved quickly through the forest to the nearest Dementor outpost. The Tears of Death was gratefully received and Luka had been thrilled to hear that the spineless sop Fudge would be soon visiting the prison on another 'official visit'. She had told the Dementors to add the poison to the drinking water at their own discretion, if they decided to injure the Minister it wasn't Luka's fault.
Snapping back to the present Luka took out her diary. She checked on her assignments and hissed as she realised she had yet to her latest Transfiguration essay. Moving like Mr Krabs on amphetamine Luka scurried to the library, this wasn't like in History of Magic where she could wing it and get away with it.
XXX
Professor Lupin woke up to feeling of a sharp pressure on his ribs. Looking down he found Luka curled up beside him. He'd found out some weeks ago that she had the habit of using him as living pillow. Most of the time he hardly noticed for the weight was a reassurance that he wasn't imagining the whole thing and when in her true form her wings were a welcome source of additional warmth. However, even cushioning charms couldn't disguise the fact that three feet of reinforced keratin was attempting to make friends with his spleen. Wiggling over a bit he released himself from the probing kiss of Luka's appendages before settling back down to stroke her hair and the bare skin of her back. The couple's intimacy had increased over the weeks and the werewolf smiled in remembrance of the night's heated exchange. Continuing the stroking he felt Luka awaken from her slumber; all limbs were extended as she stretched and puffed up her feathers. Claws curling and uncurling she looked up at the professor.
"Good morning sleepy head,"
"Mornin'," came the weary reply as Luka rubbed her eyes before checking her watch, five to seven, her alarm would be going off shortly.
Chuckling at her sleep addled behaviour the werewolf reached to stroke down the right side her neck, however his hand swiftly stilled as he felt something sharp and rough under his fingers. Luka had noticed the contact too for she sat up and her had joined his. Narrowing her eyes she concentrated, it felt like a scab.
"It's fine Remus, I've got werewolf healing abilities remember," she said reassuringly as Lupin continued to look fixatedly on her neck in concern.
As soon as her hair had been pushed back his stomach had sank. He had been sure he'd been more measured in the pressure he'd applied but no. It appeared that Moony had won last night, he knew a claiming bit when he saw one.
"I think you should check," he replied quietly already knowing what she would find.
Stepping into the bathroom in her housecoat Luka peered at the scab in the mirror. She frowned, it was only a bite so it should have healed by now yet it still bled when she picked at it. Then it hit her, the old tome from 'Borgin and Burkes' had detailed bites that were used to mark the recipient as the mate of a werewolf. Damn, she had been trying to keep her new relationship a secret from Sebastian, she'd even taken to the habit of showering before work to remove any possible smell. Luka hoped he wouldn't do anything rash but it was a fact that demons wrote the last word in possessiveness. To make things worse Lupin had bitten her where it would incense the demon the most; slap bang on the contract mark. Hearing a knock on the door Luka turned to see a very shame faced werewolf edging the door open.
"I am so sorry," Lupin said as he closed the door behind him.
Luka paused, "It's ok Remus, I'm just worried how Sebastian will react. I should have told him by now and the more I put it off the worse it'll be in the end,"
"Will he hurt you?" asked the professor instantly switching to concern.
"No I don't think so, he didn't seem too angry when he noticed you'd kissed me before I went to court. But, the bite is right on the contract mark which will likely be quite inflammatory," seeing the increasingly worried look on her boyfriend's face Luka hastily continued, "I can take care of myself, I'll be fine,"
Pulling Luka into a light embrace Lupin nuzzled the top of her head minding the horns, "Ordinarily I would agree but he can order you to do anything, including laying down your life,"
"I still have my uses Remus, Sebastian wouldn't unthinkingly discard me," replied Luka as she moved up on to her tip toes to peck him on the lips, returning her weight to her heels Luka continued with slight discomfort, "I kinda need your help with a glamour charm though. A square of elastoplast would be too suspicious and I've only ever used glamours on areas when I'm in class so the students can't see I'm doing the same work as they are,"
"Of course," replied Professor Lupin mildly surprised she had asked for help in spell casting.
"I'll just get my wand," Luka said discontentedly as she left his embrace.
Professor Lupin smiled now that the conversation was back on familiar ground, "You'll never get used to using one will you?"
Luka turned back around, "Well it's a pain. Before all I had to do was want something bad enough and it would just happen. Now I have to learn choreography and scores of incantations, it's why I can only accelerate my Potions course,"
XXX
So far so good, no one had noticed the glamour on her neck although Luka could have sworn she saw the headmaster linger a glance on her neck. It was just paranoia... she hoped. Now in uniform for the Thursday full moon shift she exited her room to check on Lupin one last time before heading off. Knocking before entering Luka walked in. As expected the professor was sitting on the bed in his bathrobe looking wan and shaky.
"Just came to say I'm going now,"
"I hope you have a good time," smiled Lupin weakly.
Luka shifted, she should have mentioned this earlier but he had been quite distant after the glamour, "What is it about the transformation that hurts the most? Since I can influence the changes of other werewolves it could be possible that I can lessen the burden your body has to bear,"
The professor paused a moment before replying, "It's the sudden tearing, nothing has any flow it's just sharp tugging in every direction. However you needn't worry, I don't want to be any trouble,"
Luka sighed, he was stuck in penance mode. Striding towards him her yellow eyes took on a steely glint.
"Remus, I am fine. I'm not naggy at you about the bite so you needn't beat yourself up about it. In fact," she pulled up his chin so he was looking her in the eye, "if you don't cease needlessly hating yourself I will place a Cheering Charm on you that's so powerful Madam Pomfrey will mistake you for a hyena," Luka finished with wink.
Professor Lupin looked up in mock defiance, "That's a third year spell,"
"Meh, I look ahead on occasion," replied Luka, "take care of yourself,"
"You too," said the professor as Luka turned to walk away.
XXX
As she moved around the tables delivering drinks and picking up used glasses Luka was sure everyone knew she had been 'claimed'. The stares, the sniffs, the laughs as she just passed the table. Paranoia reaching fever pitch she returned to behind the bar.
"So, who's your boyfriend?"
Luka squeaked as she bumped her head on the underneath of the counter, she'd picked a bad time to clean up broken glass it seemed. Peeping above the bar Luka sighed in relief, it was just Jim and Mike.
"Is it that easy to tell?" she asked as she straightened up.
"Yeah, I can't see the bite but it comin' off in waves. That and you seem as jittery as hell tonight so you're hardly keeping it on the down low," replied Jim as he lapped his martini.
Luka groaned and rested her head on the bar as Mike nudged her with his muzzle.
"You ok?"
"Yeah, just worried about Sebastian's reaction,"
"You'll be fine, if he was pissed at you you'd know by now," replied Jim reassuringly, "and not to press the issue but you never answered my question,"
"Remus Lupin, the werewolf I brought with me the night I was turned," Luka said with an eye roll, weres never gave up.
"Ohhh the one Sally was hitting on. Is he a pureblood like Tim?" asked Jim.
"No, he got turned when he was a kid. Why do you ask?" replied Luka.
"His name, y'know Remus who was raised by a she-wolf in Roman legend and Lupin as in lupine,"
"It is one hell of a coincidence but it is just that,"
"Well, not to be cruel but if you name your kid Furry McWolfy you may as well toss them out into the forest on the full moon with steak tied around their neck," said Jim.
"Yeah, I suppose it was kinda inevitable," replied Luka quietly as she and Mike mulled over Jim's warped logic.
"Yo Luka, time to lean, time to clean! Or serve drinks!" yelled Sarah the zombie barmaid.
"Gotta get back to work," grimaced Luka as the weres released her back to the duties.
As the hours passed Luka felt the insistent itch of the transformation. Retiring to the staff toilets she gathered her bag before heading to the toilet to change. As she passed the mirror on the way out she noticed that the bite was now visible as a rough ring of white fur. Ah well, if everyone knew it would be pointless to take measures to hide it.
XXX
Returning to her quarters Luka made her way to her own room first so she could drop off her bag and check on her familiars. They reported that it had been another peaceful night and Elise was now happily feasting on a plump water vole. Grabbing her bathrobe Luka trotted to see how Lupin was doing. Nudging the door open with her muzzle Luka made her way in. The professor was lying curled up on the floor, why he chose that over his bed Luka would never know. Creeping as quietly as possible she set her robe down and lay next to him waiting for the moon to set.
Her sleep was peaceful but short, Luka was woken by a loud howl and looking to her right she could see that Lupin had begun the change. Forcing her own transformation to go as quickly as possible Luka threw her robe on and reached out to her lover. Feeling her power flow out of her fingertips she tried to make the change a more gradual process with more stretching rather than tearing and snapping. It would have been so much easier if she could relieve his pain by a power exchange but that was no longer on the cards... Gradually she felt his shudders come to an end and Luka opened her eyes to see the man not the wolf.
"I'm sorry I couldn't do more," she began.
"You did enough," panted the professor as he snuggled into Luka's embrace.
A small cough came from behind them and Luka whirled round in a protective mass of fangs and claws, the display would have been more intimidating but unfortunately her wings were under her robe making her look like a hunchback. However, she needn't have been so aggressive for it was just Madam Pomfrey.
"Well I am glad to see that you are well this morning Luka," she said seeming not at all surprised by the response she had garnered.
Embarrassed at her over reaction Luka pulled a blanket from the bed and covered the professor whilst the matron cast her diagnosis charms.
"How do you feel Remus?" asked the older witch.
"Alright, it didn't hurt as much this time," smiled Lupin as he looked at Luka.
"I noticed, you hardly screamed at all this time," said Madam Pomfrey kindly before turning to Luka, "Do you really have to return to work again tonight? You could do with a rest,"
"I've got schoolwork and it is a Friday I'm afraid. I'll be fine with a Pepper Up though and a weekend lie in," replied Luka.
Madam Pomfrey sighed, "I doubted I could dissuade you. Well, I'll leave Remus in your care. I will be back to check in later on in the day," she said before departing through the floo.
As the matron was engulfed in verdant flames Luka gently guided Lupin to his bed before tucking him in.
"Are you sure you can't stay?" he asked as he reached for a glass of water.
"I would like to sleep in a bit but y'know the deal; brats to mingle with and teach," Luka replied, today would be as knackering as hell but things needed to get done otherwise they would just pile up.
Professor Lupin nodded although he still looked far from satisfied but before long he was snoring lightly. Smiling Luka kissed on him on the forehead before scuttling back to her room. That Pepper Up potion wasn't going to drink itself.
As the school day drew to a close Luka sighed in relief. She hadn't snapped at a student in fatigue or fallen asleep at her desk once. Imbibing another potion with her supper Luka ignored the glances from Professor Snape. The claiming bite was now fully healed and merely appeared as a set of white scars on top of the ghostly blue contract mark. Tea concluded, Luka made her way back to her quarters to get dressed for the evening passing Professor Lupin on the way out who had hauled himself out of bed so that he was reading in the armchair closest to the fire.
Once back in the bar she was greeted by Sebastian almost immediately. As Luka's nerves flared she attempted to quell them, Jim had been correct in saying that if Sebastian was angry she would have known so immediately. Instead the demon greeted her cordially and Luka informed him of the poison she had sent to Azkaban whilst Sebastian told her of the files he had dug up on the toad Umbridge. At no point did either party raise the issue of Professor Lupin and his bite. Parting ways Luka returned to her place behind the bar. As customers began to pour in she never saw the demon leave.
XXX
Professor Lupin was sat nestled by the fire leisurely reading one of his father's monographs on hags, one of his favourites, when his office wards were set off. Carefully setting the publication down and pulling himself up with the aid of his cane he slowly moved to investigate. What he saw made his stomach freeze, it just wasn't possible. Sebastian Michaelis, a demon was standing in his office.
"Quite a collection you have here professor. Did you capture all of these specimens yourself?" enquired the 'man' as he perused the shelves his fingers lingering on items that took his interest.
"How did you get in?" hissed the professor, his wand raised albeit shaking.
Sebastian looked the frail werewolf over with amusement.
"I had business that I needed to discuss with you in person. I think you should sit down,"
The professor gave a start as he suddenly found himself behind his desk with Sebastian already seated in front of him looking bored. As he lowered himself down the demon leaned forward.
"Now, let us discuss some ground rules,"