Remus was incredibly grateful he had recovered so quickly after the full moon. He was even more so when, two days later, Dumbledore showed up on his doorstep to send him on a mission. Seeing as he didn't have the aches and pains usually suffered after his transformation, Remus had no excuse to prolong leaving,. Not that he wasn't glad to help Dumbledore in any way he could. Feeling so useless, helpless, when others were out fighting and protecting had him sinking deeper into depression, at least until Sirius had come back into his life and given him purpose.

A purpose Remus felt he was currently neglecting, being away for three days, but there was not much to be done about it. Though he had kept Dumbledore up to date on Sirius's episodes, the elderly wizard seemed to think the other man had made enough progress to be left alone for longer stretches of time. A conclusion which Remus wholly disagreed with.

He remembered standing by his kitchen table, arms folded across his chest, attempting to convince Dumbledore to allow him to return home, each night at the very least, to check on Sirius.

"I just don't see why I can't apparate home, I have to sleep somewhere," Remus had said, a bit petulantly, thinking back on it.

"I understand your concerns my boy," Dumbledore had stated calmly, "and I assure you, I'll be in to check on Sirius each day. You can even owl him. But I can't allow even the slightest chance that someone could trace you apparating back and forth so often."

Dumbledore had been right, he knew that there was much at stake if the wizard was acting so cautious, yet it still ate away at Remus' heart to leave Sirius alone when he was still so vulnerable. It had been incredibly difficult to leave.

"Send me an owl every morning and evening, yeah?" Remus had asked, standing in his own doorway the next morning as Sirius had leaned against the doorframe. Though Sirius had appeared relaxed, nonchalant, Remus could see the little clues, lines of tension around his eyes and stiffness of his muscles that showed how hard he was trying to keep himself together, to appear capable and strong.

Sirius nodded, and it pained Remus that his friend didn't even make a single joke about him being too overbearing or motherly in making such a request.

"It'll be like when you were in hiding, but this time I'll probably be the one who resorts to sleeping in caves," Remus said, attempting to lighten the mood.

"Do you think Dumbledore would let Buckbeak stay over then?" Sirius had finally chuckled and Remus pretended to look appalled.

"Sirius no. Can you imagine the feathers? I'll be cleaning them up for years to come! Is he even housebroken?"

"He could definitely break a house," Sirius had replied, smiling, some of the light coming back into his sad grey eyes.

Remus shook his head and chuckled in return. "I'll be back before you know it, okay? Plus Dumbledore will visit each day. Maybe you can finally figure out what kind of creature he's been feeding in his left sleeve?"

Sirius pretended to shudder dramatically. "What kind of creature loves both french toast and spatulas?"

"Oh, is that where my spatula went?" Remus rolled his eyes. "Just...take care okay? Don't let Dumbledore's pet eat all my cooking utensils while I'm gone."

Sirius bit his lip and nodded again. "Be careful. Just, promise me that alright? Nothing stupid. No heroics."

"Yeah, of course," Remus frowned. "It's just research anyway. I'm not going off to war Sirius."

"I know," Sirius said, and that's when it hit Remus, hit him all over again, that they really were the last of their group. The last marauders.

Without thinking it over, knowing he'd stop himself it he did, Remus pulled Sirius into a hug, enfolding him in his arms, feeling the warmth and life of the other man against his chest. Sirius's fingers pressed into his back, clutching him tight as Remus rested his head on the other man's shoulder. There was a sense of safety in those arms that he knew he'd miss for days, so he'd pulled him close, capturing this memory to hold tight for later.

Remus had felt cold the moment he'd stepped away. A lingering coldness that even still permeated his body three days later. He was hoping this would be the final stop in his mission, his quest to seek out information on Lord Voldemort, on his life before he'd become the Dark Lord. When he'd been known simply as Tom Riddle.

Shaking off both his memories and the lingering dizziness of apperating, Remus tucked the portkey Dumbledore had given him back into his pocket and turned down the street, seeking his final destination. Remus frowned, stopping beneath a wooden sign and stone steps worn smooth with age. Dilapidated was an understatement when describing Wool's Orphanage. Heavy wood doors, darkened on rusty hinges, stood tall and proud despite the ancient derelict structure. Remus rang the bell and waited.

Just as Remus was wondering if he should try it again, a stern looking nun pulled open one door with a creak.

"Yes?" she said, looking him up and down and apparently finding him wanting by her deep frown.

"Hi, Professor Lupin," Remus said, handing her a card Dumbledore had had made up, stating it would help him appear a professional muggle. "I had some questions about a student from our school, he was born here you see, and I wondered if I might ask your...Headmaster about him?"

The nun looked at him oddly but opened the door wider. "Sister Constance runs the orphanage. If you'd like to come in, I can see if she's available."

"That would be wonderful, thank you," Remus said kindly, stepping over the threshold. He looked about as he followed the woman, frown deepening at the conditions he noticed. Though it seemed clean, the place was quite rundown, ancient and in great need of repair and renovation. It wasn't much of a step up from living on the streets and his heart ached for the poor children who were housed within.

He was led past closed doors where he could hear children speaking in what seemed like a classroom setting, then down a hallway lined with offices. Leaving Remus outside one, the nun disappeared momentarily before ushering him inside. "Sister Constance will speak with you now Professor."

Remus thanked her before stepping in. Though bleak, the room was neat and tidy with whitewashed walls and an old chair on each side of a worn desk. Sitting opposite him was a nun that looked far too young to run an orphanage and Remus mentally cursed, knowing there was no way she had been around anywhere near when Tom had attended.

"Professor…?"

"Lupin," Remus supplied, "Thank you for seeing me. I promise not to take up much of your time."

"Sister Margaret said you had some concerns about your student?" she said, getting straight to business.

"Ah yes. Well I should clarify. He was a student, though I never taught him. You see he was living here from his birth until he came of age in 1945."

"Oh," the sister said, taken aback as she sat up straighter in her chair. "I'm not sure I'm the one to help you then. What exactly are you looking to find?"

"Well you see, he caused a lot of trouble in the school, and I was hoping someone who worked here might have some memories that can help us learn more about him."

"What exactly did he do, if you don't mind me asking?" Sister Constance asked, steepling her fingers.

"He started a...well a hate group of sorts. We're still dealing with the repercussions and our Headmaster was hoping to learn more, so we can stop this sort of thing before it happens again."

The white lie seemed to satisfy the nun who sat back in her chair. "As it happens, there is a sister who may be able to help. She no longer works here, she's quite elderly and cannot walk, but she comes in to read to the children each afternoon. You're welcome to return to speak with her."

"That would be most helpful," Remus said, thanking her and rising.

"Come back around four, I'll see if she's willing to talk to you."

Remus left, wandering the unfamiliar area of London for a bit before grabbing a sandwich and taking a late lunch in a nearby park. Sitting under a tree, far from the path, Remus ate in silence, reading a book from his satchel and waiting upon his return time. That was where the owl found him. His small round barn owl plopped into Remus' lap in a flurry of feathers, seeking out his hand to be petted before she would release the parchment clutched in her tiny talons.

Though Remus had given her an elegant name, Sirius had taken to calling her "Potato" which seemed to stick far better than his lofty attempt at naming. Remus scratched under Potato's beak and ruffled her feathers while he unrolled the parchment, unable to hide a small smile upon seeing Sirius' elegant handwriting.

"Good morning Moony,

I've taken to eating top ramen for every meal. If you are gone too much longer I may die of sodium ingestion so think about coming home to save my poor intestines soon.

Dumbledore came by this morning so I couldn't write until now. His sleeve monster ate two biscuits and an ice tray. I asked Dumbledore to buy you a new one but he pretended not to know what I was talking about. I tried transfiguring another but it just looks like a shoe with squares in it, sorry. Also sorry about your shoe."

Remus couldn't help but chuckle aloud. Something about writing really brought out the carefree side of Sirius that he missed from their youth.

"Anyway, let me know you're safe. Do you think you'll be home tonight? Or tomorrow? No rush, just, you know, curious.

-Padfoot"

Remus shook his head, petting Potato again before drawing out a quill and parchment for a return letter.

"Padfoot,

Please watch your sodium, maybe eat an ice tray instead. Dumbledore's pet might be onto something. I hope you didn't ruin my good shoes, which is none of them actually, so don't worry. I don't know when I'll return, I'm investigating the last location, so hopefully within a day or two."

I miss you, Remus thought but did not add. Becoming overly sentimental be no good to either of them. But he did. He missed waking up next to Sirius, feeling his warmth, his strong body beside his own despite the unrequited feelings it awoke within him. He missed their silly fights, Sirius' quick wit and dramatic flair. Even his sad eyes and troubled episodes. Remus felt lost without purpose, and he swallowed back those feelings before they could overwhelm him. The nights were hard enough, he'd grown so used to a warm body beside his own that each bed had felt so cold and empty without Sirius curled up by his side.

Signing "Moony," Remus rolled the parchment, fed Potato a scrap of bread from his lunch, and sent the puffball on her way. He knew the letter was short, but Remus was in a mood and knew if he continued to write, he'd end up saying something overly sappy that he'd later regret. Like "I love you" or "I've wanted to snog the living daylights out of you since were were about twelve." Neither of which were something Sirius needed heaped upon him in such a fragile state. Or ever.

Remus sighed. If he were honest with himself, he'd never really stopped loving Sirius, even when the other man had been locked up for twelve years. He could still remember when he'd first laid eyes on Sirius. Shaggy black hair covered eyes alight with mischief as he'd burst into Remus' lonely Hogwarts Express car, saw one of the many scars he'd attempted too late to hide, and promptly sat beside him. Remus had braced for the jeers and judgement he was used to from other children, but instead Sirius had told him how lucky he was. Blinking, Remus had asked him, "Whatever for?" to which Sirius had replied "If I were as brave as you, with your scars, I'd definitely be sorted into Gryffindor." Then Sirius had proceeded to talk his ear off for the entire journey, only asking Remus his name as they arrived at school and telling him they'd be friends forever.

The memory warmed Remus in place of Sirius being there beside him. All his happiest memories were with Sirius. Pranks they'd pulled with their fellow Marauders, staying up late drinking illegal Firewhisky, creating the map with bits of magic secreted from restricted books, even detentions had been fun with Sirius by his side, not that he was caught nearly as often as the other three.

And through it all, Sirius had absolutely no idea his feelings for him. But that was the way Remus wanted it. He never let on, never gave a single hint. It had been difficult, especially once Sirius started dating, to not show his jealousy, how he longed to be the one by Sirius' side. He'd felt more and more hollow as time progressed, watching Sirius snog a particular girl, date her, bed her, dump her and start all over again. Remus knew he didn't want just that with Sirius. Ruining their friendship wasn't worth it, even if Sirius had been up for trying it out with a bloke, which Remus was quite sure he was not.

He'd stayed merely content far longer than was probably sane. It was only once they had their flat together, when Sirius would bring home women night after night, that Remus finally had enough. By then things were so strained, Sirius suspected him of being a spy, Peter's whispers and hints stirred mistrust between the two, just as intended. It became easy to find excuses to stay over with James or visit his parents, anything to get away from hearing Sirius fucking woman after woman through the thin walls of their home. The torture of the full moon was nothing compared to those nights.

Sighing, Remus brushed his fringe back from his eyes. It wouldn't do to get all maudlin about things he couldn't change. Sirius was with him, for now, as much as it would ever be possible for them to be together. And once he was well again, Sirius would want his independence, probably find a girl again. The cycle would start anew. And Remus would still be by his side, where he'd always been. It could be enough.

Remus let his thoughts drift as he enjoyed the afternoon in the park until it was time to yet again make his way back to the orphanage. He hoped he could return home after, but it depended entirely upon what the elderly nun had to say. So he braced himself for another night apart from Sirius before clearing his thoughts.

When Remus rang the bell, the same sister answered the door and, apparently privy to his errand, led him to a small office.

"Sister Agatha will be with you momentarily. She's just finishing reading to the children."

"I'm happy to wait, no rush," Remus said and was offered a small smile before he was left alone. He studied the room, the walls bare save for a wooden crucifix, the bible on the desk, and two utilitarian chairs, one of which he sat upon.

It was all of five minutes before the elderly sister entered, pushed by a young nun. Remus held the door while she maneuvered the wheelchair before departing, leaving Sirius alone with a rather frail yet compassionate looking woman.

"Sister, I'm sorry to trouble you," Remus started, wondering if he should offer his hand. He had no idea the etiquette to greet a nun.

"It's no trouble," she said in a raspy voice, her rheumy eyes twinkling. "Not often do I get visits from such nice young men. Sister Constance tells me you are wondering about a child from here?"

"Yes," Remus said, turning his chair to face her. "It was a long time ago, I'd understand if you don't remember, but I have a feeling this young man might have stood out. His name was Tom Riddle."

The nun let out a gasp, bringing a pale veined hand up to her heart. "Tom...I haven't thought about him in...decades."

"So you do remember him?" Remus asked and she nodded once.

"He was...troubled," she settled upon, her wrinkled face scrunching up as she frowned. "At first he was just moody, insecure, a bit odd. Then, as he grew…" she shook her head and looked Remus in the eye. "What was the name of your school again?"

Remus saw no harm in telling her. "Hogwarts, it's in Scotland."

"Ah, the wizarding school, I remember now."

Remus looked at the old woman in shock. He was sure his mouth was hanging open as he stared, causing her to chuckle slightly.

"Don't worry, your secret's safe with me. My older sister was a witch, shocked the family quite a bit as I recall. She passed thirty or so years ago, I lost any connection to the wizarding world with her."

"I'm so sorry," Remus managed, finding his words finally.

"Thank you," the nun smiled before continuing. "Because of her, I knew what Tom was, I think even before he did himself. I still remember a teacher from your school coming to talk with him, how elated he was to be going away to 'private school.' But he still came back here for holidays and the summer, of course."

"The same professor, our Headmaster now, is looking for clues about Tom. You see," Remus chose his words carefully, "Tom became something of an activist. And not in a good way. He stirred up anti-muggle sentiment, preaching that wizards, especially pureblood ones, should rule over others, muggles and magical creatures included. He became a danger to both our worlds."

Sister Agatha shook her head sadly. "I've seen too many dictators like that in my time. Another, one who wields magic, would be disastrous. You speak of him in the past tense though? If he died, why are you still looking for information about him?"

Remus wondered at how much the sister knew of magic, of what was possible and what was not. He decided to keep things simple. "He was defeated, but, through means we are seeking to discover, Tom has been able to come back. Not as he was, but something even darker, more twisted."

"Oh my!" Sister Agatha exclaimed, wringing her hands. "How terrible, I can't even imagine…" she trailed off and Remus leaned forward in his chair in earnest.

"If there's anything you can remember about him, people or things he held dear, places he talked of, even incidents here. We're not sure what we're looking for but any of it may be helpful down the line."

The sister nodded emphatically before pursing her lips in thought. "I do recall he kept a diary. Very private he was, I remember him hurting another child he claimed tried to read it. Poor dear was covered in nasty rashes for a week."

Remus already knew of said diary, which Dumbledore kept secured in his office. Sadly the basilisk venom had rendered any writings in it useless, but this was a start at least. Her memory was on the right track.

"Anything else?"

She pondered for a long moment before her brows shot up. "He was quite obsessed with your school. Found it quite a safe haven, I imagine. He'd talk of it often, in an obscure way of course, but I know the place meant everything to him. There were books he brought back, about how the castle was made, who founded it, what happened to them. I remember my sister having similar books, though she wasn't nearly as obsessed."

Remus nodded. He wondered if that would be at all helpful to Dumbledore. "And how was he with other children here? Did he have friends?"

"Not a one," Sister Agatha said with some finality, "He was quite horrid to them. Liked to steal from other children and hide their belongings. Sometimes children would get hurt, they'd never say it was him, but we knew. There was an air of superiority he held, like the rules didn't apply to him. There was one time...I shudder to think about it even now."

Remus gestured for her to continue.

"We had just taken in two new children, he was older, perhaps around sixteen, so they trusted him without knowing his cruel nature. It was on an outing to the beach, he took them to a cave nearby and then...then I have no idea what happened. But those poor children, they came back...changed. Never spoke again. Had nightmares, horrible nightmares, waking up in a cold sweat screaming their throats raw. They'd claw their eyes if they could, even refused to eat. We had to send them away to an asylum, poor dears. Never knew what became of them. It made the papers and everything."

Remus swallowed. To do such a thing, and to children, was so unthinkable. Yet not beyond what Tom-Voldemort-was capable of. "This cave?"

"I forget it's name. Local though, off the shore. Strange place, no one goes near, it has an oddness to it, you know?"

Remus thought he might. He'd have to look into the cave, it could be a promising lead to Dumbledore. "Is there anything else you can think of?"

She shook her head. "Now it's only the big things that really stand out. Although he was obsessed with his father. Finding him. Thought the man might be a wizard. He used to brag about his father, thinking he was powerful, or rich. That he'd come for him one day. Never happened, and once he found out that his father held no magic...well you know what happened to him."

Remus knew. It had been a tipping point for Tom, an obsession gone wrong. The boy had always held out hope that he was pureblood, that his wizard father would come to claim him. When it was finally proven that his father was merely a muggle, it had broken Tom. Twisted his mind, darkened his heart.

"I'm sorry to have dragged up such dark memories," Remus said softly, "but you've really been most helpful Sister."

The old lady beamed at him. "My memories are all I've got now. That and the children. It's nice to be able to share, even if they aren't the most pleasant."

"I'd love to hear some of the good ones, if you have the time," Remus said, smiling at the old woman as her eyes lit up, sitting patiently as she chatted for over an hour about the wonderful children she'd help raise. The Christmases and birthdays, the incredible people some of her wards had grown to become. Only when the woman seemed tired did he offer to wheel her out of the room, finding a nearby nun to take her back to her quarters.

"It was such a pleasure meeting you Sister Agatha," Remus said sincerely, taking her weathered hand in his own.

"And you as well my boy. Stay safe."

Remus walked out the creaky doors to find the sun had set. He sighed, contemplating another night away from Sirius. He wanted to head to the library tomorrow, see if he couldn't find an article about that incident at the cave, and then perhaps search for the place himself. Then he could finally return home.

Figuring he might as well check into the room Dumbledore had booked for him, Remus walked the block and a half to a quaint bed and breakfast. An elderly man with eyebrows like large white caterpillars showed him to his room and Remus flopped down onto the bed, exhausted for no particular reason. He should probably get up, search out some dinner, but Remus found himself feeling to weary to get out of bed. Closing his eyes, Remus's thoughts drifted to Sirius, worrying over his well being, missing him as he drifted off to sleep.

What he had hoped would be a short nap turned into a two hour slumber. Waking with a familiar ache, Remus brought his fingers to his lips, touching them softly, attempting to capture the last lingering vestige of his dream. Sirius had been there, warm and perfect flushed against his body, kissing him softly then hungrily. Those soft lips against his felt so right that he didn't even question the kiss, instead melted into it, embracing the heated passion that enveloped him from a man he knew sadly would never actually be his. They hadn't done much more than that in the dream, yet Remus had still awoken achingly hard, alone in an unfamiliar bed.

With no reason to hold back, Remus sighed as he slipped a hand into his trousers. He found his cock, pressed painfully against his thigh, and brought it up, feeling the heat between his fingers. Using his free hand Remus undid his zip and pulled down his briefs, watching his length bob free, full and hard as it curved against his belly.

Remus closed his eyes and groaned into his own touch. As soon as he did, his thoughts turned back to Sirius. He wondered how Sirius would kiss him, if it would be fleeting and curious, or frantic and full of the desperation Remus had kept bottled inside for years. Hoping for the latter, Remus gripped himself hard, needing something rough, something full of longing and passion if only for a few moments. His hips bucked off the bed, rocking his cock forward into his fist.

Realizing for the first time in weeks that he was completely alone, no walls between him and Sirius which the man might overhear him through, Remus gave voice to his needs, moaning and panting, not giving a damn if some stranger in another room might be listening. He needed this, but not as much as he needed Sirius. Pressing the heel of his palm against the thick base of his cock, Remus cried out, feeling drops of precum dripping down his fingers, slick and warm with his own desire.

He wondered if the other man was taking advantage of Remus being gone in the same way he was right now. What Sirius would look like getting off, in his own bed, taking himself in hand just as Remus was. The thought made Remus gasp, picturing Sirius' perfect cock sliding between his long fingers, arching his back, naked atop Remus's sheets. Sirius' black hair would flow over his firm chest, his pale skin flushed with longing, his cock thickening in his hand as he worked it, pulling and pumping just as Remus did now. Nothing would ever be as beautiful as seeing Sirius come undone like that, fragile and needy, eager for pleasure. He hoped Sirius would press himself into the bed, seeking friction, his cock heavy and leaking as he drove forward, fucking himself into his own hand. Then Sirius would come hard, dirtying the sheets, crying out as he gave himself over in the place where they slept together.

The last thought was almost too overwhelming for Remus. His grip became shaky, overly eager as he felt himself on the edge of orgasm. Bucking his hips, Remus felt his muscles tighten as every nerve alighted in his body, screaming with need. His cock felt impossibly hard and as he pictured Sirius spent on his bed, Remus came undone. Whimpers became cries of Sirius' name as Remus came into his hand, pulling at his cock over and over until cum coated his stomach as he arched off the bed. Slowly Remus came down from that high, his muscles relaxing as his length softened between his fingers, chest heaving as he stared up at the ceiling.

Remus had long gotten over the shame of coming while thinking of his friend, yet each time he cried out Sirius' name he felt a little more empty, hollow, as if the fantasy took a part of himself with it into his dreams.

But this emptiness was nothing new, and after a quick moment of feeling sorry for himself, Remus sighed, cleansing himself with a quick charm, and straightened his clothes. Glancing at his watch, Remus realized it was after eight and he should probably find himself some supper before shops began to close up for the night.

Before he left, Remus quickly penned a letter to Dumbledore informing him on his findings at the orphanage. He told him of Tom's obsession with Hogwarts, his father, and also the incident at the cave, mentioning that he would try to find the place as well as more information about it tomorrow. After sticking his wand out the window to summon an owl to carry his missive, Remus locked the small room behind him and made for the lobby. When Remus asked at the front desk for the nearest restaurant, he was directed to a lively pub a block down.

He heard the pub long before he saw it. Cries and yells of patrons watching a sports match made Remus chuckle. If there was anything that could possibly unite wizards and muggles one day, it would be how seriously they took their sports. The place was dimly lit but cozy, all dark old wood and orange lamps with a smell of alcohol that Remus reckoned was impossibly suffused into the entirety of the establishment. After being directed to a table for two, Remus was given a menu with too many choices covered in garishly lit photographs.

Sticking to what he knew, Remus ordered curry and treated himself to a beer as he settled back and thought on his day. When the waitress returned with his beer, he decided to do some further research.

"Say," Remus started, offering her a small smile, "I was wondering if you could help me with something."

"Oh," the young woman said, flushing just a bit, "Of course darlin', what can I do for you?"

Remus decided being as truthful as possible was easiest. "Well, you see I'm doing some research for the school I teach at…"

"You're a professor, aren't you?" she cocked her head and Remus saw her blatantly looking him over. He wondered if he really did look like that much of a frumpy professor if even she could see it.

"Yes," he slightly lied, "and you see, there's this cave off the coast I've heard of that I was told would be perfect for my research."

"Ah, I know the one, shoot what's its name." She bit her lip between her teeth as she looked at him. "You know, I can't recall! So silly of me."

"That's quite alright," Remus smiled at her, "But do you know the way?"

She nodded but looked a bit concerned. "It's not far. But, it's...weird. You shouldn't go in there."

"Don't worry, I'm just going to take photographs," Remus assured her and she perked back up.

"I can show you, I get off work in three hours."

"That's so kind of you," Remus said, "But I couldn't possibly take pictures at night. Maybe you could tell me so I could go tomorrow?"

"Oh, I have tomorrow evening off," she said, "I could take you then, if you'd like."

"Actually I have to leave for home tomorrow morning, I'm very sorry," Remus said shrugging and giving her his most apologetic expression.

"Ah, you have to get back to your girlfriend?" she asked, and Remus frowned slightly at the non-sequitur.

"No," he said and saw her face light up, "boyfriend."

"Oh...Oh!" she said, shaking her head and chuckling. "It's always the best looking ones…"

"Huh?" Remus looked at her, unsure what she meant before she laughed again.

"And oblivious about it too, damn," she gave an exasperated little noise as she smiled. "Let me draw you a map darlin'."

Sated and reenergized a half hour later, Remus left the pub, map in hand, and made his way to the closest alleyway. Glancing about to make sure there was no one to oversee, Remus took out his wand and disapparated in the general direction of the nearby coast, deciding he may as well have a look at the cave tonight so he could get home faster to Sirius tomorrow.

A cool salty breeze hit his face before Remus even opened his eyes, and he held out his hands for balance in the soft sand. The sound of waves crashing along the shore was both alien and yet calming to him and Remus took in a deep breath of the night air to fortify himself. The shoreline was not dissimilar to other European rocky coasts. There were small sandy patches for sunbathers with craggy shores overlooking them. The waning moon cast its silvery light over the rippling waters, lending just enough light below Remus' feet that he didn't need his wand.

With his boots crunching in the cool sand, Remus made his way in the general direction in which the waitress had directed him, hoping to find the infamous cave. Remus pulled his coat tighter, feeling the bite of the offshore breeze as it chilled his skin and sent his hair in all directions. Muttering a warming charm, Remus proceeded until, there, faintly in the distance, was what appeared to be a dark maw in the cliff face.

Studying it for a moment, Remus pulled out his wizard camera, pointing it at the entrance and casting a lighting charm upon it to illuminate the photo properly. Just as he clicked the shutter, Remus squinted, watching as a dark spot in the sky grew closer and closer until he could just make out an owl. He smiled, hoping Sirius had finally written him his nightly update but then frowned as he recognized instead the larger figure of the horned owl he had sent to Dumbledore earlier. Remus raised his arm and the bird alighted on his forearm. Digging in his pocket, Remus produced half a biscuit which the owl took in her beak as he took her letter, unfurling the small scrap of parchment.

"R-

This information is most helpful. Let me know what else you learn tomorrow before returning home. Also, do not, under any circumstances, go inside this cave.

-AD"

Remus grew more curious about the nature of the cave if even Dumbledore was wary of it, yet he was glad he had not proceeded further. He didn't know if it was the dark gaping entrance, or this aura that others seemed to describe, but Remus indeed felt a bit uneasy even this far from the cavern.

Even more imminently worrying, though, was the fact that Remus had not heard a word from Sirius as of yet. It was after nine, and the other man had written him around supper the past few nights. Though it was probably nothing, Remus knew he was prone to over think matters. He banished the writing from the scroll and, grabbing a quill from his bag, and penned Sirius a quick note making sure he was alright. He sent it off with the owl, letting the other man know his room had a fireplace which they could use to talk if he wished, and sent the bird on her way.

Remus took a moment to ascertain that there was no one to oversee him before he apparated back into his room. Body still chilled from the cold sea air, Remus quickly lit the fire and threw a comforter around himself to keep warm until the room started to heat up. He wished Sirius was here to throw his arms around him, his body heat and proximity doing the trick long before any fire could reach Remus. Sighing, he shook his head and stared into the hypnotic rhythm of the flames, hoping to hear from Sirius soon.

Within ten minutes Remus's teeth had stopped chattering enough that he was able to shuck off the blanket and grab a book, but his mind was far from the words he attempted to read. He knew he was worrying himself silly, acting like an overbearing parent, yet as long as Sirius was safe, Remus would gladly hear whatever motherly synonyms Sirius decided to call him. So he gave in, throwing a handful of floo powder in and leaning into the now green flames while stating his address.

"Sirius?" Remus called a couple times, but got no answer. He could see nothing but his empty living room, heard nothing but silence, and with each passing second Remus' trepidation grew. Pulling back, Remus muttered for Dumbledore's office, hoping the headmaster was still up and close at hand.

"Professor?" Remus called, and after half a minute Dumbledore's wizened features appeared to float atop the flames before him.

"Ah Remus. I hope you're settled in for the night. Did you get my owl?"

"Yes, thank you," Remus said then realized he wasn't even sure what he was thanking Dumbledore for. The Headmaster didn't seem to mind but his tone changed to reflect Remus' worry.

"Something troubling you my boy?"

"Yes, it's Sirius. I can't seem to get ahold of him. I owled and also tried the fire, but got no response. Could you, perhaps, check if your wards had been breached?" Remus hoped it wasn't too much to ask but he'd rather be safe than sorry.

"Hmm," Dumbledore contemplated, "I would have felt if my wards had been broken or dismantled. I can't, however, tell if one of you comes or goes of your own free will. Though I had advised against it, perhaps he had to leave for some reason?"

Remus shook his head. "I don't think he would have without me. He would have owled if so. I'm sorry for bothering you, I'm probably worrying over nothing."

"Think nothing of it," Dumbledore assured him, "Sirius is probably just asleep. If you need to check, though, I understand. I'm sorry but Hogwarts matters are keeping me here or I'd do so myself."

Remus sighed, glad that the other man understood. "Thank you, I'll check in with you tomorrow, I promise."

"Good night then Remus," Dumbledore said softly before disappearing from the fire.

Grabbing his bag, Remus quickly withdrew more floo powder and threw it into the flames. Once the color changed again he stated his address before ducking through.

Remus appeared in an empty living room. Dusting ashes off his clothes, Remus called Sirius' name before quickly searching his bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. All were unoccupied. As Remus stepped toward the front door, he found it slightly ajar, letting in a bit of the night's chill along with all his fears. Remus shivered before stepping onto the landing, glancing about for his friend. Though his eyes were more well adapted to see at night than an ordinary human, Remus could still find no trace of Sirius within the vicinity of the flat.

Cursing, pacing, and cursing some more, Remus racked his brain for what to do next. That's when he stepped on Sirius' wand. Hopping back before he snapped it, Remus's eyes widened as he bent to pick it up. If Sirius had left it, gone somewhere without his wand, it meant one of very few things. Obviously this was not some simple outing. He'd either been abducted, which Remus shivered to think upon and seemed unlikely with no signs of a struggle, or he'd transformed into Padfoot and couldn't hold his wand in dog form. Unable to think on the former until he'd ruled out the latter, Remus bit his lip, attempting to figure out what to do next.

It had been poor planning to not have some sort of trace system in place, Remus thought, chiding himself for not having foresight in the matter. But he'd have to track Sirius somehow. Remus tapped his wand against his leg, wracking his brain as he continued to pace the floor.

What could possibly track Sirius? He could use an owl, but Remus wasn't sure he'd be able to see them well enough to follow during the night. Luckily that thought was quickly supplanted by a better one, a much more visible way of sending messages that he could easily see. A Patronus charm. With long strides Remus leapt to his closet, pulling out his disused broom and making his way outside. He cast a quick concealment charm on himself, just incase any muggles looked up into the night sky, before taking a deep breath.

Happy memories were always difficult to dredge up in taxing times such as now, but he concentrated and cleared his mind, knowing his friend needed him. His friend, who had become an animagus for him, to help him through the most difficult times in his life. Remus still recalled the stupidly elated look on Sirius' face, the mischief in his silver eyes as he'd smiled at Remus before suddenly transforming into an animagus right in front of him. The sleek black dog that had moments before been his friend bounded over, pushing Remus to the ground and licked his face until Remus had cried with laughter. The fact that Sirius had spent over a year learning the spell, practiced with great risk to himself, and done it all for Remus, had easily been the happiest moment of Remus' life. And still was to this day. Smiling slightly, Remus held the moment within his heart as he whispered the spell.

"Expecto Patronum."

Before him stood a dog. His dog. Not a wolf, as he told others when they saw the patronus, but the ethereal twin to Padfoot, the animal he most found kinship with.

"Find Sirius Black," Remus instructed as he mounted his broom and within seconds he took to the air, quickly trailing the corporeal form through the night.

Remus kept pace, his sharp eyes watching as, below, the wolf shot between houses, down streets and around trees in search of Sirius. Swearing, Remus swerved, almost colliding with a telephone pole before remembering to watch where he was going. He almost lost the wolf once, observing it rush through a shopping center and was unable to see where it exited until he circled around, spying its ethereal light in the distance. Speeding past, Remus caught up, letting out a relieved breath before continuing on.

As the city lights faded behind them, Remus found himself flying high over a residential neighborhood, a place that was strikingly familiar. As he gazed at street names and recognizable buildings, Remus was not surprised when he saw his patronus slow then stop before a small dilapidated house on the edge of a park. The shutters hung off the windows and the door had been boarded up, yet Remus easily recognized the flat he and Sirius had once shared. Not to mention the black dog that sat curled upon the disused front step.

With a sudden rush Remus descended to the ground, alighting on the porch of the place he had once called home. He cast his broom aside, causing Sirius to finally look up, silvery dog eyes reflecting the moonlight and filled with more sorrow than any true animal could possibly portray.

"God damn it Sirius," Remus shouted before falling to his knees, pulling Padfoot into his lap and hugging him close. "You scared the shit out of me!"

Remus could feel how fast his heart was beating as he attempted to reign in the tears of relief that threatened to spill forth. Damn Sirius for putting him through this, for making him worry and shirk his duties when the other man should be waiting safely at home. A home where dementors and wizards weren't looking for him, ready to take him away from Remus once again, this time for good.

"What the hell were you thinking, running off like this?" Remus muttered into the thick black fur, holding tight to Padfoot least he run away again. He felt Padfoot's wet nose nuzzle into his chest and sighed, shaking his head.

"It's not safe out here, you know that," he said softly, petting Sirius' dew-damp fur, feeling the warm skin and beating heart beneath his hands. "You can't do this to me I can't...Sirius I can't lose you again."

Sirius burrowed closer but remained in dog form as Remus held tight to him, kneeling in the abandoned dust and desolation they had once called home.

Only when long minutes had past did Remus finally pull away, standing and brushing the dust off his trousers. The cold night air bit into his skin where Padfoot had warmed him, and a slight breeze ruffled the animagus' dark fur as the sounds of insects and far off cars were carried toward them.

When Remus realized Sirius was not about to turn back to his human form quite yet, he let out a deep breath and shook his head. "Come on Padfoot," he said, reaching down to the dog with one hand and pulling out his wand with another. "Let's go home."