No Control // Wolfstar

Twenty Seven

Remus,

I've run away from home for good and found myself at the Potter's. If you want to owl me, which is very much appreciated, do so here.

Sirius

Hope Lupin enters the kitchen as Remus scrambles to shove the old letter into his pocket. "Hello mum," he says sipping hastily from his teacup.

"Hi sweetheart," she replies with a sing song voice. Her blonde hair is swept back straight as a pin, falling just to her shoulders. "Is Abigail going to be joining us later this week?"

Remus licks his lips with a shrug, "We arranged something last minute but I don't know."

"Who are we talking about?" Lyall asks joining the two in the kitchen.

"Abigail," Hope answers.

"Oh lovely! Will she be coming for Christmas?" Remus shakes his head. "Pity. She's a good one, Remus. Don't let her go."

Remus refrains from rolling his eyes just as Hope stirs in a small dab of honey into her tea. The small ting of the metal spoon hitting the teacup rings in the awkward silence. Lyall strokes his mustache with his forefinger and thumb before speaking again, "How are your friends? James and Pablo?"

"Peter," Remus corrects.

"That's what I said."

Remus sets down his cup with a sigh. "They're just fine, dad."

"And they haven't figured -"

"No dad, nobody knows I'm a werewolf!" Hope sets her spoon down, observing the scene before her. "You don't have to bloody ask that every time I come home!" Lyall opens his mouth only to close it again. "I've been home for four days and that's all you can ask me? Not even going to ask about my classes or what I've learned this year?"

"I'll be in the office if you need me. Goodnight."

Once Lyall is out of the room, Hope sends her son an apologetic look. "Remus," she says motion to the empty chair to her left. He takes it, running his hands over his face. "Honey what's going on? You're not acting like yourself."

"It's nothing mum," Remus lies.

"Is it the boys? Are they not being nice?"

"No it's nothing to do with my friends."

"Is it Abigail? I noticed you haven't talked much about her since you returned."

Remus meets her eyes darting around with concern in search of an answer. "I did something bad, mum," he admits, burying his head in his arms to avoid the look.

Hope rubs her hand on her son's back soothingly. "Honey what happened?"

Remus slumps, resting his cheek on his hands to finally face her. "I cheated on Abigail."

The response isn't one of anger, which he half expected, it was unreadable. Her demeanor slackens noticeably causing Remus to furrow his eyebrows. A soft laugh slips from her lips and she runs her hand through his hair affectionately. "Oh Remus...So you've broken up then?" Remus remains quiet, in turn answering her question. "No?"

"I don't even know at this point. Are you upset?" he asks.

"No I'm not upset. I wish things would've ended, but it's your life. I can only guide you."

"You don't like her much, I know."

"I don't like anybody who breaks my baby's heart. Remus you are a good person, even if sometimes you don't always make the right choices. Whatever is going on will only resolve itself if you're honest with yourself."