The Wolf and the Witch

Later that evening, they lay on the sofa together. Remus had lit a small fire as it had become chilly outside again. Saima had her legs draped across his lap and head resting comfortably on his shoulder. Remus’ cheek lay against her soft hair and he idly curled a piece of it around his finger. The whole day had been interspersed with such caresses and kisses, which was quite satisfying for them both.

Remus suddenly jumped slightly, then nodded towards the fire. “Good evening, Albus.” Dumbledore’s head was in the fireplace, his glasses giving off fiery winks of light.

“I apologize for interrupting your evening,” he said with a small nod towards Remus, who had curled his arms protectively around her in surprise. “I was going to inquire about how you were doing, but I can see things are going quite well for you,” he then directed kindly at Saima, who nodded and smiled up at Remus.

“There is something you can help us with, Remus,” he started. “I understand the full moon is coming up, and your unique… problem would be useful. There are a few of your kind outside of Kidderminster that I would like you to approach. As far as we know, Greyback has not made any overtures towards them on behalf of Voldemort, and we could potentially gain their aid,” he finished. Remus nodded thoughtfully.

Saima had slipped her legs off his lap when Dumbledore started talking, and now sat with a wooden look on her face. With great compassion on his face, he gently told her, “Once more, I apologize for interrupting what you have found here,” with a hand gesture from the fire towards Remus. “He has told you everything? You understand why he must do this?”

Saima looked defiantly at him for a moment, and then bowed her head in submission. “Yes, he’s told me everything.” She bit her lip painfully and whispered, “Keep him safe for me. I need him.”

A quick look of surprise flashed across Remus’ face as he glanced at her. Very softly Dumbledore replied, “I will do my best to watch out for both of you. You may be relieved to know he will only be gone for a week, two at most,” then turned back to Remus.

“Someone will contact you again the morning of the full moon to make arrangements. Until then, do your best to amuse yourselves,” he said with a wink. “Have a pleasant evening,” and his head disappeared as suddenly as it had arrived.

Remus looked at Saima and saw her struggling to contain her emotions. Pulling her into his arms, he smoothed the hair back from her face as he felt her hot tears seep through the fabric of his shirt. A sob choked from her throat and he started rocking her gently. She wept for her mother, for Sirius Black, for the Potters, for their situation. He patiently held her until her sobs eased, then maneuvered her back in the position she was in before Dumbledore’s presence arrived.

After a while, Saima mumbled into his chest, “You’re all I have now,” and sniffed endearingly. “I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you, even if last night had never happened.”

Suddenly overwrought, she slid off his lap and started pacing. He watched her stride back and forth across the floor for a minute, then stood up and intercepted her. Saima had to stop in from of him when he blocked her path. Sticking his hands into his pockets, he simply asked, “Will you wait here for me?”

Taken aback, she blinked and blurted out, “Of course I will.” Then she scowled at him and said, “If I knew I wouldn’t get you killed, I’d be coming with you,” and Remus knew she had accepted his mission.

The only other interruption they had that night was Severus Snape bringing Remus his Wolfsbane potion. After he left, they made love for hours and fell asleep entwined in each other’s arms, heartbeat to heartbeat.