IN THE NAME OF LOVE
by The Goblet
Chapter 7
Remus walked apprehensively towards Severus' quarters. Kingsley was escorting him, leading the way down to the dungeons.
The Auror had assured him that he was not being taken to Azkaban. In fact, the Ministry had no idea that he had attacked another wizard. Nor would they ever find out. Kingsley was merely there as a member of the Order. And as a friend.
As they neared the door to Severus' private rooms, Remus grew even more agitated. The closer he got, the less he wanted to see Severus' body. And the less he wanted to look into Albus' eyes. The episode in the vault had been bad enough.
Kingsley opened the door, and, very gently, guided him inside. They bypassed Severus' living areas and Kingsley steered Remus into the Potions Master's bedchamber.
Lupin hesitated at the door as he spied Severus lying in his bed. Someone had wrapped bandages around his wounds, and placed him under a blanket.
The wolf must have really torn into the other man. There was no other explanation as to why Albus would have resorted to covering his wounds with bandages, rather than cast a glamour charm to hide them.
Albus was sitting on a chair beside the bed. He held Severus' hand in his, and was speaking to the man in a soft low voice.
Remus choked back a sob as he realised that the Headmaster was trying to say his final goodbye to Severus: the man that he had killed.
Albus looked up at the noise and stopped speaking to Severus. "Come in, Remus," he said gently.
The werewolf was rooted to the spot. He couldn't move. He couldn't stand to see the pain in Albus' eyes. He shook his head and spun around to leave, only to find Kingsley blocking his escape route.
Slowly, he gathered the courage to face the Headmaster again and Kingsley's hand in the small of his back propelled him into the room.
"I'm so sorry," he blurted out. "I didn't mean to kill him!" Remus collapsed at Albus' feet crying openly. Sirius was gone, and now Severus too, not two months later and at his own hand.
He felt two fingers gently lift his chin. "Stop crying, Remus," Albus instructed kindly. "He isn't dead."
tbc...
Feedback very welcome!