CB: Sorry, it's been ages since I updated this *sighs* I've just been doing a hundred and one other things. Anyway, my thanks to all who reviewed, your comments were greatly appreciated.

Another Note Of Explanation: This story does take place in our present time, so when the diary is found in the swamp it is, in fact, in the future. It is uncovered in about ten to twenty years after the events, which will be happening throughout this story.

'Take my hand, live while you can,

And if we walk now, we can divide and conquer this land…'

Vanessa Carlton – 'Ordinary Day' Seven months later…

Remus shivered as he waited in the dark alleyway behind the Leaky Cauldron. His breath puffed in front of him like the steam from an engine as he shifted from foot to foot, anxiously waiting for James to return from within the warm recesses of the bar. The stars glittered frostily down from the sky, looking very much like hard diamonds on velvet as they winked knowingly. The moon, which was on the wane, looked watery and pale from its perch in the heavens as it granted a small amount of silvery light.

"Moony?"

Remus jumped as James returned, walking on silent feet to where his friend waited. "Where have you been?" The shorter man asked, his voice laced with concern and irritation, "I've been waiting for half an hour!"

James shrugged, his hair sticking up at odd angles as he pulled two bottles from within the recesses of his cloak, "Here, some Butterbeer, it'll help to warm you up." Seeing Remus's pointed look, he sighed. "Oh, all right, I got talking to Madame Rosmerta…and then I couldn't get away, ok?" He stamped his feet and blew on his fingers, "Anyway, I've booked two rooms, so we can go straight up to them."

"Nobody suspicious?" Remus peered at James's face in the half light, "No one asking questions about the auroras?"

"Nope." James shook his head, then grabbed his friend's hand, "Come on, it's freezing out here…"

"Yes, I know." Remus pointed out, "I've been standing out here."

"All the more reason to go in!"

Rolling his eyes, the werewolf was just about to turn and walk into the inn, when a soft whine caught his ears. "What's that?" He demanded, pausing to glance about the still street. Seeing James's blank expression, he elaborated, "That noise, like an animal that's been hurt." He waved a graceful hand in an explanatory gesture, "A sort of whine."

James looked blank, his brown eyes shining behind his glasses. "Sorry Rem, I didn't hear anything, perhaps…" He was cut off as Remus clapped a hand over his mouth.

"There it is again!"

"Mmph!"

"It could be a poor abandoned puppy…"

"Mm."

"It sounds like a dog, doesn't it?"

"Mmph!" James waved his hands in a complicated gesture, trying to convey to Remus that he couldn't very well agree when he couldn't voice his own opinion, but his friend wasn't watching, so instead, he settled for giving him a short, sharp kick in the shin.

"Ouch!" Remus dropped his hand from James's mouth and rubbed the offended bone, which was now throbbing painfully. "You didn't have to do that, you git!" He hissed from between clenched teeth, "That hurt." Amber eyes glared balefully at the annoyingly cheerful face just above him as Remus sidled away from his best friend, limping slightly. "I was only trying to make a point."

"And I only wanted to agree with you." James replied innocently, "But I couldn't, because someone had his hand over my mouth, so I endeavoured to express my feelings in another manner." He smiled slightly, black hair flopping into his eyes before he brushed it back impatiently. "Now can we please go in? It's freezing out here." He blew a stream of hot breath out of his mouth to demonstrate. "See? We stand around much longer and we'll be a Jamesicle and a Remsicle." He shivered and drew his cloak closer as Remus appeared to pay no attention to him, instead, limping off towards the main street.

"Where are you going?" He hurried to catch up with his friend, who was heading towards the opposite alleyway. "C'mon, there's nothing there…" James didn't realise Remus had stopped until he banged into him. Staggering slightly, he slipped on the icy cobbles and had to grab the werewolf's arm for support.

They were standing in front of a large pile of boxes marked 'Madame Millicent's Marvellous Menagerie – Any Kind Of Creature For Any Kind Of Witch'. James raised an eyebrow. "It's a very nice pile of boxes Remus." He said in a calming sort of voice, "Yes, very nice, but can we PLEASE GO INSIDE?" He huffed, as Remus took no notice of him, and stamped his feet, trying to warm them, or at least return some feeling to them.

Remus had all but forgotten his friend was there. His werewolf senses were always sharp, that was one of the things that made him such a good auror, but now they seemed positively razor edged. He could smell everything, from the crisp tang of the freezing air to the faint musk that was carried on the slight wind from behind the boxes. He could smell blood, fresh blood, beating through a living body and it wasn't James's blood it was animal blood, but strange, slightly…off. His ears picked up the faint whine again and he darted across the last few feet, scrabbling at the boxes with frozen, pale fingers.

"What are you doing now?" James asked wearily as the stack of boxes shuddered slightly, before ponderously toppling to the floor with an almighty crash. "Really Remus, I know it's practically that time of the month…" he paused as his friend knelt down next to a dark shape. "What? What is it?" Stepping forwards, he peered down as well, brown eyes widening. "Oh…" He breathed, I'll just go and um…I'll go and get help…" He backed away and, turning, sprinted back towards the Three Broomsticks.

Remus hardly noticed as he reached out one hand to gently touch the frozen, stiff fur of the dog that was lying behind the boxes. "You poor thing," He murmured softly, still gently stroking its fur, "How did you get to be like this." His eyes raked the dog's body, checking for injuries, and he noticed a slight swelling on one of its hind legs. "I think you've sprained your leg." He said, gently touching the injured area.

The dog yelped and its eyes flew open, revealing them to be a strange and unusual grey colour as it stared accusingly at Remus. Its look seemed to say 'keep your hands to yourself if it's going to hurt.'

"Sorry," Remus soothed, withdrawing his hand from the hind leg, "I didn't mean to hurt you…look, James has come back."

And indeed James had, accompanied by Madame Rosmerta, who took one look at the animal and produced a blanket from the depths of the basket she had brought out with her. "Here," She said firmly, pressing it at the black haired man, "Wrap this around its body and help Remus to lift the poor dear."

"Me?" James asked, sounding horrified. "The bloody thing will probably take my arm off!" He did have a reason to be nervous, because the dog was now growling. Not a light rumble but a deep-throated roar, its hackles had risen and it was glaring – if that was possible – hard. James hurriedly retreated a few steps and tossed the blanket to Remus. "Here, you do it, the thing seems to like you."

Remus caught the blanket, smiling slightly as he turned to face the dog, which immediately stopped growling and thumped its tail. As the werewolf bent closer, he saw the dog's gaze was meeting his own, its look entirely intelligent and a little wary. "Hey," Remus said softly, "I'm just going to tuck this around you," he brandished the blanket, "And then we'll get you inside and feed you, yes?" As he talked, he carefully mirrored his words with actions before gently lifting the dog.

Rosmerta whistled under her breath, her dark eyes shining. "He's stronger than he looks, isn't he?" She nudged James and nodded towards Remus, who had walked past them and was entering the pub.

"Mm." James nodded and hurried after his friend, intent on making sure the dog didn't savage him.

Pushing open the door he hurried in after Remus and sat down on the nearest stool, taking his cloak off as he did so. "Blimey, Rem," He said, peering across the bar top to where his friend had laid the dog and was now gently bandaging its leg, "Madame Rosmerta was impressed with your strength."

Remus appeared to take no notice as he continued to soothe the dog, running pale hands over its fur as he murmured softly to it. James watched, his eyes thoughtful as his friend finished the bandaging and picked up a bottle of Butterbeer, pouring some of it into a saucer and placing it near the dog's head.

"Hey, hey!" James protested, eyeing the bottle, "Don't waste decent Butterbeer on that mutt!" To prove his point, he grabbed the bottle out of Remus's hand and took a swig. "It'd be much better wasted on me!" He smirked as Remus snorted, before he peered over the bar again to look at the dog, which was glaring up at him balefully. "Touchy fellow, isn't he?" He remarked, eyes shining behind his glasses as he ran a hand through his messy black hair.

"Not really." Remus knelt down next to the dog and scratched behind one of its ears. "He's just sensitive is all."

"Well, sensitive or no, he's not staying down here, Remus J. Lupin." Madame Rosmerta's voice said from behind James, "He'll terrify my customers." She smiled, raising one dark eyebrow, "You'll have to take him up to you room, just make sure he doesn't shed too many hairs on the carpet." She smiled again and then marched off towards a table with a bunch of rowdy wizards around it who were calling for more drinks, her high heels tapping a quick staccato on the flagstone floor.

"Um." Remus said, still stroking the dog's head. "What are we going to do with you, eh?" He sighed, patted the dog once more and stood up, wincing slightly at the stiffness in his knees. "James, how long are we here for?"

James, who was busy downing a tankard of Butterbeer, held up two fingers.

"Well, at least that gives Padfoot time to recover slightly."

Butterbeer sprayed across the counter and James, looking shocked, wiped the back of his mouth. "Sorry, what? You've given that…that… thing a name?" He spluttered, staring at his friend in disbelief. "And you think it's coming with us when it's healed?" He coughed and thumped the tankard down on the wood in front of him. "Remus! It's a huge, hairy beast, it'll probably savage us as well as any deatheaters in the area!" He shuddered, "Besides, it doesn't like me."

"As long as he's hurt, and as long as he wants to, he stays." Remus said firmly, glaring at James from the other side of the bar. "He's not a beast." He pursed his lips, amber eyes flashing. "I'm a beast, James, but you seem to get on well with me."

James raised his hands in the air in surrender. "Ok, ok!" He cautiously peered over the edge of the bar again as a low rumble sounded from down by the floor. "Whatever you say, Rem. But look, I'd get him out of here, Rosmerta will be back any minute now and that th…Padfoot, was it? Will be in serious trouble if he's not well hidden." He sighed and sank back onto his stool, "Just don't blame me if he savages anyone." He added, as Remus picked up the dog again and headed for the stairs at the back of the inn. "Rooms thirty one and thirty two!" He added, raising his voice above the babble of the other customers.

********

The candle had burnt low, its small flame casting long, flickering shadows around the cosy bedroom as Remus sat in the solitary armchair by the fire, one hand cupping his chin as he stared moodily into the flames. Somewhere behind him, he could here the long, slow breathing of the large, shaggy dog he'd rescued and the occasional small whimper as it dreamt.

Today had been…odd, he thought as he gazed unseeingly at the grate. They'd received an emergency owl from one of the villagers saying that they suspected a group of deatheaters were in the area, but so far there was no sign of them. That, in itself, was worrying, normally, if there was even one of Voldemort's lackeys they tended to make their presence known, quite simply because the ordinary wizard or witch was too frightened to try anything against them.

These were dark days indeed, Remus thought bleakly. Men and women, scared for their lives, willing to do anything to escape death, or worse. The aurors were supported, but few openly showed that support, and more often than not, they were captured and tortured for their trouble. Voldemort's strength had obviously increased tremendously, and there were so few who dared to oppose him. Even the ministry had simply failed to function properly, and now worked on the 'every wizard for himself' basis.

But perhaps more troubling even than that was the promise he's made Orion Black several months ago as the older man lay dying in the rubble of his burnt out home. He'd been convinced that his son was alive and that Remus was the one to help return his son to the right path. However, every time he'd approached Dumbledore since then about the matter, he'd been brushed aside…and James had said there were rumours springing up within the ministry, rumours involving him…

Remus shuddered and tried to stop that train of thought, turning instead to James and his new wife Lily. That had been a happy day, no more than a few weeks ago, with Remus playing best man for the ceremony. But again, his thoughts took a darker turn as he wondered just how long their marriage would last with James doing the job he did. They were already stuck out here on a potentially dangerous mission, what if something happened? What if James was attacked whilst he, Remus, was undergoing his monthly ordeal? What if…no, he shouldn't think like that.

Sighing, the werewolf got to his feet and padded across the room to check on the dog he'd named Padfoot.

Black limbs sprawled everywhere, mouth slightly open and nose twitching, Padfoot resembled an almost cute sight. His back leg was moving slightly, as though he was running after something and his ears were twitching madly. Smiling gently, Remus leant down to pat him, and was surprised when grey eyes snapped open to look up at him.

"'Night Padfoot." He murmured softly, "Sweet dreams."

The dog thumped its tail and climbed heavily to its feet, it's mouth stretched in a canine smile. Curiously, it watched Remus move around the room, as he changed into a pair of pyjamas before climbing into the large four poster bed and snuggling down under the heavy sheets. There was a moment's pause and then the flame from the candle was blown out, leaving only the flickering firelight to light the room.

Padfoot paused for a moment, his head cocked to one side as he stared at the shadowy form lying in the bed. Then, quite suddenly, it seemed the dog had made up its mind because it took one, two, steps and leapt onto the bed, startling Remus, who sat up with a loud exclamation of surprise.

"Padfoot!" He half sighed, relief showing in his face as he stared down at the dog. "Don't do that!" Breathing a sigh of relief, he lay back again as the huge black dog settled itself at the end of the bed, its eyes gleaming in the light from the fire. "Go to sleep, Padfoot." Remus murmured sleepily, his eyes drifting shut as his heart rate slowed.

The dog rumbled in its throat, as if in agreement.

********

Something was tickling his nose, a nagging, worrying little annoyance, but one that was persistent. Should he bother to open his eyes? Wouldn't the itch relieve itself? Remus scrunched up his nose a little. Ah, that was better…no, the itch was back again…he'd have to scratch his nose…but any movement involved becoming fully conscious and he wanted to sleep for as long as possible. The werewolf shifted slightly in the bed, wiggling his toes as he weighed the pros and cons of opening his eyes. On discovering that no resisting lump hindered his stretching at the end of the bed, he decided that it was time to get up because if Padfoot was up and terrifying the staff at the Three Broomsticks, he'd be held responsible.

That tickling itch was getting annoying though.

Reaching up with one hand he scratched the tip of his nose, but his shocked fingers met with a strange material at the same time, most decidedly not the skin he'd come to expect when one felt one's nose. Amber eyes flew open and rolled cautiously downwards, trying to see what had irritated him from his sleep. What met his eyes was waves of black…hair?

Remus blinked, his eyes wandering down further, until he caught sight of a face, resting against his chest, its owner apparently peacefully asleep.

Oh dear.

Remus shifted experimentally, and discovered that, whilst his toes were free, the rest of him wasn't. The…man, was it? Yes, male, they were snoring slightly, was draped across his chest, one arm flung around his waist, the other, palm upturned, lying next to him on the pillow. As his gaze roved, Remus took in the straight, dark eyebrows, full lips and lightly tanned skin of the rooms other occupant. The man's mouth was open slightly and his breath wafted across the werewolf's bare skin in little puffs of air.

Shivering slightly, Remus shifted again, and was rewarded when grey, almond shaped eyes flew open and the man blinked slightly, before staring up at the auror's irate expression. A slow, almost lazy smile flitted across the full lips and the man pushed himself up slightly onto one elbow. "Good morning." He said pleasantly, his voice a soft, slightly husky tone. "I hope I didn't wake you."

"Hardly." Remus's voice was icy, "Would you care to explain what you're doing here?"

The man raised an eyebrow, before he sat up fully and swung his legs off the bed. Standing up, he padded to the window and stretched, completely unmindful of the fact that he was naked. Muscles rippled down his back and his long, black hair brushed his skin lightly as he turned around again. "No, I don't think I would." He said, an amused smirk highlighting his features. "But now, you're coming with me."

Remus blinked, the surreal quality of the scene he seemed to be in, hitting him full in the face for the first time. "What? Is this some kind of joke?" He asked, disbelief tingeing his voice as he stared up at the other man. "James arranged this, didn't he?"

"James?" The dark haired man sounded genuinely curious, "Who's…oh! You're friend with the glasses, yes?" He smiled, eyes closing for a brief moment as he laughed. "No, he did not 'arrange' this." Still smiling, he walked towards Remus's case and pulled out the other robe. Dragging it on over his head he turned around again. "I suggest you put on some clothes." He added, looking the werewolf up and down, "Whilst I appreciate the view, other people may not." As Remus turned, he darted over to the bed and reached under the mattress, pulling out a small knife. "And then I suggest you do exactly as I say."

Remus stared at him, mouth slightly open. "You expect me to just let you waltz in here and…and…"

"Kidnap you?" The man added helpfully. "Why yes, I do. Now get your clothes on, we're leaving."

"And if I refuse?" Remus crossed his arms defiantly.

In less than a heartbeat, the man was across the room, the blade of the knife hovering bare inches from the skin at his neck. "You won't, this blade is made of silver, werewolf…so you see, I'm ready for you." He moved swiftly away and sat on the edge of the bed. "Now dress…and don't try anything, I have your wand as well."

Seething inwardly, Remus hastily dragged the other robe out from the case and pulled it on, his face showing only icy calm as he struggled with his boots. Inside, the wolf raged silently. How dare this man take us prisoner…rend him…tear him…drink his blood. For once, Remus thought wryly, he agreed with his animal counterpart. But instead, he simply took his time in dressing, struggling to maintain control as he looked hopefully around the room, praying that Padfoot would return any minute now, the dog's vicious nature should be put to good use.

But Padfoot didn't arrive, and all too soon, the last bit of clothing had been done up and adjusted, and the long haired man was standing in front of him, a small smirk lighting his face. "Now, be a good boy and come with me." The silver of the blade glittered cruelly in the light and Remus swallowed, feeling a prickling of fear crawling down his spine. "And keep up appearances." The man added, sliding one arm around the werewolf's waist.

Through the material of his robe, Remus could feel the warning burn of the silver. So close to my skin, he thought dizzily, trying to swallow the irrational fear of the wolf that was creeping up his throat in a panicked howl. So close…

As they walked quickly down the stairs, Remus found himself praying that someone else would be up at this early hour. His prayers were answered in the form of Madame Rosmerta, who was sleepily washing up several glasses behind the bar.

Her head jerked up at the sound of their footsteps across the room and she gave a sleepy smile, her brown eyes welcoming. "Remus, you're up early! And Mr Goddard, leaving already?" Her eyes moved to the possessive arm 'Mr Goddard' had around Remus's waist and she smiled. "You two didn't tell me you knew one another!"

The knife gave a warning prick and the man holding it shot Rosmerta a charming smile. "Remus and I have known one another for a long time." He sighed, and ran his free hand, fanning it out lightly as he did so, taking care to keep the knife well hidden in his sleeve. "We go back a long way," He nuzzled the other man's neck slightly, before shooting Rosmerta a wicked smile. "A very long way."

Rosmerta laughed and turned back to her dish cloth. "Well I won't keep you then." She said.

As his last chance of escape, quite literally turned its back, Remus felt himself sinking into a pit of despair that only grew as he was walked across the room and out through the door into the crisp, early morning air. Once outside, his captor pulled him over to a small copse at the edge of the village and turned to face him.

"I might as well tell you now." He said soberly, "This isn't going to be much fun for you." Turning around again, he muttered a charm under his breath and, quite suddenly, a motorbike appeared, sheltered underneath the trees. "Hop on."

"Why should I?" Remus spat angrily, throwing off the hand that had come to grip his arm again. "Why should I make this any easier? I don't even know who you are! Or what you're going to do to me!"

The smiled, revealing a row of white teeth. "Someone wants a word with you, that's all." He smirked in a worrying way before turning back to the motorcycle and starting the engine, dragging Remus on in one swift move. "And don't even think about trying to jump off!" He shouted over the roar of the motor, "It's charmed so you can't, see?"

Remus felt his teeth clench. Had this man read his every move? He seemed too well prepared to be an ordinary murderer or some such, which left only on thing he could be…he felt his gut clench with fear again. "Tell me your name." He said quietly as the motorbike began to roll out of the copse of trees.

The man turned his head slightly, so his profile was outlined against the rising sun.

"Black." He said, not looking directly at Remus. "Sirius Black."

To Be Continued…