Chapter 2: A Letter and a Plan

POV: Remus

It has been five years since I was bitten and every full moon I locked myself in my bedroom, for everyone's safety. I no longer thought the full moon was pretty, it was now my worst nightmare.

I came back from school and saw on the kitchen table was a letter, addressed to me. Which was weird, people have stopped hanging around me, even if they didn't know precisely was wrong with me, they did know that something was wrong with me.

I picked up the letter, there was no return address. I flipped it over and saw there was a weird seal on it. It had a big 'H' the center and surrounded by a badger, a lion, an eagle, and a snake.

I opened the letter with shaking hands, I had a feeling I knew what this was. Written on thick parchment was the following letter.

"R. Lupin, you have been accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Enclosed is the stuff you will need, please send your reply by return owl.

Signed, Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall."

I looked up and saw an owl sitting on the kitchen stool. I wanted to go to Hogwarts more than anything, but with my…condition…I was afraid I would hurt my fellow students.

My dad handed me a quill, ink, and some parchment. I thought about how to reply, after deciding I dipped the quill in the ink and started to write.

"Deputy Headmistress McGonagall, although I would be delighted to attend Hogwarts, I am afraid I can not risk it. I am a werewolf and I would be putting a lot of people at stake if I attend. It is with deepest regret that I will have to decline.

Signed, Remus J. Lupin."

I rolled up the parchment and attached it to the owl's leg, it took this as a dismissal and flew out the open window.

I sighed, and went up to my room. I had to get ready for tonight. I hated full moons. I would have to do my homework for school and keep it out of my room so I won't destroy it when I transformed into a werewolf tonight. I also had to eat early. My eleventh birthday was tomorrow, then the day after that was the last day of school.

I finished my homework quickly and had a quick supper before the moon came out, I said a quick night to my mom and dad, but sadly, even though I knew they still loved me, I was shunned because of my condition.

When I reached my room I looked the door, and waited, for that was all I can do. I started rubbing the place where Greyback bit me five years ago, out of habit. I felt myself changing, growing more wolf like, and losing my train of thought. This always happened, I could never think or control what I was doing while I was werewolf.

The night was agony, and I came to the next day. My room was destroyed as normal. I was also covered with scars and bite marks, because if the wolf can't attack someone, it attacks itself. I made sure to cover the scars and I went down stairs and had a quick breakfast before heading off to school. I would have to be going to Muggle school for the rest of my life.

Very few people wished me a happy birthday, but this didn't bother me. I just wanted this day to get over, I was tired, because I can't sleep during a full moon.

When I reached home someone else was there. A man with graying auburn hair and beard that could fit in his belt. He wore half moon glasses, and he smiled when I walked in. He was talking with my dad like they knew each other.

"Hello Remus, I am Professor Dumbledore. Headmaster of Hogwarts." the man said.

"Hello," I said taking his outstretched hand and shaking it. My dad left to go into the kitchen where no doubt my mom was.

"Do you know why I am here?" Professor Dumbledore asked.

"I suppose you got my letter." I said.

"Indeed, have a seat Remus." Professor Dumbledore said indicating the armchair across from the sofa with just a coffee table separating the two.

I did as he told me and he sat down on the sofa directly across from me.

"I have to say, your case is most unusual." Professor Dumbledore started. "But I do have a solution."

"You do?" I asked.

"Yes, how much of the wizard world has your father told you?" Professor Dumbledore asked.

"A bit." I responded.

"Well there is a tree called the Whomping Willow. We can take precautions for your..." Professor Dumbledore started but couldn't seem to find the right word.

"Condition?" I provided.

"Sure, if we were able to use a tunnel, that connects the school grounds to an abandoned building in Hogsmeade. We shall put this Whomping Willow above the tunnel, just enough for you to crawl though, no one would be able to get to you, and you won't be able to get out until your…condition is up." Professor Dumbledore said.

"How will I get in before and out after?" I asked.

"There is a knot on the trunk, you will poke it with a stick, it stuns the tree just long enough to crawl in." Professor Dumbledore said.

"So, I am still being invited to Hogwarts?" I asked.

"Of course." Professor Dumbledore said. "Here is your train ticket. You leave from Kings Cross Station in London at eleven on September 1st. Platform 9 ¾. Hope to see you soon Remus." Professor Dumbledore said handing me a train ticket.

"Thank you sir." I said. He gave me one last smile, then he disappeared.

Now I had something to look forward to. I could go to Hogwarts with out being a danger to others. I might even make a friend or two.