Re: Remus - Regulus
Remus smiled but didn't say anything. His mother had taught him to be a gentleman and offer a lady his cloak in the cold. But, there'd never been anything in his lessons on manners about sharing your cloak with a male acquaintance. That was more what Remus would expect from a friend. Friends did things like that.
He watched as Regulus took his time, thinking about what Remus had said. In fact, he appreciated that the other man took his time before speaking. This wasn't something Remus was taking lightly and he was glad Regulus wasn't either.
"Yes and no." Biting his lip in thought, Remus took his own moment to formulate an explanation. "Only a human can be infected. They are a werewolf's preferred prey. Without humans around, a werewolf will attack an animal. In his animagus form, I couldn't infect Sirius. I was saved from passing my curse on to him. But, especially the first couple of moons, before dominance could be established, I still hurt him."
Remus paused, looking at his left arm for a moment holding a small internal debate before rolling up his sleeve to the elbow, revealing the fine trails of old scars barely visible in the moonlight. "When there's no other prey, that bloodlust turns inward. That's part of why historically it's been rare for small children who are turned to survive. Between the change and their own self-inflicted injuries, it's often too much."
Looking up to meet Regulus' gaze, he shook his head. "I don't think the darkness was 'the wolf'. That part of me was the hunger. I honestly don't know what I think of the other, the web of light and shadow hidden deeper, even beneath that. It was magic, I think. But, indescribable. I think my fear of the wolf has kept me from seeing that other, though."