Xnadex – Don't worry, the story isn't under 'tragedy'. Most of me and Lady Devonna's story have sticky sweet endings. Thanks so much for the review!

Chapter Eight Take My Hand

"I'll be waiting right here, Remus." Severus said softly and Remus nodded, leaning up to give the other man a quick kiss. After a short time spent cuddling and purring at one another on Severus' floor, the other man began to clean up, telling Remus about all the stuff they'd do together to make up for lost time, when Remus remembered his things. There were pictures he couldn't part with, and neither he nor Severus was well off enough to buy him a whole new wardrobe. Severus hadn't wanted him to return to the flat he lived with Sirius in, and honestly Remus hadn't wanted to either, but he needed to get his things while Sirius was gone.

"Thanks, Severus. I just really need to do this alone." He smiled and pulled away and turned around, heading towards his flat. He wanted to do it alone because he didn't want Severus to see the reminders of abuse all over the house. A bloodstain on the couch, ripped wallpaper that looked like fingernails had shred it, a broken lamp in the corner, and a fireplace missing half it's bricks. Remus had tried to keep his home fairly clean, but when he house was destroyed nightly, and he was sore and beaten half the time, it was hard to keep a clean home. He unlocked the door with his wand and stepped inside and began to gather papers, some books, pictures, and clothing. He looked out the window a moment and saw Severus standing on the curb scowling at a friendly cat and kicking at it, trying to stop it from rubbing on his leg. Remus smiled to himself and turned around-

Only to come face to face with Sirius Black, a feeling of utter horror washing over him as the man gave him a sadistic grin.

Remus didn't even have time to scream.

Oooo0000oooO

Severus was getting antsy. How long could it take to gather stuff? He looked towards the closed blinds and saw a jerking shadow that looked like a hand and frowned. That couldn't be good…

He hesitated only a moment then walked forward, grabbing the knob and opening the door.

And for the second time in his life, all he saw was red.

Oooo0000oooO

Remus cried silently to himself. Sirius had put a silencing charm on him, which meant he knew about Severus, and Severus was in danger once Sirius was done with him. He wanted desperately to warn him, but he was currently being shoved against their front room wall, his cheek bruised from ramming into it repeatedly as Sirius moved in and out of him ruthlessly, Remus would have never though his childhood friend to be so utterly insane. And that was what Sirius was. He was insane. The lycanthrope had concluded long ago that Sirius wasn't just a hormonal teenage reacting badly to a crush. No, he was totally out of his mind, and no one knew it besides Remus and a few friends. Remus sobbed, though no sound came out, and felt Sirius' hand move up, gripping his tied wrists, and jerked them down towards his hips the opposite way they were supposed to go.

Not even changing during the full moon could come close to the explosion of pain he felt. And then nothing. He didn't feel a damn thing, but he knew his skin was horribly torn and twisted, and his shoulders probably broken. And not being able to feel pain was probably a very bad sign. Blood seeped down his body, mixing with the blood flowing from between his legs. He felt consciousness faltering, and the bloody flower print in front of his eyes began to swim.

He was a little aware of Severus' outraged shout, and the spell shot, and Sirius falling away from him. He slightly felt Severus grip him, sobbing, saying his name, and begging him not to die. A small fraction of him was alert enough to feel Severus covering him up with his cloak, throwing power into his fireplace, and flooing to St. Mungo's. And then he was aware of nothing at all.

Short chapter again! I'm so evil, I know! Two more chapters and it's all finished, and don't worry, happy times from here on out, okay? Thanks so much for reading!