4 September 1972
Dora had woken early to get to the owlery. The first of September had been a Friday, so classes were finally beginning today. She'd written letters to Walburga, Al, Moody, and the Scamanders over the weekend to announce her Sorting to Hufflepuff. She skipped her way up the stairs to get to the owls as early as she could, before the rest of the students descended upon the Great Hall for breakfast.
Dora ran up the stairs but tripped on her way and landed on her hands and knees at the topmost step, cursing under her breath.
"Are you alright, Dora?" Remus stepped out of the owlery and helped Dora get back on her feet.
"Just fine, Remus," Dora replied. "Clumsy as ever, but just fine." Dora wiped off the dirt from her hands on her robes and stood up to see Remus more clearly.
"What are you doing up so early?" Dora asked.
"Sending a letter, of course," Remus replied.
"Obviously," Dora retorted, rolling her eyes.
"What are you doing up so early?" Remus asked.
"Sending four letters, of course," Dora grinned. Remus gave her a quizzical stare. She stepped into the owlery and called four owls down to attach letters to their legs.
"My father, my aunt, my grandparents, and a friend," Dora explained. "I wanted to let them know I got Sorted into Hufflepuff." The first two owls went off to Walburga and Al, respectively.
"Naturally," said Remus. "We wanted to ask you though – why did all those Slytherins clap at your Sorting? That never happens."
"Reg and some of the other Slytherin blokes I know knew that I wanted to be a Hufflepuff, I guess," Dora said. "Showing their support, probably." The next two owls went out to Moody and the Scamanders; the owl going to America looked offended it had to travel so far, so Dora offered it a big piece of bacon as a reward. The owl hooted happily and set out.
"Huh," Remus wondered. "Where were you all weekend? Sirius was looking for you."
"I stayed in my dorm," Dora lied. "Just wanted to get used to the common room and get to know the other girls." Truthfully, Dora had spent Saturday and Sunday in the Room of Requirement practicing her dueling skills. On Saturday, she'd been alone and had spent the day morphing to her heart's content. On Sunday, Moody had come to help her duel. It had been one of the better weekends she'd had in several months.
"We didn't see you at mealtimes though," Remus insisted. Why were they looking that hard?
"You forget the Hufflepuff common room is right next to the kitchens," Dora smiled. "The elves are more than happy to get us snacks whenever we like."
"Brilliant!" Remus exclaimed. "How do you get into the kitchens?"
"If you'd like, I'll show you after dinner tonight," Dora explained. "I've got to get to breakfast to get my schedule though. Walk with me?"
Remus joined Dora in walking from the owlery to the Great Hall, chatting excitedly about the classes ahead. They split up when they got to their tables, and Dora sat down at the Hufflepuff table with the other first years for breakfast. Before she knew it, Professor Sprout was giving the schedules out.
"Charms with the Ravenclaws first," Scholastica said.
"Then Herbology with the Gryffindors," Elissa added.
"Double Potions with the Slytherins," Zarya sighed.
"Then Defense Against the Dark Arts with Ravenclaws again!" Dora said, happily. "That will be my favorite class."
"How do you know?" a boy asked. It was Declan Doherty, a mousy first year boy she'd met the other night in the Hufflepuff common room.
"Just a hunch," Dora said, spreading a generous amount of marmalade on her toast. "My cousin Sirius told me about it and it's his favorite class."
As she finished her breakfast, the other first year Hufflepuffs conversed enthusiastically about their upcoming classes. Soon enough, it was time for them all to head to their first class, Charms with the Ravenclaws.
Professor Flitwick was as small as she remembered, though he had significantly fewer silver hairs than Dora recalled. Today's lesson in Charms was Lumos and Nox, exceedingly simple charms.
Dora, of course, got both charms perfectly on her first try, earning 10 points for Hufflepuff straightaway, much to the Ravenclaws' dismay. I have to be less impressive, Dora thought; I'm no match for 11 year olds. She spent the rest of the lesson helping others with their wrist flicking, earning another 10 points for Hufflepuff. The other Hufflepuffs beamed with pride while the Ravenclaws were surly at the Hufflepuffs' success.
Herbology came next. The lesson was spent in identifying potions ingredients; Dora only spoke up when no others could identify the plants, earning another 5 points for Hufflepuff in the process.
By lunchtime, the other first-year Hufflepuffs were loudly praising Dora's magical prowess and skill, much to her amusement and dismay. She'd have to be more discreet in the coming years.
After lunch, it was time for double Potions with the Slytherins. The first-year Hufflepuffs made their way down to the dungeons.
"Dora!" called Regulus. "Sit with us!" He beckoned her over, so Dora found a seat next to Regulus. Augustus Rookwood and another Slytherin boy were already seated at the table.
"I don't believe we've met," said the girl. "I'm Agatha Flint."
"Nice to meet you, Agatha," said Dora. "Pandora Black."
"Another Black, eh?" a booming voice came from behind Dora and Regulus.
"Two Blacks, Professor Slughorn!" Regulus piped up. "This is my cousin, Pandora."
"Another Black not in Slytherin?" Slughorn mused, brow furrowed. "All but two Blacks in my House, what a pity." Dora held in a scoff to look at the man. He was a short, balding man, and rather heavy-set. He eyed Dora with an air of suspicion but turned around to face the class.
"Today's brew can be found on page 8, a Calming Draught," called Slughorn. "You have two hours to brew and then we shall discuss."
A flurry of activity ensued; students clamored to get their ingredients and prepare them accordingly. Dora was way ahead of her peers; a Calming Draught was among the most basic of potions. In next to no time, Dora had brewed her potion and presented it to Slughorn. When she turned it into him, he looked startled.
"Why, Miss Black, it's only been a half hour!" he said, alarmed. Other students were sweating in front of their cauldrons, anxious about their brews. By contrast, Dora was calm and collected.
"It's not a difficult potion, Professor," said Dora, shrugging.
"I wonder…" Slughorn began, a mischievous look in his eyes. "Next time I'll have a more complicated potion for you, Miss Black. 10 points to Hufflepuff."
"What would you like me to do now, Professor?" Dora asked. It had been a terribly boring day for her. The assignment of spying on future Death Eaters, posing as a student, would prove more taxing than she imagined.
"Why don't you help the others with their brews?" Slughorn suggested, going back to his potions journal and waving Dora off. Huffing, Dora went back to her table.
"How did you do it so quickly?" Agatha asked. Her Calming Draught was three shades too dark and much too thick.
"My mum taught me a lot," Dora dismissed. "You should've added wormwood in three stages, it's why it's too dark." Agatha looked down at her brew and scowled.
"Yours needs a lower flame, Augustus," commented Dora. "You'll burn it and render it ineffective."
"Regulus, yours is looking just fine," Dora said. He beamed at her, pleased with his work. Dora then turned to each table, making small comments and suggestions along the way. A few of her fellow Hufflepuffs were atrocious with their potions, while most of the Slytherins seemed to get the hang of it. After making her rounds in the classroom, Slughorn called the class to submit their potions to him for a discussion.
He picked a potion up and investigated it. "Mr. Gordon, is it?" he called.
A timid Slytherin boy nodded and made his way up to Slughorn's desk. "Yes, sir?" he asked.
"What did you do incorrectly to make this bright orange?" Slughorn asked.
Misread the instructions, Dora thought. Used fresh dandelion instead of dried dandelion root.
The Slytherin called Gordon looked down at his shoes. "I don't know, sir."
"Can anyone tell me what Mr. Gordon did incorrectly?" asked Slughorn.
A few hands shot up in the air, but no one had the right answer.
"Miss Black, would you happen to know what Mr. Gordon's mistake was?" Slughorn suggested.
"If I'm not mistaken, he used fresh dandelion instead of dried dandelion root. The fresh dandelion interacted poorly with the wormwood and produced the orange color," Dora responded.
"Absolutely perfect!" cried Professor Slughorn. "10 points to Hufflepuff!"
The Hufflepuffs clapped happily while Dora looked stonily ahead. While she felt pleased she had gotten the right answer, she felt uncomfortable at the center of attention. In her original first year, she'd buggered up the Calming Draught so poorly she'd nearly melted her cauldron, while Snape mocked her mercilessly in front of the then-Slytherins. It had been a turning point; from then on, she vowed to do well in potions, as she soon learned it would be required for Auror academy acceptance. This time around, it felt less defiant and more…mind-numbingly dull.
"And for your assistance with the others," continued Slughorn, "another 5 points to Hufflepuff!" The Hufflepuffs were beaming with pride for Dora.
"We just counted, Pandora!" said Perpetua excitedly. "You earned us 50 points today!" The Hufflepuff girls gathered around Dora enthusiastically. She smiled wanly at them, wishing to go back to her dormitory. She'd never felt so alone, despite the warmth of the girls around her.
"Let's celebrate at dinner tonight?" Dora suggested half-heartedly.
"Yes, let's!" Elissa agreed, as they got back to their tables to gather their belongings.
"Miss Black!" called Professor Slughorn. "Do you mind staying behind for a moment?"
"I'll see you all at dinner," Dora called to the other girls. They nodded and headed out of the dungeons.
"Miss Black, have you brewed before?" he began.
"My mum taught me a lot of potions," Dora repeated.
"Who was your mother? I hadn't realized there were other Blacks after Regulus."
"Rosemary Scamander," Dora stated. "Daughter of Newt Scamander." Slughorn's beady eyes grew wide and shined with excitement.
"That certainly explains why you were Sorted into Hufflepuff! Newt Scamander's own granddaughter, in my class!" Slughorn exclaimed enthusiastically.
"Do you see much of him? I never did teach his children."
"My mum died last year," Dora explained. "She studied at Ilvermorny with my uncle. I went to live with my father, Alphard Black, after mum died. I saw Grandfather Scamander over the summer holiday. I expect to see him every summer."
Slughorn was beaming at her. "That is quite wonderful, Miss Black. I look forward to seeing your skills in class!"
"Thank you, Professor," said Dora, flatly. "I look forward to your instruction." With that, Dora gathered the rest of her things and went up the stairs to the Great Hall to join the others for dinner.
….
15 September 1972
The first two weeks of classes had dragged on and on for Dora. Although she earned points effortlessly for her flawless magic, the burden of being constantly surrounded by children was weighing on her. While she appreciated their company in many ways – so hopeful and optimistic – she longed for the friendships she had as a 24 year old.
Even Remus couldn't help her loneliness. He was, after all, a 12 year old boy in this timeline. While far more mature for his age than his friends, she wasn't keen on going after him. Moreover, Peter's continued presence with Sirius, Remus, and James kept her on edge. She didn't want to be outwardly rude or unpleasant with him – he too was just a 12 year old boy – but she didn't want to spend any further energy on befriending the traitor-to-be.
Dora found herself spending hours in the Room of Requirement practicing dueling and morphing, away from the other students. When her dormmates, her favorite Gryffindors, or Regulus and his friends asked where she'd been, she merely mentioned spending time with one of those three groups. They hardly interacted with one another, so her lie had yet to be found out.
So it was that on Friday night, after the second full week of classes, Dora was panting and sweating from practice duels against training dummies. While not as effective as the real thing, it was the closest she would get until a Dueling Club resurfaced. The current Defense Against the Dark Arts professor did little more than teach about the things that scared her, rather than defending against those things. All in all, being back at Hogwarts felt slightly better than being back at Grimmauld Place, a thought which terrified and startled Dora.
It was nearly time for curfew, so Dora morphed back into Pandora Black and left the Room of Requirement. She disillusioned herself quietly and stepped out into the seventh floor corridor.
A low whisper caught Dora's attention. It was coming from the end of the corridor but lacked a visible source; thanking her (trained) heightened senses as an Auror, she crept, disillusioned, closer to the source of the whisper.
The whispers grew louder as she crept towards the source of the sound.
"Davies said she'd seen her coming up this way," whispered Remus.
"Why the seventh floor?" whispered Sirius.
"You don't think she's got a secret boyfriend in Ravenclaw, do you?" murmured James.
"Who has a boyfriend in first year?" squeaked Peter.
Ah, they're looking for me, thought Dora. They must be under James' Invisibility Cloak – the one Harry would eventually get.
"That would be one way to explain why no one ever knows where she is," Sirius muttered. "Even Regulus is stumped."
"She said she'd been spending time with Regulus and his friends, didn't she?" Remus asked quietly.
"We should find a better way of tracking where anyone is," whispered James.
"What if a prefect comes by!" whined Peter. "We should get back to Gryffindor tower."
"Not till we find my cousin," whispered Sirius. "I don't like that she's disappearing. It can't be a good thing."
"Wait, I think I hear something!" Remus murmured. The boys stood still; damn that wolfish hearing, Dora thought.
Dora crept closer and closer, now certain where the boys were. With a quick swish, she pulled off the Cloak and took the Disillusionment Charm off herself, to find four boys' mouths gaping open.
"I'm right here, you dolts," Dora said.
"Where did you come from?" Sirius demanded.
"How did you know we were here?" James asked. "How did you know we had a Cloak?!"
"Did you hear us?" asked Peter.
"I thought I heard someone!" said Remus, triumphantly.
"The corridor, I heard you, you're awfully loud whisperers, and good hearing, Remus," Dora explained in one go. "As for the Cloak, best explanation. No way you lot can disillusion yourselves that well."
"What were you doing up here?" Sirius asked.
"Needed some time alone," Dora replied.
"Why?" James asked.
"Don't you ever feel like you just need to be alone for a while?" Dora offered.
"No," all four boys replied, simultaneously.
"Dora," Sirius began slowly, "do you spend a lot of time alone? Regulus has been having a hard time finding you too."
"I've been spending time with my new friends," Dora lied. "Getting to know the girls, you know."
"Something's up with you," Sirius said. "Your Hufflepuff friends spend a lot of time by the lake and you're never with them."
Fuck. "Err," Dora stammered.
"What's going on?" Sirius asked, a little more softly. Remus and James both looked concerned; Peter looked curious.
"I…miss home," Dora said, truthfully. "I miss my friends, my parents, my past life, my everything," she let out. "I don't feel like I belong here," she said, feeling tears forming in her eyes. She sank down against the wall and buried her face in her knees, crying.
The boys looked at each other, befuddled. James looked at Sirius expectantly, nudging him in the ribs. Sirius sat down next to Dora, putting his arm around her.
"You belong here, Dora, with us," Sirius said. "We're your friends and family now." He looked up at the other boys, nodding his head towards Dora.
Remus sat down on Dora's other side and patted her shoulder awkwardly. James and Peter stood across from them, looking uneasy.
"No, I don't, Sirius," Dora cried. "I just want my old life back," she wept. "I don't want to be here anymore."
"Maybe it would help to talk about it?" Remus suggested. Dora nodded weakly.
"Come with us," Sirius commanded, standing up and offering his arm. Dora stood up and let Sirius and the other boys lead her to a mirror on the fourth floor, where she knew a secret passageway to Hogsmeade lay. They pressed a spot on the mirror's frame, and it opened to reveal the cavernous passageway.
"We can talk here, if you want," offered Sirius. "We reckon Filch doesn't know about this passage yet."
"Tell us about your old life," Remus said, softly. "If you want."
Dora sniffled for a little while longer before she began. "I…had a different life before I got here. I miss my mum so much; she was strict, but I miss having her in my life. I miss feeling like I made a difference. I feel useless here. I miss my friends. I had a few friends from school. I grew up with them, they're like the sisters I never had."
"There were a few others I really miss," Dora continued. "I'd only known them a year and we went through so much together. I loved them and it's a lot harder to be away from them." Dora felt the tears sting her eyes again as she remembered an older Sirius and an older Remus, and the friendship they had shared in the last year of her life. She sobbed in earnest now, thinking of all they would go through and how powerless she felt in preventing their fates.
"But you can write to them, can't you?" Sirius asked. "America isn't too far for our owls to travel."
"It's not the same," Dora cried. "There's nothing I can do about it, and they can't do anything either." Dora wiped her nose on her robe sleeve.
"I know we're not the same, but we could try?" Remus suggested.
"No, you're not," Dora agreed. "But you could try."
James grinned. "What did you used to do with your friends? Did you play pranks? Is that how you got so good at them?"
Drink butterbeer, snog an adult Remus that one time, fight Death Eaters in our free time, tell hilariously inappropriate jokes, go to underground vigilante meetings…maybe not tell these 12 year olds what I was up to, Dora thought.
"Some pranks, yeah," Dora admitted. If you call life-threatening tricks on Death Eaters pranks, that is.
"I think what I miss most about my friends is being able to talk to them about anything," Dora continued. "And they just….understood."
"We've been talking this whole time and we understand," interjected James.
"Maybe not everything," Remus qualified, "but we can try."
"Thanks, Remus," Dora murmured. "I think I should head back to my dorm now. My dormmates will wonder where I've been."
"Come with us under the Cloak," James offered.
Disillusioning herself would be easier, but two weeks of absentmindedly performing advanced magic had led to too many questions, so she agreed to join the boys under the Invisibility Cloak, trying to stay as close to Sirius and Remus as possible as they led her down to the Hufflepuff common room.
"Thanks for your help, boys," Dora said, smiling weakly. "I'll see you all another time." Emotionally drained, Dora shuffled past the noise in the common room on a Friday night and flopped into the familiar four-poster bed, hoping the next day would be better than the last.
….
24 September 1972
It was Sunday morning, and Dora rushed out of bed as early as she could. Last night had been the full moon, so she knew Remus would be waking up in the Hospital Wing with Madam Pomfrey. Although he didn't know that she knew about his lycanthropy, she was hoping to approach him that morning to see how he was.
On her way out of the Hufflepuff common room, Dora stopped by the Great Hall to confirm Remus wasn't with his friends. Sirius, James, and Peter all sat having breakfast, with Remus nowhere to be found. Excellent. Since that evening of tears that had been labeled "homesickness," she had grown closer to the boys. Sirius and Remus were still her favorites of the bunch; James was good-hearted, but immature and arrogant, while Peter was still a traitor in her eyes.
Dora hurried to the Hospital Wing and let herself in. All the beds were open, save for one at the end. It had been sectioned off with sheets for privacy. Dora could see Madam Pomfrey's silhouette behind the sheet, tending to a freshly transformed Remus. Dora could hear Remus' groans from where she stood, and it tug at her heart to hear his young voice in so much pain. It brought back memories from the first time she'd seen him after a full moon:
Tonks didn't mind knowing that Remus was a werewolf; he and Sirius had discussed it when Sirius called Remus his boyhood nickname, and 'Moony' had been hard to explain without context. Tonks had assured Remus she didn't care, and several months of friendship later, he finally allowed her to help heal him after a full moon. Sirius had been indisposed, busy with the Weasley clan after Arthur's attack at the Department of Mysteries. Sirius sent Tonks to care for Remus, much to Remus' surprise.
"…Tonks?" Remus asked, flittering his eyes open as he woke up the morning after the full moon. He winced and groaned in pain.
"Wotcher, Remus," she said, smiling brightly. "I'm here to help!"
"Where's Sirius?" Remus questioned, perplexed. "Why are you here?" he demanded.
"Good morning to you too, Remus," Tonks greeted, sticking her tongue out at him. "Sirius is busy with the Weasleys and he sent me up to help you."
"Why is he busy with the Weasleys?" Remus croaked, his voice hoarse. Tonks quickly applied healing salves to some of the cuts on Remus' neck, and offered him a few vials of Pain Relief Potion. She shoved a bar of his favorite chocolate in his free hand.
"Arthur was attacked last night on patrol," Tonks explained. "He's in critical condition."
"What?!" Remus sat up suddenly, wincing and clutching at his side.
"Molly's with him at St. Mungo's and they're working as best they can," Tonks assured. "Someone had to look after the kids after they got here last night."
"The kids – they were here? Did I hurt them?" Remus was alarmed.
"No, no, no," Tonks said. "You were safely kept in here all night, and the kids stayed downstairs in the drawing room. They're a bit shaken up, but none of that was your doing. They didn't even realize it was the full moon last night."
Remus looked pensive, so Tonks proceeded with healing. She applied Dittany to Remus' side, lifting up his shirt in the process. Remus grabbed her hand and nearly growled, "You don't need to do this."
"I know I don't need to do this, Remus, but you're hurt and you can't do it alone," Tonks declared. "Just let me help you. Please."
Remus sighed and lay back in the bed. "I hate being a werewolf," he grumbled.
"It's not your fault, Remus," Tonks said, applying Dittany to Remus' various wounds. "Just like I can't help being a Metamorphmagus."
"You were born that way, Tonks," Remus protested. "And it's wonderful. You're wonderful. I'm a monster made by another monster. I never wanted you to see me like this."
"Don't say that," Tonks hissed. "You're not a monster. You're Remus. Kind, brilliant, mild-mannered, hilarious Remus. Your 'furry little problem' doesn't define you, and you're wonderful, either despite or because of your lycanthropy. I don't care, and neither should you."
"You sound like Sirius," Remus noted, cheeks flushed with pink. "Overly optimistic."
"Call it a family trait," Tonks snorted. "Honesty is another one. I wouldn't lie to you, Remus."
"Thank you," said Remus, softly. "For everything."
"Am I a better healer than Sirius?" Tonks asked. "He might have more training with you, but I've got Auror training," she said, proudly.
"Your bedside manner is certainly better," mused Remus. "It was a lot more pleasant to wake up to your face instead of Sirius' scowl," he added. Tonks blushed.
"You're just saying that 'cause Sirius could use a good haircut," Tonks countered. "Sweet of you to say all the same."
"I wouldn't lie to you either, Tonks," Remus said, smiling weakly at her. "I meant what I said."
"Does that mean you want me to keep helping you?" Tonks asked, coyly.
Remus thought for a moment. "Yes," he said quietly. "If you don't mind nursing an old werewolf back to health, that is."
"Call it a date, then," Tonks said, heart skipping a beat. "I'll be there for the next full moon." She beamed at him, and offered him a Sleeping Draught.
"Take this and I'll be by to check on you in a little while, okay?" Tonks said.
"Thank you, Tonks," Remus replied. "I can't thank you enough for your help…and kindness."
"Anytime, Remus," Tonks said. "Sleep well, love," she whispered, more to herself than for Remus, and he fell peacefully asleep.
This time, it wasn't an adult, self-conscious Remus. It was a 12 year old, hurting, self-conscious Remus who didn't yet have the support of his friends. It would be some time before the other boys figured out what caused his mysterious monthly "illnesses."
Dora crept towards the sectioned-off bed, as Madam Pomfrey stepped out from behind the sheet. Dora froze at the sight of the older witch.
"Miss Black, what are you doing here? Do you feel well?" Madam Pomfrey looked Dora over with some concern.
"I'm just fine, Madam Pomfrey," Dora replied. "I thought my friend Remus would be here."
Madam Pomfrey looked at Dora quizzically, before answering, "Mr. Lupin isn't taking visitors at this time, Miss Black."
"Oh," Dora stammered. "I just wanted to make sure he was alright. Do you mind giving this to him?" She pulled out a chocolate bar. "I know how much he likes this kind."
"That's very kind of you, Miss Black," Madam Pomfrey said. "I'll make sure Mr. Lupin knows it came from you."
"Thank you, Madam Pomfrey," Dora replied. She craned her neck to see if she could take a glance at Remus, but the sheets were drawn up tightly. Giving up, she turned back out of the Hospital Wing and back to the Hufflepuff common room to get ready for her afternoon of dueling with Moody in the Room of Requirement.
….
25 September 1972
"Dora!" a voice called. She was walking away from the Great Hall towards the Hufflepuff common room after dinner. Dora whipped around and found Remus looking a little worn, but otherwise healed.
"I wanted to thank you for the chocolate," he began. "I heard you in the Hospital Wing yesterday and couldn't talk to you then."
"Why not?" Dora said. "I'd have been happy to see you."
"I just wasn't feeling well and didn't want you to get sick, either," Remus lied.
"Sirius did mention you get sick often," Dora pressed. "Are you feeling better?"
"Much better," Remus said. Dora looked at him probingly, and decided to throw caution to the wind. May as well get this over with.
"Come with me, Remus," she requested.
"Where are we going?" Remus asked, a puzzled expression now forming on his face.
"Trust me. Just come with me," Dora entreated. "Please."
"Alright…," Remus hesitantly agreed. Dora led them to an empty classroom; she cast silencing and various security charms on the door before they settled into seats. Remus was now looking alarmed at Dora's charms.
"What's going on, Dora?" Remus asked, alarmed.
"Remus, I'm going to ask you something," Dora began, "and I need you to be honest with me. I'm not afraid of the answer, I promise." Remus froze in place; his expression now fearful. He nodded reluctantly, gripping the sides of the desk with white knuckles. Poor lad is terrified, Dora thought, better be gentle with him. Dora walked over and placed her hand on one of his. She looked into his golden-brown eyes, still quite golden from the full moon two nights prior.
"Dora?" Remus choked out. "What do you need to ask me?"
"Remus, are you a werewolf?" Dora asked, softly. Remus sank down to the floor, placing his face against his knees and wrapping his arms around himself. He began to weep. So much for gentle, Dora thought.
"Is that a yes?" Dora added. Remus sobbed harder, and Dora felt her heart pang at the sight of the broken boy. She knelt in front of Remus now, deciding to comfort him as best she could. She placed her hands on his, but he pushed her away forcefully.
"Remus, please don't push me away," Dora said, quietly. "I told you I wouldn't be afraid of the answer. I'm not. Really, I'm not."
"How – did - you - know?" Remus choked out, whimpering with each word.
"A really good guess," Dora said. "Your scars, the timing of your illness, and that one night you found me on the seventh floor, you had the best hearing of all the boys. I put it all together."
Remus kept crying, so Dora conjured various tissues and handed them to him. Remus was far too distraught to question how Dora had acquired the tissues.
She tried again to comfort him, this time sitting at his side and rubbing slow circles on his back with her hand. He flinched when she touched him, but after several minutes, his sniffling had subsided. He kept his face in his knees and his arms were still wrapped around himself.
"I never meant for anyone to find out," Remus said, his voice muffled by having his face pressed against his knees. "Now that you know, I won't be able stay here." He began weeping again. This is not going well, Dora thought. I was never good at tact.
"That's not true, Remus," Dora soothed. "I already told you, I'm not afraid of you, and I certainly won't share this with anyone. I just wanted to let you know that you don't need to hide this from me."
"You should be afraid of me," Remus protested. "I'm a monster. A dangerous monster."
"Not this nonsense again," Dora grumbled. Fuck, shouldn't have added that "again" to the conversation, she thought.
"Again?" Remus asked, now lifting his head to look at Dora. So that got his attention, did it?
"You're not the first werewolf to tell me that," Dora said, truthfully. Admittedly, the first werewolf had been an older Remus, and Dora tried to keep the two Remuses separate for the time being.
"You've met another werewolf?" Remus asked.
"Sort of," Dora said. "It's a long story. Back in America, with my Grandfather Scamander," Dora quickly lied.
"He created the registry," Remus said. "The registry that I'm on."
"He did," Dora agreed, "but it didn't go the way he wanted it to. He never meant it to be used to discriminate."
"Fat lot of good that did," Remus lamented.
"Listen, Remus," Dora said, grabbing his hands. "This doesn't change anything for me. I'm your friend and you're my friend. I don't care that you're a werewolf."
"How can you not care? It's one thing for a girl like you to be fine with half-bloods and Muggleborns, but it's something totally different than being fine with a monster like me!" Remus wailed.
"What do you mean, a 'girl like me'?" Dora demanded.
"Your family, Dora," Remus explained. "Look at what's happened with Sirius because he doesn't care about blood status. Just imagine what they'll do to you when they find out you've befriended a half-breed monster like me."
"No need for them to know that, Remus," Dora dismissed. "Sirius gets into trouble because he's got a loud mouth and talks back. I know better than that. And stop calling yourself a monster!"
"I'll tell you a million times over – I don't care that you're a werewolf!" Dora hissed. "Your secret is safe with me. I'll make an Unbreakable Vow if I have to. Just…let me help you, if you want. Or be there for you when you're healing. You're not…alone in this." Remus sat quietly for a few moments.
"Is that why you brought me chocolate?" Remus asked.
"Yes," Dora replied. "I couldn't think of another way to help you feel better. Did it work?"
"It did," Remus admitted. "I just don't understand why you care about me enough to bother."
Dora rolled her eyes. "That's enough of the self-pity for now, Remus. You're my friend. That's enough reason to care about you."
"You really won't tell anyone?" Remus asked, a fearful look in his eyes again.
"I won't," Dora promised. "I would make the Unbreakable Vow if it made you feel any better."
"That's too serious, Dora," Remus said. "It's not safe. You could die."
"I'm quite aware of that," Dora retorted. "At least that way, it couldn't be found out through Veritaserum, Legilimency, or even the Cruciatus Curse."
"Does Sirius' mother use any of that on you?!" Remus panicked.
"Merlin, no," Dora quickly deflected. "I offered it in case you were that terrified of others finding it out of me, but I doubt anyone will try Veritaserum, Legilimency, or torture anytime soon."
"Are you sure you're okay with this?" Remus asked. "With me?"
"Of course," Dora replied. "Next full moon, if you want me around the day after, I'll be there. Even if it's just to keep you company." Remus looked pensive and responded, "I'll think on it."
"It's all I ask, Remus," Dora said. "Just know you don't have to be alone." She stood up and offered her hand to help him up as well. Dora wrapped her arms fiercely around him in a hug. While he flinched again at her touch, he gave in and wrapped his arms around her.
"Thank you, Dora," Remus murmured. "Thank you."
"Anytime, Remus," Dora whispered. "I'll be there for you, any time."