The Greyback Legacy

Chapter Four

The sleek black werewolf stood at the top of the grey cliff, her sharp eyes scanning the terrain below her and wet nose quivering at the unfamiliar scent. Running as fast as she could, the wolf reached her clan in record time. If a person had witnessed this scene, he would have been shocked to see the beautiful black wolf turn into a slenderly made young woman with tumbling black hair and romantic brown eyes.

It was obvious she was not one of the ordinary wolves, but of royal lineage, from the glittering gold headdress she wore. "I smelled two strangers, one a werewolf but not of the Barris and a.. human," the girl said.

A woman who was obviously her elder sister turned sharply to face the speaker. "Are you certain, Lucina? How close were they from here?"

Lucina answered that she was uncertain, but it seemed as though they were headed straight their way.

"Not many dare to approach the Barris. Especially not humans. I wonder what provoked this visit," said a handsome young werewolf with chestnut hair, his golden eyes fixed on the lovely Lucina.

"Many strange things have happened as of late," growled an older, more strongly made werewolf with coarse black hair. "He was here not too long ago, and if he deigns to grace us with his presence, it means trouble."

"Still," argued a young female with white blond hair, " a HUMAN? What would a human be doing around here? It should no better than to mess with us."

"Now now, Galera," the elder sister purred, "you want to welcome this human. It wouldn't do to give her the wrong impression, now would it? Yes, she'll be very welcome here." Her crimson lips curved in a smile that was both sensual and frightening.

*

Remus turned to glance at Tonks, who had an oddly composed and taut look to her little face. His mouth was nearly spilling over with the words he wished to, yet could not say. What he wanted to tell her, if he could, was to tell her how desperately beautiful she was. Just looking back at her made his knees feel weak and his heart turn over. He had once thought, perhaps when this cruel war is over... perhaps.

But Remus had nothing to give her except misery and isolation. It was clearer than ever to him.

"Nymphadora," he said, and she looked up slightly.

"Yes?"

"I suggest we stop here for the night. It's getting darker."

"All right." She dragged out from her bookbag a portable tent, and set it up, silent all the while. "This has two bedrooms, so you don't have to worry about me throwing myself on you."

Lupin grabbed her by the shoulders. "Get this straight in your head, Nymphadora. I do regret that night, but it is not because of anything you did." Tremors ran through Remus' body at the feel of her small shoulders soft against his hands, her uptilted face so close to his. Being only a heartbeat away made him notice the tears that misted the normally vibrant color of Tonks' eyes.

"Do you know," she said, her voice cracking slightly, "I used to hate when people called me Nymphadora. But when you say it, Remus, you make it sound beautiful." Inwardly, Tonks hit herself for saying such a sentimental thing. Her eyes screwed shut, to avoid looking into the man who still held her bruisingly. She refused to cry. Too many times had she let herself hurt because of him. She would not be a fool anymore.

If she had opened her eyes, Nymphadora Tonks would have seen what she so desperately needed from Remus. His face was tight, the brown eyes full of the love he would not reveal. She heard a sigh, and Remus let go of her shoulders, smoothing away any emotion he had into an unseen place. Her eyes slid open to meet his shuttered ones.

"Tonks, it is best for us to maintain a friendly relationship. I am not the type of man for you. Someone like Bill would be better suited. Someone young and whole, not a poor old werewolf like me."

Her eyes flashed with sudden understanding. "Don't be silly, Lupin. I don't want Bill. I want-"

"I know what you want, Tonks," Lupin cut in. "And I am afraid I can't give it to you. I am sorry. Good night." He left the room, feeling with some surprise, wetness trickling down his cheek.

*

That night Remus dreamt of James and Sirius. The three of them were lying in the grass as they had so often done at Hogwarts, their heads resting lazily on their crossed arms. He smiled broadly at the sight of his handsome friends, so youthful and happy. "I can't believe it, you guys are here again!" Remus cried with joy, jumping up, but James smiled a sad little smile.

"No, Remus, this is merely a dream."

"Why did you have to go, James? Why couldn't you have lived a happy life... with Harry, with Lily, with all of us."

Sirius got up as well. "Remus, we all have our time on earth. And we all have to leave it, some day. Why not use that time in a way that will truly make you happy?"

"You know very well that life is too short to force unhappiness upon yourself. C'mon, I thought you were the smart one," James laughed.

"It seems I have lived too long, at times," Remus said. "I wish I had gone, instead of you. Both of you."

"Don't say that. You still have much to do, and happiness awaits you, if you just extend a hand."

"I don't deserve it," Lupin said firmly. "I let you go."

"Oh Moony," James shook his head sorrowfully, "when will you learn?"

"I hope it won't be too late," Sirius' voice started to sound distant, and the two figures drifted further and further from Remus, and were gone with a flash of green light.

"Padfoot! Prongs! Don't leave me... don't leave me..." he sobbed wildly, as darkness fell, leaving Remus alone.

*

Guttural cries from the room next door awoke Nymphadora with a shock. She had slept fitfully, dreaming of the man who slept a layer away from her. The sobs made her jump to her feet, and she grasped her wand quickly. Creeping to Remus' room, Tonks knew immediately there was no other person there.

He was twisted in the sheets, still in the throes of his dream, tears dripping from his eyes. "Remus," she whispered softly, going close to him. She cupped his cheek tenderly with a cool hand. As though he recognized her touch, Remus settled at once.

Her heart, Tonks found, was still susceptible to love, despite her oath. Her fingers combed the straggly wet blonde hair, and smoothed his pillow. Tonks couldn't help brushing a kiss on the stubbly cheek.

She wished he would confide to her, unload his troubled mind to her. She wished he would cry in her arms, trust her, and see her as more than just a jolly Auror. Not knowing what she was doing, Tonks nuzzled sleepily next to him, hoping that perhaps physical closeness would somehow bring his heart closer to hers. She stayed their for hours, whispered "I love you so, Remus," and unconsciously fell asleep there, her hand at his beating heart.

They did not know that they were being watched.


Author's Note: Thanks for reading and reviewing jd sparks, lupinlover, and PadfootMoonySandwich! You guys are amazing. I'm not certain about this chapter, perhaps it's a little lukewarm. Ah well, I tried :)