AN: Okay, I'm going to try separating the paragraphs. I hope it works! :)

Disclaimer: You know the drill

Chapter 16: Zero

Early the next morning, Remus tore the envelope that contained a package from his mum inside. He grinned and flipped the parchment over and over in the air, feeling the slight weight inside. Hearing James and Sirius coming down, he quickly shoved the envelope into his pocket. The happy smile he'd been wearing vanished when he saw the faces of his two best friends.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Do you remember what tonight is, Moony?" James asked panickedly.

Remus shook his head slowly.

"Full moon!" Sirius cried. "What are we going to do? We certainly can't keep you here!"

"And my parents will certainly be suspicious when their son and his two companions suddenly just disappear without a word," James added.

Remus reeled. He had completely forgotten! Being with Lily was warping his mind more than he had realized.

"I'll go to the Shack alone," he finally decided.

James and Sirius shared a glance.

"What about my parents?" James asked.

"Tell them I had a family emergency and had to head home immediately."

"What are you going to tell Lily?" Sirius ventured.

"Sirius is right," James confirmed. "Evans will be the one most worried about you. And she certainly won't buy the 'family emergency' excuse."

"Are you going to tell her about…you?" Sirius looked very serious.

Remus seized up. He pictured Lily, running from him, screaming in fright, after finding out what he really was—

Then even worse, even more horrifying images: Lily dead, mangled at his hands--Lily bitten, the curse now on her as well—

Could he really take care of her, knowing what sort of monster resided within him?

James saw the conflicting emotions in Remus's eyes, and he felt terrible as well. It wasn't fair to Moony—he hadn't brought this curse upon himself. He had to help, at least.

"Tell you what, Moony. I'll just tell Evans you're planning some sort of surprise for her and had to go away. Just to give it a bit of a romantic feel."

Remus smiled wanly. "Thanks, Prongs."

But Remus didn't feel romantic. Not in the least anymore.

A dull ache gnawed at his stomach

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What is up with the boys? Lily wondered at she dabbed lightly at her mouth with her napkin. It was lunchtime at the Potters', and Lily was starting to feel extremely uncomfortable about the silence at the table. And all morning, Remus had been distracted and aloof.

"What's wrong? You boys—and lady—are so quiet!" Mrs. Potter commented as she set dessert on the table.

James smiled thinly. "Nothing, mum."

"Well, you ought to start packing up. You go back to Hogwarts tomorrow."

All three guys froze. Lily narrowed her eyes.

"Oh. I—er—forgot," Sirius finally said.

"I thought you'd be happy, Sirius. You get your wand back," Mrs. Potter continued.

"I am. I am." But Sirius didn't look it.

James stood up. "Come on, guys. We have to talk."

Lily rose to follow, but James shook his head. Remus took one look at her, his eyes shining with the most emotion Lily had ever seen. Then he turned away.

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Lily had secretly followed the guys for a while. But halfway through, she changed her mind. She was confident that Remus would certainly tell her if there was something serious, right? Slowly, Lily changed her direction, and headed for the library instead. She tried to immerse herself in a book, but it wasn't working. Suddenly, the door opened.

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Remus flopped onto a chair, emotionally exhausted. He, James, and Sirius had had a discussion about The Situation. They had forgotten that they were returning to Hogwarts the next day. While that was fixed, there was still something else: Lily. Remus had shared to James and Sirius his fears concerning his relationship with her.

He loved her, but not even love could turn him back into a normal human.

James and Sirius had tried to assure him that things would work out—nothing to worry about. But Remus felt otherwise. He would never forgive himself if, accidentally or not, he turned Lily into a werewolf too—

"Remus?" Lily's soft, sweet voice broke into his thoughts.

The sight of her now filled Remus with pain.

"Remus, what's wrong?" she asked. "You look so distressed."

Remus stared into the depths of her emerald-colored eyes, knowing that this would be the last time.

"I can't see you anymore."

AN: Thanks to:

Miss Lady Padfoot- Thanks! :) Me glad you liked it

Lil'doxy- Thanks! :)

Lupinlover99- Glad you loved it. :)

Alcapacien- Wow, I'm touched. :blush: And yup, he doesn't have to. :)

Carmel March- Yeah, I loved writing that part too. :)

Titou Moony:-p- I'm glad you liked it! That was the first romantic scene I've actually written by myself, and I hope it was good!:)

Laughing Fountain- Thanks! :) I'm glad you thought the LilyRemus scenes are good. And I'm really trying with that paragraph thing—it was really bothering me too.