Hey guys! I have returned with the Prisoner of Azkaban! I am so so sorry for not updating, I've been really busy, but I am back! I'm still kind of busy but at least I was able to squeeze this chapter out. I don't know when the next update will be but I am back in writing this fic! And cover your ears, I DO NOT OWN ANYONE BUT MY OC'S!
Nighttime had fallen upon the wide and open spaces in the State of Montana in February of 1980. One werewolf had already gone through another painful transformation as the moon showed itself. Fortunately, the werewolf was locked behind a large fence and had taken the Wolfsbane Potion. The wizard within the wolf's body insisted his friends lock him up, despite retaining his human mind that night.
Remus Lupin was visiting his friends, who at the time lived in Montana because some of the Wizarding War in Britain was starting to spread past it's borders and slip into the Eastern territories of the United States of America. At the time, Morgan was helping out with dealing with the spreading war, so Lupin evacuated the Crosswells, making sure they were safe in the countryside. Just to be sure that they were safe, he even stayed with them for a few weeks which coincided with the full moon and it was too dangerous for him to be in civilization with the rising paranoia of the war taking root in America.
So when he asked Michael and Sara Crosswell to make sure that their three year old son, Johnnie Crosswell to stay in the house at all times, they agreed, knowing that the Wolfsbane Potion was effective and he would need help during the full moon. At least they knew where everyone would be during those nightly hours. But of course, one cannot contain a child's wonder of the world.
Little Johnnie was in his room in the one story cottage playing with his action figures. His mopy hair brushed his cheeks and his brown eyes were creating fantasy for the entertainment of playtime. But suddenly, he saw a firefly dancing in his room. Being the curious little boy he was, he tried to reach for the firefly so he could make a friend. But the firefly was too fast for him and went out into the crack near the closed windows. He tried to open the windows but they were magically shut. Of course, being his mother's son, he never gave up. he snuck downstairs past Sara who was fixing dinner (his father was fixing a part of the roof that had gotten blasted off in an accident), and ran outside and found another firefly flying around. Little Johnnie ran for it and ran and ran until he heard a small whine that sounded almost canine. He turned around and peered in closer inside a large circular fence and saw a large wolf-like creature. The wolf didn't want to hurt the little boy but it crept up closer to him and moved his head in the direction of the cottage, in an attempt to tell the little boy to run back. Wolf-Remus braced itself for the child to run in fear when he realized what he was.
But he didn't move a muscle. Not out of shock but he was curious. "Mommy and Daddy said there would be a wolf out here. But you're not that scary."
Remus felt torn inside. He also felt the need to explain that he was not a very nice wolf and could possibly hurt him, even from inside a cage. Maybe it was because of the Wolfsbane Potion but Johnnie didn't seem to fear him at all.
Are you lost, Wolfie?" He asked. "Where's your pack? Are you lonely?"
He wanted to explain to this child that he did not have a pack like some other werewolves he had heard about. Although he would have been lying to himself if he didn't feel warmth pour inside him from the child's genuine concern.
"I'm sorry, Wolfie." Johnnie sat down. "If you want, I can be your new pack. We could be friends."
Remus gave a snort, which could have been confused for a laugh. He hadn't felt this way since the Marauders, when he could be himself around somebody who didn't care what he was. The only problem was, Johnnie had no idea of who he was. It apparently didn't matter, because Remus felt happy that a child showed compassion for a dangerous beast such as him.
But he needed to get him to his parents.
"JOHNATHAN!" A voice thundered across the field. Even Remus' enhanced hearing could hear that. So he stepped back and let loose a howl, the sound reverberating across the plains like a tsunami. He repeated his call a few more times before Micheal Crosswell scooped up his son in his arms.
"Johnnie!" Sara exclaimed, standing right next to her husband. Michael was a handsome wizard, with a slim build from Quidditch games at school. He had peach skin, dark hair just like Johnnie's and blue eyes. Sometimes Michael would put on the famous Crosswell devious smile. But tonight, he was not a happy camper.
"Johnathan Spencer Crosswell!" He almost yelled. "What were you thinking son? You could have lost your way! But I'm so glad you're safe!" He hugged him tightly and noticed Lupin staring at him. "You didn't...bite him did you?"
"Michael, it's ok." Sara stroked her husband's hair. "I mean, both Johnnie and Lupin are ok. That's all that matters"
"Wolfie's not that scary" said Little Johnnie pointing to Lupin. "He's a nice Wolfie, just lonely. Can I be friends with him?"
"Oh." Michael's features softened a bit. "Well Johnnie, Wolfie is just staying here for now before we release him back into the wild. But don't worry, I'm sure his friends will be happy to see him."
"Let me take Johnnie back, it's almost near his bedtime anyway." said Sara. "You stay with Lupin." She turned her attention back to her son. "Say bye bye to Wolfie."
"Bye Bye Wolfie!" The young boy eagerly parroted.
Lupin let out as what could only be described as a wolf snort of a chuckle. Even he had to admit, that Little Johnnie was one bright young man who seemed to be able to find the joy at a stressful time for him and relieve some of the pressure. He would have to leave in a few days but Lupin hoped it wouldn't be the last time he saw the boy.
It certainly was not, because many years later, Remus Lupin would defend the Crosswell boy, his cousin and their friends from a Dementor on the Hogwarts Express.