A/N: This was written for Gamma Orionis' Character Playlist Challenge on HPFC. I have the playlist for it linked in my profile. Have a good read!

Werewolves Don't Mix

The Hardest Part

Remus looked out of the window at the other children playing. He sighed, and sat back down on his bed. He would never be like them. Especially not now, when the full moon was so close. His eyes started to burn as he remembered his last day of primary school.

"Lyall! What do you think you're doing here?" A stout lady asked, blocking the entrance of a school. "You can't bring that in here!" She pointed at Remus as she said this, her nose wrinkling, as though it had just smelled something foul.

Remus exhaled slowly, trying to prevent the sobs that were building up. That was when he realized that he wasn't a normal child anymore. Werewolves don't mix with the rest of society. Werewolves are filthy, violent, evil creatures. Remus couldn't go to his school anymore, and he certainly couldn't go to Hogwarts.

And that brought Remus to today. It was his birthday, his eleventh birthday. But he knew no owl would be delivering a letter to him. He was too dangerous to go to Hogwarts, to be around other children.

When his parents came in to his room, cake in hand and grins plastered to their faces, Remus couldn't return the smile.

"Remus, today's the big day!" His mother said, looking at her son with pride. Remus felt ashamed of himself under her gaze.

"The day I don't get my letter?" His parents both gave him quizzical looks. He snorted, unsure why they still had hope. "I'm vermin. I'm not going to be let in to Hogwarts." His mother set the cake down on his dresser, and joined her son on the bed.

"Remus, honey you aren't vermin. Don't ever say that, or even think that." Remus bit his lip, but shrugged her off. He knew what he was, and what that meant. Werewolves didn't get to go to school, to get jobs and have families.

His parents insisted on throwing him a party, even though no one else would show. They gave him a present, and made him eat a slice of cake. It tasted like dirt in his mouth. The entire day was torture. His parents tried to stay positive throughout the day, but as time wore on they too became less sure of themselves. Of their son.

The letter still hadn't arrived by Remus' bed time, and he wasn't going to stay up waiting. He could hear his mother crying in the other room, but tried to block it out. He grew drowsy, and was on the verge of sleep when a sharp tap made him alert. He sat up, looking around his room. There, at the window was an owl, tapping it's beak on the window for entrance. Remus got out of bed, swallowing thickly. They must have sent a letter to tell him he had been rejected.

He opened the window, taking the letter from the owl, who promptly flew off. He looked down at the thick envelope, and turned it over to see the wax seal. He took a deep breath and opened it, letting the papers fall to the floor. He picked them up, and held his breath as he read.

To Remus Lupin.

I am pleased to introduce myself to you. I am Albus Dumbledore, the current Headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It has come to my attention that you have a uniqueness that requires thought when it comes to your education.

Remus' heart dropped. He tried not to feel disappointed, it was what he expected after all. He kept reading though, eager to see if the Headmaster knew of a different school.

I have taken the liberty of setting up a space for you during full moons. Your teachers have been informed that should you decide to attend, you will miss class every full moon. Please respond no later than July 31.

Regards,

Albus Dumbledore.

Remus almost tripped on his way out of his room. He ran straight into his parents room, eyes wide with excitement. His parents looked up, eyes rimmed red.

"Mum! Dad! I got my letter! Look!" He waved the papers to his parents, who looked so relieved that they might start crying again. His father hugged him while his mother read the Headmaster's letter. Remus had started crying, pressing his face into his fathers shirt. "I get to go."

Even while they celebrated, Remus still knew he'd be different. He probably wouldn't make any friends. Werewolves and children don't mix after all, but he was going to Hogwarts. That was already more than he had hoped for.