The larger wolf was so fast Severus hardly saw him move, leaping at Remus with teeth bared. Remus was faster, already turning as the sharpened fingernails scored his bare shoulder. A hand shot out to grab one of the outstretched arms and Remus yanked the other werewolf over his head and slammed him into the dust, dropping to one knee to pin him, hands about his attacker's throat. Remus' face was twisted in a snarl, his eyes golden as adrenaline raced through his blood.

Everyone froze, watching. Some of the younger females looked frightened, although for whom, Severus couldn't say.

The pinned werewolf glared up at Remus, his fingers digging into the dry soil.

There was silence for a moment. Then Remus spoke, his voice almost a bark. "Yield."

Another moment. The beaten man relaxed and showed his palms to Remus.

The crowd sighed. Remus' look calmed, and he stood, helping the other wolf up.

"I'm Beta here Ranulf. Not you."

Ranulf nodded. Remus smiled slightly, the wolf fading from his face. "Off with you."

Severus stared, somewhat stunned. Remus caught the look.

"Werewolf politics", he said with a wry grin and strolled off like all this was perfectly normal.