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Remus Lupin hated the streets. It's not like he had much of a choice anyway. He was alone and homeless. His condition made it nearly impossible to get a job, and all the money he had was spent on wolfsbane so he could be partly sane, although he knew he never truly was in the first place, or after watching his father kill himself at the age of six. Severus Snape telling everyone he was a werewolf didn’t help either. Remus could’ve gotten away with a job he had to work part-time, but after the “anonymous” leak to the prophet that he knew could’ve only been Snape, he couldn’t do anything. Everyone knew his secret, and no one would hire a werewolf, or in their right mind at least…The streets of London were practically frozen tonight, a biting chill creeping through the air like a whisper of winter. Remus settled into his usual spot, a place where he felt a semblance of safety and warmth hidden behind the Leaky Cauldron. He crouched behind a dumpster, the stench of refuse a minor inconvenience compared to the threat of the staff calling the Aurors on him…again…He had lost count of how many times they had tried to shoo him away, urging him to find somewhere else to spend the night. Some place legal, perhaps… But he had learned from experience that if they did manage to force him out, he could simply wait a few days and then return. They could never truly keep him away, and this was the only place where he could escape the bitter cold that threatened to seep into his very bones.As he settled in, Remus gazed up at the starry sky, his expression vacant as memories swirled in his mind. One star, in particular, drew his attention, shining much brighter than the rest. That was Sirius's star… The thought of it made a bittersweet ache settle in his chest. He found himself wondering where Sirius was at that moment. Was he safe? Was he happy? Thoughts of his mate brought back a flood of memories, both joyous and sorrowful. It had been two long years since they last exchanged words, two years filled with silence and distance that had followed the turbulence of their past.The weight of their shared history hung heavily on him. He remembered the laughter, the reckless adventures, and the way they used to rely on one another without hesitation… Moments the two shared… Kisses in classrooms, hiding from professors late at night… But now, all that remained were fragments of their days together, shattered by the events that had pulled them apart. The only significant news he had received during that time was the arrival of a baby named Harry, the son of James Potter and Lily Evans. Remus's heart ached for his mates, but that small glimmer of hope about a new life was overshadowed by the uncertainty of their circumstances.He had also heard interesting news… James had lost his job at the Ministry. The knowledge weighed heavily on Remus's conscience, thinking of how hard it must have been for James to support both Lily and their newborn son, Harry. In his mind, he couldn’t reconcile the image of James, always so resilient and self-assured, with the thought of him struggling. James had always pulled through, wouldn't he? It was simply too hard to imagine that stubborn git failing at anything significant. Remus clenched his fists, feeling a mixture of anger and sadness for what his mates were enduring.The cold intensified, wrapping around him like a frigid blanket, but his mind remained unfocused, wandering back to better times. Amidst thoughts of laughter, camaraderie, and the warmth of friendship, a longing for connection swelled within him. He closed his eyes, allowing the memories to wash over him, but as the chill of reality set back in, he reminded himself that he was still alone, watching the starry sky with only the echoes of the past to keep him company.His bones hurt horribly from the last full moon, which was only two nights ago. Since he was an adult, he no longer had Pomfrey to care for him afterwards, and it wasn't like he could afford to go to St. Mungos anyway. So now, after every full moon, he was in even worse pain due to the lack of treatment he needed. Waiting to either fall asleep or practically freeze to death. Honestly, he wouldn’t have minded the second one. It's not like he had much to live for anyway. All of his friends were either moved away, in debt or did not even want to acknowledge Remus anymore.He was completely and utterly alone for the first time in seven years. In the past two years, his mental health had gotten way worse. His condition never helped in the first place. It was already shitty back at school, although now it was like depression, anxiety, and the loneliness had built up. Remus was just utterly lonely. His pride wouldn’t let him admit it,t though. The once sweet, clever, kind-hearted Gryffindor was now what he thought was a monster who did deserve this. He thought he needed this punishment. Being alone, that is.Remus rummaged through his pockets, desperately searching for anything that might help ease his troubled mind a loose cigarette, a forgotten pack, or even a stray matchbook. Smoking had been a long-standing addiction for him, a vice he had turned to more times than he could count. His journey as a smoker began during a fateful night when he shared his first cigarette with Marlene McKinnon by the Whomping Willow. That single moment marked the beginning of his dependence. Each puff now felt like a bittersweet reminder of a home he once cherished and the friends he longed to be with again, people who had become mere echoes of the past.Ironically, he acknowledged that smoking was killing him faster, but in his current state of despair, he considered that a silver lining. It felt like a way to escape the harsh reality of his existence. Occasionally, the wealthy would take pity on him and offer a cigarette, a generous act meant to alleviate their guilt, but those moments were fleeting and rare, a lottery he seldom won. Remus often found himself wandering through the darkened streets, a spectre of his former self.With a heavy sigh, he tilted his head back and stared up at the stars, each twinkle a distant reminder of dreams and memories long lost. The Sirius star shone particularly bright this time of year, standing out as a haunting reminder of what he had lost—what was once an integral part of his life, now reduced to a painful memory as he gazed at it, a flood of emotions washed over him, the mixture of sorrow and nostalgia threatening to engulf him completely. The star seemed to mock him, taunting him with the presence of Sirius Black, his closest mate and confidant, all throughout his Hogwarts years.Sometimes, Remus could almost sense Sirius nearby. He could hear his voice carrying on the wind, filled with warmth and laughter, and feel his lips brushing against his own in a moment of tenderness that felt more like a dream than reality. Yet, with each fleeting moment of imagined intimacy, a wave of doubt crashed over him. Perhaps this was all a figment of his crumbling mind, the result of years spent living on the streets, bordering on madness. He struggled to distinguish between the remnants of who he once was…Remus John Lupin and the hollow shell he had become over the past two years of being utterly alone. Even back at the children's home, he had Grant Chapman. A muggle who had been one of Remus's great friends during his time there.The truth was, he felt like a complete and utter walking corpse. The vibrant boy who once smiled and laughed with his friends was buried beneath layers of grief and regret. Each day became a battle against the shadows that haunted him… those memories of camaraderie and joy were like whispers of a life he could barely recognise anymore.As he sat there, lost in thought, he wondered if he would ever find a way back to himself or if he was destined to remain a ghost, wandering through the night, clinging to the remnants of a past that felt like a fading star in an endless sky.Remus felt himself start drifting off. He wasn’t sure how long he had been asleep before he jolted awake whenever he heard a voice from further down the alley.“Mr. Would you like to play a quick game?” A voice questioned. It sounded male… No, definitely was male, Remus thought to himself as he sat up with a groan, glancing around confused. Trying his best to locate the voice.“Who even are you? I’m not interested in your bullshit.” Remus stated. Seemingly annoyed for being found and interrupted. He wiped his eyes groggily, looking every bit of pissed off.The man stepped into view. Remus was barely even able to see his features in the pale yellow street lamp that managed to reach over to where they were. The man knelt in front of Remus, placing a briefcase on the ground and opening it. Stacks of pure cash. Remus looked utterly discombobulated. It must've been ten thousand… no tens of thousands of pounds in that damned small briefcase.“Again, I ask…” The man took a breath, seemingly figuring out his words. “Would you like to play a quick game for a bit of cash?” He asked, his voice smooth as silk, laced with an enticing charm that promised excitement.Remus studied him carefully, noting how his confidence radiated from him like an aura, suggesting that he had played this game before… one too many times, perhaps? The way he leaned slightly forward highlighted his eager interest yet felt predatory as if he were assessing his next move. His smile was a little too wide to be sincere, stretching across his face in a way that made Remus uncomfortable. His stomach felt upset and he felt small under that man's gaze. Something was unsettling about how his eyes, usually the windows to one's soul, appeared hollowed out, devoid of genuine emotion. They glinted with a calculated gleam, hinting that he was always several steps ahead.The man was dressed sharply in a tailored suit that highlighted his lean frame, making him look like a polished spokesperson for a product that promised luxury and thrill. Everything about him was perfect… his perfectly coiffed hair, his pristine shoes that caught the dim light of the bar, and the subtle but sophisticated scent of cologne that lingered in the air. Making Remus's nostrils burn slightly at how strong it was… had to be Gucci or something… It was nearly too perfect for Remus's liking, and his instincts screamed at him that something was off. But the gnawing hunger and desire in his stomach reminded him of the stakes. The cold English streets he was on definitely reminded him.As his gaze returned to the man, curiosity battled with caution. “What kind of game?” Remus asked, his voice barely above a whisper, revealing a crack in his bravado. The man’s eyes sparkled with delight as if he had been waiting for that very question.“A simple wager,” he replied, a sly grin creeping across his face. “One you can’t refuse. I assure you, you might just walk away with more than you bargained for.” The man's words dripped with allure, but the underlying tension prickled at the back of Remus’s mind. Yet, temptation tugged at him, each heartbeat magnifying his need for the money. “How much money are you thinking here?” Remus asked, raising an eyebrow. It practically disappeared into his thick sandy brown curls covering his forehead that had been growing out for a while.The man grinned his slightly insincere grin, looking across Remus' face for any flicker of emotion. A twinkle in his eye was nearly predatory.“I’m sure you’ve played Ddakj, right?” The man asked, pulling two pieces of paper out of the suitcase. Red and blue. Offering both options to choose from. Remus hesitated. Red seemed tempting due to it being the colour of his old Hogwarts house, but blue seemed safer. Calmer and more innocent than the bright red option. Remus' gaze flicked across the paper before back up at the man's face, then back at the paper before slowly grabbing the blue one. The man nodded, his grin growing wider, and he kept the red one in his own hand.“Good... Good choice. Now you’ll have to try and flip my piece of paper over, and you win twenty thousand pounds, but if I win. I get to slap you. Are you ready? We will play a few rounds and I’ll pay you twenty thousand each time you win.” The man said, putting his piece of paper on the ground. Ten thousand pounds?!?! Remus' eyes nearly bulged out of his head. That is nearly enough money to get food, water, his potion, and maybe even a place to stay for a few days if he played his cards right. I mean, what is the worst that could go wrong?Remus thought to himself. Remus stood up. His bones cracked miserably. He looked at the piece of blue paper in his hand, then at the piece of red paper on the ground, preparing himself to throw it. He lined it up perfectly, and he threw it down. It didn’t flip on the first try, but it was pretty damn close. He looked at the man who now picked up his red piece of paper and tried to flip Remus’ blue one but failed. Miserably. Almost like he was barely even trying. Remus picked up the blue paper and threw it down, flipping the red one over. He smiled slightly, glancing at the man who was clapping slightly.“Well.. well… Looks like I owe you some money, huh?” The man said before laughing and reaching into a part of his briefcase.“But you do have to sign this waiver to receive it.” The man stated. He held a contract. The writing was extremely tiny and nearly impossible to read, but Remus was so needing the money he barely even read it anyway. He patted his pockets for a pen before the man handed him one. Remus quickly signed it, grabbing the money the man had barely even handed him. He shifted through it. It was insanely hard to even see the exact number on the bills due to how dark it was outside, but he could tell it really was twenty thousand pounds. He glanced up at the man again, who just had that same grin on his face watching him.Remus and the man continued to play a few more rounds at the table. With around sixty thousand pounds in his possession, Remus felt a glimmer of hope. It was enough to get him through the winter, and he might even stretch it into the summer months. This financial cushion offered him the possibility of renting a house for a while, a welcome change from his current living situation. However, he couldn’t shake off the burden of his debt to Gringotts, which weighed heavily on his mind. He had fallen behind trying to afford his wolfsbane and the rent for a flat. Eventually, he made the difficult decision to give up the flat altogether, ending up here… at this unclear crossroads. On the streets of bloody cold England.As he sat back down, Remus leaned against the wall, attempting to gather his thoughts. The man shifted slightly, positioning himself directly in front of Remus, an almost predatory glint in his eye. It made Remus uneasy. Feeling slightly ill to his stomach. Feeling as it turns under the man's gaze.“How would you like to have a lot more than that?” the man asked, his voice smooth and persuasive. Remus's gaze snapped back up, curiosity piqued, yet apprehension bubbled within him. Suspicion arouse in his body.“How much more are you talking about?” he replied, his tone cautious. He could feel a sense of wariness creeping in. The waiver he had signed earlier suddenly felt like a weighty secret that could lead him down a dangerous path. He wasn’t entirely sure if agreeing to it had been a stroke of genius or a monumental mistake. Despite the money he had, an unsettling feeling gnawed at him. What additional repercussions might come from this?The man simply grinned, as if he could sense Remus's growing unease. “Forty-five point six billion pounds,” he stated with a casual nonchalance that further raised Remus's eyebrows. At that moment, Remus froze completely, in shock.What would anyone do with such a staggering sum? What kind of life could one lead with forty-five point six billion pounds? Who even needs that much money? His wide eyes mirrored his disbelief, as though the very idea of such wealth had paralyzed him in place, akin to a petrifying curse. Slowly, he glanced up at the man, searching for signs of a joke or a trick. Surely, he must have misheard.“How much… did you just… say?” Remus asked, his voice trembling slightly. He was afraid he had misunderstood; the figure felt so outrageous it couldn’t possibly be real. Could it? A sense of dread washed over him, mixed with an exhilarating thrill. He wondered if he was merely dreaming or if he would wake up at any moment to find this was all a fantasy.The man tilted his head slightly, his expression unwavering. “You heard me: forty-five point six billion pounds. And all you have to do is compete in a series of children's games,” he explained matter-of-factly. He discussed the idea as if it were the most mundane proposition in the world. But Remus felt the weight of the figure settle heavily in the air between them. Did this man truly comprehend the magnitude? That amount of money could elevate a person’s life beyond anything they could imagine… it could make you nearly as wealthy as the queen herself.Remus wrestled with his thoughts, contemplating the implications of such wealth. What would it mean for him? What would he do with this fortune? He had always envisioned a life free of constant worry — a simple home, the ability to afford his treatments, and perhaps even the means to help others like him. Yet the conditions tied to that money were murky and unsettling.Pausing to gather his thoughts, he noticed the man waiting patiently, his gaze piercing and expectant. Yet in the pit of his stomach, Remus felt a deepening misgiving. Where could this man possibly procure that much money? And what sort of games did he mean?Was this all just a colossal scam or some sick, twisted joke? Could any game truly be worth his dignity, or worse, his life? The shadows of doubt loomed larger as he weighed his options. The temptation was fierce, but so too was the fear of the unknown. What kind of risks lay hidden beneath the surface of this generous offer? At that moment, Remus knew he had a decision to make…one that could change the trajectory of his life. He could get all of that money, and it seemed simple enough, but he was still practically oozing with suspicion about where this man even came from. Who just walks up to a homeless man in an alley?“I don’t know, mate. This seems suspicious. I think I’m going to have to say fuck off on this one.” Remus said, his voice gruff like he was trying to pry it out of him. It wasn’t like 45.6 billion pounds wasn’t the most attractive thing he had seen since his Hogwarts days because we all know Sirius black would take that one.The man seemingly paused, staring at Remus. His grin vanished in an instant. Like it had been wiped off of his face with a single swipe, he stared down at Remus, a weird look coming across his face. A mix of anger? Disappointment? And then a small flicker of a smirk came across his face. He opened his mouth to speak, hesitating for a second. He adjusted his perfectly manicured suit. Slowly, he grinned again.“All of your rights have been signed away, you know. That waiver you signed. You signed away everything.” The man said his voice was unnaturally cold compared to his facial features. His teeth were nearly so sickeningly white, like pure snow. Remus heard the words. They replayed in his head, “All of your rights have been signed away.” Over and over in his head. His heart felt like it was in his throat, and his stomach practically dropped to the floor. What did he mean all of his rights were signed away? How could you even legally sign all of someone's rights?Remus took a second and composed himself the best he could, looking unbothered. He still felt that intense fear. All throughout his entire body. His face was stoic to perfection, though.“You have to be bullshitting, right? I mean, can you even do that legally? You have to be bullshiting me, mate.” Remus asked, trying his best to look unbothered. The man stared at Remus' face for a while. The cold English night felt like it got even colder, and the alley walls closed on him. It felt like the walls of the alley were suffocating even though he was outside. He knew he could feel that cold winter air piercing his lungs.The man suddenly spoke, his voice lacking the usual charmingness it had the entire conversation before this point.“Your Remus John Lupin. You’ve been living on the streets for two years, and you're struggling with your lycanthropy. You have no roof over your head, and you are a graduate of Hogwarts. You come from a children's home due to your father's death and your mother giving you up, and you have no family,y and no dimwit would higher a werewolf.” The man leaned closer to Remus's face, getting up in it. Remus could feel the man's warm breath on his face. It was such a difference to the cold English wind that was burning his cheeks seconds earlier. It was nearly a relief.“We have limited spots. Call the number on the card if you are interested, Remus Lupin.” The man started handing Remus what looked like a card of paper. It was tan and nearly looked like a tiny piece of cardboard. It had three symbols on it. A circle, a triangle, and a square. Remus felt the piece of paper in his hand before flipping it over and staring at the phone number on the back. “8650 4006” The man took one more glance at Remus before walking off into the darkened night. Remus held the card in his hand looking at the symbols. Toying with it in his hands…
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Remus had fallen back asleep, his body wrapped in the dishevelled remnants of an old jacket that provided little warmth against the biting chill of the night. The cardboard or paper card was tucked safely in his pocket as he slumbered, its strange symbols and odd words echoing in his mind like a fragmented dream. He tossed and turned on the cold concrete, barely managing any sleep as his body protested with dull aches. The gnawing grip of the full moon had left him exhausted and sore, a constant reminder of the pain he could never quite escape. Lycanthropy was his entire life. All the pain he had and had caused was because of it, and he knew that fact.As dawn began to creep over the horizon, spilling muted light into the alley, Remus stirred. He could hear the rustling of early morning activity, the distant sound of traffic, and the soft rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. But before he could fully awaken, a shrill voice shattered the fragile remnants of his slumber.“Hey! You! Get out of here!” a woman shrieked, brandishing a broom like it was a sword. Remus’s eyes flew open, bewildered, and he quickly raised his hands in surrender, facing the furious patron who had taken it upon herself to chase off stray souls from her territory.“What the actual bloody hell is wrong with these people?” he thought, his mind struggling to shake off the fog of sleep. Still groggy, he groaned in response to her outrage, trying to make sense of the situation and wishing he could find a quieter corner of the world to be left alone. That wasn’t new for him. He always did enjoy being alone back at school as well. Everyone knew Remus was more reserved than the rest of his friends.“I thought I told you to find a new place to sleep, you useless swine!” Her voice pierced through his haze, loud enough to be heard several doorways down. If you asked Remus honestly, he would’ve told you he drowned her out the second she started screaming, a bad habit he had well-acquired during his time on the streets. The cacophony of angry voices was easily forgotten in the depths of his mind, though the pain in his muscles reminded him that life outside was not so forgiving.His curls, tousled and unkempt, fell over his eyes, shielding them from the light. Just as he tried to gather himself to leave, he felt the bristle of the broom against his back, a sharp jab that brought him back to reality with an oomph. Rubbing the back of his neck gingerly, Remus bolted from his spot, the grating sound of the woman’s voice fading behind him.As he ran down the alley, he could hear her continuing to yell, her furious words echoing off the graffiti-covered walls that teenagers had quite obviously done while on home break from Hogwarts. He rounded a corner, desperate to put distance between himself and the furious woman, his heart pounding in his chest… a mix of adrenaline and the residual effects of the full moon’s torment still weighing him down. His legs were still burning and felt like they could break at any moment.The alley opened up to a bustling street, where the early risers set about their daily routines. Remus took a moment to catch his breath, leaning against a cold brick wall, the remnants of adrenaline coursing through him. He watched people go about their business, oblivious to the struggles of those who slept in alleyways and under bridges. In their lives, problems seemed far less daunting, wrapped up in coffee cups and briefcase-clad meetings. Living their perfect lives, not dealing with lycanthropy like him… Remus tried to push the jealous thoughts down within him,m knowing they wouldn’t help him anymore. They’d just make him feel worse about his already shitty life.With a weary sigh, he reached into his pocket, feeling the texture of the card that had been with him since that strange encounter the night before. His fingers traced the edges, contemplating the strange symbols inscribed upon it, wondering if they held any significance that could perhaps change his fate. Sleeping on the streets could be over for him. He could be living in a new place with money and freedom, and– Remus cut himself off, trying to shake the thoughts out of his head, but he kept going back to them even as he walked down the street.Thoughts of the woman and her broom momentarily slipped from his mind as he contemplated calling the number on the card. The world bustled around him, full of opportunities and options, yet Remus felt tethered to the ground, bound by the shadows of his past as he wrestled with a future that always seemed just out of reach. The attempt at a fresh start felt like an insurmountable task, but the card represented something…a possibility, a thread of hope that something might shift in his life…He knew he just had to call the number on the card, and his whole life could change if he won that money. The thought was intoxicating… with just one phone call, everything could shift dramatically in his favour. He believed it could happen. Yet, a cloud of suspicion lingered over him. He already had sixty grand… did he need that much more? Or was it extremely selfish to do such?He could easily get through the rest of the winter and most of the summer with what he currently had. Still, his financial situation was tricky. Taxes due to the war were much higher than they had been two years ago. Forty-five and a half billion dollars was an enormous amount to consider. Who could even spend that much in a lifetime, anyway? Seriously, he mused, he could use just half of that… no… not even half, just a quarter of it, and be genuinely happy. He’d be set for life, no questions asked. Not only that, but he’d donate the rest to kids suffering from the same condition he had; he knew he would. Remus had never been greedy—quite the opposite. He always tried to help less fortunate children who had the same medical condition as him, even if it was as simple as letting them have a bit of his chocolate at school whenever they were having an off day. His desire to help others had been solidified ever since Frank Longbottom had extended a hand to him in his second year at Hogwarts.As he walked through the busy streets of London, Remus could see the life around him bustling with energy. He passed numerous stores in Leadenhall Market, their bright window displays and colourful signs trying to attract pedestrians. It wasn't the most pleasant place, and the air was thick with the scent of damp cobblestones mixed with an array of food and spices. However, it was safer than Diagon Alley at this moment, especially with the war hanging ominously over their heads. A palpable tension seemed to shroud everything. Everyone had their worries, be it financial, emotional, or something more dangerous. Death eater attacks weren’t exactly uncommon, you know?Despite the chaos of the world outside, Remus had made an effort to keep himself grounded. He had tried repeatedly to join the Order of the Phoenix, and he felt he had something to offer even with his condition. But Dumbledore had refused to take anyone younger than twenty-two, leaving Remus feeling both excluded and frustrated. It was unfair, he thought, especially since he knew Dorcas Meadows had been welcomed into the fold at just twenty. There it was again. The stigma surrounding his being a werewolf stood strong even now. He could practically feel Dumbledore’s hesitation, his silent judgment weighing heavy on Remus’s shoulders. McGonagall had always trusted Remus more out of the two. Helping him immensely throughout his Hogwarts years.The war, though, seemed to be slowing down. Voldemort was a lot weaker now, his forces scattered, and the Order had practically disappeared in the midst of it all. This offered at least a small glimmer of hope. With the absence of visible threats, people seemed more compassionate toward those in need. He noticed that the common folks on the street were more willing to help beggars and those asking for food or money. It was a small change, but in times like these, every bit mattered. He always did hope they’d give him a cigarette to fuel his addiction, although.Yet, despite the changes in the world around him, Remus couldn't shake the nagging thought of that damned card. It felt as if it were burned into his mind, refusing to fade away. Every time he faltered in his thoughts, he found himself coming back to that moment…the pitch of the salesman's voice, the way the man’s grin seemed almost predatory as he told Remus about the fortune waiting for him. It was a loop he couldn’t break free from as if he were trapped in a never-ending movie, its scenes playing on repeat. He pulled his coat tighter around him as he continued to walk, wondering if his life would ever steer toward something better.Remus thought about it over the next few days. He did spend a few thousand pounds of his sixty. To get new clothes, shoes, and some pain-relieving potions. He definitely needed those the most. No doubt at all. The old shirts that clung to his frame had begun to fray at the edges, and he could feel the lingering effects of nights spent tossing and turning, plagued by memories and pain. The new clothes, although a minor change, provided a small sense of relief in a world where discomfort seemed to linger at every corner.One night, as the moon hung low in the sky, a small quarter crescent, he found himself in his usual alley, the damp bricks casting shadows that danced beneath the flickering streetlight. He stared intently at the card lying in his palm. It was a small piece of paper that felt like a heavyweight. He sighed deeply, the sound echoing softly in the stillness of the night, his breath misting in the chilly air. He glanced around for a phone booth, his heart racing. The urge to call this damn number surged within him as the thought of his mates plagued his mind.Memories of Lily and James flooded in carefree laughter, moments of friendship, and the warmth of their camaraderie back at Hogwarts. It was impossible for him to shake the image of a trio of mates navigating the complexities of adulthood, their paths intertwined with love, humour, and the quiet understanding that they were each other's family. Now, all he could think about was how he could help them, particularly with Harry. They shouldn't have to struggle alone. The realisation struck him hard, he could support them, and provide for them. In his heart, he envisioned a future where he could build his own damn orphanage for people like him, a place filled with laughter and safety, a sanctuary for lost souls who needed someone to care for them.He knew how much Lily and James could use the money, especially now that it seemed like danger lurked around every corner. Times were tough, and they needed all the support they could muster. There was no denying the truth that burned in him; he wanted to be the one to help.And anyway? How hard could a few dumb children’s games be? The thought made him chuckle bitterly to himself. He had spent more than enough nights patrolling the dark streets and dealing with the chaos that life threw at him. What he feared most was not the games themselves but the pressure and the stakes attached to them. Yet, in a world so uncertain, he realised that reaching out, taking a risk, and risking his own comfort for the sake of others could be the very thing that reminded him of who he was at heart. A friend, a protector, someone who wouldn't let those he loved suffer alone.With determination flaring in his chest, he took a deep breath and stepped closer to the phone booth's dim glow. The decision loomed ahead like an unmarked path, but he was ready to embrace it. He walked over to the iconic red phone booth, the weight of his decision pressing down on him. Holding the receiver to his ear, he dialled the number: "8650 4006." Each digit felt like a step deeper into a world he had only glimpsed before.The phone rang once, a sharp sound echoing in the small enclosure. It rang again, a second time, each chime amplifying the tension in his chest. On the third ring, someone picked up. It was the man from the other night… the one whose presence lingered in Remus's memory like a siren's song. Remus could almost hear the smirk in his voice, a confidence that made his skin crawl and exhilarate him all at once.“Seems you’ve come to the right mindset, huh?” the man chuckled, his tone playful yet laced with a hint of malice. Remus leaned his head back against the cool glass of the phone booth. He felt the weight of the world outside the empty streets. The night seemingly had swallowed everything in its sight.Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself for the words that would change everything. “I want to join your game. I need the money,” he stated, each word pouring out with a mix of desperation and determination. His heart raced, matching the anxiety that had taken root in his stomach. His breathing grew a bit heavier than when the conversation had started, a reflection of the stakes he was about to accept.The man on the other end paused, and Remus could almost sense the calculations happening in his mind. “You know what you’re getting into, right?” he asked, his voice dropping slightly. “This isn’t some casual bet you can walk away from.”Remus swallowed hard, contemplating the reality of his situation. He had spent too long drifting through life, always just managing to scrape by, drowning in a sea of bills and uncertainty. This was a chance a dangerous one, yes, but a chance nonetheless. He could feel the gravity of the decision weighing on him, yet the allure of the game was undeniable. He had no clue what he was getting himself into at this point.“I know,” he replied, his voice firmer now. “I know what’s at stake, but I don’t have a choice. I’ll do whatever it takes.”He felt a rush of adrenaline coursing through him, a mix of fear and excitement that threatened to overwhelm him. He had crossed a line, and there was no going back now. The man laughed softly, recognizing the resolve in Remus's voice.“Alright then, let’s see if you can keep up. Meet me tomorrow night. I’ll send you the location. Black car.”As the call ended, Remus lowered the phone, a strange mix of exhilaration and fear swelling within him. Tomorrow would be the start of something new dangerous, unpredictable, and possibly life-altering. He stepped out of the phone booth, the cool night air brushing against his skin, and took a moment to gather himself. Whatever lay ahead, he was ready to face it head-on and for his mates. It was life or death and Remus was fighting to live.Remus showed up at the location, a secluded spot just off the main road where the trees leaned in like eavesdroppers. He hesitated for a moment, taking in the quiet hum of the world around him before slipping into the small black Muggle car parked under the cover of a large oak. It was surprisingly fancy for how compact it was, with a sleek design that hinted at speed and luxury.As he settled into the plush passenger seat, he glanced over at the salesman beside him. The man had an air of confidence about him, his slicked-back hair gleaming under the soft overhead light. Without a word, he reached into his coat pocket and handed Remus a black mask, with intricate designs that seemed to shimmer even in the dim light.Remus hesitated, a knot tightening in his stomach. Everything inside him screamed to refuse, to toss the mask back at the salesman and walk away, but curiosity tugged at him. He felt an inexplicable pull towards the mask as if it held secrets meant only for him. Ignoring his instincts, he reluctantly slipped it over his face.The moment he did, the world around him began to change. The inside of the car started spinning wildly, the familiar surroundings warping and twisting until they became unrecognizable. Remus gripped the sides of the seat, his heart pounding, as a bizarre sense of vertigo overwhelmed him. His eyelids felt heavy as if a weight had been pressed down upon them, and he fought to keep them open, struggling against the encroaching darkness.In the chaos, he could make out the faint sound of laughter coming from the man in the driver’s seat. It was a low, sinister chuckle that echoed in his ears, filling him with dread. The driver seemed entirely unbothered by the spiralling descent; instead, he appeared to relish the experience, eyes glimmering with amusement as he turned to Remus with an unsettling grin.The landscape outside blurred into a whirlpool of colours, twisting and melding together until they no longer resembled anything real. As Remus felt his consciousness drifting away, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being drawn into something far beyond his understanding a journey where the rules of reality ceased to exist, and he was merely a pawn in a game controlled by the man beside him. And he had started to regret ever calling that dammed number on the card...