Author Note- Song inspiration- Rain by Creed

Chapter 43

When It Rains It Pours

Remus paced on the front porch in the dark. Severus had arrived over an hour ago and begun brewing. He seemed to be in a rather cantankerous mood, even after Sirius had made him a cup of coffee. They had both inquired about how Harry was after going to Surrey. However, Severus had mostly blown them off. He was focused on his brewing, and they had eventually let the man work in peace.

Remus was feeling anxious. The new moon would rise with the sun in about twenty minutes. He would need to say the spell and chew the mandrake leaves before then. He grimaced at the prospect. He could remember all the complaints the Marauders had made about keeping the leaf in their mouth for a month.

Remus would not need to keep it in his mouth as long. Although he would have to chew them, which wasn't something they had to do. He could only imagine how awful the bitter leaf would be as it became a sludgy paste in his mouth.

Remus muttered the spell under his breath again, trying to keep his mind focused. He wanted to make sure he got the spell right. Spells needed precision. Just as much as brewing did and he didn't want any part of this to go wrong.

He had been on edge since Sirius had relayed what Harry had told them. He wanted this so badly. However, it felt like an impossible dream after all of these years. His nerves had eventually come out as anger. Though he hadn't truly been angry at Sirius. He had snapped at him earlier and now regretted it. Remus knew that Sirius was just anxious too.

Sirius was the type to become a busy body when he had emotions he didn't want to face. Remus on the other hand preferred to think things over. Or Brood as Sirius had accused. Either way, Remus had had enough of Sirius non-stop chatter and had eventually growled at him. He had just wanted to be left alone to think. Sirius had left him be. Now, he sat in the cold staring out into the dark, waiting for Sirius or Severus to come inform him that it was time to start.

Remus rubbed his hands together as he paced across the porch again.

He had been worrying about Harry all weekend. He didn't know what to make of Albus sending Harry back to that house. He was either completely unaware or one of the cruelest people he had ever met. He dearly hoped it was the first. Remus had been loyal to the man for most of his life. Without Albus he wouldn't have been able to go to Hogwarts. He would have never met the Marauders. Never would have met Sirius. His life would have been empty. However, his loyalty could not be blind. If he was wrong and Albus had knowingly allowed Harry to be abused. What was he supposed to do then?

Remus let out a deep sigh. He understood why none of them had addressed the matter with Albus. Harry was already having a challenging time with his secrets coming out. Adding to that wouldn't be helpful right now. Especially because Albus might be partially responsible.

Remus sighed again. Everything about this summer had been stressful. He shook his head and returned to pacing.

Remus heard the front door close behind him and turned to see Sirius. He shot Remus a little smirk and Remus smiled back.

"Sorry about earlier." Remus said softly taking a steaming mug from Sirius.

"It's okay. I understand." Sirius said.

Remus smiled softly seeing that the cup was hot chocolate. His favorite.

"Thank you." Remus said, giving Sirius a soft kiss.

"Of course." Sirius said with a nod.

"I'm worried about Harry. I wish Severus would tell us something. Good or bad, I'd rather know how he is." Remus said with another sigh before bringing the warm mug to his lips.

"I know. He seems to be in a particularly foul mood today." Sirius grumbled.

They stood in silence for a few minutes looking out to the woods.

The quiet was broken by the door opening.

"Alright wolf. You'll need to say the spell now and start chewing the leaves. Potter's notes indicate that the leaves need to be paste before moon rise. Which should be in about ten minutes." Severus drawled, holding out the leaves.

Remus swallowed hard and nodded.

He set his mug of hot chocolate down on the small table. Then he took the leaves in his hand and pulled his wand to point at his heart. They all believed that this spell should work like the Animagus spell. When he was done saying it he should feel a second heartbeat. The heartbeat of the wolf.

He had lived in fear of the wolf his whole life. Trying to pull it forward was terrifying. Sirius had reassured him that he wouldn't be in pain and that there wasn't any way that he could force a werewolf transformation. However, they were going to take precautions in the morning to make sure. Severus would stay in the house until Sirius in Padfoot form confirmed that the transformation was correct.

Sirius gave him a soft smile and nodded.

Here goes something, he thought a little dreadfully.

"Maledictus lupus lunae, finis in luce Amato Animo Animato Animagus." Remus said clearly, though he could feel his whole-body shaking.

Then he felt it. A strong beating in his chest. He turned startled eyes to Sirius.

"It worked?" Sirius asked with a grin.

Remus just nodded.

He looked to Severus, and for the first time today found that he wasn't sneering. Remus almost thought he saw a smile at the corner of his lips.

It slipped away quickly when the man opened his mouth.

"Chew the leaves Lupin." Severus barked.

Remus was shaken from his amazement and crammed the leaves into his mouth. The bitter flavor filled his mouth. He wanted to gag. He took a deep breath through his nose and began chewing the leaves. The horrid flavor exploded across his tongue. He promised himself all kinds of things in that moment. To never criticize Sirius' cooking again. To give Harry a truly disgusting treat for his birthday. To savor his hot chocolate when he was finally able to spit this out. The leaves were course and hard to chew. He was just thankful that they weren't prickly or full of some sort of juice.

Remus closed his eyes. The leaves were slowly starting to break down and to his relief the flavor was changing to something slightly sweeter which was surprising. He focused on not swallowing any of the leaves or saliva that was beginning to accumulate in his mouth.

"Keep going Moony." Sirius said encouragingly.

Remus opened his eyes and realized there were tears running down his cheeks.

"Do you have a paste consistency?" Severus asked.

Remus shook his head.

"I'm going to grab a jar for you to spit into." Severus said blandly and walked away from them.

Remus kept chewing. It was getting closer to a paste. He was actually surprised to find that it was starting to stick to itself, a bit like chewing gum.

"Ready?" Severus asked, holding out the jar.

Remus nodded and took the jar. He held it under his mouth and spit out the now surprisingly black sludge. The leaves had definitely gone in green. Was this what was expected?

Remus spit again to get the rest of the saliva from his mouth.

"Why is it black?" Sirius asked.

Severus took the jar and examined it.

"I haven't the faintest idea. I've never seen mandrake change color." Severus said.

"Will this affect the potion?" Remus asked worriedly.

Severus hesitated for a moment before he shrugged.

"I have no idea. As I said before, this is all experimental." Severus said walking back into the cottage.

Remus and Sirius followed him in and watched as he added the black sludge and spit to the potion, currently bubbling softly on the counter.

Remus approached and watched as the previously orange-brown potion turned a fascinating silver color. Then it began to emit a light blue steam.

Severus gave the potion three precise stirs in each direction. Then he set down the stirring rod on a clean towel.

"Is that it?" Remus asked.

Severus stared into the cauldron for a long moment before he nodded.

"I've never seen this particular color in a potion. Harry did not note what colors to expect. Without having brewed the potion before, there is no certain way to know. This will need to simmer for the day, then be bottled when the moon sets. It will sit overnight and be taken when the sun rises tomorrow." Severus explained.

Remus nodded.

Severus seemed hesitant like he wasn't sure what he was supposed to do now. Remus understood. It was a long time to just hang around. However, he imagined that Severus wanted to stay nearby in case something went wrong with the potion.

"Would you care to join us for breakfast?" Remus offered.

To his relief, Sirius didn't scoff or make any kind of disparaging remark.

Severus seemed hesitant before nodding.

"That will be acceptable. I would prefer to stay close to the potion, in case it needs to be adjusted or vanished if it begins to react unexpectedly." Severus explained.

Remus nodded.

"We really appreciate it Severus." Remus said making his way into the kitchen.

He began to pull food from the fridge and pantry to start breakfast.

Harry sat on his bed twirling a quill. He couldn't settle. He knew Snape would be working on the potion, wherever Sirius and Remus were. Harry realized he didn't know where Sirius and Remus were staying. Were they back at Grimmauld? He didn't think so. He should probably ask. It seemed like there was some chance he would end up living with them. Although he wouldn't get to attached to the idea just yet.

Regardless of where they were, Harry knew Snape was with them now. Brewing the potion. He hoped it was going well.

He hadn't been feeling very well yesterday and had decided to stay in his room. He knew it was partially because of the stress from being back at number four. However, he was beginning to suspect he was also getting sick. He wasn't ready to accept that he was getting a cold though.

A loud sneeze rocked him, and he grabbed the roll of toilet tissue that he had sitting on the side table and blew his nose.

With a groan he finally climbed off the bed. He needed to do something with his nervous energy. He couldn't just sit here. He had considered asking to go with Snape but thought the man probably wouldn't want him underfoot. Plus, it would be an entire day spent being around Sirius and Remus and he just wasn't ready for that yet.

With a sigh he pulled his jumper on and grabbed his bag. He would go to the park for a while. It was Monday and he had planned to return to the Book Nook today. However, he was now unsure. He supposed he would see how he was feeling later.

Harry sighed as he pulled himself up from his spot sitting under the tree. Edgar meowing at his feet.

"Sorry. I think I need to go lie down." Harry said.

Edgar began heading for the bushes and Harry just shook his head. He needed to go back to the sundown. He was beginning to feel warm and a little dizzy.

Edgar meowed again.

Harry patted his chest twice and watched as the kitten climbed up him. When Edgar was settled on his shoulder Harry rubbed the little black kitten's ears.

"I've got to go. You stay and be good. Don't go getting yourself in trouble." Harry said.

With a flying leap the kitten jumped off his shoulder.

Harry smirked a little and headed back to the Sundown. His body felt bogged down as he walked. He briefly considered heading back to Snapes for a pepper up. Then he remembered the man wasn't home. With a sigh he continued back to the Sundown.

When he reached his room, he swiftly changed out of his day clothes into his oversized pajamas. He dug to the bottom of his bag and looked through his potions. He had already taken his regular potions for the day, but hoped he had something to help him feel better. He quickly realized nothing the twins had given him would help with a cold.

With a sigh he climbed into bed. He closed his eyes and wondered if the modified Wolfsbane potion would work. Would Remus be able to transform tomorrow? Would something go wrong? Snape hadn't said it, but Harry knew a lot could go wrong with this plan. He trusted Snape with the potion though. The man knew what he was doing. He wouldn't even be attempting it if he didn't think it had a chance to succeed.

Harry coughed painfully and groaned as he twisted onto his side.

With a sigh he slowly slipped into a restless sleep.

Severus sat quietly in the sitting room of Lupin Cottage. Black and Lupin had disappeared outside some time ago and Severus had settled into read a book. Lupin had been kind enough to offer up his bookshelf before they had taken off.

The Potion was nearly done brewing. The day had been slow and awkward. He hadn't thought of how brewing this potion at their house would go. Had he thought through being stuck in the location of the brew for the day he may have just had the mutts come to his house.

He glanced at the clock again. He would miss Harry checking in tonight. The boy had called from the motel last night. Severus was worried that he'd not gone out yesterday. Harry had said he had still eaten and taken his potions. However, Severus was worried that the trip to little Whinging may have upset him more than he was letting on.

Severus knew he was not objective though. The trip had been very upsetting for him. He had buried himself in brewing yesterday to keep his mind off of it. Today Lupin and Black had both wanted to know how Harry was, and Severus just really didn't want to talk about any of it. He had dismissed there questions in favor of focusing on the potion.

He should probably talk to them, but what should he even say about it? Should he mention what he had seen?

Severus sighed and closed the book in his lap. He hadn't read a word in over an hour. He was just sitting here thinking.

He stood and placed the book back in its place on the shelf, before making his way to the kitchen. He looked into the cauldron. The color had remained the same and it seemed stable.

Severus shook his head. The boy was a genius. He'd created a stable potion. Whether it worked the way they hoped it would was still unknown. However, the fact that Lupin had felt the second heartbeat was a sign that at least the spell was likely accurate.

The moon and sun would set soon, and he would be able to go back to Spinner's end for a reasonable night's sleep before returning in the morning to watch Lupin take the potion.

Severus watched the small bubbles burst on the surface of the potion. Then he heard the door open. He looked up to see Black and Lupin enter the house.

Severus gave them a nod and went back to staring at the cauldron.

"Has something changed?" Lupin asked as he walked closer.

Severus shook his head.

"No, I was just checking on it. The moon should set shortly. Then I'll be able to bottle it." Severus said.

Severus looked up and caught Lupin's eyes. He looked anxious.

"I think it will work. If something was going to go wrong with the brew it likely would have happened by now." Severus tried to reassure.

Lupin nodded.

"It'll be okay Remus." Black added.

Severus knew this must be stressful for them both. The prospect of this working could be life changing. However, if something went wrong it could be devastating. This was not a harmless potion. Taking this much wolfsbane could be poisonous. Even for a werewolf.

"Remus, it would be okay if you've decided you don't want to do this." Severus said earnestly.

Lupin looked at Black and back to the potion. Severus could see him swallowing hard.

"No, I need to do this. I've wished for this my whole life. I can't get cold feet now." Lupin said.

Severus nodded.

"Very well." Severus said, looking at the time again.

Severus collected a vial to start bottling the potion when he heard a hiss. He turned to look at the potion and saw that it was frothing.

"What's happening?" Black asked stepping towards the cauldron.

Dunderhead! Severus thought.

"Back up!" Severus shouted waving his arm at them both and pulling his wand, preparing to vanish the potion, or put up a shield if the cauldron exploded.

They stood watching as the froth turned several unusual colors from its previous calm silver. Severus held his breath.

Then just as abruptly the frothing stopped.

Severus released his breath but did not step towards the cauldron. He had made that mistake before and seen potions seemingly settle before completely exploding.

"Which of you is better at shielding charms?" Severus asked not taking his eyes off of the cauldron.

"I am." Black said.

Severus glanced at them quickly and nodded.

"I am going to check the Potion. Should it start to do anything, you are to put up a shield around the cauldron. Do you understand?" Severus instructed, still mostly staring at the cauldron.

"Yes." Black said, pulling his wand out and holding it at the ready.

Severus nodded and took a deep breath before walking slowly towards the counter.

Severus was amazed by what he saw. The potion was now a deep green color that would usually indicate that something had gone wrong. However, the consistency was smooth, and a swirl of amber seemed to be mixed into it. Severus raised an eyebrow and looked over to Lupin. It was the same color as his eyes.

It was amazing.

"I think it worked." Severus whispered in awe.

He could see Black and Lupin stepping closer and held up his hand to stop them. Just because the Potion didn't seem to be becoming volatile didn't mean there was no risk. Severus raised the vial and slowly filled it. He repeated the process with a second and third vial. He wanted to have a backup and one to study later.

When the vials were corked, he stepped back and vanished what was left in the cauldron. He stared down at the vials in his hands. It was utterly amazing.

With a deep breath he looked up to the other men in the room and nodded.

Black and Lupin walked over to him, and he held out one of the vials while pocketing the other two.

Lupin reached out with a shaking hand and took the vial.

"This is it." Lupin said softly looking over the vial.

"Yes, I will need to study it more and repeat the process with another wolf but…I suspect the silver color that we saw all day was in fact the Lycanthropy curse. The color is now nearly identical to…"

"Your eyes." Black finished, cupping Lupin's jaw and tipping his head up to look at his eyes.

"Yes." Severus said in agreement.

"That's amazing." Black said lowering his hand and turning to look at Severus.

"Do you think this means it will work?" Black asked, hope shining in his eyes.

Severus considered for a moment. So far everything seemed to be going well. There had been unexpected parts of the process that he wanted to look into further. As well as speak to Harry about. However, he did think that this would work. He felt his own hope rising at the prospect.

"I'm hesitantly optimistic. There have been some surprises today, but I don't see a reason this shouldn't work." Severus said.

Black smiled widely at Severus and Severus couldn't help but smile back.

He never would have expected this turn of events in his life. He had spent all day in Black and Lupin's house. Brewing a potion to cure lycanthropy. And despite the slight awkwardness of the situation, he was actually excited for them. He felt as though the old animosity was finally melting away. It was strange. He felt a twinge of guilt for not having answered there questions earlier.

Severus cleared his throat.

"I'm sorry about earlier. The trip was rather upsetting. I think I have let it get under my skin a bit. Harry was all right, I think. He told us before we left that he thought it was good that he had come back to the house and seen it empty. Seeing it be changed. I suspect that it was cathartic for him. I spoke to him briefly yesterday on the phone and he seemed all right. Maybe a little down, but okay. I Think I have probably missed his call this evening though." Severus explained.

Black and Lupin nodded.

"I wish we could bring him here. I hate the idea of him being alone." Black said looking away.

Severus nodded. He had thought about asking Harry to return several times during the week. However, he didn't want to push Harry into returning. Seemingly he had been doing better away from the house.

"Thank you for telling us. We have been worried. Our own project was rather stressful, and we've been concerned about how Harry was doing." Lupin said walking into the sitting room and returning with a scrap of parchment.

He held the parchment out to Severus.

'The Den is located at 1 Pine Ridge Road, Scotland'

Severus nodded and handed the paper back to Remus.

"Keep it, make sure Harry see's it and then burn it." Remus said.

Severus nodded and put the parchment in his pocket.

"I can do that. I'm not sure when I will see him next. Perhaps tomorrow after we see if the potion works. He was extremely excited about making this discovery. I'm sure he will want to know how it has turned out." Severus said with a nod.

"Thank you." Remus said.

"Yeah. Thank you, Severus." Black said with a firm nod.

Severus nodded and headed to the sitting room.

"I will be back about an hour before sunrise." Severus said.

"See you then." Lupin said with a nod.

Severus tossed the floo powder in and floo'd back to Spinner's end.

Sirius stood in the kitchen waiting for the kettle to heat up. He and Remus had tried to sleep. Nerves had them both tossing and turning all night. Sirius had finally given up after the third time Remus had elbowed him in the ribs.

He couldn't believe this was actually happening. Remus being a werewolf had just always been a fact. He thought back to their time in school. Once they had learned that he was a werewolf it had set off a chain of events that had shaped so much of their lives.

Sirius sighed as he pulled the kettle off the stove and began making his tea.

He was trying hard not to let his thoughts run away with him. If this worked, then the implications for werewolves in the wizarding world could be amazing. He couldn't stop worrying about the potential if the potion failed though. He could lose Remus if things went wrong. Snape had been clear that the amount of wolfsbane in the potion was lethal.

Sirius had tried to reassure Remus that he didn't care that he was a werewolf. That he would never miss another moon with him. He just didn't want to lose Remus. He could tell by the look in Remus eyes though that he was going to do it. Even before he said anything.

Sirius felt a tear trickle down his cheek.

Merlin, he hoped this worked.

Suddenly he felt arms wrap around his waist from behind and a head lay on his shoulder.

"Don't worry love. It'll be okay." Remus murmured.

Sirius felt his body shake as more tears ran down his face. They had spent yesterday walking hand in hand through the woods talking. Nothing too heavy, just enjoying being with one another. It had been a perfect day.

Remus turned him around and pulled him close. Sirius leaned into Remus warm embrace.

"Look at me, Siri." Remus said softly.

Sirius raised his head and looked into Remus eyes.

"Werewolf life expectancy without a pack is pretty short. I didn't have a pack before I met you and James. You became a pack for me. You saved me. When I lost you all, I didn't think I would live long enough to ever have a pack again. I didn't want it. I don't think I would have lasted another year if you hadn't come back into my life when you did. The wolf was ripping me apart." Remus said swallowing hard.

"I have you now, and I know that we could keep on like this. Forever if we needed to. But Siri how can I turn this down. Our pup found a way for this to not hurt anymore. I hurt all the time Sirius. The older I get the harder the transformation is on my body. How many more moons can my body take? Even with you here with me. Even with wolfsbane." Remus said with a sigh.

"I have to do this. It'll be okay. I trust you and Harry and Severus. I have to have faith that this will work out. That this will change my life. Change our life together. We can have Harry with us, without fear that I might hurt him or you. We can get married." Remus said with a smile.

Sirius smiled even as he felt more tears sliding down his face.

Remus reached up and brushed them away.

"It'll be okay. Just have a little faith." Remus said, leaning in and kissing Sirius cheek.

Sirius wasn't sure he could have that kind of faith, but he nodded anyway.

"Good." Remus said smiling softly.

Remus took a step forward forcing Sirius to step back and bump into the counter. Then Sirius had a face full of Remus honey-colored curls as Remus started kissing down his neck.

Sirius laughed.

"I'm not sure we have time. The bat should be here soon." Sirius said.

Remus just hummed.

"We've got time." Remus said, sliding his hands under Sirius sleep shirt. His fingers ghosted over Sirius ribs, causing goosebumps to appear across his skin.

Sirius groaned as Remus continued to kiss and lick his neck.

Sirius smiled and tried to enjoy the attention and forget his worries.

Severus glanced at the clock in his sitting room. He needed to floo to Lupin cottage now. He rubbed his tired eyes and stood from his armchair. He hadn't slept very well. His mind had been too preoccupied with what the day may hold.

Despite his years of dislike of Lupin and Black, he did not wish to see either of them dead. Especially now that he had gotten to know Harry. He couldn't imagine the level of guilt he would have if the potion killed Lupin. Severus hadn't mentioned that possible outcome when they had discussed the potion.

The wolfsbane potion also had the potential to be lethal if brewed wrong. Yet, Lupin took it each month. He knew the risks. They all did. However, Severus was unsure if Harry was aware of the risk they were taking.

He committed to going to see Harry when he returned, regardless of the outcome.

With a deep breath he took a pinch of floo powder and floo'd back to Lupin cottage.

Sirius and Remus were outside on the porch when they heard the floo flare.

"I love you." Sirius said, squeezing Remus hand.

Remus smiled.

"I love you too. Thanks' for indulging me this morning. I needed to get my mind off of things too." Remus said, blushing a little.

Sirius grinned.

"Damn randy werewolf." Sirius said with a bark of laughter. He then leaned in, pecking Remus on the cheek before heading into the house.

Sirius walked into the sitting room and found Severus brushing the soot from his robes.

"Good morning, Severus." Sirius said.

Severus looked up and Sirius could see the dark circles under the man's eyes. He clearly had gotten about as much sleep as they had last night.

"Looking a little rough this morning, Black." Severus drawled.

Sirius laughed.

"I could say the same." Sirius responded.

Severus raised an eyebrow and then nodded.

"I admit it was not a very restful night." Severus said.

Sirius nodded.

"The wolfsbane usually upset's Remy's stomach. We were going to eat a quick bite before we start. Would you like to join us?" Sirius asked.

Severus seemed unsure for a moment before nodding.

"Very well." Severus answered.

Sirius led Severus into the kitchen. He quickly made plates of toast and Severus a cup of tea. Then they walked back to the porch and found Remus. The sky was just starting to get light. Remus would need to take the potion soon.

They ate quietly. Each deep in thought. The stress around them could have been cut with a knife. Sirius was thankful that Harry hadn't asked to be here. It had been surprising given the breakthrough Harry had made that he didn't want to be here. However, He had continued to insist that it was Sirius discovery he had just finished it. Whatever the reason, Sirius didn't think he could manage having Harry here.

"We need to begin." Severus said.

Sirius nodded.

Remus looked pale but nodded as well and stood.

"Say the spell, then take the potion once you feel the heartbeat." Severus instructed, handing him the shimmering green potion.

Remus nodded, clutching the potion and heading off the porch.

Severus stood and headed into the house, to watch from the window.

Sirius nodded at Severus and followed Remus off the porch.

When they were in the clearing in front of the cottage Sirius pulled Remus into a tight hug.

"I love you. And I'll be right here." Sirius said firmly.

Remus nodded and took a step back.

Sirius took a few steps back to not crowd Remus. He felt his stomach clench as he watched him. This was it. He sighed deeply and listened to Remus recite the spell, just as the first rays of sun spilled into the sky.

Sirius nodded at Remus as he laid his hand on his chest.

"I love you Sirius." Remus said looking into Sirius eyes.

Sirius could see the love and the fear in his eyes as he popped the cork out of the potion and held it to his lips. His hand shook slightly, and he poured the potion into his mouth. His eyes got wide, and the vial fell from his hand.

Sirius took a shaky breath.

"Please. Please let this work." Sirius said under his breath as he popped into Padfoot.

Severus watched from the window as Lupin took the potion and Black transformed into his Animagus form as they had planned.

The vial fell from Remus hand and Severus watched with bated breath. Nothing happened for a moment then all hell seemed to break loose. Lupin fell to his knees and let out a blood-curdling scream.

His head was thrown back and the scream just seemed to continue. Severus felt his body begin to shake as the screaming changed to a howl.

Lupin's head fell forward, and Severus could see something coming out of his mouth. He feared it was blood. Wolfsbane killed by causing internal bleeding. It would be a painful death.

Severus shook his head. He could stop this. He had potions and a bezoar in his pocket. His fear of killing the man was outweighing his fear of the wolf.

Severus threw the door open and stormed across the clearing. He wouldn't allow the man to bleed to death if he could stop it.

Severus landed hard on his knee's next to the man and saw the large black dog charge up next to him.

With a pop, Black was next to him.

"It's not working. It's killing him." Black said in panic.

Lupin had stopped screaming thankfully. Now, he was just leaned over whimpering and coughing.

Severus looked at the grass below him and was relieved to not see blood. The liquid Lupin was spitting up was silver like the potion had been.

"I don't know." Severus said shaking his head.

He raised a shaky a hand and laid it on Lupin shoulder.

"Remus, can you hear me." Severus asked urgently.

Lupin nodded.

"Do you want me to give you a bezoar? If the wolfsbane is poisoning you, we don't have much time to change our minds." Severus said, his voice shaking.

Lupin shook his head.

"It's okay Remy. It's okay. You don't have to do this." Black cried next to them.

Remus made a guttural sound and then started shaking.

Severus could feel the bones and muscles under his hand shifting.

"Back up Black. He's changing." Severus said standing quickly and pulling his wand.

Black shot him a fearful look and popped back into the dog.

Severus whole body was shaking. He didn't think it was possible for a werewolf to exist outside of a full moon, but fear wasn't logical. He watched as Lupin's body began to shift.

Grey fur sprouted all over and his body began to stretch and reform.

When the transformation was complete the wolf was lying on its belly, whimpering. The black dog approached slowly, his tail tucked low and his ears back.

Severus felt like he couldn't breathe. They had managed to force the wolf to appear outside of the full moon. Now it was a waiting game. Would he die now? Would he be able to shift back? Would the wolf attack them like a werewolf?

Severus swallowed hard, keeping his wand trained on the wolf. A spell held on the tip of his tongue as they waited.

Harry groaned as he woke up. His head was pounding, and he felt like he couldn't breathe. He sat up and tried to suck in a deep breath only to start coughing. He reached out and grabbed the inhaler off the side table. He used it quickly, hoping it would work.

He pulled it away and began coughing again.

He tossed the inhaler back on the table and quickly made his way to the bathroom. He turned on the tap and cupped his hand under the water. He took several gulps of the cool liquid before turning the tap off. His lungs burned and his throat felt dry and scratchy.

He leaned against the counter and finally looked into the mirror.

Harry groaned. He looked horrible. There were dark circles under his eyes, and he looked pale and sweaty. He turned from the mirror. He then pulled his shirt off over his head, before tossing it into the pile in the corner. He needed to do laundry soon, but it wouldn't be today. Stripping off his pants he quickly stepped into the shower and turned the water on as hot as it would go. He stood in the warm spray as the room filled with steam.

His head felt like it was going to explode. He leaned it against the wall of the shower and enjoyed the cool feeling of the tile.

While he took deep breaths of the steam he wondered if he should go to Snape for some potions. He knew the man would be upset if he didn't. With a sigh he began scrubbing his body.

When Harry started to feel the water cool, he turned it off and wrapped himself in a towel. He was supposed to go work at the Book Nook today, but he didn't think he had the energy to do it. He had slept all of yesterday away. He would need to stop by the shop and apologize to Mary for not showing up yesterday. Then explain that he couldn't stay today either. Hopefully, she would be understanding.

When he was dressed, he collected his things and shrugged his bag onto his shoulders. He needed to go feed Edgar too. Harry suspected that the bushes around the pond had a lot of mice, and that the kitten had been living on the mice before he had started feeding him. However, he now felt responsible for feeding him. He hadn't gone on Sunday and he hadn't stayed long yesterday, but at least he had fed him.

Harry opened the door to the room and frowned. The sky was dark grey, and the wind was blowing hard. There was definitely a storm brewing. He hoped he could make it back here before it started raining. He was sure getting soaked in a storm wouldn't help his cold.

Pulling his hood up he headed across the parking lot towards the Book Nook.

Mary was just getting her stuff settled behind the counter when the bell on the door rang. She looked up to see Max standing in the door with his hood pulled up.

"Good morning." Mary said with a smile.

She hoped he'd had a nice weekend. He'd been gone Friday. Something to do with his new guardians, she thought. Max hadn't said much about it. She had expected him back yesterday, but when he didn't show she figured he had just gone to work at the grocery.

Mary's eyes widened when Max pulled his hood off. He looked terribly ill.

"What's wrong?" Mary said shuffling around the counter.

Max held up his hand and Mary stopped.

"I'm sick. Probably best not to get too close. I'd hate to get you sick too. I'm just here to let you know I don't think I can work today. Sorry I didn't come by yesterday." Max said, his voice sounded a little horse.

Mary nodded.

"That's okay. Do you want me to call Severus? You should probably go to the doctor if your too sick." Mary said worriedly.

Max shook his head.

"I'm going over there. I should be all right to make it there on my own." Max said with a shrug.

Mary nodded. He really didn't look well. He looked feverish and shaky.

"Okay. Well, I hope you feel better soon. Don't worry about coming back until you're well. I'll manage. I can let Jack know too if you'd like." Mary offered.

"That would be nice. Thank you." Max said with a little sniffle.

"Alright, well off with you. Get some rest and I'll see you when you're better." Mary said with a soft smile.

Max nodded and headed back out the door.

Mary headed into the back room and picked up the phone. She dialed Severus' number first. She wanted to believe Max that he was headed to Severus house. However, Max wasn't the type to ask for help. She remembered what Severus had said about the road rash. The poor boy had been completely ripped up and never bothered to say anything. She would make sure Severus was aware of what was going on.

The phone rang and rang, but no answer.

Mary hung up with a sigh. She wondered why the man even bothered having a phone if he was never going to answer it.

She dialed the number for the grocery next.

"Hello." Jack said.

"Hello Jack, It's Mary. Max just came by. He's under the weather and I don't think he will be in for a few days." Mary said.

"Okay. Not a problem. Hope the kid feels better soon. I've got his pay for last week. Do you suppose I should drop it off?" Jack asked.

Mary considered for a moment.

"I don't think it would be a bad idea. I imagine he needs to pay for another week at the Sundown. If he decides he's staying there again." Mary answered.

"Alright." Jack said.

"I'll talk to you later then." Mary replied.

"Goodbye." Jack said, before the line was disconnected.

Mary put the phone down and walked back to the front of the store. The wind howled outside, and the first drops of rain splattered against the windows.

She hoped Max made it to Severus' quickly. The forecast said the storm was going to be a bad one.

Sheets of rain were now falling, and the wind was whipping in all directions. Harry trudged on. He shivered and wrapped his arms around his now soaked body. He was nearly to the park when he saw the first flashes of lightning. He hoped he would make it to Snapes house before the rest of the storm was right over the top of him.

Harry's trainers squished into the saturated earth. They squelched as he pulled them from the mud and grass and continued into the park.

He stopped for a moment as coughs racked his body. He wondered if he should just head to Snapes now. Surely Edgar would have hidden away from the storm. He likely wouldn't even come out when Harry showed up.

Harry wiped the rain from his face as he looked towards the tree near the pond. An unsettling feeling filled his stomach and a moment later he felt the hair on the back of his neck rise. Before he could blink a blinding light and an ear-splitting boom filled his senses.

Harry stumbled back as he realized the tree near the pond had been struck by lightning. One long branch had broken off and landed in the pond.

Harry stood still, shocked by the sight. Then he felt his heart sink into his stomach. A tiny mew reached his ears.

He took off like a shot racing closer to the tree. He looked at the ground all around the tree for any sign of Edgar. His heart was pounding in his ears. The boom of thunder continued around him and the howling wind pelted him with rain.

"Edgar!" Harry screamed desperately.

He turned towards the pond at the sound of splashing and saw the kitten struggling to keep its head above the water. He must have been in the tree, Harry thought in alarm.

He threw his bag off of his shoulders and onto the wet ground as he ran to the bank of the pond. Without hesitation he jumped into the water.

It was only once he was in the water and realizing the pond was deeper than he thought, that Harry remembered he couldn't swim.

His heart pounded as he frantically thrashed his arms both to keep himself afloat and hopefully bring him closer to Edgar. His flailing wasn't helping, and he could feel his body sinking. The wind and rain mixed with the fearful tears now streaming down his face.

Harry screamed as his head bobbed below the surface. His mouth filled with rain and pond water. He spat and coughed to keep the water out. He began to kick his legs in a desperate attempt to keep his head up.

He had to get to Edgar.