A/N: No...I'm not gone...I've been distracted with RL, my yahoo group, and various story ideas...But as you can see I have returned...I wasn't going to let this sit nor have I even abandoned it...I will now do my best to make sure I try to keep updating regularly...I do hope people are enjoying this story though or at least have some comment on it, Nile
Chapter Four
But before the class could be dismissed, ear-piercing screams erupted from the fallen hero's throat. Everyone within hearing distancecried out in shock as the students tried to flee from the haunting sounds, tears flowing down some of their faces.
"Professor?"
Dark eyes turned to a pale Hermione Granger, "Alert Madame Pomfrey that Potter's on his way. Then find the Headmaster." She didn'tmove, "Now!"
Swiftly, Severus followed the frightenedGryffindor with a trembling figure in his arms. From their short time of practicing Occlumency, Severus was still surprised at the feel of Potter's undernourished body and amazingly light weight.
He put his cold persona to use as he stalked the halls to the Hospital Wing, scattering any students in his way. "Severus? What in the world is wrong? Ms. Granger came in here, stuttering about an accident, pale as a ghost and in shock."
"Poppy." Severus merely looked down at the body inhis arms as he murmured her name, stopping her in mid-rant.
The experienced Medi-witch gasped at the sight of the shivering figure in her colleague'sarms. "Oh, no! Mr. Potter! Lay him here!" She pointed to the farthest bed from the door, the same bed Potter always found himself inwhenever he ended up in the Wing. "What happened?"
"Good question, Poppy." Both adults turned to face a very concerned Headmaster. The older wizard carefully picked his way to his young charge's side. "What did happen, Severus?" All he knew was that Hermione had runinto the Hospital Wing, shaken by something. Poppy had given her a mild, mild calming potionand then flooed him with the news.
"He collapsedduring class. His scar turned red."
A solemn Albus frowned heavily in Harry's direction, Ah, my boy. I'm sorry for the suffering you must endure. "And you, my boy?"
Severus stiffened. "He'll be calling. A warning signal came through the Mark."
"Be safe, my boy."
Severus said nothing to the quietly spoken words, simply returning to the mask he always wore. "I must return to the classroom. Several potions were never finished after the class fled. Especially Longbottom's."
Albus chuckled at the deadly tone, even as he turned back to the sleeping boy. "Do be safe, my boys. Fate is fickle. But she tries to repay those who must suffer at all times." Poppy said nothing as she turned away, knowing the Headmaster always seemed to know what would happen despite others' confusion.
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Hours later a sleeping figure shifted as blurry emerald eyes slowly opened, wary of their surroundings. Carefully moving, Harry sat up, knowing he had somehow returned to the Hospital Wing. He turned to the small table on his left, reaching out for his glasses to clear his vision. Glancing around once more, he noticed Remus sleeping uncomfortably in a chair.
But even in sleep Harry could see that the older man was still tired. Remus still wore shabby, patched clothing and robes, hiding the pale, thin form beneath them. Streaks of gray ranthrough the long strands of dark golden hair. He grew it out!
Harry flushed as he realized that a Remus with longer hair was very attractive. He shifted even more as his reactions grew more when he wanted to see those hazel eyes open to peer at him. Glancing at the window, he noticed the moon was partially full. Hazel turning golden, like his hair. He shook himself, snap out of it, Potter!
He knew Remus Lupin was a werewolf, a Dark creature. He knew his Professor was tied to the full moons each month but couldn't believe he was growing more attracted to him. Then again, lately Harry was seeing a side of people he normally wouldn't. Malfoy had that alluring grace and beauty of a Veela while Snape had that mysterious air of a powerful Master Vampire. Even his own friend, Hermione, had an alluring beauty of a strong, confidentwoman, whose beauty shone from inside. Also, Ginny had the hellacious temper and brillianceto match, almost as if she was a fickle Greek siren luring others to her side before crushing them.
Confused at thereactions he was experiencingat those thoughts, Harry had to get away from Remus. He didn't want to do something stupid or regrettable. Besides there was that something he had wanted to ask Snape, something he hadthought of over the summer and school year before. Maybe now's the time.
Quietly, Harry slipped from his cot, taking only the school robe that layon the footboard to cover the half-nakedness of his upper body. And just as quietly, he slipped out the doors.
But in his wake, never knowing, an amused pair of feral eyes gleamed. Remus wasn't asleep as his student thought. He had been awake all night, hoping beyond hope Harry would wake. And for once since he had been infected, he was glad to be a werewolf. Using his creature's stealth, Remus followed the distracted boy, wondering aboutHarry's destination.