Godric's Hollow

Remus pursed his lips at her, crossing his arms over his chest. "Yes, yes I do know you Lily, more than anyone else; save for Severus. That's why I said what I said." His voice took on an even firmer tone as he straightened up in bed. "I mean it, if I hear anything Lily...well....you've never had a pissed off Were after you."

Even though he was serious about her staying safe he couldn't stop the grin that crossed his face. He nodded and looked over towards the nurse's station before climbing out of bed and grabbing his clothes. The bite mark sent fire through him but he gritted his teeth as he pulled on his jeans and shucked the gown for his white button up shirt that he only buttoned the bottom three to conceal enough of his skin to be considered decent.

Once he done he moved towards the door, smirking as he looked back at Lily. "Ready to go?"

"No, I can't say I've ever had a pissed off were after me. I can't imagine it'd be pleasant." She said and looked thoughtful. "But there are a lot of things that are unpleasant in this world."

She watched him get ready, pressing her lips together. "I... are you sure you want to do this? I can patrol myself. I don't want to press you into do something that you're not ready for." She said and went over back to him. "That mark's not bothering you still, is it? That was a deep bite, Remus."

She circled around him, checking the bandaged wound visibly to make sure he hadn't torn any fragile skin by moving around. "Though... you're as stubborn as I am, you'll probably not tell me truthfully and prefer to keep what's really going on a secret." She raised an eyebrow. "Which, honestly, I can relate to."

Remus grinned at Lily but nodded his head. "There's a little pain, but nothing that I can't handle." It wasn't far from the truth but Remus wasn't going to tell Lily that it felt like fire was flowing through out his body with each pump of blood through his system.

"Come Lily. What kind of prefect would I be if I let my partner patrol on her own. Besides, just laying around and letting Pomfrey baby me is bad for my image."

He laughed as he pulled his robe on and stuck his wand in pocket. "Do I pass your inspection now Ms. Evans?

"Alright, alright." Lily waved her hands and put one on his back as they left the hospital ward. "We'll keep our patrol on this floor. Just in case. I don't want your wound to rupture if we have to give chase. Then again... most people don't ever give chase."

The halls were relatively quiet by the hospital ward. Given the proximity to the holiday break most people were on their best behavior. No one wanted to go home with having spent time in detention before hand.

"So far so good, wouldn't you say...? It's always better around this time of the year. No one's got any hijinks going on. ...Except for maybe your friends. But I think that's all they're made of- ridiculous pranks." She made a face as they turned a corner. "I'll never see what you see in them. Unless they're different around you."

Remus laughed a bit even as he looked at Lily. "They're not different Lily, but...they knew about my issue and are still my friends. Not every one wants to be near a dark creature, but they.....they didn't care." He looked down and rubbed at his arm, looking around the hall for any sign of movement. "Besides, they're not really so bad once you get to know them."

Remus let his eyes wander a bit and stopped as he seen the tail end of a cloak swish around the corner up ahead. He scowled and started to speed walk, ignoring the pain in his system.

"Stop!"

By the time he reached the corner he didn't see anyone and his breath was coming in short pants as he leaned against the wall.

"Bloody rule breakers" He muttered as he tried to get his breath back.

Lily was torn.

She felt a sudden strange urge to go straight after the offender, as if she wanted to hunt whoever it was down- literally and figuratively. Her upper lip curled at the thought of a chase, but then she stopped- Remus was not looking well. She frowned at him, heading back over to Remus. The urge died down as she turned her attention fully to him.

"Remus, sit-" She put a hand on his arm. "Catch your breath- whoever it was, they're heading down toward where the Ravenclaw prefects are, they'll catch im'. Take it easy for a bit. There's no hurry." She felt a little guilty, she should have fought harder for him to stay in the ward, rather than agreeing for him to come out. "We should head back to the dorms. We can deal with our duties tomorrow." She suggested, still frowning.

Remus's lips curled in a smile at Lily's command to sit and he compromised by leaning against the wall; blinking and slowing his breathing a bit as he watched Lily's eyes wander the corridor. He knew what she was feeling; the chase, the need to stop what was running. It was the reason they say don't run from dogs; the movement caused them to stay moving until what was moving wasn't anymore.

He nodded and touched Lily's arm. "Let's go Lily, I think we both need to calm down; maybe get a drink of water or something." His grin got a little larger as he looked around before whispering. "We can go to the kitchen and get something to snack on too if you want."

Lily nodded and put an arm around Remus, wanting to show support for her friend and literally give him some support. "I think that sounds wonderful, Remus. I'm pretty hungry- I could use a snack right now." She wasn't hungry but she wanted to keep him good spirits.

"We can get some chocolate or something- or popcorn- something to munch on." She said as they began to walk down toward the kitchen. "The Hufflepuffs can handle this without a problem they don't mind-- we've covered for them enough." She pushed open the door to the kitchen, watching as the house elves scurried over to them- ready to take what ever it is they wanted to eat.

"Can I get some yogurt and pretzels? And... er... Remus? What were you in the mood for?"

"Milk and a chocolate chip cookie?" He asked hopefully as he looked down at the tiny elf. The last couple of times he'd been down there they'd been out of the cookies and he hoped that today would be different.

The tiny elf gave a nod and came back later with tray containing the cookies and the milk and he smiled in gratitude as he took a large bite. Once they were left to enjoy their snack he looked over at Lily and spoke in low tones, careful not to let any of the bustling little house elves over hear.

"Lily, you're going to have to control that response when people run. Granted we're prefects and at night we can give chase, but during the day....well people will look at you funny if you just start breaking out into a run when you see someone else running." He blushed slightly as he remembered the detentions he'd received from McGonagall before she realized that it wasn't something he could help.

Remus finished of his snack and waved away the helpful elf that had wanted to bring him more; patting his stomach and saying that if they continued to feed him that way that he'd never be able to walk right again. He got up and moved around the tiny area; despite the moon having past, the wolf was still near the surface and it didn't like being cooped up in the overly warm room.

He waited until Lily had finished her snack before offering her his elbow again and inquiring politely. "Is the lady finished and ready to be escorted to her chambers for the evening?"

Lily dove into her yogurt and pretzels, dipping them into the little container. She liked the kind that came precoated, but this worked too. "Mmm." She offered one of the creations to Remus. "Here! You have to try these."

She let what Remus said sink in. So many people often ran. How the hell was she going to control that. She chewed on her pretzel slowly, nodding to Remus. "Thanks- I... I didn't think about that." She said, finishing up the last of her pretzels.

"I guess I'll have to work on changing a few things. But hey, it's not all bad Remus. It's like we have a secret we can share- something between just us." She began and took his arm. "Something your friends and our friends can't know about. I don't want to hear Potter's jokes about my er... new skills. I swear, sometimes he can be fine, nearly likable- and other times-- he's just a toerag."

Remus nodded. "Agreed. I think that if James knew that you and I had a connection such as this well....he'd probably put on the 'do-not-talk-anymore' list that he has for those he thinks might have a chance to steal you away from him."

Remus rolled his eyes,smirking even as he snagged a preztle and dipped it in the yogurt and munching on it. He knew he wasn't going to be saying anything about Lily's new side, after all he wanted to keep Lily all to himself now that he had someone to confide in about the experience that would have some sort of working knowledge of it. Granted Lily wouldn't know about the pain of transformation but she could relate to the thoughts and feelings of wildness that threatened to overwhelm him when they got too strong.

"The running," He laughed. "Well some times it unavoidable, I'll help you if I'm able too." He patted her hand and stood, jerking his head towards the door. "C'mon, it's getting late and we prefects can get in trouble if we're out too late."

"Potter can suck an egg. I'm not interested in him." Lily said rather shortly. "I don't know why some people can't take a hint. I don't know why he can't get it through his thick head that I just don't date bullies." She frowned deeply. "It's not just what he does to Sev, it's him and Black hexing people and thinking that they own the place. That is so unattractive sometimes I think it's possible to choke on their residual arrogance!" She scowled.

"Er... sorry. I know you're their friends." Lily said sheepishly. "I don't mean to be that hard on them, I just... I don't like the things they do sometimes." She admitted and thought about the running.

"You know, it might not be that hard to hide. If I start breaking out into a run I'll tell people I'm trying to tone up my legs. It's a little easier for girls to get away with things like that than it is for guys."

Remus blushed as Lily ranted about his friends, he knew where she was coming from however as he was sure if things were different he'd never have become friends with them either.

"I-I agree with you. They were the first ones that had found out, the only ones until you Lily and they....they didn't care. They were there for me when I was certain that I was going to be cast out and ridiculed. If anything I owe them a bit for having the strength and want to befriend the lonely, small werewolf."

Remus played with his fingers, wringing them over and over as he replayed the nervousness he'd felt when the secret had first come out.

"We know what you are Lupin!" James had called out in the hallway, causing everyone around them to stop and stare.

His throat had ceased up and he closed his eyes, waiting for the worst, waiting for the hateful word to be tossed at him and then find himself tossed out on the grounds. Were's weren't supposed to be taught, they were below Wizards feet in stands. Wild and dangerous they were cast from society and hunted during the full moons; their heads taken as prizes and stared upon as they returned human during the daylight hours and other nights and transforming again during the full moon even though the body was long dead.

He'd felt arms circle his shoulders on either side and he cracked an eye looking first from James and then to Sirius, the two boys that could have been brothers smiling at him and winking conspiratorially at him as Sirius cleared his throat.

"Yeah Lupin, we know and we don't care. Your choice in birds is your own."

The hall had returned to normal, albeit a new rumor about him liking the blokes and not the birds circulating, but he could handle that it didn't bother him. It was minutes later when he found himself shut in an unused classroom where Sirius and James had come clean and stated that they knew him to be a werewolf and that their earlier statement stood. That they didn't care what he was, he was a good guy and that was all that mattered.

After that they'd been inseparable, his calmness rubbing off a bit on James and Sirius and their playfulness bringing out his natural boyish trouble maker side.

He cleared his throat and smiled at Lily, winking playfully. "Yes Lily there is much that you females can get away with that we males can't. But being out late isn't one. Lets get going."

He lead the way to the door to the kitchen and held it open for Lily, smiling and bowing deeply. "After you Ma'dam Flower."

Lily stopped dead in her tracks. A flicker of emotion crossed over her face as she considered what Remus had just said. "I... I didn't know that about them." She murmured, feeling somewhat guilty for judging them as a pack of idiots, as they did seem to be more than capable than just being jerks after all. She walked out of the kitchen with Remus, looking thoughtful.

"Maybe I should be a bit nicer to them then-- instead of outwardly being nasty. I didn't think they could be nice, Remus." She admitted. "But if they're willing to overlook it in favor of seeing you as you are, then there's something redeeming about them after all."

Soon enough, they were back at the tower. "It's... it's been an eventful day, Remus." She reached out and hugged him, being mindful of his shoulder by hugging around it instead of over it. "Thank you for everything today. We're not alone after all. It's a good feeling..." She trailed off with a smile. "See you in the morning?"

Remus leaned in and rubbed his cheek against hers before he could stop himself and then pulled away, red faced as he murmured lowly. "You know it. I can't be too long from my studies or else they'll start to think James has absconded with me."

He grinned and patted Lily on the arm before calling out the password and disappearing up the stairs to his dorm. He didn't expect that any of his mates would be up, and they weren't, James and Sirius were laying passed out on the floor with a piece of parchment and Peter was laying on the bed with a book over his face.

Conjuring a blanket for each one he covered them and then found his own bed, snuggling beneath the covers and sighing as he nosed his pillow into the right place. Sometimes the wolf's habits were hard to shake as they were so ingrained and other times they were a source of constant embarrassment.

As he drifted off to sleep he idly wondered how'd he make the excuse to Madam Pomfrey; he was certain that the Patron would hunt him down and drag him back to the infirmary until she was certain that he was ok for good after this.

Lily touched her cheek after Remus parted from her. "G'night Remus! See you in the morning!" She lingered, waiting to make sure he was gone. She swallowed a bit, wondering what was going to happen come the next full moon. Would she feel a fleeting loyalty to Greyback too? He hadn't bit her, only scraped her skin.

If she did, hopefully it would bring her to find him again. He was a danger to others, and to her friend. She raked her teeth across her bottom lip. She needed to get the nerve to get rid of him, but the thought of hurting something bothered her, even if it was Greyback.

She walked slowly back to her dorm room, her mind wrapped in thoughts. Remus's life was worth more than a monster like Greyback, surely. But when it came down to it, could she?

A month's worth of time would give her a chance to prepare, for now though- she needed to sleep. The next morning, Lily awoke- making her motions throughout her pre-breakfast ritual. Eventually she made her way down the stairs toward the great hall, sitting toward the end of the table. She didn't look like she slept very well- as well... she didn't.

She thought of Remus the whole night, worrying for his safety. She rubbed at her tired eyes, not looking forward to the day.

Remus was the first one up in the door as usual but he dawdled around the dorm until his mates were up. The paper they had been working on captured his attention and he sat and listened as they outlined it. With a skeptical head shake he ushered them down to breakfast; stopping when he seen Lily sitting at the end of the table looking as if she had spent the night tossing and turning.

He made his excuses to the others and moved down to join Lily, nudging her shoulder as he sat and smiling a bit. "Farthing for your thoughts Ma'dam Flower?"

Lily turned her head to him, smiling at him sleepily. "I... well. I think a farthing might be a farthing too much, dear Remus." She yawned tiredly and looked back at her untouched plate. "I did not sleep very well, so I doubt I'll be able to hold many thoughts at all, you see. I am..." She paused to yawn again. "Not sure how I'll even make it through my classes today."

She pushed her thick mane of hair back. "You however, look way better Remus. I'm so glad- I think that might calm some of my nerves. I was really worried about you last night." She turned her attention back to her food, pushing it around with her fork. "Do you think we can hang out after classes today... and after I have a nap? We could meet in the astronomy tower."

Remus nodded as he put a hand on her arm. "Of course we can, we have tonight off from patrol so we don't have to worry about getting back in time for anything." His cheeks pinkened as he looked down, wetting his lips as he spoke. "You don't have to worry Lils, I'm fine, I've always been ok; but you..I worry about you. This isn't light what's happened to you and it's my fault, I couldn't...I wasn't able, I wasn't strong enough to keep you completely safe. And now your life is ruined; people won't care that you're not a full Were, all they'll see is that you have the same curse, the same blood deformity that makes you an outcast."

He does look up, his eyes sad as he touches her face gently. "I'm sorry Lily and I will make it up to you one day somehow. I promise. But for now, get some food in your stomach, we have higher than normal metabolisms and it gets hard to stay full. Enjoy a nap and then come find me." He winks with a tiny smile as he stands. "Just follow your nose."

He patted her shoulder and moved off into the milling students to get a start on his day, his mind preoccupied with things other than the school work or bickering of his friends.