Four To The End - Book Four

Chapter One - Twelfth of June, 1965

It was a beautiful day.

Blue skies that stretched into forever, a shining sun, and a gentle breeze wafting through their hair. It was rare for the day to be as nice as this in Wales, and Hope was determined to take every advantage of it.

"Can I?" Remus asked, looking up at her with huge eyes.

His tiny hand was in hers as they stood next to Hope's car, several yards from the park. They came here as often as they could, as long as the weather allowed... though usually only very early in the morning before anyone else got there. Now it was late morning, and there were kids all over the place.

Hope took in a deep breath, inhaling the warm summer air and smell of flowers. "Yes." She began walking towards the playground, Remus's little legs scrambling to keep up with hers. "Remember what I said this morning."

"Muggle only," Remus whispered back, eyes sparkling. Hope smiled, nodded, and stooped low to kiss his forehead.

Remus wasn't supposed to be around anyone else. Ever. Lyall made that perfectly clear, and drilled it into their heads constantly. Ever since he was bitten... Remus had only had his parents for company. Which broke Hope's heart. He was just a little boy. He was a Thing, too, but only during full moons. This was almost halfway between full moons—Hope made sure of that—and it was the middle of day. Her baby deserved to be a normal child again, even for an afternoon.

Hope found a nice spot and spread out a blanket, sinking down on it. Remus stood next to her, body trembling. He was five now, though looked younger due to his small stature and ill appearance. His limp hair clung around his face and his eyes were huge. Hope reached up and tucked some of his hair behind his ear.

"Go play," she urged.

"The other kids," he mumbled, shifting from foot to foot.

Hope looked over at the park. She had been taking him there, in this Muggle town, for a few weeks now so he could get some exercise and not be cooped up inside all day every day. She thought maybe that would help him, and he did enjoy it. Only they were always alone. She never dared before to take him when others were there. But today when she woke up and saw how beautiful it was, she decided to wait a bit. Wait until she knew there would be other children.

Pretend to be Muggle, she had told him that morning when getting him dressed. No magic, no talking about anything magic at all. And no telling your father.

If Lyall found out, he'd be furious. Hope knew Remus would keep the secret though. He loved her. He was her special little boy, and always would be.

Hope gave her baby a little nudge. "Go on." Her heart was pounding in her chest, and she prayed she was doing the right thing.

Remus took a few hesitant steps before stopping, taking in the playground. After another few seconds he went over to a large vaguely horse-shaped piece of equipment. It looked huge, looming over him, and he merely stood in front of it staring. He had ridden it before, once or twice, but now he kept looking around as if expecting everyone to be watching him. Hope nibbled her fingernail, worried... until Remus climbed up on top of it, took a seat, and began rocking back and forth. He clung to the handlebar, smile spreading across his face. Hope breathed out a sigh of relief and slumped back a bit.

"Mummy."

She jumped, looking up at Remus who was suddenly in front of her. "Why aren't you on the horse?"

Remus shrugged, shoulders rounded. "'Nother kid." He looked back and Hope saw another kid had gotten on the horse.

She tugged at his shirt, making him face her. "Did she make you get off?" Remus shook his head. "You can play with her. She probably wants to play."