Here's a very short but emotional story for you to read. It kind gives some perspective on Lupin's character and his struggle with being a werewolf. (WARNING: This story might be sad.)

PAIN. Again. Remus cried out as he dropped to his knees, shaking. "Remus!" From a distance the young boy heard his mother's voice, but he couldn't see her, for he had squeezed his eyes shut. Faintly, Remus had the impression that his mother was trying to comfort him in vain.

So much pain! Make it STOP! Remus begged silently. Just make it end! Every one of his bones was grinding audibly, enlongating, accompanied by his screams of torment.

The next thing he knew, Remus was lying unclothed in a muddy place. Vaguely he wondered where he was as he sat up shakily. He tried to stand but couldn't quite support his weight. Dropping to his knees, he vomited on the soggy ground.

He shivered and looked around. The Swamp stretched around him in every direction, but he didn't remember how he had gotten there. Or why he was naked. Or how much time had passed.

Luckily, Remus had navigated the Swamp several times before with his friends and knew exactly where he was. When he was less shaken up, he stood and started on his way back home.

"Remus!" called his mother as he entered the house. She ran up to him, sobbing. "Oh, Remus, Remus..."

Remus blinked, tears springing into his eyes as well. On the left side of his mother's face were several parallel red lines running across her cheek. Somehow, he knew that those were his fault.

"Sorry," Remus said softly, touching his mother's scarred cheek.

"Don't be, sweetie," his mother implored. "Don't be sorry. You weren't... yourself." Tears streamed steadily down her face.

"What's wrong with me?" Remus asked. This had happened three times since he'd been bitten by the scary creature/man. Every time, he had avoided that question. But apparently, it was going to be a regular occurance. He had to know what was going on.

Remus was not the only one who wanted to avoid that question. "Come on, let's clean you up."

His mother led Remus into the bathroom, sniffling as she drew a bath. She helped him wash up, wiping off the mud, and then dried him off. She cleaned and dressed some relatively new wounds. Then Remus put on some warm, clean clothes and sat on his mother's lap. Together they cried silently.

"I'm going to find some help for you, Remus," his mother vowed. "We're going to make this right... somehow."

Remus said nothing.

The next day, mother and son were in Diagon Alley, trying every shop that might carry something to help Remus. It was in a humble potion shop that they heard of the potion that could help Remus retain his memories and such in a transformed state. Not that the old lady at the desk knew that Remus would be the user.

The lady didn't have any of the potion handy, but she sold them a recipe.

When the two left that store, they left with more than a simple recipe. They left with hope.

Aw, poor Remus! I almost cried writing this. It's just so sad! I didn't mean for it to be so depressing, I swear. That's why I tacked on the last sentence, there. ;) Anyway, please review!