The next two days were fairly normal between the two, or perhaps as normal as two strangers living together could be. Since the first time she spoke to him, Remus had managed to get more sentences out of her, but only for the things she desired. She was a very polite child though, always said, 'please' and 'thank you'. It was clear to him that she had a rather nice upbringing, he was unsure if he could compete with it. But it wasn't like they had a choice, she could not return to the world she knew, and neither could he.
He didn't mind though, he found her presence much more comforting than others. It reminded him of his Marauder years, before everything went to hell. She didn't complain, either, he felt relieved when she began to learn every nook and cranny of the shabby little cabin he called a home. He knew he would eventually have to break her out of this safe space so they could get her checked up. Remus just didn't have the heart to do it though.
He really should have taken her before, Dumbledore had told him the moment Cyra had felt comfortable, which he knew she might not be now.
So he delayed it. He didn't want to lose all the progress he earned with her. But something had to be done; he had noticed the little scratches she did over her bandages. It could get infected if he didn't take her to Pomfrey. He knew basic healing, but her body had gone through so much more. His stomach turned at the grotesque memory of the marred flesh that decorated her body. That monster had done everything in his power to make her feel pain. Her shoulder was nearly torn to pieces by the bite; he couldn't understand how she survived it long enough for him to find her. It was like her body was a piece of meat, torn and shredded apart, probably after she passed out from blood loss. If he didn't think she'd die from it, then the sick son of a bitch did it on purpose so she'd forever live with his mutilations.
Feeling himself getting worked up, he quickly took in a shaking breath, gripping the sides of the armchair he rested in. He's always despised Greyback for how he cursed him when he was a child, but now, he was filled with nothing but hatred. He used to think when he was younger, if he ever saw the Werewolf on the battlefield; he would do everything in his power to send him to Azkaban. That was the wizard way, using a proper duel, standing alongside justice. But now, he craved blood. He wanted Greyback's head; mutilate him the way he did this poor child, and show him true pain.
His violent thoughts were silenced as Cyra came into the room, carrying a small book with her. He slowly released his fingers grip from the leather, the imprint of his nails cut into it. She said nothing, going over to the couch and plopping herself down. He had transfigured some of his own night clothes to fit her, though it was rather adorable seeing her in a band tee that she's probably never even heard of. He didn't even know what kind of music she enjoyed.
Cyra didn't say much about herself, but he didn't really expect much after only two days. Which brought him back around to the point of this inner monologue; he needed to take her to Pomfrey to get checked out. The only thing was convincing her to leave the house. He waited to see if she would say anything in the now very awkward silence that perhaps only he really felt. 'But alas, nothing,' he thought with a wry smile.
Deciding it was time to just get it over with, he cleared his throat, the sound quickly gaining her attention as her eyes left the pages in a flash, locking onto him with an intensity that almost made him forget what he was going to say. She was still jumpy, loud sounds sending her into alert. He learned that the first time he accidently knocked a chair over, the poor thing couldn't be found for a solid 20 minutes. She'd locked herself into the bathroom, curled up in the corner; it had taken him quite a while to coax her out. He learnt treats were the best motivation, though he admitted it felt a bit silly, goading her like a small puppy.
He waited till her shoulders lost the tension, realizing there was no danger and instead just watching him. Leaning forward in the chair, he placed his hands on his knees, looking at her with an open smile. He hoped it would calm her for what he would be doing next. "Cyra" He began, "I'm very glad you are settling in well, but we do need to get you checked out." She didn't seem to be upset quite yet, simply waiting, her book put to the side so he had her full attention.
"Now, I have a very good friend who has offered us a place that would be safe and hidden so you can get a proper examination." Remus put the most pressure on the words he knew she would focus on, and he was right. She was not rejecting the idea, her left hand coming to once again scratch at the outside of the bandages. He tried not to focus on them too much, continuing, "He's the Headmaster of a School I once went to. Very powerful, and will do everything in his power to make sure you are treated well. So do you feel up to taking that little trip with me today?"
That was it, today. Her eyes widened, panic beginning to enter them, and he began to worry that he would have to do some damage control. But then, it was gone. She gave a silent nod, sliding down from the couch and taking her book from the cushions. He watched as she clutched it to her chest, looking at the floor with an expression he couldn't quite decipher. "Can I bring my book?" Cyra asked politely, quickly adding in, "Please?"
Remus sighed with relief, standing up and stretching out his old joints, "Why, of course you can Cyra. Let me quickly write a letter to my friend, and we'll travel over in the floo." That was another thing, the floo. He didn't quite yet know if she was a muggle or wizard-raised child. Either way, he would still take care of her, but that was why he needed to get her examined. Pomfrey would tell him everything he needed to know. Including diet, he didn't think the little thing should survive off of jam sandwiches for the rest of her life.
One who didn't understand his situation may wonder why he didn't just ask Cyra, but the most answers he's gotten from said child was, "Mm." As if she was still thinking about her answer. He figured her parents must have taken care of everything, so she was none the wiser. He could only observe her and get his answers from her actions.
Once he had sent off the letter, he took some time to get dressed in some warmer clothes, he knew how chilly it could be in the castle. Shrinking one of his old jumpers to Cyra size, he carried it out to her, handing it over to her. Once the soft material was in her hands, she slipped her little head through, messy brown curls popping out first. He smiled to himself as he gathered his things, stepping to the fireplace to ready the floo powder.
Remembering to grab her book, she was by his side in an instant, letting him take her hand and lead her in. He waited for her to react, it wasn't exactly normal for one to step into fire, but Cyra simply just held onto her book as if scared she'd lose it. Taking that as a sign she was okay, he threw the powder beneath them, "Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!"
As the flames ignited around them in chartreuse green, flickering around their bodies, they disappeared from the residence. Within the blink of an eye, there were in a brightly decorated room, odd trinkets ornamenting the walls, encased in thick glass. He felt the tight squeeze on his hand and looked down at his charge, though she did not return the gaze, her attention was on something, or rather someone else.
"Ah, Mr. Lupin!" Dumbledore's voice broke through the silence, coming towards them with open arms and twinkle in his eyes. His robes were decorated with bright golden stars, shimmering as he moved in the light from the windows. "I had been wondering when I might see you and the little one, you sure took your time." The Head reminded him, in which he had to fight the urge to hang his head in shame.
Clearing his throat, he stepped out of the floo, carefully tugging Cyra along, "Yes well, I wanted to be sure she was comfortable before we did. I didn't want to scare her with all of these new elements." He was waved off though, the wizard turning around towards the doors and silently leading them out. He followed, as did Cyra, though she seemed to be stuck to his hip like glue, only stepping when he did.
However, her eyes wandered, observing the moving portraits in the hall as they passed them. If any had caught the little one's curious stares, they simply gave her a wink and a smile before moving on. Before they knew it, they arrived at the infirmary's doors. Dumbledore pushed them open with a creak before gliding inside, announcing to Pomfrey that her patient had arrived.
It wasn't as bad as Remus was expecting, Madam Pomfrey had taken her time allowing Cyra to warm up to her presence, simply doing some basic checkups on her reflexes and hearing. She seemed to have a way with children that he himself did not possess; it was as if she never felt an awkward moment with the quiet child. Even Cyra seemed to be amused by her, he could swear he saw her smile when Pomfrey tugged her ear to check for 'stretchability'.
But then, it came, the moment where Pomfrey would have to undress the wrappings on her and assess the real damage. He saw the joy slip from Cyra's face, her hands clutching the jumper he had given her, the room grew tense very quickly. Dumbledore took that moment to step out, giving him an opening to do so as well if he wished, but he wanted to stay. He refused to leave Cyra to face this alone.
With his presence, she allowed Pomfrey to lift the jumper, next the shirt underneath. Next thing he knew, she was exposed and shaking, her whole upper body covered in the cloth bandages. Without thinking, he walked over and took her hand in his, trying to offer her as much comfort as he could provide.
Madam Pomfrey gave him a worried look before she began unwinding the bandages, each turn making his heart race faster. She was so young, too young for this to have happened to her. Though he knew he was much younger than her when he was bitten, he at least had his parents to help him through it. She had no one, well, except for him. He understood now why Dumbledore left her in his care, the Head may be old, but he was clever among his years.
Remus was alone, left behind in grief as he lost everything he once knew in one fateful night. His family was either dead or in Azkaban, rotting in a cell for the rest of their traitorous life. She had everything ripped from her in one night, turned into a dark creature that she wouldn't understand, but he did. Dumbledore put them together for a reason, his calculations proving to be correct. They needed each other, and with such a strong connection already forming, he could only presume that Moony would see her as his own, adopt her into the pack. If she fell into anyone else's hands, she would be exiled, slandered by both worlds as a monster. He wouldn't let that happen, he refused for her to live a life of misery because of something she couldn't control.
He watched the last of the binding leave her body, angry raised flesh coming into clear view. Pomfrey's face turned grim as her eyes examined over every inch of the girl. Cyra was trembling like a leaf, her eyes remaining locked onto the curtains that hid her away from the world, as if she was scared they would be pulled open.
Her body was a mangled mess, not an inch of her was left without a scar, the bite on her shoulder was deep, and you could still see the puncture wounds. "I'll get the murtlap essence.." Pomfrey trailed off before rushing out, shutting the curtains quickly behind her. Cyra looked towards where she left, before she allowed her head to tilt down, attempting to look but was stopped by Remus grabbing ahold of her chin. "Don't look. If you look at your own injury, it might hurt worse." He tipped her chin back up, stepping in front of her with a reassuring smile, "You're healing great, don't worry about it." She didn't seem to believe him, but she didn't look back down again, just keeping her eyes on him until Pomfrey returned, pushing a cart of potions and a jar of yellow slime.
The matron gave her a smile before popping open the top of the jar, "Right dear, this should help sooth some of the itching." She popped a brush into the jar, gathering some slime into the bristles before starting to paint the scars on her back with them. Cyra jerked away, crying out in a croaky voice, "Cold!" It was the first time he had ever heard her raise her voice, freezing in place, Pomfrey doing just the same.
"Oh my! So she can speak! Well dear, I am sorry to say but I couldn't warm it up for your comfort. Just relax for me and it'll be over soon!" She chided, before going right back to painting the wounds with no warning for the girl. Cyra looked embarrassed, refusing to meet Remus's eyes now, so she couldn't see the amused grin forming on his face.
At the very end, Cyra was pouting and shivering, her eyes narrowing at Pomfrey as she was wrapped back up in her bandages. The matron didn't seem to notice, finishing up her work before handing back her shirt, "Alright dear, pop this on, and we can continue our examination." Cyra's brows furrowed, slipping her shirt back on before turning to Remus worried, her eyes saying, 'There's more?!' He just smiled back, giving her a gentle pat on the head.
Knowing she was getting nothing from him, her head whipped back around to the matron, fear striking as she saw the needle that was being held. Pomfrey tutted at as the girl resisted all attempts to give her hand, "Now dear, it'll be just a prick. I just need a wee bit of blood from you, you won't even feel it!" Cyra kept whipping her hands all around, more alive than he's ever seen her, she had reached fight or flight at this point. Pomfrey simply couldn't keep up with the wily girl, giving an annoyed huff before she whipped out her wand, "Immobulus!"
The moment the words left her mouth, Cyra was frozen in place, stuck in the position of her arms in midair. Giving a delighted hum, she quickly pricked her finger, collecting the drop in the vial before cleaning the area quickly. Remus tried not to laugh as Dumbledore chimed in, "Poppy, I didn't hear you casting a charm upon that young girl, did I?" You could hear the laughter in his voice, obviously finding this whole situation very amusing.
"It was either that or end up accidently pricking an artery, Albus!" The matron replied with no shame, cleaning up her tray before releasing the girl from the spell. The moment she came to, she pulled her hands to her chest protectively, glaring at the woman with distrust. Pomfrey said nothing, waving her wand over the vial, "Now then! Let's see here!" She muttered at incantation that Remus didn't recognize, a list forming in golden script above the vial. Cyra watched in wonder as words appeared, seeing her own name being written in beautiful cursive, 'Cyra Owens'
"Owens? That is a muggle name, is it not?" Remus inquired. Pomfrey gave him a swift nod before reading through, "Her father was a muggle, by the name of Rupert Owens. Mother would be a halfblood, maiden name Mira Lyrons." Outside the curtains, Dumbledore made a noise, "Ah..Ms. Lyrons. She graduated a few years before you, Lupin. Hufflepuff, and brilliant at Divination, she was." Remus wracked his brain for a Lyrons, but nothing was coming to mind. Then again, he and his friends never paid much mind to the Hufflepuffs.
Pomfrey examined through the list, ignoring the men, "Dear, you were born on August 23rd 1978, correct?" Cyra gave her a quick nod, trying her best to read the words on the list, though it was backwards to her. Remus quickly tried to do the math, that meant she was turning 7 years old soon, he still had a few months to plan. She may not want a birthday party, he didn't know her that well yet, but what 6 year old didn't?
Pomfrey wrote a few things down before diminishing the list, placing her notebook to the side, "Right then! Next is some potions to help speed up recovery! I'll have you running around Lupin in no time!" She corked the first vial and passed it over to Cyra, who took it with a frown, "Drink up!" Cyra refused, looking towards Remus for help. He almost caved because of how wide her little eyes were, but he gathered the strength to shake his head, "It won't harm you. Just a quick swallow and it'll be all over with." Cyra's gaze went back to Pomfrey's wand, considering her options before she put the vial to her lips and dunked it back. She swallowed as quickly as possible, giving a gag after she finished.
"Wonderful job, dear! Now only four more to go!" Pomfrey cheered, turning to grab the next one. Cyra's eyes widened with doom, her lips pressing together tightly. It was as if this checkup would never end. He sat through her torture, trying not to laugh as each potion seemed to get worse tasting than the last. After it was all over, he went over to rub her back, comforting her as she moped, "I know. I'm sorry I let her do that to you. She scares me too, I tried my best to gain the courage, but alas.."
Dumbledore walked in, observing the pair with those twinkling eyes of his, waiting for a proper moment to speak, "Poppy is writing down a list of Ms. Cyra's allergies, and also the potions she'll be needing to take while at home. I managed to convince her to perhaps flavor them to save our dear friend's tastebuds." Cyra moved her tongue around in her mouth, grimacing as if she could still taste them.
"Thank you Headmaster, I really appreciate your help." Remus gratefully thanked him, but he was stopped by Dumbledore's raised hand, "No need to thank me. You are doing a wonderful thing, taking in this little one. Besides, what is that phase Muggles use? It takes a village to raise a child? Well, here you have Hogwarts." Remus furrowed his brows, staring at him in confusion, "I don't..understand. What do you mean?" Before he could answer, Pomfrey rushed back in with a box of potions and the papers meant for him to read, "Alright dears! I also added in a nutrition help list, a young girl her age needs a proper diet! Especially when her body is healing!"
Remus took the papers, reading over it, it was quite a lot. Who knew kids took so much work? How was he going to afford all of this? He had a small job at a bookshop, but even he didn't know how long that was going to last. Could he really do this? He could barely afford his lifestyle, could he really bring up a child properly?
A throat clearing broke his train of thought, looking towards Dumbledore again, "Now, as I was saying. This is a praiseworthy act you are doing, Mr. Lupin. But, it is a task I placed upon you myself. Therefore, it is also my responsibility. You will find Hogwarts will always be prepared to take care of a future witch." Remus had to sit down, his mind reeling from the shock.
Dumbledore continued, "She already has money her family has left behind in their will, but she will be unable to access it until she is of age. For now, however, you need not worry of how you will afford her meals. I have already written to Gringotts, my letter should be arriving shortly, and the money will be placed into your account. I also took the liberty of sending a letter to an Arthur Weasley, I'm sure you remember him, as he is now a father of seven. I'm sure he can help you in any advice you may need, as well as perhaps some play dates? I believe he has twin boys that is Cyra's age, and what clever things they are."
Pomfrey scoffed at that, "If by clever, you mean little devils! I swear they are going to give me a run for my money just as much as one certain group!" Remus cringed at the sharp glare she shot him, shifting him further away from her. Turning back around, he tried to form words to say, his mouth hanging open as Dumbledore awaited his response.
"Sir..I.." He was at a loss for words, staring at the Headmaster in wonder. Dumbledore walked over to Cyra, placing his wrinkled hand on her head, "Ms. Cyra, you are a very strong little girl. You've faced the horrors of the most brutal and savage man the Wizarding World has seen, and lived to tell the tale. It would be an indecency if I did not assist in making sure you stay safe from now on." Cyra said nothing, staring up at him curiously, before turning away to look at Remus. He smiled back at her, reassuring her that the words Dumbledore spoke were true. She was going to be safe, and he would do everything in his power to protect the pack he had left.