Valerius glanced with disgust at the agitated werewolves, then looked at his former colleagues on the ground.
He straightened his tattered collar, instinctively drew himself upright, and offered his assessment in a condescending tone.
"A barbaric revel. They take pleasure in it. We noble vampires would never stoop to something so devoid of aesthetic-"
His voice cut off abruptly.
A pair of deep green eyes was watching him calmly.
Valerius's heart clenched.
Skynet.
He remembered now. According to the stories, the vampires Skynet hunted had all been scum who ran rampant in Muggle society.
He gave a dry laugh and hurriedly changed tack, trying to explain.
"Of course, Mr. Holmes, every community... always has some... less respectable scum. I joined the Red Moon Brotherhood for a greater... grander purpose..."
"Of course, I'm even more grateful now to be able to follow you."
Douglas ignored his feeble excuses.
He turned to Marco and spoke as calmly as though assigning the most ordinary household chore.
"Put them all in coffins."
"Bury them in the valley and erect a gravestone."
He paused, the corners of his mouth curling into a cold smile.
"Carve this on it: Here lie the Totem Werewolves of the Red Moon Brotherhood, who took pride in hunting Muggles and their own kind. Sign it: Courtesy of the Hogwarts Defense Against Dark Magic class."
"Oh, right. Add one more thing."
"Further notice: Professor Holmes's improved Werewolf Curses Suppressant can quell moonlit frenzy while preserving humanity and reason. Long-term use can eliminate the lycanthropic curse within the body. Those seeking a way to survive may come here in good faith and seek out Marco of Ashen Claw."
Marco and Lupin both froze.
They looked at Douglas as though seeing this man for the first time.
Using their enemies' gravestone as the