Remus's Confession
A one-shot.
AN: Ever wonder why Remus Lupin, best friend of James Potter never came to see Harry, never tried to save Harry. Not until getting a job as a teacher in third year?
All things Harry Potter belong to JK Rowling and her publishers.
Hogwarts, the Defence Teachers Office. A grindylow claws at its tank of water in the corner.
Harry slouches in black school robes angrily on a chair by a small table, his hat on the table.
Remus Lupin is fussily making tea on the sideboard.
"Why didn't you look after me" asked Harry. "When my parents died."
The implication hung heavy in the air.
"Harry, this is a terrible secret. You must not tell anyone" said Professor Lupin, sitting down at the table with the teapot.
"Okay" said Harry and sighed, more secrets.
"I'm a werewolf." said the quiet, softly spoken Professor.
Harry snorted.
"No, Harry, I really am, on nights of the full moon, I turn into a wolf and try to attack humans. I can't control it" said Professor Lupin.
"But you're here in the castle," said Harry, pressing himself back into the chair.
"There's a potion, wolfsbane potion. It stops me going mad when I change. I lock myself up and sleep most of the night"
"Oh, so you're safe then" said Harry.
"The potion is too expensive unless I get it from Hogwarts, as part of the job" said the Professor. "I mostly have pretty poor jobs, often muggle ones, and lock myself in a cage for three days a month"
"So what, you'd have been better than my relatives!" said Harry angrily now.
"Werewolves are second class citizens, Harry" said the Professor gently. "We're not allowed to adopt magical children"
"Oh..." said Harry. "But you, you didn't visit or even send letters" he said.
"The ministry stops werewolves from interacting with muggle children in a most awful way" said Professor Lupin, sadly. "I really did want to see you, but I'm not allowed"
"How!" demanded Harry, his temper snapping.
"They, they, the put me on the child sexual offender register Harry." said Professor Lupin, slumping into his chair.
Harry's mouth opened and his eyes grew large.
AN: Lupin's a decent man, but the Ministry don't care, they've got a way of controlling werewolves and protecting the Statue of Secrecy.