Ohhhhhhh........ chapter two.................. this one's Remus' point of view. I introduce my
own character in this chapter.... she's really cool. you'lll meet her properly later. as always
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Luv, Windangel

Chapter Two: Discrimination

Remus

God, this is boring. Four hours sitting in this bumpy carriage with only trees to look at.
What to do...? Remus Lupin slumped back into his seat, absentmindedly drumming his
fingers on the leather. He thought it was very kind of Dumbledore to lend him a school
carriage and he was grateful of course, but he couldn't help wishing he could have taken the
train. It would have been much quicker and much less boring. But thanks to Severus, there
was no chance of that. It had taken some debate for Dumbledore to accept his resignation,
but he had done. Remus closed his eyes, remembering bitterly what had happened.

That morning I had been exhausted. I had been using the Wolfsbane potion for twenty-two
months, and transformations using it were a lot easier and less tiring, so last night had been
an ordeal that I had gotten out of the habit of enduring. However, instead of staying in bed
recovering, as I usually did, I felt obligated to make an appearance. I had to find out what
happened to Sirius.
I stumbled into the Great Hall and took a seat next to Dumbledore. I saw Snape glare at
me, then go and sit at the Slytherin table. I ignored him.

"Why Remus." Dumbledore greeted me amiably. "I wasn't expecting you this morning."

I rubbed my face. "I feel terrible, but," I lowered my voice. "I need to know what happened."

"Yes, yes, I thought you might." he too began to whisper. "He has escaped Hogwarts on
Hagrid's Hippogriff. Harry and Miss Granger sorted it."

I breathed a sigh of relief. "And Peter?"

"Sadly Peter escaped when you transformed. Regrettable." There was a finality in his tone
that said all too clearly, 'no more questions now.' He smiled. "Potatoes, Remus?"

"Thanks Professor." I glanced at Severus. He was smiling. Odd, I thought. I would
have thought he'd still be in a foul mood... As I watched him talking to some students, I
tried to make out the words. (While I was at Hogwarts I had learnt to lip-read, which came in
useful when spying on people being yelled at by teachers.)

'Sound really surprised,' he was saying. 'Remember, I was telling you about last night, and I
accidentally let slip.'

'Yes Sir!' said the boy, who I recognized as Draco Malfoy, a malevolent grin on his pale face.
Somehow I knew what they were talking about. My heart stopped. Before I could say
anything to Dumbledore, Draco stood up and yelled at the top of his voice,

"WHAT?!!!!!" Snape grinned even wider as the Great Hall fell silent. "I never knew... he's
a....." There was no need for him to shout anymore. Now everyone was listening.

"Who's a what?" came a voice.

"Proffessor Lupin!" Malfoy declared, "Is a WEREWOLF!!" He pointed at me accusingly, and I
suddenly felt like I was under a spotlight. Everyone's eyes were on me. I closed my own
and took a few deep breaths. I heard Dumbledore's chair scrape beside me.

"Sit down please, Mr. Malfoy." he spoke into the silence, his soft voice ringing throughout
the Hall.

"But Sir," came a voice which I recognized as Fred Weasley's, "It isn't true... is it?"

"It is, I'm afraid," A babble broke out at this confirmation. "But," the Headmaster called over
the noise, which reluctantly subsided, "I see no reason for that to affect your opinion of him."
He sat down again and turned to face me. The Great Hall grew noisy again.

"It was Severus, wasn't it." he stated. I nodded grimly. I opened my eyes, struggling to
keep my face impassive.

"If you'll excuse me, Headmaster, I believe I have some packing to do." I stood and strode
out of the Great Hall, trying to ignore the whispers that followed me.

A particularly large bump in the road jolted Remus back to the present. Stop moping about
it. he told himself firmly. Just accept there's nothing for you at Hogwarts and get on with
your life. Then he had a sudden idea. He rummaged in his battered case and brought out
parchment, ink and his quill. He loaded it carefully and wrote,
Dear Erin,
Then crossed it out because it sounded too much like a love letter. Which it wasn't. Finally
he settled on 'To Erin,', and began again.

To Erin,
I have resigned. I had thought this job would last longer than a year, but things
did not work out. I will explain when I see you.
I currently have nowhere to stay, so would you mind if I stayed with you for a while? It
would not be for long, just until I find permanent accomodation. If this is not convenient I
will find somewhere else, but I would like to stay with you - someone I trust. I will meet
you at Kings Cross as planned.
Remus Lupin

The letter was short, but it took Remus almost an hour to write. Unlike when he wrote to
his parents or (now) Sirius, when the words came easily, his letters to Erin always turned
out sounding formal and awkward. Nevertheless, he sealed it into an envelope and
addressed it.

"Excuse me?" he called forwards to the driver.

"Yes, Mr. Lupin?" he replied stiffly, still keeping his eyes on the road ahead.

"You have owls I could use don't you?"

"Yes sir. They're asleep in the back compartment of the cart."

"Thanks."

Remus noticed with a sigh the all-too-polite tone the driver used when talking to him. He
obviously knew that Remus was a werewolf, and was forcing himself to be nice by calling him
'Mr. Lupin' and 'sir'. Remus sighed, trying not to get depressed over it, and sent his letter.
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Didja like it?? Didja hate it??? It gets more interesting later on, so bare with me. PLEASE
review I really NEED some feedback. (If you're an author I'll read your fic and review it too!
I promise!) Or even email me! (windangel@thespark.com). Thankyou for reviewing! (I
KNOW you did) and until we meet again, I'll leave you with this little question...If you know
the answer, put it in a review!

What make of car did the Weasleys own?

Disclaimer: I don't own Remus or Dumbledore or Snape the Evil Git or
Malfoy the Amazing Bouncing Ferret. (I think that's it...)

Claimer: I own the plot and Erin (yay!)