The card...?
Remus had fallen back asleep, his body wrapped in the dishevelled remnants of an old jacket that provided little warmth against the biting chill of the night. The cardboard or paper card was tucked safely in his pocket as he slumbered, its strange symbols and odd words echoing in his mind like a fragmented dream. He tossed and turned on the cold concrete, barely managing any sleep as his body protested with dull aches. The gnawing grip of the full moon had left him exhausted and sore, a constant reminder of the pain he could never quite escape. Lycanthropy was his entire life. All the pain he had and had caused was because of it, and he knew that fact.
As dawn began to creep over the horizon, spilling muted light into the alley, Remus stirred. He could hear the rustling of early morning activity, the distant sound of traffic, and the soft rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. But before he could fully awaken, a shrill voice shattered the fragile remnants of his slumber.
“Hey! You! Get out of here!” a woman shrieked, brandishing a broom like it was a sword. Remus’s eyes flew open, bewildered, and he quickly raised his hands in surrender, facing the furious patron who had taken it upon herself to chase off stray souls from her territory.
“What the actual bloody hell is wrong with these people?” he thought, his mind struggling to shake off the fog of sleep. Still groggy, he groaned in response to her outrage, trying to make sense of the situation and wishing he could find a quieter corner of the world to be left alone. That wasn’t new for him. He always did enjoy being alone back at school as well. Everyone knew Remus was more reserved than the rest of his friends.
“I thought I told you to find a new place to sleep, you useless swine!” Her voice pierced through his haze, loud enough to be heard several doorways down. If you asked Remus honestly, he would’ve told you he drowned her out the second she started screaming, a bad habit he had well-acquired during his time on the streets. The cacophony of angry voices was easily forgotten in the depths of his mind, though the pain in his muscles reminded him that life outside was not so forgiving.
His curls, tousled and unkempt, fell over his eyes, shielding them from the light. Just as he tried to gather himself to leave, he felt the bristle of the broom against his back, a sharp jab that brought him back to reality with an oomph. Rubbing the back of his neck gingerly, Remus bolted from his spot, the grating sound of the woman’s voice fading behind him.
As he ran down the alley, he could hear her continuing to yell, her furious words echoing off the graffiti-covered walls that teenagers had quite obviously done while on home break from Hogwarts. He rounded a corner, desperate to put distance between himself and the furious woman, his heart pounding in his chest… a mix of adrenaline and the residual effects of the full moon’s torment still weighing him down. His legs were still burning and felt like they could break at any moment.
The alley opened up to a bustling street, where the early risers set about their daily routines. Remus took a moment to catch his breath, leaning against a cold brick wall, the remnants of adrenaline coursing through him. He watched people go about their business, oblivious to the struggles of those who slept in alleyways and under bridges. In their lives, problems seemed far less daunting, wrapped up in coffee cups and briefcase-clad meetings. Living their perfect lives, not dealing with lycanthropy like him… Remus tried to push the jealous thoughts down within him,m knowing they wouldn’t help him anymore. They’d just make him feel worse about his already shitty life.
With a weary sigh, he reached into his pocket, feeling the texture of the card that had been with him since that strange encounter the night before. His fingers traced the edges, contemplating the strange symbols inscribed upon it, wondering if they held any significance that could perhaps change his fate. Sleeping on the streets could be over for him. He could be living in a new place with money and freedom, and– Remus cut himself off, trying to shake the thoughts out of his head, but he kept going back to them even as he walked down the street.
Thoughts of the woman and her broom momentarily slipped from his mind as he contemplated calling the number on the card. The world bustled around him, full of opportunities and options, yet Remus felt tethered to the ground, bound by the shadows of his past as he wrestled with a future that always seemed just out of reach. The attempt at a fresh start felt like an insurmountable task, but the card represented something…a possibility, a thread of hope that something might shift in his life…
He knew he just had to call the number on the card, and his whole life could change if he won that money. The thought was intoxicating… with just one phone call, everything could shift dramatically in his favour. He believed it could happen. Yet, a cloud of suspicion lingered over him. He already had sixty grand… did he need that much more? Or was it extremely selfish to do such?
He could easily get through the rest of the winter and most of the summer with what he currently had. Still, his financial situation was tricky. Taxes due to the war were much higher than they had been two years ago. Forty-five and a half billion dollars was an enormous amount to consider. Who could even spend that much in a lifetime, anyway? Seriously, he mused, he could use just half of that… no… not even half, just a quarter of it, and be genuinely happy. He’d be set for life, no questions asked. Not only that, but he’d donate the rest to kids suffering from the same condition he had; he knew he would. Remus had never been greedy—quite the opposite. He always tried to help less fortunate children who had the same medical condition as him, even if it was as simple as letting them have a bit of his chocolate at school whenever they were having an off day. His desire to help others had been solidified ever since Frank Longbottom had extended a hand to him in his second year at Hogwarts.
As he walked through the busy streets of London, Remus could see the life around him bustling with energy. He passed numerous stores in Leadenhall Market, their bright window displays and colourful signs trying to attract pedestrians. It wasn't the most pleasant place, and the air was thick with the scent of damp cobblestones mixed with an array of food and spices. However, it was safer than Diagon Alley at this moment, especially with the war hanging ominously over their heads. A palpable tension seemed to shroud everything. Everyone had their worries, be it financial, emotional, or something more dangerous. Death eater attacks weren’t exactly uncommon, you know?
Despite the chaos of the world outside, Remus had made an effort to keep himself grounded. He had tried repeatedly to join the Order of the Phoenix, and he felt he had something to offer even with his condition. But Dumbledore had refused to take anyone younger than twenty-two, leaving Remus feeling both excluded and frustrated. It was unfair, he thought, especially since he knew Dorcas Meadows had been welcomed into the fold at just twenty. There it was again. The stigma surrounding his being a werewolf stood strong even now. He could practically feel Dumbledore’s hesitation, his silent judgment weighing heavy on Remus’s shoulders. McGonagall had always trusted Remus more out of the two. Helping him immensely throughout his Hogwarts years.
The war, though, seemed to be slowing down. Voldemort was a lot weaker now, his forces scattered, and the Order had practically disappeared in the midst of it all. This offered at least a small glimmer of hope. With the absence of visible threats, people seemed more compassionate toward those in need. He noticed that the common folks on the street were more willing to help beggars and those asking for food or money. It was a small change, but in times like these, every bit mattered. He always did hope they’d give him a cigarette to fuel his addiction, although.
Yet, despite the changes in the world around him, Remus couldn't shake the nagging thought of that damned card. It felt as if it were burned into his mind, refusing to fade away. Every time he faltered in his thoughts, he found himself coming back to that moment…the pitch of the salesman's voice, the way the man’s grin seemed almost predatory as he told Remus about the fortune waiting for him. It was a loop he couldn’t break free from as if he were trapped in a never-ending movie, its scenes playing on repeat. He pulled his coat tighter around him as he continued to walk, wondering if his life would ever steer toward something better.
Remus thought about it over the next few days. He did spend a few thousand pounds of his sixty. To get new clothes, shoes, and some pain-relieving potions. He definitely needed those the most. No doubt at all. The old shirts that clung to his frame had begun to fray at the edges, and he could feel the lingering effects of nights spent tossing and turning, plagued by memories and pain. The new clothes, although a minor change, provided a small sense of relief in a world where discomfort seemed to linger at every corner.
One night, as the moon hung low in the sky, a small quarter crescent, he found himself in his usual alley, the damp bricks casting shadows that danced beneath the flickering streetlight. He stared intently at the card lying in his palm. It was a small piece of paper that felt like a heavyweight. He sighed deeply, the sound echoing softly in the stillness of the night, his breath misting in the chilly air. He glanced around for a phone booth, his heart racing. The urge to call this damn number surged within him as the thought of his mates plagued his mind.
Memories of Lily and James flooded in carefree laughter, moments of friendship, and the warmth of their camaraderie back at Hogwarts. It was impossible for him to shake the image of a trio of mates navigating the complexities of adulthood, their paths intertwined with love, humour, and the quiet understanding that they were each other's family. Now, all he could think about was how he could help them, particularly with Harry. They shouldn't have to struggle alone. The realisation struck him hard, he could support them, and provide for them. In his heart, he envisioned a future where he could build his own damn orphanage for people like him, a place filled with laughter and safety, a sanctuary for lost souls who needed someone to care for them.
He knew how much Lily and James could use the money, especially now that it seemed like danger lurked around every corner. Times were tough, and they needed all the support they could muster. There was no denying the truth that burned in him; he wanted to be the one to help.
And anyway? How hard could a few dumb children’s games be? The thought made him chuckle bitterly to himself. He had spent more than enough nights patrolling the dark streets and dealing with the chaos that life threw at him. What he feared most was not the games themselves but the pressure and the stakes attached to them. Yet, in a world so uncertain, he realised that reaching out, taking a risk, and risking his own comfort for the sake of others could be the very thing that reminded him of who he was at heart. A friend, a protector, someone who wouldn't let those he loved suffer alone.
With determination flaring in his chest, he took a deep breath and stepped closer to the phone booth's dim glow. The decision loomed ahead like an unmarked path, but he was ready to embrace it. He walked over to the iconic red phone booth, the weight of his decision pressing down on him. Holding the receiver to his ear, he dialled the number: "8650 4006." Each digit felt like a step deeper into a world he had only glimpsed before.
The phone rang once, a sharp sound echoing in the small enclosure. It rang again, a second time, each chime amplifying the tension in his chest. On the third ring, someone picked up. It was the man from the other night… the one whose presence lingered in Remus's memory like a siren's song. Remus could almost hear the smirk in his voice, a confidence that made his skin crawl and exhilarate him all at once.
“Seems you’ve come to the right mindset, huh?” the man chuckled, his tone playful yet laced with a hint of malice. Remus leaned his head back against the cool glass of the phone booth. He felt the weight of the world outside the empty streets. The night seemingly had swallowed everything in its sight.
Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself for the words that would change everything. “I want to join your game. I need the money,” he stated, each word pouring out with a mix of desperation and determination. His heart raced, matching the anxiety that had taken root in his stomach. His breathing grew a bit heavier than when the conversation had started, a reflection of the stakes he was about to accept.
The man on the other end paused, and Remus could almost sense the calculations happening in his mind. “You know what you’re getting into, right?” he asked, his voice dropping slightly. “This isn’t some casual bet you can walk away from.”
Remus swallowed hard, contemplating the reality of his situation. He had spent too long drifting through life, always just managing to scrape by, drowning in a sea of bills and uncertainty. This was a chance a dangerous one, yes, but a chance nonetheless. He could feel the gravity of the decision weighing on him, yet the allure of the game was undeniable. He had no clue what he was getting himself into at this point.
“I know,” he replied, his voice firmer now. “I know what’s at stake, but I don’t have a choice. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
He felt a rush of adrenaline coursing through him, a mix of fear and excitement that threatened to overwhelm him. He had crossed a line, and there was no going back now. The man laughed softly, recognizing the resolve in Remus's voice.
“Alright then, let’s see if you can keep up. Meet me tomorrow night. I’ll send you the location. Black car.”
As the call ended, Remus lowered the phone, a strange mix of exhilaration and fear swelling within him. Tomorrow would be the start of something new dangerous, unpredictable, and possibly life-altering. He stepped out of the phone booth, the cool night air brushing against his skin, and took a moment to gather himself. Whatever lay ahead, he was ready to face it head-on and for his mates. It was life or death and Remus was fighting to live.
Remus showed up at the location, a secluded spot just off the main road where the trees leaned in like eavesdroppers. He hesitated for a moment, taking in the quiet hum of the world around him before slipping into the small black Muggle car parked under the cover of a large oak. It was surprisingly fancy for how compact it was, with a sleek design that hinted at speed and luxury.
As he settled into the plush passenger seat, he glanced over at the salesman beside him. The man had an air of confidence about him, his slicked-back hair gleaming under the soft overhead light. Without a word, he reached into his coat pocket and handed Remus a black mask, with intricate designs that seemed to shimmer even in the dim light.
Remus hesitated, a knot tightening in his stomach. Everything inside him screamed to refuse, to toss the mask back at the salesman and walk away, but curiosity tugged at him. He felt an inexplicable pull towards the mask as if it held secrets meant only for him. Ignoring his instincts, he reluctantly slipped it over his face.
The moment he did, the world around him began to change. The inside of the car started spinning wildly, the familiar surroundings warping and twisting until they became unrecognizable. Remus gripped the sides of the seat, his heart pounding, as a bizarre sense of vertigo overwhelmed him. His eyelids felt heavy as if a weight had been pressed down upon them, and he fought to keep them open, struggling against the encroaching darkness.
In the chaos, he could make out the faint sound of laughter coming from the man in the driver’s seat. It was a low, sinister chuckle that echoed in his ears, filling him with dread. The driver seemed entirely unbothered by the spiralling descent; instead, he appeared to relish the experience, eyes glimmering with amusement as he turned to Remus with an unsettling grin.
The landscape outside blurred into a whirlpool of colours, twisting and melding together until they no longer resembled anything real. As Remus felt his consciousness drifting away, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being drawn into something far beyond his understanding a journey where the rules of reality ceased to exist, and he was merely a pawn in a game controlled by the man beside him. And he had started to regret ever calling that dammed number on the card...