DAMNATION
The rain had started again, this time with a rage so violent it seemed as if no one would survive Mother Nature�s fury. A blinding flash of jagged lightning shot out across the blackened sky, illuminating Remus� darkened room.
He sat against the wall, staring at some unseen point in space as if in a deep trance. His body shook from cold, lack of food, and his nearly acquired thirst for blood. He needed to speak to Dumbledore before anyone else, but despite his repeated request to be alone, someone always managed to wander up and check on him.
Another knock on the door startled Remus and he lashed out without thinking. �I told you to bloody leave me alone!� For a moment only silence answered him until a tiny pop echoed in his room and Dumbledore stood before him.
�Headmaster Dumbledore!� Remus exclaimed as he clambered to his feet. �I�m sorry, I��
Dumbledore held up his hand, silencing the other man, and gave him a sympathetic smile. �It is alright, Remus. I daresay you have endured quite a lot these past few days.�
�What should I do, Headmaster? While I stay here I pose a threat to anyone who come near me.�
�Even the most deadly creatures learn to control their hunt for blood, Remus. I have no doubt that you will learn to do the same.� Dumbledore offered. �There are many werewolves, like yourself, who have tasted human blood, but consider it to be nothing more than a hankering.
Remus� face fell. �You speak of this as if it is merely a craving for chocolate! You have no idea what this is like.�
Dumbledore nodded in agreement. �You are right, I have no idea first hand, but I have lived far longer than you, and you are not the only one afflicted with this condition.�
�Then what do you suggest I do?� Remus muttered through clenched teeth.
�Eat.� Dumbledore said simply. �Then sleep. You will need your strength for the full moon.� He stepped forward and placed a steady hand on Remus� tense shoulder. �This shall pass, Remus. Severus has already begun to brew the potion he feels will help you, but until then it is up to you.�
Remus snorted, shaking his head, his eyes cast down to the floor. �And I�m my own worst enemy.�
�Perhaps, but there are others here who are deeply concerned about you.�
�I�m afraid I�ll hurt them.� He admitted quietly, turning away in shame. Again there was a heavy silence, broken only by a clap of thunder in the distance.
�You will not, Remus.� Dumbledore told him, but Lupin hmphed moodily. �You don�t believe me?�
�How can I?�
�Because I have been standing before you, unprotected and unarmed, for the past ten minutes and you haven�t harmed me. Nor, for that matter, did you try to attack Severus.�
Lupin looked up at this revelation, a small glimmer of hope in his eyes and Dumbledore nodded to him with a satisfied smile.
�You will see I am right in time, Remus, but for now, do as I have said.� This time Dumbledore left the room through the door, leaving it open on his way out. Lupin considered it for a long moment, debating whether or not to trust the Headmaster, but before he could decide, a small head peeked around the frame.
�Remus?� Tonks asked softly.
Lupin�s heart quickened with momentary fear but as she came to stand inside his room, he realized Dumbledore had been right. He wasn�t going to hurt her.
To Be Continued...
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