Game Over▬RL 2

She is Stuck

Remus Lupin and Hedwig sat in his room. Going over spells and charms that could undo the one on the ankle bracelet. Remus thought it was rather funny, watching the owl flip through pages with her talon. He couldn't wait until she could be there. Crossed-legged, reading or drinking tea. Something so simple would fill him with serotonin. His eyes flickered down to the pages. Suddenly, Remus looked up at her at once, moving closer. "You know," Renee looked over at him, "it could be something simple—"

"Lupin!" The fire roared to life with the voice of Severus Snape. "I want a word." Ren jumped away from it, hiding behind a chair. She knew it was impractical but she wasn't taking any chances. Remus gave her an exasperated look before walking into the green flames.

It felt like forever before the werewolf found himself in the presence of the animagus again. He had almost forgotten what they were doing by the time he was back in his room. He tossed the map in front of her. Ren's eyes widened into the size of saucers. "Your nephew seems to have gotten into trouble with Snape. And he had this peculiar item on his person. So, of course, I had to confiscate it. Made up some story about the dangers of it getting into the wrong hands." Ren nodded, opening the map, and running her nails along it. Remus clapped eagerly, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." It was as if they were taken back in time. Hogwarts appeared before them, laid out in sections. The man scanned over the names trailing his finger along with his eyes. Finally, he landed on their names. A small smile made its way upon his face. He quickly closed the parchment and put it to the side. "Alright now that that's confirmed," a squawk came from the bird and she flapped her wings to hit him, "sorry, had to make sure. Come here." Ren hopped over, standing a foot away from his sitting figure. "Bracelet."

Renee lifted her foot into Remus' hand. He examined it and gave another smile. This time showing teeth. "As I was saying before Snape interrupted. I think it must be simple. You can't get it off because of the Unbreakable charm. However, that does not mean the clasp can't open with the help of hands." With a small movement of Remus' fingers, the bracelet fell into his hand. Renee put her foot down and tried to concentrate. Her eyes screwed shut. And like all those years before she couldn't seem to transform. She could only pull the memory forward.

✿

"Hey," Remus called, seeing how all of the boys were still awake, "where'd you get the owl, James?" He showed her his finger, and the owl leant into his touch. She gave off a hoot.

"Well..." The Potter started, running a hand through his hair.

"It's for you Moony, she seems to be taken by you." Sirius jokes, earning a shriek from Renee. Remus looked at her in bewilderment as she started preening her feathers.

"Did you get Renee stuck as an owl?"

"No!"

"What did I say about human transfiguration?"

"It's not transfiguration!" James shouted back, Renee looking back and forth at the men. She gave out a small hoot, stretching her wings.

"She completed the animagi transformation?" Remus watched her in shock, walking to the owl and letting her hop onto his shoulder off of the dresser. "But she is stuck?"

"Only because she has no imagination." James dictated, slumping down onto his bed.

"Okay Ren, I'm going to set you down again. And you're going to close your eyes and listen to me." The owl hooted again, stretching her wings as she was placed on the ground. "Okay, see your brown hair. It's long, curly—not like James'. You're short with—"

"A bangin' bod," Sirius exclaimed, watching the interaction with a glint in his eye.

"—and your big blue eyes, the colour of the sky when it's a clear day." Renee was crouched in the boys' dormitories. She looked up at Remus, giving him a broad smile. She stood, embracing him in a tight hug. Turning to the rest of the boys, she gave them all the finger.

✿

Renee Potter felt the tears stream down her cheeks. She hadn't been a human since her brother died. The person who wanted to help her become an animagus so that she could feel like she achieved something. He always tried to make her feel good. Even though he wasn't the older twin, he was her big brother. She didn't get to say goodbye, she didn't get to go to the funeral, she didn't get to watch Harry grow up. And for what? Why did Peter keep her alive? As some sick joke? That she could feel this? Feel the grief and exhaustion twelve years later? Peter was with her all this time. He was with Harry all this time. Ever since the first year, Ron had him on the train. Renee didn't even recognize him. She should've.

Remus Lupin enveloped the woman as soon as she appeared in place of the owl. She didn't seem to realize until a minute later. Her hands slowly slid around him. They didn't want to let go. But living as an animal for so many years seemed to have a toll on Renee. Her hair looked and felt fine, must've been all that preening. She smelt awful, and she was covered in dirt. "This way." He looked away as she shed her clothing. Busied himself with turning the shower to the right temperature. She always preferred showers and liked watching all her worries swirl down the drain. Renee also liked the temperature to be next to scalding.

"I have to get back to Sirius after this." Ren thought aloud to Remus who was sitting on the ground. His head shot up from the tiles he was studying.

"You've seen him?" She nodded before realizing he couldn't see her.

"Yes. He's in the—"

"It's dangerous, Renee. You don't know what the dementors would do if they found you with him."

"Funnily enough I do. But I'm still going to be there for him." Remus sighed out in frustration, running his hand over the stubble on his chin. Renee turned the shower off and stepped out. Not thinking to cover up. He jumped to his feet, handing her a towel.

"I know you always need to put yourself in these situations, but I would greatly appreciate it if you could think about what I want." The Potter glared at Remus; he would've found it amusing if they weren't arguing.

"Could I borrow clothes?" He nodded, rummaging through his drawers. She stood behind him as he looked through the closet. "Goodness, your vest collection grew." Remus handed her his brush and clothes and sat on his bed.

"Can you just stay tonight?" He pleaded, keeping eye contact as she got dressed. Her hair wetted the back of the button-up.

"Rem, thank you so much." She kissed his cheek, "but I have to go see him."

Remus grabbed the hand that held his head to her lips and pulled it off. He let it drop to her side. "Is it always going to be him?" Renee backed up, shocked at the sudden intensity.

"He has nobody." She stated simply, turning around to avoid his gaze. Before she could get too far away, he reached out and pulled her back around.

"I had nobody too. For twelve years." Ren couldn't help the whimper that came out.

"Then we all experienced the same thing, twelve years of grief, twelve years of loneliness."

"I lost the love of my life and my best friends." He exclaimed with a laugh of disbelief.

"So did I. Not to forget that one of my best friends was my brother. My twin, the only person other than my parents to have been consistent in my life." He knew he messed up, but he couldn't move. He watched as Renee walked to the window and unlatched it. She looked back for a second before turning. Hedwig took off, flying out towards the Forbidden Forest.