Disclaimer, Warnings, Etc. - Please see the first chapter for those.

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-The Haunted-
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Chapter 3 - Shadows

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Remus was in the kitchen, washing the dishes and staring absently out the window, when the call came. He jumped nearly a foot in the air when Sirius' voice sounded behind him, his thoughts crashing back down to Earth. He whirled around, a hand over his heart. Siri! You scared me half to death. What is it?

His lover regarded him with concern.That's what I wanted to talk about. You're never this jumpy. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen you staring off into space like that, either. You've been weird lately. What's wrong?

What was wrong? Didn't he know? For God's sake, they were being watched, followed, - stalked! - by some nutter! That was the problem! It had been an entire week since they had received those notes, and Remus had been getting more and more nervous with every day that passed. All week, he had been getting the strangest feeling that he could sense someone watching him - though when he looked, he never saw anything out of the ordinary.If there really was someone watching them... well, they hadn't given their observer anything of interest, unless he had x-ray vision and could see through their bedroom curtains at night. But nevertheless, it made Remus cringe to think someone might be watching as he showered, cuddled with Sirius, or marked papers. Of course, they weren't entirely sure they were being constantly observed, but it made Remus extremely nervous all the same.

Sirius repeated. Remus realised he had been woolgathering all over again.

He turned away from the sink, withdrawing his hands from the soapy water. I'm just... thinking...

Don't get fussed over it, Sirius said gently, correctly guessing what his husband was thinking about. You know fretting over it is just what this guy wants us to do. He wants to make us uneasy, you know, so maybe we'll slip up, or something like that. You're just acting the way he expects us to. Savvy?

You're right, Remus admitted. But... you know... it's just... weird. I can't help it. You do have to admit this isn't normal. I still think we should go to the police.

I already told you why we can't.

I know.... but I keep getting strange vibes, like someone's following me, or watching me...

Sirius kissed his forehead. Yeah, me too. The other day, I could have sworn someone was tailing me all the way to the Underground station. He tried his best to offer a comforting smile. Just my imagination, I guess.



I know, I know. Don't be so flippant about it.' Really, it's no big deal, love - just paranoia to the max. We'll be fine. Haven't we always?

I guess...

Good. Listen, I've got to head down to the garage for a little while - Bill says it's an emergency. Don't worry more than you have to, okay?

Remus replied, standing on tiptoe to kiss Sirius softly on the lips. Have fun.... don't be gone long, he added, with a seductive little pout.

I'll go as fast as I can, knowing what I've got waiting at home for me, Sirius breathed, his hands slipping down to cup his lover's buttocks. As a matter of fact.... he lowered his head and kissed Remus' neck, ...I might tell Bill we've got an emergency of our own...

Remus sighed softly in bliss as Sirius kissed his shoulder. As much as I'd love that, darling, I can't let you skip work... the overweight blokes will miss you...

Ha, ha, Sirius said sarcastically, giving his lover a light smack on the bum. See you later, love.

Bye bye, darling. Remus giggled softly and turned back to the dishes. He had only been at it for a few minutes when he heard the distinctive click of the letterbox. He frowned, glancing at the clock. It was too late in the day for regular post. He headed for the front door, wiping his hands on a towel.

His heart began to pound. Lying on the mat was a small blue envelope, identical to the one that had been delivered to him at school. It was addressed simply to the Blacks - which he supposed meant himself and Sirius. (Naturally, seeing as all the other Blacks were in Germany.) With shaking hands, he slit it open. A photograph fell out, fluttering to the floor and landing at his feet, face-down. Remus bent to pick it up.

It was a picture of a wrought-iron fence, surrounded by flowers. It didn't look remotely familiar in the least. Remus frowned, flipping it over, hoping for some sort of comment; but there was nothing written on the photo. He checked the envelope again, drawing out a blue piece of stationary. There was only one sentence written on it.

Does this look familiar to either of you?'

No, it didn't look familiar at all. Remus put the stationary and the photo back in the envelope. His mouth felt rather dry for some reason, and he realised he had broken out in goosebumps. The feeling of being watched suddenly increased, almost as if he could feel eyes boring into the back of his head. He put the envelope on the phone table, resolving to show it to Sirius as soon as he returned.

He peered cautiously out the bay window in the parlour, hoping, perhaps, to catch a glimpse of the note-writer. Surely he or she would still be close by? However, there was almost no one in sight, except for old Mrs. Purkiss down the street, who was watering her begonias. Even so, the feeling of being watched refused to lessen. It was paranoid to be thinking this way, he berated himself - but could you really blame him?

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Sirius arrived home while Remus was down in the cellar, doing laundry. He reached up and took his hair down, pulling out the clips which held it up, unbraiding it and shaking out the silky, ebony mass. He kicked off his boots, his gaze landing on a small blue envelope sitting on the phone table. He picked it up. It was addressed to the Blacks, and it had already been opened - Remus must have gotten it. He pulled out the envelope's contents as his lover emerged from the cellar, carrying a laundry basket full of neatly-folded towels.

That came today, right after you left, Remus said, carrying the basket of towels into the bathroom. I haven't the slightest idea what it's about, but maybe you will.

Sirius shrugged. He looked down at the note. Does this look familiar to either of you?'

His gaze switched to the photo and felt as if he had been hit in the stomach with something very heavy. The photo showed a wrought-iron fence, bordered by flowers. In the distance, he could just make out what appeared to be a child's swing set. He knew that place. He realised he was holding his breath, and let it out with a whoosh, sinking onto the sofa with trembling legs. Remus emerged from the bathroom, carrying the empty laundry basket. Love, what's wrong?

Sirius looked up at his lover, feeling curiously weak. Did - did you see this? He held up the photo. Do you know what this is ?

No, do you?

He swallowed. This is - this is where I killed Williams.

Remus' eyes widened; he seized the picture. He gulped. Where is it?

The park. Over by the children's swings. Remember, they found his body right outside the park?

Remus plopped down on the arm of the sofa as the strength went out of his legs. Are you sure?

Of course I am. I'm the one who did it, remember? Sirius snapped.

I know, I just -

Forgot? Lucky you. I suppose it's easy for you to forget every now and then, right? Sirius' voice was growing waspish.

Siri, you know I feel just as horrible about it as you do -

If you feel so horrible, how come it's so easy to forget what I did? Sirius shouted. For God's sake, I'm a murderer, Remus -

I couldn't forget it if I tried! Remus shouted back. Siri, do you honestly think I'd be able to forget something like that - he lowered his voice. I love you, no matter what you've done. You know I do.

Sirius put his face in his hands. he muttered, his voice muffled. It's just... you know. Makes me feel ruddy terrible every time I'm reminded of it. Maybe you're in love with a murderer, but I am the murderer, and I don't think I have to tell you which one is more of a guilt trip.

The brunette put his arms around his lover's neck. I'm sorry, too.

There's no need for you to be.

I'm sorry anyway. Remus rested his cheek against the top of Sirius' head. I know this isn't easy for you.

Sirius sighed. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that. You're doing your best to make me feel better. It's just a shock, you understand? To see that place again after... well...

His lover kissed his forehead. I understand... when you told me what it was... I mean, I didn't even recognize the park before you said it... he frowned. This is what you meant... isn't it? This morning? This person... whoever it is... he wants us to get mad at each other, doesn't he? He wants us to... I don't know... stop trusting each other?

Who knows. Sirius' arms wound slowly around Remus' waist. But I do know this means he definitely knows what's going on. He kissed Remus' throat. I don't know what we're going to to, though... well... about the notes. But... I can think of what to do with you...

With me ? Remus really didn't think this was the appropriate time for seduction, given the circumstances; but he wasn't about to complain as Sirius ran a hand along his thigh. Besides, he'd had enough of this depressing train of thought to last a lifetime; any distraction was more than welcome. He plucked the envelope and its contents from his lover's fingers, tossing them aside onto the coffee table. Why, whatever can you mean, Sirius Black?

I'll show you what I mean. Sirius stood, Remus in his arms, and began climbing the stairs to their bedroom, placing kisses along his lover's neck as he went. I'll show you pleasure better than anything ever felt in Heaven or Hell.

I like the way that sounds, Remus breathed, as Sirius kicked the bedroom door shut behind him and lowered him onto the bed.

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The next day was Sunday, Remus' day to rise early and take a walk while Sirius had a lie-in. He dressed quickly in one of Sirius' old t-shirts and a pair of sweatpants, then brushed Sirius' hair aside and leaned down to kiss his cheek.

'Ave fun, Sirius mumbled into his pillow, still three-quarters asleep. Love you.

Love you, too. Remus slipped out of the bedroom, closing the door silently behind him. He pulled on his running shoes and locked the door behind him before heading off. He really loved these Sunday morning walks; the streets were still and silent except for a small trickle of people heading to church. He did wish Sirius would come with him every once and awhile, but after a long week at the garage his husband deserved to sleep late.

He stopped to peek at the selection in the front window of an antiques shop. He really liked buying old pieces; he also liked buying beat-up furniture at bazaars and fixing them up for the house. He had completely refurbished a Welsh dresser year before last which now held pride-of-place in the dining room, flanked by a pair of jade dragons he had rescued from a bin on trash day. It had become quite a conversation piece with guests.

As he admired an old screen decorated with cranes, he heard footsteps behind him. He turned to see a man around his age standing there. He reminded Remus of Sirius when he was young - probably because of his shoulder-length hair and the cigarette in between his lips. He had dark green, mysterious eyes that were somehow almost hypnotic - another way he reminded Remus of his lover. Good morning.

Good morning. The man dropped his cigarette and ground it out under the toe of one boot. You like antiques, yes?

Very much, Remus answered, relived to find the man wasn't a mugger or a murdering psycho. Are you the owner of this shop?

No, I just like to browse. I don't live too far from here. Are you headed for church?

Oh, no, Remus said with a laugh. Not dressed like this, anyway. I'm just out for a walk.

The man's gaze had switched to the wedding ring on Remus' left hand, which glimmered in the early-morning light. Where's your husband, then?

He's - wait a moment. Remus frowned, puzzled. How did you -

It happened so fast he barely realised what was going on. The man suddenly grabbed him tight-tight around the waist, pulling Remus against him. Something hard and cold poked against Remus' ribs. A gun? Don't make a noise, the man hissed in his ear. Just come with me.

No - Remus struggled against the man's painfully tight grasp. Let me go-

A fist drove itself into his stomach, hard. Remus gasped, suddenly unable to breathe. He collapsed. The man caught him, hefting him up onto his shoulder in a fireman's carry. He cast a quick glance around, checking for onlookers, but the streets were deserted. The houses were likewise still and silent - their occupants were either at church or still asleep. The man hurried off down the street, where a van was parked. He quickly shut Remus into the back of the van, then clambered into the driver's seat. Another fast look around assured him that he was quite unobserved. He started the van up and pulled away from the curb, speeding off down the road and eventually joining the traffic thronging the motorway. Remus moaned softly in the back, but remained unconscious.

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It was nearly ten when Sirius got out of bed. He yawned and stretched, tossing his hair back. Where was Remus? Usually he was back by now, to prod his lover out of bed. Maybe he had stumbled upon one of those Sunday morning auctions or estate sales. They weren't rich, but they weren't badly off, either, and Remus loved to splurge on new-old books and odd knickknacks for the house. But he never took his wallet with him on his walks, in fear of muggers... ah, well. Sirius decided to wait and see if Remus showed up a little later. There were plenty of things out there that were bound to distract his lover. It wasn't anything to get fussed about. Sirius trudged into the kitchen and began to make breakfast.

But an hour later, Remus still hadn't returned, and Sirius was very worried. It wasn't normal for Remus to be out for this long without calling, and he certainly never went on five-hour walks. Picking sullenly at his scrambled eggs (which were steadily growing colder and more rubbery every minute), Sirius wondered if perhaps Remus hadn't left on purpose... maybe he didn't want to come back... Sirius didn't blame him, it must be torture to know your lover was a bloody murderer...

No, that was silly. Remus loved him, and Sirius knew that as well as he knew his own name. Besides, he hadn't taken anything with him. Maybe he had gotten hurt? Sirius bit his lip at the thought. Was Remus lying hurt in the road somewhere, bleeding to death? No, surely not. Remus walked along well-travelled roads; if he was hurt, someone would have found him and brought him to a hospital...

But (no pun intended), he seriously couldn't stand it anymore. Abandoning his rubbery eggs, Sirius jumped up from the table and snagged his car keys. He'd start driving along Remus' usual route - maybe he'd find his lover sitting on a bench somewhere, immersed in a book or in conversation with a student...

But none of that was necessary. As soon as Sirius set foot in the hall, the letterbox clanked and a blue envelope drifted to the floor. Sirius bounded to the door and yanked it open, hoping to catch the person who kept delivering the damned things - but there was no one in sight. Frustrated, Sirius slammed the door and bent to pick up the envelope.

There was only one thing inside. It was a photograph of Remus, apparently unconscious, lying on an old, stained mattress. Sirius stared at it in horror for a few moments, unable to tear his eyes from the trickle of blood at the corner of his lover's mouth. Remus was bound at the wrists and ankles with thick, scratchy-looking rope.

Finally, Sirius tore his gaze away from this terrible scene, flipping the photo over with shaking, numb fingers.

The stage is set. The players are ready. Now, Mr. Black - let the show begin.'

To Be Continued...

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(A/N: Written while I was at the beach. I hate the beach. Everything got full of sand, and my feet have patches of sunburn on the top where I missed them with the lotion. The seagulls attacked me when I was eating my french fries. But I still managed to write this chapter (by hand) before my mother finally said it was time to go. I know it's not really R-rated, but just to be safe.... stay tuned for chapter 4!)