Title: Fall From Grace
Rating: T
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Remus/Harry
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em - not making any money off 'em. Dern it.
Word Count: 553
Summary: Remus comes to a decision.

Notes:

100 Word Prompt Collection Challenge: 22. Traction

Ten Pairings Challenge v2: Remus/Harry

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry: Writing Club - Writing Club – Title (Fall From Grace)

Year Long Scavenger Hunt Challenge and Competition: E5. Write about a cross-gen pairing that breaks up because of other's opinions

Crystals, Gemstones & Astrology: Moonstone/Basic – Incorporate a full moon into your story. (150-600 words)

Remus Lupin. A War Hero fallen from grace.

The newspaper headline blared from the front page of The Daily Prophet, and the werewolf couldn't take his eyes off of it.

He had known it wouldn't be easy, but he hadn't expected this much of a backlash. And it wasn't even just from the media and strangers. Friends couldn't stand the idea either and didn't hesitate to state their opinions on the wrongness of the whole thing.

"Stop looking at it," a familiar voice stated from behind him.

Remus turned away from the newspaper and stared at his lover. "Harry, I can't."

Harry placed a hand on Remus's forearm. "It will eventually go away. Take it from someone who is used to the rabid media. They'll get bored and move onto the next big thing."

Remus swallowed. "And what about our friends? Do you think they'll simply get over it as well?"

Harry's eyes were sad. "I hope they do. If they really care about us, they'll learn to accept it. Accept us."

Remus placed the newspaper on the table and turned to fully face Harry. "I don't know if I can wait to see if that actually happens," he admitted.

Harry tried to ignore what Remus was actually saying. "The full moon is tonight. You should be resting."

"Harry, stop ignoring what's going on!" Remus exploded. Usually fatigue would prevent his thoughts from gaining traction, but this was too important to push under the rug until he felt better.

"I'm not ignoring it, but you need to rest," Harry steadily explained.

"This might be the only chance I feel brave enough to say this. With the full moon tonight, I don't have much of a filter right now. Harry, they may never accept our relationship."

"I don't care. I love you; that's all that matters."

"Is it? What about the Weasleys? They're your surrogate family. Can you honestly say you're okay with their disapproval?"

"If they love me, they'll learn to accept it once they see how happy I am."

Remus took a deep breath. "Harry, I love you."

It sounded final even to his ears, and Harry must have heard it as well. "But not enough to stick it out with me. If you break up with me because of words, you're a coward."

Remus closed his eyes. "Maybe I am, but I don't want to see you dragged through the mud with me—"

"I don't care about that; I just want you," Harry yelled, desperately trying to get Remus to see the truth of the statement.

Remus bent down and pressed a kiss against Harry's lips. "I'm sorry," he whispered after the short kiss.

Harry backed away, his emerald eyes shining with betrayal as he turned and fled the house.

Remus knew he did the right thing, but it didn't stop the pain from exploding in his chest. And that night, when the moon rose into the sky and he transformed into Moony, for the first time in nine months—since his and Harry's relationship secretly began—he felt nothing but pain throughout his body. The knowledge that he didn't have Harry any longer, and it was his own fault, made the pain skyrocket, and there was nothing Remus would do to change it, even in the light of day.