Remus shut his eyes and tried to temper his breathing in the darkness. He could hear the heavy footsteps coming up the stairs and flinched as the door swung open. There was no mistaking the silhouette in the door frame. Greyback.
Remus had been spending the full moon with Greyback’s pack for months, trying to convince them to turn against Voldemort, with varying, but generally little success. He hated Dumbledore for making him do this. It was something he could never understand, of course, being forced to spend time with the one who ruined your life and forced to make small talk with the repugnant man who looked at Remus like he was a piece of meat and he wanted to take a(nother) bite. Remus wasn’t stupid. He knew he was the only one who could take on this mission, but he was resentful nonetheless.
He suspected Greyback had officially allied with Voldemort at the last full moon and was wary about attending this month, but Dumbledore had been adamant that there was still a chance to convert them.
When Remus awoke after the sunrise, he found himself tied to a chair in a strange room. He could smell blood and dirt, but blackout curtains and a deep aching in his head made it hard to make out anything. He cursed himself for listening to Dumbledore and not telling anyone where he was going.
Greyback stood before him, running a finger down the side of Remus’ face, “Well, this is nice, isn’t it? Almost like old times.”
Remus said nothing, he set his jaw and focused on a water stain on the wall. He inhaled sharply when the back of Greyback’s hand struck his cheek.
“You’re not like them, Remus. They don’t trust you, because of what you are.” He grabbed Remus’ hair, yanking it up so Remus would look at him. “You’re one of us, and we serve the Dark Lord. Tell me what Dumbledore is planning.”
“No,” Remus said hoarsely. “I’d rather die.”
Greyback seemed to consider that for a moment, “That’s the easy way out. There are things much worse than death, as you well know. Crucio!”
Everything went white, Remus couldn’t breathe and he couldn’t contain the feral scream that was ripped from his throat. Curses (and spells) affected werewolves differently. It was something he desperately wanted to study, but not like this. He felt burning pain swirling under his skin as if trying to break through the surface.
Then it stopped, suddenly. Remus slumped forward, panting, tears falling from his eyes as soon as he opened them. He wondered why Greyback had stopped. Then he heard it, someone else was in the house.
Greyback studied him, “It seems the Dark Lord has joined us earlier than anticipated.” He said with a sinister smile. “Stay.”
Remus bristled as Greyback left the room, locking it behind him. As if he had a choice. A loud crash startled him, then footsteps racing up the stairs. The door shook and he thought he heard someone swear softly. Then the door crashed open, almost flying off its hinges and when his eyes readjusted to the bright light from the hallway, he let out a sob as his heart soared and his empty stomach lurched.
“Pads?” It was barely a whisper.
Sirius charged into the room and was on his knees in front of Remus immediately. He vanished the ropes holding Remus without a sound and as Remus’ body plummeted, his arms were ready and waiting.
🌙✨🌙✨🌙
Remus woke with a start. The sun was streaming through a gap in his curtains. Wait, his curtains? He tried to look down but winced as pain shot through him and he swore under his breath.
Sirius was by his side in an instant. “Good morning, moonshine.” He looked tired like he hadn’t slept in days. Remus supposed he probably looked worse but tried to smile up at him. “I have a pain potion here, one sec.” He uncorked the potions and hesitated for a moment before slipping his hand around the back of Remus’ head so he could tilt it slightly to pour the potion into his mouth. The effect was almost instant and Sirius nodded as he saw Remus’ features soften. “Better?”
Remus nodded with a slight grimace, “What happened?”
“A lot,” Sirius said quietly. “Pete has been working for Voldemort. He let slip that you were with Greyback for the moon and tried to convince us that you told him. There was no scenario where you’d tell him and not us. We caught him in a lie, and last I heard he was on his way to Azkaban.” He hummed in thought, “What else? Prongs, Lily, and Harry are fine. I knocked Greyback the fuck out and the Aurors got him, finally. I’ll tell you more when you’re feeling better, but it’s all going to be fine.” He paused again, “I was so scared when you didn’t come home, Moons.”
“I’m sorry.” He croaked.
“It’s hardly your fault.” Sirius said, moving his thumb slowly to stroke the side of Remus’ neck, “I’m just glad you’re alive.”
Remus huffed out a hollow laugh, “Barely.” He knew he had to ask, “How did you find me?”
“Dumbledore gave Pete veritaserum,” Sirius frowned, “Fucking rat. He knew a lot more than we thought. If they can find Voldemort…” He looked down at Remus, “How are you feeling?”
Remus considered for a few seconds, not able to look Sirius in the eye, “Exhausted. What day is it?”
“It’s Sunday. You slept for about sixteen hours once I got you back home last night.” Sirius’ hand stilled and Remus missed the sensation instantly, turning his head slightly to press his cheek into Sirius’ palm. Sirius’ thumb traced his cheekbone, “Hey, no more full moons without me, please.”
Remus nodded, the beginnings of a smile teasing the corners of his mouth, “Of course.”