Shadow Claw: The Life Story - The Final Chapter

Ch. 3 - Parents

Shorter chapter, I'm afraid. I have alot to do, with exams coming up and shitty teachers not giving us anything to revise from, and homework ontop of that, and my brother being a dick, and all that shit. -dodges tomatoes- I GAVE YOU A BONUS CHAPTER LEAVE ME ALOOOONE!

[Whispers to Jenny and James] Fire with fire. MWUHAHAHAHAH! >:D

I shook my head, "No way. I'm not going in there with you, Jenny. That man is evil - there is something wrong about his scent." I shoved my friend forwards, into The Burrow's living space, and then slipped around a corner with Lupin, Tonks and Shade, plus our babies. Scrimgeour walked past with that greying hair and his lips permanently down-turned. Once he'd passed, we slunk away from The Burrow and away from the party outside, nestling in a small, unnoticed clearing in the neighbouring field. Rufus Scrimgeour didn't like werewolves, and even less so Claws.

I spotted Nova and Hawthorne making out in a shady spot, completely oblivious, but safe enough. Their kittens were trampling over the party table, but Mrs Weasley and the rest of the adults were cuddling them without any fuss over the mess, except for James, who was holding Olive and giving him a playful telling-off.

Shade pulled me back into his chest and I flushed, giggling quietly when Tonks and Lupin were prodded and nipped at by Snowy and Tobias. "They're very curious, I am so sorry." I couldn't help but laugh, covering my mouth and snickering like a child. Lupin waved me away calmly, cradling Snowy in his arms and recoiling when she snapped at his nose. "Snowy! I told you, no biting!" I scolded, and she gave a little giggle before cuddling up to Lupin, though she wrinkled her nose and fake-coughed.

"You smell funny, mister! Like a doggy!" She exclaimed, giggling still. Tobias nodded and agreed with his sister, "But pretty one smell nummy." Tonks laughed lightly, placing the little bundle of fur down and then leaning into her husband. I made a silent note to ask Shade if he'd ever as me to marry him - it wasn't a Claw thing, but I had grown up amongst humans and domestic animals, and perhaps one day, it would be nice to have a ring on my finger.

"What did your father teach you, Snowy?" I growled softly. She looked guiltily down and murmured a few incoherent words, "Speak up." I said.

"If you don't have anything nice to say... um, don't say anything at all." She muttered quietly, blinking up at Shade and I with her innocent eyes. Lupin let her down with a chuckle, "You two seem to be very good parents." He pointed out, and then gave himself a discreet sniff. Tonks laughed out loud, kissing him on the cheek - his tired, lined face lit up for a moment, as if everything was okay - and then it faded. "Do I really smell?"

Shade coughed to hide his laugh, but I smacked him on the head and smiled at Lupin, "You smell very faintly of canine, Remus. Other than that, you smell like-..." I paused, and he stared at me with kind eyes, "You smell like home." I flushed slightly, and buried half my face in Shade's shoulder. The older man smiled, wrapping his hand around Tonks and pulling her close.

"What was your wedding like?" Shade asked politely, and his interest in it excited me, though I reminded myself that it would have to be a few more years until we even considered such things.

I almost wept at the thought that perhaps we didn't have a few more years left.

Tonks was explaining, and Lupin was adding in details, whilst Snowy and Tobias bounced around, carefree. I wasn't listening, or watching, or even feeling. "... Bill and Fleur's wedding is tomorrow." Tonks finished, and I snapped my head up, my eyes wide. Snowy and Tobias crashed into the woman's legs and rolled over, waving their paws and giggling loudly.

Shade gave me a look, "Everything alright, Shadow?" He caressed my jaw, but I let out a soft cry and hugged him tightly. He hugged me back, visibly confused. "Sweetheart, what's wrong-?"

"I don't want to die." I croaked, and he let out a low noise of understanding. He rubbed my back in soothing circles, "Neither do I, baby. Neither do I." He murmured, and it was like the whole world revolved around us at that present moment. "We're not going to die." Lupin said strongly, perhaps with more conviction than he felt. Tonks nodded, patting me on the back and then cradling my babies in her arms, though they seemed to be enjoying it, "Remus is right, Shadow. We're not going to die-... any of us." She bombilated softly.

None of us were going to die.

We could fight fire with fire, if we had to.

None of us were going to die.