RUNNING WITH WOLVES remus lupin

O46. 𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒 & 𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐒

𝐅 𝐎 𝐔 𝐑 𝐓 𝐘 -  𝐒 𝐈 𝐗

━━━━━━━━━━━━━

THE COLD STONE WALLS OF BLACK MANOR STOOD SILENT, wrapped in shadows that spoke of secrets and long-forgotten memories. Inside, the flickering light of a solitary candle illuminated the faces of two friends, their expressions etched with worry. Sirius Black leaned against the mantelpiece, his dark eyes glinting with mischief and concern, while Remus Lupin sat on a worn armchair, his fingers tapping nervously on the fabric.

"Fourteen," Sirius said, breaking the silence. Pacing the room, "Can you believe it? Harry's just a kid, and he's out there facing dragons and merpeople in this ridiculous tournament. It's insane! What kind of world lets a child participate in such insanity?"

Remus nodded, his gaze fixed on the flickering flames. "I know. It's terrifying. But he's strong, and he has his friends. Still, the risks are real, especially with the final task approaching. And you know it was out of Dumbledore's hands."

Sirius scowled and cursed the Ministry under his breath. Suddenly Sirius stopped pacing and turned to Remus, his expression shifting from worry to something a little more persuasive. "That's why we should sneak out and watch him. We can be there for him, just like old times. Just think about it—Harry would be thrilled to know we were supporting him."

"Go against Dumbledore's orders?" Remus replied, shaking his head. "You know that's not a good idea. He's trying to keep you safe as well as Harry. If we're caught..."

Sirius waved a hand dismissively. "If we're caught, we'll deal with it then. But I refuse to sit here, hiding like we're in a dungeon. Besides, it's a public event; we'll blend in."

"Blend in? You're Sirius Black! You can't just blend in!" Remus exclaimed, frustration creeping into his voice. "What if something happens? What if the Ministry finds out?"

"Then we'll be careful!" Sirius insisted, his eyes shining with determination. "We owe it to Harry. He needs to feel that support, especially now. And we can't let fear keep us from being there for him."

Remus sighed, torn between his instincts to protect both Sirius and Harry. "I just don't want to risk everything. You're still considered an escaped convict, and I can't put you in danger."

Sirius stepped closer, his expression softening. "I get that, Moony. But we can't let our lives be dictated by fear and the past. We have to live a little. For Harry's sake, if not our own. I can't fail Harry, Rem, I already failed James."

Remus looked into Sirius's earnest eyes, which are glazed with tears. Feeling the pull of adventure and loyalty. "Sirius if you failed James and Lily we all did... but we'll go" he relented slowly, "but we have to be cautious. If we're going to do this, we need a solid plan."

A grin spread across Sirius's face, and he clapped Remus on the shoulder. "That's the spirit! We'll make a perfect plan. Just like old times."

"Excellent!" Sirius exclaimed, leaning back with satisfaction. "Now, speaking of being careful, what about Tonks? You know she's got it bad for you, right?"

Remus's smile faded, replaced by a look of exasperation. "Sirius, please. She's a friend, and I have no interest in her like that."

"Come on! It's obvious! The way she looks at you during Order meetings, like she's waiting for you to notice her," Sirius teased, waggling his eyebrows. "You could use a bit of fun in your life, you know?"

"Fun?" Remus replied, shaking his head. "With everything else going on? My focus is elsewhere. Elodie is the one Moony cares about."

Sirius's expression softened, understanding the conflict that lay within his friend. "I know, mate. I really do. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't explore other connections. Nymphadora's a good person. She might even help you forget for a while."

Remus frowned, the mention of Tonks' name stirring a mix of emotions within him. "It's complicated but I don't want to forget. Anyways Moony only cares about Elodie. He's protective, and he wouldn't allow me to get close to anyone else. It's like he knows what I want, and he won't let me stray."

"Moony's a stubborn one," Sirius replied, his tone sympathetic. "But you deserve to find some joy too, Remus. You can't let your past dictate your future. Besides, I think Tonks would be good for you. She brings a lightness, a spark."

Remus chuckled softly, the tension easing slightly. "I appreciate it, Sirius, but it's complicated. My feelings are tangled, and I can't just switch them on and off like a light."

Sirius looked as if he was about to argue. Remus glares at him in a playful manner. "Sirius–"

"I'm just saying!" Sirius said with a smirk, "if you don't at least consider Tonks, I might have to set her up with someone else to give you a little nudge."

Remus laughed, the tension easing as they shifted their focus back to Harry. "And you're welcome to, Nymphadora is a nice girl; she deserves to find somebody that will be all for her. But until this thing settles Elodie is my priority."

Sirius leaned back, crossing his arms with a playful smirk. "Well, if you're going to be stubborn, I'll drop it but at least we'll sneak out to watch Harry. You're impossible, you know that?"

"Perhaps," Remus replied, a grin lighting up his face. "But sometimes, being impossible is exactly what we need."

As the shadows deepened around them, the two friends plotted their small rebellion, laughter intertwining with concern. For a brief moment, the weight of their reality lifted, and they became simply two friends looking out for each other and for Harry, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.