December 1, 1981

"You're not the only one grieving, Remus!" She yelled in frustration.

"But…" Remus started.

"But nothing, Remus! You have been wallowing in self-pity and grief for over a month now. Lily and James wouldn't want this for you." She replied, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind her ear.

"Well we won't know what they would want because they're no longer able to tell us!" He involuntarily growled as he looked at her, his eyes flashing amber.

"Really? We both knew Lily and James well enough to know this isn't what they would want." She crossed her arms and stared him down. "And don't growl at me, Remus Lupin!"

Remus widened his eyes at the mention that he'd growled at her and sighed as he sulked in his chair once more with a muttered 'Sorry'.

"Remus please? You're wasting away like this." She pleaded.

"What do you expect? The pack is gone! Lily and James are dead, Sirius betrayed them and is in jail and Peter's dead by Sirius' hand!" He retorted.

"There's still me. I understand the marauders were like brothers to you, but I figured that as your girlfriend and having been helping you with your furry little problem every month almost as long as they have would've counted for something! Not to mention little Harry is still out there, it's just a matter of finding where old Dumbledore has him hidden." She looked at him and threw her hands in frustration. "You know what? Fine. Be that way. I love you to death Remus, but I can no longer bear to watch you kick yourself over something that you had no control over."

"Wha...what are you saying?" Remus looked at her with fear and confusion in his eyes.

She waved her wand and collected all of her belongings. "I'm saying I'm leaving Remus. It pains me to do this, but you're leaving me no choice." She walked over to him and kissed him as hard as she could. "I'll always love you Remus. And when you're ready to start living again, come find me." She turned and headed for the door, her eyes already starting to water.

Remus sat in shock for a moment. "No, please! Serenity!" He stood and started after her.

"Goodbye….Moony." She sniffled and stepped out the door, closing it behind her.

"Serenity!" Remus called out.

The only response was the tell-tale crack of apparition, signaling her departure.

If Remus had believed the first full moon without the majority of his pack had been bad, the one two days after his final argument with Serenity had been so much worse as it was only the beginning of a punishment by his inner wolf for chasing his mate away.