Roles Reversed Collection

This is going to be a collection of drabbles and one-shots set in a universe where Remus is born a Black and Sirius is born a Lupin.

It was supposed to just be five chapters. Until I started listing things I wanted to write and... well, it'll be more than five.

Thanks to Lizzy for betaing

Assignment 1 - Charms - Write about someone wishing something or someone away

1000 prompts - St. Mungos

365 - Creature: Werewolf

Writing Club - Character Appreciation - Relationship: Mother

Writing Club - Book Club: Albert - (object) galleon (word) powerful (emotion) pride

Writing Club - Showtime - colour:indigo

Writing Club - Count Your Buttons - (object) goblet, (character) Rodolphus

Writing Club - A Year in Entertainment - (object) photo album

Stickers - Write about someone different

Bath Bomb - Night Fever - Set your story in the dead of night

The Last Appointment

Remus curled up on his bed, his photo album in his hands as he recovered from the latest transformation. He flicked through the pages, his eyes moving across the pictures. Sure they didn't look like the Potters, but his parents at least had some pride in their eyes when it came to him.

The majority of the pictures were from before he was bitten of course. Not that he could remember these days, but the evidence was there in the pictures. His parents loved him once. His father's hand rested proudly on Remus' shoulder and his hand was in his mother's, and Remus found himself lingering on that one page.

As he always did.

It was his favourite picture. He looked around four years old and they looked like a family. A strict one, but a real family. The pictures helped him during that time because it made him believe that if they had loved him once, they could do so again. All he had to do was get rid of this curse inside of his body.

Getting rid would gain his mother and father back. Getting rid meant he could be a family with them again - that he wouldn't be pushed aside and disowned if they had another child.

A tap at his door had him shutting the album and shoving it into the bedside table. He was always afraid his mother would burn the pictures if she saw them. He stood and walked over, pulling the door open.

"You have an appointment tonight," Walburga said. "Be dressed and ready at midnight." Remus glanced between her and Kreacher, who was standing next to her clutching Remus' dinner tray.

"Yes, Mother."

There was a curl to her lips on the word: 'mother' as thought it sickened her each time she heard it, but she merely turned and headed back down the stairs. Remus sighed, moving aside to let the house-elf in.

Kreacher didn't say a word to him and Remus didn't even try. The house-elf was polite for three reasons. First - he was still a Black, even if he was one to be shameful of. Two: when the house-elf had been nasty, Remus' father had gotten very angry, insisting that Kreacher was forgetting his place in the household. Third: Kreacher was forbidden to mention Remus' condition, hint at it or even acknowledge in any way that he was aware of it.

The reaction from his father had given him hope at the time, but it was clear that Orion did it because he was concerned that Kreacher would slip up and someone would find out Remus' condition. There was nothing more.

He sat down at his desk and reached for the goblet of pumpkin juice. The door clicked shut after Kreacher left and Remus enjoyed another meal alone.

Perhaps at this appointment, his Healer would have news about some sort of cure. Then he wouldn't be this thing for much longer.

Then he'd be like everyone else again. He wished more than anything that he wasn't a werewolf and that he was just a normal boy.

...oOo...

Remus' mother let go of his shoulder quickly and Remus hurried as she moved away from him towards St. Mungo's. She always rushed, fearful someone would see her. Remus knew it was because she would have to lie about why they were there and it was easier to just avoid people.

That's why they always came in the middle of the night.

Remus thought that arriving in the night looked more suspicious. If they came in the day, yes, they could be spotted more easily.. .but at the same time, there were crowds to blend into. More people around meant that they would be less likely to be noticed. The arrival could be passed off as a check-up or whatever people did there in the day.

Arriving at night just appeared more suspicious in his eyes.

"We are here to see Healer Levy," Walburga said.

The Receptionist flicked her wand, causing all of the scrolls to shuffle around. She glanced over the one that landed in front of her. "Yes. You can go straight up."

Walburga turned from the desk without even a thank you and began walking towards the lift. As soon as she reached it, the doors opened and Mrs. Lestrange and her son Rabastan stepped out.

Walburga stiffened. "Marissa," she said, fixing a smile on her face.

"Walburga. Whatever are you doing here at this time of night?"

"My darling son was messing about in the attic," she said quickly. "We have some old school books up there and he's so eager to get started on his Hogwarts education that he was searching them out. His own first year ones weren't challenging enough." She gave Remus a look full of pride and Remus nervously smiled back. He had done that the other day - so his mother had actually noticed?

"Unfortunately we didn't realise that a ghoul had recently taken up residence there and Remus got hurt. I can't take any chances with our heir."

"Of course," Marissa replied. "You know Rabastan has always had a few health concerns. His cough is back and I just wanted to make sure he was okay."

Walburga glanced at Rabastan and Remus followed her gaze, watching the older boy who looked pale and sickly. He had never seen Rabastan at any of his parent's parties but knew not to ask questions. Questions were rude.

"It's nice to meet you," he murmured instead, holding out his hand.

Rabastan took it, shaking it quickly before pulling his hand back. "You too."

"I hope your son feels better soon," Walburga said, her tone dripping with concern.

"Yes. I must rush, I must get him home again." Marissa smiled between the pair before walking away.

"Very good," Walburga said, as they stepped into the waiting lift. Remus couldn't help but smile. The pride had left her voice, but any words that he had done something right were valued.

...oOo...

Remus didn't like Healer Levy. Maybe it was because the man treated Remus like he wasn't worthy to even be in his office, or perhaps it was the series of medications that Remus had been given in hopes that it helped cure him. Or perhaps how he thought Remus was an evil creature. There was no end to the list.

"The check-up went well," the man said, scribbling something on his parchment. "As he will be a student, I'll be referring his care to Madam Pomfrey at Hogwarts."

"And you said at our last meeting you've heard about some studies?" Walburga pushed.

Remus stiffened. It had been a year since the last 'study' and he still felt sick at the memory of the last doses of medication that made it feel like he was burning from the inside out. The last study that had landed him in St. Mungos.

"And have tests been done correctly? My husband wasn't pleased last time and he wants to see everything on the study before we agree."

The man nodded, looking worried at the mention of Orion and Remus couldn't blame him. After all, Orion was a powerful man and could ruin this man's reputation without even trying. "I've got the information ready for him. There have been tests run on this and successful results."

"Will it make him human?" Walburga asked.

Healer Levy shook his head. "No. So far it allows the wolf to retain the human-like mind."

Remus glanced at his mother.

"So it's a waste of time?"

"It means that I'll be in control of my actions and less of a threat," Remus offered quietly. "It means that there is less chance of me being found out."

Walburga paused. "What do you require?"

"It's not anywhere near ready yet. A donation could speed things up," Levy said hopefully.

Walburga opened the large indigo purse she had brought with her, pulling out a small pouch and Levy opened it, pulling out a Galleon. "This makes a good start. Give me a few minutes and I'll have the information ready for your husband."

"Does it hurt?" Remus asked, only to find his questioned ignored.

For the millionth time, he wished he wasn't a werewolf. His life would be so much better if he was just like everyone else.

1,386 words