Chapter 130: September 1998

"Sometimes you make deals with the Devil. Not because you want to, but because if you don't, someone else will."

-Laurell K. Hamilton


Grisham's Pub and Inn sat nestled between a rundown oddities shop that looked like it sold mostly pawned jewellery and stolen silver and a family-owned bakery that had been closed for at least five years, according to Mika. The building was old and weathered with four-pane windows on the front that looked in desperate need of a good wash and a large wooden door that sat propped open with an old paint can.

The inside was just as abysmal as the exterior.

The dark lighting made it difficult to really see anyone's features. The floors felt sticky beneath the soles of Remus' shoes and every tabletop had the strange waxy look of years of congealed ale and less than regular cleanings. The whole place reeked of grease and tobacco and Remus had to breathe through his mouth for several seconds until he could keep his stomach from churning unpleasantly with each inhale.

"This place is bloody disgusting," Remus muttered with a grimace as he and Mika made their way toward the back of the main room.

Mika shrugged, "Yeah, it's not really the best. But, no one here asks questions and everyone keeps to themselves. Plus, the food is cheap."

"Probably because it'll poison us," Remus grumbled, under his breath.

Mika pressed her lips together in a flat line and rolled her eyes before tugging on his elbow and nodding to a booth next to the swinging doors of the kitchen.

Sitting in the booth was a young man with gold eyes. His dark hair was pulled back in a knot on the crown of his head and he had a long scar that ran the length of his face, bisecting his right eyebrow. His clothes hung off his thin frame, filthy and tattered. Remus got the impression that however this man was living, it was far worse than they had been. But, then again, if he was in with Greyback and his cohorts, he wouldn't exactly be living a life of luxury.

The moment his eyes landed on Mika, a smile spread across his face and he rushed to get up, moving toward her quickly with his arms open. He scooped her into a tight embrace that Mika returned tenfold. Remus shifted his weight from foot to foot, clearing his throat in an attempt to remind them that he was there.

"God, I've missed you," the man whispered to Mika in a thick, Ukrainian accent.

"I missed you, too," she said, pulling away to hold him at arm's length. He was several inches taller than her, though not as tall as Remus. "You look like shit, mate."

He laughed and shook his head, "Good to hear you haven't changed. Come, have a seat with me."

Mika nodded and stepped back, grabbing Remus' arm and pulling him forward. "We will, yeah. Remus, this is Nikolai. Nik, this is Remus."

"Ah," Nikolai put out a hand and Remus gave it a firm shake. "A friend of Mikazuki is a friend of mine. Nikolai Reznikov."

"Remus."

Nikolai raised his brows with a smirk, "And does Remus have a surname?"

"We'll talk about it in a minute, Nik," Mika said, her eyes darting between them both before ushering them into the booth.

Mika tucked herself next to the wall and Remus stepped in front of Nikolai to slide in next to her. Regardless of the pair being friends for many years, Remus still didn't trust him. Nikolai had left Mika alone to go work for Greyback. Mika had clearly been hurt by it and even if she didn't talk about Nikolai much, Remus knew it bothered her deeply that her friend could leave her to serve such a horrible sire.

Remus had talked to Mika extensively about this meeting, going over every aspect he thought could be beneficial or harmful to them. For one thing, he wasn't thrilled at the idea of meeting somewhere he'd never been. If Nikolai was reaching out with an ulterior motive, it could be crawling with Death Eaters and Remus wouldn't know until it was too late.

But…

He couldn't deny that having a contact was useful. Remus was, and had been for so long, a soldier himself. He'd learned the value of making unsavoury allies as a way of survival. He had no intentions of becoming friends with Nikolai Reznikov, but he could see the benefit in some sort of truce.

The problem with a truce was that it implied both parties bring something to the table. Remus wouldn't expect someone to give him information for free. There was always an ulterior motive. And even now, as Nikolai and Mika chatted excitedly over stale beer and greasy chips, Remus was worried that the ulterior motive would equate to Mika getting hurt.

He felt a surge of protectiveness pulse through him for the only friend he'd had for a long time.

This was a bad idea.

This could bring more pack.

We don't need any more pack.

We need anything that will get us to Hermione, you moron. Or have you forgotten why I kept you alive?

Remus blew a sigh into his glass, watching as the watery foam rippled. No. I haven't forgotten.

You act as though you have.

You are the one who told me I can't go to her sooner. You're the one who said we need to wait four fucking years.

Remus could feel Moony's low, angry growl in his head and when he looked up from the rim of the glass poised near his lips, he saw Mika and Nikolai both staring at him.

He coughed a bit, taking a sip. "Sorry."

"Is your friend okay?" Nikolai whispered to Mika.

"He's fine, he does that sometimes," she waved him off.

Nikolai kept his eyes on Remus for a few seconds and Remus got the distinct impression he was trying to work out whether or not he could trust him. Which was laughable, really. Considering Nikolai was the one wearing black robes.

"So, my friend," Nikolai turned back to Mika. "How have you been? How is the pack?"

"Oh erm, good I guess. And I wouldn't know," Mika shrugged, popping a chip into her mouth. "I left the pack."

Nikolai raised his eyebrows, "You left…? What pack are you with now?"

"You see it," Mika said, pleasantly.

His eyes darted between Remus and Mika before he began laughing, "Just the two of you?" He waved a hand between them, "Please, Mika, this is ridiculous. You can't honestly think I believe you've left the safety of the pack for…what are you exactly? I can smell a mate on you, Remus. You reek of it, but you are no mate to Mika. Tell me," Nikolai leaned forward, conspiratorially "did your mate leave you or did they die? The connection is still there but it is oh…it is so faint."

Remus clenched his teeth, feeling the muscle in his jaw jump from the tension.

"Nik, that's a bit rude, innit?" Mika admonished, "Don't be jealous simply because you don't have a mate."

"Jealous?" Nikolai laughed again, "I am not jealous, Mika. Even you must know that a mate means you are marked. Remus, have you told her of the rejection I am certain you have faced? Have you explained the dangers of the lone wolf?"

"He's not alone," Mika interjected, her eyes narrowing. "He has me. And I know the dangers of travelling in small numbers, thank you very much. Do you know the dangers of following a madman into battle yet?"

Remus bit back the sharp laugh that threatened to escape. He wasn't sure why he was so nervous for Mika to be exposed to Nikolai again. He should have known better. Mika may not be highly educated, but she certainly wasn't stupid. She'd proven that time and time again. And as much as it had the tendency to grate against his nerves, she definitely had no problem speaking her mind.

Nikolai glared at Remus before turning his attention back to Mika.

"So, you've met me for what?" He asked, clearly annoyed at her defensive stance with Remus. "To show me your friend and tell me you are in a dangerous situation?"

Mika scoffed, her open mouth showing bits of chewed potatoes. "You're the one that asked me to meet with you, you dolt. What do you want?"

"I wanted to talk to my friend because I worry—"

"Ha! Worry? That's fuckin' rich comin' from you. You're the one who left, Nikolai. You don't get to worry about me," Mika hissed.

"Then why bother coming at all?" Nikolai growled.

Remus cleared his throat and straightened his shoulders, using every bit of his height to his advantage. "We have an offer."

"An offer? And is Mika—"

"I'm the one who came up with the bloody thing," Mika cut in, furious. "Will you stop wavin' your dick about and left Remus talk? For fuck's sake, Nik!"

Nikolai sat back in his seat, looking thoroughly chastised, and motioned for Remus to continue.

"It's no secret who you left your previous pack to follow," Remus began. "And while I, personally, believe that it was a vile decision, Mika seems to think you had good reason."

"Protection," he hissed, his eyes flashing dangerously. "The world was falling down around us! Every day we were in danger. If not from starvation, then from getting killed by the Dark Lord and his followers anyway. I was tired of starving. They promised riches and food. They promised a place in this world where we would not have to hide in caves or sleep in the forest!"

"Yeah?" Mika chuckled, "And how's that working out for you now, mate?"

Nikolai glowered, looking down to where his dirty fingernails tapped absently on the tabletop. "You see how I look."

"Doesn't answer my question," Mika said.

Nikolai sighed, his shoulders finally deflating a bit. "The Dark Lord was…was not what we were promised. His followers were ruthless and killed half our pack in the first six months of our allegiance. Greyback, he…he is angry. But, he is strong and…" he looked around them nervously, before his eyes landed back on Remus, "You trust him?"

Mika nodded, "With my life. Remus is good, Nik."

Nikolai gave a sharp nod, "There is more coming. The death of the Dark Lord is not the end of his plans. There are movements being made and…" he swallowed hard, "and I do not wish to be a part of them anymore."

"I can offer you protection," Remus started before Mika could speak about it. "But, it will cost you."

"You?" Nikolai scoffed, "How can you possibly offer protection? You are no more than either of us."

Mika beamed, practically vibrating with excitement. "Come back with us to where we're staying. Just for the night. Let us show you."


Remus was unsure of their guest for the night.

The only comfort in the plan was that Mika seemed just as nervous as he did. She was clearly worried—if the increase in speed of her talking told Remus anything. Nikolai had been slow to agree to come back with them and Remus suspected that perhaps he thought Remus would kill him or something equally as heinous. Mika's endless chatter seemed to put him at ease, thankfully, and he had finally agreed to help.

When they entered the motel room, Nikolai looked around with wide eyes.

"Can I use your shower?" He instantly asked.

"Yeah, o'course you can," Mika smiled. "I'm sure Remus can lend you some clean clothes too if you want?"

"I can," Remus agreed. Even if he didn't particularly like the guy, he knew the feeling of wearing rags all too well and it could help Nikolai see that in reality, he meant no harm.

"Thank you," Nikolai nodded.

As Nikolai showered, Mika left to 'get more funds'. Which really meant that she was going to steal a few more wallets off unsuspecting businessmen and probably pick up something else to eat since she had been the only one brave enough to eat anything at the pub. Remus wasn't hungry, though. His stomach was in a tight knot that felt like it would never come loose.

He began pacing the length of the room and only stopped when the memory of him telling Hermione that she'd put holes in the floor from it surfaced. He thought he'd be used to this by now, having these moments between them float up to the top randomly, but every time it felt like a silver dagger to his chest.

He swallowed down the longing he felt, closing his eyes to gather himself, inhaling deeply through his nose. This would help them move at the right time, he reminded himself. Creating an alliance with Nikolai would give them access to the information they needed. While Remus was rather well informed about where things would be in the coming years, there were still holes. There had still been things Hermione only vaguely mentioned. He knew there were several different raids she hadn't been a part of. He knew there were plenty where she had. But, if there was a possibility of Remus keeping ahead of it…

Well, being informed was always the best option, wasn't it?

Not to mention, having someone that could move around Dolohov without raising suspicion was too great an opportunity to let slip.

It had been Mika's idea to offer protection. She explained that Nikolai had been a squib born from two muggle-borns before he was turned. He loved magic and appreciated its power and she thought that if he knew Remus was a wizard then perhaps, they could persuade him to help. He'd only left the compound because of the promise of a better life—a promise they clearly hadn't fulfilled.

"It has been a long time since I have used hot water," Nikolai said, effectively interrupting Remus' thoughts. "Thank you."

Remus accepted the thanks, turning back to one of the beds to straighten the duvet, mostly just to have something to do with his hands.

"She is very attached to you, our Mika."

Remus bit back the snarl that threatened to leave him and turned around, "Our Mika? You haven't spoken to her in—"

"Far too long, I agree."

Remus tilted his head, studying the young werewolf. He couldn't be older than Mika, at least, not by much. There was something about him that Remus couldn't explain. Maybe it was the stench of Greyback, steeped into his skin so deeply not even the hotel soaps could wash it free. Or maybe it was the haughty air with which he spoke; as if he had all the answers to Remus' problems. As if he held cards that Remus didn't know were in play.

Remus could laugh at that.

"You want out," Remus finally said, bluntly.

Nikolai shifted, his shoulders squaring. He looked defensive and ready to lunge at any moment. "Who are you?"

"My name is Remus."

"You don't smell right, surely Mika has noticed. You smell of death and of magic."

Remus smirked, "I imagine I do."

Confidence suits you.

The smirk did not leave his face as he answered Moony with gratitude.

"You said you would offer protection. How?" Nikolai spat.

Remus pulled his wand from the pocket of his trousers and held it up, "With this."

Nikolai sneered, "Just because you took a wand from a wizard does not mean you know how to use it," his face dropped and his shoulders finally relaxed as he looked down. "I have tried."

"I am a werewolf—as you obviously know to be true. But, I can offer protection because I am also a wizard. And I am part of The Order of the Phoenix," Remus explained, his voice sure and calm.

Nikolai's head snapped up and he narrowed his eyes, "Prove it."

"Expecto Patronum."

A large wolf burst from the end of Remus' wand, catching light within its silver mist. Nikolai's jaw dropped, his eyes going wide as he started at the Patronus, dumbfounded.

"Go to Mika and tell her Nikolai is out of the shower and come back as soon as possible," Remus instructed the wolf.

The Patronus let out a bark of understanding and took off, disappearing through the window. Remus sat on the edge of the bed and motioned for Nikolai to take a seat on the mattress across from him. The man moved stiffly, his eyes flitting over Remus with a cautious curiosity. Remus clasped his hands in his lap and let a pleasant smile befall his lips, the same one he often used when teaching.

"My name is Remus Lupin and I have found myself in need of a spy."

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a/n: Yall, thank you so much for your patience with these updates. irl has been insane lately, so a lot of my writing has been paused. I also wanted to note, that this chapter was plotted well before the horrors that have happened in Ukraine recently. I decided to keep Nikolai as Ukrainian, but I wanted to make it very clear that this is not a political thing. The first name and nationality were literally pilfered from a Ukrainian chef I worked with for a while when I was still in the restaurant industry and it just fit this character. I hope it doesn't offend anyone that I've left it, but I'm also not really sure why it would.

Anyway, as always, thank you so much for reading. Spoons have been low so please know that I cherish comments left. They literally make my days so much better, so thank you so much.

xoxoxo