McKay (scribbulus_ink) wrote in time_of_storms, @ 2006-11-14 00:00:00 |
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Entry tags: | chronological, lupin |
October 27, 1997 - One decision changes everything
Original poster: werwolfoflondon
Music: Call from the Grave, from Mack the Knife
Warning: violence, character death
The mood of the pack turned grim, and silence fell like a pall over the common room of the caves when Greyback walked in. Alone this time, thankfully. Remus had worried that Severus would be sent again, but it seemed Voldemort didn't think Severus was necessary to relay this message, which was a relief.
Ethan stepped forward to meet Greyback, his features set in hard, cold lines. Remus had warned him, even though he knew it meant tipping his hand to Ethan that he had sources within Voldemort's ranks, but Remus hoped this might be the final straw that pushed Ethan into breaking his ties to Voldemort and freeing the pack from Voldemort's command. Ethan had accepted the news of their up-coming orders with grim stoicism, and he hadn't let on to Remus which way his thoughts were turning, thus as Remus moved to stand closer to but still behind Ethan, he was apprehensive about how this meeting would go, and what the repercussions from it would be within the pack.
Greyback swaggered up to Ethan, encroaching on his personal space just enough to be offensive, and he grinned toothily. "You've got new orders from our Lord. There is a family of wizards in Ottery St. Catchpole who have been a thorn in our Lord's side. He wants you lot to teach them a lesson. Kill them if you like. He doesn't care."
Ethan lifted his chin, his gaze boring into Greyback's in a clear challenge. "No."
Snarling, Greyback stepped forward and lifted one fist menacingly. "You refuse?"
"Yes. On behalf of my pack, I say we will not follow the Dark Lord's orders."
"I say you will." Greyback closed the distance between them, their chest brushing as they began to circle each other, and Remus' breath caught in his throat when he realized they were squaring off for a challenge. There were gasps from around the cave as more of the pack arrived and realized what was going on.
Suddenly, Delia was beside him, clutching his arm, and when he glanced down at her, he found her wide-eyed with alarm. "What if he loses?" she hissed.
"We're fucked," Remus replied bluntly, echoing a phrase he'd heard from Tonks. But he saw no point in sugarcoating the dangers they faced if Ethan lost the challenge. Voldemort would have a stronger hold over them, and Ethan's life and perhaps their lives as well would be forfeit in payment for Ethan's defiance. Although Remus was proud that Ethan had finally taken a stand against Voldemort, this wasn't the way he would have suggested doing it. If asked, he would have suggested quietly packing up and stealing away in the night, but Ethan hadn't asked, and it was too late to avoid a confrontation now.
"Can't you do something?" She tugged on his arm, her nails digging in, and he could see the whites of her eyes and smell fear roiling off her in waves.
"What would you have me do?" He gestured to the combatants, who had both fallen into a crouch as they continued to circle one another, low growls rising in their throats, their fingers curved into claws. "The fight has begun. You know the penalty for interrupting a dominance challenge."
Delia fell silent then, although she didn't release Remus' arm, and he didn't ask her to. Instead, he turned his attention back to the fight, fear twisting in his gut. He wanted Ethan to win, but even though they were both older, Greyback was far more ruthless and cunning. He wouldn't hold back, but Ethan might, his humanity getting the better of him in the end. Greyback had no such qualms to curb him.
It was Ethan who struck first, going for Greyback's throat, and with that, the circling was over; they fell on each other, animalistic snarls issued from between bared teeth as they bit and clawed, tearing at each other's clothes and flesh, struggling for any advantage. They tumbled to the hard, cold stone floor, and Ethan rolled Greyback into the fire pit, and Greyback yelped as the embers seared him. Rather than diminish his spirit, however, the pain seemed to galvanize him, and he bucked, throwing Ethan off, and then he leaped, trying to pin Ethan and reach his throat, not seeming to care whether it was with his teeth or his claws.