Marauders - Always - Part One

Alpha of Fallengunder

Remus was exhausted.

The night had been long and full of dancing, drinking, and laughter. It had been a surprisingly grand time, seeing Lula at the pub, and he was surprised it had gone so well. Spencer was at peace about it, too, at least, and Sirius was singing loudly, flinging his arm about Remus's torso and shouting lyrics of various Queen songs at the top of his voice. James had nuzzled his face into Lily's neck and purred sweet nothings until finally the lads were willing to part from their fun and she herded them all home. She saw to it that Sirius, Spencer, and Remus were safe and well at the flat in East London, then pulled James through the floo network to their own home to deal with his persistent pets and pleas there.

Sirius was still singing loudly as he went down the hall, shouting for Remus to come along, and Spencer fell onto the couch, still laughing over some joke or another that had been told to him during the evening out. Remus alone had the mind to lock the door of the flat.

He stepped out onto the landing of the stairs to take a breath of fresh air and look up at the stars, which peeked behind whisps of clouds slipping by. Remus stared up and drew deep breath and was about to go inside when his nose caught the scent on the wind and he paused, looked down, and saw Carl Lyson limping through the gate at the doorway. Harry Underhill stood just outside he gate, his daughter on one hip and Carl's son standing beside him. He didn't come into the alley, but stood, watching, as Carl walked forward, staring up at Remus.

Carl limped over to the stairs and he dropped to his knees on the bottom step, gripping the banister and looking up at Remus. He had bruises along the side of his face, blood beneath his nose.

"Remus Lupin, Alpha of Fallengunder!"

Remus felt his stomach knot. "I'm - I'm not --"

"You are what you are, Remus," Carl called out, "You can choose to honor your title or to abandon us, your pack, but -- please -- I beg of you... Greyback has taken my wife, Ellie, and my daughter, Raine." His eyes searched Remus desperately. "Help me to bring them home. Only you can do it."

Remus felt his breath leave him. The world spinning, caving into itself all around him.

"Remus Lupin," Carl begged, "Fallengunder needs you. Will you come?"

The stars were shining down over them, watching, bearing witness.

The moment felt heavy with meaning.

Destiny floated on the air so thick he could nearly taste it.

"Yes."