THE BEST OF ME


SUMMARY:

Let us read and unfold the life of Remus John Lupin in this AU—

"Even if you're different, you'll have to live your life to the fullest, is what a wise man told me once."


NOTE:

This is a sort of INVERSE-AU in which Remus goes to Hogwarts in the same year as Nymphadora Tonks (not really because I'm making their age, ten years younger than the canon age of the Mauderers).

There's a purpose for this plot because I want to experiment different kinds of scenes, peoples and events on this story. But mostly to have fun, yup.

So...the timeline of this story is at the year 1981 to the book Deathly Hollow—precisely the year 1998—and maybe I'll add an epilogue.

DISCLAIMER:

All Canon characters are intellectual property of J. K ROWLING. I only own my own characters and the basic plot line of this work. Also the fanart I used for the cover isn't mine.


Chapter 1: PROLOGUE


A small boy can be seen watching a group of black-robed children running around the platform 9 from the window of a empty compartment in the train (5792 Olton Hall) that he was currently occupying, for himself. He sighed brushing off the fringe that blocked his right eye to the side, as he felt his stomach gave a lurch at the display of affections in every parents and kids.

What was he doing here again? He wonders, closing his eyes; remembering the reason for his question.


The strong gust of wind made the boy's light brown hair swept in the air; however, despite the gale brushing on his light green colored eyes, the boy didn't blink, as his eyes settled on his target.

His eyes locked intensely at the stag, sleeping besides a tree and his eyes flicker to the color gold before going back to its normal green. His prey didn't move and the grip on his blade grew tightly, as he gets ready to strike.

'Sorry, but I had to do this.' He thought, stepping closer to the deer with no sound on his boots, as it press down on the wet ground.

But, before he could get closer, the wind went wild; getting stronger and the loud clap of thunder can be heard from a mile away, startling him and the stag. He could only watch, as the rain pour down hard and his dinner running away. Frustration, begun building up in his body and his stomach gave a large growl.

Releasing an irritated sigh, he said in a cheerful (and a hint of sarcasm) manner, "Peas and breads for dinner, yay!

The sky rumbled in response at his statement and he could only roll his eyes, as he spun his heels to the direction of his home. Looks like Lady Luck wasn't on his side when the rain got stronger, as a result, he had to sprint.

When his home was at his line of sight, a confused and cautious look made its way on his face at the small light illuminated from the window of his medium size cottage. That's why when he made his way trough the steps of his humble flat, he lifted up his dagger in preparation for the intruder.

He lives alone for the four year of his life, so there should be nobody else inside.Hesitant at first, he turned the knob of the door slowly and it made a soft creak when he pushed it open. If he remembers correctly, the light came from the living room, so slowly he made his way there.However, the young boy didn't expected the sight in front of him. Delicious foods filled the table infront of the fireplace that has flames flickering in it. He almost gave a satisfied grunt at the warmth when he spotted an old man sitting on his father's comfy chair.

The old man wore weird glasses that was shaped like the crescent moon and both his gray hair and beard were long and a little bit messy. He also wear this long violet robes and a lot of jewelry on his fingers.

Before, he could open his mouth, the weird old man beat him to it.

"I've been waiting for you Remus Lupin." He greeted with a smile, his eyes showing excitement and amusement, it made Remus cringe at the stranger. There was so much positivity and energy emiting from the old man, it made him uncomfortable.

Not wanting to appear rude in front of this old man, Remus waited for him to finish his introduction. "Take a seat first, and we'll discuss your preparation." The old man happily exclaimed and the young boy could only follow.

There was a hidden sound of authority in the old man's voice, that he couldn't help, but not refuse.

Once he sat on another chair across from the old man, Remus eyed the food hungrily; although, he shook his head, remembering his manners.

Then, as if reading his mind, the old man gave him a soft smile. "Would you like to join me, dinner's gonna get cold if you don't hurry up." He offered him with a laugh and Remus raised his eyebrow, suspicious and hesitant.

"Are you sure, sir—" He asked and the old man's smile widened more.

The old man across from him begun laughing, "Of course my dear boy, surpassing your hunger is bad. What would your brother feel, if he knows that you're starving yourself."

Remus was shock, but nodded nonetheless, as he pick up a plate of food and begun eating. He calmed down first and swallowed his food before asking him, "You know my brother, sir?"

At his question the man's eyes twinkled in sadness and fondness, "Young Romulus was one of my brightest students and I heard from him that he has a brother with so much potential—"

Remus' eyes widened at the old man's next word.

"My name is professor. Albus Dumbledore and Remus Lupin, I would like to invite you to study at Hogwarts." He declared with such enthusiasm, Remus was almost brought to tears; however, they didn't fall, those salty liquid remained in his eyes, making his light green orbs glistened in the flames' light.

His troath felt dry, but that didn't stop him from asking, "Wha—but sir...I can't." He said and the old man's eyes flashed with curiosity and a little bit of shock.

The smile still remains on the old man's face, "Oh, why so?"

At his question, Remus bit the inside his cheek and stood up. "Because, why would you invite a monster in your school!" He shouted; then, regretting it. The old man was kind, he didn't deserve to be yelled at, but he was stupid and bad to do it.

Professor Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, "Monster, where?" He asked, turning his head to the left and the right before turning back to the young boy's direction. "I don't see any monster, what are you talking about, young Remus?"

Anger build up inside him and before he knew it, Remus yelled, "I'm the monster can't you see it! I'm a bloody werewolf!"

His outburst didn't affected the old professor, but there was small pity shown in his eyes. "I don't see any monsters, but a boy who has great potential...you know—" He trailed off, as a small smile appeared on his lips, "Even if you're different, you'll have to live your life to the fullest, is what a wise man told me once."

The quote that the old professor said, brought familiarity to him and a boy who looks similar to him with a grin on his face, appeared in his mind.

With that his decision is final, "Thankyou professor." Remus said with tears finally falling down his face, "I'm happy to study there."


Opening his eyes, Remus was back in the present and a smile appeared on his face.

"Watch me, big brother." He wisphered; however his trance was broken off at the large loud crash outside from his compartment that he was sitting in and followed by a girlish yelp.

'What was that?'