Disclaimer: I own nothing of J.K. Rowling's story, characters, plot, etc etc. I admire her, not steal from her.

Chapter One

The Beginning

I, Remus John Lupin, am a werewolf.

But you already know that.

You also know of my nickname that the Marauders gave to me; Moony.

You know why that is my nickname and how I got that nickname. But what you don't know is the full story behind the cause of that nickname.

How I came to be a werewolf.

So let me start at the very beginning, when I was first brought into the world of magic.

March 10, 1959

"Look at him. He's just as beautiful as his mum," Joseph Lupin commented, running his fingers through his sandy-colored hair.

"Well he has your amber eyes," Catherine Lupin replied.

"He does," Joseph smiled.

"He's such a beautiful boy."

"So I guess this means his name is Remus?" Joseph inquired. "That's what we decided on, unless your mind has changed."

"My mind hasn't changed one bit," Catherine answered, touching the soft ginger hairs of the infant lying gently in her arms.

"Then Remus John Lupin it is."

Six hours later, Joseph sat at his desk, trying to concentrate on his work, but was unsuccessful. He couldn't help but turn around every ten seconds to look at his handsome new baby boy. Every time he saw those delicate fingers wrap around Catherine's larger, slender finger, he smiled. He couldn't help but doing so because he was so overjoyed at his becoming a father. That night, as he gazed into the face of his first son, he made a promise to himself and to Remus.

He swore he would never let anything get in between himself and his son.

But then a thought came into his head and sorrow washed over him. He sat in his seat with a depressed look, contemplating this idea. Catherine noticed that Joseph was no longer jubilant and asked, "Honey? Are you okay?"

"It's just that…Catherine. A father is supposed to protect his son, right?"

"Well, I guess so—"

"—But how am I to protect Remus when I have no magic to protect him with?" he interrupted. Catherine stared at him perplexed. She instantly understood though, and pity filled her eyes. "Don't look at me like that, Cath. I'm serious. This world of magic we live in now is dangerous for a baby…and for a Muggle. Yes, you have magic, but what if you're not there when danger comes around the corner? And poor Remus is still too young to use magic or to even know of it? I am defenseless, and so is he."

He put his head in his hands and began mumbling to himself.

"Joe…" Catherine wanted to get up and put her arms around her husband but she was too feeble to even stand. "I love you. I love Remus. I want nothing more than to protect this family. I will find a way around this, I promise." Joseph sat completely still and silent. "We knew we would come across problems when we decided to marry each other. So this is a challenge. But it isn't one that can't be surmounted. You hear me?"

Joseph's face emerged from behind his massive hands, and he nodded solemnly. He then uttered, "I love you Catherine."

"I love you too Joe." They beamed at one another and Catherine said suddenly, "Oh Joe! Please, I know you love Remus, but you have to get that research paper done for tomorrow, isn't that when you have to turn it in?"

"Yes, yes. But it'll be fine, trust me."

"Well werewolves aren't that easy to research and write about," Catherine remarked.

"I already have all the research I need, I just need to write about them and—" he paused.

"What?" Catherine's eyebrows rose.

"Honey, I want to ask the Ministry for permission to study a real werewolf."

"NO!" Catherine said at once.

"But I've studied other creatures before, like dragons! Those are as dangerous, maybe even more dangerous then werewolves!" he argued.

"NO! I will NOT see my husband studying those wretched creatures! Dragons can be TAMED. Werewolves have minds of their own! Studying dragons and hippogriffs is one thing, but studying werewolves? Why would you even think of such a thing?"

"I have studied animals for more than seven years. I have studied magical creatures for little over two years now. I think I know how to handle—"

"HOW TO HANDLE? JOSEPH YOU HAVE NO IDEA!" Catherine's excitement had risen and she was now shouting at Joseph.

"I was planning on asking the werewolf permission," Joseph stated in a calm voice.

"PERMISSION? WHAT WEREWOLF WOULD GIVE PERMISSION TO HAVE ITSELF AS A RESEARCH OBJECT? ARE YOU BLOODY NUTS JOE?"

"Honey, I'll take extra precautions…I won't even get close to one…"

Catherine was hysteric and tears were flowing from her eyes. Her voice became suddenly soft. "Joseph, what if you get…bitten?" The word was barely audible. Screaming cries erupted from the small infant and Catherine attempted to soothe the baby. "We'll continue this conversation later," she noted bluntly.

Joseph turned around to face his nearly blank piece of parchment and grumbled at the amount of work he had left to do. Trying to calm Remus, Catherine sang him a lullaby.

"Ssh…the moon shines bright in the sky…to the sun I wave goodbye…the tall tree blows…in the cool night breeze…the moonlight glows…everything is at ease…"