THUMP, THUMP, THUMP, THUMP, THUMP.
A young boy's thumps were being heard all over the very small, very shabby, two story cabin.
The boy was in his room, lying down on his bed, reading a book.
It was a very small room, with barely enough room to fit a twin-size bed, let alone the desk which was located in the opposite corner.
The last piece of furniture the small room could take was a tall bookcase crammed, and overflowing with nothing but books.
In fact, the best way you could easily describe the small room was that it was "crammed with books."
There were books on the desk, a few books on the floor, and even one or two on the window sill.
None of the books were new though, all looked shabby.
Well cared for, but shabby non-the-less.
The particular one the boy was reading was a slightly newer book with a bloody-red cover and a picture of a wolf cowering under an angry mob.
The book was labeled…
Werewolf Prejudice, They're Side of the Story
The boy seemed quite fascinated in the book, and was oblivious to all else around him.
This would incidentally explain as to why he paid so little heed to the fact that it was he thumping his feet against the wall in a somewhat rhythmic motion.
"Hey" cried a voice from down the hall.
"Cut that out, Nerd"
"Morning to you too Romulus," the boy cried back across the hall.
He stopped kicking the wall and sat up on his bed.
The boy was short and scrawny for his age of eleven-years-old, with sandy blond hair and bright Amber eyes filled with great intelligence.
Though there was something else in his amber orbs, a sad, hollow look that made him seem older.
The bags under his eyes and pale skin made him look weary.
The boy's name was Remus Lupin.
It was bitter Irony that this is the name he was given, for Remus wasn't normal.
He was a wizard, yes, but even he was unusual by wizarding standards.
In fact, many wizards feared what he was, expressing their fears by labeling him a dark creature and hating him for what he was.
Remus Lupin was a werewolf.
But in some cases, Remus couldn't blame them.
He was dangerous, a dark creature, but that was just one night out of the month.
The other 29 or 30 he was perfectly human, though no one he met that knew who he was seemed to notice this.
He had no friends, all those who new who he was feared him and shunned him.
If they didn't know, he couldn't exactly form a tight friendship with them without them finding out.
However, this wasn't new to Remus; he had lived with the curse all his life, ever since he was five.
Flash-Back
It had been on a cool summer's evening in august.
Remus had just turned five in June, and would've been starting school in a few weeks, but fate had other plans.
Young Remus was in bed on the night of the full moon, until he realized that he had forgotten his favorite stuffed animal, a stuffed teddy bear, in the yard.
Deciding to go get the bear himself, Remus, not bothering to wake his parents, put on his slippers and walked outside to find his bear.
He paused a moment to look at the full moon it was so beautiful to him, for this was before he learned to hate it.
He walked around for a few minutes, and then he saw it, his bear, lying at the edge of the yard.
That was odd; his parents never let him play that close to the woods, but he ignored this fact and walked towards his bear.
Little did he see the trap he was falling into, for he was just five?
When he reached his bear, Remus immediately bent down to pick it up.
But before he could, he heard a light rustling in the woods right near him.
Remus looked around, still in a bended position, waited a few minutes, and slowly picked up his bear.
Straightening up, he brushed off some dirt on his bear and made to turn around and head back to bed, but what he saw made his stop dead in his tracks.
When he looked at the woods and through the trees, Remus came face-to-face with a pair of large, menacing, amber, eyes.
Remus stood still, he was paralyzed with fear.
But the low, frightening growl the thing made seemed to jolt his legs back into working.
He ran as fast as he could towards the house, not bothering to look back, for he heard whatever it was behind him and catching up.
Remus was almost to the house, when he tripped and fell to the ground in a heap.
Then he heard it, heard it's breath as it loomed over him, he slowly turned around and finally saw what it was.
It looked like a great gray dog, with a long snout and pointed ears.
It was snarling, its blood thirsty, amber eyes were gleaming with malice.
It was poised ready to attack.
And without warning, it did.
Remus felt a pain like he'd never felt before as the beast bit down hard on his leg.
The five-year-old screamed in pain, loud enough to wake his parents.
He was just conscious long enough to see his father drive the beast away and his mother weeping over him, and then he blacked out.
Waking up in St. Mungo's hospital the next day was like a living nightmare.
Remus had awoke to his mothers dry sobs, and when she realized he son was awake she cried harder.
When he had finally calmed his mother down she had then told him that the creature that had bitten him was a werewolf, and now he in turn was one also.
Remus didn't know what to do, didn't know what to say.
He felt tainted and dirty even in a bleached hospital room.
All the healers seemed cautious of him, some were nice, but many were rude, many didn't speak at all.
This was the first taste of prejudice for Remus and he hated it.
But what hurt most for Remus, was the proposal the healers gave his parents.
He had been in his hospital bed thinking, when he heard the healer assigned to take care of him talking to his parents.
"As you both know," began the healer to his parents.
"There is no known cure for lanthropy yet."
"We've been told" said the gruff voice of Remus's father.
"Well there is another option," continued the healer.
"It is up to you if we do it or not though."
"What" came the choked voice of Remus's mother.
"Well there is really no hope of your son leading a normal life with his new condition."
The healer took a deep breath and continued.
"I think, and many would agree with me, that the best option is to put him down."
Remus stood there listening his eyes wide.
What did they mean "put him down?"
Would they kill him?
"We could do it painlessly" continued the healer quickly, "it would be better this way-"
The healer was cut off by Remus's mother before he could say anything else.
"Now see here," said his mother coldly.
"YOU WILL NOT KILL MY SON!"
Remus felt a surge or happiness, his mother still loved him.
But his joy lasted only a few seconds, it was trampled when he heard his father speak next.
"Meredith lets think about this."
"THINK ABOUT WHAT," said his mother hysterically.
"HE'S JUST A BOY, AND HE'S MY SON!"
"YOUR SON!"
It was silent for a minute then Remus's father spoke in a cold hollow tone that Remus had never heard him use before.
"THAT," he began, and Remus knew he was pointing to the door, to him.
"IS. NOT. MY. SON!"
The words stung Remus's heart worst than any insult the rude healers had said to him.
Worst, even, than the bite on his leg, now heavily bandaged.
"KILL IT," continued his father.
"ONE LESS WEREWOLF IN THE WORLD TO WORRY ABOUT!"
Remus couldn't handle this.
I'm going to die he thought.
I'm going to be killed
"NO!"
A voice in the hall interrupted Remus's thoughts of distress; the voice belonged to his mother.
"HE WILL NOT BE KILLED" shouted his mother at the top of her voice.
"I WON'T LET YOU!"
"FINE" shouted his father even louder.
"YOU TAKE CARE OF HIM THEN, BUT MARK MY WORKS WOMEN, YOU'LL REGRET IT!"
Remus then heard his father stomp away and leave St. Mungo's and his life for good.
Remus was taken out of the hospital the day after his parent's argument to begin his new life as a werewolf.
The first thing his mother did was move his cousin Romulus and him to a small shabby two-story old-fashioned house in the woods, were they still lived now.
Remus and his cousin Romulus's relationship had taken a definite plummet when he found out Remus was a werewolf and his adoptive father wasn't coming home.
Romulus and Remus were the same age, and when Romulus's mother died giving birth to him, he went to his aunt uncle and cousin who named him and took him in as their own.
In fact Romulus and Remus looked so much alike; many did mistake them for brothers.
They both had sandy blond hair, bottle-green eyes, and were both the same height.
However, when Remus became a werewolf, things had changed.
His sandy blond hair now had a bit of gray in it, he now had heightened senses, and could now easily out run Romulus in a race, and his once green eyes were now bright amber.
Remus hated his eyes the most out of his new appearance; they were the same color as n his attacker's eyes.
They would always remind him of what he was.
But Remus and Romulus's differences didn't stop at appearance alone.
Remus had become more reserved and quiet.
He'd also learned how to read by reading many of his mother's books, both wizard and muggle.
Pretty soon reading was Remus's new outlet; he loved reading about other people and their adventures.
It was also humorous to see the efforts muggles made to comprehend magic in muggle fantasies.
Romulus blamed Remus for making their father leave, and in some cases Romulus was right.
Remus had always blamed himself for making his father leave, no matter how much his mother said otherwise.
Remus's mother got a job as a healer at St. Mungo's; usually using the knowledge she got from work to heal the injuries Remus got when he transformed.
She also would home school Remus, reluctant to let him near other children just incase someone found out his secret.
They started a new life, Remus's mother even changed the families sir-name, to her maiden name, Lupin.
Remus transformed once a month in an underground wine cellar that came with their house.
The Lupins settled in to their new life and routine quickly, no one ever bothered them.
End Flash-Back
Remus, his hunger catching up to him, finally put down his book and got up.
He stretched and rubbed his eyes for a moment, then left his tiny room and headed down the hall, down the stairs and into the Lupin's small, but pleasant kitchen.
There he found Romulus was already at the table, eating his breakfast of sausage and eggs, while his aunt, also Remus's mother, cleaning out the pots and pans she had used to make Romulus's meal.
"Morning mum" said Remus brightly before giving her a peck on the cheek and sitting down near Romulus at the table.
"Morning dear" said Remus's mother as she bustled around the kitchen and started making herself coffee.
"Yeah, morning nerd" said Romulus slyly to Remus.
"How long did it take you to pull your face out of one of those dumb books" he asked his cousin with a smirk.
"Must have been heart breaking for you" he added, his voice dripping with sarcasm
Remus, who was pouring himself cereal, sighed and continued making his breakfast, pretending he hadn't heard his cousin at all.
He was used to this by now, Romulus had hated him since they were five, when he was old enough to fully realize what Remus was and because of his condition, he had made his father, and Romulus's adoptive father leave.
Remus supposed Romulus would always hate him and call him names, what was the point of getting mad?
He was perfectly content on letting these insults go and just ignore his cousin's behavior.
Unfortunately his mother had heard his cousin perfectly well.
"ROMULUS DAVID LUPIN, YOU ARE NOT TO SPEAK TO REMUS LIKE THAT" she shrieked scolding him.
"Oh yeah" muttered Romulus quietly.
"Suppose it's because he's too delicate."
Remus's mother had not heard this statement and, assuming that Romulus had learn his lesson,-
NOT thought Remus.
-when back to pouring herself coffee.
Though Remus's werewolf enhanced hearing had heard this comment, and it had stung, just like all his cousins insults did.
But he always ignored them; he would not let Romulus have the pleasure of seeing him hurt.
Finally realizing that his breakfast was getting soggy, Remus started eating his cereal hungrily.
Suddenly, in a flash of black, white, and orange, he found a furry lump sitting on his lap, staring up at him with big green eyes.
It was Belle his calico cat.
Since the Lupin family wasn't exactly what you'd call a rich family, they really couldn't afford to buy a cat.
But Remus had come across Belle on the morning after the full moon, well actually she'd found him.
The stray kitten had come through the window during the night and survived, to Remus this was a miracle in itself.
But what really surprised Remus, is that it stayed with him.
Animals didn't usually like Remus; as soon as they smelled what he was they would turn tail and Run, literally.
But Belle didn't seem to care; she seemed to like Remus no matter what he was.
And when Remus woke up that morning to find a kitten lying next to him he was equally touched as he was surprised.
That had been 1½ years ago, and Belle was still with him, and still begging him for his food, then taking it when he wasn't looking. That cat was smarter then she led on, he suspected she was half kneazle.
The kitchen was silent for a few minutes, all that could be heard was the sounds of Romulus finishing his breakfast, Remus still eating his, Belle begging for his, and the
occasional rustling of paper made by their mother, who was reading that day's edition of 'The Daily Prophet' while sipping her coffee.
Romulus finally broke the silence, first checking to see that his adoptive mother was completely absorbed in her reading, then turning to Remus he whispered snidely…
"I'm surprised to see you so pleasant this morning; or have you forgotten what day it is?"
It was true, Remus had forgotten what today was, and now that he remembered he felt a large weight drop in his stomach.
Today was the day Hogwarts acceptance letters would be sent out.
Remus suddenly stopped chewing and pushed his bowl of cereal away, somehow, he didn't feel very hungry at the moment.
Ever since he was three he had heard stories of Hogwarts, the magical school where his parents had gone.
His mother always used to tell him about her days at school and Remus had always fantasized about going, but that all ended in august, when he was bitten.
By now Remus had given up all hope of going to Hogwarts, the headmaster would have to be mad if he accepted a werewolf into the school.
He had accepted that the closest way he would ever get to Hogwarts was by reading, 'Hogwarts, a History'one of his favorite books.
But still, it would be hard to see Romulus get his letter and got to Hogwarts, no doubt that Romulus would probably try to make it harder.
Suddenly Remus's thoughts were interrupted by Romulus shouts of, "Here it comes, the Hogwarts letter!"
Remus looked out the window where Romulus was pointing and saw one speck in the sky coming closer and closer.
Indeed it was an owl carrying what appeared to be a letter.
Remus's mother had also gotten up from the table and stood behind him, placing a comforting hand on her son
She knew how hard it was for him and always tried her best to make him feel better, he was very grateful for her.
He turned around and squeezed his mother's hand gently to tell her it was okay.
She seemed to the hint then went over to congratulate Romulus.
Remus then turned back to the window to watch the owl.
It was pretty close now and coming closer, it looked like a barn owl.
And then he saw it.
What he saw made his eyes go wide and a million thoughts whizzed through his head at once.
It isn't possible, I must be seeing things.
But what if it is?
No, it can't be.
But it was.
The owl was carrying not one, but two Hogwarts letters.
At first Remus just stood there, mouth open in shock, and then sense kicked in.
It's probably not for me he thought.
It's probably for mum or something.
And then the owl landed holding its leg out so they could take the letters.
But no one did.
The room was silent.
Romulus was the first to speak.
"Wait, that owls got two letters."
His cousin strode across the room and then took both letters.
"B-but that's n-n-not possible" his cousin said.
"This letter can't be for…"
Romulus's voice trailed off as he looked at the back of one of the letters.
The room fell silent yet again.
Remus then hesitantly walked over to Romulus and took the letter he was holding with shaky hands.
It was addressed to him
Mr. Remus J. Lupin,
Bedroom down the hall,
House in the woods,
Broad Oak, Hertfordshire
Remus's heart leapt in his throat as he stared at the words written in Emerald-green ink.
Could this be it, could this be his letter.
He secretly hoped it was.
But he couldn't get his hopes up; he wouldn't get his hopes up.
It's probably just to tell me that I can't come he thought to himself.
that I'm not allowed to go.
With a still shaky hand the pealed off the wax seal on the envelope and pulled out the letter tucked inside.
His eyes widened as he scanned the letter in disbelieve.
Dear Mr. Lupin,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry…
When his eyes reached the end of the letter, Remus was so confused and excited that he almost missed the second piece of parchment with the letter.
He picked it up and started reading it with interest.
Dear Mr. Lupin
Please let me be the first to congratulate you in your admittance to Hogwarts.
You must be the first of your kind to go to such a prestigious school …
Remus's mouth opened in shock as he read this.
So they did know he was a werewolf, but then, why were they letting him attend?
He was dangerous, was the headmaster mad.
And yes, all the staff, myself included, know of your "condition" shall we call it.
Furthermore, I have made preparations on where we will accommodate you on nights where you would be a bit more hazardous.
But besides these nights you will be treated like a normal student.
I would like to talk on this subject more with your mother if you can tell her to meet me in my office as soon as possible.
And don't worry about needing directions, she knows were to go.
Again congratulations on being accepted,
I'm looking forward to seeing you and your fellow classmates on september1st.
Sincerely,
Headmaster Albus Dumbledore
Remus felt as if he were in a daze when he handed his mother the letters.
As she read them, Romulus reading over her shoulder, her eyes, and Romulus's, widened in shock, and in Romulus's case, disbelieve.
As soon as she finished Dumbledore's letter, Remus's mother put it down and headed straight for he fireplace.
"Romulus, Remus, I'm going to see the headmaster, be good while I'm gone"
After she said this she took a pinch of Floo Powder from their measly stash in the bowl on the mantle and stepped into the fireplace.
She threw the powder into the fire and shouted…
"Hogwarts, headmaster's office,"
And in a whoosh of green flames, she was gone.
Romulus and Remus just stood there, trying to take in everything that had happened.
Romulus recovered first with the usual sneer on his face.
"It's probably a joke" he scoffed.
"Mark my words, werewolf" he continued snidely to Remus.
"There's no way they would let a filthy monster-"
His cousin said this with as much disgust and distain as his voice could muster.
"- Into Hogwarts!"
As he finished his sentence he walked up the stairs and into his room, leaving Remus to wait for his mothers return.
He sat down on the couch and started waiting, and as he did his mind started drifting.
Remus was really unsurprised at Romulus's insults at him; to be honest, he was expecting something a little harsher.
His cousin always seemed to have below-the-belt insults at hand when ever his mother left them alone and today was no different.
He got off the couch and started walking through the kitchen, and slowly, but surely his walking turned to pacing.
where could she be he thought, his nerves were straining to stay calm.
Remus paced a few more times before he spotted his addition of 'Hogwarts, a History'
Lying on the table.
Thankful for the distraction, he quickly snatched up the book, sat down, and started reading.
He'd only read a few sentences however, when his nerves started pestering him again and the doubts he had so far successfully oppressed sprung back into his mind.
What if Romulus is right and it is a joke.
What if this Dumbledore bloke was having a laugh or something.
Well if he is, he's got a really sick sense of humor.
Great thought Remus, I'm talking to myself.
He seemed like a sincere fellow in his letter.
Well, anyone can seem sincere in writing.
You sure about that?
He'll probably just have a change of heart at the last second.
No he won't.
Will.
Won't.
Will.
Won't
WILL!
WON'T
Great now I'marguing to myself.
Yep!
I must be crazy.
Did you just call me crazy?
Sorry self though Remus Wryly.
These and other doubts whizzed around in Remus's brain as he still tried to focus on the words he was reading.
Finally he gave up his efforts of reading, and started pacing again.
He had only paced around the room a few times however, before his mother burst from the fireplace covered in ash but smiling brightly.
Remus started towards her, about to ask her what happened, but she seemed to read his mind and spoke before he could.
"The headmaster says we'll have to follow certain precautions on full moons, but besides that, there's no other setback."
This took a moment to register in his mind, but after a few seconds he finally managed to ask.
"S-so does t-t-that m-mean I can g-go?"
His mother was silent for a minute, in which time Remus was sure she was going to say no, before bursting out a joyous shriek of...
"YES, REMUS YOU'RE GOING TO HOGWARTS."
And with that she practically threw herself on her son.
Normally Remus would have told his mother to get a grip on herself, but at that moment he couldn't felt happier in his life.
For once it didn't matter that he was a werewolf.
He would be going to school like a normal kid, and have all the fun and adventure his parents had at school, and maybe more.
Because he, Remus Lupin, was going to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!
And he couldn't wait to see the look on Romulus's face when he found out.