(21)Who Did It?!

Merida stepped back as the moonlight wreaked havoc on Remus Lupin. She had read once a long time ago, whenever her father took over Lupin's class that year Azkaban had a break-out, that werwolf transformations were the most painful thing in the universe. The Wolfbane eased it ever so slightly, but this time, Lupin had no Wolfsbane. Trying not to think about her father going through the same thing at that moment, Merida watched & waited, wand ready. If only she could aparate, but they were to close to Hogwarts to allow that.

Lupin fought the wolf with everything he had. His soft hazel eyes flickered amber as man & wolf demended supremacy. Lupin collapsed to the ground, screaming. When he finally stood, a full-powered werwolf was in the man's place.

Merida gasped, softly. She hadn't realised he would be so big. He looked like a dark brown Husky, with amber eyes gleaming. Those eyes were fixed onto her. The wolf seemed to be deciding something.

Would this human change to an animal? No, the old pack is dead. The new one was above ground! She was not part of either pack! Destroy her!

She's your mate you fool! Lupin tried to hold on.

How can I be with a human?! the wolf snarled at the last shred of humanity trapped in it's mind. Then it howled. Merida covered her ears as the loud howl pierced the forrest. The howl ended & the wolf got ready to jump at her.

Merida waited for the last possible second. Inflamatory! She set the outside circle on fire!

The wolf leaped back. Fire? FIRE!!

Give it up! She got you! Lupin appeared to be laughing inwardly at the wolf as he cowered in a corner!

Why the fire?! the wolf could not understand. No wolf in the universe could ever understand fire! Another howl. Soon the hot flames died down. The wolf sprang fast. Merida jumped backed. The wolf landed on the second circle. Silver!

OW!!! winced Lupin. The wolf yipped in agreement & flinched away, whimpering.

I'll get you, human! the wolf seemed to be snarling. & your dad too!

Finally! Something to agree on! Lupin sighed, therefore making the wolf sigh.

If only I could chew that black tail off! the wolf snarled, standing to face Merida again. Remember how he yelped that last time? Snape & Lupin hated each other so much that even their K9 blood couldn't mix!

Yes! answered Lupin. But leave the girl alone!

The wolf ignored his vague humanity & lunged for Merida, knocking her over this time. She tried to pull away but claws dug in to her sides. Merida put both hands over his throat & pushed his face away. Claws were fine but the fangs were a different story. They were almost dripping with venom & with nothing else to do, the wolf desperatly wanted to tear her apart. Merida had no choice. She set his fur afire! The wolf leaped aside, whining & howling for mercy.

Merida picked herself up. Aquis! She drenched him with water! The wolf snarled again, not pleased at all at getting both scorched & wet in under a minute! Sorry Remus! muttered Merida. Frusterated, the wolf bit into his own flesh for a taste of blood, any blood will do, seeing as Merida was good at Pyre magic! The wolf didn't know what it feared more; the full moon or fire!

Merida sat crossed-legged in the center of the three rings. She knew better then to try to desaude the wolf from harming himself. Lupin was used to it anyway. He will survive. For a moment, while the wolf was interested in itself, Merida had a break.

It's a good thing this forrest is only for Hogwart werwolves! Moody muttered as he heard Snape howl in the distance. "Only Neville, Remus & Severus to worry about!

This is Remus's territory, said Dumbledore. His wolf probably drove the other wild ones away & only his pack can enter!

Some pack! Moody half-laughed. A pup & his most hated rival! Hmmm, a new Marauder's gang?

Hardly! Dumbledore smiled. Let's double back a bit & go over the creek before Severus picks up on us!

A black wolf, followed closely by a younger animal, was thoroughly confused! He was sure the human trails went this way so why did it seem like everyone was in the opposite direction? He howled again. The pup, thinking it was in play, began to prance around his leader. The black wolf snarled. He didn't need a pup now! Where was his rival when he needed him?! Before the wolf could do anything about it, he felt a horrible pain burning into his shoulder, his very soul even. An outline of a skull-&-snake glowed softly in the black fur. The wolf bit & scratched at it, drawing blood. The wolf could not understand that his human host was cursed! Infruriated, it threw itself into trees & rocks, trying to end that pain but only succeeding in increasing it further. Neville tried to help but Snape almost took his head off! The pup fled, yelping in despair, looking for Lupin! The black wolf suddenly crumpled up in exhaustion as the Death Mark left him. He clawed at the area some more, soaking his white paws red with blood.

Losing interest in himself, Lupin again focused on Merida. The wolf was injured now & Merida had done it. Anger flared in his amber eyes. He wanted nothing more than to remove this human, now more then ever!

Great! groaned Merida to herself. She set the inner & outer rings on fire & aimed more flames at the wolf. Anger turned to terror. Insane, the wolf tried leaping through the flames. He again landed on the silver with no way out. Flames on both sides, silver under him & a human somewhere beyond the smoke drove him over the edge. He jumped through the second ring of fire to the inside but Merida was already on the silver ring.

Using her wand, she formed portals through the firewalls to let herself move around. She stayed by the silver. Merida could see a dark mass moving around behind the flames. It sat down & howled.

Morning came ever so slowly but finally it appeared. The pit was blackened with smoke & smoldering embers, looking for all the world like a miniture Hogsmeade. Both had been burned, the wolf more so. It made one last feeble attempt to jump at Merida---------& landed in the ray of sun just entering the forrest. It howled & yipped, slowly sounding more human. De-transformations were just as bad at moonset as transformations was at moonrise. Lupin lay on the ground, groaning.

It's over, Remus, Merida slowly crept up to him. His head shot up, eyes still amber, glowering. Merida stepped back. So it wasn't completely over, but almost.

Lupin slammed his eyes shut, trying to force the hazel hue back in place. He glanced at Merida. Fire, huh? he laughed weakly. Wise move! He leaned back against the wall of the hole, drawing knees up to chest & sighed heavily, exhaustion creeping over him. Merida too, was tired. She had spent the night fighting a werwolf & was also feeling slightly ill.

She curled up beside him. I'll fix your wand later!

Yeah, thanks a lot! Lupin laughed, looking at the places that had come in contact with the silver. A moment in silence passed. I'm sorry for clawing you! Lupin muttered, half-asleep.

I'll be fine! Merida touched her scabbed side awkwardly.

Merlin I miss my pack! Lupin growled suddenly.

YOU?! Merida laughed. Miss my father?! HA!!

No, not this pack! Lupin tried hard not to smile. The Marauder's!

Oh!

They were animagi, Lupin went on. A stag, a black dog &......! He fell silent for a moment. Why that rat had to ruin everything, I'll never know! he snarled. At least he's dead!

Is that the one you killed the other day? asked Merida.

Yeah, that's him! Lupin's eyes flickered softly amber for a second.

I must admit, Merida sighed. You scared me a little that day!

With good reason, said Lupin. That's twice now, I lost control while I was human! Padfoot & Prongs would never have allowed that!

Marauders?

Yeah, Lupin shrugged. We were always into pranks, mild stealing, even a little alcohol & drugs! & Padfoot? Merlin, that creature drew in the ladies! Lupin laughed softly. Except Lily Evans! She was "out of bounds"! Prongs wouldn't allow it! So he hit on-------er----well, Padfoot had your Mom before I or your Dad knew she even existed!

EXCUSE ME?! Merida yelped. Lupin whimpered like a puppy. Sorry! Merida muttered umsympathatically. Anything else I should know about her?!

Hey now! Lupin defended. She was part Veela after all! That's what Veelas do! Besides you're the same way! Both me & Harry?

Ohhhhh! Merida groaned. & there's only one way out of that!

& what way is that? Lupin smiled softly.

I'm not telling! Merida stated. It'll happen on it's own time!

OK! sighed Lupin. Don't get all upset!

Sorry! muttered Merida, this time meaning it. I'm actually not feeling well so maybe that's it!

I didn't bite you, did I? Lupin panicked.

No, Merida sighed. I'll be fine in a bit. This has happened before & usually passes before noon!

& you didn't see Poppy? Lupin glowered.

I wanted to, Merida shrugged. but I didn't have the time! Maybe today I could!

You'd better! Lupin ordered.

Yes, sir! Merida saluted like a soldier. Lupin lay down beside her in the blackened earth & soon, both fell asleep.

They were awakened an hour later by the flapping of wings as an eagle landed beside them & tried to gain its balance. Lupin & Merida watched it silence for a moment then suddenly, Merida screamed in rage! AHHHHH! Mystique? That's MY sword! She pounced on the eagle & grabbed its throat. Give it back! NOW! Or I'll strangle you to death!!

Uh-------don't you mean AND? Lupin smiled wickedly, his Marauder habits kicking in!

Ohhhhhhh Re.....! Merida sighed. Alright! She looked back down at the struggling bird. Give me back Mystique AND I'll strangle you to death!!! Lupin laughed.

I---OW!!--------I--------Professor! HELP!

H-H-HARRY?!?! Merida let go & crawled back a bit.

I've every intention of giving it back, Merida! Harry grumbled, straightening his glasses.

Dangerous woman you've got! Lupin teased.

Yeah, really! Harry coughed a bit as he handed over the old sword. OK, let's each take a turn to use this to fly out of here!

Merida became a bird & flew away to the top. How'd you find us? she asked as she threw Mystique down.

A whole lot of smoke! Harry said after he appeared beside Merida. What happened?

I'll explain in a minute! Lupin glowered at Mystique.

It doesn't hurt! said Merida. It's just controlled animagic!

Lupin groaned softly but decided to try it. It worked out fine after all & he found himself standing outside, finally. He didn't stand long. He collapsed on the ground, the effects of last night washing over him. Lupin was exhausted, burned by both silver & fire as well as hurt from self-inflicted wounds. He passed out.

Lupin rolled over & slowly woke up. He found himself in a bed in the hospital wing. Merida was lying in the bed beside him. W-What h-happened?

You had a big night! said Merida. You fainted.

Lupin groaned. What are you doing here?

A little too much smoke inhalation! Merida coughed slightly. but Pomfrey can clear it up! She said your lungs are fine, considering! Whatever that means!

I told you, Marauder's tried a few things! Lupin smiled nervously. I'm used to the smoke I guess, though I only did that stuff when I was younger but chocolate is my addiction!

I know! Merida groaned. We ALL know!

Uh-Oh! Lupin pointed towards the end of the wing were Snape & Pomfrey were arguing. Ol' Sniv doesn't look happy!

Is he ever? Merida half-laughed. Harry stretched & woke up beside her. Before he could say anything, he felt two hands grab him & hold him up.

Father now what? Merida glowered.

What did you do to her, Potter?! Snape snarled.

I swear, n-n-n-othing! Harry stammered, wondering what on earth he could have done now!

Don't play games with me! Snape snapped.

Father? Hello?

What's w-wrong? Harry dared to ask.

She's pregnant, you fool!

She is?!

I AM?!

You are!!

Lupin's eyes popped WIDE open!