Heart Scars

Thirty Four

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The night of the November full moon left Adhara standing under the cramped invisibility cloak with Peter, James, and Sirius.

"How much longer?" She asks anxiously. Poppy had gone into the shrieking shack with Remus, but had yet to exit. She was starting to worry for the matrons safety.

"A few more minutes. She always stays until it starts." James lays a comforting hand on her shoulder.

The four of them watched as Madam Pomfrey hastily exited the tree. Adhara quickly changes into her animagus form and slips under the invisibility cloak. Peter follows close behind, his small rat feet pressing the knot on the whomping willow.

Nerves wracked her stomach as she ran down the tunnel. She could feel her small heart beating erratically as she saw light, and she froze when she heard a menacing howl.

Adhara didn't notice James until he gave her a small nudge from behind. His hazel eyes stared at her with encouragement, and maybe a bit of worry that only Adhara could see. She slowly crawled forward after Sirius.

Nothing could have prepared her for the sight of Remus, or, Moony as they called him. He was biting at his ankles, scratching himself to bits.

He stopped once he caught sight of the four animals.

Moony growled slowly, his brown eyes watching the newest animal with distrust. James stepped forward, his antlers ready to defend Adhara.

James backed off slowly when Moony came close enough to sniff Adhara. She watched the change in him, the immediate state of ease that he fell into. He let out a loud howl.

She let out some sort of animal noise when he scooped her in his mouth.

Sirius let out a low growl, and Moony stopped to stare at him. It wasn't a mean growl, it was a warning. A warning to be careful with the newest member of their pack. Moony snorted and dropped her.

Sirius ran at her, checking for injuries. He let out a relieved sigh when he found none. James stood near, his eyes carefully watching Moony. The werewolf was watching Adhara.

Adhara stared back. Remus. This was Remus, her Remus. His eyes were no longer brown, but instead completely black. He was covered in scars, much like human Remus was.

Adhara watched as he curled up under the window, and stared at her expectantly. She looked to James for guidance, and he tilted his head towards the werewolf. Adhara slowly made her way over to him and curled up under his neck. He let out a sigh that shook their bodies.

Sirius curled up to them next, placing his head next to Adhara's. James went next, but was forced to lie next to Remus's stomach instead of by Adhara. Remus growled him away from her. Peter curled up on James's head between his antlers.

They all fell asleep except Adhara. She just lay quietly, admiring Moony as he slept. He was peaceful, not trying to harm himself or others. Only the occasional whimper left his mouth.

Adhara felt safe in this moment. She could envision this as her future, twenty years from now she would curl up next to them on a full moon. Some nights James, Peter, and Sirius would miss because of emergencies, but never Adhara. She would always be by Remus's side.

They woke up right before dawn. Sirius and Peter went for the exit, and James stood waiting for Adhara to follow him. Moony gave a soft growl as James ushered Adhara out.

They hid as they watched Madam Pomfrey approach the whomping willow. Adhara felt a new sense of gratitude for the woman, for watching over Remus all these years. Someday that role would be Adhara's.