‘Furry Little Problem’. However, this is HBP spoiler crazy, so if you don’t
want to know yet, then don’t read! Please! If ya don’t mind, then go ahead! NOW
anyhoo, Feedback is much loved!! Enjoy!!
‘thoughts’
/Moony speaking/
It was funny how life seemed
to try and move on even after devastating events. Dumbledore had just been laid
to rest not a week earlier and preparations were already being made in the
Ministry to try and take over Hogwarts. Harry had returned to the Dursleys for
one last time before his birthday and then would be returning to the
Burrow...they hoped.
Ginny and Ron had both
hinted that Harry was most likely not going to come back to the Burrow, but Mrs.
Weasley, being her usual busy body self, had brushed it off with a “Of *course*
he is coming here! Don’t be silly!” and left it at that. Bill had a funny
feeling that things wouldn’t all go as she had hoped.
It had taken his own
recovery quite a while as well, but, as the full moon grew ever closer, Bill
found his wounds were healing faster. Of course, Fleur and his mother attributed
it to his strong Weasley constitution, but he had a sneaky suspicion it was more
due to the werewolf infection that had changed his life. His changes hadn’t
stopped at just craving raw meat. His temper would flare at the worst times and
at the littlest things, becoming violent and had broken a couple of plates in
his fury already. He was always on the move, even after being released from the
medical wing of Hogwarts.
He was also finding himself
more willing to be alone, something Fleur didn’t like too much. In fact, though
she put on a smiling face for everyone else, it wasn’t unusual for her to berate
him privately. Though, how private they could get at his parents’ home was
something, but silencing charms did their work well. Almost too well sometimes,
considering the fights they got into.
He was proud of the fact
that he had yet to hit anyone, but it was so hard! Especially as they came
closer to the full moon. He would prowl night and day through the house or he
would go outside. He and Ron had taken up flying out and practicing Quidditch,
Bill being an aggressive Chaser while Ron defended his posts. It had worked to
bring them closer, for often they would end up fighting, then talking things out
as Ron helped Bill through his more animalistic tendencies. Bill began to
really appreciate Ron, who showed more integrity and emotional balance than he
was usually given credit for. And Ron gave him the steady, blunt truth that his
fiancée and mother seemed to be trying to avoid with him. Ron had seen a lot for
his years and for that, Bill was grateful.
But even his brother
couldn’t still Bill’s worries and fears as the day of the full moon loomed over
him. He sat quietly at the table as he listened to his mother and Ginny talk
about rather inconsequential things such as the latest robe fashions and what to
make for Harry’s upcoming 17th birthday. He had a feeling they were
just making nonsensical chatter to distract him, but all it did was irritate
him. He stood up with a sigh and, ignoring their startled looks, left the house.
He hugged himself as he worked to contain his need to rip something apart while
walking along the dirt path that led from his house. He growled slightly as he
felt the wards tingle on his skin, but ignored them otherwise as he went for a
walk. He didn’t want to tell anyone that he was scared that the upcoming night
would show him to be the beast that constantly haunted him. No matter what his
loved ones said, he was terrified that he would indeed transform. None of them
could understand.
None of them.
The sudden sound of someone
Apparating in caused him to look up. He blinked in surprise as he saw the shabby
form of Remus Lupin walking slowly towards him. “Remus?” he asked in disbelief
as he saw the taller man look up. He smiled in sudden relief. The one person who
understood him had come.
“Hello Bill. I was just
coming to see how you were holding up for tonight,” Remus greeted the young
redhead with a warm smile as he came up to Bill. He tilted an eyebrow as he
stopped. “You seem worried.”
“I...I am, Remus. I’m scared
I’ll transform tonight,” Bill whispered suddenly as he looked away, flushing in
discomfort as he admitted his fear. He swallowed hard as he felt a soothing hand
on his shoulder and looked up again. He smiled slightly. “I...I’m glad you’re
here, Remus. I...I needed to talk to you,” he murmured as he squeezed the hand
on his shoulder.
Nodding his head in
acceptance of the request, Remus gestured for them to go towards the garden,
where they would have more privacy. “What do you wish to talk to me about?” he
asked as they walked along the yard edge. A garden gnome popped up briefly to
watch them walk past before dropping down again and snooping through the grass.
Finally coming to the small
rose hedge that was Molly’s pride and joy, they sat down in the shaded area that
was cast by the leafy barrier and reclined out, staying silent for a bit longer
as they looked out over the forest near them. After a bit, Bill finally broke
the silence. “Do you...have troubles controlling your wolf side?” he asked
quietly as he plucked at the grass near his thigh.
“I used to when I was young.
I would throw the worst temper tantrums and it would worsen around the full
moon. Eventually I got it under control, luckily in time for when I was at
Hogwarts,” Remus answered with a sigh as he looked up at the sky. “I don’t think
you’ll change, Bill. But you might have some enhanced perceptions,” he added
thoughtfully as he looked over at the pensive Bill.
Nodding grimly, Bill plucked
some blades with more viciousness than intended. He wrapped his arms around his
drawn up knees and rested his chin on them, studying the scenery before him
dourly. After a bit, he tilted his head and looked over at Remus. “Can I be with
you when you transform? You’re taking the Wolfsbane potion, right?” he queried
softly as he watched the older man.
Looking over at Bill, Remus
frowned. “I don’t know if you should...” he murmured, trailing off as he saw the
irritation in Bill’s eyes. “I know that I will be taking the potion that
Slughorn is making for me, but I don’t know how safe it would be for you.”
“It’ll be perfectly safe!
That potion is good as you claim and you can control me!” Bill declared as he
sat up and turned eagerly to the older wizard. His eyes softened as he saw the
continued wariness in Remus’ eyes. “Please, Remus? I...I don’t want to risk
being here or anywhere near them. And...and...” he stopped and looked away.
“And what, Bill?” Remus
asked gently as he reached over and put a hand on Bill’s arm.
“You understand me. I...just
want to be around someone who will understand me for my first full moon,” Bill
whispered, his cheeks flushing at his admission. He looked over slowly at Remus
and watched the thoughtful gaze hopefully.
With a sigh, Remus nodded
once. “All right, I suppose that it would be a good idea to have you at least
near me so I can control you. Since I will have the potion, I’ll have my human
mind and won’t bite you to make you a full werewolf...” he murmured, talking to
himself. Bill’s eyes shone with hope as the older wizard went through the
options. Nodding once again, Remus exhaled with a gust. “All right...you can
come with me. But...*you* have to explain it to Molly,” he stated with a grin
and a wag of his finger.
Laughing, Bill slapped Remus
on the back good-naturedly. “If that’s all I have to deal with, I’ll gladly do
it!” he declared with a grin.
Snorting in amusement as he
stood up carefully, Remus rolled his eyes. “You say that now. Just remember
those words when she is in full reprimand mode,” he remarked caustically. Bill
laughed as they stood up and headed towards the Burrow for the 'debriefing'. Now
he felt more secure.
Remus' comment on Molly had
been a mild cover for what she did in response to Bill's announcement. Her
yelling roared through the house, over running any quiet, patient responses from
Bill or Remus as she forged ahead in her agitation. Finally, angered beyond
control, Bill had slammed his fist on the table as he stood, glaring at her with
barely restrained rage. "Mum! I know you mean well, but it's been decided!! I'm
a grown-up, so just accept it!!" he shouted before turning and leaving the room,
followed by a reserved Fleur.
Molly stood in stunned
silence before looking over at Remus. Remus smiled softly and shrugged. "He has
a point, Molly. He is a grown-up. It is his choice. And they are valid reasons.
Don't worry too much…I'll be careful enough for the both of us," he murmured
reassuringly, smiling as she nodded dazedly at him. But inside, Moony was
snarling with want. The rage that Bill had shown begged for his control. Oh yes,
he wanted Bill…but he would never take control of the young redhead. 'Not unless
he wanted it…' Clearing his throat, he stood and smiled at Molly. "I'm going to
meet up with Nymphadora. Tell Bill to meet me in Hogsmeade when he is done.
Nymphadora will be taking care of us tomorrow," he informed her warmly.
Eyes warming with happiness,
Molly nodded. "Remus…thank you for watching Billy. I know I protest but…he's my
eldest and…" she trailed off, sniffling as she dabbed at her eyes with a
kerchief.
"I know, Molly. He's
special…I'll bring him back to you and Fleur," Remus murmured soothingly before
leaving the house. Moony howled at that statement within him, but he pushed
aside the cravings of his wolf. He would never put Bill through that!
Besides…Bill had a chance at being happy. Why should he ruin it?
But even as these thoughts
whirled in his head as he Apparated for Hogsmeade to meet with his girlfriend,
Remus couldn't stop the stirrings within him that urged him to be with Bill.
Bill was like him in ways, but it was the same as Remus' relationship with
Tonks. He doubted that that relationship would last much longer, merely for the
fact that Tonks deserved someone younger. But Bill still had Fleur and their
love was deep.
At least…so he told himself.
*~~**~~*
"Why moost 'ou go vith
Remoos? ‘ee ees not safe!" Fleur asked stiffly as she watched Bill put a change
of clothes into a bag.
"He's about as safe as I am,
Fleur. But he'll be taking the Wolfsbane potion," Bill replied tightly as he
tied his bag shut. He stood up and looked at her. "I have to do this. I don't
trust myself here!" he added urgently.
"But 'ee ees a verevolf! 'ee
ees a monstair!" Fleur shot back heatedly as she stood before him, hands balled
into fists.
"Is that what you think I am
now?" Bill shot back angrily, offended. She paled slightly and looked away and
he came closer, growling. "That's it, isn't it? You think I'm some kind of
monster and that I need to be controlled!"
"Non! 'ou are deefireent!
'ou are not a full verevolf!" Fleur shot back nervously as she backed away from
him slowly.
Straightening, Bill's eyes
became shrouded, cold as they stared at her. "Is that all? Because he is a full
werewolf, he can't be trusted? Why? Because of Fenrir? Because *that* monster is
responsible for both our lives being changed? Or are you afraid that, now that I
am cursed, the money won't be as much?" he asked her quietly, smirking coldly as
she kept her gaze down. "I'll see you in two days," he stated in disgust before
heading for the door. But he was stopped by a gentle hand on his arm.
"Bill...please be
careful..." Fleur whispered softly as she gazed at the floor.
Feeling his heart soften,
Bill turned and gathered her close. He gazed at her steadily as she did the same
and then smiled. "I'll come back. Trust me," he whispered softly before kissing
her gently. He was surprised when she pressed back eagerly, winding her fingers
in his hair possessively. Even after the accident, she had been unafraid of
touching him. It had been the other problems that had started pulling them
apart. Growling deeply, Bill resisted the urge to toss her onto the bed and have
his way with her, smirking as he felt her shudder with longing as she pressed
closer. Oh yes, this they definitely still had...
Reluctantly, he pulled from
the kiss and caressed her face with a gentle hand as she did the same to him.
"We'll talk when I come back. Wait for me?" he asked tenderly as he smiled at
her.
"Alvays," Fleur purred back,
smiling as he waggled his eyebrows at her. With another brushing kiss, Bill
turned and walked out, feeling a bit calmer. He headed outside to the safe point
just outside of the wards and sighed again. Concentrating, he Apparated to
Hogsmeade...and Remus.
*~~**~~*
Looking up as a shadow fell
over Tonks and him, Remus smiled in greeting at Bill as the young Weasley came
over to their table in the Hogshead. As Tonks stood to greet Bill, Remus tamped
down the growl that wanted to force its way out of him as he caught a whiff of
arousal and Fleur all over Bill. He had no right to say anything...Shaking hands
with Bill, he scooted over to allow the younger man to sit next to him as Tonks
ordered some food for the newly arrived.
"So...I'll have two naked
men to deal with tomorrow," Tonks murmured with a grin as she lazily laced her
fingers together and rested her chin on them.
Eyes widening, Bill looked
over at a pinking Remus. "Say huh?" he asked intelligently, and then glared over
at the laughing Tonks.
"Oh come on! I'm not *that*
naughty!" Tonks replied with a teasing wink as she snickered.
Clearing his throat as the
food was brought over, Remus murmured to Bill, "When I transform, I take off all
my clothes. It saves them from my transformation. I'd recommend you do the same
in case I am wrong and you are right."
"Oh...yea uh ok... sure..."
Bill mumbled dumbly as he flushed, glaring at the giggling Tonks as she whistled
softly. He glanced over at Remus and subtly looked the older man over, his mind
working over time with his hormones, which were still rather high from his
farewell kiss with Fleur earlier. "Have you um...taken the potion?" he asked as
he cut into his steak, hiding his gaze behind his hair as he focused on his
food.
“Mm hmm,” Remus replied as
he sliced into his own steak. Tonks grinned and winked at Remus, who gave a weak
smile back. Bill caught the weak smile and felt something inside of him jump on
that expression, though he wasn’t sure as to why. Remus glanced at him and
something glinted in the green amber eyes, almost calling to Bill. Clearing his
throat, Bill smiled as he chewed quickly on his steak and Remus chuckled. “Don’t
choke...that would not be easy to explain to Fleur how you died choking on
steak,” he commented lightly, earning another chuckle from Tonks as she ate her
pasta.
Nearly choking on that, Bill
looked down as he swallowed hard. He’d almost forgotten Fleur! What the heck! He
drank down some of his butter beer to wash away the almost bitter taste that had
coated his throat at the thought of Fleur. He cleared his throat and looked over
as he felt a hand patting his back and smiled slightly at Remus’ concerned gaze.
“Sorry...just swallowed wrong...” he commented huskily before clearing his
throat again.
Tonks giggled again, but
Remus’ gaze locked with Bill’s, darkening slightly as an almost golden glint
came to his hazel eyes. Bill swallowed hard again as his eyes widened, feeling a
wave of lust so dark and heated that it nearly paralyzed him wash over him as he
stared into that commanding gaze. He broke the gaze slowly as the air became
stifling between them, keeping them locked almost in a battle of wills. He
breathed deeply and time seemed to resume around them, making him realize that
Tonks was speaking as the sounds of the pub rose up around them again. “...and
so I told Kingsley that I can handle you two just fine. Of course, he warned me
not to trip and well then...” Tonks trailed off as she realized that they
weren’t laughing at her comments. “You two ok? Full moon jitters?” she asked
before taking a bite of her salad.
Smiling softly, Remus
straightened up. “Perhaps...” he murmured as he glanced over at Bill
thoughtfully, smirking as he saw the slight pink on Bill’s cheeks before
focusing on a curious Tonks. “Nothing you need worry about, Nymphadora,” he
added lightly with a less full smile before he forked some potatoes into his
mouth.
“Remus! I thought I’ve said
to call me Tonks!” Tonks protested with a slight whine and huff, earning a grin
from both men.
Glancing over at Remus
again, Bill eyed him thoughtfully before finishing his food. He wondered just
what had happened between them and what it portended for that night.
*~~**~~*
"I know it is not the best
of conditions, but when you are a beast, accommodations don't matter. Escape
does," Remus explained as he and Bill walked within the drafty, broken down
Shrieking Shack. He turned and smiled softly at the somewhat apprehensive Bill.
"Ok there?" he asked gently, understandingly.
Swallowing hard as he
nodded, Bill looked around. It all seemed so surreal to him. They had parted
ways with Tonks outside of the Shrieking Shack, who had promised to be there at
a little after dawn. Now they were inside of the decrepit shack that had been a
daring place to go back when he had been in school. It was only later that he
had found out that it had been a safe haven for the younger Remus Lupin for his
transformations. "Escape to where?" he asked hoarsely before clearing his
throat.
Smiling warmly as he walked
towards the back room, Remus replied, "Escape from everything sometimes. But
mainly it was to the Forbidden Forest. We'll most likely run there, if you don't
mind."
"Sounds like a blast," Bill
replied lamely with a weak smile, but his fear wouldn't abate. Only a couple
more hours and his life would change. He didn't know if he could take the
suspense...
Coming to a less destroyed
room that held a broken down sofa, a three-legged piano that was propped up by
some blocks of weathered wood, and a small night stand, Remus turned to Bill.
Slowly, he came up and placed his hands on Bill's shoulders, locking their gazes
with an almost gentle power. "Bill...no matter what happens tonight, keep in
mind that you are still Bill Weasley. But I must warn you now...Moony is an
Alpha male. He won't take kindly to any challenges and he may do things to you
to keep you in your place. But I'll try to keep my control," he murmured
soothingly as he ran his fingers through Bill's loose hair in gentle strokes.
Relaxing as he sighed
quietly, Bill nodded, then leaned forward and placed his head on Remus'
shoulder, soaking in the comfort that came from the older man. He wrapped his
arms around Remus' waist as he was enfolded into Remus' hold, which comforted
him even more, soothing the beast within. "Thanks, Remus. You're the only one
who understands me...I'm so glad that you came when you did," he mumbled as he
relaxed.
"I am too, Bill...I am too.
I'll always be here for you, just remember that," Remus replied softly as he
leaned his cheek against the red head, his long fingers never ceasing in their
combing of the red hair. He led Bill over to the couch and sat them down. Bill
straightened and smiled slightly at Remus before slumping into the couch,
relaxing even more. Smiling as he watched the younger man, Remus patted Bill's
knee. "So how did the goblins take to your news?" he asked, starting them off on
inane chitchat to pass the time.
Half an hour before
moonrise, Bill stood and began pacing, nervously rubbing his arms as Remus
watched him calmly. "This is so nerve wracking!" he declared suddenly as he
whirled around to face Remus. But he was stunned as Remus stood before him,
golden eyes commanding as well as soothing as they bore into his own wild blue
eyes. "Remus?"
"Strip..." Remus growled out
as he began removing his own robes, revealing his scarred pale body to Bill's
surprised gaze. Obeying, Bill began removing his robes, folding them carefully
and placing them next to Remus' pile of clothes before standing self-consciously
before the older man. Remus came up to him slowly, almost stalking him, his
golden eyes glinting with the wolf's hunger and need. He placed his hand on
Bill's face, caressing the almost healed marks in a tender way before leaning in
and licking them slowly, causing a shudder to go through the younger man.
Swallowing down a moan, Bill
remained still as the older man touched him, his frazzled nerves once more
calming under Remus' touch. They locked eyes again and he felt a bolt of need go
through him, far more intense than anything he had ever felt for Fleur. His eyes
fluttered closed as Remus leaned in again and nuzzled his face, crooning
soothingly as the pale fingers ran through his hair again. Bill found himself
trembling with the proximity of the other male and returned the nuzzle,
following an instinct within him that was calling for him to bath in the other
man's scent. He tilted his head back as Remus came to his neck, nosing just
behind his ear, and sniffed there, licking him lightly. Eyes rolling back in his
head in near bliss, Bill moaned this time, answered by an approving croon from
Remus before they looked at each other again.
Remus ran his hand down
Bill's neck and chest before stopping just over his heart. "Always remember who
you are, Bill. Remember yourself and you will never lose to the wolf within. But
always know that you are also a wolf...that you are pack," he growled out lowly,
searching Bill's eyes. "Don't fight it...feel it. Live it. You are different
now, yes...but you are more. Use this and know life as more. Open your senses,"
he ordered quietly before closing his eyes.
Closing his eyes obediently,
Bill moaned yet again as he took in all of the overwhelming information his
senses were now bringing him. He heard the wind through the distant trees, felt
every grain of the wood beneath his feet, smelled Remus' cologne and something
more on him that made his need spiral higher. He opened his eyes and gazed at
Remus, seeing every line of premature age on the fair skin, smelling the pulse
of the other man's blood as the moon's pull began to speed their pulses up. He
gasped softly as he felt an ache within him, his groan mingling with Remus'
indrawn breath.
His arms came up and held
Remus close as the moon rose and he felt the convulsions within the older man's
body. Remus groaned, and then gasped as he spasmed before a scream was ripped
from his throat in agony as he began to change. Bill groaned as well as he felt
his skin tingle and his fingers shift, his mouth becoming wider and suddenly
sharper as he bared his canines. But he held onto Remus as he became the wolf,
both collapsing to the ground as their transformations stopped, leaving them
breathless with pain.
Moving suddenly, Moony stood
and shook himself, grunting before he turned to look at Bill. Bill looked up and
his eyes narrowed as he snarled slightly before he scrambled to his feet,
looking around slowly as he took in his surroundings. He snarled even more
menacingly at Moony before howling. Moony howled with him, greeting the moon and
their night before he came over, sniffing Bill carefully. Curious as well, Bill
dropped to his hands and knees and sniffed Moony, then bared his neck as Moony
growled in warning. He groaned as a large warm tongue licked just behind his ear
and along his neck before he dared to look up at Moony again. "Moony?" he asked
softly, his voice gravelly.
Ears pricking forward,
Moony's tail began to wag slowly in encouragement as he focused on Bill’s
slitted, yet still blue eyes as he crooned. /Aye, Bill...Aye./
Blinking in surprise, Bill
tilted his head. “I...can understand you,” he whispered in surprise.
Eyes lighting up with
amusement, Moony nodded. /You are a wolf as well, aren’t you?/ he replied
as his mouth opened in a big doggy smile.
Grinning back, Bill nodded.
“Does this make you happy? We can talk to each other too!”
Nuzzling Bill’s face before
licking him, Moony grunted. /Aye...now let’s go run! The moon is out and our
night has just begun!!/ he ordered happily before trotting towards the door.
He turned and waited for Bill, then grinned widely again before taking off
towards the passageway that led to the Forbidden Forest. Bill followed swiftly
after Moony, finding that his speed was equal to the werewolf’s as they ran down
the passageway and came out near the forest. With a feral laugh as they darted
into the woods, Bill howled, echoed by an ecstatic Moony as they ran through the
forest.
They came to a glade and
romped around, wrestling and play growling at each other several times before
sniffing about, taking in the new scents. Bill reveled in the freedom. No one
could understand this...except for Remus. After a while, they returned to the
Shack and curled up together on the couch, snuggling as the moon slowly traveled
her path to the western horizon. As it went down, they both transformed, Bill
holding tightly to Remus as the older man went through the greater
transformation before they were a pile of sweaty shaking limbs and panting gasps
of pain. Bill brushed his hand over Remus’ damp hair before calling his wand to
him and transfiguring a sheet into a thick blanket. He laid it out over them and
held Remus close as they both fell into an exhausted sleep. The next day would
bring about questions most likely as well as their girlfriends, but for now,
they had each other in their commonness.
TBC
