Calm before the Storm

"Well, tomorrow's the night. You are certain about this?" Lupin spoke from the corridor as Allen gazed at the almost full moon shining on the courtyard. The Albino smiled and turned to the professor whose face was filled with worry.

"I am. All will be fine, i'm sure of it" Allen replied and placed a firm hand on the older man's shoulder.

"I can't tell you how much it means to me that you agreed. I know it's your worst fear but this is something I need. Thank you" he continued and Lupin's face softened slightly,

"You're an odd man Allen Walker" he mumbled softly and Allen snorted,

"That's an understatement. You're sure you're okay to-?"

"Allen, I know what it's like to live with a crushing sense of fear and remorse. If I can relieve you of your guilt, I will do so gladly."

"Thank you" Allen choked slightly and Lupin ruffled his hair tenderly. Allen coughed to hide his embarrassment and instead asked,

"So Black and Lenalee huh?" remembering the two sat cosily in the library. Lupin chuckled and added,

"Apparently so. I've never known Siri to help a crying woman - usually he runs the other way" he laughed and Allen joined in.

"But Alma and Mr Malfoy I was not expecting" Lupin added suddenly and Allen looked at the man curiously until he tipped his head in the direction of the window.

Alma was indeed sitting in the courtyard beside Lucius - his hair recognisable anywhere - lips locked. Allen blinked.

"Huh. I remember Kanda saying something about him getting letters but I didn't know where they were from" he replied, turning from the window, not wanting to intrude. Lupin glanced up again and smiled,

"They seem happy together" Allen flicked his eyes over to where the pair were now reading together.

"Yeah they do" he mumbled, happy for his brother but surprisingly melancholy.

"I should probably get some sleep" Allen announced,

"Thank you again for -" he began but Lupin stopped him,

"And once again, I am happy that my condition will cause good for you. But yes you should sleep. Goodnight Allen"

"Goodnight Remus"

The pair split and headed to their seperate quarters, both nervous for what was to come and only noticing the use of first names once they were already in bed.

"Why would he want to be turned? Does he not understand the condition that lycanthropy will put him in - both physically and socially?" Lucius questioned the man seated next to him. Alma sighed and turned to the blonde, grasping his hand,

"Have you ever made a mistake with such a visual sign of guilt? He has to go around everyday with the mark of his faults lashed across his face and stained in his hair. If you were that heavily marked by someone who could not remove it themselves, wouldn't you go through pain and suffering to earn that redemption?" he asked, stroking the long pale fingers. Lucius coughed lightly and leaned back against the hard stone of the archway.

"I think I understand. I understand the need to remove the visual of the sin. But I'm also self-preserving and not the best with pain. So I've never - I've never even tried" Lucius admitted, feeling - not for the first time - a coward.

"You mean your Dark Mark?" Alma said softly, running his hand from the other's fingers over his sleeve where the mark resided.

"I - yes. It was something I was once proud of. Something I was taught to be proud of. But then Draco came along and with the attacks happening in his school with something I helped with, I hated it. But for such a selfish reason, I don't feel like I'm allowed to be absolved of my crimes"

Alma slapped him lightly on the arm and Lucius jumped,

"Wanting your son to be safe is not a selfish reason. Trust me, there are shallower reasons for redemption" he scowled at the older man.

"Of course, I apologise"

Alma rolled his eyes and leant against Lucius' chest as he wrapped his arms around him.

"I just hope he's alright. He - he brought me back and gave me another chance. I'd hate for something to happen to him" Alma admitted and Lucius narrowed his eyes in concern,

"Brought you back? From where?"

Alma cursed lightly,

""I uh, technically died in the war. But the Innocence granted Allen a wish, just one. And he brought me back. For Kanda. For his family"

Lucius held him tighter. He had died. His throat tightened painfully at the thought of the man in his arms never having survived.

"Well, maybe I should show Walker my thanks for allowing me to meet you" as soon as the words were out of his mouth he regretted them. Not because of the sentiment but it was so cheesy, and Alma laughed,

"That was so sweet yet cringey at the same time" he chuckled and Lucius winced,

"Not my best line I will admit"

Alma turned in his arms and gave him a quick kiss "I'm grateful too. But I won't make it cheesy"

"Thank you for sparing me" Lucius smirked and Alma grinned,

"You're welcome"

"Well, I should probably take you back to Minerva and head home" Lucius moved to stand but Alma held his arm back, looking bashful,

"Could you not stay with me?"

"I" Lucius smiled down at the man beside him "I will ask Minerva and then, yes, I will happily stay"

"Thank you" Alma hugged his arm, making him chuckle as they made their way back into the castle.