Part LXXXVIII - We'll Follow



What do you mean our mail's being watched?

James let ut a long, tired breath and shook his head.

With most of the school knowing about that letter, they're suspicious about you being involved in the Dark.

But what the hell does that have to do with you? Remus snapped, angry with himself. It was one thing for him to go down, but his friends...

James closed his eyes, and tried to calm himself down. So they're checking on us, to make sure we aren't in with the wrong side... Remus, I pulled my funding, remember? They were already cautious then.



I have the single strongest bloodline in all of Britain, if not anywhere. he went on, rubbing his colourless face. It isn't strange for them to want me on the Light side. I mean... Moony, my parents. They did some pretty horrible things. If their power, me... If I turned Dark the Ministry would want to know.

But this is my fault! Remus said loudly, eliciting a short round of looks from the Gryffindor table. It seemed everyone was staring these days.

Don't be so hard on it. James tried to say, though his voice was weak. He was weary, no use trying to hide it. Again, he shook his head. Remus, it's alright. I've nothing to hide. I just want you to be careful...

Just watch what you write. Sirius said, joining in on the conversation. He sat down quickly, cracking his knuckles. No one asked of what mischief he had been doing.

Meaning, don't write to your friends. Peter said under his breath.

I have to tell them what's going on.

Get Lily to write-

They'll have her traced, Padfoot.

Remus swallowed, his mouth dry and throat closed tight. He knew who to ask, but he was reluctant to do so.

I'll take care of it... But thanks for the warning.



She was smiling, and it baffled him. Never before had Remus seen such a look on her face, and in its own right it looked foreign. His entire dream, for he knew it had to be a dream, was too surreal.

What are you going to do?

I'll wait for you, it shouldn't be too long.

But Rhint, I could be gone, for a long time. I don't think I can come back...

You'll make it.

But the Ministry-

They don't matter. You'll make it.

Remus opened his eyes, the dull crimson shades of light creeping in through his bed curtains.

He could still see her smile so vividly, and for a second he wondered if it had been a dream at all.



Would it be at all possible for me to take a short vacation?

Professor McGonnagal frowned, and slowly, she shook her head.

I'm afraid not, Mr. Lupin. The spring holidays just went by, and-

But this is very important! he interrupted, his face crestfallen.

The young woman pulled the glasses to the tip of her wrinkled nose, and frowned deeply. It cast even darker shadows under her eyes, making her look far too old and troubled.

Mr. Lupin, with all the withstanding comments on your affiliation to the Light side of magic, it would not be wise for you to leave the school.



If, in your absence, she continued sternly. another attack were to occur, well, I frankly wouldn't know how to settle the rumors.

They're only just that, though. Remus said, letting out a sigh. Please, you have to believe me, I'd never-

Albus has firmly told the staff that you're not one of the enemy. McGonnagal admitted, her eyes sparking for a moment. I just don't wish to allow the opportunity for more of your peers to question that. You're an outstanding young man, Mr. Lupin, and it pains me to see you in such a situation. If something were to happen, there would be no way to convince the students...

And then the Ministry would be involved. he finished, knowing what wasn't voiced. Professor, I'll have you know that at this point, I don't care about the school knowing what I am. It doesn't matter. The only reason I bother hiding it is for the sake of my friends, here and otherwise.

She lost her composure, and for a very good reason. What she had always seen as a troubled and pitiful boy stood before her wearing the most serious and heartfelt expression she'd ever had the chance to witness. It was shocking, to see him so determined.

My friends, a few hundred people I have to help, need me. Your word against this isn't going to stop me from leaving, and if that means my expulsion and the Ministry suspecting me of Dark activity, so be it. I don't care anymore. Their safety is my only priority.

He turned around, and stood still for a moment. In the quiet light, his battered cloak and patched satchel stood out, his frayed shoes that were too small, and the scrapped and chipped wand protruding from his pocket. He was a mess, everything about him looked so torn beyond grace.

But standing in the doorway, the soft flames glow flickering upon him, he left looking something of a fairy tale hero.

That child... God save his soul. If only there were more... she whispered to herself sadly.



Their eyes followed him. Everyone was different, their own being, their own story. But as he walked through the mud-encrusted path, they all watched with an admiring gleam and a stiffened heart.

He's here. a girl, a pack-mate to restless wolves that roamed the village, said under her breath. He's come back.


Remus closed his eyes, his hand clenched in a fist by his head. It was just inches from the door, though he couldn't quite bring himself to complete the motion. As soon as the door sounded, it was over.

They could smell him of course, but until he was ready to give in, they would do nothing. It had to be his call.

The town behind him all holding their breath, Remus swallowed and tapped the door twice before entering.

Caleb, Melhane... he said, nodding acknowledgments to each of them. They didn't smile, though he could read their emotions so plainly.

With a sigh, he set down his satchel and collapsed into one of the chairs.

Let's get this done before I change my mind. he said quietly.



So is this the end of us?

Remus shrugged lightly, her body rising from the gesture. She was lying atop him, her back to his chest, head on his shoulder as they looked up at the starless night. The world had blanketed the sky so dark just for the occasion, a forewarning of that to come.

I don't know, Rhint. Really, I don't see how this could ever end. The Underground will always be here, whether or not we survive to see it through.

His hand was atop hers, fingers laced together. He had never realised how calming it could be. Truly, he had never imagined it possible.

She smiled softly, and leaned against him more. I'm glad... Someday, this will all end. All the suffering, all the hate. We'll be able to be free.

Eyes closed, finding a better shade of black, Remus silently agreed. In time, if they never lost sight, there would be an end.

I'm sorry that I'm never around, I know it tears everyone apart here. The boys, Caleb, you too...

We don't expect you to stay here. she said, her voice fading in the calm. I don't either... You have something wonderful outside these mountains.



He had often questioned that. All the searing pain it had caused, all the times he wish her weren't torn so between two separate lives. But...

It is beautiful, isn't it?

He let out a sigh, and released so many years of turmoil.

It can be, Rhint. You just have to look to see it sometimes.



Romolus let out a sigh, and almost reluctantly, handed his brother's satchel over.

Take care of yourself, Remus. he said, his voice hoarse. His eyes had dimmed to a solemn grey, almost identical to the colour his sibling had always bared.

I'll be back. he said. Under the remaining strap of the satchel, he grasped his brother's hand, and held it tight for a moment. Letting go, he tried to smile.

I always come back, don't worry.

They laughed, for worry was something neither could avoid.

Da... Y-you're gonna come home, right? Cause, you know, we're worried, me'n Jason.

He knelt down and received the two boys in a frighteningly strong embrace.

Of course I will be. he said firmly.

Not allowing himself to have his very soul searched by the prying light eyes, he turned back to face his former commander.

Won't be the same without you, Caleb.

It's time you run solo.

Nah, I won't be alone. he said, chuckling. You'll all be there.

They all nodded, smiling, though none of them were happy. In their hearts they felt a shameful wish for him to succeed, and a fear that he would fail.

Neither outweighed the other.

I'll be back in two days. he said with a final nod to Rhint, who could only bring herself to sit on the stairs. Her eyes said more than anything that had been spoken in the parting.

Goodbye, for now. Romolus said.




This is a bad idea.

Give him a chance. Caleb said doubtfully, his words sounding shallow.

Romolus scoffed, and continued in his incessant pacing of the small house.

Someone should have gone with him though, this is too dangerous.

Rom, calm yourself down. Caleb said as gently as he could. Your brother has more experience and skill in this than I did, even when I could get around quicker. he's a level head to himself. So stop worrying, he's going to come back.

You send him to infiltrate the British Ministry by himself! the boy stammered.

He isn't a boy and you know that.

In disbelief, he looked to his traitorous wife standing in the kitchen.



That boy' has been through the gates of hell and back again, Rom dear, and you know better than to question his judgment. He wouldn't have gone if he didn't think he'd make it home.

Rom let his eyes drift to the dirty floor, and he shook his head slightly. If he figured it would benefit for the Underground... Shelly, I wouldn't trust him to gamble his own life.

We have two days until he comes home. Caleb interrupted, his face set. Might as well not ponder it until tomorrow...

There's a bar nearby, right?

Shelly rolled her eyes and threw her cooking mitt at him.

Don't you dare.

Hey, no one's stopping me. Caleb said with a grin, standing up.

By the door, Melhane held his cane, a mischievous smile in place.

I don't think so, boys. Not right now.

-

What are you doing in here this late at night?

Remus stopped humming, and his heart skipped a beat. He'd let his guard down, and in his absentmindedness, let a security Auror catch him in a restricted area.

Mr. Jemmons wanted a file for his Class-A report. His secretary didn't bring it to his office tonight, and he needs it to fill out the paperwork. I'm hired nightshift, so they called me in to get it. he said quietly, keeping his eyes to the ground. His hands were steady, continuing to file through the cabinet in search of the desperately needed files.

I would have been told if there was such a case.

It's an emergency, sir. They have a werewolf in the French Ministry, and Mr. Jemmons wanted-

Whatever, kid. Just lock the door when you're done.

The man walked away, though he paused at the door to look back.

Remus kept his head down and indiscreetly hid himself in the shadows.

-

And if he gets caught?

Romolus bit his lip, and tried not to think of the possible, and fairly probable outcome.

Rom, I know you already have it in your mind, but a lot of this has been brought on by you.

Remus would have done it eventually. he said quietly, finally taking a seat. It seemed that the entire Underground had done nothing but pace for the entire night. He was sure that the floor was beginning to wear away by now.

But, Rom... Shelly trailed off, and swallowed. You're the one that proposed this idea, stealing everything-

He shook his head, interrupting his wife. She was new to this, she hadn't lived with someone of the curse for so long... The idea was born eons ago Shell, just... Now was an opportunity.

So you let your brother march off to his own death?

Her delicate face, still shadowed from past pains and the haunting memory of what her community had once done, was devoid of any colour. She had her hands laced together, clenched tight in some sort of anger. Romolus didn't quite understand.

Shelly, he's going to come back, you just don't understand him.

He's a child, Romolus! she snapped. He's just a child... You let him run off on his own to face an entire army of his greatest enemy, and no one lifts a finger to follow him.

I'd give my life for him to have a better chance. Romolus said firmly, his jaw clenching. You just can't see this all, Shell. The Ministry isn't his foe. He's his own greatest enemy, everyone here's the same way. I would only get in his way, mentally and physically.

Shaking her head, Shelly let out a sigh. It doesn't make sense to me.

Unless he does this, knowing he'll have missed the chance to save even a single one of his kind would tear him apart. He has to do this on his own, and Shelly, believe me, he isn't going to fail.

-

Gazing up at the ceiling, Remus tried to think of anything to do. Something, anything at all. The only thought that came out was that he had failed.

They're going to be captured...' he said to himself, though his mouth didn't move. Nothing moved.

Motionless and unblinking, he stared at the swirling haze of khaki above.

They were all going to be detained, and it'd be his own fault. He'd let his guard down, such a fool for it! There was no way he was going to make it back in time to warn them.

Can't let them down...'

He tried again, to make his body respond. All he felt was a dull, throbbing pain somewhere in the back of his head, like a nail slowly being ground in inch by inch. The rest of him seemed to not exist. Only the pain and the dim sight of the ceiling told him he was even alive.

I shouldn't be, though.'

Now, in his line of vision, he saw a startled form. A wispy shadow, nothing more, but he knew it to be a night guard. There was the grey uniform and cap, and he had his wand drawn.

So that's who tried to kill me.' he thought, wishing he could move. The figure looked shocked, he could see the O' of his mouth and the pupils of his eyes. So wide, scared... He had to be new on the job, jumpy so early in the morning.

Once he calls help, I'll never make it back.'

His eyes finally closed, and with immense relief, Remus managed to move his arm. It was by sheer force of will and negligence for the now splitting pain in his head that he overcame the torment that Avada Kedarva wrought upon those afflicted with lycanthropy. It was worse than before, being hit full-on.

You're-you're not d-dead!

He was only a kid, hell, barely older than Remus. Didn't even look it, though.

Smirking slightly, Remus pushed himself upright with the arm that was willing to function properly.

He noticed, for the first time, that he was no longer afraid.

I have a job to finish. he said hoarsely, his lips slowly twitching into a maniacal smile. And I'm not going to let everyone down. Not anymore.

Staggering, limping, beaten and broken, Remus managed his way forward with wand in hand.

But no more did he fear his own death, his capture, or the well-being of his comrades. he had a duty to fulfill, and nothing was going to stop him now.

It's time to finish this. he whispered, striding by the confounded night-watch.






A/n- Yeah, I'm back. Again... Sorry updates are irregular once more, I'm trying to adjust to writing continually again. Happiness and IIDX (my new video game addiction) have been taking up my time.

:)

So, I'll be seeing you all for the next chapter then. Hope you enjoyed, and review! (aren't you tired of hearing that by now?)

Iggie