Marauders - Always - Part One

The Challenge

Fenrir Greyback sat up as his men entered the room he was presiding over, a grin spreading across his face as he saw what - or, rather, who - they had clutched between them. Greyback sat up as Ellie Lyson fought against their grip. She nearly wrenched free, but Greyback made a lazy gesture with his wand and the magical bindings flew about her, tighter and less comfortable than strictly necessary.

Greyback held out his arms for the baby, and Ed stepped forward and handed the child to him. "It took you long enough," he growled as he lifted the child from Ed's hands. Greyback smiled at the little girl, his fingers stroking the gentle wisps of her hair. "Welcome back, Mrs. Lyson," Greyback said, a creeping sinister edge sparked along the syllables of his words. His eyes flashed menacingly to Ed, expectant, "And where, do tell, is Mr. Lyson?"

"Got away," murmured Ed. "But he's as sure as in the bag with these two innit' 'e???" His tone was hopeful.

Greyback growled lowly and Ed flushed, diverting his eyes.

Ellie pleaded, "Let us go."

Greyback laughed and shook his head, "I've put in a considerable effort to find you, I will certainly not be letting you go, dear Mrs. Lyson... You see, you are valuable to me. Your husband most especially, though it appears he was not captured." He shot a glower at the cluster of his men, who quickly, nervously cowered. "However, you and your daughter are certain to draw him in."

Ellie's breath caught in her throat as Greyback practically purred as his hands moved across the baby's scalp once more.

"Please don't hurt her," Ellie said.

Greyback smiled, "I won't.. You know how I love the children." He smiled, adding, "But I won'g hurt her - as long as your husband complies and returns in a timely manner. It would be a shame if something were to mar the child... she is so young, and perfect, isn't she? Like a sweet little doll... so breakable."

Ellie's eyes were brimming with horrified tears as she struggled against the bonds holding her, pleading quietly, but Greyback smiled and shook his head at her. "Calm down," he said, his tone changing to a command, like instructing a dog. Ellie's stilled and Greyback smiled. "Good to see you still obey your Alpha." He looked at the baby. "We shall hope your dada does as well, shan't we!" His eyes twinkled and he snapped his teeth playfully at her.

The Underhill house was quiet in the clearing of the woods. Aside from the doors that has been busted in, one might not have known it was anything other than completely peaceful. Just the same, Underhill had elected to bring the children in to London to see to their safety.

Remus stared into the dark, waiting... smelling. The stench of Greyback and his men was strong on the air and it turned Remus's stomach. There was a coppery, dirty sort of scent that he equated with Greyback exclusively. Spencer Stewart stood beside him, staring between Carl Lyson and Remus Lupin as Carl spoke, voice trembling with nervousness. "They came 'round through these trees here and captured Ellie just down this way..." he walked across the lawn, "Took her back to the pack-house, I reckon."

Remus's arms were crossed, hugging over his torso as he stared at the empty yard and sinister tree-line.

"It was definitely this - this Greyback fellow?" Spencer shivered.

Remus and Carl both replied in unison, "Yes."

Spencer nodded. "So long as we're certain, then."

"The scent of an Alpha lingers in the blood of those in his pack," Carl explained. "The werewolf venom that turned them will keep for decades. Or until they've been brought into a new pack." Carl glanced at Remus, then turned to Spencer. "That is why you have a different smell than I do. You're one of Remus's."