Love Sees More 3: Greyback's Pack

by SpoonyLupin

Remus has agreed to infiltrate Greyback's pack. That, however, proves much easier said than done. As the days pass and Remus spends more time with the animalistic werewolves, it becomes harder and harder for him to remember what it was like to live as a human.

15. Chapter 15: The Dark Mark

Love Sees More 3: Greyback's Pack

Chapter 15 - The Dark Mark

Remus had never wanted his wand so badly in his entire life. His hand kept going instinctively to his pocket like it always did when danger was imminent, but of course, his wand wasn't there. It was still sitting on his bedside table at number twelve, Grimmauld Place, right where he'd left it before going to join Greyback. For a very brief moment, Remus wondered if he would ever see it again.

As soon as he realized that the other Vanishing Cabinet, their final destination was in the Room of Requirement, Remus knew exactly why they were there. In fact, it had crossed his mind the moment Greyback had told him that they would be going on a mission, and that it may involve someone that Remus knew. Remus had been hoping that he was wrong, and he even convinced himself that he was. After last year, Harry would be more cautious about being lured into danger, and there was no way for the Death Eaters to get into Hogwarts. Or so he'd thought.

Except for the Death Eaters, the castle was deathly quiet. Everyone was safely tucked away in their common rooms or dormitories, unaware of the danger that was about to befall them. Remus only hoped that they would stay there, protected by their house's passwords, but he knew they wouldn't. As soon as they found out that Death Eaters had invaded the castle, more than a few of them would be willing to help protect it. Especially Harry.

Remus's mind kicked into overdrive. He started working out different scenarios, wondering if it might be best to cut his losses now. He could slip away from the group and run to warn someone. Then again, if the Death Eaters were going after Harry, and Remus was absolutely sure that they were, he decided that it would be best to stick with them. If they lured Harry out of safety, at least he wouldn't be alone with a bunch of psychotic Death Eaters; Remus would be there to protect him. Besides, Remus wasn't even sure yet what their plan entailed, and it might be best to stay with them until he knew more.

"We'll need someone to run on ahead and set the trap," Bellatrix whispered, pausing in an abandoned corridor. She turned and gave Remus a sneering smile. "How about you, Lupin? This could be your first test, before things get too…involved, because forgive me if I have my doubts about your loyalty."

"I tested him already!" Greyback roared, which echoed up and down the empty hallways. A bunch of the Death Eaters flinched and then shushed him, which made him growl, but he did lower his voice after that. "I don't care if you believe it or not, but you don't get to test him again."

"I didn't see this test!" Bellatrix snapped. "Your assurances mean nothing to me."

Greyback stalked forward until he was mere inches away from Bellatrix. The rest of the Death Eaters slinked away a bit, forming a circle around the two of them.

"I don't need to defend myself or my judgment to you," Greyback growled. "But by all means, if you'd like to have Remus participate, feel free. Just don't call it a test."

Remus really didn't like this. He didn't like them determining what he would and would not do, and he certainly didn't like Greyback answering for him. Greyback on the other hand, seemed to prefer having Remus's conversations for him. Remus suspected it made him feel powerful, like he had even more control over Remus.

Bellatrix rolled her eyes. "Call it whatever you like if it'll make you feel better." She tilted her head at Remus curiously. "Lupin…" Her eyes went down to his hands. "You'll need a wand for this next part - do you not have one?"

"We don't need things like wands!" Greyback snapped. "Unlike you silly wizards, we don't need sticks to defend ourselves. We do that through other means - with our own power." Greyback directed his gaze at a rather large and brutal-faced Death Eater whom Remus recognized as Thorfinn Rowle. Greyback bared his teeth at him, and he shrunk back in horror.

"Oh, yes," Bellatrix said, "you're barbarians. I keep forgetting."

Greyback snarled at her, his eyes narrowed. "Say that again."

Remus began to suspect that Bellatrix was making a point out of it on purpose. She seemed to like to antagonize Greyback, and every time the hulking werewolf raised his voice or growled in anger, she looked amused by it all. Remus wanted to tell Greyback to ignore her. The more he reacted, the more it only encouraged Bellatrix, but of course, Remus didn't say a word. That would certainly classify as embarrassing Greyback in front of the Death Eaters.

"Can we please get this over with?" Alecto spoke up for the first time since they had arrived at Hogwarts. "The longer we stand here arguing, the bigger the chance that we might be spotted before we're able to put the plan into action. The Dark Lord will be very upset if that happens."

"Keep your knickers on," Bellatrix sighed, crossing her arms over her chest and surveying the group of Death Eaters. She stopped when she came to Draco, a large smile spreading across her face. "Why don't you do the honors, Draco? You do know how to cast to Dark Mark, don't you?"

Remus could see Draco swallowing hard, his grip tightening on his wand. "Of course I do," Draco said.

"Then go on," Bellatrix said. "The Astronomy Tower - the highest one, so everyone can see it."

Draco looked around at the others, perhaps waiting for one of them to protest. No one did. His grey eyes paused on Remus for the briefest moment, as if Draco was hoping that he would say something, do something to get him out of it. When Remus didn't say a word, Draco turned on his heel and hurried down the hall away from them.

Remus couldn't blow his cover yet. He hated the idea of Draco having to cast the Dark Mark for what seemed like a rather cowardly group who didn't want to do it themselves, but getting Draco away from the rest of the Death Eaters couldn't exactly hurt. Draco was working with them, yes, but they were like a bunch of sharks - they'd turn on him in a second. Besides, Draco was just a child; Remus highly suspected from his demeanor that he didn't want to do any of this, but he had little choice in the matter. Just like Remus himself. Draco had never been nice to him, but Remus couldn't help but feel for him nonetheless.

Remus thought he saw where this plan of theirs was going. They were going to cast the Dark Mark over the highest tower of Hogwarts to lure everyone out of the safety of their dormitories. As soon as Harry saw it, being the brave Gryffindor leader that he was, he would certainly be among the first to react and race to the top of the Astronomy Tower.

Remus felt rather confident in his plan to stick with the Death Eaters. Once the Dark Mark was cast, people would start coming to find out what was going on. At least this way, Remus could keep an eye on them. If he needed to turn on the Death Eaters in order to protect the children, then so be it. Remus didn't care if he would be the only thing in between them and the Death Eaters. Nothing was more important than his students, former or not. They were worth it. Especially Harry.

A tiny part of Remus was relieved that they hadn't asked him to conjure the Dark Mark. That was one of the spells he never wanted to perform if he could help it. It was his mark, Voldemort's mark, and Remus wanted nothing to do with it. He suspected that conjuring it might make him feel dirty, might tie him indelibly to the Death Eaters forever. Not to mention, if Remus did anything that directly led to people getting hurt, he'd never forgive himself. Of course, he felt horrible that Draco had to do it instead, and it just proved how utterly ridiculous the Death Eaters were - that they would make a child have any part in this plan of theirs.

The group of Death Eaters had begun to move down the hall, following the same path that Draco had taken earlier. Remus was so caught up in his thoughts that he almost hadn't noticed that they were moving. He was at the back of the pack, and he hurried to catch up. He made a mental note to stop getting lost in his thoughts; it wouldn't do for Remus to be left behind while the Death Eaters did Merlin only knew what.

The closer they got to the Astronomy Tower, the more certain Remus became that this was not going to end well. He would surely have to take a stand against the Death Eaters before the night was over; Remus didn't see any way around that now, not if this was going to play out like he thought it would. Why did it have to come to this? An angry Greyback was one thing, but upsetting the entire group of Death Eaters that was there scared Remus senseless.

All too soon, a very bright green light began pouring in through the windows. Remus couldn't see the source from his vantage point, but he knew that it was coming from the Dark Mark on top of the Astronomy Tower. His only hope was that no one would see it, that they would all remain asleep and safe in their beds. But of course they would see it. It was much too bright, blazing in and lighting the darkened castle like the midday sun.

When they finally got to the staircase that led to the Astronomy Tower, the Death Eaters stopped, looking up and down the corridor for any sign of life.

"We'll need a few…volunteers to wait on the tower for…our target," Bellatrix said. She gave Remus a pointed look, like he was a moron and couldn't tell who she was referring to. "He'll definitely come. The rest of us will stay down here and guard the staircase so no one can come to his rescue. When the coast is clear, we'll give the signal and then we can deliver him to the Dark Lord."

So that was the plan. They weren't interested in killing Harry. At least not this time. They simply wanted to take him to Voldemort and let him do the honors. Remus wasn't sure what was worse - taking Harry to Voldemort or just killing him outright. At least Harry would be safe for the time being - as safe as one could be around a bunch of psychopaths - but that just meant that Remus had do everything in his power to keep Harry in the castle.

It occurred to Remus just how much of a coward Voldemort was. He was the one who wanted Harry, but yet, he refused to come, and instead sent his minions to do his dirty work for him. He prided himself on being the most powerful wizard alive, but most of the time, all he did was sit around and give orders to those beneath him. Remus didn't think Voldemort would ever set foot in Hogwarts, not in Dumbledore's domain and not while the headmaster was still alive, but it was ironic nonetheless.

"We'll go," Amycus volunteered, gesturing to his sister who nodded.

Bellatrix moved aside, letting the Carrows make their way up the staircase. "Help yourself. I'll stay down here and kill," Bellatrix said excitedly.

Remus watched the Carrows disappear up to the Astronomy Tower, his heart thumping uncomfortably. He had to get up there. If that was where they were going to be waiting for Harry, that would be Remus's best chance to keep an eye on him. He swallowed hard, hoping he wasn't overstepping his bounds.

"Sir?" he said to Greyback, hoping he didn't sound too anxious. "Let me go. I'd very much like to see the look on Potter's face when he sees which side I'm on."

"None of us said anything about Potter," Bellatrix said.

"We have brains!" Greyback yelled at her. "It doesn't take a genius to figure out that he's why we're here."

"Do you really? Have brains, I mean?" Bellatrix retorted. "I wouldn't have guessed."

Greyback squared his shoulders, stepping over to Bellatrix once more and looking down his nose at her.

"Why don't both of you and Lupin go?" Rowle said to Greyback. "It'll save us from having to play referee between you and Bella all night."

"Wait just a minute!" Bellatrix argued. "I never said Lupin could go!"

"I did," Rowle answered in a tone that suggested the topic wasn't open for discussion.

Bellatrix rounded on him instead. "You're hardly one to be giving orders to me!" She laughed mockingly.

"Yes, you're the Dark Lord's favorite, aren't you? Perish the thought that you're not the one in charge."

Bellatrix narrowed her eyes. "Yes, I am his favorite, and that gives me just a little bit of seniority over the rest of you. Sending Lupin to capture the very boy he's been known to protect is insanity!"

"Now you're the one that I don't think has a brain," Rowle said tiredly, rolling his eyes. "So Lupin fails while he's up there. So what? I doubt very much Greyback would allow that, would you?"

"He won't fail," Greyback growled, "but no, I wouldn't."

"Then eat him if you like," Rowle said. "What's Lupin going to do if comes that? Jump? He'll be dead either way. Use your head, Bella. Up on the top of a tower with Greyback is the safest place for him."

"I told you to stop treating Remus like he needs a test!" Greyback roared.

As serious as the situation was, it almost amused Remus that they were talking about him like he wasn't even there. He supposed that it might have been a habit for the Death Eaters, treating those beneath them like they didn't even exist.

"I'm going out on a limb for you here, don't take that tone with me," Rowle snapped. "If Lupin does come through for us, then maybe Bella will shut her trap once and for all, so we all win."

"HEY!"

Rowle ignored Bella's cry. "So do you and Lupin want up on the tower or not?"

That seemed to silence any arguments Greyback might have had. He threw a furtive glance in Remus's direction, but then said, "Yeah. I'd quite like to see that myself - the Boy Who Lived's reaction to Remus working with us."

Bellatrix didn't look the least bit happy. She had crossed her arms over her chest and was pressing her lips together in a fine line. "Just don't eat the boy for god's sake," she finally muttered. "The Dark Lord wants him alive!"

"I know!" Greyback snapped at her one last time before turning to Remus. "Come, Remus. Let us show them where your loyalty does in fact lie."

Greyback started up the spiral staircase leading to the Astronomy Tower, and Remus followed suit. Just before he got to the first riser, Bellatrix shoved Rowle towards Remus rather hard.

"Go keep an eye on them since you're such an expert," Bellatrix said.

Rowle fell into step behind Remus, and the three of them climbed to the top of the tower, emerging out into the night. Remus was rather glad for the fresh air. It had gotten so stuffy downstairs with all of the Death Eaters crowded so close together, and the fact that Greyback reeked didn't exactly help matters.

Amycus, already waiting on top of the tower with his sister, raised an eyebrow at them when they arrived.

Greyback clarified, "We came to help." He started licking his lips, almost like he could already taste any children he might end up eating that night.

"Five people to capture one little boy," Alecto sighed. "Unbelievable."

For the first time, Remus noticed that Draco was still there as well, lurking in the shadows of the castle wall. Of course they didn't count him as one of them. He was just another boy. A boy who had been responsible for bringing them there at all, but a boy nonetheless.

"He's hardly 'one little boy'," Rowle disagreed. "He has a habit of getting out of situations such as this, so be on your guard! At least there's no one up here to help him now. He'll be all alone." Rowle laughed.

Remus almost felt like laughing, too. He almost couldn't believe that they had let him come up there at all. It all seemed too easy. Unbeknownst to them, Remus was there to help Harry, and he would give up his own life to keep Harry alive if need be. Hopefully it wouldn't come to that, but if it did, then so be it.

Just then, the very first signs of commotion sounded from downstairs. People started screaming, and Remus thought he could hear spells being fired and hitting targets. He only hoped that he had made the right decision in coming up to the tower, and that no one was being seriously hurt downstairs that he could have stopped.

Remus, Draco, and the four Death Eaters waited as the battle increased in loudness and intensity below them. Every second that passed, Remus grew more anxious, wishing that he could do something rather than just standing there. Then he reminded himself that he was supposed to be with the Death Eaters, and he couldn't just start fighting them without revealing his true motives. Remus was now certain that he would have to do so tonight, but he didn't want to do so until the last possible moment. Until he didn't have any other choice. Preferably, Harry would be close to him by the time that point came.

Remus didn't know how long they stood up there, listening to the quickly growing battle. It seemed like hours, but Remus suspected it was probably only mere minutes. And then there was another sign of life on the very quiet and still tower. The door creaked open the tiniest bit. The light from the still glowing Dark Mark above them caught a glint of metal from a pair of glasses, and that was when Remus knew - it was Harry.

Harry had his wand held out in front of him, but no spells were fired. No one moved a muscle. Harry emerged out onto the tower, his eyes taking in the scene before him. They stopped on Remus, who was standing at the end of the short line of Death Eaters, not looking the least bit like he was trying to defend himself. The Death Eaters didn't even seem to be taking any notice of him at all. Harry held Remus's gaze for a long time, looking caught somewhere in between confusion and disbelief.

"Remus-"

"Potter," Greyback drawled, interrupting him. "Not sure if you've heard of me - Fenrir Greyback. Werewolf among other things."

"I know who you are," Harry said tersely, his eyes never leaving Remus. His expression was almost pleading now, as if he was begging Remus to set things straight, to say that he wasn't a part of this.

"Wonderful," Greyback hummed cheerfully. "I see my reputation precedes me. So pleased to finally meet you." He was licking lips again, like he was imagining how Harry would taste on them.

"Too bad I can't say the same thing about you."

Greyback didn't seem to take any notice of Harry's comment. "You know Remus, I'm sure," he said instead, gesturing next to him. "He used to be on your side, didn't he?"

Harry's eyes widened the tiniest bit, and he clenched his teeth. "Don't fool yourself. He still is." Harry tried to sound confident, but he didn't exactly pull it off.

"Oh, no, Potter," Greyback said hungrily, like he was savoring every word. "That's where you're wrong. He's been with us for many months now. He's been with me."

"Remus…" Harry began again, but then he stopped, lost for words. He started to shake his head, his teeth clenched.

"Tell him, Remus," Greyback spurred. "Set the little boy straight."

A rather large lump had formed in Remus's throat, and he tried to swallow it away. He wanted nothing more than to tell Harry the truth, to tell the Death Eaters the truth, but couldn't. Not yet. Rowle's words were repeating in his mind - that if he revealed his loyalties, he'd basically be trapped for Greyback to do with as he pleased. He couldn't be honest with them, not yet.

"He's right, Harry," Remus whispered. He tried to keep his voice as cool as possible, like he didn't want to just grab Harry, tell him that he would join the Death Eaters over his dead body, and get the hell out of there.

An odd and strangled sound escaped from Harry, somewhere between a sob and a laugh of disbelief. "But you said - all that stuff about Peter, and how you'd die rather than betray your friends-!"

"Friends," Remus said scathingly. "That's when I thought I still had them on your side."

"We are your friends, Remus," Harry said quietly. He almost sounded defeated. "Sirius, me-"

"Of course you would say that now," Remus cut him off. He hated doing this. This was quite possibly the hardest thing he had done during his entire time with Greyback, but if he let Harry start talking about Sirius, about how they were friends, Remus thought his resolve would crumble. "Looking for an ally, because you're vastly outnumbered."

"I don't-" Harry stopped again, his words getting lost somewhere in his throat. He shook his head again and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he gave Remus a pleading look. "Remus, please."

"He's not with you any longer," Greyback interjected, sounding quite gleeful. "He's one of my pups now, and no amount of begging is going to change that."

Harry glared at Greyback before turning back to Remus, looking positively desperate now. "Tell me he's lying," Harry said, pointing his wand in Greyback's direction. "Or that he's just delusional."

"I can't, Harry," Remus replied.

Harry didn't reply for a long time, but Remus thought he could see the faint glimmer of tears in his eyes. Harry shook his head again, almost like he was trying to wake up from a bad dream. "I trusted you," he finally got out, his voice hard and cold.

Harry's words, the hurt in his eyes felt like a punch in the stomach. Remus wanted so badly to tell Harry the truth, that he would never betray his trust, but he tried to keep his emotions in check, reminding himself that this was so he could protect Harry when the time came. "Sorely misplaced, it would seem," Remus said instead.

His hand shaking, Harry aimed his wand at Remus next. "You bastard," Harry snarled, but then he froze. He looked like a deer caught in headlights, not sure if he was believing what he was seeing or if he should act on it or not. In the end, he paused for far too long.

"Didn't your mother ever tell you not to point sharp objects at people?" Greyback scolded, knocking Harry's wand from his hand. Greyback moved swiftly, which was surprising for someone so large, and the wand went flying, silhouetted against the bright green light from the still blazing Dark Mark.

Remus followed the wand with his eyes, watching where it landed in between the Carrows. It briefly rolled across the stone floor before coming to a rest near the corner of the tower.

"No," Harry snapped at Greyback. "My mother didn't tell me a thing thanks to Voldemort."

In all his time spent with Greyback, Harry was one of the only people Remus heard take such a tone with the hulking werewolf. Harry was clearly not the least bit perturbed by him, despite the fact that Harry now had no way to defend himself.

"Oh," Greyback murmured, sounding genuinely surprised. "That's right. Forgive me."

"Go to hell," Harry muttered.

"Such naughty language. Didn't anyone teach you any manners, Potter?"

"Says the werewolf who eats people."

Remus really wished Harry would stop antagonizing Greyback. Harry was never one to back down from a Death Eater, but he had never been around Greyback before; he had no idea how quickly Greyback could snap and lose control. Remus tensed, ready to spring into action if need be.

Greyback, however, seemed positively amused. He tilted his head and grinned, gazing at some random spot above Harry's head, like he was imagining just such a meal. "Speaking of which," Greyback said, licking his lips again, "I haven't had a human meal in quite some time."

It was then that Harry looked scared. He swallowed, and then he started walking backwards, away from the werewolf. Harry threw a glance back over his shoulder in search of the door, but Greyback wasn't about let him get away that easily. The werewolf sprinted forward, overcoming Harry in just a few strides. Greyback got to the door first, pressing his palm flat against it until it slammed shut.

"I'm afraid I can't let you leave just yet," Greyback said, turning back to Harry. "Soon, though, I imagine." Greyback started sniffing the air, like he was seeking out a suitable meal. His eyes were pinned on Harry, following his every movement.

Harry backtracked a bit, stepping away from Greyback, but then he whirled around, searching the others' faces for a possible ally. "How can you just stand there?" Harry demanded of Remus.

Remus didn't know the answer to that. He certainly wanted to tell Greyback to get the hell away from Harry. Remus hated when Greyback made him feel like nothing more than a piece of meat, and he couldn't imagine what it must feel like for Harry. Remus kept getting the intense urge to step in between the two of them, consequences be damned, but he held himself back. He was looking, waiting for the best opportunity to do so.

No one moved for a very long time. Harry stood in the center of what had more or less become a circle of Death Eaters. He looked more confused by the minute, not having any clue why they were just standing around. His eyes kept going to Remus, giving him searching and questioning looks. Remus eventually had to look away, because every time he saw Harry's expression, it only served to remind him of what Harry now thought of him.

Greyback started chewing on his fingernails again, which had become his favorite pastime as of late. He kept watching Harry, however, following his every move as carefully as a cat would a mouse.

After what felt like forever, the chaos from below started to die down. There weren't as many screams, not as many spells being fired as before. Remus tried not to think about what kind of sight might await them downstairs.

Finally, a gentle knock came from the door against which Greyback was leaning. Greyback approached Harry, placed his hand in the center of Harry's chest, and thrust him backwards right into Remus's arms.

"Hold him," Greyback ordered, while he went to the door. "Can't have him sneaking away."

Remus immediately wrapped his arms very tightly around Harry, his back pressed up against Remus's chest. That was all Remus had wanted since this entire confrontation had begun, to have Harry safe and sound in his arms. Harry, however, didn't seem the least bit happy about his current position. He started thrashing against Remus, trying desperately to pry the werewolf's arms off of himself, but his attempts were futile; Remus's werewolf strength easily overpowered him.

"I can't believe you," Harry muttered desperately.

Truth be told, Remus couldn't believe it himself. He still had no clue how he kept going with this charade, especially now that he was letting Harry believe the worst of him. Remus didn't think he had it in him.

When Greyback opened the door, it revealed Bellatrix on the other side, her expression quite pleased. "The coast is clear," she informed them. "As clear as we're going to get it anyway. We should be on our way." She scanned the top of the tower and greeted Harry, "Little baby Potter. It's been a while." But when she realized that Remus was the one holding onto Harry, she glared at Greyback. "Why is Lupin holding him?" she demanded, aiming her wand at Remus. "I trust him about as far as I can sling a hippogriff. There's no reason why he should be in possession of the sole reason we're here!"

"Because I said so!" Greyback roared. "We've had Potter up here the entire time and nothing happened, so there's no reason to worry! Just…get the knot out of your knickers, why don't you?"

Bellatrix looked livid. She seemed like she wanted to say something more, but couldn't quite think of anything. Her eyes blazed at Greyback.

Greyback ignored her. "Yes, do let us be on our way." He held his arm out in Remus's direction. "You bring him, Remus. This rather excites me - the Boy Who Lived being taken to the Dark Lord by the very one who used to protect him."

Another strangled gasp escaped from Harry, and he started struggling anew. Remus held onto him for dear life.

"Now wait one minute!" Bellatrix argued. "What about me?"

"Yes, what about you?" Greyback asked tiredly.

"I think I should be the one to bring him to the Dark Lord!" Bellatrix argued. "After all, I am his favorite!"

"Get off that broken record. You sound just like my mother, you know that? And that's not a good thing," Greyback huffed. "Come, Remus."

Remus didn't wait to be told again. The only thing he wasn't keen on was leaving Harry's wand behind. Remus had been hoping that he would have a chance to grab it before they left, but that clearly wasn't going to happen now. But if it meant getting off this tower and having some space to maneuver in, then his chances of getting Harry out of here safely would vastly increase. Remus made his way for the door, Harry continuing to flail around in his arms. Remus just held on tighter.

"I said wait a minute!" Bellatrix thundered. "It hasn't been decided-!"

"I decided," Greyback interrupted, "and no one else seems to have a problem with it. Just you. The way you always have a problem with everything."

Remus quickly left them and their argument behind, descending the stairs, Harry still trying desperately to get away from him. When they finally made it to the floor below, Remus saw that it was mostly deserted. There were still some duelers at the far end of the corridor, throwing spells back and forth, but it seemed as if all battles had moved out of the immediate area.

"Let go of me!" Harry cried, still tugging fruitlessly at Remus's arms.

Remus pressed his back against one of the walls, just in case any errant spells happened to come their way, and he took his chance. "Harry," Remus whispered gently in Harry's ear, keeping his arms tight around the boy's thrashing form. "I haven't betrayed you. I promise. They think I have, but I've been spying on them. I would rather die than betray you. You know that."

Harry stilled, calmed by Remus's familiar and kind tone. Harry's breath was still coming in harsh gasps, and Remus could feel his heart pounding erratically underneath his hand.

"But…" Harry gasped, "I am your friend, Remus. I-"

"I know," Remus cut him off gently. "And I'm yours, no matter what I said up there. I am, but…I haven't got time to explain. Just please trust me, Harry. I'm here to help. Always."

Harry heaved in a breath of air and let it out slowly. He softened his grip on Remus's arms, then grabbed one of Remus's hands in his own. Harry nodded. "I'm sorry…I do."

Remus squeezed Harry's hand back. "Okay. We'll get out of this. Just play along with me, because my cover's not blown yet, and I prefer to keep it that way for as long as possible."

Remus's next thought was to just start running down the hall with Harry, to put as much distance in between them and the Death Eaters as possible, but he waited just a moment too long. Greyback had already made his way to bottom of the stairs before Remus had even realized it. Greyback had a habit of doing that, of silently sneaking up on people. Remus wondered how it was even possible for such a large creature to move without making a sound.

"See," Greyback said, gesturing to Harry and Remus. "They're still here. Nothing to worry about."

"I still don't like it!" Bellatrix grumbled, who had appeared just behind Greyback. "If he lets him get away, I'm holding you responsible!"

Greyback stuck out his tongue in a mocking gesture, which Bellatrix didn't see since she was still behind him. "Yes, as you've said. This is why I've never gotten married," Greyback complained. "All women do is nag."

"I'm not nagging!"

"Just shut up for once in your life!" Greyback yelled. "Is that a possibility? If we could get back to the Room of Requirement in silence, I'd be very happy."

Bellatrix still looked furious, but she crossed her arms over his chest, which seemed to be her favorite pouting position. She didn't say a word.

The Carrows and Rowle climbed down the staircase next, and Greyback gestured for them to take the lead on their journey back to the Vanishing Cabinet. Then Greyback let Remus go next with Harry, while Greyback himself and Bellatrix fell into step behind them.

Harry's hand kept squeezing Remus's, which he returned, trying to offer some comfort. But Remus was not very sure himself how they were going to get out this. They were both unarmed, right in the middle of a ring of five Death Eaters, four of them armed and one that could devour them in seconds. Remus wondered if he had already lost his only chance to get Harry out there safely.

To be continued...