Chapter Twenty-Eight – Save Me From The Darkness
There were no more words said between Harry and Greyback as they waited for the sun to complete its journey down the horizon. Harry had given up trying to get his hands out of the metal cuffs. He was sitting against the wall with his knees pulled up to his chest. Even though the back of his head was throbbing, giving him a terrible headache, Harry's eyes never left Greyback. He watched the werewolf pace the growing shadows of the cellar, ready for any sign of movement or attack. And when the last of the sun's rays finally disappeared, did Greyback suddenly stop and slowly turn towards Harry with red eyes that seemed to glow with bloodlust. Harry suppressed a shiver of fear. There was barely anything left of Greyback's humanity. The change was about to start.
"Your time's almost up, and your daddy and pet wolf still aren't here," Greyback dangerously sneered, creeping silently towards Harry who only glared back, not saying a word. He didn't want to provoke the werewolf.
"And don't even think about your little Order coming to rescue you, I've secured this place with Anti-Apparition wards. Just after sunset, then only Lupin can get through.'' Greyback looked up at the darkening sky through the small window. "And it looks like he'll be here any moment…"
Harry didn't let Greyback get to him. They were coming, he knew they were coming. Severus and Remus, along with the Order of the Phoenix were probably just outside the wards, trying everything in their power to bring them down. That small obstacle wasn't going to stop them. There was still just a bit of time. The Order has gone through worse barriers than this from past missions. Greyback was just stupid enough to underestimate the intelligent, working minds of the Order of the Phoenix.
"So, you've finally decided to keep your mouth shut, Potter? Are you finally realizing that your so-called little family left you to die?" Greyback taunted. "It's a shame, really, I would prefer you screaming. I want my son to hear you scream! The full-moon's approaching, Remus is going to be here any second! I know he will… Noble leader that he is, he's going to be an outstanding beta for our pack! It's time to get you ready, wolf-cub!"
The cellar had grown completely dark. Greyback sounds bloody mental! was all Harry could think about. And all he could see were those red eyes and gleaming sharp fangs.
Then without warning, a loud growl echoed off the cellar walls, and Greyback was suddenly jumping towards Harry. It all happened too fast for Harry to protect himself. The werewolf slashed his sharp nails over Harry's face, leaving deep marks across his cheek. Harry screamed out in pain and fear. Fear because Harry felt like a helpless little kid again getting punished by his uncle.
The werewolf then started punching Harry in the face hard until his nose bled and his face began to swell. Harry tried to fight him off, but the chains constricted him. He couldn't defend himself. Harry shouted out again, this time with not only pain and fear, but with anger and frustration. And Harry suddenly connected his fist to Greyback's face, getting in one good punch that didn't do anything but make Greyback react more violently.
Through the torrent of hard punches and sharp scratches, Harry closed his eyes and covered his face, trying all he could to protect himself. His glasses had flown off, lost somewhere in the scattered straw that covered the floor.
Memories were taking over Harry's mind. This was too triggering, being physically beaten like this while being chained and defenseless. And Greyback himself suddenly morphed into an ugly monstrous version of Uncle Vernon, until he was the monster Harry always imagined that was hiding in the shadows when he was a kid. With its reaching hands and the heavy stench of alcohol, and the cause of so much pain and fear. Harry screamed out in pure terror. Greyback laughed maliciously at the sound.
Suddenly, a loud pop cracked through the air. And as fast as it happened, Greyback leapt away from Harry who was barely conscious, giving it his all to stay present.
Remus! Harry shouted desperately in his head.
Greyback noisily inhaled the newcomer's scent, letting out something that sounded like half of excited laughter and a longing growl.
"He's here!" Greyback ran back towards Harry who flinched violently, trying to press himself as far back against the wall as he could. Harry could feel the werewolf's hot and stinky breath as Greyback placed a dirty finger on Harry's bloody and scratched up cheek, wiping up some of his fallen blood.
"You're nice and bloody now, wolf-cub," Greyback sneered.
Harry tore his face away from Greyback's touch, causing his vision to darken. The room was spinning. His nose was on fire and his jaw ached. His head was pounding, and strangely copper was all Harry could taste and smell. And still fighting to hold on with his heart pounding in fear and with just a bit of hope that help was still coming, Harry couldn't help but shout out in pain and disgust as he watched Greyback lick Harry's blood off his finger, causing his pupils to dilate until they were dark with bloodlust. And suddenly the dizziness became too much. The room wasn't only just spinning, but now Harry felt like he was on a broomstick, spinning out of control. The last thing he remembered was a blurry image of someone at the door, before everything was gone.
Severus and Remus both met each other again at the border, as far as the wards would allow them to Apparate. Tonks, Kingsley, Moody, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and their two sons Bill and Charlie were giving it their all to break down the wards. Bright light was streaming from their wands, hitting the invisible dome that stretched miles over the werewolf camp. They had spent the whole day trying to take them down. And all they've managed were deep cracks, almost ready to break. They were almost there. They just needed more time. Time they didn't have.
Severus had just finished talking to Alastor Moody and Kingsley, and returned to Remus' side with a look of desperation in his eyes, causing Remus' stomach to lurch with fear. Seeing Severus break his mask, allowing his desperation to show, Remus knew the news he'd received from the Aurors couldn't be good.
"Severus," Remus said, his voice cracking. "Time's running out. The sun's about to set."
"Try Apparition again," Severus only said, his voice filled with urgency.
"I've tried over and over, I can't get through."
During the day Severus and Remus had joined the Order in trying to get the wards down before they were forced to stop and return to Hogwarts for food and rest, to be ready for their rescue plan once the wards were broken. They had thought by this time they would succeed, but it was clear by the desperation high in the air that they knew they were failing. They were running out of time. Harry was running out of time. And every hour throughout the day, Remus kept trying to Disapparate to the cabin that was hidden safely inside the wards, but he was blocked every time. They couldn't understand why, since this trap was meant for him. Wouldn't Greyback allow Remus in? Wasn't that what he wanted?
"I think if you try now, it'll work. I think he wants you in during a certain time."
"After sunset…" Remus said slowly.
And their eyes met with fear of what that meant for Harry.
"Snape!" Tonks shouted. "I broke in!"
"Don't stop!" Remus shouted as he and Severus ran over to her. Everyone kept going, glancing at Tonks every now and then.
The witch held her wand at the barrier, gritting her teeth from the strain. The part of the wall she was working on had a small hole that was growing. Kingsley pointed his wand at it, making it bigger with his added magic. Severus shot his wand at it as well. And with the three of them the hole became big enough for a person to squeeze through. Remus ran his hand over it, examining the hole and the barrier. Trying to see if it was safe to go through without being vaporized.
"You can go in, Severus. It's safe enough to walk inside and try Apparition from there, although I don't know how close to the cabin it'll take you," Remus said.
"Try not to splinch yourself," Alastor added with his gruff tone.
Severus only nodded, about to step in.
"Severus, what if you can't get all the way there?" Mrs. Weasley asked. The strain from working all day along with the worry she had for Harry was making her voice shake.
"Then I'll run," Severus answered her. He then turned to Remus. "Try Apparition right now, Lupin. Just one more time. And if that doesn't work, you can go through the barrier with me."
Remus nodded, gripping his wand tight.
"Remus, please be careful," Tonks gasped from the strain of keeping the hole open.
Remus looked towards her to meet her worry-filled blue eyes. She looked exhausted and strained, and Remus knew how much she didn't like their plan and the danger Remus was putting himself in. Tonks had voted against them, but was one of the first Order members to volunteer on bringing down the wards. She had worked hard all day, hardly taking any breaks, staying by Remus' side until he was forced to go to Hogwarts. Remus appreciated Tonks deeply, and he wanted to tell her that….
"Lupin!" Severus snapped, shooting a glare at Tonks.
Was that jealousy? If it was, Remus chased away his thoughts on what that might mean. He couldn't waste anymore time. Severus' theory made perfect sense. It wouldn't hurt to try Apparating in front of the cabin one more time. He closed his eyes, imagining every part of himself transporting to his desired destination, until he finally felt the familiar pull around his navel.
.
.
As soon as Remus appeared in the middle of the abandoned werewolf camp with a loud pop that made him wince. He was sure the noise would alert Greyback and anyone else who might be in the area to Remus' arrival, he could sense the weakening wards around the abandoned camp. It shot a feeling of relief through him.
Severus was right, his theory worked. Greyback had only wanted Remus to arrive just after sunset. Remus crouched by the fence post, out of site from the cabin windows. He wanted to give Severus just two minutes to appear. The only thing that was keeping Remus calm was the progress the Order was finally making. As Remus waited impatiently for Severus, he assessed the situation.
If those wards couldn't go down in time, there were only two escape plans for Harry. Running through the forest and past the barriers towards the Order with Severus or if Remus could somehow manage to Disapparate out with them both, but he wasn't even sure if he could. Best case scenario was that the wards would finally go down, and Severus could Disapparate with Harry while Remus held Greyback off.
Anxiety filled Remus up, making him feel like an overfilled cauldron with its contents running down the sides. Sweat was sticking to his back. He tore off his robes, leaving them in the dirt. Severus was right not to wear his. Just in case Remus needed to physically fight Greyback or run. There were so many different ways this plan could go wrong, too many scenarios that could play out.
The sun was now completely down. The camp was pitch dark. The full-moon would soon rise and Remus was out of time. Severus couldn't Apparate at the camp, that meant he was running through the forest. Remus hoped Severus wasn't too far off. And the only thing that held Remus together as he moved from his hiding place and headed towards the cabin with his eyes golden, his sharp fangs bared, tightly gripping his wand, was Severus' carefully brewed Wolfsbane flowing in his veins. Without it, all would be lost tonight.
Remus approached the sinister and dark abandoned cabin, going up the steps and pulling open the door. It made a low creaking sound, another noise Greyback was bound to hear. The element of surprise was no doubt gone. Remus held his wand out. His senses were on high alert, ready to defend against surprise attacks. He inhaled deeply, taking in all the scents inside the cabin. The old scents of other humans and werewolves were still there, along with two fresh scents.
The first scent he picked up was Greyback's. Remus closed his eyes and inhaled again, the second scent flooded his nose and mouth. The scent was his cub's. It smelled of home and pack, and it was mixed with something else that prevented Remus from recognizing it at first. Remus inhaled again, concentrating hard until he opened his eyes. Pure golden eyes of the wolf. A growl rumbled deep in his throat. The strange scent that masked his cub's was the metallic scent of fear and freshly spilt blood.
Remus felt the wolf bursting from his soul. He could barely keep it down. It was fighting against Remus so very hard to protect its pack. And along with the internal cries and howls, Remus could feel the whispers of the moon approaching, enticing him to finally give in. To finally let go to its gentle and forceful magical pull.
Remus stood in front of the cellar door, his hand shaking as he pushed it open. The scents of Greyback and Harry were strong, and there were no other fresh scents of anyone else. It was better this way. A final confrontation… Even though Remus was trying hard not to give into the deep chasm of fear that was threatening to swallow him whole. It was the memories that attacked him. The jeers from the Death Eaters and other werewolves. The brutal beatings that went on down in that cellar. The raw hunger and burning thirst. And the deep emotional pain and humiliation as Remus laid on that floor at Greyback's feet, losing all dignity of himself. Slowly forgetting the outside world, and all that existed was that cellar full of darkness and pain.
A loud scream suddenly echoed up the staircase, breaking Remus free from the whispering dark memories.
"Harry!" Remus shouted, rushing down the stairs to the cellar with pure adrenaline coursing through him.
Remus swung open the second door, finding Harry just passing out, slumping to the floor. He was chained to the wall and beaten badly. Remus could see the deep long claw marks etched across his cub's face. And standing in the shadows next to Harry, with his wand ready to attack, was the werewolf that sent chills down Remus' spine to the point where he just wanted to turn tail and run, but at the sight of his cub so badly hurt, Remus bravely held it together
Remus quickly pointed his wand straight at Greyback, who stared at him gleefully with an evil twisted smile that showed off his sharp yellow fangs.
"Step away from my cub!" Remus threatened, a growl rumbled in his throat. He was letting the wolf slip under his careful control, like he'd accidentally done during the rescue meeting. Remus couldn't fight it. Not when his emotions were so out of whack. Anger towards Greyback for daring to touch Harry, and a fierce need to protect him from any further harm. Worry and fear for his cub. Shaken to the core at being back in this place where Remus had spent weeks being tortured.
The cellar hadn't changed. It hadn't even been cleaned. And Remus could still smell the stench of his dirty body that had festered here for days and days. The stench of his blood and waste. The stench of his pain and suffering, of his illness. It all overwhelmed Remus, making him dizzy. His vision began to grow dark and he let out another growl, mentally forcing himself to pull himself together.
Harry needed him… Harry who was chained up just like Remus had been, with metal cuffs around his wrists. He was lying on the floor against the wall with his hair covering his face and his glasses nowhere to be seen, most likely lost somewhere in the straw-covered floor. The stench of fresh blood coming off of Harry was overwhelming.
Remus was surprised Greyback had his wand ready, because he knew the werewolf preferred fighting like the monster he was, wasting no time using magic unless he had to.
"Remus Lupin… You look well, my son. I've been waiting for you," Greyback said smoothly, softly, dangerously. His red eyes glinted. He was blocking Remus' way to Harry.
And keeping his wand still pointing at Greyback, Remus wracked his brain for a plan to get his cub away. The only thing he knew was that he had to keep Greyback talking.
"What have you done to him?" Remus growled back.
"It doesn't have to be like this," Greyback snarled, ignoring Remus' question. "I don't want to hurt you."
"You don't want to hurt me?! So you're fine with your Death Eater pals doing the dirty work for you? You had hardly laid a finger on me, but you were the one to give out the orders! What you did was beyond unforgivable! You talk of betrayal and yet you betrayed me! You who claim I'm your son, what father would torture his son the way you did to me!"
Greyback only laughed at Remus' words. "Tortured you? Is that how you see it, wolf-cub? I see your time here with me hasn't changed you! Tell me, Remus, what will it take to get you to see who you're turning your back on. What will it take to get you on my side? I only gave out those orders to make you understand!"
Remus bared his fangs at those words, glaring at Greyback with hard golden eyes. He kept his wand pointing straight at his enemy's heart.
"Understand what? Understand that you're my supposed father?" Remus' laughter bounced off the walls at that insane idea, and he thought he sounded a bit insane himself. It was this place! It was making Remus feel like he was losing his mind! "That's never going to happen! You've tried to break me! You almost did, I'll admit that! But still, that didn't work! I'll never be your son, because I'm not like you or your pack! You're just the sick bastard who messed up my life!"
Greyback growled, stepping forward, about to shout out a curse.
Remus was ready. "Alarte Ascendare!" he shouted. The spell immediately hit Greyback, raising him up high in the air before he dropped down with a heavy thud.
Greyback rolled away, managing to dodge Remus' next curse and quickly threw up a shield around himself and Harry. Remus stepped forward, relentlessly throwing curse after curse, each one growing faster and more desperately. He kept it up for several moments. Bright red, green and blue lights lit up the dark cellar, yet Greyback's strong shield managed to hold. And Remus could see Harry just on the other side… Just hold on, cub!
"You'll have to do much better than that, son! Why don't you fight like a real wolf instead of hiding behind that stick of yours?"
"Stop hiding behind that fucking shield!" Remus spat, hellbent on breaking it.
Frustration and anger towards Greyback filled Remus up as he stepped even closer with the light of his curses gleaming in his eyes. He had almost forgotten how talented Greyback was with shields and wards. Of course it was how he'd always kept himself and his pack hidden, but that didn't discourage Remus from fighting against it with everything he had.
Remus' gaze traveled briefly to Harry, then back to Greyback. And it took everything in Remus to not just drop his guard and rush to Harry's side. He didn't look good, he was so pale. Clawed up and beaten, and the back of Harry's head looked matted with drying blood.
"Don't worry, Potter's just unconscious. I may have bloodied him up a bit, but his wounds aren't fatal," Greyback said without taking his eyes off Remus, not missing his quick worried glance at Harry.
"Let me get him somewhere safe, and then we can fight this out," Remus bargained, thinking quickly on the best plan of action.
He couldn't break the shield. He had underestimated Greyback. Remus had thrown himself in Greyback's trap, assuming Greyback would want to fight physically, no wands… Because that was his style. They didn't plan on him using strong magic. How in Merlin was Severus going to be able to get Harry out with that shield?
Maybe I can use Severus' presence… Greyback doesn't know he's coming, he'll be surprised… I'll use that distraction to get that shield down… I just need to keep distracting him… Keep him from touching Harry again….
And Remus just had to hold on until Severus arrived… By now he should be realizing that they were taking too long. That Harry should've been running out of the cabin by now.
Greyback let out another bark of laughter. "You really think it's that simple? That I would be stupid enough to believe that you'll come back? After all my hard work, I finally have you back where I want you! You and your brat aren't going anywhere!"
"I don't belong here with you!" Remus shouted, throwing a powerful curse that finally made the shield crack.
Greyback narrowed his eyes at it then spat, "Get your head out of the clouds, son! You don't belong in Potter's world. Stop wasting your time caring for this brat or any of those humans! Remember our bargain? It's time you come back to your rightful place!"
"Never!" Remus growled so loudly, it vibrated off the walls. He threw out more curses at the shield, causing more cracks. Colorful sparks were bouncing off and hitting the walls and floor.
"I'm not taking that as an answer! Stop running away from what you're meant to be! A pack leader! I want you as my second-in-command, my beta!"
Remus didn't respond. He only threw out more curses, hitting the shield over and over.
"Don't be afraid, my son. I know you crave the acceleration of running and hunting with a pack, don't deny it. I know you must've joined the full-moon hunts while spying on other werewolf packs for that headmaster who holds your leash…
Let your wolf take over… Let it remind you of the warm taste of blood from freshly-caught prey… Do it so you can remember how it feels to have the power to take a life or change it for someone. Let it show you the close bonding of a pack and the strength it gives you. Let it remind you of the adrenaline to chase the light of the full-moon, to howl under her power alongside your pack. To feel her gentle pull, her magical caress on your fur, and the power she gives us! And how every living creature, human, animal, and magical being, fears you! Let it remind you of who you are, son! I gave you this destiny! Accept it! It's what you're meant to be! Let the wolf become one with you! And together we can lead the most strongest pack for the Dark Lord, whose promise is all of the freedoms and power we are barred from because of those wretched humans you like to play house-doggy with!"
There's more cracks! His defenses are breaking! Keep going! He sounds fucking insane! He's just spewing all this crap because he's getting desperate! A voice suddenly echoed in Remus' head as he kept up his attacks. And suddenly a very faint and subtle scent reached his nostrils. It was strange and instantly familiar. A scent Remus thought he'll never smell again… Like home… Like a long-lost lover… And Remus' heart broke… Sirius… Sirius… I'm trying!
"No!" Remus shouted. "That's not what I am! I'm not a monster, and I'm not a killer!"
Greyback's eyes locked with his. "Oh, you are my wayward cub!"
Remus stiffened, not taking his eyes off of his enemy.
"I've seen the wolf you can be. A born leader of the pack you deny, one who has so much potential for greatness. Nothing could run from you! Every living thing will fear you! There's so much power and talent in you! And when I first saw you as a child, I knew… I knew you were destined for greatness."
"You're not making sense!" Remus growled. He didn't want to hear this anymore. He was sick of Greyback trying to lure him into that world he so desperately worked hard to stay out of, ever since he was a child.
"Don't tell me you've forgotten?! How silly of me...I was the one who'd ordered you to be drugged on heavy doses of Pain Potion…of course you don't remember… Tell me, Remus, when you woke up, what did you smell on your skin? What was caked into your fingernails, and on your clothes, your lips and fangs? What were you covered in?" Greyback smiled a deep, twisted, malicious smile. His red eyes were glowing.
Those words finally stopped Remus' tirade of curses. The room was dead silent as he glared at Greyback, trying not to let his hands shake at what the werewolf was implying. No way was he going to let Greyback see how much his ominous words bothered him.
Because Remus did remember a time when he had woken up in the dark cellar, feeling heavy and drowsy with no memory of what had happened hours before, as if he were waking up from an overdose on Pain Potions. He couldn't remember how he'd ended up there on that floor covered in blood. The last thing Remus remembered clearly were the Death Eaters taking him out to fight the werewolf children, and then nothing. He blacked out, missing a good chunk of time.
And after Remus was rescued, and when the memories of his captured time with Greyback came rushing back, mostly in the form of nightmares, this one never made sense. Remus never could understand it no matter how much he'd thought about it. It was all just confusing bits and pieces.
Kaylie's voice, broken and full of fear… Remus couldn't understand what she was saying to him. Tears were flowing fast on her cheeks. Why was she crying?
Pain that wracked Remus' body… He had woken up barely able to move… And the blood… It was everywhere. It was caked into his fingernails. It was drying up on his skin. He could taste it in his mouth… And he desperately needed water… The thirst burned the back of his throat….
And as Remus glared at Greyback, his hand wrapped so tightly around his wand, it was in danger of snapping in half. He suddenly remembered something new…
Bottles being shoved against his lips. How the Death Eaters pinned him down and forced Pain Potion after Pain Potion down his throat until everything was numb, until nothing made sense, and Remus lost all sense of who he was….
"Reducto!" Remus shouted, throwing out a curse with every emotion of hatred towards Greyback he could possibly feel. It left a large crack. Remus' eyes widened with shock and relief, then began showering the shield with more non-verbal curses, not even bothering to shout out the incantations.
And Remus realized with horror, Kaylie's life wasn't the only one he had taken! The blood that Remus was covered in was the blood of the werewolf children he was forced to fight! Greyback had the Death Eaters drug Remus until he couldn't control the wolf! How could Remus live with himself knowing the evil he'd done? The lives he'd taken… And so savagely!
And that last thought pushed Remus' anger and hatred even more. It rose up in him and came out in his attacks. The shield was now crumbling. And Greyback's eyes widen, stepping back closer to Harry with his fangs bared and gleaming in the light of the firing spells.
The screams of innocent children were ringing in Remus' head. Everything about that day was coming back now.
"You fucking did this to me! You did this! You fucking monster!" Remus shouted in between his flying spells. He wasn't just talking about the Pain Potions, but for the lives he was forced to take. For everything Remus had endured because of his lycanthropy, all the suffering… It was all because of this fucking monster standing on the other side of that fucking shield!
Greyback only laughed, "I may have drugged you, but it was you who'd killed those children. And it was you who killed young Kaylie last full-moon. It was all you!"
"No!" Remus shouted. And with one last powerful spell, the shield finally shattered.
Remus sent Greyback flying away from his unconscious cub. His body slammed fast and hard against the furthest wall, the one with the small window high above. Then Greyback slid down to the floor in a crumpled up heap. Without a word, Remus quickly stepped in front of Greyback, blocking the werewolf's view of Harry.
Before Greyback could pull himself to his feet, Remus picked him up by the hood of his cloak and slammed him hard against the wall. Shoving the tip of his wand hard against Greyback's jugular. But before Remus could curse the living daylights out of this mangy scumbag, Greyback suddenly looked up. The moon casted its light down on them from the window, casting Greyback in a silvery glow.
Greyback then turned his head back to Remus with glee in his red eyes. "Try saving your precious little wolf-cub now," he laughed, sounding completely unhinged.
And suddenly Remus could feel the tremors run through his own body. He dropped Greyback to the floor, gritting his teeth from the sudden pain. Remus stepped back and dropped his wand. The sound of it clattering on the stone floor.
Greyback's ominous threat sent fear down Remus' spine, paralyzing him. The full-moon had arrived. The change had started. And no matter how hard he tried to fight it, Remus was overcome with the unbearable pain. Pain that he should be used to… but no one could get used to such pain.
Remus screamed in agony as his bones began to break. Fur began to sprout, his hair sinking in. Muscles tore to rearrange themselves in the shape of the wolf. His teeth grew into sharper fangs and his dilated eyes glowed an intense amber color. And the last coherent thought Remus had was his realization of Greyback's plan.
This whole time Greyback was stalling for time, waiting for the full-moon to arrive. The reason why he had Harry chained and bleeding but not enough to die, was because he wanted Remus as a wolf to bite Harry or even kill him. Greyback knew that was the very thing that would drive Remus over the edge, that the death of Harry or him being subjugated to a life Remus despised would truly break him.
Greyback was truly sick. And it was because of that realization that made Remus scream so loud, until the muscles in his throat were strained. So loud and pain-filled, full of terror, his scream sounded inhuman. And he hoped that Severus heard. Remus hoped to Merlin that Severus was on his way, because he couldn't hold on any longer.
Greyback was already almost done transforming. The only flaw in Greyback's ruthless, cold-blooded plan was the only thing that Remus had left to hold on to….
What Greyback didn't know was that Remus had Wolfsbane flowing in his veins. It would allow Remus to keep his mind. The only thing Remus feared was if he could handle the scent of blood once he turned into a werewolf, if Remus could hang on to his sanity to protect his cub long enough until Severus arrived. Remus couldn't hold back any longer. He sunk to the floor, his body completely forming, and his screams turned into howls.
Severus had barely made it. When he Disapperated from inside the wards, he wasn't able to go straight to the cabin. He had ended up in the middle of the forest a mile and a half out. With the help of the Point-Me-Spell Severus made his way to the cabin as fast as he could.
It was completely dark by the time Severus made it. Out of breath, gasping for air, and sweating through his clothes, Severus stayed hidden just in the tree line with the door of the cabin in plain sight. Now all he had to do was wait for Harry to be sent out. If that didn't happen in about ten minutes then Severus had to go inside and get Harry himself.
And as soon as the moon began to rise, and there was still no sign of Harry or even Lupin, Severus knew something was wrong. A loud inhuman scream suddenly ripped through the quiet air. It was so chilling, it gave Severus goosebumps, causing the fine hair on his arms to rise. And not waiting another minute, Severus raced to the cabin as fast as he could. Wrenching open the door, then the cellar door, down the stairs, and another door. Severus' heart was pounding against his chest the entire time, pumping adrenaline into his veins. It was the only thing that prevented Severus from passing out due to the high level of exertion and fear for his son's life.
Just when Severus got to the last door, another scream sounded, this time it ended as a howl.
"Harry!" Severus shouted with panic and fear in his voice.
The scream sounded like Lupin was almost done changing. His son was trapped on the other side of the door with two werewolves! Severus blasted it open with his wand, just in time to see ripped up clothes on the floor that lead to the gruesome sight of Greyback and Lupin completing their changes.
Greyback was the first one up. He was a large and mangy looking dark-grey, almost black wolf with red eyes fixating on Severus. He let out a dangerous growl, showing off his sharp yellow fangs.
Severus didn't dare move as the wolf stepped forward. The hair on the back of his neck was rising with terror. Severus kept his wand pointed at Greyback, ready to attack.
Suddenly, Lupin leapt to his feet and threw himself between Severus and Greyback, turning the werewolf's attention away from Severus. Lupin was smaller than Greyback with a stormy-grey pelt. His amber eyes were tinted with red and he bared his white fangs at Greyback as he snarled a dangerous warning sign.
Severus resumed his statue-like stance, afraid to move. He could see how frustrated Greyback was starting to get towards Lupin, who was blocking the werewolf from attacking Severus. To Severus' relief that helped soothe his panic slightly, it looked like his Wolfsbane Potion worked on Lupin.
Suddenly, a breeze from the window lifted the wolves' fur. At the same time, Severus finally caught sight of Harry unconscious and bleeding on the floor near the back wall. The breeze ruffled Harry's hair, bringing the scent of human blood to Greyback's nostrils. The werewolf inhaled deeply, and his pupils dilated with the promise of fresh blood.
Severus felt his heart jump in his throat. Its beating sound was all he could hear as he watched Greyback slowly turn towards Harry. Saliva foamed out of his mouth, the sound of the droplets landing on the floor.
Greyback jumped high in the air.
"Protego Maxima!" Severus shouted, creating a strong shield around Harry.
At the same time, Lupin with a loud growl, jumped up as well, slamming his smaller body hard against Greyback.
They landed in a crumpled heap on the floor. Lupin was the first one to get back on his feet. Severus tried to find a way around the fighting werewolves, but they were so large they took up more than half the room. And snarling, Lupin grabbed Greyback from the scruff of his neck and pulled him away. Still keeping up the shield around his son, Severus watched Greyback fight his way out of Lupin's grasp, trying desperately to get to Harry. Lupin shook Greyback hard before letting go of the dazed werewolf, then quickly bit down into Greyback's shoulder. Greyback snarled out in pain and annoyance, trying to shake Lupin off. He turned and started snapping at Lupin's muzzle, who only growled louder as he bit down harder into his enemy's flesh.
The fight suddenly became much more vicious. And for a moment, all Severus could see was just a withering ball of two werewolves locked onto each other. Until they stopped and Greyback's jaws were locked onto Lupin's neck who screeched out in pain. Severus brought down the shield just for a quick second to shoot a stinging jinx at Greyback. Their enemy yelped out in pain and dropped Lupin to the floor, leaving streaks of blood on his grey fur. That stinging jinx was supposed to paralyze Greyback, but his thick werewolf pelt seemed to have protected him from Severus' magic.
Greyback began advancing towards Severus who had continued to hold up a shield around Harry for protection. Intense fear went through Severus, but he refused to let the shield go back down. He was shaking so hard, his body broke out in a cold sweat. And Severus was just about to close his eyes, feeling Greyback's hot breath blowing down on him, when Lupin rammed his body hard against Greyback, knocking him over and away from Severus.
Then suddenly Severus' path was finally clear. He shook away the shock and fear Greyback had caused him. The adrenaline was pumping into his veins once more and he wasted no more time. Severus ran towards Harry, skidding to his knees inside the shield, stopping in front of the unconscious teenager.
"Harry!" Severus shouted. "Son, can you wake up? Can you hear me? Harry!"
But Harry didn't stir. Severus gently brushed the hair out of Harry's face as he accessed the damages with the sounds of the fighting werewolves behind him, filling up the entire cellar. The hair in the back of Harry's head was coated in dried blood. That must be the wound that knocked him out. His nose looked broken and swollen, crusted with drying blood. His jaw was bruised up. His lip was puffy and split open. Harry also had the signs of a black eye developing, and deep claw marks ran across his face and on other parts of his body. And Severus worked hard to control the rage rising deep inside him, filling up every part of his body that left him shaking. How dare that fucking beast touch his son like this! To raise a filthy hand against him like this! How fucking dare he! And Severus promised himself that he would get his revenge, but not now… He had to get Harry out first!
Severus unlocked the metal chains around Harry's wrist with a non-verbal Alohomora, throwing them to the side with disgust. He checked Harry's pulse. It was firmly beating to Severus' relief. And he could see that Harry had tried his hardest to set himself free, his wrists were swollen and chafed. Severus pulled Harry close to him, picking him up as gently as he could, and it was at that moment when Severus finally felt Greyback's wards around the camp go down. That meant he could Disapparte Harry out, that the Order would arrive any moment to help Lupin contain Greyback. And relief shot through Severus so quickly, his knees almost gave out.
The growls coming from the fighting werewolves were growing more intense and vicious with each second. Severus felt bad for leaving Lupin like that, but they had discussed that their priority was to get Harry out no matter what. He was afraid for Lupin's life, but Severus knew there wasn't anything he could do. This is what Lupin had planned. To hold Greyback off so Severus could get Harry out and the Order could soon intervene.
Severus closed his eyes, holding Harry gently, yet tightly against his chest. It was such a relief to have his kid back, to know Harry was safe now and no more harm would befall him. Severus was just starting to imagine his desired destination, just beginning to feel the pull of his body when Lupin let out a sharp piercing cry of pain. It caused Severus to open his eyes. The first thing he saw was Greyback sinking his teeth deeply into Lupin's hind leg. Lupin was on his side trying to yank it free. Blood was streaming down from Greyback's foaming jaws, streaming around Lupin's leg and onto the straw-covered floor. Greyback shook his head causing Lupin to let out another sharp cry of pain. Lupin then turned his head towards Severus, his golden-red eyes wide and desperate. He let out a commanding bark. And Severus knew Lupin was telling him to take Harry and leave.
"Lupin! Fuck! Just hang on!" Severus shouted. He couldn't leave Lupin like that! He couldn't let Greyback tear him apart! And he closed his eyes, trying his best to block out Lupin's screeches of pain and Greyback's violent growls.
Severus finally managed to Apparate at the edge of the broken wards where the Order members were still stationed. Severus didn't want to waste any time waiting for them as they planned the best way to intercept two fighting werewolves without someone getting bit. Severus spotted Molly immediately and gently handed Harry over to her, even though it hurt deeply to do it after finally getting him back.
"Severus?! Oh, Merlin, Harry!"
Molly's exclamation alerted everyone around them. But Severus didn't have time to explain, not when Lupin was in danger of getting mauled by Fenrir Greyback. Severus couldn't let a terrible fate such as that happen to Remus Lupin. The Marauder he no longer hated. The Marauder who had enchanted Severus in his dreams. Remus Lupin had suddenly wedged himself into Severus' life, making him feel things he'd never thought he was capable of feeling again. And despite the recent argument between them, Severus couldn't lose Lupin just like that!
"Take Harry to the Hogwarts infirmary! I have to help Lupin!" Severus' voice was filled with panic. And not waiting for a reply from Molly, Severus Disapparated back to the cellar.
To Severus' horror, he came back to the most gruesome sight of Lupin completely pinned under Greyback, whose jaws were locking firmly into Lupin's shoulder. Blood was streaming down Lupin's fur and pooling into a puddle on the floor. Lupin caught sight of Severus and whined out in pain. He tried to shake Greyback off, but Severus could see Lupin's body trembling with fatigue. He was losing strength.
So focused on mauling Lupin, Greyback hadn't noticed Severus' arrival. Severus used it to his advantage, pointing his wand at Greyback, waiting for the wolves to stop moving so he could attack without his spell accidentally hitting Lupin.
Suddenly Lupin let out another piercing, pain-filled whine and he stopped moving. Severus noticed his muscles relaxing. Is he giving up? Severus was just about to cast a jink at Greyback when he noticed the dark-grey wolf's jaws start to slacken. Then Lupin took his chance. He jumped up so fast it caught Greyback by surprise. Lupin pinned Greyback against the stone floor with a loud hard thud, knocking the breath from his enemy.
Severus could only stare in shock at the tactic Lupin just used. Where did he learn to fight like this? So calculating and savagely? Is this the reason why Greyback's so obsessed with having Lupin join his pack? And after several moments of them scuffling with growls and shrieks of pain, Lupin suddenly had his jaws clamped around Greyback's throat. Biting down hard enough to cause blood to trickle down the other werewolf's dark fur.
And as much as Severus didn't want to break up the fight, now that Lupin was the one dominating Greyback, he knew he had to. Even if he would love to see the bloody beast die in Lupin's jaws for ever daring to hurt their kid. But Severus knew Lupin well enough now that killing Greyback like this would destroy him. This mangy beast wasn't worth the cost of Lupin's soul. Lupin wasn't a killer, not like this. Severus had to remind him that.
"Lupin," Severus said cautiously.
Severus forced himself to slowly step closer to the fighting werewolves. Trying not to think that with one wrong move, Severus could easily become freshly-killed prey to them or suddenly sporting a fresh bite, changing his life forever. That thought didn't help the terror rushing through his body, causing his lungs to feel so tight that Severus was feeling lightheaded, as if he were barely getting any air. After tonight, Severus would be happy if he didn't have to see another werewolf as long as he lived.
Lupin's ears were pressed flat against his head. The fur on the back of his neck was standing on end, and his muscles were tense, trapping Greyback underneath him. And his eyes… Those golden eyes that had enchanted Severus in his dreams were hardly recognizable. The pupils were dilated and filled with rage and bloodlust with the intent to kill. They were practically glowing with a tint of red in them. Severus couldn't see Lupin in those depths at all. It was the wolf who let out a deep-throated growl of warning for Severus to back off.
Severus felt his body shake in response to Lupin's growl. His body broke out in another cold sweat, causing his shirt to stick to his skin. Pure terror was going through him. This is what Severus feared the most ever since that night of Black's disastrous prank. Getting bit or killed by a werewolf, but he had to push his fear away. He had to ignore the triggering feelings this situation was bringing him. This was Severus finally facing his greatest fear in his desperation to protect Lupin from destroying himself for a beast that wasn't worth it.
"Let him go, Lupin," Severus demanded with a voice that didn't reveal his emotions. He kept himself calm in order to keep Lupin calm. "You're much more than what you're about to do." In response, Lupin only bit down harder, causing Greyback to screech out in pain.
Severus winced at the loud shrieks coming from Greyback. He didn't know what to do to make Lupin let go of his enemy. He didn't want to use magic to provoke Lupin or hurt him. Then Severus suddenly remembered the time he had to use Legilimency to go into Lupin's head to pull him out of his wolf-state-of-mind. Severus remembered the few memories of the pain and torture Lupin had went through because of Greyback. He knew it was those memories and the threat Greyback had posed against Harry, the last living member to Lupin's pack, that was driving him to kill the werewolf locked into his jaws.
"I know what he did to you was terrible and sick, but you have to remember who you are, Lupin. I know you've lost yourself this summer, but you're still strong enough to resist the temptation. Your friends wouldn't want you to do this, neither would Harry… And Black wouldn't want this as well…" Severus reluctantly added the last part. His heart twinging a bit with jealousy and hatred at his old arch enemy, yet he still continued, stepping closer. "They wouldn't want you to kill Greyback like this, and neither do I… I know this isn't you…"
Lupin growled louder at Severus in warning as Greyback writhed with panic underneath him. His eyes were bulging out with fear, drool was spilling from his jaws as he let out a terrified whine. No more was Greyback the fearless and powerful leader of his pack, Lupin had him crying out for his life.
"You're not a killer," Severus continued, his voice still sounding calm. "If you had to kill him, you would've done it in a fair wizard's duel, not so savagely like this. I know you're in there somewhere. You know this is wrong. If you do it, it'll only be in cold-blooded revenge. You won't be able to live with yourself. I know you, Remus… Let him go…" Severus' entire body was shaking so hard as he knelt down in front of Lupin, trying his best to not cower in fear from those intense golden-red eyes.
And with that in mind, seeing Lupin so committed in defending Harry's life, this reminded Severus of all of Lupin's good qualities that he had slowly started seeing since that night when they'd almost kissed, after that torturous meeting with the Dark Lord… Selfless and thoughtful, brave and intelligent, mischievous, yet shy and reserved… Enchanting… It was everything that had led Severus to become infatuated with Remus Lupin. And it was those qualities that kept Severus from losing himself in his fear. Lupin was in that wolf… He was still there… Severus just had to bring him closer to the surface of the wolf's mind….
Severus slowly reached his shaking hand out, alert for any signs of Lupin lashing out at him. Lupin's body tensed, his jaws still holding onto Greyback. His golden-red eyes were wide and chaotic with emotions… Fear and anger, full of pain and hesitation… Shocked that Severus was about to touch him. Severus couldn't blame Lupin... He couldn't quite believe it himself with what he was about to do... Severus gently placed his hand on Lupin's large and grey furry head, finding that Lupin's fur felt softer than anything he'd felt before.
"I know you're still there, Remus. I would never doubt my Potions skills... Now, listen to me… If you kill Greyback, then you'll be just like him," Severus whispered, looking the wolf straight in the eye. "And I know that is not who you are… You must let go of him, because if you don't, you'll become what you're fighting so hard not to be."
Severus held the intense eye contact, and whispered, "Legilimens." He pushed gently into Lupin's mind, going past the wolf's primitive thoughts of kill enemy, protect pack, until he found the bright swirling thoughts of Remus Lupin.
.
.
As soon as Severus grabbed hold of Lupin's mind, memories hit him hard and fast. They unbalanced Severus so much that he'd almost lost his connection. But he determinedly kept his hold on Lupin, refusing to lose him among the echoing voice of Greyback shouting at Lupin, sounding fully unhinged. It was the conversation they had before the full-moon rose, before they'd changed into werewolves. Severus listened to Greyback's twisted argument of how Lupin belonged with him and his pack, that Lupin was betraying his rightful place, denying the potential he had in becoming a beta alongside Greyback. Lupin's strong emotions of fear, repulsion and desperation for Harry hit Severus hard.
Then suddenly it all changed to the memory and sounds of Lupin crying out as Greyback ordered Pain Potions to be shoved down his throat until he became numb. The memories were now blurry and dark. Severus could only hear the screams of children and Greyback's satisfied laughter, until it was all overshadowed by a crying girl and the screams of her death. Severus felt Lupin's horror and guilt for killing Kaylie Porter and the werewolf children. He felt Lupin's utter disgust at himself for proving to Greyback that he was a monstrous beast for letting the spirit of his wolf take control of his body, mind and spirit.
And feeling all of this, Severus understood what Lupin was trying to tell him through these memories and emotions… That maybe... Greyback was right… Maybe... Lupin was just like him… A murderer of children. And what would it matter if Lupin took one more life, even at the cost of his soul. The world would be better without scum like Fenrir Greyback walking around and hurting innocent people. Maybe it takes a monster to kill another monster….
"Let go of him, Lupin! The things that Greyback said aren't true. Don't let him define who you are. The deaths of those kids and the girl weren't your fault," Severus whispered gently. "But if you kill this werewolf that you're holding in your jaws, then you'll let him win. This isn't the way to kill an enemy, not for you. I know this is what you fear. You're afraid of becoming a monster that kills humans as if they were prey, of biting someone and hurting them in the worst possible way, of becoming just like Greyback. But you are not, and don't let it happen. Don't let him change you. This mangy coward's life isn't worth it. You have a choice to make."
"Severus… I can't…" Lupin's thoughts were weak from underneath the primitive thoughts of his wolf spirit, but Severus was still able to hear him.
"I'll help you," Severus muttered gently, before pulling himself out of Lupin's mind.
.
.
And back in the cellar, pulling his hand off Lupin's head, Severus whispered, "Come on, wolf."
Lupin whined loudly in response. Greyback began to choke and screech out in pain for fear of death. More blood was dripping down his neck and chest, staining his coat a darker color.
"Let him go!" Severus shouted.
Lupin whined again out in desperation. His ears were flat against his head, trying to decide what to do.
"Before it's too late," Severus said weakly, heart thudding in anticipation and fear for Lupin.
With those words, Lupin blinked slowly at Severus. The red-tint in his eyes was fading away as he finally let go of Greyback, who dropped to the floor gasping for air before passing out from the pain and shock of nearly dying.
It pained Severus greatly to do it... This wretched beast had beaten his son to unconsciousness... But he managed to remain controlled and emotionless as he murmured healing spells around the wolf's tattered throat. He only did it for Lupin. He knew Lupin wouldn't live with himself if Greyback died this way.
With his body trembling, Lupin only watched as Severus finished up and poured a small amount of Blood-Replenishing Potion down Greyback's throat.
"Incarcerous," Severus muttered. Ropes shot out of his wand, bounding the unconscious werewolf up so the Order could take him to the Auror Department.
"He deserves much more than death," Severus sneered at Lupin, who whined softly in reply. Lupin's muzzle and paws were stained with blood, his body covered with claw marks and bites. Greyback had really done a number on him, yet Lupin had done so much more. It was enough to let Severus' need for revenge on Greyback go.
.
.
It wasn't long until the Order finally arrived. Tonks and Moody immediately arrested Greyback and took him away to the Ministry. Kingsley began to collect evidence on Harry's kidnapping for Greyback's trial.
Albus, noticing how hurt and exhausted Lupin was looking, how anxious Severus was to return to Harry, let them go, allowing them a few hours of rest before they had to explain to him what happened.
Severus kneeled down and wrapped an arm around Lupin's bloody shoulders. He looked into Lupin's golden eyes. They were glazed over with pain, and they were so wide that the whites of his eyes were showing around his irises. Severus could see that shock was taking over, and also in the way Lupin was full on panting with his long pink tongue hanging out and his body was trembling harder than ever. It was bizarre seeing Lupin in this form, even after everything they'd just went through together.
"Don't bite my arm off, now... I'm taking you back to the castle," Severus muttered, trying to cheer him up a bit with a rare joke to help pull Lupin out of his shock... And it worked for a moment at least... Just enough for Lupin to lick his lips before placing a cold nose on Severus' cheek. Severus pushed his head away in feign disgust, causing Lupin to move his fluffy-grey tail back and forth a couple of times.
Severus closed his eyes and imagined the gates of Hogwarts where their kid was waiting for them, until Severus felt his navel give a lurch and before he knew it, they were at his destination. It seemed like a lifetime ago when he and Lupin were both there at the gates, exchanging words of luck and promises to come back with Harry. Now it was over. Harry was safe. Lupin had made it out alive. And all they had to look forward to was rest and recovery.
"Just hang on, Lupin," Severus said softly, noticing how close the werewolf looked to fainting. Lupin only let out a quiet whine as he limped after Severus, leaving a trail of bloody paw prints on the ground behind them.