The Waiting Game▬RL 1

The Daily Prophet

"It was my fault, Remus." Lyall Lupin muttered as he kneeled beside his son, who had transformed back only an hour earlier. The older man delicately wrapped him in a blanket, bringing Remus' head to his chest. The werewolf's eyes fluttered open and he winced in pain. Remus could feel his face was torn open. It was an intense burning sensation contrasted by the coolness of the blood trickling down. Lyall reached into his pocket, grabbing a cloth, he easily summoned water into a pail next to them. Remus recoiled as Lyall began cleaning the cuts on his face. His father wiped away the leftover blood, applying pressure to the bridge of his nose. He then grabbed a bottle containing the essence of dittany, applying it to all of Remus' wounds. "There, let's get you upstairs."

"Thank you." He laid down, his father tucking the blanket under his chin, and ruffling his hair. A wave of guilt passed over Lyall. It was all his fault. There was nobody else to blame.

Hours passed as Remus Lupin slept in his bed. Hope and Lyall stayed downstairs, mostly in silence. Apart from the woman's occasional coughing. She was diagnosed with stage four cancer a year ago. She's lived longer than what the Muggle doctors thought. They said she only had four months to live. But Hope was always a fighter and she wanted to see Remus happy. That's when she told herself she'd let go.

When Remus did awake, he found a copy of 'The Daily Prophet' lying on his bedside table. The article his eyes were set on was titled 'Loopy Lupin Loses It'. He started reading and couldn't stop. "Soulless, evil, deserving nothing but death," the paper dropped from his shaky hands. He now noticed the tears streaming down his face, which he wiped away fiercely. Remus stood, immediately grabbing the bag he packed for tomorrow. The Potters would have an early visit.

✿

The owl soared in the sun, gliding over trees, and coming to a cautious landing at the Potter Manor. She transformed back without issue, picking up her wand that sat on a bench. Renee was about to step inside when she was stopped by Regulus Black. He gently pushed her left shoulder, causing her to turn around and walk back into the field. Eyes peered up at the younger boy, confused. "Lupin just arrived—no, you can't see him right now Ren... He looks like he's been through shit." Renee was about to mention the full moon but quickly closed her mouth, nodding. "Got a new scar, a very big one. Right across his face." The Hufflepuff went to rush inside, Regulus gripping her shoulders. "No. I'm sorry, but your mum told me to stay with you. He's upset."

"His mum is ill, is she alright... Do you know?" The girl mumbled, looking sadly at the house. Black shook his head, letting his one hand grab hers as they walked to the gardens. They stayed outside until the sun started to sink. Cautiously, they entered the living room. All three of the boys sat on the floor, chatting. Remus with his back to the door. He wasn't ready to see her face. Or for her to see his face. Renee gave the group a hard look before the two scrambled up pulling Reggie along with them. The last boy left, lowered his head. Turning away from her as she approached. Ren sat down in front of him, grabbing his hand. "Are you alright Rem?"

"Mhmm..." Her voice was like a song to him. A beautiful melody. It had only been a month and he had missed her terribly.

"What's wrong? Other than the fact that you transformed last night." She muttered the last part, feeling stupid.

"Something with my father, nothing to worry about." She could sense the tension building inside of him. But she couldn't stop herself from intruding.

"Remus, you can tell me anything." Her other hand came up to his chin, turning it to face hers. Renee's eyes flickered over the large gash, but she didn't make a move to react. "There, now we can have a proper conversation. What's wrong?" He was overwhelmed, how could she look at him and not be afraid? He was a monster; he should have died that night. All the boy's emotions mixed and he just needed a release.

"What do you want me to say? He told Greyback that he should die, Renny! The werewolf found me and tried to kill me! And I wish he fucking did. I wish I was dead." Remus stood a meter away from the girl, who was still sitting where he left her. His breathing was heavy, body sweating, teeth bared. But he never looked so sure of himself. And that's what scared her. She didn't want to lose him, definitely not in the way he suggested. Renee stood and walked over to him, lowering his arms to his side. His chest raised and fell forcefully. They embraced, well, she embraced him. Remus slowly returned the hug, sobbing into her neck.

"I think you're amazing, Remmy. You deserve the world. And I am so sorry you've been through this. But your father loves you, as does your mum. Along with Jamie, Sirius, and Peter." She sighed into his jacket, pushing her face closer. "We don't want you gone, and no matter what you're feeling we will always be here." He didn't want to feel weak. He wanted to be strong around her, but right now he couldn't even bring himself to stand without help. "Let's get you to bed, yeah?" With that, Renee apparated them upstairs into one of the spare rooms and helped him to the mattress.

"Please, don't leave." He whispered after she tucked him into the covers.

"Okay." He lifted the blanket and scooted over so she'd have room. Ren laid on her back so that he could cuddle into her. Her hand subconsciously played with his hair while he slowly drifted to sleep. Renee knew she cared deeply for him, but now looking down at his head she knew it was a lot more than she had originally thought. But he didn't need that right now, he needed someone to hold him. So that's what she'll do, no matter how long. She'd be there.