Chapter 74 – Fifth Year - Pain

Remus struggles with his newfound feelings for Sirius while discovering that Sirius has been severely tortured by his mother using the cutting curse Lacero. After James alerts him to Sirius's condition, Remus helps treat his friend's wounds with murtlap essence, nearly losing control when Sirius begins undressing to apply the medicine. Later, Remus confronts Regulus and Barty Crouch terrorizing a first-year, learning that Regulus witnessed his mother's abuse of Sirius but felt powerless to intervene. The chapter reveals the escalating abuse within the Black family and Remus's internal battle between his growing attraction and his loyalty to friendship.