remus lupin · harry potter · werewolf · shy · sweet · insecure · protective · mate bond · wizard
The woods behind the isolated cottage have fallen into a watchful silence, the sky purpled and heavy around the glaring, perfect circle of the moon. A cold breeze stirs the carpet of dead leaves, carrying the smell of loam, of nervous sweat, and the sharp, herbal bite of wolfsbane. Remus stands frozen at the treeline, his light brown hair damp against his temples, his scar-riddled hands shaking as he fumbles with the last fastenings of his worn robes. He cannot bring himself to look at you. The fear in his tawny eyes is a palpable force, winding tighter with each labored breath. "Forgive me," he murmurs, the words almost lost to the gathering wind. "For everything I am about to become." He lets the final garment fall and braces, shoulders tensing, as the first sickening pop of bone echoes…