Roses in the Moonlight

Chapter 8

Remus's POV

I watched in horror as the bludger struck Tobias right in the back. I sat there stunned, unable to think of anything but concern for Tobias' safety. After a moment, my thoughts came back to me and I remembered whose bat the bludger was hit by. I looked at Sirius to see that he was already looking at me, guilt apparent in his expression. I couldn't even tell what emotions I was feeling at that moment. They were always heightened before a full moon and an event like this brought me countless conflicting feelings. Despite my foggy mind, Tobias' safety and a desire to help him were at the forefront of my thoughts. I couldn't help myself and sprang up from my seat and rushed down the stairs

Once I reached the bottom, I saw Tobias already being carried off by the healers. He wasn't moving. I followed them off the pitch and up to the hospital wing. I couldn't contain myself once I caught up to them.

"Is he ok? Why isn't he moving? Do your job you git!" I was furious and agitated by everyone. Why is no one answering my questions? I could feel the rage I often associate with the wolf building up inside me, and I felt like I was about to burst.

We finally reached the hospital wing, and Mrs. Pomfrey had already set up a bed for Tobias and was placing healing spells and giving him potions. I have always trusted Madame Pomfrey because she cared for me after full moons and her motherly sympathy for all of my "issues." After a while of me yelling at the other healers Madame Pomfrey came over to me.

"Remus," she said in her soothing voice, "I need you to go wait outside. I will let you know how Tobias is once we're done, but we can't do our work properly with you yelling at all the staff."

She walked me outside of the hospital wing and lowered her voice and she said, "I know the full moon is tonight, and that your actions are due to that. Just try to control it Remus I will be back to get you soon. Here's some chocolate."

I took the chocolate and sat on the wall outside of the doors. My heart was still racing, but the chocolate was helping me quiet my mind. I was finally thinking straight. This brought my thoughts back to Sirius. Why on Earth would he do that? I can't think of any logical explanation. I sat there wondering about Sirius' feelings and worrying about Tobias for almost an hour when Madame Pomfrey finally came out to get me.

We walked in together in silence and I could tell that she was trying to assess whether I will stay calm, and if I am safe enough to be allowed near Tobias. She seemed to trust me and we walked over to his bed.

"He's asleep, not unconscious," Madame Pomfrey assured me after she saw the concern on my face when we approached Tobias' seemingly lifeless body. He was covered in bandages, and had a neck brace on. I couldn't help but see myself during my early days at Hogwarts. I would barely survive my transformations, and they always left me in the hospital wing looking similar to how Tobias did now.

"Is he ok?" I asked, unsure of what to say.

"Yes he is. Nasty fall though. He had a broken back and was paralyzed. Thankfully our magic and swift treatment mended his spine and he will have full mobility in no time. He'll just be a little sore for a while." Madame Pomfrey left me with a smile and I sat down in the chair next to Tobias' bed.

I resisted the urge to reach out and grab his hand. He looked so vulnerable on the bed in his brace. I wanted nothing more than to protect him. I was conflicted, however, as it was Sirius who caused this. Normally I would desire justice, but I couldn't do that, even though this action by Sirius was unforgivable.

Tobias' fingers began to move and I jumped up from the chair. His eyes began flickering and they opened. He looked around the room trying to figure out where he was. Once he realized, he looked over at me. I felt myself blushing, realizing how awkward this might be.