Title: Remus and the Marauders

Rating: T (for future chapters, though currently for safety)

Summary: Remus Lupin didn't expect to fit in, so when he finds himself friends with the marauders he begins to enjoy life, despite his "furry little problem". Though developing a crush on Sirius wasn't intentional, or intelligent. Will he cope? Eventual RL/SB.

Warnings: Future Remus/Sirius content.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything, alas.

Upon arrival to Kings Cross Station, eleven year old Remus Lupin failed to prevent himself from letting out a small squeak of excitement. He hurriedly glanced at his watch, strapped firmly around his left wrist, and interpreted the assortment of dials.

The watch was impossible to read unless one knew how and Remus had prized himself in solving the function of each dial, unassisted, however, one dial still puzzled him.

A small gold dial located in the top-left corner was the only source of the time, and after a quick scan, Remus confirmed it was 10:55.

"Hurry Remus," his mother snapped, her face was red and she was gasping for breath as she hurried across the crowded station, dodging muggles, who were bustling along unaware of their surroundings.

"Now remember, be on your best behaviour, you're only going because of special conditions, so don't cause Professor Dumbledore to regret his decision," his father said gravely. "And make sure no one finds out about your condition. And Professor Dumbledore will explain everything to you tomorrow about your you-know-what."

As he said the last few words, Remus' father glanced suspiciously around at the muggles passing by them, as if expecting them to know of his son's condition from his vague words.

"Oh, and have fun and try your hardest to make some friends, I'm sure you'll be fine!"

Remus didn't reply. He was afraid of making friends as he knew he shouldn't expose them in any way to his condition. If any students found out, he would have to leave Hogwarts: many parents wouldn't be pleased that their children were exposed to a werewolf while at school.

The wall between Platforms 9 and 10 loomed between ahead of the small family, and with one final glance to make sure no muggles were watching, Remus' father pushed the trolley and ran at the wall. Remus knew he was going to slip through it but flinched all the same, half-expecting to hear a bone-shattering crunch. But when he opened his eyes, his father was gone.

His mother slipped her soft hand into his and gave it a quick squeeze, "Ready?" she mouthed. Remus nodded, this was the moment he'd been awaiting ever since he had received the letter. As soon as he was on the platform he could prove to himself that he was really going to Hogwarts, that it wasn't all a horrible trick or dream.

The pair ran as fast as they could at the wall, Remus making sure to keep his eyes open, not wanting to miss his first glimpse of the mysterious platform.

Bright colours swam ahead of him, making Remus feel a little dizzy but they quickly emerged. Platform 9 ¾ was crowded with both wizards and muggles; distinguishable by their clothing differences. Children were hugging their parents and calling out frantic goodbyes - many were crying; knowing they wouldn't see their families until Christmas at the earliest.

However, Hogwarts was an exciting experience, filled with wonder and magic, students couldn't resist the charm of the ancient castle. The proud hooting of owls from within their cages caused Remus to long for a pet of his own; a friend within the castle - though he knew that caring for an animal when having his condition was not advisable: animals were often sensitive and suspicious around half-breed such as himself.

Remus' mother said something, pulling Remus from his thoughts. "Sorry, what was that Mum?" he asked.

"Have you got your ticket?" In reply, Remus waved the ticket, clutched tightly in his thin, bony hand.

"Money for the trolley?" He took a small bag from within his pocket and shook it lightly, producing a quiet clinking sound.

"Wand? Robes? Quills?" Remus nodded thrice before his mother pulled him into a hug. "Enjoy yourself dear, it'll be wonderful. And don't put yourself down; you deserve to be there as much as any other student."

Seeing his doubtful look, she quickly added, "It only happens one night a month, and there's been many precautions taken; don't worry, you'll be fine."

Remus squeezed her hand quickly and whispered a hurried, "I love you." before trotting over to his dad, who had loaded his trunk onto the train already.

"Bye son, enjoy yourself and we'll see you soon." He pulled his young son into a quick hug before taking a step back, joining his wife.

Remus clambered onto the train, but instead of hurrying along to find a compartment, he attempted to hang around the door, not wanting to lose sight of his parents. However, he was soon ushered along by a prefect who wanted to keep the flow of students moving rhythmically. Remus stooped down and caught hold of his trunk handle, dragging it along the corridor behind him.

Stopping to slide open the door of an empty compartment, Remus quietly slid his trunk in then closed the door behind him. He flopped down on the soft seat and proceeded to prop open a book on his knee, occasionally glancing out the window at his parents.

At first, his father looked slightly disappointed that he was sitting alone, but after a gentle nudge from his mother - which Remus was not certain he was not supposed to see - he too smiled and waved.

Suddenly, a whistle blew - the shrill noise hurt Remus' ears due to his sensitive hearing and the train began to pull away from the platform. Remus waved to his parents; they didn't notice however, as his mother had begun to cry and his father was calming her gently.

Soon, the train was out of the station and into the countryside; however students were still bustling up and down the corridors, hunting for compartments. No one had entered Remus' compartment, which had left him conflicted - he wanted to make friends and be able to enter the castle with the company of others, however he knew that he shouldn't put people at risk by befriending them. He sighed before delving back into his book, determined to distract himself.

I'd love if you left a review to let me know your thoughts, whether you liked it or not.

I realise it's pretty dull and probably pretty poor too, but hopefully it'll improve.

Thank you if you took the time to read this anyway!

Much love.