The next month seemed to fly by for Greyback. There had been one week that seemed to drag on for an eternity, when Aylin wasn't available, but soon enough, he heard a soft knock at his door and there she was. Ever since then, it seemed as though they did everything together. She even came to work with him a few times. His bosses didn't seem to mind having the extraordinarily beautiful woman in the shop. In fact, Greyback had, on more than one occasion, caught both Mr. Borgin and Mr. Burke trying to flirt with her. Unsuccessfully, of course. Aylin was always polite to the two of them, but it seemed she only had eyes for Greyback. Whenever she graciously turned down their advances, Greyback felt something swell up in his chest. It felt good.
It was Thursday afternoon, and Greyback felt marvelous. Aylin had sent him an owl that morning, blatantly hinting at something (while still remaining her ever-so-cryptic self), but he didn't quite know what it was.
Dearest Fenrir,
Why don't you meet me at our place tonight at about nine? I have a special surprise for you.
Love, Aylin.
Yes, he had given Aylin permission to use his first name. It almost sounded tolerable when she said it. She had even come up with a nickname that Greyback didn't cringe at- Enri. Sure, plenty of other men would have run for the hills if someone had called them that, but Greyback liked it a little. And if Aylin wanted to call him that, it was perfectly fine with him.
There was just something about Aylin- the way she was so willing to overlook his shortcomings and distinct lack of most characteristics most people found appealing. There were times that Greyback found him self completely lost in thought, just thinking about her. But strangely, he was comfortable with it. Now, as he thought back to only a little over a month before, he wondered how could live without her. How could he have not wanted any love in his life? Because this was love, he was sure of it. What else could it possibly be? On any given day now, he felt like he had downed a gallon of Felix Felicis. Whatever the world threw at him, he could pick it back up and turn it into something that could be used at his advantage. Or at least throw his troubles right back at the world. Silly world, thinking it could get him down.
Work had been harder this past week. There had been more of an interest in the shop. There had been a bit more business than usual, but for what reason, Greyback had no idea. Maybe there was a convention of shady wizards nearby. He didn't know, and frankly, didn't really care. More customers meant more work, but then it also meant more money. True, the actual shopkeepers got the majority of the money earned, but Greyback's salary did benefit from the sudden boost in sales.
There had been some less wanted interest in the shop, however. The Ministry had recently decided to take on the responsibility to "ensure that all vendors, salespeople, storekeepers, and peddlers were aware of and practicing Ministry-supported method of conducting business." It basically meant that the Ministry was going through shops and making sure shops weren't selling illegal or potentially dangerous items to the public. Which meant that Borgin & Burke's was in danger of being closed. The vast majority of their stock could never bear the metaphorical Ministry seal of approval. Of course, agents had been scouring Knockturn Alley ever since. All three workers had been busy as bees, hiding much of their merchandise and smuggling some of the more valuable, illegal items out into the country, while at the same time trying to satisfy their customers. However, after the shop closed for the day, Mr. Burke let Greyback stay if he wanted and read.
Greyback had learned what the mirror was from an old, musty book. The Mirror of Erised. Apparently, it showed the viewer's deepest desire. Once he read the description of the mirror and decided it was the same one he had put in storage just a week prior, he left the book open on his desk and rushed to where the mirror sat, undisturbed save for a very thin film of dust settling on it. He gently moved it away from the wall, and looked in it again. The exact same reflection looked back out at him as last time. Greyback smiled, then moved it back to face the wall.
So was Aylin all he wanted in the world? Was she all he needed? Quickly, he decided that yes, she was all he ever wanted or ever will need. It was then the idea came to him. What if they actually got married?
And that was what Greyback was thinking about now, on this lovely Thursday afternoon. True, he hadn't known her very long at all, but this was obviously love. It was perfection, the way everything seemed to fit together because of Aylin.
He looked at the ring he had bought with his larger paycheck. Greyback had bought the best one he could afford. As he twirled it in his fingers, he wondered if it was the right time to propose. How long had he known her? Even though it felt like forever, the fact remained that it hadn't been nearly that long.
Still.. if Aylin had a surprise for him at the pond, that sounded romantic. Way more romantic than anything Greyback could ever come up with. Perhaps.. yes. Greyback pocketed the ring, resolving to propose if the opportune moment ever arose.
It was almost nine. Greyback Apparated to the Forbidden forest at quarter of nine, not wanting to be late. Although he didn't have a watch, he felt rather confident. They had been back here a couple times, and Greyback almost knew the way to the pond by heart. Although the thought of proposing and the ring and everything was nerve-wracking, he tried to put it out of his mind. Besides, he had the perfect little speech prepared:
Aylin, you're the most wonderful person I have ever known, and I love you so much. I know I haven't known you long, but it feels like an eternity. And I'm willing to spend the rest of eternity with you if you will let me. Will you marry me?
Greyback had spent most of the afternoon creating his proposal, and the rest rehearsing it. He was rather pleased with himself. It was perhaps the most eloquent thing he had ever uttered. In case he didn't get the chance to ask her tonight, he had even written it down for some later date.
But he had a feeling. This night would be truly special. The air was so cool and still, the night sky so clear. The stars were sparkling brightly, visible even from the Forbidden Forest. But then again, the trees were further spaced out here than the rest of the forest. Greyback could imagine what it would be like at the pond. They would sit on the soft grass and the sky would reflect off the water.. it would be perfect. And that wasn't counting the 'surprise'. Once again, Greyback wondered what it could possibly be. Maybe Aylin had some old artifact for him. She knew he liked those. But from her letter, it seemed like something bigger. Maybe it was a trip to some distant country. Or maybe..
Suddenly, Greyback was at the pond. It was as tranquil and beautiful as ever, just as reminiscent of Aylin's own loveliness. Greyback wondered where she was, then came to the conclusion that he was probably early. He sat down on the grass, and looked out over the water.
After a few minutes, a bright silver circle emerged from behind a hill and bathed Greyback in moonlight. He had only time to think Oh, it's a full moon tonight when he heard it.
At first, he didn't know what it was. At first, he thought it seemed like a person crying out, but then it changed quickly into a sound like that of an animal in the throes of death. It screamed, piercing both the silence and Greyback's feeling of peacefulness. Greyback leaped to his feet as another shriek echoed through the woods. It would have been eerie enough had it been in the distance, but no, it was very close. He couldn't tell how far away it was, but it couldn't be further away than a hundred yards.
Greyback whipped out his wand, backing slowly towards the water. Maybe it was just a dying animal.. one that was taking a very long time to die. Perfectly harmless.
Then he remembered. Aylin was out there. Even if it was only a dying animal, she was still out there, in the woods. Greyback took half a second to conjure up all his courage, then charged into the forest.
He stopped. The screaming had definitely changed. It was a very distinct howl. Now, Greyback didn't know much about the beasts that lived in this forest, but he knew a howl when he heard one. And this wasn't the howl of something dying. It was clearly a wolf. And Greyback was smart enough to figure out by the screaming that it wasn't just any wolf.
Greyback stood there, frozen in place, an immense wave of fear crashing over him. He was in the middle of the Forbidden Forest, in the vicinity of a werewolf. Not only that, but Aylin was around here somewhere. He just hoped she had Apparated away when she heard the howl. Then, without thinking, he did the first thing that came to mind.
"Aylin! Aylin! Get out of here, there's a werewolf!"
Something was wrong. Then he realized what it was. The howling had stopped. The hair stood up on the back of his neck.
Crunch.
Greyback whirled around at the unmistakable sound of leaves being stepped on. At this point, his mind had completely frozen over. All spells melted away from his memory. Apparation was forgotten. When he saw the gleam of eyes in the darkness, Greyback ran.
He ran as fast as he could away from the monster. His heart beat wildly in his chest. Behind him, Greyback could hear the wolf mindlessly chasing him. He didn't dare look back, but knew it was catching up to him.
Two thoughts ran through his head: Get away from the werewolf and Aylin please be safe.
The trees were thicker now. Greyback had no idea where he was, but he didn't care. All that mattered was outrunning the wolf. Which was becoming harder and harder to do every second.
Greyback couldn't breathe. All his energy had been used up in the initial sprint. His chest was threatening to explode, and he had a terrible stitch in his side. He stumbled once, then he knew it was over. When he stumbled again, a mass of hair and fangs collided with his back.
When he hit the ground, he turned around, and stared, terrified, up at the werewolf attacking him.
As the wolf leaped for his face, Greyback threw up his arm. It was caught in the wolf's huge jaws and immediately, red-hot pain shot up up his arm to his shoulder. Greyback yelled, trying to fight back, but the wolf wouldn't let go. The man didn't know what he was doing. All he knew was the pain, but some back corner of his mind wanted the wolf off him. As he flailed helplessly, pinned beneath the werewolf, blackness began to overcome Greyback's senses. For a split second, everything seemed incredibly focused, then all faded to black.