Food For Thought

Part 5

For some reason the day of the full moon, Remus was feeling odd. He made it through his first couple of classes fine. But then around four o'clock, he felt ill. That was strange, considering he usually made it to 6 at least. Thinking he simply had a head-cold, he decided to wait it out. Despite Severus' protests, Remus continued to teach his last couple of classes.

Unfortunately, the aging man was not able to make it past 5:30. He even had to excuse himself from his classroom so he could be sick away from all the explosions and ruckus of his class. Although he was wary of leaving a class of 7th year Gryffindors to their own devices, he simply could not stay.

Remus had to place a hand of the wall to steady himself as he walked. His knees felt unusually weak. It was like they had suddenly become hollow and could not hold his weight. Coughing violently and wheezing a little, he finally collapsed to the floor. He spit up a bit of stomach acid before passing out. A few minutes later, one of his concerned students wandered out of the class trying to find him. Her long red hair flowed behind her as she searched. She just happened to turn the right corner to find her unconscious teacher lying motionless on the floor. Horrified by what she saw, she ran back to get help.

The blonde ended up being carried to the Hospital ward by another of his students. A few of them waiting there with him until Severus breezed in and forced them out. Severus then kneeled by his loved and opened the cork to a bottle. He pressed it to Remus' lips and forced it into his mouth. Not wanting him to choke, Severus massaged his throat until he swallowed a little of the potion. Feeling a little more relaxed now that Remus had some of his potion, Severus sat down next to him.

After a few hours of just pacing and waiting, Severus went to close the blinds. It was getting darker and darker by the minute, and the moon was beginning to irritate him. He knew the change would happen to Remus at any moment. He watched and waited, looking for any signs of change in his lover. As expected, they came on fast.

Remus started to convulse, his eyes dating back and forth. He clawed at his pillows, fur springing up all over his arms and face. Severus put a hand on his head, hoping to sooth him while it happened. Although the sight revolted him, Severus did not move away from Remus. Now was the time when he needed him most. Once he was fully a wolf, his eyes shot open. He stared at Severus, who stared back. The gold tint in his eyes startled the other man. Usually, his eyes at least stayed the same amber color they'd always been. Today, they were different.

Severus froze, eyes locked with the wolfs. His insides curdled as a deep throaty growl escaped from Lupin's mouth. Severus tried to slowly withdraw his hand so not to agitate his lycan lover. Unfortunately, as he did so, the large brown animal stirred. It snarled at him, fur beginning to stand on end.

It was the first time since 6th year that Severus was afraid of Remus. Moving as slowly as he could, Severus rose to his feet. He had to get away from Remus as soon as possible. It was obvious that the potion was not taking effect on him. Severus wondered briefly if he hadn't done it right… As Severus tried to move away, he saw Remus rise from his lying position. He hunched over, mouth contorted in a growl.

Severus looked at those teeth and felt sick.

"Remus…" he murmured. The wolf snapped it's jaws at him, eyes blazing.

Severus reached for his wand, hoping to stun his lover before things got out of control. He was not nearly fast enough. Remus sprung at him, mouth open. Shocked, all Severus could do was wince away. That of course, did nothing. The wolf was on top of him within seconds, jaws snapping at his throat. Severus growled and pushed up against him, trying to force him off.

It was useless. The wolf was large, at least 120 pounds. It's jaws had the power to crush bones, and with that power, the animal bit into Severus shoulder. The man cried out in pain. 'Oh…oh shit!' he thought. He'd been bitten.

Still struggling despite the pain, Severus grabbed the wolf by the mouth and tossed it's head aside. Remus was thrown for a moment while Severus struggled to crawl away. Remus shook his head and went to the long haired man again. This time, he got him by the ankle and dragged him across the floor.

Severus gasped as he felt a tendon tear and his bones snap. Oh Merlin. Was he going to die? Was Remus going to kill him?

"Remus! Let go!" he cried. To his surprise, Remus actually paused and released him for a second. It was all Severus needed to get his wand out. He flipped over to his back and pointed the weapon at Remus.

"Stupify!" he shouted, voice sounding horse.

The wolf went stiff, blood still staining his mouth. Severus breathed a sigh of relief and managed to crawl away. He pushed the door open and managed to get out. Once he was out, he closed it and locked it firmly. Severus looked around for something to help him stand.

He grasped a table and hoisted himself to his feet. He managed to stumble out and into the hall. He didn't get much further before shock from blood loss set in and he blacked out.

When Remus awoke the next morning, he was confused. The room was torn apart and there was blood spattered on the floor. Afraid that it wasn't his own blood, he licked his lips. There was blood there, and between his teeth. Quickly, he checked himself over for any signs of injury. There was nothing. Terrified by what he might have done or who he might have hurt, Remus went for the door. He tugged on the handle, but it was locked.

Merlin, had he hurt someone? Was it Poppy? One of the students? He had no idea. He had to find out. He muttered a spell and pushed the door open. There was no one around, but there were blood stains on the floor.

Remus closed his eyes and concentrated on his sense of smell. He followed the smell all the way to Dumbledore's office. Cautously, he muttered "Ice cream Banana Split" and waited for the door to open. It slowly did and he ran up the stairs. When he got to the office doors, he pushed them open.

Albus was seated at his desk, head bowed.

"Albus!"

"Oh, Remus." He said, raising his head. "I was not expecting you to wake so soon." He looked at Remus and motioned to his mouth. Remus wiped his mouth, embarrassed. He saw blood on the back of his hand and quickly wiped it on his pant leg.

Albus seemed to be studying him.

"Who….did I? Did I kill anyone?" He asked.

To his relief, Albus shook his head.

"It seems there was a problem with the wolfsbane potion. It didn't have it's usual effect and…"

Remus swallowed the lump that was forming in his throat as Albus continued.

"Severus has been sent to St. Mungo's."

"What? Severus…what did I…?"

"You torn a muscle in his shoulder and broke his ankle. It's nothing too serious, but he has been infected."

Remus felt his stomach turn over. "What?"

"Severus was infected, and unfortunately, we did not arrive in time for him to be vaccinated."

Remus nodded, not being able to find any words. Finally, he rose from his chair. "I understand. I shall pack my things and be gone before noon…"

"What are you going on about?" Albus asked, tilting his head.

"I expect you'll want me to resign. After all, I'm a danger and-"

"Hush now. I'll hear no more of this,. You will, of course, be staying. And I expect that you're worried about Severus and would like to see him. Or am I mistaken?"

"N-no sir. I just-"

"Go on. I shall inform them you are coming."

"Thank you, Albus," he muttered, turning to leave. He breathed a deep sigh, and walked out.

A/N: I actually had a lot of fun writing this chapter. But the weirdest thing happened to me while I was typing it. My nose felt very wet, so I touched it and looked down. There was blood freaking everywhere. My stupid house is so dry that I got a nose bleed. I haven't had a nose bleed since I was a little kid. It was the strangest thing, and it was awful. I was latterly dripping blood from my nose onto my hand as I rushed downstairs to get a wet towel. I can't believe all that blood can come from your freaking nose. It was a lot and I can still taste it in my throat.

Thanks for reading!

Khavi