Hello all! Here's the next chapter and I hope everyone enjoys it! Thanks for all the reviews and comments – you guys are great!
-Moki
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Remus awoke with an awful headache. While it was true that he had experienced this sort of thing before a full moon, this was worse than normal. Cursing his bad luck at having to get poisoned close to a transformation night, he sat up.
Immediately he was sorry he tried as his head spun and he found that he had to lie back down. After a few moments he regained his wits and attempted, slowly this time, to rise again. With a bit more effort than expected he was able to sit up in bed but found himself shaking from the attempt.
"Now this just isn't going to do, old man" he said aloud to himself.
But though he really wanted to get out of his bed he truly found that he couldn't. Remus was just beginning to wonder if he was going to be stuck up in his room alone all day when he heard a creak outside his door.
"Harry?" he called. For he had a feeling he knew who was outside his door.
However when the door opened Remus found all three of his house companions standing there.
"Well come on in everyone, seems I'm still under the weather a bit today. So I'm glad you decided to come up here to see me" Remus said, doing his best to not show just how he felt. He noticed his hands shaking and quickly put them under the quilt, smiling weakly.
"Yes well we had a feeling you might still be a bit off color so we thought we'd come up and have a chat" Arthur said, returning Remus' smile nervously.
"How are you feeling this morning, Remus? Any change from yesterday?" Severus asked, quietly taking the chair closest to the bed.
"As a matter of fact I am feeling a little worse than yesterday but I'm sure that's due to the full moon tonight. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about" he replied, still trying to sound as reassuring as he could. Everyone had been spending too much time worrying over him as it was.
"But your symptoms, would you say they were worse than a normal month?" Severus asked.
Remus wondered at the intense questioning from Severus and began to worry that all may not be right. The apprehension in all three of their eyes' began to take its toll on Remus and he could deny no longer what he was feeling.
"Yes" he said quietly "They are definitely worse than normal Severus. What does it mean?" he asked a little irritably. He really didn't think he could handle any more surprises.
"Well, as you've probably already guessed, we think their severity has to do with the poison. Arthur and I think that it has done more damage than originally hoped" Snape said somberly.
Remus tried hard not to panic as the meaning of Severus' words sunk in slowly. Did those words really mean what he though they did? Swallowing his fear he decided to get this whole thing over with and get to the bottom of what they were trying to tell him. Levity seemed like a good idea so he laughed a bit and said "So, I'm dying then? Well that's alright seeing as I didn't really have anything else more pressing to do today. Now if this had come up tomorrow that would have been a problem as my schedule is quite full on Fridays normally"
Remus was doing his best to lighten the mood in the room. For though this latest piece of news was frightening he didn't want anyone to know how he felt. He knew that Harry at least, needed some reassurance so soon after losing Sirius. Also Remus had faith in these wizards. Arthur was a great man and would give his life for any of them in an instant. As for Severus, Remus was sure too that he wouldn't give up once he'd started a fight. Ever since waking up and finding himself alive after being so sure he'd drawn his last breath, Remus had looked at Severus in a new light. Harry had proven himself in tougher situations than this so between all of them, Remus knew there had to be a plan. He decided to cut through the rigmarole and get down to it.
"So what should I do about it?" he asked.
"We think what is happening to you is quite simple actually" Severus said cooly. "It appears that the poison damaged your body before I could make an antidote. Now you are weak due to the impending full moon and your body can't rebuild itself. But we also know that when you transform you are quite strong" With this Severus paused.
"Yes, yes I know. Lupin is a weakling while the monster inside is not. What are you getting at?" Remus was getting a little frustrated again, try as he might to not do so. His head was throbbing terribly and he was beginning to feel nauseous and shaky.
"Now, now Remus that's not what Severus meant and you know it" Arthur said consolingly.
"He didn't mean you were weak, Remus because we all know you're not. He was only talking about the time before a full moon" Harry suddenly said from the corner where had been standing quietly listening. Remus was surprised to hear Harry defending the Potion Master's turn of phrase. But he didn't have time to dwell on it as Severus continued.
"As I was saying. No you are not a weak man Remus but you are weakened by the lycanthropy. Right now I don't think you have a shot at fighting this and if we don't do something you're only going to get worse" Severus paused again, seemingly to steel himself. Finally he continued "Therefore I think it would be advisable to allow you to transform tonight, but without the wolfsbane potion"
This statement surprised Remus much as it had surprised Harry. Remus however, immediately saw the benefits of what they were suggesting. He knew that when he transformed his body became very strong. His knowledge of this didn't come from actual memories, but the way he felt afterwards. The pain of cuts, bruises and even a few broken bones proved many a time that he, the werewolf, had been involved in many a battle during those nights. He had also seen the damage he had done to the Shrieking Shack and there too were obvious indications of the strength his body had during those times. Perhaps they were right? Maybe transforming into the full-blooded werewolf, not the plebian version on the wolfsbane potion, would be enough to save his life. But this idea also frightened Remus . For transformations without the wolfsbane were something he'd hoped to never re-live again. The pain involved in doing this was going to be horrible. But, he decided, if it was going to bring him back from the brink of death then he must try it. Even now he could feel himself getting worse as the minutes wore on. This was probably his last and only hope.
After much consideration, during which all three of his companions kept quiet, Remus finally nodded his agreement.
Once Remus agreed things started happening very quickly. They decided that when the time came they would move him to a spare bedroom on the third floor so as not to destroy his own room. Arthur and Harry took on the task of getting the room prepared for the impending transformation. They removed everything from the walls and all of the furniture except for the bed. For the plan was to use magic to strap Remus to the bed. They sincerely hoped it would contain the werewolf. Harry had hoped the straps wouldn't be necessary and acted as though he were about to protest, but Remus reassured him.
"I think it's for the best" He told Harry when Arthur had left the room to fetch Remus a glass of water. " I think if I'm free in the room I may be able to figure out how to get out. Also if there's any reason for any of you to enter the room, it would be best for all of us if I'm bound. I do not want to accidentally bite any of you"
He could tell that Harry still didn't like it but was willing to go along with the plan as laid out.
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Finally night came and the house became very still. Everyone was nervous about the upcoming evening and the rising moon that would arrive with it. Arthur and Severus were doing their best to rest in their rooms quietly to prepare for another sleepless night. Harry however couldn't relax and went to speak to his godfather. Walking to Remus' room he paused on the threshold.
Remus appeared to be sleeping again and Harry didn't want to disturb him. He was halfway back out the door when he heard a raspy voice.
"Harry?
Harry walked back in to find his godfather awake but looking grayer than ever. His fears for the upcoming night grew just by seeing this.
"Everything's going to be alright. Just do whatever Arthur and Severus ask of you, okay? Remus said quietly and Harry nodded. He had something he wanted to ask but didn't know where to begin.
"Are you scared?" Harry finally asked.
Remus seemed to consider the question for a moment. Then he looked straight into Harry's eyes.
"Yes I am. But I also have faith that you, Severus and Arthur will make sure that everything turns out right. I am putting my complete trust, indeed my life, into all of your hands' tonight. This is not easy for me to do, you know" Remus said with a sigh. He shifted under the sheets and Harry saw a fleeting look of pain cross his face. Then he relaxed again.
"I've always been a person who's been distrusted for what I am. Not by everyone of course, but by most people. I suppose that has made me also loath to trust others. I've always preferred to handle every problem that came my way by myself. That way I wouldn't have to tell anyone my darkest secrets. Allowing others to help me has never been easy. But it has gotten easier with time and I think the past few days have been the biggest challenge for me." He stopped and looked out the window, obviously lost in thought.
Harry was wondering if Remus had forgotten he was there when suddenly he stiffened and looked back at him. "It's nearly time Harry, I can feel it. Go get Severus and Arthur. Quickly now, go!" He said urgently and Harry ran for the stairs.
When he returned with Mr. Weasley and Severus in tow, they found Remus sitting up in bed and vainly attempting to rise. The two men quickly got on either side and gently helped him to his feet. Harry followed behind as they took Remus to the now empty room upstairs. There they laid Remus on the bed. He was starting to shake slightly and Harry noticed his eyes beginning to change color. This was going to be close, he thought.
"Out!" Remus cried "All of you out, now! I can't stop it once it starts!"
Severus nodded as he ushered Harry out of the door, Arthur close behind. Then he quickly turned back and pointed his wand straight at Remus (now shaking uncontrollably). With an almost apologetic expression he uttered an incantation and ropes quickly spun from the end of his wand, tying Remus to the bed. With one final look at the now convulsing man on the bed, he closed the door.
The three of them stood in the hall and waited. They could hear the bed shake with Remus' tremors and knew he must be getting close to complete transformation. Harry noticed his own hands shaking but didn't attempt to hide them. This was nerve-racking for all of them and there was no use denying it or trying to hide it.
Suddenly they heard Remus scream in agony and Harry instinctively reached for the door. But the others stopped him before he'd taken a single step.
"I know Harry, I know it's hard but we have to let him go through this. It's going to be okay" Mr. Weasley said, his arm firmly around Harry's shoulders. Severus had hold of Harry's right arm and was obviously ready to pull him back if necessary, though his eyes never left the door. But Harry relaxed as Remus' cries faded and felt the Potions Master and Mr. Weasley release their grips.
There was silence in the room for some moments then a chilling sound rent the air. The werewolf howled out his frustration and loneliness at finding himself alone and tied up in an empty room. Harry thought he'd never heard anything so mournful in his life. If not for the fact that he knew he would be murdered the moment he entered the door, he almost wanted to comfort the creature now trapped inside. Finally the howling stopped and they heard muffled noises as he apparently tested the bonds. Then suddenly they heard another howl but this time it was evidently in anger and frustration. More struggling could be heard in the room and finally, silence.
The three of them waited together for some time outside the door. They had thought there would be more violence once Remus transformed and were surprised how quiet it was.
"Do you think he's given up?" Harry asked quietly after a time.
"I dunno. Even though we've all had a werewolf in our midst for awhile now, I have to admit that I don't know a lot about them" Arthur replied "Do you think he'll continue to fight the ropes, Severus?" he said turning to the tall Potions Master.
"Yes" Severus said simply. "Werewolves are known to be vicious but most are also very intelligent. The human host may not be conscious during the time of the full moon but their wits carry over to the beast. Considering the fact that we are dealing with Remus' intellect, we should be ready for anything" He eyed them both tensely. "Do not think for one moment that it's impossible for him to get away even though he's trussed. Stay on your guard at all times, both of you." He said this while still watching the door and simultaneously listening for even the slightest sound inside, his wand held so tightly in his hand that Harry could see the white's of his knuckles.
Finally after a while Arthur told Harry and Severus to leave as he had agreed earlier to take the first watch. "No need to worry, you two. Go off and get some rest now. I'll be fine" and with that he sat down on the steps outside the door, wand at the ready.
Harry and Severus left him there but neither felt like even attempting to sleep. They went to the kitchen and Harry put on some water for tea. Neither spoke and both seemed relieved that the other wanted to either. Harry served the tea but found himself straining to hear sounds from the upper floor. Severus too seemed unable to concentrate and Harry caught him more than once staring at the ceiling in the direction where Remus was. Finally Severus seemed to think enough was enough.
"I can't wait here like this, you may stay here if you like but I'm going to join Arthur" he said. Harry didn't even hesitate but immediately put down his cup and followed Severus out of the room.
Arthur wasn't surprised to see them return. Harry figured he must have known how hard it was for anyone to try and sleep. So the three of them kept watch outside of the bedroom through the long and weary night. Periodically they heard sounds issuing from the room. Once Harry was sure the werewolf must have gotten loose from the bed for the very rafters shook with his struggles. But just as all of them were ready to burst into the room wands at the ready, the noise stopped and it was silent yet again for a little while. The pattern of struggle followed by intermittent silence continued throughout the night.
Finally around 3 oclock in the morning it had grown so completely quiet that they thought the beast had succumbed to slumber. None of them knew for sure whether or not werewolves slept. But it didn't seem beyond the realm of possibility and all were grateful for the respite.
Those peaceful thoughts were quickly driven away as a dreadful noise emanated from the other side of the door. A loud angry roar was immediately followed by a loud ripping noise and the ominous crunch of splintering wood.
The werewolf was loose.