"No doubt you all wonder why I have asked you here so many days before the new term. Regardless, I thank you for your prompt arrival and intend to enlighten you."

While many eyes rested on the speaking auburn haired and bearded man, others moved about his office. Recalling its fittings while Professor Dippet was Headmaster, the numerous silver gadgets and resplendent phoenix seemed out of place, to say the least.

Despite her colleagues' curiosity, Minerva McGonagall alone looked grim. She knew the reason behind the impromptu gathering and, unlike the rest, she felt a wave of trepidation. Dumbledore's earlier reassurances did little to mollify the sensation as she did not share his unbridled optimism.

Albus Dumbledore waited a moment for all eyes to return to him and a small smile quirked the edges of his mouth.

"It seems that many of you are interested in the recent addition of a Whomping Willow to the grounds—"

"Albus, that tree is an accident waiting to happen!" interjected a disgruntled Professor Sprout. "Poppy's going to have her hands full!"

"As I was saying, the planting of the Willow is not simply to lower the student population. Rather, it is a necessity in light of recent developments."

This statement gave way to a round of incredulous chatter, silenced only as Dumbledore raised his arms.

"This term, we will be accommodating a student with…special needs. One of our future pupils is afflicted with lycanthropy and the planti—"

A roar of disapproval drowned out the remainder of Dumbledore's speech. Moreover, a great many faces in the room expressed horror and outright anger.

"A werewolf?"

"What in the hell are you playing at, Albus?"

"Professor Dippet would never allow this! No one in their right mind would!"

Frowning, Dumbledore shouted over the outrage. "I realize this news is not welcome to some of you, but I will not deny an inquiring mind, simply because it is housed in an unfortunate body. Those of you who cannot work under such conditions, I am hopeful you will find sufficient work elsewhere. Those of you willing to look past this student's misfortune, or to set aside your negative feelings, I applaud you and assure you that you will not be disappointed.

"If, unfortunately, you cannot accept this, I implore you to gather your things so that your successors will have room for theirs."

As several professors subsequently left the room, Dumbledore's face became drawn and the twinkle in his eye diminished. After a brief pause, he continued.

"I thank those of you remaining and assure you that this boy is more than worthy to be your pupil."

Meekly, a hand made its way into the air. Attached to it was a petite woman with ginger hair, drawn back into a lengthy braid, and wide, blue eyes. Although young, Vale Gavotte was the current Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor and Head of Slytherin House.

"Headmaster, I don't recall Whomping Willows holding any particular sway over werewolves…"

Dumbledore gave a light laugh, relieving some of the tension in his lean frame. "My apologies, Vale. I'll explain the purpose of the Willow."

A distinct "humph" originated from the area where Professor Sprout stood. Madame Pomfrey shared her sentiments, judging from her tight lipped expression.

Raising his brows, Dumbledore gave the two a questioning look. At their silence, he continued.

"As all of you know, werewolves transform monthly with the rising of the full moon. To protect the students, as well as Remus, the Willow will act as a barrier, keeping him in and the others, out."

Seeing Gavotte's hand begin to rise, he hurried to finish.

"The Willow stands above a tunnel, leading to a well-guarded house in Hogsmeade where Remus will safely remain during his transformations. The only entrance to and from the house is through the tunnel and various measures have been taken to ensure such.

Another wave of chatter threatened to break over those gathered.

Raising his voice, Dumbledore continued. "I will give you all some time to digest this information. However, I trust that you will all be discreet as well as treat Remus Lupin like any other student. Anything less will not be tolerated."

With this farewell, the staff filed out, Hagrid grinning, leaving only Dumbledore and Professor Gavotte behind.

Hesitantly, Gavotte approached the Headmaster, her eyes shining with unanswered questions. Gaining his attention, she blurted out the first.

"Headmaster, what is this boy (Remus, did you say?) like? I've read all about werewolves and lycanthropy, but haven't ever met one. Are they just like all the books say or—"

She fell silent as he met her eyes.

"Vale, I guarantee you that the boy will be indistinguishable from every other male student you have."

"That's what they say makes them so dangero—"

"Remus would never willingly do harm to another person. I've met with him several times already and, although he is timid, he is far from aggressive. Rather, he is studious, dutiful, and very quiet."

"So he's…normal?" Gavotte prompted flatly.

"He is far from normal."

"How so, Headmaster?"

"Wait and see, Vale."

Frowning, Vale left his office, new questions replacing those already answered. Standing outside, Professor McGonagall watched her leave, bearing a thoughtful expression.

"Minerva, are you still skulking in the hallway?"

With a start, she reentered Dumbledore's office. "Albus—"

"That didn't go as well as I expected."

"I told you it wouldn't! You know how our kind feels about werewolves. I'm astonished that more of the staff didn't leave!"

"We might owe it to their curiosity…"

"This is not going to be easy." She murmured, placing her hand over his.

"I never expected it to be, Minerva. Of course, I didn't believe it would be this difficult either."

"I would also worry about Vale and Hagrid, Albus."

"And why is that?"

"Vale seems intent on studying the boy, not teaching him. Need I remind you, also, of Hagrid's attempt at raising werewolf cubs as a student? Between the two of them…"

"Nonsense! Both are just curious. After all, Remus falls under Vale's field of study and Hagrid's…interests."

"Do you think it wise to let them hound him?"

"Professor Gavotte will not go so far. Hagrid, meanwhile, could provide Remus with a much needed and understanding friend."

"Still…"

Dumbledore's expression grew grave. "Minerva, keep your thoughts to yourself for now. Sadly, I must find three or four professors to fill the gap my announcement has made."

Determined, she replied. "Good luck, Albus, but I am far from finished speaking with you on this matter."

"I am well aware."

Giving his hand a comforting squeeze, she then began out the door, yet paused halfway.

"Albus?"

Sighing, he returned his attention to her. "What is it?"

"I'm not certain if you've realized it yet, but the first day of term falls after the full moon."

"Thank you for bringing it to my attention, but the necessary steps have been taken. Remus will come a day early to avoid any…untoward circumstances. Unluckily, he will miss the Sorting and the Feast, but I will make certain he is assigned a house and fed."

"Will he attend classes?"

Dumbledore folded his hands and peered at her over the tops of his half moon spectacles. "It depends on how he is feeling."

"How will you explain his absence to the students?"

"Minerva, I will speak to you once I find my new professors."

Face stern, McGonagall marched out of his office, reluctantly leaving him to his search and vowing to return as soon as possible.