Disclaimer: for the last time, (literally), I don't own any of Rowling's work! I only play with her characters.

When Emilia Lupin opened her eyes she was in a different place. The smells were completely different: like potions and cleanliness. She was in a bed with simple white sheets and a metal frame. There was no doubt she was in the hospital wing.

The bright light from the windows blinded her. The girl slowly sat up in bed and looked around. Harry Potter lay in the bed next to her, asleep. There was a pile of candy and cards at the foot of her bed from various students. She didn't see any of her friends so she assumed they'd already been treated by Madame Pomfrey.

A low moan echoed through the hospital wing. A bed at the far side of the room was behind curtains and the noise definitely came from behind there. Emilia tried to smell the student that occupied the bed. Vanilla. Very strong vanilla and a hint of parchment…. Michael was there! Emilia jumped out of bed, her bare feet hitting the cold floor as she ran.

Then she stopped. In the very middle of the floor, in her hospital robe, frozen in fear as the realization hit her. Would Michael still want to be friends with her? She was the cause of his injuries. Emilia and Emilia alone. Convel was right, she was a danger for her friends to be around. If she could even call them that; would they even be her friends anymore? Michael was cooped up in the hospital wing because of Emilia. Her breath became shallow and fast. Her eyebrows knitted together in thought. Her smile dropped to a crushing frown. She looked like she lost her best friend- which was a very real possibility!

"Michael!" she whispered loudly. She tugged on the curtain and saw her genius friend reading a copy of the daily prophet. "Hey…" she said sheepishly.

Michael dropped the paper in shock and looked up at Emilia with a surprised expression. He looked at her blankly, not saying anything. Emilia's heart ached. Her palms became sweaty. She wished she could melt into the floor and cease existing, just so she didn't have to see her friends leave her.

Michael didn't say anything. He just looked at her with the same blank look. This was awful! This was completely her fault! Crushing guilt sat on top of her like an elephant on her shoulders. He had a hard time breathing suddenly. Waves of guilt and sadness overcame her and she broke.

"Michael I'm so sorry!" she clung to him in a bear hug, jumping onto his bed and laying her head on his shoulders. She couldn't let go, if she let go she could lose him for good. This was the last embrace she'd have with him! It was completely and utterly her fault. The guilt and the embrace caused tears to flow. Drip. drip. Drip. harder and faster until the girl was nearly sobbing. 'I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" she repeated like a mantra, unable to stop and breathe.

And to her surprise, Michael hugged back. He hugged her fiercely and started rubbing her back in soothing circles. "Let it all out. It was a rough night, I know," he whispered in her ear. The young girl cried harder now, not for the loss of a friend but for Michael's compassion. While any normal kid would never speak to the werewolf girl again, Michael openly forgave her. He comforted her and she clung to him like a lifeline. She cried. She cried for his forgiveness, she cried for her other friends injuries, for injuries of her own, she cried for the life or death experience, she cried for her homesickness, she cried for her separation from Moony, for the death of her mother, for the end of the school year, for the tragedy of her werewolf life. She cried until there were no more tears to cry. And then she felt peace.

Eventually, she and Michael got out of each other's arms. They sat on his bed and talked over the night, and others injuries. He told her that none of the others blamed Emilia, but themselves. She was told that she had slept for two days and would probably spend the night. They talked for the rest of the evening and into the night. The connection she gained with Michael over those few hours was unbreakable. And even though the others weren't there, she felt as if her connection with them was unbreakable too.

Morning. Birds chirped outside, the noise of students in the halls, the bustling about of Madame Pomfrey, it was all so comforting to Emilia. She didn't want to leave Hogwarts anymore. For months she was excited to go home. It wasn't that she didn't like Hogwarts, it was actually quite the opposite! But she was homesick. She had never spent more than a week away from the moon. Let alone months! But now she never wanted to go home again! If only she could spend more time with her friends.

"Good Morning Miss Lupin. Glad to see you awake!" a merry old voice rang out. It wasn't like Adolphus's voice, this was more pleasant and warm. A voice that was sincerely happy to see her awake. She turned to see the person speaking. None other than Albus Dumbledore stood beside her bed. Emilia wasn't able to hold back her small gasp.

"P-professor!" she said, startled by his presence. Once she gained composure she spoke again, still rather awkwardly. "Good to see you too?"

Dumbledore laughed warmly. "You seem to have many admirers." he gestured to the boxes of candy and littering of cards.

"Yes…" Emilia shrugged. Dumbledore observed the cards with a fond smile.

"So.." Emilia folded her hands in her lap. "About two days ago…"

Dumbledore looked up at her with a kind smile. "I was told by Mrs. Morrison, Steere, and Mr. Christiansen that they couldn't tell me what happened. They said it was your secret to tell." the old wizard didn't look displeased at all, rather curious actually. "I was hoping I could get your version of the events?"

Emilia may be a Gryffindor, but she didn't have the bravery to say no to his polite request. With a sigh she started, "I guess it all started when us Marauders became Animagi." the young girl screwed her eyes shut and winced. she waited for the gasp or stern reprimand but none came. Instead, when she opened her eyes she was relieved to see Dumbledore's amused smile.

"I guessed as much," he said amusedly, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "I am surprised, however, at your choice of the group name."

"The Marauders?" Emilia asked confusedly. She didn't see anything weird with it…

"So the Marauders are animagi," he said with a chuckle.

"Yeah." Emilia shrugged again. "We'll I met this werewolf when I went out of the shack on a full moon… he seemed okay I guess? And we had this truce going. Well then Dominique and Ammon had trouble transforming and Hannah had trouble flying. Michael was surprisingly fine."

"Yes, Mr. Rawlings is an exceptional student." the wise old wizard commented. "One of our smartest first-year students. Right behind Mrs. Granger of course." his eyes sparkled as he spoke. "The magic required to become an animagus is very complex! I believe your friends are the youngest wizards to achieve such a feat!" he sounded impressed.

"Thank you?" the girl said awkwardly. "Convel was part of Greyback's pack. Convel, Adolphus, and Bleddyn were sent by Greyback to get me. I still don't exactly know why… they hurt all of us badly just to get to me." Emilia's face drooped with shame and guilt at the end. "It's my fault they're hurt."

"Has Remus ever told you why he was bitten?" Dumbledore asked suddenly.

The young girl was slightly caught off guard by the question. "Yeah- he was bitten because of something his father said about Greyback."

"Yes." the wizard commented. "When werewolves that are owned by a feral pack bites someone, they must invite the victim into their pack. The victim has the choice to join or not. But when an Alfa bites someone he does it to specifically claim someone. Whether your father liked it or not, he was part of the pack no matter what he says. You, being his daughter, are thought of by Fenrir's pack as a cub. One of the children of the pack."

"They couldn't get to your father easily. So they took what was most important to him as bait."

"Me…" Emilia mumbled. To say she was surprised would be an understatement! She had known some of this stuff, but never put it together! "So in an attempt to get Moony, they tried to get me. Because I'm still part of the pack they wanted to get me away."

"That is correct, miss Lupin." Dumbledore's voice was more solemn now. "Greyback's pack is no longer giving their victim's choice whether to belong to their pack. It is a recent development."

"Why?"

"I have suspicions," Dumbledore said. Emilia could tell he wasn't going to give any more information.

Emilia was silent for a bit, mulling over the information. She'd have told the other marauders… but what about the golden trio? "Professor? Should I tell Harry? About my- furry problem?"

Dumbledore smiled. "I believe that decision is up to you, Emilia."

Emilia smiled faintly. "I don't think I will. Nothing against Harry… I'd rather have as few as possible knowing my secret." the young girl shifted uncomfortably suddenly. An absolutely dreadful thought occurred to her. Albus Dumbledore knew they were illegal animagi! That was a bit obvious, he said it himself after all… but does that mean they'd be expelled? She couldn't ask that to him however, it could give him ideas! Emilia swallowed hard. 'She deserved to be kicked out of Hogwarts' something in her mind whispered. And she nearly believed it! But after yesterday's conversation with Michael Emilia was still feeling rather confident.

With a few calming breaths the young girl gathered up all her Gryffindor courage. "Professor? Are we going to be expelled?" the timid voice of the young werewolf was soft in the large hospital wing.

The professor answered quickly. "Whatever for, miss Lupin?"

Emilia opened her mouth to speak then closed it. Didn't he remember? "Being animagi?"

"I'm afraid I don't know what you are talking about."

Emilia quirked an eyebrow and stared up at him intently. The twinkle in his eye was brighter than ever.

The young girl almost laughed out loud. She wouldn't be expelled! "Thank you, sir!"

Dumbledore smiled kindly, the twinkle still ever apparent. And that was that moment Harry chose to wake up. The raven haired boy blinked a few times and looked up at Dumbledore.

Before he could say anything Emilia spoke up. "Harry! It's great to see you! I'll leave you two to talk…" she smiled widely and jumped off her bed. Deciding she should go to Michael's bed and leave Dumbledore and Harry to talk, she set off her Michael.

-timelapse-

The great hall was bustling with energy and life. The hum of student chats sounded like a hive of angry wasps. Students filled up the house tables to the brim and the professors sat at the front of the hall. Professor Dumbledore, a man Emilia highly respected now, sat on an impressive chair, overlooking the entire great hall. The smile on his face matched many of the students and shone with warmth. The Marauders sat next to the golden trio (complete with a recently released Harry!) and the group laughed merrily. For tomorrow they would leave, so they enjoyed their last feast together.

The whole hall was decorated with Slytherin colors, green and silver. Large banners bearing the Slytherin crest hung from the ceiling. The decorations made Emilia want to gag. To Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff dismay, Slytherin had won the house cup. It honestly wasn't surprising. Harry and Hermione's dragon excursion had lost Gryffindor 150 points. After that episode, The only ones to talk to the golden trio were the Marauders and Neville.

Dumbledore stood up to give his speech. Immediately all noise died down to whispers. The headmaster cleared his throat and began.

"Another year gone!" Dumbledore said cheerfully. "And I must trouble you with an old man's wheezing waffle before we sink our teeth into our delicious feast. What a year it has been! Hopefully, you heads are all a little fuller than they were...you have the whole summer ahead of get them nice and empty before next year starts...

"Now, as I understand it, the House Cup here needs awarding, and the points stand thus: In fourth place, Gryffindor, with three hundred and twelve points; in third, Hufflepuff, with three hundred and fifty-two; Ravenclaw has four hundred and twenty-six and Slytherin, four hundred and seventy-two."

The Slytherin table erupted in applause while the other houses clapped politely.

"Yes, yes, well done, Slytherin," said Dumbledore. "However, recent events must be taken into account."

The hall broke out in whispers, like little hissing wildfires. Emilia couldn't help but quirk an eyebrow. Has this ever happened before?

"Ahem," said Dumbledore. "I have a few last-minute points to dish out. Let me see. Yes...

"First - to Mr. Ronald Weasley..."

The students were on the edge of their seats in anticipation. From the looks of the older Gryffindors, Emilia guessed this wasn't a common occurrence. Various confused glances at Ronald Weasley later, Dumbledore began:

"...for the best-played game of chess Hogwarts has seen in many years. I award Gryffindor House forty points."

Emilia's gaze immediately shot to Ron. he was smiling widely while various Gryffindors clapped him on the back. Emilia gave his shoulder a playful punch.

"Second - to Miss Hermione Granger...for the use of cool logic in the face of fire, I award Gryffindor House fifty points." Gryffindor house started cheering. Students who were able to keep up with the math kept shouting out the numbers. Emilia's heart was racing. She was smiling widely, thinking, 'maybe we do have a shot at winning the house cup!'

"Third - to Mr. Harry Potter..." said Dumbledore. The room went deathly quiet. "...for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor House sixty points."

Not just Gryffindor was cheering now, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw joined in with the celebration! Cheers and whistles echoed through the auditorium. Emilia was clapping like her life depended on it. The biggest smile plastered onto her face.

"There are all kinds of courage," said Dumbledore, smiling. "It takes a great deal to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends. I, therefore, award ten points to Mr. Neville Longbottom."

"Which means,"..." we need a little change of decoration." the Slytherin Decor was replaced by red and gold Gryffindor colors. The students of Hogwarts were ecstatic! Well- except for Slytherin. The cheers and clapping rang loudly in Emilia's head. All the noise was giving her a headache. Gryffindors were chanting 'we won!' and clapping Harry and Neville on the back. The Marauders each high fived each other. The five friends put their hands together in the center of the table and at the count of three, cheered "Go Go Gryffindor!"

It was cheesy. Emilia could admit that. But no one cared. And the rest of the night was filled with celebrating and laughing…

-time lapse-

"Alright, Marauders!" Emilia's excited shout quieted down the other four. They were gathered in the Marauders quarters for the last time this year. Hannah had put up silencing wards around the den so that passers by couldn't hear them. Basically, Emilia could shout and laugh as loud as she wanted and not even evil Mrs. Norris could hear her.

"Listen up! This is our last Marauder's meeting of our first year! So congratulations!"

The four friends clapped and Ammon whistled loudly. Emilia giggled.

"This year has been amazing so far! All of us have grown so close together I feel like I've known you for years. So for all our years at Hogwarts, we shall stick together. Because no matter what happens next year, or the year after that, no matter what life throws our way, we are Family. Got that?" she paused to smile and catch her breath. "So, as it is the last time at the Marauders quarters for this year, I propose a game of exploding snap!"

Ammon and Hannah agreed wholeheartedly. Dominique joined a bit nervously but excited nonetheless. And Emilia had to drag Michael out of his book and onto the floor. The Marauders played for a total of three hours. Each of them enjoying themselves whole heartedly and having one of the best nights of their lives. The world seemed to completely melt away, like nothing else mattered but each other, right here right now. And at that night their bond grew stronger than ever before. The Marauders were family now.

-Time Lapse-

The noises of the ongoing Hogwarts express were sad. The noises themselves weren't sad, but the meaning behind them. Emilia was going home. But while she was excited to be going home to see Moony, she felt like she was leaving home at the same time. Hogwarts is her home!

Thinking over the past school year made the young girl feel nostalgic. Hiding her secret, first transformation in the Shrieking Shack, becoming the Marauders, fighting the troll, befriending the golden trio, making the Quidditch team, becoming animagi (technically that wasn't her) practicing transformations with Convel, delivering a dragon, fighting two fully grown werewolves and an older cub, end of the year feast! Never in her wildest dreams would she have guessed any of this happening in her first year! And Moony most definitely thought none of this would happen.

Moony wouldn't be happy about any of this! He still thought she had a perfectly normal year! Should she tell him?

Well, of course, she'd tell him about Quidditch. And about the werewolves at the end of the year. Best not tell him about the troll… or the dragon. And DEFINITELY not about the animagus thing. That was a conversation for MUCH later in life. Later, like once she was moved out and he couldn't ground her anymore.

"This is it," Ammon said. He leaned against Emilia haughtily. Emilia shook him off.

"Once we get off this train it's final!"

Michael rolled his eyes.

"Goodbye, Marauders," Emilia said sadly as the train entered the station. Crowds of parents and older siblings were on the platform 9 ¾. The young werewolf sniffed sadly.

"Things will never be the same after this," Emilia said softly.

Hannah looked over at her. "How do you know?"

Emilia shrugged. "Funny feeling."

Students spilled out of the train haphazardly. Trying to grab her trunk and stick with her friends was much more challenging than she had originally thought. But as the time came, the marauders gathered into a tight circle and said their goodbyes. Several hugs and sniffles later, Michael was dragged away by his older sister, Marcella. Dominique found her parents and ran to them, jumping onto them and enveloping them in a giant bear hug. Hannah smiled longingly. Ammon waved goodbye and pulled his trunk over to his waiting father. A few hugs and high fives later, he disappeared through the barrier. Hannah smiled at Emilia and said her goodbyes. The friends left one by one until it was only Emilia left.

The young werewolf caught a whiff of a familiar scent. Chocolate and Parchment, mixed with musk and werewolf. Her eyes widened to the size of saucers and she spun around excitedly. Standing at the edge of the crowd was Moony, his old and ragged clothes made him stand out from the crowd, yet none other of the wizards seemed to notice. "Moony.." Emilia whispered. She ran over to him, pulling her trunk along behind her.

'Yes,' she thought, 'things will never be the same again.'

And with a loving hug to her father another thought came to her mind. 'I'm home.'

Hello, dear readers! This is it, Chapter 29. This chapter marks the end of Emilia Lupin first year! Congratulations for getting through it.

I WILL HAVE THE SEQUEL OUT SHORTLY SO PLEASE DON'T GO! 'Emilia Lupin: Year of the Werewolf' will be out soon so look forward to it!

In case you can't wait that long, I have another fanfiction out right now in the Avengers universe. Beware it has a slow and cringe start but it's getting there.

SEE YOU NEXT STORY!