smallhobbit

“It’s Lucas.  It’s almost time for transformation and I’m worried what it’s going to be like this time.  He’s taken the death of the dissident he had under his protection really badly, even though there was nothing he could have done to prevent it.  And then yesterday, when Harry was having a go at him, he wasn’t answering back, like he normally does, and in the end Ros intervened and stood up for him.”

“I agree he’s found it very hard to cope with, but do you think it will affect the transformation?  He seems quite different as a werewolf, and I’m not just referring to his physical state.”

“That’s the point really.  Underneath, he’s always been the same whatever form he’s in.  His emotions are more obvious as a werewolf.  Yes, the lupine loves parties, but, at the same time he’s clearly the outsider, in that no-one can get close to him, so it’s almost as if he’s wearing his furry skin as protection for the vulnerable individual inside.”

“Why don’t you take him away for a couple of days?  Lucas is never obliged to come in when he’s in that state, and I’m sure Ros will authorise the leave.”

“But will Harry approve it?”

Malcolm grinned.  “Oh, I think he can be persuaded.”

***

That afternoon, Ros walked across the Grid and stood between Adam and Lucas’ desks.  “Here you are, one signed leave authorisation for the pair of you.”

“How did you manage to achieve that?” Adam asked.

“Told Harry that as we were going to be extremely busy – his reasoning for not approving the leave initially – the werewolf would have to be in his office to prevent distractions for the rest of us.  He agreed immediately.”