Silent Secrets

Chapter IX

It was good to know that Remus had a mind that worked like mine. We slipped out through the window, both of us being small and skinny enough that it took almost no effort at all. Remus went first, and before I came through, he found a stick to prop the window open so we could close it from the outside. We didn't want his parents to notice our escape for as long as possible. I hoped to be back at least near my alley before then.

"We'll go this way--I think it's faster," Remus said, motioning to the woods.

Trust me, I'm not one to be scared by darkness, eerie stillness, or ominous noises. The woods, however, sent shivers of apprehension down my spine. It wasn't that they looked particularly evil, they just had a sinister aura hanging around them. I shuddered ever so slightly.

Remus smiled at me reassuringly. "It's not that bad." An owl screeched, the sharp, echoing noise seeming to warn us not to enter. Remus gulped. "Well, um, it's not as bad as it could be."

I rolled my eyes, a tiny smile tugging at my lips. Stepping forward, I lead the way into the tall, dark trees, knowing it was completely possible we would get lost and never see the light of day again. This is why I wouldn't have wanted Remus to come with me. I didn't mind dying, but Remus had the perfect life. I didn't want to be the person who ruined it.

"Follow me. I think we want to go this way."

I stepped carefully after Remus, more than slightly worried to know that he didn't have a perfect map of were we were headed in his mind. I considered trying to ask him if he was sure he knew what he was doing, but even though he was nothing like my father, I still associated speaking with pain.

No, I decided. It was far better to remain silent.

We wound our way through the woods, sticking mostly to a trail that Remus said he'd stumbled across one night a while ago. The night wore on, and darkness fell among the shadowy trees. Once we could see the nearly-full moon peaking over the tops of the trees, Remus froze. His face blanched and he shuddered ever so slightly.

I reached out a tentative, trembling hand, and touched his arm, my silent way of asking if he was okay. He looked at me, surprised, and smiled, his face back to normal. "You touched me," he said softly.

Yeah, I thought. I trust you. You won't hurt me. I wanted to say it out loud, but I was quickly realizing I was too scared to talk. I was afraid of being hit. After all, my father had never hesitated to punish me for speaking out, unless it was a meek 'Yes, Sir'. I wondered if I could say anything else if I tried, or if I actually got up the courage to speak all that would come out was 'Yes, Sir'.

No, I thought at last. I wouldn't try to speak. Not yet. Not when someone was watching. Instead, I settled for a concerned look, doing my best to ask if he was okay.

Remus grimmaced. "I...I don't like moonlight."

I nodded, trying to keep the puzzlement off my face.

With a sigh, Remus forged on through the darkness, leaving me to follow. "I...I have this disease," he spat bitterly, "and moonlight sort of...aggravates it."

I nodded again, my brow relaxing. I felt bad, forcing him to come out during a time that was obviously painful for him. Then I realized that he was out here, tramping through a forest by moonlight, a substance that hurt him or affected him or whatever, for me. The thought blew my mind--someone cared enough for me that they endured physical discomfort to ensure I got home safely, even if home wasn't a safe place for me.

I smiled to myself, allowing myself to enjoy the warmth that was unfurling in my chest, seperate from the warm mugginess of the night air. Later, I realized it was the bright hope, joy, and security of being loved, of having a friend to care for me. And even though I might be abandoned at moments' noticed, I realized that was a part of love too--the fact that you have to trust each other, and expose yourself to the possibility of pain, in order for such beauty to bloom.

Trust and self-exposure were not any of my strong suits.

AN:

Dedication to @eternal_potterhead for commenting on literally all of my stories in pretty much EVERY chapter and giving me her support! I really appreciate it <3

So, what would you guys say if I started a question of the update? (I'd say of the week but...um, you may have noticed, but I don't update weekly ^.^ )

This update's question is Who is your favorite Marauder? Why?

Peace out, my pineapples!

~marauders4ever