Childlike Innocence
Chapter 6: Something Appalling
Severus had fallen asleep from sheer exhaustion as Remus laid him down on the sofa in the living room. As Remus regarded the sleeping child's countenance, he felt a surge of envy, wishing that he too could just curl up and fall asleep. With the moon rising in five hours, he could barely keep his feet underneath him. He stumbled into the kitchen and set their shrunken purchases on the counter. He decided at least to put the food away tonight.
ooO0Ooo
The shopping trip had really gone quite well. Severus had not begged to have everything he saw, had thrown no tantrums, and had not run off, thank goodness.
They had gone first to get clothing at Madame Malkin's Robes for all Occasions. The moment they had entered the shop, a bubbly assistant had bounced over and begun cooing over Severus as she smacked her gum and blew huge bubbles with it. Severus' face had taken on a mixed expression of terror and disgust as he tried to back away from her, bumping into Remus' legs.
Five minutes later Remus finally persuaded Severus to stand on a stool so that his measurements could be taken. They had chosen several materials, with a variety of colors and patterns and Remus had looked through a style catalogue selecting which cuts they wanted (Albus had insisted that no expense be spared). With a snapping bubble and a wink, she told them everything would be ready and could be picked up in an hour and a half. With a strained smile, Remus placed his hands on Severus shoulders and guided him out the door.
Next, they had gone to Flourish and Blotts and bought Severus several books including a new children's series that had been penned by Gilderoy Lockhart (his first published works since the accident).
Severus was in a much better mood when they left the bookshop, and after a quick stop at the toy shop and another stop at The Jolly Hangman, which sold general household items like food and cleaning supplies, they had picked up the robes at Madame Malkin's and flown to the house.
ooO0Ooo
After the fridge and pantry were completely stocked, Remus rummaged through one of the clothing packages and pulled out a pair of little pajamas. He picked Severus up and took him upstairs to the guest room where he changed him and tucked him into bed. Remus then trudged back down the stairs to the kitchen where he had his last dose of Wolfsbane Potion. After downing it, he went into his study, locked the door and collapsed on the couch waiting for the transformation.
ooO0Ooo
He was falling. Falling, falling, falling and no way to stop. He kept screaming but nobody heard. He was about to hit the ground…Severus awoke with a start, to a dark, unfamiliar room. He was in a big bed and was dressed in a pair of pajamas.
He pushed back the covers and slid off the bed, his bare feet landing lightly on the smooth wooden floor. He turned the door handle, wincing as it creaked slightly. The only light came through a window over the stairs, the light of a full moon. He carefully made his way down the stairs, making sure to step as close to the inner curve as possible so there would not be any creaking.
He did not see Remus anywhere, but there was a soft glow coming from underneath one of the doors. When he tried the door, it was locked. He sighed. He thought about what his father had taught him.
"Severus, concentrate very hard and see what you want to happen. Make it happen; those with concentration have the power."
He closed his eyes. In his mind, he pictured what he wanted to happen. He pictured himself reaching for the handle and turning it. He pictured it opening. He concentrated very, very hard. Then he had the secret thought and combined it with his concentration. He took a deep breath and opened his eyes.
The door was open. He slipped in quietly and looked around. It was a study, and in the hearth, a cozy fire burned. He did not see Remus anywhere, but on the rug in front of the fire, a dog was curled up fast asleep. Well it looked kind of like a dog, but he did not think it was one. Severus walked over to it and sat down. He tentatively reached out his hand and stroked its soft head. He began to feel drowsy again and curled up against the dog like creature, falling fast asleep.
The irony of the image presented cannot be lost on anyone, but Irony was the last thing on Remus' and Severus' mind the following morning.
Severus awoke first, smiling at the big dog as he gave it a scratch behind the ears. Remus began to stir, stretching slightly before opening his lupine eyes. He wasn't really awake yet, but at the sight of Severus sitting next to him smiling, his sleep addled brain jolted into complete awareness.
He scrabbled away from the child as quickly as he could, pressing himself against the wall. Suddenly, he felt the pain of the change begin to course through him. Severus was scared. The dog had frantically run away from him and now something was wrong with it. It began to change shape. He watched it scream and writhe as it slowly changed into a man. It was Remus. It suddenly clicked in Severus mind: Remus was a werewolf.
Remus felt very sore, but he stood shakily, and slipped into a dressing gown that was folded on the desk. He turned to face Severus who was now looking at him in pure terror. Remus sighed and gently reached out a hand, "Severus, what are you doing in here? How did you even get in here for that matter? I had the door locked."
"Ge..get away from me..don't touch me." Severus said, frantically reaching for the door handle, and before Remus could blink, the small, dark haired child had run out of the room.
ooO0Ooo
Where to go? He couldn't stay in the house, the werewolf was there. He was frightened and felt very alone. He ran outside. He could see the path that led to the meadow. Adrenalin coursing through him, he began to run. He ran through the meadow and into the woods. He kept running and running until suddenly the ground gave way beneath him and he felt himself falling.
If you missed it, I will beat you over the head with my laptop.
(End of Chapter)
