Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any creature that was created by J.K. Rowling! But I do own my six lovely wolves! ;)

A/N: I know, I know, I'm REALLY late! Sorry guys. But this was kind of difficult to write! I had some complications with the play...Thanks to Bine for giving the Lady of the Wolves her name and for motivating me to keep on writing! bussi Okay, enough talking! Enjoy! (hopefully)

The Play

The 16th July was a bright summer day. Just perfect. Many people and families had come to watch the show. They were sitting on the stands, kids were running around, laughing and screaming. One of them, a young girl with blond hair in a cute pink dress, ran into a tall man. She looked up at him and wanted to apologise but the words wouldn't come out. She was too shocked to see the big scars on his face. Just as she considered screaming and running to her mum, the stranger smiled at her. Kindness shone through his blue eyes. The six-year-old smiled back and finally apologised. The man told her not to worry in a hoarse voice and she ran off.

Remus sighed. He still couldn't believe he was here. This was so wrong! It made absolutely no sense! Not at all! This whole situation just could lead nowhere! He was a wizard! A werwolf, damnit! There was a war coming up and he was here, in a park out of the city, waiting to watch a kind of outdoor-play! ...Waiting to see her!

Every night since their first meeting he had dreamed of her. Her beautiful black eyes and her bloody all knowing smile haunted him in dreams and in his thoughts. He had caught himself too many times staring out of a window and thinking about her. He felt so foolish! He was a grown man who has survived a bloody war! And now he was behaving like an idiotic teenager!

But...he just had to see her again. Remus didn't know why but he just had to. But he had sworn himself that he would just watch the show and immediately leave as soon as it was over.

But first of all it had to start. Remus was sitting in the last row of the stand, so she wouldn't be able to see him and wouldn't be mad with him that he hadn't talked to her. Just as he was wondering why he bothered about this, an older man came up on the 'stage', which looked like a big clearing and was separated into two halves by a row of trees. On the left side were a few tents and a fireplace. In the background on the right side rose a platform made of stone from behind the trees. Remus guessed that the 'stage' had a size of 600 metres.

The older man held a microphone in his hands and welcome the people:

„Welcome, Ladies and Gentleman! My name is Howard McKneery and like every year I'm proud to present you another extraordinary event. This year, our very talented actors and actresses will tell you an ancient Native American tale about a princess, who found a new family in a pack of 6 beautiful wolves! She is played by Hope Brandish, who owns and also trained the wolves. So, Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, follow us back in time to old America, before the white man claimed this land, and hear the story of princess Shianoe! Have fun everyone!"

McKneery's disappearing was accompanied by a big applause. Then a voice was heard:

„Mom, would you tell me the story again, please?"

„You're still not tired of hearing it?"

„No."

„Alright, but this is the last time! You won't bother me with it again!"

„Yes, mother!"

„Well then. A few years ago, there was war between us and the Navajos. It was terrible and both sides lost many good warriors. During this time, a Navajo mother fled from her clan, because she had born a child to one of our men. She travelled with her little daughter across the big mountains, what nearly took all her strength. As she tried to cross the Big Brother in her exhausted state, the strong waters of the river ripped the child out of the mothers hand and took it away from her. This was the punishment for traiting her people. Nearly dead, she reached our quarters. She told her lover what had happened and died. While the lover cried because of the death of his beloved woman, he heard a wolf howl. Angry, that the wolf disturbed his crying, the man hunted the wolf. When he found him, he also found his dead-thought daughter. But the wolf forbid him to take her home. He accused him to have failed in protecting her and that he wasn't worth it to be her father. The wolf marked her as his own and sent the man away. Before he left, the wolf warned him that he shouldn't dare to come back. Or else he and his pack would kill everyone of the man's people. So the man had no other choice and left. He never looked for his daughter again. But when the wolves cried at night, he always stepped outside and cried with them as long as he lived."

Silence. Then a little girl, who had black hair and wore a long, typical native American dress, sneaked out of one of the tents, looked around and finally ran into the woods. She reappeared on the right side. Her movement showed hesitance and a little fear. When she arrived the centre of the clearing, a howl was heard. The child shrieked and whirled around. And there he was. A big, strong, grey wolf. He paced towards her, his head bent down and his eyes fixed upon the little figure before him. The figure wanted to flee to the right, but another wolf was already there, waiting for her. Then she tried to flee to the left, but was blocked by a third wolf. The girl ran back to the centre and was looking around desperately. She looked like a little helpless rabbit. Even from his distant point Remus could see the child was shaking. As the wolves came closer, two other members came out of the forest. They destroyed every chance to escape. For a second, Remus held his breath. The pack was dangerously close now and you could hear their growls.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a loud whistle was heard. All the wolves froze in their movements.

As she came into view, Remus heart stopped beating and his mouth fell open. Her appearance was just breathtaking. She wore nothing but wolfskin around her upper and lower intimate parts and a red tattoo around her arm. The grey fur covered her breasts and hung lose in stripes down her stomach. Remus recognised that she had a big scar on her perfect shoulder, which looked like a bite-mark. Her most private parts were also covered by two long stripes. Most of her hip was visible. On the backside hung a tail.

Remus cheeks took a deep shade of red. He felt embarrassed. He only met her once before and had already seen more of her than of most other women. He cleared his throat and tried to focus. She had black hair, which was held together by a leather band. Her movement was as graceful as of the wolves. She held her head high and her face showed an expression of pure anger. Her voice was cold and hard as she spoke, so different from the one he knew.

„What are you doing here, child? This is not you're place! This is not you're world! Speak!"

The little girl shrieked again at Hope's angry commandment. Her voice was nearly a whisper:

„I...I was..."

„This is wolf's territory! Didn't your parents tell you that!"

„I...I was curious if it was true what they are telling about you...Will you eat me now?"

For a second it seemed as a smile was playing around Hope's lips. But then she grabbed the girls arm and pulled her roughly to her. They looked into each others eyes for a heartbeat. Then Hope sniffed at the girls arm.

„Ah...you smell nice!"

The girl's eyes got huge and pure fear was shown on her face. Hope smiled triumphantly and let go of her arm.

„You're lucky. I had a little boy for breakfast. I'm not hungry anymore...We will let you flee."

The girl smiled.

„But I will give you something to remember not to come back ever again!"

Hope slapped the girl. She stumbled back and held her cheek. As she put her hand away, you could see four bleeding stains on her soft skin. Some kids in the audience screamed.

„FLEE!"

Once again the child shrieked. Then she ran as fast as possible back to where she came from. Angry barking followed her on her way out of sight. Hope patted the wolf next to her.

„It's all right. We won't see her again. Let's go home." While the wolves were going into the forest on the right, Hope turned around to where the child had come from. She chuckled.

„She really thinks I eat children! Stupid girl!"

Just as she was to turn around, she stopped dead in her tracks and looked up...straight into Remus' eyes. His heart beat faster. They held each others gazes for what seemed eternity. Then she smiled this smile he hated and adored most and disappeared into the forest, too.

Remus had to tell his heart to beat slowly over and over again. He couldn't believe that she had seen him! This was impossible! But she looked straight into his eyes...While Remus wondered about this mysterious woman, the play went on.

When the girl arrived back home, she told her mother and a young man - with the same red tattoo as Hope's - what had happened. The young man, who's name was Shiano, went out to search her. It turned out later that he was a Navajo prince who had been sent out to find his bride, Shianoe of course. But she found him first. She was about to attack him from behind as she saw his tattoo. Then Shiano sensed her presence and they looked at each other. It was a very beautiful moment. The wind was softly rustling through the trees and Shianoe's hair waved around and soft music played in the background. They fell in love with each other at once. Deep, veeery deep down inside his head a little voice whispered:

„Just like you."

But Remus silenced this voice angrily and watched the play again. For a while they saw each other as lovers (What made Remus sick because they kissed each other passionately. He hoped that one of the wolves would bite him in his ass!). Shiano sent a message to his people that he had found his bride. He had decided to stay with her and the pack. The wolves liked him and played with him, to Remus dislike. All seemed perfect, until the Navajos arrived to free their king and their queen. They attacked the wolves. Suprisingly, the people of the little girl helped the pack. A war began. Remus was truly impressed how perfect the wolves interacted with the people. Everything seemed so real and dangerous. Remus admired Hope's skills. She ran, jumped and fought. Her body was strong and athletic.

During the fighting, the little girl, who became friends with Shianoe, died. Some children in the audience cried. Shianoe swore revenge and blinded by anger she went out to kill the leader of the Navajo's army. But she failed and got caught. Shiano and the wolves freed her. But this caused the death of one of the wolves. As Shianoe saw her friend die, her will to fight died with the wolf. In the centre of the battlefield, she said goodbye to her lover. She told him that this was not her place and her forest wasn't his. There was no place in this world where they could be together. In a moving scene, they separated (with another passionate kiss) and promised each other to reunite in another life.

When the play had ended, all the actors and the wolves came on stage. They got standing ovations and big applause, most of all the wolves and the little girl. Hope carried the child in her arms and kissed her cheek. Step by step, the rows of the stand emptied. Remus was on the bottom and thought about leaving. But then he saw her and met her eyes. She beamed at him and came towards him. His heart bet faster and he was frozen in place. While she was on her way, she removed her black wig and her golden hair shone in the sunlight. Remus swallowed hard. This, combined with her mostly naked body was hardly bearable.

„Remus! You've come!" She beamed at him.

He smiled. „Yeah. I've got my day off today...and I was around."

Liar, liar, heart on fire!

„So fate was on my side again."

„Just a coincidence" he teased.

She laughed.

„Nice tail, by the way!" O Gosh, he didn't say that out loud, did he?

For a second Hope looked shocked. Yep, he DID say that out loud! She will run away any second!

Than she giggled, grabbed her tail and swung it through the air.

„Oh, Remus! You know what women like to hear!"

They laughed together. Remus felt delighted. It was so easy to joke with her. He really missed this in his life. But he didn't want to have those dark thoughts when she was around. So he asked instead:

„Where are the other tail-waggers?"

Hope laughed again. She whistled through her teeth and shortly after that a loud bark was heard.

„They are still eating. This running around makes them hungry. George is feeding them."

„George?"

„Shiano."

„Oh." The lover boy...He didn't like him. Remus didn't say that, of course. But she smiled 'the smile' again.

„Did you enjoy the show?"

„Yes! It was great! It's amazing how you work with your wolves."

Now it was Hope's turn to blush.

„Thank you."

„HOPE!"

Remus and Hope turned around. George was running towards them. And behind him were the beasts. Their eyes were fixed upon Remus.

„Oh Oh. I think there are some puppies who want to say hello to you, Remus."

„Please save me!" Remus joked.

He stepped behind her, laid his hands on her bare shoulders and watched the wolves coming closer.

„Don't worry, Remus. I will always do."

She laid her hand over his and looked straight into his eyes.

Time froze.

Remus just saw her deep black eyes. This time she wasn't kidding. Through Hope's eyes shone honesty and...something he couldn't recognise. For a split second he thought he smelled the sea and felt this strange connection again. His grip around her shoulders got tighter and he unconciously pulled her body closer to his. When her back almost touched his chest and he could feel her heat enwrapping him, he felt...he couldn't describe it. It was...weired. He even couldn't tell if he liked that feeling. Unfortunately, he couldn't find out, cause a loud bark cut through the silence and the moment was destroyed. They separated as the wolves and George reached them. Hope made this gesture again and her animals stopped, although they were still excited. They wagged their tails enthusiastically and sniffed at Remus. He patted the wolves' heads and stroke their soft fur.

„I hope we aren't interrupting something."

„Shut it, George!"

George laid an arm around Hope's shoulders and grinned.

„The beasts are fed and ready for transporting. But I'm starving! And Kate and Tiana are, too."

Remus didn't get much of the conversation. He was completely focused on his arm...around HER shoulders. All his hopes, which he never would admit he had, broke into pieces. She had a boyfriend...A lover...He really didn't like him.

„Don't be such a baby, George. You have to fetch Richard first, anyway. So why don't you get the ladies and the dogs and load them into your bus? But first I'd like you to meet Remus Lupin. Remus, this is George O'Neil."

As they shook hands, George said:

„Ah, the wolfsman. Hope told me about your first meeting. The pack really seems to like you, Mr. Lupin."

„I think so. And it's Remus."

All the wolves were gathered around their relative and waited for him to stroke them again. Remus did as good as possible. George chuckled.

„I guess you have a rival as the alpha, Hope."

„Didn't you want to fetch Richard?"

George grinned again. He gave the woman in his arms a loud peck on the cheek.

„You're wish is my commandment, milady. It was nice to meet you, Remus."

„Nice to meet you, too."

They shook hands again.

„Come on, guys! Let's go get Kate and Tiana. See you at your place in half an hour, cutie."

All wolves, except Leviyah, left with George.

Hope shook her head smiling and turned to Remus again.

„He's kind of weird, just ignore him."

„He seems quite nice."

„He is. But he's also weird."

They smiled at each other. For a few moments none of them spoke a word. They just looked at each other while Leviyah looked from Hope to Remus and back again. She barked to get some attention. Hope looked down and patted her head.

„Well, I guess she wants to go home."

„Yeah, seems so."

„Don't you want to come with us? George, Richard, Kate and Tiana are coming to my place to cook dinner. This is kind of a tradition. It's always fun."

„I don't want to disturb."

„You wouldn't! It's just an evening with some friends. You'll like it."

„Well..."

„Please, Remus. I'd love to have you with us...with me tonight."

Remus blushed furiously. He wasn't used to exposed sympathy. Not towards himself. While he looked at the ground, Hope stepped closer to look into his eyes. She smiled shyly.

„Is this a yes?"

Leviyah barked and pushed his side.

Remus smiled at the female and stroke her behind her ear.

„You really want me there?"

She beamed at him and laid her hand in his.

„Definitely!"

Remus was lost. He was wax in her hands. He grinned like a stupid teenager.

They walked to Hope's car, holding hands. Hope let Leviyah on the back seat. While Remus climbed on the passenger's seat, Hope opened the trunk and put on some jeans. She threw the costume and the wig into the trunk and closed it. Then she climbed into the car as well. As Remus saw that she was only wearing the furry top, he couldn't help but say sadly:

„I will miss that tail."

Hope laughed and started the engine.

„You'll get over it, Remus."

„Come in."

Hope threw her stuff on the chair next to the door and went to the living room to let Leviyah outside.

„Would you help me with the table?"

Remus and Hope carried the table in the kitchen into the living room. Then they enlarged it so that six people could sit at it. Hope covered it with a white tablecloth. At last they carried the chairs into the living room.

„That will do it. I hope you like pasta, Remus."

„I do."

„Great! Can you cook it?"

„Ahem..."

Hope laughed.

„It's okay. We will do it together. It's going to be fun."

Loud barking sounded through the windows and shortly after the doorbell rang.

„Perfect timing!"

Remus followed her to the door. He was a little nervous. He hoped that George wouldn't get the situation wrong an get jealous. Remus chuckled at that thought. As if HE could ever be the reason of jealousy!

Hope opened the door and was pushed aside by Freki and the others. They ran into to living room and outside. Then the human guests entered the house. First came a woman who turned out to be Kate. After her came her daughter Tiara, who had played the little girl. Remus was surprised that she truly had black hair. Later that evening Kate told Remus that her husband was a native American who she had met in her year studying in the united states. Then George entered.

„Hey, Remus. Long time no see!"

„Hello again."

While Remus and George had their little chat, Richard entered.

„Hello Hope, darling!"

„Richard! Nice to see you!"

Hope greeted him with a kiss on the lips. Remus mouth fell open for a second. He didn't understand. WHO was her boyfriend now?

George went over to Richard and introduced them.

„Remus Lupin, this is Richard Croft."

„Hello", Remus said.

Richard let his eyes wander up and down his body.

„Ooh, hello there" he said in a what Remus thought to be a seductive voice. Before he could reply something, George punched Richard's shoulder.

„Hey! I'm standing right next to you!"

Richard grinned and put his arms around George's hip.

„I was just checking if I am still able to make you jealous."

„Well, obviously. You're still my femme fatale!"

George and Richard shared a sweet kiss.

Remus felt so light hearted he wanted to scream. They were gay!

„Come on, ladies! Let's cook! I'm starving."

Hope pushed the two men into the kitchen and winked at Remus.

A/N: And? What do you think? Like it? Hate it? Many mistakes? PLEASE let me know what you think!

P.S.: Are there only two people who read the first chapter? (I want to jump off a bridge!Cry:-(