Remus stared out the window. The full moon was hanging high in the sky. The big, beautiful moon. Remus hopped off his stool and skipped to the door, reaching his small little hand to the doorknob.

He stood on the porch, breathing in the sweet autumn air. He stepped down onto the grassy lawn and looked around. He could see fireflies twinkling in the inky darkness. There was something moving though, out in the shadows, barely visible in the gloom.

Remus stumbled back to the house as the creature barreled out of the darkness, leaping onto his chest, shoving him down. He let out a blood chilling scream, his head hitting the ground. There was a flash of bright light, and Remus saw his father run onto the lawn, heard him shouting.

"Stupefy!" his father roared, anger and fear flashing across his face. "Petrificus totalus! " Nothing worked. The beast bared his fangs and loped away into the woods.

From the ground, a soft moan sounded. Remus clutched his arm to his chest, and his father saw deep bite marks on his son's wrist, cheek, and chest. The small child writhed helplessly on the earthen floor.

"Papa," he moaned. "Papa, it hurts! Papa!"

"I know, son," Mr. Lupin whispered. "I know."

He carried the boy into the house and lay him on the bed. Later, alone in the dark, Remus heard the hushed voices of his parents.

"… Greyback… you- you're sure of this?"

"Yes my dear. I saw him go. It was Greyback."

"But my son! He is only four!"

"Alice, I know. Tomorrow we will take him to St. Mungo's. He will be taken care of."

"Ben, what about school?"

"He won't go to school…"

Remus shrank back into the soft mattress as his father entered the room. They're going to kill me, he thought. His father reached out to pick him up.

"We're taking you to St. Mungo's. They can help you."

"Daddy? Am I going to die? Mummy? Am I dying?" Remus asked, his sweet voice choked with pain.

"No, honey," his mother whispered. "You're just…" She was lost for words. "Things are just going to be… Different now. Changed."

"How mummy?" Remus's heart began to beat faster, although he couldn't possibly anticipate her next words, being only four.

"You won't be able to go to school…" His mother sucked in a large breath, and let it out again, her pale face reflecting how Remus felt. "You're a werewolf, Remus."

Now, seven years later, the same boy sat staring out at the sunny lawn. His lip quivered as he fixed his glistening eyes on the horizon. Happy birthday, Remus, he thought glumly. A lone tear rolled down his cheek, splashing onto the collar of his shirt. The words his mother had spoken seven years ago still remained in his head. You're a werewolf, Remus.

His control broke and he began to cry, lowering his head to his arms. He sobbed uncontrollably. He was eleven years old, and he would never be going to Hogwarts.

Just then his parents burst in, identical expressions on their faces. Pride.

hadn't smiled that way since the time he had come home from St. Mungo's. Remus leaped to his feet.

"What is it?" he cried.

His father said nothing, only reaching inside of his wizard robes to draw out a thick envelope. Remus gasped. Was it… could it be? His father handed it to him. Remus flipped it over, reading the careful lettering.

Remus John Lupin

Gracedon house

Sent from Professor Albus Dumbledoor

Remus opened the letter with trembling fingers, trying hard to keep the contents intact.

Dear Remus Lupin,

We have accepted you into Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry. We are aware of your condition, as we have heard that you prefer to call it, and we have taken it into great consideration. We would like to tell you that if anything happens you will be held responsible.

Albus Dumbledore