Author's note: This being fanfiction, the standard disclaimers apply, i.e. no money being made, characters belong to JKR, etcetera etcetera

Wrong

Do you remember that day in the infirmary? Madam Pomfrey had stepped out for a moment; you and I were alone. So weak, so fragile: you almost looked weaker than me. But I was wrong. You were simply exhausted. So were James and Sirius, but I was the only one at the infirmary then, watching you. In raw winter sunlight your hair was like dark gold.

You smiled at me, and with my heart in my mouth I reached out to touch your face.

And you turned your face away, away from my touch.

Of course you don't remember, Remus. It'd be wrong, because it'd mean you cared. Pudgy, pokey-nosed Peter, poor puppy-eyed Peter. Wormtail, weakling of a wizard.

I was the fifth wheel in our little group of four, and we all knew it. Only, you seemed to understand.

Wrong again.

I watched you, and watched you. At James and Lily's wedding, I had eyes only for you. You were so kind to me, you almost made me feel guilty. I shook hands with you, and you laughed too loudly at one of Sirius' vulgar little jokes.

Lily is gone. James is gone. Sirius is gone, too, your hero, your prince ( oh, but I'm not so stupid ). They're all gone, Remus. Who will keep you now, sweet wolf? You nurse your wounds and it plays over and over in your head like a song without meaning. They're gone they're gone they're all gone.

Wrong again.

My Master is good. You have no idea, Remus, dearest Remus. I didn't have to ask him -- not that I would have dared. He is too great. He told me I could have you. He was smiling, but His eyes were on me, His smile was terrible but not mocking. I have been a good servant, and good service is always rewarded.

With this hand I will touch you again, Remus. Sweet wolf, sweet Remus, I will touch your face with this hand again, and this time you will not turn away. Did you think that? Defiant, wise, sweet perfect kind remote sweet Remus, you are wrong if you think that you will simply turn your face away.

You will burn.

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