Disclaimer: I fired my psychiatrist so I could say I own nothing, but that wouldn't be quite true, if only I could find a way to fire those werewolf-hunters too…

Hunted

Chapter 8: Two Steps Back…

Another week passed without incidents and the five companions made good progress, finally leaving Romania behind and crossing into Bulgaria. They were steadily approaching Greece, much to Remus' relief.

If we can keep up this pace, we might still be home in time.

Remus' spirits had risen considerably over the last week. The tension with Tonks had greatly diminished since the talk. During the past week, they had talked a lot and were carefully working to rebuild their lost friendship.

Meanwhile, Tonks had begun filling him in on everything he had missed during his self-imposed exile: the last few years of the war and its aftermath.

Still, he was certain there were things she was keeping from him and it bothered him a bit, but he was certain he'd find out the truth one way or another. She'll tell me eventually, and if she doesn't, I'm sure someone else will.

Now that Tonks was spending a larger amount of time with him, Remus also felt his earlier jealousy of Grawp diminish. Of course, Tonks didn't turn her back on the giant. She still went to look for food with him and he still carried her whenever she was tired, but Remus was a bit surprised and very relieved when he realized it didn't bother him much anymore.

All in all, things are actually going very well, Remus mused, watching Tonks sitting once again on Grawp's shoulder and looking over their surroundings.

He was pulled from his reverie by Tonks' sudden yell for them to halt. Now standing on Grawp's shoulder, she was looking intently at some point behind them, a hard look on her face.

"Wha's up?" Hagrid asked.

Tonks asked Grawp to put her down again and motioned the others to gather around her.

"We're being followed," she whispered. "I saw six figures and I'd bet my diary on it being the Vastatore-gang again."

A stunned silence fell between them, before Hagrid asked. "I dunna see how. 's not possible what with the way we're walkin'. "

"Magic." Tonks had a grim but determined look on her face. "Dark magic probably. We'll have to move faster, maybe even try some kind of diversion."

Without even realizing it, Remus stepped forward.

"No."

Everyone turned to look at him. They've captured her twice before, I can't let this happen to her again. The worried look in Tonks' eyes was too much, he knew what he had to do.

"I'll be your diversion. It's me they're after. If I'll go to them willingly, I'm sure they'll let you all go."

For a moment a tense silence fell upon the group. They all stared at Remus.

Grawp and Hagrid sported the same bewildered looks and, for a moment, there could be no doubt they were brothers. Firenze looked calm as ever, but it was the look on Tonks' face that most shocked Remus. Horrified, terrified, enraged and vulnerable: she was the first to break the silence.

"Don't even think about it, Remus. I've put too much energy into keeping you safe from them. I'm not going to let all that be for nothing!"

Remus winced. "And I want to keep you safe from them. You know they won't give up and I'd rather not be responsible for all of your deaths if I can stop it!"

Tonks gasped and glared at him. "What are you talking about? They haven't even caught up to us yet! And if we hurry, we can still avoid any confrontation!"

Remus shook his head in answer. "Do you really believe that? What are we going to do when they catch up to us and capture all of us?"

"We fight! Do you really think I would let them get you just like that? Do you have that little faith in me!" Tonks was shouting by now, but her voice shook a little and in her eyes Remus saw no anger, but disappointment.

Firenze's calm voice interrupted the shouting match that was quickly growing in volume. "There is something I need you to know. I have been consulting the stars every night about what this journey has in store for us. Last night, Jupiter was very bright, as is Mars, while Venus is starting to fade. I do not believe it wise for you to hand yourself over to our enemies, Remus Lupin. For this journey, our fortune is high, but in the near future dark times await us again and the stars have made it clear that you are needed."

"I dunna understan' all tha' Firenze's sayin', but I agree with 'im and Tonks, Remus." Hagrid added, looking incredibly serious.

For a moment, Remus looked around him, trying to find a good reason to object. If the Vastatore's catch us again…There's no way they'd let us escape a third time. I know what they'd do with us then and I can't let that happen to Tonks. It would be a little easier to bear it if I knew she was safe. I'm too dangerous for her to be around…

But she'll never buy this…

So he just nodded and asked tiredly, "What's your plan then, Tonks?"

"I say we to change directions. Weave a bit, distract them. Besides that, we have to try to pick up our speed."

Remus stared at her incredulously. "Change directions? We're already running out of time! If we do that, it could take weeks longer to reach Greece!"

Tonks merely shrugged.

Remus shook his head in exasperation, his fear of the hunters and dread for the coming full moon fuelling his anger. "Don't you understand?" He hissed, piercing her with his eyes. "We have to be home before the full moon!"

Tonks sighed. "Hold your hippogriffs, Remus. We'll find you some safe place to transform. No need to worry."

Remus stared at her incredulously. No need to worry, she says! What does she know! I've heard this enough times before from James and Sirius. But none of them ever had any idea!

He wanted to retaliate, but at that moment, a booming voice silenced him. "Stop fighting! Remus no need being mad at Tonk!"

The werewolf actually jumped at hearing Grawp's loud, angry voice and gulped as he turned to look at the angry giant.

Next to Grawp, Hagrid had been watching the whole argument in growing bewilderment, but now he put in his own two knuts. "Grawp's right, yeh know. Wha's goin' on with yeh two? Yer fighting like an old-married couple."

Remus felt the blush creep up his cheeks and quickly looked at the ground, but not without seeing an equally red colour appear on Tonks' cheeks.

Hagrid's right, what is going on with us? One moment it seems like we are managing to re-establish our friendship, the next moment we're fighting like mad. Maybe we've just grown apart. Remus felt his heart lurch painfully at this thought.

Or, another voice appeared in his mind, maybe it's just because we care so much about each other. The thought didn't do much to make him feel better about the whole episode.

Luckily, he was pulled form his quickly darkening mood by Firenze's voice, stating they really should get moving. Now.

Within seconds, the five of them were hurrying forwards again, Tonks once again riding on Grawp's shoulder, giving Remus the opportunity to ponder what had just happened in the last fifteen minutes or so between him and Tonks.

000

A man came running trough the forest towards his companions, who were sitting and talking around a crackling fire. The man stopped near the fire and addressed his brother.

"Michael, they've discovered us. They're moving again, faster than before. They're definitely trying to shake us off."

A bulky man with a toadlike face stood up too. "Then we'd better get moving."

The leader of the group put up his hand. "Sit down, Jack. Thank you, David."

After Jack Didit and David Vastatore found their places around the fire, Michael Vastatore began to speak again.

"There's no need to rush. Even moving twice as fast, they cannot escape us. With the seven-league boots we're even faster than the fastest giant." His eyes gleamed in evil mirth.

"So, when are we going to attack them and capture the werewolf and his metamorphmagus?"

Michael laughed at the eager look on his brother's face.

"Not yet. I have a much better idea."

The five other members of the pack of six werewolf-hunters looked at him expectantly.

"We're going to let them run for another while. Make them believe we lost their track and attack when they let their guard down."

The others agreed readily with this.

"But attacking one from behind isn't really fair, don't you all agree?" he continued. Vastatore's followers looked at him questioningly, knowing their leader had once again had one of his brilliant and exciting plans.

Without waiting for an answer, Michael Vastatore continued. "We're going to split up in two groups, and once we've surrounded them, we'll attack, from all sides. Don't you think that's a bit fairer?"

The werewolf-hunters laughed loudly as Michael Vastatore shouted "Don't you just love the thrill of the hunt!"

000

Evening was falling again and the five travellers had stopped for the night. It had been several days since the spotting of the Vastatore-gang, but they didn't dare let their guard down. For the last four days, they had taken turns standing guard while the others were sleeping. A good night sleep was something they all needed desperately, even Grawp was exhausted, but they didn't dare take longer rests or walk at a slower pace. There had been no trace of the werewolf-hunters for several days, but they knew all too well it didn't mean anything.

Remus knew better than anyone that the Vastore's didn't give up on their prey so soon.

It was his turn to take the first watch of the night, leaving him with plenty of time to think things through.

Again.

In fact, thinking was all he had been doing for the last couple of days and his thoughts always seemed to follow the same patterns, which had started to be quite annoying. Still, he couldn't stop them from running around in circles.

It had started with the argument he and Tonks had the day she spotted the hunters. They hadn't much talked to each other after that.

The first day, he had suspected Tonks was avoiding him. She had been talking and laughing with Grawp all day, which didn't do much to quell Remus' annoyance with her.

The next day, she had tried to talk to him, but he had been too agitated at that point and had kept her at a distance. After that, she hadn't tried to approach him again.

Remus sighed, staring into the fire. How can she take this so lightly? I thought she knew what the Vastatore's are able to do, but it's as if she isn't worried at all.

Over the last few days, Remus had caught himself going over everything that had brought him to this point in his life. His first childhood encounter with Fenrir Greyback… Unexpectedly being allowed to attend Hogwarts, where he met the best friends he ever had… What would James and Sirius say if they knew I ran away and went into hiding. Remus shook his head. He knew what they would say, and he didn't want to think about it.

Still, the memories assailed him: the first war, James and Lily's deaths and Harry's survival, his teaching year at Hogwarts, Sirius' innocence… The return of Voldemort and the reconvening of the Order of the Phoenix.

And meeting Nymphadora Tonks.

Remus' eyes automatically sought out the petite figure, sleeping curled up against Grawp's large arm. His heart ached at the knowledge she preferred the giant's company above his and he wanted nothing more than take her in his arms and never let her go.

Stop it! He chastised himself. You know you can never have her. He quickly shook his head to clear his thoughts and fell back into his previous line of thinking.

Umbridge becoming Minister for Magic and establishing the laws that had forced him to leave. And then, five years later, Tonks appearing at his hut.

He couldn't believe it was only a few months ago that he had woken up to her taking care of his injuries. So many things had happened since then and so many things had changed. A year ago, he would never have believed he would ever be returning to Britain, but here he was, escorting Grawp and Firenze to Greece before returning home with Tonks and Hagrid.

I'm still not sure if this is a good idea. I haven't been among people in five years, how will I ever adjust again?

His falling out with Tonks had of course spurred on his doubts. It's obvious I've lost what social skills I used to have, even Grawp is better at holding a conversation.

He looked up at the stars above and his eyes fell on the moon, which was now only a quarter, but he knew it was waxing quickly, he could feel it in every cell of his body.

He shivered and pulled his blanket closer to him.

What was I thinking, letting her drag me along on this crazy journey? What am I supposed to do when I'm back in Britain?

Yes, Remus knew things had changed now that Kingsley had become Minister, but he didn't quite believe the opinion of the crowd had changed just as easily. Come to think of, I barely even know anything about what's been going on over there.

I never should have come with her. It would have been better for both of us. He momentarily ignored the fact that there had been some werewolf-hunters after him. The only thing this can bring us is more heartbreak.

His eyes drifted back to the dark outlines of Tonks' body. I can never give her what she needs. I would endanger her career, what would people say if a respected Auror started dating a werewolf? What would her parents say?

His eyes went up to the stars again. "What would Sirius say?"

A cool breeze picked up and carried his whispered words with it.

What would Sirius have said about this situation between Tonks and me? He probably would have been upset with me, I know how protective he was over her. She is, after all, his little cousin. So I would be following his wishes if I left her alone.

But in his heart Remus knew he was lying to himself. In fact, he remembered something that happened back then, when Sirius had still been alive and they had all spent the Christmas holidays at Grimmauld Place together.

It was the last day of Christmas holidays and Remus was sitting in the library, reading a book he had found about Inferi, thinking the extra knowledge might be of use in the coming war. Sirius had walked into the room and plopped moodily down into a chair.

The next day, Remus would, together with Tonks, escort Harry, Hermione and the four youngest Weasleys back to Hogwarts on the Knight Bus, and Sirius had been in a bad mood for a few days, with the prospect of Harry leaving again.

When Remus looked up, however, Sirius' bad mood seemed to have vanished and a wicked grin shone on his face as he stared at his best friend.

Remus wearily raised an eyebrow, knowing that look meant Sirius was up to something. "What?"

"So…," Sirius drawled, "you're going to escort Harry and the others to Hogwarts with Tonks, and then the both of you will have the whole ride back to be alone together, eh?" He winked suggestively.

Remus rolled his eyes. "How many times do I have to tell you there is nothing going on between Tonks and me, Sirius?"

Sirius laughed. "Right. Are you trying to convince me, or yourself? I've seen the looks you send her, Moony. And I assure you she's quite taken with you too."

Remus shook his head and tried to return to his book, but Sirius wasn't about to give up.

"Don't you remember how concerned she was for you when she heard about the Vastatore's? Did you know she came to ask me later on for more information about them? She really worries about you, you know."

Remus sighed. "Please drop it, Sirius. Nothing can come of it."

Sirius stood up. "You should really stop telling yourself that, mate, and lighten up a bit." He walked to the door, but turned back in the doorway. "I just want you to know that, if you ever decide to give it a chance, you have my blessing, as long as you don't hurt her, that is."

Remus looked up in shock, but Sirius had already left the library.

Remus shook his head. Sitting here in the cold night, in the middle of nowhere, he wasn't even sure anymore this really happened. It seemed like something out of another life, or a dream from long ago.

But it didn't really matter anyway. Sirius had said 'as long as you don't hurt her', and Remus knew he would never be able to live up to that. There were just too many dangers, too many risks and difficulties.

It would have been better if I had never come back into her life, if she had never found me there.

He started pondering the possibility of sneaking away into the night. It would be so easy to run again and find a new place to live the rest of his life alone.

It wasn't the first time the thoughts had occurred to him. Just like every other time, they appeared under the dark mantle of night, when everyone was asleep and no one could watch him, where the light of the moon shone mercilessly down on him.

And just like every other night when it happened, the dark outlines of a centaur appeared before him and Firenze's soft voice addressed him. "I shall stand guard now, Remus. You should get some sleep."

The werewolf stood up and nodded, but before he could lie down, the same voice continued, "You shouldn't try to run from your destiny, Remus Lupin. All our futures are written out in the stars and there is a lot more in it then you would ever expect. Dark clouds are once again gathering over this world, and you will be very much needed in the hard times that are soon drawing near. Goodnight. "

It took some time for Remus to fall asleep that night, but, as he finally drifted off, he thought about how ironic it was that Firenze always appeared at the right time to make him stay and said the right things to make him go on.

I will miss him when he leaves.

000

Please review...

A/N: I'm very sorry for taking so long to post this chapter. I've been incredibly busy with papers I have to write for university. But that's not really an excuse now, since I've had this chapter finished for two weeks, I only had to make the final corrections. Hope you'll forgive me this...Butterbeer for everyone who is kind enough to forgive me and a bar of the best Honeydukes chocolate for everyone who reviews...
And many thanks to my wonderful beta lolamadrid...