The Things That Happen In The Night - Wolfstar

Chapter Twenty-Two: St. Mungos

Today, James, Peter and I are at St. Mungos to see Remus. We arrive with Professor McGonagall and are taken to Remus' room. Once we arrive outside the hospital room, McGonagall leaves us and we are escorted into the room by a healer. Mr. and Mrs. Lupin are inside and acknowledge us as we enter. "I'm sorry for not sending an owl back to any of you. Things have just been rough lately." Mrs. Lupin says softly.

Remus' mum is a small, sickly looking woman. Her graying hair and frail body make her look older than she probably is. Remus' dad on the other hand is tall and looks exactly like Remus, except older. I nod in understanding, along with the other two lads. I look from Remus' parents to Remus himself. He's awake and laying back against his bed, a small smile on his face.

I suddenly feel nervous around Remus. After our kiss I didn't know how he would act around me. I wanted to ask him about it but with his parents and the lads being here, I didn't think it was a good time. I locked eyes with Remus and his smile faltered a bit. Even though he looks like his father, Remus is looking more like his mother now in his sickly state.

Mr. Lupin stands up and heads towards the door. "Come on Hope, let's leave these kids to themselves for a while. You need something to eat." Mrs. Lupin hesitantly stands up and let's go of Remus' hand that she was holding. "I'll be back in a bit, sweetheart," with that she planted a kiss on Remus' forehead and left the room with her husband.

"Mate, I'm really sorry about all this. It's our fault, we shouldn't have-" James was cut off by Remus. "I told you, it's not your fault. Don't go blaming yourselves. Besides I'll be alright." I shook my head and spoke up, "no, James is right. If it wasn't for us then you would have been fine."

Remus sat up a bit before replying,"if it wasn't for you all then I would have spent all of last year alone in the Shrieking Shack. If it wasn't for you three I probably wouldn't have many good friends. If it wasn't for you three than I would have never had so much fun at school that I was able to forget at the full moons and stop worrying.  We won't be able to spend full moons together anymore but I know you boys will always be there for me no matter what. So thank you. I love you mates."

Remus words left poor Peter nearly in tears, James in an awkward state, and I with a lot of mixed thoughts. Before I could sort through them James ruined what was supposed to be an emotional, heartfelt moment. "I love you too moony!" James ran to Remus' bedside and carefully threw his arms around Remus, giving him a very wet kiss on the cheek. Remus grimaced and pushed James away,"That's enough Prongs."Peter and I laughed at the scene as Remus wiped off his face.

I'm glad that James broke the awkwardness of the situation. Even though we appreciated Remus' words, we didn't do well with expressing our feelings like that with each other. Although this year, it had happened quite a bit. As Peter and I laughed off James' antics, James grinned widely. "C'mon moony, you know you liked it," James tried to wink at Remus but it ended up looking like he just had a twitchy eye. Remus joined in on us laughing as Peter, James and I found places to sit around the room.

We spent the day with Remus and his parents when they returned. Our presence seemed to lighten the mood and help calm Mrs. Lupin. I didn't get any time alone with Remus but I'm not so sure that's a bad thing. I'm not sure what he thinks about us, especially now after Marlene's announcement. I honestly don't even know what I think about us. Should we even be together? If it weren't for Marlene being pregnant then I wouldn't have a doubt in my mind about us. But now that I have a child on the way, I'm not so sure Remus and I stand a chance.

~*~

When James, Peter and I left St. Mungos that evening, Mr. and Mrs. Lupin stopped us outside Remus' hospital room. Before saying a word, Mrs. Lupin threw her arms around the three of us and squeezed us into a tight hug. "Thank you boys so much! Within the past few days I've never seen Remus happier. I'm glad he has friends like you lads." The boys and I awkwardly hug her back and mumble a "no problem."

We meet Professor McGonagall in the hospital lobby and she escorts us back to the castle. Upon arriving, the two boys and I make our way to Gryffindor Tower. I stick my hands in my pockets as I walk ahead of James and Peter and find a piece of parchment. Pulling it out I unfold and read it.

I need to talk to you......

                                -Remus

I only read the first line of the letter before skipping down and seeing who it's from. Once I see the name my heart drops.