Wolfbite (A Harry Potter Fanfiction)

Chapter 14: Bright White Knight

Chapter 14: Bright White Knight

Last full moon before summer. I think Fen is excited to play with Moony again. Should be a fun night.

**

Despite the tense situation that had occurred mere moments ago, Leo's heart couldn't have felt lighter. All his secrets were out, there was nothing left to keep. Pettigrew had been captured and was about to be locked away. Sirius would be declared innocent and –hopefully – Harry could come home with them. Leo grinned widely at this as he led the way behind Crookshanks, wand alight and held high so everyone could see as they made their way toward the tunnel.

Getting back into the tunnel was difficult. Remus, Pettigrew, and Ron had to turn sideways to manage it; Remus still had Pettigrew covered with his wand. Leo could see them edging awkwardly along the tunnel in a single file. He would've laughed were the situation not still somewhat serious. He waited for the three to finally enter the tunnel before he moved forward again so that Sirius, Harry, and Hermione would have room to enter behind them.

"You're in a rather cheery mood," Remus remarked as he followed behind Leo.

"'Course, why wouldn't I be? Once Sirius finally gets declared innocent, he'll have guardianship rights and Harry can finally stay with us where he belongs," Leo told him brightly before he frowned.

"I know that look," Remus raised an eyebrow. "What's on your mind?"

"Well, it's just that, any time things start to go my way, something happens and it all goes sideways," Leo sighed, scratching the back of his head. "Almost feels like the universe is against me."

Remus chuckled.

"You're the last person I would've thought would believe something like that."

"Yes, well, getting Lockhart as a teacher last year changed my mind," Leo groused before thoughtfully tapping his chin. "Though, he was quite entertaining to mess with. Wonder if he ever woke up from that coma."

"You know, I asked Dumbledore about that just the other day, and he said Lockhart was still out cold in St. Mungo's," Remus informed him.

"Good."

Remus chortled as they reached the end of the tunnel. Crookshanks darted up first, pressing his paw against the knot in the trunk as Leo clambered out after him. He reached out a hand to help Remus and the others through. At last, they were all out on the grounds.

The grounds were very dark now; the only light came from the distant windows of the castle. Without a word, they set off. Pettigrew was still wheezing and occasionally whimpering. Leo threatened to cast Langlock on him and he quieted down considerably. Sirius reflexively put his hand over his mouth at the mention of the spell. Neither of them had forgotten Remus casting it on them.

"One wrong move, Peter," said Remus threateningly behind Leo. His wand was still pointed sideways at Pettigrew's chest.

Silently they tramped through the grounds, the castle lights growing slowly larger. And then -

A cloud shifted. There were suddenly dim shadows on the ground. Their party was bathed in moonlight. Leo froze at the sight, whirling around to look at Remus. He had gone rigid. Then his limbs began to shake. Leo's eyes drifted to the manacles connecting him to Pettigrew and – somewhat more importantly – Ron. He fired a Reductor Curse, shattering Remus's manacle. He glanced at the others.

"He didn't take his potion tonight – you need to run!" he told them.

Harry tried to leap forward, but Sirius stopped him and threw him back.