Bound to be Burned Chapter 25, a harry potter fanfic

A/N: Trigger Warning: This chapter contains descriptive violence and near sexual assault scenes. Read at own discretion

Remus believed he was a loyal friend; that he would do anything for his friends whenever they needed him. But lately, Remus started to wonder if this loyalty was more one sided than he had initially thought. The boys, upon hearing Remus was a werewolf, went through painful and dangerous transformations just to be with him on full moons. The boys risked their lives every full moon to prevent him from attacking himself by offering their animagus forms to be attacked instead. The boys pulled him closer, despite his every move to push himself away. Who was there when he locked himself in his room for hours, refusing to speak to anyone because he was unworthy of friendship or love; the boys. Who took beating after beating, scratches and bites every month; the boys. Hell, they even laughed about it afterwards. Blowing it off like it was all some sort of joke, like risking their lives every month was hilarious, that every bite or near miss was even more fun because of the danger. The boys were always there for him. But when was he there for them? Had he completely overlooked this vital flaw in their so called 'respected' friendships all these years? How was he repaying his so called best friends by flirting with one of their girlfriends?

Remus shook his head angrily, getting ready for yet another day as Roger. He could barely stand to look at himself, let alone face his mates in a couple months. Whatever was brewing he needed to control before he went home.

Walking into the living room, Remus' eyes nearly popped out of his head. Cas was there and was frantically searching the living room for something. But that wasn't what caused his reaction. It was the fact that Cas was basically naked, only wrapped in a white towel. Remus choked slightly as he watched the end of the towel rise as she bent over to check under the coffee table. This choking noise was misunderstood as a clearing of the throat thankfully, causing Cas to snap up from her position under the coffee table.

"Oy. Morning Wolfie." Cas waved, before returning to her frantic searching.

"Morning." Remus choked slightly, moving quickly into the kitchen to grab tea.

Yes, whatever he was feeling needed to be choked, drowned and buried. And fast.

Cas sighed, nursing the bottle in her hand gently. She was beyond frustrated. Emotionally and sexually. Sirius had been acting distant lately, even more so than the week before. A big ball of anxiety was currently growing in her stomach in relation to this, a ball in which she was currently trying to drown in butter beer to no avail. She couldn't figure out what was wrong, besides the distance that is. He was getting all bent out of shape with her for not sharing details about the mission with him, despite him knowing she wasn't allowed. He was turning into such a wuss and she couldn't stand it, she could feel every nerve she had left slowly leaving until there was nothing but pent up frustration left. It was only a matter of time before she finally snapped.

"Ugh. Men." Cas shuddered, finishing the bottle in her hand before reaching for another one.

Yes, she was working. No, she shouldn't be drinking. But she really couldn't stand being around these men all day sober, not when she was so distracted. It would take more than acting today to be the pretty bimbo 'bar wench' they were all used to. Hence the liquid courage. Or in this case, the liquid happiness.

"Tell me about it. That Roger." Amelia breathed, leaning on the bar watching Remus from across the room.

"Yeah, he sure is nice on the eyes." Cas agreed, rolling her eyes.

Remus had been at the same table all morning with a rather portly man. The two had been whispering, heads bent, quite excitedly for the better part of three hours now, and they looked nowhere near being finished.

Cas cracked open the bottle in her hand as she watched the two. The information he was getting better be good. They have had nothing since the hooded figure from last week. No new leads or news and that man had never returned. Feeling like she missed her window of opportunity, Cas sighed again.

"That is my new goal! It is decided!" Amelia suddenly cried, standing up straighter before walking to the mirror in the back.

"What is." Cas asked, boredom seeping from her every word as Amelia reapplied her lip gloss and straightened her hair.

"I am going to get that Roger to flirt with me before the week is done." Amelia nodded in a matter of fact sort of way.

"Is that so." Cas replied, turning her attention back to the two men sitting across the room.

"You bet. Starting now." Amelia nodded again, pushed up her boobs before swaying over to the table Remus sat at.

"Oy! Right now? He looks a bit busy?" Cas called over, trying to warn Remus with her voice that someone was approaching.

"Cool it." Amelia mouthed, turning back around to her target.

Remus was prepared, thanks to Cas' warning. He pushed away whatever sheet they were bent over and hastily shoved it into his coat pocket just as Amelia reached their table.

Cas had to resist rolling her eyes as Amelia ran a hand over Remus' arm slowly, laughing at something Remus had said. Huffing slightly to herself, Cas moved down the bar cleaning as she did, trying to hear their conversation.

"A bit ridiculous, isn't she?" a voice asked from her left.

Startled, Cas turned to see the hooded figure from the previous week had returned and had somehow entered the bar without her noticing.

"Oy! Didn't see you there. What can I get for you?" Cas asked, trying to mask her shock.

"She is a bit much, not my taste. Too obvious about what she is after, I like my women to have a bit of mystery." The stranger continued, ignoring Cas' question.

"Who Amelia?" Cas asked, turning to see who he was looking at.

"That's the one. Bit sad isn't it." He continued, his face still hidden under his black hood.

"Don't you ever take that off? You know the lights won't hurt you here." Cas joked, hoping to catch a glimpse of the stranger's face.

"Is there some policy against hoods?" The man smiled, flashing a set of pearly white teeth.

"Well, no. Just a suggestion, might attract more people is all." Cas smiled, cleaning a glass to keep her hands from shaking.

"And what if I don't want to attract people." The man asked, leaning in slightly, revealing his chin and mouth as his hood slid back slightly.

"Well, I'd say you're doing a rather poor job at that. People are always bound to notice the ones who don't blend in." Cas smirked, sliding a shot glass towards him. "Fire whiskey?"

"Is that why you chose to transfigure your hair blond then?" The man asked, accepting the shot of fire whiskey.

Cas froze slightly, before laughing nervously. How the hell did he know she wasn't a blond..

"Figured I'd try something new is all." Cas smiled, not quite meeting his eyes. Or where his eyes would be if he was a normal human being and didn't wear such a large hood indoors.

"Right, you mentioned. New start. New you?" The man mocked, downing the shot of fire whiskey. "Your turn. Eva, not-Eva."

Cas laughed and poured herself a shot as well.

"Okay, your sickles I suppose." Cas joked, before downing the shot. She swayed slightly, her vision blurring slightly as she reacted to the strong fire whiskey.

"Easy there. Been at it a while?" The man smiled, watching Cas sway.

"Gotta start sometime. If anything, I am an over achiever. No procrastinating for this girl." Cas smiled, her face red from the booze and the attention.

"That's the spirit. Say, when do you get off?"

"You can't." Remus whispered angrily, trying to talk some sense into Cas.

She had cornered Remus when he had slipped away to use the washroom. Forcing herself in the bathroom with him, Cas had told him that the suspected recruiter had asked her on a date.

"It is the best shot we got right now! We are already, what, a month into this two-month mission? And what do we have to show for ourselves? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. So if I can win this guy over and get some information then I will." Cas responded urgently, her eyes looking around to make sure no one else was in the bathroom.

"Even if it means your dignity?" Remus asked, his voice harsh in the empty bathroom.

He couldn't believe what Cas was suggesting, but that wasn't the only reason for his harsh voice. It had come out the moment she pushed against him, leading him into the bathroom. It had come out when her breasts brushed against his cloak, the feeling of her grabbing for him urgently. Of course it wasn't the type of urgency he wanted, what he craved. It was for some stupid plan of hers. Why did she do this to him.

"I won't do anything. It is just a fake date Remus. You'll be here the whole time. I won't leave with him. If anything gets weird, step in." Cas answered in a tone that suggested her word was final, before leaving the bathroom and a breathless Remus behind.

Sirius Black

He didn't know what was wrong with him. Why couldn't he just get a grip on life right now? Yes, Cassie was off on a mission. Why did that have to matter so much to him? Why did it bug him that she was with Remus, working for the order and the greater good?

'Because she is off with Remus and not you.' An evil thought drifted into his head.

Right. Why was she off with Remus? Why didn't Moody or Dumbledore pair them together? What was so important that they needed Remus. He supposed it had something to do with werewolves, which did nothing to calm his nerves. Most werewolves, Remus obviously aside, loved being a werewolf and all that came with it. They were scum, spreading their illness willingly and not thinking who it may impact.

'You sound like your family.' Another evil, all knowing thought whispered.

"Fuck." Sirius muttered, trying to shake his head off these thoughts.

He knew that wasn't what he truly thought. How could he, being best mates with Remus and all. But he had to admit, for the most part it was semi true. At least the werewolves working for Voldemort. There. He can confidently say that the previous description fit the werewolves working for Voldemort perfectly. Satisfied with his new analysis, Sirius pushed himself from his bed.

Merlin, what he would do for a warm body beside him in bed. His body craved Cas, the soft touch of her skin, her floral scent, her smile. Sirius groaned, noticing he was hard. He missed the easier days, when he didn't have these feelings wearing him down every day. He missed when he could run off and do whatever he wanted, whoever he wanted. He missed meeting a broad, not knowing her name and having his way with her for the evening with no feelings to be had the next day. No awkward wonderings if he should call her, or if she was thinking of him like he was thinking of her. The simpler times. When having a fuck buddy was a completely normal thing, despite her being one of his best mates. His thoughts drifted to Marlene, to Cas, back to Marlene and settling on Cas. Sirius groaned again.

'Guess I have to shower today' Sirius thought, walking awkwardly to the bathroom to have a very, very cold shower.

Mulling things over in the shower, Sirius thought perhaps the emotion he was feeling was jealously, or something like that. He scoffed at the idea of him, Sirius Black, being jealous of Remus and Cas. But he had to admit, he didn't like the secrets. They were the Marauders, why were there secrets all of a sudden. Unless, well. Unless Dumbledore believed one of them to be the spy. Why else would he forbid Remus and Sirius from sharing their missions with each other. He knew how close they all were; how weird it would be not sharing this information. So there had to be a reason. One of them was the spy, at least if there was a spy. But they were suspected at least, or why the secrecy.

Sirius shook his head, finding it very hard to believe anyone in his group could be capable of such betrayal. There was no way. But yet, he felt this nagging feeling as his old prejudices crept back into his thoughts. If there was one person who would gain a lot from joining Voldemort, it would be Remus. After all, Voldemort was giving authority and respect to werewolves. Where else was Remus supposed to get that?

"He is your best mate. He gets that from us!" Sirius argued back at himself.

He must be going crazy. Why would he think something like that? What was this war doing to them? Remus would never think him the spy, so why was he so quick to think it was Remus. He had been nothing but loyal to him, to the guys.

"Get your shit together. You can't lose your sanity right now." Sirius demanded of himself, before getting out of the shower and towelling off.

At the same time, he was wondering if anyone else was thinking the same.

Peter Pettigrew

Peter was nervous. These days nervous was all he ever was. Being constantly watched by Dumbledore didn't help either. He had felt his piercing blue eyes on him, whenever he mentioned there being a spy. Peter broke out in a sweat just at the thought. After all, Dumbledore was a very scary man. Not as scary as Voldemort, who he was on his way to see. What was clear though, was that Dumbledore definitely suspected Peter. But he noticed he wasn't the only one suspected as being the spy, he had noticed that neither Remus nor Sirius could speak of their missions to the rest of the group, not even with each other. Clearly, Dumbledore didn't know who was the spy... yet. Gulping at the thought, Peter hastily walked up the marble steps in front of him, knocking nervously on the great mahogany door.

"Ah. The rat is here." A nasty voice said from behind the door, causing Peter to tremble slightly.

"My name is Peter." He responded weakly as the door opened, granting him entrance into the handsome manor.

"I know a rat when I see one. Just wait until your friends find out. I would pay good money to be at that confrontation." The hooded man sneered, ushering Peter into the front entrance way.

"Just bring me to the Dark Lord please." Peter asked, half begged really.

"You think the Dark Lord has time for little people like you?" A shrill female voice asked from behind him.

Peter turned to see Bellatrix entering the manor, lowering her hood to reveal her sneering, but beautiful face.

"The note mentioned a meeting with the Dark Lord." Peter muttered quietly, referring to the owl he had received that morning requiring his attendance.

"Details. Now, do you have information for us? Or will we need to use the cruciatus curse to loosen your tongue?" Bellatrix toyed, fingering her wand slightly causing Peter to pale.

"Now, now darling. I don't think that will be necessary, will it Pettigrew?" Rodolphous Lestrange asked, walking to greet his wife.

"N-no." Peter stuttered, his face growing red at their laughter.

"Come. You're with friends now." Rodolphous sneered, pulling along a reluctant Peter.

"Now, sit. What is the good ol' Order up to?" Rodolphous asked, pulling up a chair for Peter when they entered the office.

"W-well, oh thank you." Peter started, accepting tea from Narcissa Malfoy, who had just entered the room.

"As you may know, James Potter and Lily Evans plan to marry this summer. I believe they were thinking July. No idea where that will be, but I know they will be shopping for wedding bands in the next coming week in Hogsmede village, I will pass that on when I know more." Peter started, and just as easy as it was last time, Peter told them all.

He did not know specifics, but he could always pass that on as more information came. But he spoke of the wedding, the individual assignments, the missions, giving away everything until there was nothing left. They kicked him out before he had even finished his tea, thanking him for his 'service' to the Dark Lord.

Peter landed roughly on the marble steps as he was pushed out of the manor. Rubbing his backside, Peter glared at the ground, tears forming. He didn't want to betray them, he really didn't. But it was not like they even noticed him anymore. He hadn't heard from any of them in weeks. They were all busy with their special missions, or their girlfriends or their fiancés, that no one really cared about what Peter was doing. How he couldn't find work after Hogwarts, his marks never being the same as the boys. How he was forced to take up a clerical job in Diagon Alley, working with people twice his age who had, like him, started the job right out of Hogwarts. Yes, the Death Eaters treated him like garbage and yes, he was scared every day of his life that someone will find out his secret. But in the long run, it was for the better, he was sure of it. It had to be. He couldn't imagine it getting worse than this.

How very wrong he was.

"I'm not going to lie to you, I am surprised you agreed to this date."

Cas and her mystery fellow were on their 'date', her shift having ended an hour previously. Refusing to leave the pub, Cas suggested they have their date here instead, giving Remus the chance to interfere if need be.

"Well, usually I require a gentleman's name before I accept a date. But you're right, there is something about mystery." Cas joked, referring to his previous comment on preferring mysterious women.

"There it is again. My name. You seem really keen on knowing that." The man joked, offering to buy Cas a drink.

"Most people are. Who the hell do you hang out with?" Cas asked, accepting the butter beer but not taking a sip, she was still a tad tipsy from her previous drinking spell and wanted to be in focus for this evening.

"Look around. Werewolves and fugitives are kind of my thing." The man mumbled, gesturing to their present company.

"Funny. Me too." Cas smiled, taking a small sip just to do something with her hands.

"You don't seem the type." He commented, looking down at his glass.

"Again, you don't really know me." Cas flirted, touching his arm slightly.

Cas was frustrated. This date was going nowhere. She didn't have time to beat around the bush, she needed to get him alone and she needed information now. The man won't even tell her his name, why was he being so difficult?

"I think I do though. Can we go somewhere, a bit more private?" He asked, getting up before she had even answered.

Nodding, Cas got up and followed him to one of the back rooms, grabbing keys for the door on the way there. As they walked down the hallway, the door on the right opened and revealed Reginald and Amelia, both looking flush and flustered at being caught.

Amelia laughed, threw a wink at Cas and sauntered off to the bar. Reginald however, glared at Cas moving close enough to brush roughly against her shoulder. Stumbling slightly Cas glared back, her fingers itching for her wand. Reginald still wasn't her number one fan, but he had been absent from the bar since their last conversation. Clearly he was back, and his hatred seemed at its top notch.

"Is he bothering you?" The stranger asked, his fingers tight on his wand.

"Never mind him, isn't he your buddy?" Cas asked, opening the door beside them.

"Not exactly. Someone I know is interested in his company is all. The man is too temperamental for my liking. I need someone who can control their emotions at all times, not another loose cannon." He responded, closing the door behind them and moving to one of the arm chairs near the fireplace.

Lighting the fire with his wand, the man sank into the arm chair beside it, gesturing to the vacant one across from him.

"Don't you want to know why I brought you back here?" The man asked as Cas sat down.

"Hope it's not for the same reason Amelia was back here." Cas breathed awkwardly, trying to calm her nerves.

This made the stranger laugh before he removed his hood. Cas' eyes bulged slightly as he removed his hood. He wasn't too bad looking, handsome even, if it wasn't for the deep scarring that lined his face. He had dark brown hair that hung just past his ears and piercing brown eyes. Cas smiled as she took in his face, trying to memorize every inch for the pensieve.

"Do I finally get to know your name then?" Cas asked, smiling as he shed his cloak.

"Yes and no. Wouldn't you rather know how I can help you?" The man smiled, avoiding her question.

"Help me? And why would you think I need help?" Cas asked, leaning forward on her hand.

"Protection, for starters. You wouldn't have to put up with people like Reginald anymore. You'd be respected, no one would dare lay a hand on you." The man muttered quietly, sliding forward in his chair slightly.

"And if I don't need protection?" Cas asked, her curiosity at its peak.

"You do, trust me. For what is coming, everyone will need protection. I know your type Eva. You've had a tough life, had to look out for yourself and protect what was yours. Moving from place to place, never settling down or getting close to anyone. Too scared to have your trust broken again. I've been there. I fought the same fight you have. What if I told you that you don't have to fight anymore? What if I could bring you to a place where you will be accepted, no questions. A place where you finally belong and with people who value you for what is different about you. Not just reward you when you finally meet their expectations or fill their mould." The man whispered intensely, reaching out to grab Cas' knee as he continued.

Cas had to admit, this man was good. Voldemort sure knew how to pick his recruiters, that was for sure. Part of Cas wished he was telling the truth, that such a place actually existed. But she knew, like most things, it was all a façade, just smoke and mirrors. Such a place did not exist, not in her opinion. But in Eva's, this would be a dream.

"And where would this be?" Cas breathed, conscious of his hand gripping her knee slightly.

"You can find this peace with a man I have met, and come to respect. The magic he possesses is not of this world Eva, it is something I have never seen before. He is unstoppable, and with you at his side, you would be unstoppable too." The man smiled, moving his hand slightly up Cas' leg.

"Who is this man?" Cas asked, her body tense at his closeness. She couldn't stop yet; she was so close to finding out everything they needed to know.

"We call him the Dark Lord, but he doesn't bring darkness, he brings light to those in the dark. With him, you don't have to be scared of who you are anymore. You will be rewarded for your gifts and treated as you should be. Join the Dark Lord, I promise you won't regret it." He smirked slightly, as Cas let out a shudder. He had moved his hand higher.

"The Dark Lord? I've heard about him. I thought he only wanted pureblood witches and wizards?" Cas asked bravely.

"You have heard of him. Wonderful. Yes, pureblood is preferred. You have no issue; I knew you were pureblood the moment I met you. It is easy to miss, but once you know what to look for it is hard to ignore." He added, moving closer to Cas.

"What about the werewolves? Why come here if he only wants purebloods?" Cas asked, inching away slowly.

"Werewolves? Why they offer something others can't. The opportunity of persuasion." His smile widened, his eyes gleaming at his words.

"Persuasion?" Cas muttered, her hand inching slowly to her wand at her hip.

"Some pureblood families need, well they need a bit of a push to see the right way of things. Nothing makes a family more willing than a supposed werewolf threat. Nothing serious of course, just enough to realize what is coming with this war, and how they need to be on the right side when it does come."

Cas froze. So that is why he was here. Not only did Voldemort need more muscle in numbers, but he wanted them to threaten families. Cas' heart panged painfully as she thought of Remus being turned into a vicious animal. She gripped her wand tightly, she would not allow that to happen.

Lost in her thoughts, Cas returned to the present to notice the man had gotten closer, a lot closer.

"Let me protect you. I can help you." The man whispered softly, caressing Cas' face.

"Listen, I'm not really interested. I am kind of involved with so-" Cas' sentence was cut off by his lips crashing into his, causing her to shout out in surprise.

The door burst open and there stood Remus, panting slightly in his Roger form. He strode into the room and pushed the two apart, grabbing Cas tightly and pulling her close.

"She is mine." Remus growled, his voice low and threatening.

"Oh my!" Someone cried from the door way.

Their heads snapped to the door way, the man quickly throwing his hood back on as he noticed Amelia starring at the scene in front of her.

"Y-yours?" She stuttered slightly, not being able to believe what she was hearing.

Remus nodded, grabbing Cas and roughly kissing her on the lips.

"No one touches her. Do you hear me?" Remus stated, pulling away from Cas feeling light headed.

"Sorry mate, I didn't realize. Listen. What I said, still stands. For the both of you. I'll be around a bit longer, let me know if you change your mind." The man muttered quietly before leaving the room. As he passed he stared longingly at Cas, his eyes barely visible under his dark hood.

Cas nodded slightly, or she suppose she did since he left right after that. She was shaking, her body unable to process all that had happened. The werewolves, being recruited, being kissed, and being kissed yet again, by Remus of all people. It was enough to make anyone's mind whirl.

"Home. Now." Remus muttered quietly out of the side of his mouth before the two left quickly, passing a shocked Amelia in the hall way.

"See you tomorrow Amelia!" Cas smiled, winking as she grabbed Remus' hand. Amelia scowled before stalking back to the bar, huffing in irritation as she did.

"They want the werewolves so they can threaten pureblood families into joining Voldemort!" Cas exploded the moment they got back to the apartment, dropping her disguise and making her way over to the lead board.

"It all makes sense Rem! Of course! I knew it couldn't just be for the numbers. I mean werewolves are only stronger when they're in werewolf form, and no offence, but you guys are kind of uncontrollable at that point, even with Lord Dumbass." Cas scoffed, placing her memories into the pensive, and revisiting the hooded man's face.

"So he spoke to you also? Doesn't look familiar to me, what about you? Remus? Rem?" Cas finally looked up after noticing Remus was not contributing to the conversation.

Remus was still Roger, standing at the apparition spot apparently too stunned for words.

"Rem? Look if you're mad I'm sorry! But, believe it or not, I had the situation under control." Cas started, walking towards him slowly.

Remus couldn't respond, his body was in hyper mode. He couldn't think or breathe without thinking about that kiss. It didn't help that the full moon was soon, making his emotions and reactions sky rocket at the smallest thing. Although, that kiss was anything but small. It had stirred something in him, something that he couldn't ignore. How could one kiss make such a difference? How did she have this power over him? He couldn't be near her right now. Couldn't even stand to look at her. She deserved better than this, of a person she thought of as only a friend. Sirius deserved better. How could he do this to his best mate?

'You were protecting her. He would understand' a voice in his head reasoned.

Nodding to himself he started to walk, unsure of his actions. Without thought, he ignored Cas and went straight to the bathroom, disrobing as soon as the door shut on a worried Cas and jumped into the shower.

Cas sighed, staring at the closed door. After hearing the shower start, Cas wandered back over to the lead board. Trying to think what Remus' issue was. Clearly he was beyond pissed at her. Which just pissed her off. How was this her fault? She got the information they needed. No one died. What's the big deal. Cas huffed and kicked over a bunch of empty butter beer bottles. Speaking of butter beer… Cas stomped into the kitchen and grabbed one, slamming the fridge door as she went.

"Bloody males." Cas breathed again, for the second time that day.

"Will I see you at the pub today? Or are you too pissed at me to show up?" Cas asked sarcastically at a silent Remus the next morning.

Remus still hadn't spoken to Cas since the night before, leaving long uncomfortable silences in his wake. Cas couldn't understand how he was still mad at her.

"I'll be by later today." Remus replied, walking into the bathroom and shutting the door.

"Ah, so helpful." Cas muttered before apparating to the Hollow.

If she thought their display the previous night would be a secret, she was sadly mistaken. Not only did the whole pub seem to know that Remus had marked his territory, for lack of a better phrase, but it had angered some individuals. Amelia being one of them.

"G'morning." Cas mumbled, hanging up her cloak behind the bar.

"Hello." Amelia nodded curtly, before busying herself with some bottles in the back.

"Amelia? Are you okay?" Cas asked, following her into the back.

"You just couldn't stay away could you? You knew I wanted him but yet you had to kiss him with your whore lips." Amelia started, pushing Cas against the wall.

"Whoa! Amelia, calm down." Cas muttered, pushing Amelia away from her.

"No. You don't get to tell me how to feel. You knew how I felt about him, and all this time you were together. Did you get together and laugh about me? How pitiful I was? How I threw myself at him, made a fool out of myself? No, don't speak! I am not done. You will regret the day you betrayed me Eva, I am not one to be messed with. I thought you would've realized that by now. You better watch yourself." Amelia muttered dangerously, pushing Cas roughly against the wall before stomping away.

Cas let out the breath she had been holding. She did not see that coming. Amelia never seemed to have ties to the men she flirted with, why was Roger different? Cas shook her head, brushing Amelia off. Broads are crazy and Cas was about to find out just how crazy they could be.

Cas was cleaning up at the end of her shift when she saw Roger slip out for the night. Usually he would nod, or let her know he was off for the night. But not tonight. He was clearly still dealing with whatever was up his ass, and he left without a word. If it hadn't been for the door ringing as he opened it, Cas wouldn't have even known he left.

Sighing, Cas' stomach filled with dread. This dread filled her entire body, working its way up into her throat before she felt it chock her. Startled by this degree of dread and fright, Cas stopped what she was doing. Could it be she dreaded speaking with Remus later? Or was it something else. Her gut was trying to tell her something. But what? Cas shook her head, she always felt this way during missions. This mission was different from the others. Before she had no ties to the outside world, she could lose herself in the mission, let herself become her character. Loving someone took that from her, she couldn't be someone else when her true self was painfully in the love with someone. Especially if that someone was far away.

Looking around, Cas noticed only herself, Amelia and a small group of men were left. Deciding to risk it, Cas scurried off into the bathroom and pulled out her two-way mirror. Before saying his name, Cas drew her wand.

"Muffliato" Cas whispered, ensuring she would not be overheard.

"Sirius Black." Cas whispered, looking over her shoulder again out of habit.

"Cas!" Sirius' voice rang from the mirror, removing any dread that had resided in Cas' body.

"Sirius. It is so good to hear from you, I am going crazy over here." Cas smiled as she took in Sirius' face, he seemed to be in bed.

"You too love. I gotta say, it is very weird speaking to you when you look like that. I feel like I'm cheating." Sirius laughed, causing Cas to laugh along with him.

She also heard another voice chime in on the laughter. Cas stopped laughing, looking around suddenly, expecting to see someone else in the bathroom with her. Glancing around she saw no one. Squinting back at the mirror, Cas finally noticed the strand of blond hair beside Sirius.

"Is, is Marlene with you? In your bed?" Cas asked, the tone of her voice wiping the smile off of Sirius' face.

"It's not like that Cas. She was having a rough time, so she came over. James and Lils were over earlier too." Sirius started, trying to remove the murderous glare from his girlfriend's face.

"Oh! So silly of me. Does that mean James and Lils are also in bed with you?" Cas laughed sarcastically. "Goodbye Sirius. Hope you and Marlene enjoy your time together."

Cas closed the mirror, tears coming to her eyes. Of course Marlene was there. She was always there. As soon as Cas was out of the picture, in slid Marlene. There for you, 'one of the guys', good ol' Marlene. There to pick up the pieces and slack from your neglectful girlfriend.

Cas knew she wasn't being completely fair. By the sounds of things Marlene needed a friend. But why did it have to be him? And why did it have to be in his bed? Cas sighed, angrily rubbing the tears from her eyes. She'd mirror him when she got home. She had just removed the spell from the bathroom when the door swung open, revealing a pissed off Amelia.

"There you are. You can't just take off like that? You have to do your job, or are you too busy doing Roger to do anything else?" Amelia snarled, her eyes flashing.

"Listen, if it bothers you that much I can break things off with Roger." Cas offered.

"Save it. Help me take the garbage out." Amelia demanded, leaving the bathroom.

Cas sighed and followed Amelia, grabbing two of the waste bags on the way. The two girls slipped out back, and went to the trash cans. Cas noticed suddenly that Amelia hadn't followed her, turning around Cas' stomach dropped. She turned just in time to notice Amelia smirk and shut the door with a click behind her, locking Cas in the back alley. That wasn't what made her stomach drop, it was when she realized who she was locked in the alley with.

"Hello pet." Reginald snarled, the small group of men from earlier appearing at his side.

"Hello Reg. Can I get you a drink? Lots on me." Cas smiled, her heart pounding violently in her chest.

The men just laughed. They started walking towards her, Cas fumbled. She couldn't find her wand. Where was her wand? Cas patted her sides, her eyes bulging as the distance between the two groups became shorter and shorter.

"Looking for this?" Reginald smirked, waving Cas' wand in front of her face.

Cas felt her body go numb. Seeing her wand in the enemies' hands was too much to handle. She tried to snap herself out of it, but she couldn't feel her body.

"Move!"Cas yelled to herself, trying to move as they came closer and closer.

"Aw look boys. She doesn't seem to be able to move that pretty little mouth of hers anymore. Why don't we fix that?" Reginald smirked, before turning Cas' own wand against her.

"Crucio!" Reginald yelled, causing Cas to fall to the ground.

Cas fell to the ground roughly, her head smacking against the pavement. She could feel the blood pounding down her face as she screamed her throat raw. She couldn't imagine being in any worse pain. This pain consumed her, it filled her body with pure agony, blurring her vision and weakening her strength. She knew she had to fight it, to be aware of her surroundings, but she couldn't stop screaming.

'Stop screaming!' Cas screamed to herself, or was it out loud? Cas couldn't tell anymore. Either way, it didn't help. Finally, Reginald lifted the curse.

Cas whimpered, her body violently shaking. She tried to move, but cried out in pain. Moving didn't seem to be an option right now, but she knew if she wanted to survive she had to think fast. Squinting through her tears, Cas noticed how close the men had got. She needed to even the numbers if she wanted to win. She counted three men, plus Reginald. Flexing her muscles, Cas realized with a relief that the pain was slowly leaving. She could move. And move, she did.

Cas flung herself to the nearest man, grabbing him and smacking his face off the brick wall. She felt a curse fly past her as she moved. She turned the man she had in her arms and used him to take the impact from the next curse. Feeling herself being flung backwards, Cas hit her head off the wall loudly. Shaking her head, she heard the men around her laughing again.

Laugh all they want, she thought. For she had taken this man's wand.

"Well that was cute. Now why don't you just stop all the heroics, you only seem to be injuring yourself faster." Reginald laughed.

Cas smirked, dropping the now unconscious man to the floor. She managed to send off two stunner spells before Reginald disarmed her. Frantically looking for where the wand dropped, Cas saw it clatter near the furthest trash cans. She would have to distract him.

"Sorry about your boyfriends, I had to get rid of the dead weight." Cas smirked, moving slightly closer to the fallen wand.

"No matter to me. Now I don't have to share." Reginald spit, sending another curse at Cas.

Cas didn't have time to react, her body took the curse fully. She had barely hit the floor when she heard him yell 'Crucio' once more. Cas' body twitched, she couldn't control where her body was moving. She couldn't figure out what she was doing, where she was going. What was her plan again? The pain cut through any thought she tried to form, leaving her body and mind paralyzed.

After what felt like hours, Reginald removed the curse. This round had taken a large toll on Cas' body. She couldn't move, her brain was a massive clutter of fog, and pain. She barely noticed when Reginald approached. Groaning, Cas felt him nudge her slightly. She blinked, but all she could see were stars. An aggressive kick to the stomach brought Cas back to the present. She gasped, trying to breathe in air, but the air had left her body and seemingly left the space around her. She could not breathe in a breath, she felt herself gagging, coughing violently, desperate for air. With a relief, she finally was able to draw in enough air to clear her mind, and stop her panicking. By that time Reginald was crouched in front of her smiling his cruel smile.

"There she is. Couldn't have you passing out on me, now could I? I want you to remember every single detail from this night. Next time you want to run your mouth, remember the consequences." Reginald breathed, grabbing Cas roughly by the hair and punching her in the face.

Cas coughed, spitting blood out onto the pavement. Was this it then? Was he done? Her questions were answered as he pushed her onto the ground, his hands gripping her angrily. He punched Cas again, once, twice, three times. Cas could only see stars, but she could hear something that alarmed her. The fumbling of a belt.

"Is that all you fucking got? You men are all so weak, so pathetic" Cas coughed again, attempting to push him off of her. "Can't get ass on his own, so he has to get it from barely conscious women. Pathetic" Cas spat.

Cas had the satisfaction of seeing anger flash across Reginald's face, before he punched her once again in the stomach. He abandoned his pants, gripping her wand and yelling Cruico again. Cas felt her body lift off the ground, her screams broken in the empty alley. He kept her under longer this time, she could feel her sanity lifting and just when she thought it was gone for good, the spell was lifted again.

Cas couldn't think. She felt herself drift away, the blackness closing in on her. She blinked, but the darkness didn't leave. Cas tried to move, but he was too close and too big. Cas screamed inside her head. She couldn't fight anymore, her muscles were giving out on her and there was no fight left in her.

All of a sudden a voice filled Cas' head, a voice she couldn't ignore, a voice that washed away the darkness.

"You better fight Cassie! Don't you let this savage do this to you. You fight damn you, YOU FIGHT." Sirius' voice filled her head, she gasped at the sound of it, it was so clear in her head.

Cas nodded to herself, she was aware of the body above her and she felt something sharp in her hand. Cas looked over and saw her hand had found a nail on the ground. Without thinking, Cas swung her arm up, driving the nail deep into Reginald's throat. Sputtering, Reginald fell to the ground, clutching the nail.

Cas tried to move, to get up, but her body was still on fire. She felt herself slowly return to her body, her strength filled her once more and anger washed over her. She ripped herself from the ground, ignoring her screaming limbs, standing over Reginald. She watched as he struggled to breathe, blood seeping from his mouth.

"I am Cas Morris. You should've known you would never win. Men like you never do. You're nothing but a pathetic waste of space, and you will die in a place where you belong. With the garbage." Cas angrily spit out, driving the nail deeper into his throat until his eyes rolled back and his breath stopped.

"Re-Remus." Cas muttered after she landed in the apartment, the world spinning around her.

"Cas? Cassie!" Remus yelled, running to catch Cas as she fell.

"Crucio. Reginald." Cas spit out before she went unconscious.

His heart was in his throat, what had happened to her? He looked her over and gasped. There was so much blood. Was all of this hers? He noted two gashes on her head, bruises on her neck and the way her body was cradled he suspected injuries to her ribs and stomach. He glanced down and noticed her pants were ripped as well, with violent bruises forming.

"Cas? Wake up." Remus mumbled frantically, placing her on the ground gently.

When she didn't answer, Remus panicked. He assessed the head wounds, waving his wand as he stitched them up. He checked over her neck, it seemed to be okay despite the bruising. When he went to raise her shirt slightly, Cas stirred.

"Cas? You're okay. You're safe. I need to look at your injuries, can I lift your shirt?" Remus asked urgently, trying to catch Cas' eyes.

Cas nodded, gasping in pain at the action.

"Oh merlin." Remus breathed, the guilt washing over him suddenly. If he hadn't left early, none of this would've happened.

Under her shirt Cas' sides were large bruises, he waved his wand over it but stopped when he noticed the shape of the bruises on her hips and through a rip in her jeans.

"Cassie. These are finger marks. Cas, did he. Did he do something?" Remus gulped, hoping that she would tell him no.

"Tried. I stopped him." Cas managed to spit out, her teeth clenched in pain.

A rush of relief ran over Remus. He felt his cheeks become wet as tears fell from them. Now was not the time for crying, he had to fix his friend.

"Thanks Remus." Cas sighed, sitting comfortably against the couch, her injuries healed by Remus.

"Finally me being a werewolf comes in handy. If there are one thing werewolves know how to do, its patch ourselves up after full moons." Remus muttered darkly, sitting beside Cas, his eyes still searching her body for further injuries.

"Relax Rem. Honestly, I feel a lot better." Cas stated, her voice still fairly shaky.

"What do you need." Remus asked, anxiously watching Cas.

"Well, no never mind. I can do it myself" Cas flinched slightly as she tried to move.

"What is it?" Remus asked, trying to get Cas comfortable again.

"I would really love a bath." Cas blushed slightly.

"Oh. Well." Remus stuttered awkwardly.

"No, no. It's fine Remus. I can wash up in the morning. Would've liked to get all this blood and that sleaze's filth off me is all." Cas sighed, closing her eyes.

"No. If you want a bath, you will get a bath." Remus declared determination flashing in his eyes.

He was up before Cas could say another word. Bounding into the bathroom and filling the tub with warm water with a flick of his wand. He turned to see Cas had stood, her hands awkwardly holding herself up.

"Oy! What do you think you're doing?" Remus cried out, rushing forward to help her stand.

"Remus, honestly. I don't need this." Cas grunted, as the two made their way towards the bathroom.

"Yes you do, or you wouldn't have mentioned it. Now get in there. I promise I won't look." Remus smiled encouragingly, turning around slightly with a firm grasp on Cas.

"Okay then."

Remus sighed to himself. What the hell was he doing. Why would he put himself in a situation like this when he was still feeling these feelings? Did he have a death wish? He had already betrayed his friend with his thoughts, did he have to do more?

'You are doing a favour for your friend in need. It doesn't have to be sexual. You're taking care of your best friend's girl.' Remus thought to himself.

"I'm ready." Cas muttered awkwardly, cringing slightly as she felt Remus' arm around her.

"Okay, on the count of three we will move you into the tub. Okay?" Remus gulped, the feeling of Cas' naked flesh against his arm was too much. Where she touched, his skin burned. His body leaned closer to her subconsciously, trying to get as close as possible. Luckily, closeness was necessary for this task.

"One, two, three!" Remus muttered, trying his best not to look at naked Cas.

They successfully got her into the tub and Remus shut the curtain slightly so Cas was hidden from sight.

"Thank you." Cas muttered, her voice still shaky but seemingly more relaxed.

"Anytime." Remus gulped loudly, trying to keep his eyes to himself.

There was a silence as Cas gently cleaned herself, removing the dirt and blood from the alley. Keeping to his word, Remus tried to look anywhere but at Cas. The sound of a choking noise made Remus' head snap up. Cas was silently sobbing, her arms wrapped around herself tightly, her body shaking in the water. Remus scrambled to his knees before gathering Cas in his arms. Cas gripped him hard, her wet body soaking Remus' plaid shirt. Remus couldn't care less about the water, he was just glad she was okay and she was home with him. Remus kissed Cas' forehead and was shocked to find Cas was silently sobbing into his shirt. He shushed her gently, caressing her body against his.

"What happened to him then.. " Remus finally asked after Cas had calmed down slightly.

"Dead." Cas muttered tonelessly, before sniffling again.

Remus nodded, bringing her as close as possible, pushing himself up against the tub. He pulled back and looked into Cas' shining eyes. Eyes that were once so confident, were now so uncertain and vulnerable. Remus couldn't help but get lost slightly in her eyes, her face splotchy from crying. Remus wiped away a lone tear and couldn't help but glance down at her lips, his breathing becoming more and more shallow. It was then he noticed Cas doing the same.

"Rem." She whispered, her voice almost a purr.

That was all Remus needed before slowly brushing his lips against Cas'. The kiss was different than before, not at all aggressive like when Roger kissed her, but explorative. Hesitant. He took her face gently into his hands before kissing her a bit harder, pulling her body closer to him. Loving the feeling of her damp body against him. Cas finally responded. She parted their lips with her tongue, searching to find his. When their tongues touched they both moaned. All of a sudden Cas was on the bathroom floor with Remus, their bodies tangled as they frantically tried to get closer to one another. Cas moaned slightly as Remus cupped her breast gently, her legs parting to bring Remus closer.

It wasn't until Remus felt Cas' hands on his belt that he finally snapped out of it. He groaned at the feeling of her warm hands caressing his lower abdomen, working her talented fingers to undo his belt. But this wasn't right. Remus grabbed her hand with his and pulled away roughly.

"Not like this Cassie. Not like this." Remus muttered against her swollen lips.

Cas was breathing heavily, her chest rising and falling fast as she tried to get a handle on the situation. Slowly she nodded, tears coming to her eyes as she tried to understand what had just happened.

"I am so sorry Rem." Cas whispered, her voice breaking as a new wave of sobs broke out.

Remus shushed her and helped pull her to her feet. He wrapped her in a new towel and gently led her to her bedroom. Helping her dress for bed, Remus tucked her in.

"Rem." Cas mumbled again, her voice so small it nearly broke Remus' heart in two.

"Yes love?" Remus asked, moving to sit on the edge of her bed.

"I really am sorry. I was ju-" Cas started before Remus cut her off.

"No. I am sorry. You just went through something horrible, and I took advantage of that. Will you forgive me?" Remus asked, rubbing his face with his hands.

"We both took advantage of that I think. I'll forgive you, if you forgive me?" Cas stated, smiling slightly.

Remus laughed and agreed.

"G'night Cas." Remus pat her legs slightly before standing to walk to the door.

"Rem?" Cas started again.

"Yes?" Remus asked, turning around to see Cas sit up slightly in bed.

"I kind of ruined the mission didn't I?" Cas asked, laughing slightly.

"Kind of." Remus agreed, laughing with her.

"Fuck. Dumbledore is going to be so pissed. Merlin, how did things get so complicated?" Cas wondered out loud.

"Only the greatest missions are complicated I hear. We are just that lucky I suppose. Now get some sleep, we will send an owl tomorrow." Remus stated before heading to the door.

"Thanks Remus." Cas muttered before laying back down.

'Yeah, thanks Remus' Remus thought darkly to himself, 'You really made a mess of things now'.

A/N: Welllllll : There it is : ) Reviews are for folks who want to snuggle Sirius' bootie.