I used the prompt 'love' for this chapter

This chapter also written for UnicornsandRainbows2009's Song fic Boot Cam using the song '"If Today Was Your Last Day" by Nickleback'

A Mouse in a Snake Pit

He saw her standing there, watching. Her eyes threatened to spill tears as she watched from the distance.

Her face said it all. What are you doing?

Remus swallowed the lump in his throat as James joined her side, putting an arm across her shoulders, comforting her. Sirius was on her other side, his expression one of resentment and confusion.

He had known they wouldn't approve, and that was why he'd put off telling them about it until the very last minute. He was risking his life; he was a mouse entering into a pit of snakes. For all he knew, today was going to be his last day. The plan might not work. The other werewolves might not fall for it.

But he had to do it anyway. He had to try and save all the ones he loved – the four faces that were staring back at him. James, Sirius, Peter and Lily. If he could do anything to help them, then he would.

His life was worth that much.

"You understand, don't you?" he asked, approaching them timidly. James and Sirius weren't known for being gentle. Underneath their concern, they were probably furious.

"Of course we understand," James said. "It still doesn't mean we like it, though. Isn't there any other way?"

Remus looked to Lily, who was silently crying. She had said something similar when he had told her. There was no other way. This was the last resort.

"Dumbledore has searched for answers elsewhere," he said softly. "This was my idea; if I can save the people I love – you – and the innocent people I don't even know, then I will. I have to do something."

"But, what about those who love you, Remus?" Lily's voice was quiet, gentle. He could barely hear her.

Remus looked away. "That's not what's important," he answered. "There are lives at stake here."

"Yeah, yours," Sirius grumbled. Remus knew he was only in a bad mood because he was scared. He never would admit when something frightened him.

"I'll be fine," he assured them, knowing fairly well that that was a promise that couldn't be kept. "I just won't be able to keep in contact as much."

"But you will be able to, won't you?" Lily questioned, and he saw the fear in her eyes.

Remus nodded. "As much as I can," he promised her. "But not at the risk of lives."

They all nodded in understanding.

"Especially not yours," James added.

Remus nodded again, despite not having thought about that. If the werewolves found out about him, then they'd kill him, and then go straight for his friends. He knew that, and he wasn't going to risk it.

"I love you, Rem," Lily sobbed. She broke free of James' comfort and wrapped her arms around his neck. He kissed her temple.

"I love you too, Lily," he mumbled. "And I'll be back before you know it, I promise."

She pulled away and smiled a pained smile. He could say those words as much as he liked, but they all knew that that wasn't a promise. It was hope.

"You better keep your promises," she said.

He smiled. "I always do."

She gave him one last hug, and then returned to her fiancé.

"So, this is it, huh?" Sirius said.

Remus nodded. "This is it," he agreed.

James, Sirius and Peter each took their turn in saying goodbye. He only had a few more minutes, and then he'd be in the snake pit.

"Just be careful, okay, mate," James said. "We want you back for the wedding."

Remus smiled. "I wouldn't miss it," he said.

James returned his smile.

"Contact us when you can, and as frequently as you can," Lily added, giving him another hug.

Remus said goodbye to each of them once more, and then he was gone. If this was going to be his last day, then at least he had left his mark.

At least he would be dying for the ones that he loved.

I'm still not feeling any more comfortable with writing Marauders, so I hope I didn't do a too bad a job. Your reviews/suggestions would be muchly appreciated :)