A/N: Hey, because I'm feeling super happy today, I decided to post this early. I want to thank SiriuslyLoopyDora for being my first reviewer EVER! Her (or is it his?) stories are really good and I'd recommend reading them. I just realized how happy reviews make me. When I was reading I was like, why are people so giddy about reviews, and now I totally understand!
This chapter is longer than the first, and will probably be the average length chapter for this story.
Disclaimer: Sorry, I'm not JK Rowling, so I'm probably not giving autographs. This is for entertainment purposes only.
Chapter 2: Never Fear, A Letter is Here!
Eleven-year-old James Potter whizzed around on his broomstick, feeling the breeze against his face.
"Hey James, get down here! Game's about to start!" Carl yelled at his son, trying to get him to come down.
James did a flip in the air before coming down to greet his dad, in which he jumped off his broomstick.
Carl chuckled, "That's enough showing off, Jamesie."
James gave a sheepish smile as he stepped close to his dad. Carl always reckoned that James was one of the best Quidditch players he had ever seen, and since he often played with twelve of his colleagues, they would fall short a chaser, which Carl figured James could play.
The seekers stood near the box of the Quidditch balls, shook hands, released the bludgers and then the snitch before throwing the Quaffle up into the air. Colin, who was pursued by a bludger Ludo had hit towards him, passed the Quaffle towards Everard as the seekers mounted their brooms. Carl intercepted the Quaffle and raced towards the goal posts carefully guarded by Victor and passed the Quaffle to Ernie, who continued Carl's journey. Theodore hit a bludger hard towards Ernie who dropped the Quaffle as he dodged the bludger. James raced for the Quaffle and caught it and threw the Quaffle towards the hoop before anyone but Ludo reacted. Ludo hit a bludger towards Victor who dodged the bludger but missed the Quaffle as it flew threw the middle hoop. James cheered and started to do a victory lap before Carl told James to stay in the game.
The game continued and both teams stayed neck and neck until the snitch was spotted. Ludo and Theodore attempted to hit the other team's seekers, but were soon forced to start protecting the seekers while Magorian and Jugson faced the rest of the players. Thomas and Tiberius dived for the snitch until Thomas leaped from his broom to catch the snitch and landed on his feet. Tiberius laughed at the stunt before dismounting his broom while Ludo and James started to do a lap around the Quidditch pitch chanting, "WE WIN, WE WIN! WE KNEW WE'D WIN, WE WIN! WE WIN!"
Pammy walked out of the house into the backyard, not at all surprised to see the scene that the fourteen men played a part in.
"ALRIGHT! THAT'S ENOUGH PEOPLE!" she yelled and everyone stopped what they were doing and dismounted their brooms. "Thank you. Dinner is ready and I think I'm safe to assume I'm not the only one who's hungry!"
There was a loud cheer as everyone stormed into the Potter mansion. Carl rested his arm on James' shoulder, who laughed and beamed at the victory.
"Nicely played, James," Carl said.
"It was so much fun! We have to do it again!"
"Of course."
"When I go to Hogwarts, I'm going to be on the house team."
"I think that's a great idea. But you have to wait for your second year of schooling. First Years aren't allowed brooms."
"But, but," James said, astonished. "What am I going to do for a year if I'm not allowed to fly?"
"There are plenty of things. Like homework, study, do homework, eat, study, sleep, wake up, learn…you'll never have a dull moment!"
James and Carl laughed as they sat down at an extravagant wooden table with a massive crystal chandelier. All fifteen people sat down and started to say grace. They opened their eyes and the soup started to bubble and the exploded on everyone except for James, who was laughing hysterically.
"JAMES CLEMATIS POTTER!" Pammy screamed. "GET YOUR BOTTOM OVER HERE NOW!"
"Yes mum," James said, putting on an innocent straight face.
"Why did you do it?"
"Do what? It wasn't me."
The men all chuckled at James' answer.
"He's going to be a prankster at Hogwarts, mark my words Carl," Ernie said.
"Not much unlike yourself, with that dreaded cloak of yours," Tiberius hastened to add, chortling.
"Shut up all of you!" Pammy exclaimed. "You'll only encourage him."
"Honestly mum, if you think you can change eleven years worth of habit, I think we ought to ship you off to St. Mungos."
The guests started to laugh harder at this, but Pammy and Carl were not amused.
"Go to your room, James, now."
"Yes mum."
James walked up the steps, pursing his lips as to not let out a laugh.
"Nice one, James!" Ludo said, grinning madly.
James chuckled as he heard Pammy yell, "LUDO BAGMAN!"
James looked over at all of his stuff. He'd already packed everything he needed for Hogwarts but was missing one thing, his letter. Once he'd receive his letter, his parents would then take him to Diagon Ally. Of course, this was taking a little while. It wasn't that James had doubts about being accepted into Hogwarts, he was well aware of the talents he possessed, but he would appreciate it if Hogwarts would hurry up with the task.
The next morning James woke up, realizing only then that he had fallen asleep. He made his way down the stairs and sat down at the table, putting his feet up. Carl and Pammy made their way to the dining room bringing in breakfast.
"Good morning!" James yelled out ecstatically.
Carl and Pammy didn't look amused by James antics.
"Feet off the table," Pammy said.
James quickly got his feet off the table and rested his elbows upon the table instead.
"James," Carl said warningly.
Groaning, James got his elbows off the table and sat politely. They all started to eat in silence.
"Dad, when do you think I'm going to get my Hogwarts letter?" James asked.
"It'll come when it's ready. You know Dumbledore, he –" Carl said.
"No, I don't know Dumbledore," James said, with a hint of a smile on his face.
"Well no, we don't know Dumbledore as a headmaster either, Dippet was headmaster during our time, but it is rumoured that he likes to do everything in riddles."
"Why? Why must he make everything so hard?" James whined, not in the mood for a hearing riddles.
"It'll come when it comes," Pammy said sternly. "Do not try and rush the moment."
James groaned and continued to eat. Suddenly, he heard a screech from an owl. He hastily got up from his chair despite his parent's protests and stared out the window. It was a brown barn owl carrying a yellowish looking envelope.
"Mum, dad, I think it's my Hogwarts letter," James said, startled as the owl continued to make its way towards the house.
Carl and Pammy got up immediately, all manners forgotten. James opened the window and the owl flew over their heads and started to circle the dining room. James laughed; this owl was amazing. The owl lowered itself to just over James' hands, dropped the letter, grabbed the bag of owl treats and flew out the window. James couldn't help but laugh even harder at the owl's behavior.
Pammy stared at where the owl treats had been, "How disrespectful."
This did not seem to cure James' laughter, and Carl was unable to hold his in any longer as well. Pammy started to chuckle before sitting back down in the chair she had been in. A couple of minutes later Carl and James made their way back to the table and James opened the letter.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: ALBUS DUMBLEDORE
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
"Clearly doesn't mind showing off, this man," James said, smirking.
"James," Pammy said in a disapproving tone.
Dear Mr Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1. We await your owl no later than July 31.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
"So I'm going right?" James asked as his eyes darted over the letter.
Carl chuckled, "Straight to business, you are."
James looked at both of his parents expectantly.
"Yes, you're going to Hogwarts," Pammy said with a sigh.
"Awesome! Let's write a reply and go to Diagon Ally!" James said, practically bouncing up and down in excitement.
Carl and Pammy couldn't help but chuckle at James' excitement. They were in no mood to shoot him down.
Sirius Black up and out of bed by six am, getting himself looking presentable. He mumbled and muttered grumpily as he washed his face. He put on a set of robes before making his way out of the bathroom. He sat down on his bed and looked around at the only interesting room of the house, his bedroom. He had pictures of muggle women in muggle bikinis lined across his bedroom walls.
"Siri?" an innocent sounding boy said as he entered the room.
"Yeah Reg?" Sirius said, smiling at the boy. "How are you this fine morning?"
"Fine. A little bored and lonely, but all in all fine."
"That's cool. What else would you expect in this house though?"
"You're right. You know, you'll be going to Hogwarts soon. I'm going to miss you."
"Yeah, but we'll see each other on breaks. And then in two years you'll be going too. But yeah, I'll miss you too."
Regulus made his way onto Sirius' bed. "You lined your walls with more posters. I'm surprised Mother hasn't found any of this yet."
"I'd best keep it that way. Although I'd love to see the look on Mother's face. Anything I can do to annoy them," Sirius said.
"Oh, do you have to go to Hogwarts?"
"Reggie! I haven't even got my letter yet and you're already worrying?"
Regulus laughed and made his way onto Sirius' lap. "But it'll be coming soon. I was thinking about it ever since you turned eleven."
"So basically, just last night?" Sirius asked with a smile.
"Yeah."
"Don't worry," Sirius said. "Or you're going to make me depressed too. Although speaking of Hogwarts letters, I should be getting mine soon unless Dumbledore won't want me going to Hogwarts."
Regulus clutched Sirius tighter.
"Although Bella and Cissy made their way there, and they're the worst of the lot!"
"Stop it Siri, don't say that."
"Sorry."
The two brothers sat in silence for a bit until Sirius broke the silence.
"C'mon Reg. I'm hungry. Let's go get breakfast."
Regulus smiled and they made their way through the hall. It was awfully eerie. The walls were black and lined with house-elf heads. It had a cold, dark overtone to it. The stairs creaked as the two walked downstairs. They made their way into the kitchen, where Walburga Black was.
Walburga didn't exactly give off a friendly, outgoing personality, and when she smiled at Sirius, it gave the impression that she had committed a terrible crime. She was already sitting at the table with Kreacher serving food and Orion sitting next to Walburga. Both had cold smiles plastered onto their faces and it unsettled Sirius quite a bit.
Sirius sat down across from his parents and next to Regulus. Regulus truly made it his first priority to get along with everyone, but he always put his Orion and Walburga's beliefs first. Orion and Walburga were talking among themselves, quite loudly, but both Sirius and Regulus knew it was wise not to speak. They were children to speak only when spoken to, and not to share their own opinions. They were merely objects.
"I was at the ministry the other day," Orion said. "They've hired another Mudblood."
"Oh, not so great news then. Mudbloods, they'll start to take over our world soon if we're not careful."
"We ought to make them our servants or something."
"I wouldn't stand for that sort of that filth entering my house."
"I agree. It is only families like ours that are capable of making decisions for our society."
"I hear the Potters have finally left that group of high standing families. Classified as blood-traitors. Have you any idea why?"
"Yes. When they were questioned on their views of Mudbloods, they claimed to stand for them, quoting them: 'We should all be equals'. Such filthy views in my opinion."
"I agree," Walburga said as she turned to face Sirius and Regulus. "What do you think?"
"I agree," Regulus said promptly while Sirius began to rapidly nod his head.
"Ah and Sirius, the heir of the noble family of Black, your Hogwarts letter should be coming today," Orion said. "They mentioned that at the Ministry."
Sirius nodded but felt his stomach sink at the ruined surprise. At the same time his heart leapt at the fact he wouldn't have to be staying in this cold, dark house any longer.
"Which of course means you'll have to receive a talking to," Walburga said.
"Fire away," Sirius said, tonelessly.
"Slytherin is the only noble house left at Hogwarts. You are to be in there," Walburga said.
"It's not a choice. A hat decides," Sirius said before clasping his hand over his mouth, realizing his mistake.
"Ah, but you must display all Slytherin traits to the hat," Orion said.
"You will make the Black family proud, maybe become Slytherin Head Boy."
"Yes, Mother."
"Be with Bella and Cissy, but I ask you to avoid Andy at all costs," Walburga said.
"Andromeda is a disgrace to the Blacks and Slytherin," Orion said. "Bella and Cissy are noble, and will help you make friends."
"I do not doubt you in anyway, Sirius. You shall be an excellent and noble addition to Hogwarts," Walburga said.
"Do not join anything where Mudbloods may be involved. You are to top your class and work hard. You are not to talk to anyone lesser than you."
"Yes Father, yes Mother," Sirius said, no sort of emotion able to be viewed on his face.
Orion searched Sirius' face for any sort of disagreement before saying, "Okay. You are dismissed. You too, Regulus."
Regulus jumped up at the opportunity to get away from the table while Sirius tried to catch up. They made their way back into Sirius' room, where an owl was waiting outside his window. Regulus looked at Sirius who gave a warm grin to Regulus before Regulus ran to the window to let the owl in with the yellowish envelope. It dropped the letter on Sirius' and flew out as quickly as it could.
"I don't think it like my room very much," Sirius said as Regulus handed him the letter.
Regulus laughed, a real laugh, not the kind he did in front of Walburga and Orion.
"Well, open it!"
Sirius laughed as he gently opened the letter and scanned it.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: ALBUS DUMBLEDORE
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Mr Black,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1. We await your owl no later than July 31.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
"Ooh," Regulus said, still staring at the letter. "The Headmaster is Albus Dumbledore."
"Yeah, a Mudblood lover. I doubt Mother and Father would be too pleased," Sirius said.
"No, no they wouldn't," Regulus said, and they chuckled again.
"Reg?"
"Yeah?"
"What if I'm not in Slytherin?" Sirius asked, with genuine concern etched upon his face.
"Erm," Regulus paused, thinking of what he should say. "Mother and Father would more than likely disown you."
"I know that. But you?"
Regulus dreaded that question. "We might drift apart a bit."
Sirius' shoulders dropped, "That's what I thought."
"But I think that you will be in Slytherin."
"If I weren't, would you follow my footsteps?"
Regulus stood up from the bed, starting to feel highly uncomfortable. "Why are you asking this to me?"
"Answer the question."
"Mother and Father are very powerful," Regulus said.
"Yeah."
"But I'd still love you, Siri. You're my brother," Regulus added, trying to cheer Sirius up. "What do you need to get from Diagon Ally?"
Sirius shrugged his shoulders, "There's another paper. You read it. I'll look over your shoulder this time."
Regulus beamed as he took out the sheet of paper.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One pointed hat (black) for day wear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupils' clothes should carry nametags
COURSE BOOKS:
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginners' Guide to Tranfiguration by Emitic Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
OTHER EQUIPMENT:
Wand
Cauldron (pewter, standard size 2) set
Glass or crystal phials
Telescope set
Brass scales
Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad
(Here Regulus read the next line and smirked)
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICK
"WHAT?" Sirius exclaimed, astonished. "Now what am I supposed to do at Hogwarts?!"
Ten-year-old Remus was in his living room reading Hogwarts: A History for the ninth time. He tried to imagine what it would be like to visit there, to live there, and to learn there. But it would be a stage in life he'd just have to miss, another sacrifice due to his lycanthropy. His eleventh birthday was approaching, but the excitement other witches and wizards were feeling, he would not feel. He couldn't help but feel his heart sinking as he continued to read Hogwarts: A History. He slammed the book shut, and Lyall jumped at the sound.
"Remy, what's up?" He asked, concerned.
"Daddy, how many times to I have to tell you? Don't call me that."
"You shouldn't be feeling irritable, the full moon was two weeks –"
"DON'T TALK TO ME ABOUT THAT!" Remus screamed. "I hate it! It's messed up my life!"
"Rem –"
"I want to go to Hogwarts, Daddy! But I can't! I want to earn money! I can't! I don't want you spending money on some useless cure! I want to be a normal wizard!"
Lyall stared in shock at Remus, a tear falling down his cheek. Those words: Werewolves are soulless, evil creatures, deserving nothing but death were back to haunt him once more.
"I'm so sorry Remus," Lyall said, no longer making eye contact with Remus.
"No, I'm sorry Daddy," Remus said, trying to calm himself down. "I'm overreacting. I shouldn't have yelled at you. It's not your fault. It's the moon. It makes people make mistakes."
"Do not pity the werewolf that bit you Remus."
"Sorry Daddy. But why?"
Lyall slumped down onto the couch and put his face in his hands.
"Because it's my fault," Lyall said, determinedly staring down at the floor.
Remus had never seen his dad like this. He sat closer to his Lyall and started to soothingly rub Lyall's back with his hand.
"Don't say that," Remus said. "If you feel sad or it hurts to tell me, you don't have to."
Lyall shook his head, annoyed with the politeness Remus was showing him. "You deserve to know. You've probably heard of Fenrir Greyback at some point or the other, haven't you?"
Remus slowly nodded his head, a bit worried on where this was going. "He positions himself to try and attack children so he can create an army. You told me that before."
"Yes," Lyall said, his voice starting to tremble. "We got in an argument after I caught him. I kept my cool, but I could only do it for so long. Eventually I cracked. I said, in a loud, booming voice: 'Werewolves are soulless, evil creatures, deserving nothing but death'. He stared at me, and…and…"
Remus took his hand off Lyall's back, "He bit me."
Lyall could no longer control the tears streaming down his face, "I'm sorry. You don't have to forgive me, but I'm sorry."
Lyall wiped his eyes and looked at Remus, almost desperately but Remus didn't look back. He was trying to let the information soak in, but this was not what Remus had expected. He hadn't done anything wrong; it was his dad's entire fault! He was ready to start yelling at his dad, but bit his tongue. He had to forgive his father or risk abandonment.
"It's okay Daddy," Remus said, starting to look up at his father. "It's not your fault. Anybody would have cracked."
Lyall nodded but then looked away from Remus once more. Remus leapt into Lyall's lap and started to embrace him tightly, and Lyall started to hug back. Lyall couldn't help but feel a large weight lifted off of his back, the guilt lessening drastically. They broke apart but Remus stayed on Lyall's lap.
"I'm sorry you won't be going to Hogwarts. How about tomorrow I take you to Diagon Ally to buy you a wand and some spell books and I teach you at home?" Lyall said.
"But, Daddy, that's breaking the law!"
"So? It won't be broken because you'll be doing it near me. They'll assume it's me doing the magic."
Remus' face lit up, "I would love to, Daddy."
Lyall smiled lifted up Remus onto his shoulders. Remus started to laugh, touching everything he could with his newfound height.
Hope prepared a small meal and set it upon the table, smiling when she saw Remus.
"So you told him?" She asked Lyall.
"I did," Lyall said. "And he forgave me!"
Remus laughed harder at the excitement his dad had shown. Lyall sat Remus down at the table. Remus waited until both his parents got food before he took his own small piece of toast. He ate it, and sat watching Hope and Lyall eat.
"Remus," Hope said. "You have to eat more that just one piece of toast. How else would you get big and strong?"
Remus smirked, "Sure, a normal human being must. But I'll always be strong and no matter what I eat, I'll stay small so why bother? Besides, there's some chocolate in my room I have to save room for…"
Hope stared at Remus in disbelief that he managed to sneak up a supply of chocolate while Lyall started to laugh. During this time, there was a small knock on the door.
"I'll get it," Remus said. "You keep eating."
Remus bolted to the door and opened it, seeing a very old man with blue twinkling eyes and a long silver beard.
"Albus Dumbledore?" he whispered in awe. "What are you doing here?"
"To see you, of course."
"Of course? Of course? You say that as if it's obvious! It's not that obvious. You could have been here to see my parents," Remus said, pausing. "Your eyes actually twinkle! I thought it was a myth!"
Dumbledore chuckled, a small tinge of red starting to cover his cheeks. Hope and Lyall came to the room after hearing Remus' voice.
"Who is it, Remus?" Lyall asked as he walked in before freezing in his tracks. "Professor Dumbledore?"
"Ah, Mr Lupin, how are you doing?"
Hope stared in shock and left the room to go and try to prepare refreshments.
"I'm fine," Lyall said, still staring at Dumbledore as if he had sprouted another head.
"I'm here to talk to your son. Remus Lupin, isn't it?"
Remus face palmed. Trust him to forget to introduce himself.
"Yes sir."
"How old are you Mr Lupin?"
Remus looked towards Lyall, who didn't look as if he was planning on answering. In fact, Dumbledore was carefully scanning Remus.
"Me?"
"Yes, you Mr Lupin."
"Oh, erm, ten, but I'll be eleven really, really soon. August 31st."
"And do you know what is special about turning eleven?" Dumbledore asked, his blue eyes continuing to twinkle.
Lyall inhaled sharply, realizing where this was going. Remus understood too, but didn't want to get his hopes too high.
"Hogwarts," Remus said, staring down at the floor. "For a normal person anyway. Not for me."
"I don't see why not," Dumbledore said kindly.
Remus looked towards his father, who finally spoke up. "You are aware of what Remus is, correct?"
"Oh, I know all about Remus Lupin's lycanthropy. I don't see why he shouldn't be able to go."
Remus couldn't contain himself any longer, "WHAT IS THIS SICK JOKE? WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO RAISE MY HOPES TO CRASH THEM DOWN ONCE MORE? YOU DON'T SEE WHY I CAN'T GO TO HOGWARTS? YEAH RIGHT! I'M A WEREWOLF, ARE YOU BLIND? I'LL HURT EVERY STUDENT THERE! NO PARENT'LL SEND THEIR KID TO SCHOOL WITH ME THERE! PEOPLE WILL SUSPECT! WHY MUST YOU TRY TO JOKE ABOUT THIS?"
Lyall had stepped back from his son as he watched Remus' eyes flash. Dumbledore didn't seem to notice.
"If we take the necessary precautions," Dumbledore said calmly. "I don't see why you shouldn't be able to go to Hogwarts. It's just a small illness –"
"IT'S WHO I AM! NOT AN ILLNESS! IT'S NEVER GOING TO GO AWAY!"
"Remus," Lyall said sternly. "Do not insult Professor Dumbledore. Hear him out."
"HE'S MAKING FUN OF ME!"
"Remus," Lyall said warningly.
Remus looked down and whispered, although breathing heavily, "I'm sorry, sir. Carry on."
Dumbledore gave a sad smile in Remus' direction, "Thank you. But I think, with necessary precautions you should be okay. No one will find out. All you have to do is keep it a secret. Almost like a small game."
"Do you believe it will be safe, Professor?" Lyall asked. "I would not want Remus to hurt anybody, and I'm sure neither will he."
"We'll send him to a room to transform, it will be safe."
Remus started to stomp, causing both adults to glance at him. "It's too dangerous!"
Lyall looked at Remus straight in the eyes, "Just try. If anything remotely bad happens, we'll take you back. At least try."
"Fine! But I refuse to go to the Ministry and be tried because of this!"
Dumbledore smiled, "I daresay you'll be wanting your letter then. It is tradition after all."
Remus looked up at Dumbledore and stared at him before grabbing the letter.
Before Dumbledore apparated he said, "I WILL be seeing you on September first then."
Remus leaned against the wall and started to smile as he took out his letter. Lyall was confused.
"I thought you didn't want to go?"
"Oh I want to go," Remus said matter-of-factly. "I just wanted to make sure this wasn't a prank. And I wanted to make sure this was safe."
Lyall smiled, "You can handle this challenge. I believe in you."
Remus and Lyall embraced once more and Hope watched from the kitchen, a tear rolling down her face.
A/N: Sorry that there was no Peter in this chapter; I haven't quite decided what I want his home life to be like...If you're a Peter fan, you have my sincerest apologies. If you have an idea for Peter, I would love to hear it! Also, would you prefer if I posted the chapters on a timely basis or based on the number of reviews? Because I really want reviews so I can hear your opinions, but I'm not sure if bribing would make me a good person...Anyway, review please!