I own only Mrs. Hurgle. Everyone else is JKR's.

It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, a rare day off for Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. It was the spring of 1981, and the two friends were walking through the gate of the Tonks' garden. Sirius' cousin Dora was turning eight today, and Sirius had come as a surprise, dragging his old friend along for the ride.

"Dora's going to be so excited to see me Moony, I've always been her favorite! Her parents are my only relatives who can stand me, except old Uncle Alphard that is. But Dora's great. She's gonna be just like me when she gets to Hogwarts, I can tell. Did I tell you she's a metamorphagus? Can change herself into anything!"

Remus grinned at his friend's pride. It was the first time he had truly seen him excited about anything since Harry's birth, nearly a year earlier. He looked around at the garden, which was decorated with bright colors. He drank in the image, enjoying the rare sight of innocence that lay before him, totally ignorant of the danger and destruction that lurked in the outside world.

"Sirius?!"

A small girl was running towards them, the biggest grin plastered to her face. Upon reaching her cousin she reached out her arms. Sirius picked up the girl and spun her around twice before placing her gently on the ground, chuckling as he ruffled her magenta hair.

"Surprise Dora! Happy Birthday!"

"Whose this Sirius?"

Dora had spotted Remus standing behind Sirius. Realizing she was speaking about him, he smild and waved at the girl, who promptly smiled back.

"This is my old friend Remus. But you can call him Moony."

"Hello Mr. Moony!"

In a display of mock formality, Remus stuck out his hand to greet the child, who, delighted at being treated as an adult, eagerly grabbed his outstretched hand and shook it furiously. Remus chuckled in return.

The little girl giggled and grabbed Sirius' hand, dragging him towards the small gathering that was lounging in chairs around a table. A cake in the shape of a flower with bright color changing petals sat in the center of the table. Sirius and Remus sat down in two chairs, Sirius pulling Dora onto his lap.

"Sirius, I can't believe you're here! Mummy told me you were away on business all week and wouldn't be able to come!"

"How could I ever miss my favorite cousin's eighth birthday? What kind of person would I be?"

"Thanks Sirius! I'm so happy you're here. This party would be so boring without you!"

At this Remus had turned to introduce himself to Ted and Andromeda, Dora's parents. He stuck out his hand to shake Ted's.

"Hi, I'm Remus Lupin, I hope I'm not imposing"

"Ted Tonks, thank you for coming. Not many people were able to make it out here today, what with the current state of the world, so the more the merrier!"

Remus smiled grimly at being reminded of the darkness that even now loomed over the horizon. He thought back to Lily and James and Harry, safe in their house. James was just itching to get out, he didn't enjoy being cooped up and kept out of the action. But he would have to, until they figured out what to do with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

"Did you say Remus Lupin? As in, Remus Lupin the werewolf?"

He turned to see a small old witch hobbling towards him, a scowl on her face. It was old Mrs. Hurgle, the neighbor. She was very old fashioned and very stubborn.

"How dare you come here and endanger this child. Have you no shame? Get out of here you evil thing"

Remus' face fell. He looked at Sirius, whose face showed visible signs of anger. He had taken Dora off his lap and stood up, glaring at the old witch.

"What does Remus' being a werewolf have to do with anything?"

"He's a danger to society. His kind should be rounded up and outcasted. There's no place for such monsters in our world, or anyworld to be frank."

"How could you say that? He has done nothing to you, nothing to anyone! It is not his fault of what he is! It doesn't mean he's not a good person. He's a damn great person, I'll have you know. I've known him since I was at school and he's been one of the best friends I've ever had!"

"His kind are tricky Sirius, you can never be too careful."

Remus looked around him. He couldn't tell if Mr. and Mrs. Tonks were appalled to learn what he really was. The rest of the party goers looked uneasy, he wasn't sure if it was because of what he was, or the murderous look on Sirius' face. Sirius had always been quick to defend him, even when they were young. He understood what it was to be a sort of outcast, he himself had been outcasted from his family at age sixteen. But Sirius was known for acting rashly in such situations and Remusm didn't want to cause a scene. He knew it wouldn't be long until Sirius lost his temper and did something he would regret later. He had to get out of there quickly before he ruined this small girls birthday.

"I'm sorry. Ted, Andromeda, my regards. Sirius, I'll see you later. Dora, happy birthday."

He began the short walk to the garden gate, until he felt a tug at his robes. He turned to see Dora standing behind him, her eyes wide.

"I don't want you to leave Mr. Moony. I don't care what you are. You're Sirius' friend, so you're mine as well."

Remus smiled sadly at her. He crouched down so he was at the same height as her.

"Dora, most people don't want me around. I'd never do anything to hurt anyone, especially not friends. But most people can't look past what I am to see who I am. Sirius is one of the few. That's why we've been best friends since we were eleven years old. But if people don't want me around, then I'll leave. Its okay, go back and enjoy your party."

"But Mr. Moony! Its no fair that people don't like you because you're different! I'm different too! People shouldn't be mean to you!"

"Dora, there's certain things you just can't change about people, no matter how hard you try. Trust me, I've been trying for years."

"Then what can be done Mr. Moony? How will things ever change?"

"That's for you to decide Dora. In ten or so years, you're generation will be running the show. You are different Dora, you have an amazing gift, and its not just your metamorphagus abilities. You can make a difference, you just have to believe you can."

With that Remus stood up. He wished the girl a happy birthday, and walked out of the gate. He turned and disappeared. Dora was still standing where he had let her, pondering his words.

"One day Mr. Moony, I will make a difference."

R&R? I think so