DAMNATION
Rain hammered down on the streets in front of Number Twelve Grimauld Place, blanketing the night with a watery curtain, seemingly in an attempt to wash away the grief and despair of the world. Remus Lupin stood in front of an open window, his arms crossed in front of him, staring up at the clouds lost deep in thought. He mused that it was as if the heavens were weeping with him, mourning the loss of Sirius.
A soft knock at the door brought Remus out of his silent reverie and he turned to see Nymphadora Tonks in the doorway. Tonks, too, had been seriously injured in the battle that had taken Sirius, but had luckily been able to recover. The shadow of a smile crept across Remus' face and he moved to embrace the younger woman.
"How are you, Nymphadora?"
She slapped his back playfully and smiled, "Don't call me that, Remus. I'm fine, how are you holding up?"
Remus nodded slowly as they pulled away, the anguish showing on his young face. He had refused to betray his true feelings by voicing that all was right with the world. To him, life could be no worse. Tonks seemed to understand and gave him a sympathetic smile.
"He wouldn't want you to grieve, you know?"
"I know, but I can't just shut out the pain." Remus sighed and moved to sit on his bed, the springs and coils groaning with protest under his weight. Tonks kept a steady gaze on him and Remus shifted uncomfortably. "I will some day, but it's just too fresh in my mind right now."
She nodded as if accepting that answer and turned to look out the window. As the clouds passed across the waxing moon, Tonks frowned. She knew that Remus could feel the approach of the full moon, but wondered if he'd even thought about it with everything else going on.
"Was Snape able to brew the Wolfsbane for you?"
"He is as we speak." Remus replied. "It should be ready in time."
Tonks moved to sit on the bed with Remus, leaning back against his pillow and watching him with curiosity. "Does it hurt to transform?"
"Not as much as it does without the Wolfsbane, but it's not pleasant by any means." Remus could hear the rain finally start to let up outside and turned his attention to the window. "You should get some rest, Tonks. I think I'm going to go out for a little walk."
Tonks nodded with understanding and Remus watched her go before donning his tattered old robes and making his way outside.
The night seemed still without the rain, even despite the cool breeze whirling around him. Though the hour was not yet late, Remus was the only one out. He was grateful for this, thankful he wouldn't draw much attention to himself, but something about the tranquility made him uneasy.
Lupin strolled down the avenues and alleys mindlessly, letting his feet take him wherever they pleased. It wasn't until he found himself at a dead end that he decided he should return back to the headquarters. Tonks would surely send out a search party if he stayed gone all night.
"The moon isn't full yet, Wolf, what are you doing out of your cage?" The silky tone was familiar, but before Remus could turn around he was pummeled against a brick wall, his hands being forced behind his back. He craned his head to see his attackers, but almost wished he hadn't as he found himself face to face with the mask of a Death Eater. A gloved fist rose into his vision and swung down hard across his face, turning the world to blackness.
Chapter Two
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