Disclaimer: The characters and ideas used in this story do not belong to me.
Warnings: There is slash between Sirius and Remus although you really should have realized that by now reading this far into the fic. There is Also fluff and sappiness.
A/N: This chapter was done a long time ago. I know the first part is a bit much and I probably didn't do a good job of characterizing Dumbledore but I hope you enjoy!
Chapter four: Betrayal
Betrayal. The word echoed in a constant beat in Remus' head. The sound was abstract. It was a predator that was hunting its prey in his mind.
How could Sirius have done this? How could he have told Snape of all people it was possible to let it slip to? The one person the marauders could not trust the most. Although Remus was now inclined to believe that person was now Sirius.
These same thoughts had been spiraling around Remus' head for hours. He was sitting in the Shrieking Shack, hoping that his friends would have the sense not to follow him. Particularly Sirius. Remus felt he dearly needed the time alone. He needed to sort out his feelings toward Sirius. To figure out whether he could let this go.
It was a consecutive train of thoughts. First he felt angry. The next feeling was deep bitterness followed by sadness. The final feeling was fear. What would the other students think of him if Snape decided to tell his secret? Remus knew without a doubt that he would. This was when the train started its loop again. The fear once again replaced with anger toward his love.
"Remus?" Came from a voice from somewhere behind him.
Remus tensed. He recognized James' voice.
"What do you want James?"He asked, his voice sounding more harsh than he intended it to.
"I didn't want to interrupt you but Professor Dumbledore insists that he see you in his office."
James looked so apologetic that Remus instantly felt bad for being short with him. He sighed.
"I'll go." He replied reluctantly.
"We'll talk later okay Moony?" James said, giving him a little smile and placing a hand on Remus's shoulder.
Remus was grateful he wasn't mentioning Sirius just yet. He didn't feel ready to breach the subject.
"Right. Thanks a lot James."He smiled gratefully.
James returned his sad smile and flashed a hopeful wink at him. Feeling slightly cheered up Remus made his way back down the tunnel, noticing that James did not follow. He recognized that James was giving him as much space as possible and felt a rush of gratitude toward his friend.
After what had seemed like an endless walk, Remus reached the Gargoyle statue outside of the Headmaster's office. Wondering what the latest odd password was, he got a surprise when the Gargoyle sprung to life.
The ancient man was seated behind the large oak desk. The strange contraptions spread around the office were all whirring, popping or spinning. Dumbledore was looking vaguely amused which irked Remus. How could the old man find the situation funny? Then again, Remus thought to himself, he was probably being paranoid. Remus sat down, having been in the office many times since his first year at Hogwarts.
"Firstly, I am pleased to inform you that no harm was caused to your fellow students." Dumbledore said, twiddling his thumbs.
Remus found his voice. "I'm glad to hear it."
He had already known that. James and Peter had been the ones to tell him what had happened. It had been Remus' first question.
"We have spoken to Severus. No one else will know of the incident, or of the fact that you're a werewolf. Rest assured it will be kept a secret." Dumbledore smiled at him.
Remus felt relief seep through him. His heart felt quite a bit lighter at the knowledge that he would not have to face the world knowing what he was. He trusted Dumbledore.
"Thank you." He said, waiting for the headmaster to say more.
"You may go. But I feel it's prudent I tell you that forgiveness is one of the greatest virtues in life. Finding it in our hearts to forgive, especially the person we love is one of our greatest tests."
Although the man was speaking in one of his riddles, Remus felt he understood the meaning completely. Forgiveness was all he had left to work on. If he could let go of what Sirius had done then it would be over. The situation would be one of the past.
Remus thanked the headmaster and headed toward the staircase. Reaching the bottom he found that James had come to meet him.
"What did he say?" James asked. "If you want to tell me that is."
"He made me realize that I can't hold a grudge against Sirius. It would break us apart." Remus replied.
"So you forgive him?"
"I need some time. My feelings still need to be sorted. I need to figure out if I'm ready to tell Sirius my feelings about him." Remus said, honestly.
"Sirius feels terrible, Moony. I really think you need to tell him how you feel now. You know what he's like. He'll do something stupid otherwise." James said and both grinned at their friend's personality.
"You're right, James. Do you know where he is?"
"The astronomy tower. He hasn't left since last night."
"I'll see you later."
