Word Count: 515
Stargazing is normally soothing, but Remus' mind is too scattered now. He stares at the stars above him, and he can't help but to hate them because they are so close to the moon.
Greyback really did take everything from him.
"Too bad that didn't kill me," he murmurs to himself, lifting the bottle of wine he nicked from his parents. They will notice eventually, but no time soon; his parents so rarely drink. Maybe they won't even suspect him. After all, he's thirteen, just a kid. Not a raging alcoholic.
The wine burns, and he tries not to gag.
"Your father is the one who enjoys red wine."
Remus jumps when he hears his mother's voice. He turns, tossing the bottle to the side, like the tall grass can conceal it and make her forget she's seen it. In the starlight, he can see her roll her eyes. Clearly, he failed.
"How did you know?"
His mother laughs softly and sits beside him. "I'm your mother. I know everything."
It doesn't answer his question, but Remus doesn't push it. She isn't upset with him, so he assumes he isn't in trouble. No point in rocking the metaphorical boat.
"A word to the wise," she says, pulling him into a one-armed hug. "Stand tall, Remus."
"I… What?"
"I know it's easy to let yourself be the victim, but I did not raise you that way." She sighs heavily. "How you react to your circumstances determines whether you are a victim or a survivor. Which do you want to be?"
He doesn't know how she's figured out what's bothering him. Maybe she's always known. Maybe his stealing the wine was the sign she needed in order to intervene.
Remus hangs his head in shame. He appreciates the advice, but he wishes it wasn't necessary. He wishes he could be a better son for her.
Truth be told, he is tired of feeling this way. It seems like anger has been his defining trait for too long. How have his friends managed to deal with him? He is a mess. They deserve better than him.
He shakes his head. No. They deserve a better him. They deserve a Remus who is more open, who smiles more and enjoys their shenanigans.
He can't remember the last time he was that Remus, but he thinks he can be like that again. Merlin knows he misses it. His life would be much brighter if he could find a way to overcome his own personal tragedy and live his life.
"I don't want to be a victim anymore," he whispers.
His mother hugs him tighter. "That's my boy," she says before pointing to the twinkling stars above them. "Do you know what that constellation is?"
"I don't know. What?" he asks, forgetting his Astronomy lessons completely.
She chuckles. "I don't know. That's why I was asking you."
He will find himself again. He will leave this life behind and make himself better. It may not be easy, but with his friends and family beside him, he thinks that anything is possible.
