Written for Quidditch League - Season 7 - Round 6

Team: Holyhead Harpies

Position and Prompt: Beater Two: Nature. Write a fic set somewhere surrounded by nature. (eg. The Forbidden Forest, the Forest of Dean, the Mountains where the giants live etc. It doesn't have to be somewhere we see in canon as long as it's set somewhere natural)

Nature

Remus left his small cabin and headed to the nearby stream, filling his watering can with fresh water.

The sun is still rising, and the sky is beautiful with the orange and pink hues coming over the horizon. Remus smiled at the sight. He wakes so early in the day for that one sight. He's filled with a happiness and delight that stays with him until he climbs into bed each evening.

The fulfilment of nature, the beautiful sunrise and sunset, and being able to see the stars more clearly… those are valid reasons for living in nature. For living away from town. For being on his own in nature. He gets to spend his time amidst the beauty that the world provided before man began to destroy it.

He makes a decent living all the same. He farms and raises a few animals. He gets by, and sells what he doesn't need in the market a few miles away. It's a little bit of human contact, but maybe not enough to satisfy his need for companionship.

Then one day he stumbles upon the altar.

...oOo...

Remus never really considered religion before that day, but the altar drew his attention. It was a simple stone one carved intricately with patterns and symbols and Remus was curious. His curiosity took him to the village where he studied from the books, comparing the designs to those he had drawn in a small book on his third visit to the moss-covered stone.

Sirius. God of nature, God of the wilderness, God of the wild. He was the God of rustic music and companion of the nymphs

Hours passed as Remus read about this God and the more he found out, the more he realised that this was a God worth following because Sirius stood for everything Remus valued.

Instead of heading to market that Sunday, he took some of his produce to the stone altar and set it down. He didn't know what to say or do, but he hoped that placing his items on the stone altar would be enough.

When he returned the following week, the offerings were gone. Perhaps a creature had eaten them, perhaps the heavy winds blew them down? Remus liked to believe that his God had accepted them.

He didn't feel so alone anymore.

...oOo...

"Help, I'm hurt," came a cry.

Remus stopped collecting the medicinal leaves, dropping his basket in the process and turned towards the voice.

"Someone, help!"

Remus didn't need to hear anything further. He rushed as fast as he could, his eyes moving across the land, searching for anyone. He rushed towards the slope by the river, noticing a figure half-way up the hill, clutching his leg.

"Hold on a moment, I'll be right there," Remus said. "Is anything broken?" He began to climb down the hill, careful not to slide in the wet mud.

"Not broken just…" the man trailed off.

Remus' boots and trousers were filthy by the time he reached the stranger, and the man also had mud on his clothes. "Can you stand?"

The man tried, but slipped in the mud, stopping him from getting onto his feet.

Remus glanced around again. "Can you slowly slide to the bottom of the slope?" he asked, pointing to where he meant. "There's a path a little further up that's not as steep. I can help you better if we do this."

The man nodded and shifted his leg. He winced in pain, but slowly began to move down the hill. Remus stayed at his side, wanting to ensure the stranger didn't fall.

Finally they reached the bottom.

"I'm Remus," Remus offered. "I can help you back to town, or I live in a cabin not too far." He paused, waiting for an answer.

"The cabin sounds wonderful," the man said, reaching up and brushing dark curls from his face and eyes. He left a streak of mud on his cheek, but didn't seem to care. "Thank you for helping me, I was wondering if your heart was that kind."

Remus merely smiled. Did this stranger think he'd just walk away when seeing someone injured?

"I'm Sirius," the man added, watching Remus with grey eyes.

Remus raised his eyebrows. "Like the God."

Sirius grinned and Remus was transfixed by the smile. "Perhaps."

"Well, let me get you to my cabin. I can draw you a warm bath, get you clean clothes and a meal. Perhaps a bed for the night, and when you feel better, I can help you find your way home." Remus was curious as to why this man shared the name of a God. Perhaps his parents worshipped Sirius too and thought naming their son was a tribute in itself? He'd ask over dinner.

Sirius stared at him, stormy grey eyes unblinking for a long moment before he laughed softly. "Yes, that sounds perfect. I'll come and stay with you. You see, I don't live in town. I haven't been here in many, many years, yet… someone called me here." He glanced towards the small valley half a mile away where the stone alter sat, and Remus followed his gaze.

"And now I'm here, I'm going to be staying for a while," the man added.

He allowed Remus to shoulder some of his weight as they began to walk, and Remus couldn't help but notice the budding flowers open as Sirius approached. The grass appeared greener, and as they approached the cabin, Remus noticed his small crops looked bigger than when he had left.

It was… impossible.

"You have the most delicious potatoes," Sirius murmured. "How could I not come? Now, is that the bed we'll be sharing?"

Remus helped Sirius into a chair, all the time his mind was reeling. Surely this couldn't be the Sirius that he had made offerings to?

Another glance at Sirius and he knew the truth. No human could be that beautiful.

He began to drop to his knees, but Sirius quickly stopped him.

"Here, we're equal," he murmured. There was a pleading in his voice as though all he wanted was to be like Remus and Remus nodded.

"Tomorrow I start work here," he said, glancing around. "And tonight…" his gaze moved to the bed again. "Unless you would prefer to sleep alone?"

"I can share," Remus blurted out, his cheeks reddening. He wasn't sure if this beautiful God intended to seduce him or if it was an innocent offer to share. Either way… Remus wasn't going to say no. "Are you staying long?"

"As long as you'll have me."