3:00 PM - The Next Day
Cornelius Fudge walked into the Leaky Cauldron, his face set in a grave expression. The pub, packed to the brim with wizards and creatures on any other day, looked deserted. He could understand, though. Why would anyone want to be around a possible murder site? The previous night, a murder had been committed in the alley next to a Muggle pub that shared a wall with the Leaky Cauldron. The Lion and Unicorn Tavern had lost an employee to what the Muggle newspapers called a "crazed axe murderer". But the Ministry of Magic knew better. Stanley Jackson, a young man working for the Ministry in the London Police Force, had described the murder.
"Well, you see, it was 'orrible. The body was torn up, like a wild animal had a go at it. It even looked as if parts were missing- as if eaten. The identity is still unknown, the Muggles is awaitin' the results from somethin' they call a lab. It was absolutely 'orrible, and I never wanta seen anythin' like it again."
"Thank you Stanley," Fudge said heavily. "Care to join us? We're discussing the murder and we might need your help."
"Thanks but no, boss. They need me back at the site. I'll come back later, though."
"OK." Turning back to the other people at the table, Fudge took in a deep breath. Across from him, fingering a biscotti and mug of mulled lead, was the Head of Department of Werewolf Ministries, Willem Lucien. To Fudge's right was the representative for the Muggle Studies department, Mr. Weasley. To Fudge's left was the ever present Lucius Malfoy, downing a mug of beer.
"Well, it seems we have a werewolf murder, I'm afraid," Fudge said with hesitation.
Willem nodded and sighed. "I hate it when things like these happen. We haven't had one since the 1890s, and we've been thankful. But, it'll happen, as long as werewolves are here."
"Who's the suspect?" Lucius was always eager to get someone condemned, and it annoyed Fudge slightly.
"Well, we hate to say it..."
Arthur Weasley cut in. "The Muggles don't suspect anything, but a Memory charm might be needed for one. This old lady looking out her window saw what she called a 'huge dog that walked like a man'. They passed her off as crazy in her old age, but we might need to see about that.... there are those who will believe her..."
The members of the table nodded, but the tense atmosphere remained.
"I need to know who, though, Cornelius. The (the nickname for the Department of Werewolf Ministries) will want to know who the suspect is so we can watch him or her."
"I hate to say this but its a him. A him we all know very well."
"No!" Weasley gasped. "Not him! Ron told me about him- he was a great teacher last year. Never harmed a flea."
"I'm afraid so, Arthur. We are suspecting Professor Lupin."
Lucius got a look on his face somewhere between disgust and amusement. "Him? My son said he was the worst teacher."
"Well, everyone knows he'd rather have Snape teach it, Lucius!" snapped Mr. Weasley.
"Please, gentlemen, we're not here to fight," warned Fudge. "But it is the sad truth. We wouldn't have pointed fingers so quick, but he is the only registered werewolf in the London area."
"He's not in the London area anymore, though," Willem said, sounding confused.
"It doesn't help that his records say he can Apparate. Everything seems to be against him."
"When will the arrest be made?" Lucius said calmly.
"No arrests will be made yet, but he will remain under watch." Fudge sighed. "I must be going. Willem, will you come here a second?"
They stood by the door and bid Arthur and Lucius goodbye. After the two other men had left, Fudge looked at Willem and said urgently, "Do not, I repeat, do not, let Albus Dumbledore get wind of this until we are ready. Do not let anyone at Hogwarts know. OK?"
"OK, but one question- Lupin doesn't work there anymore. Why shouldn't they know?"
Fudge just answered with a harsh look, and disappeared out the door.
* * *
5:00 PM - North of London, Same Day
Remus Lupin settled comfortably onto his sofa, adjusting his glasses and taking a book off the cushion, facedown where he had left it. The fire roared in the hearth, crackling and popping, sending sparks flying into the chimney and out into the night. It was a full moon, yes, but he was going to enjoy his time before the sun went down and the moon rose. His cat walked by, purring contentedly, its orange fur rubbing off onto Lupin's robes.
"Yes, Crooks, tonight you'll have to stay outside. I'm sorry, I can't help it if it's raining."
The clock ticked by until 6:30 rolled around. Lupin set his book down on the arm of the couch and got up, stretching as he headed for the door.
"Come on, Crooks, you need to leave now." The orange cat stuck its nose in the air and sat down. Lupin peered through the tree and saw the first light of the moon coming up over the horizon. "Please, Crooks. Come on, there are mice out there!"
As if his master had said the magic words, Crooks dashed out the door, tail held high. As Lupin closed the door, the first spasm came. Fur spread across his body as he removed his robes, as not to tear them during the transformation. Crackling filled the night silence as his face pushed forward into a snout, and his knees popped backwards, becoming hackles. His hand lengthened and claws sprouted from his fingertips. The pain that filled his body was near overwhelming, and he snarled at nothing in particular.
Suddenly the fireplace roared, and Willem Lucien's face appeared in the flames, dancing in a kaleidoscope of orange, yellow, and blue. Lupin growled and curled up on the rug next to the fire, chewing on the edge of a worn-out coffee table that was there for that sole purpose. The form of Willem shook visibly.
"Er, Lupin? Can you understand me?"
The werewolf growled louder and nodded. A chunk of the wooden table fell to the floor and Lupin began to shred it with his claws.
"Well, um, I have bad news..."
A grunt.
"You need to come to the Ministry tomorrow as early as possible. Its urgent."
A snarl.
Willem jumped and almost fell. He righted himself in the flames and cleared his throat. "Well, I will see you."
A piece of shredded wood flew into the fire and the image of Willem disappeared. Lupin howled in frustration and buried his jaws into the table, and fell into troubled sleep.
* * *
10:00 AM - Hogwarts, Next Day
Albus Dumbledore walked quickly up the halls, whipping around corners and going quite fast for someone of his age. He rounded a corner and entered a hall lined with suits of armor. They politely tipped their helmets, offering tips and advice. Dumbledore simply smiled and nodded at each of them, picking up his pace. He arrived at his office door, and met Professors Snape, McGonagall, and Trelawney. Also with them were Cornelius Fudge and Willem Lucien.
"Why aren't you back at the Ministry?" Fudge was whispering not to kindly.
"I'm sorry, but Lupin said he would not be able to show up. So I came here."
Fudge groaned. "He is not helping his position!"
"Hello Minerva, Severus, Cornelius, Willem," Dumbledore said, his voice resonating through the hall, but his tone was grave. "Are we ready to begin?"
There was an uptight, collective "Yes, sir" and so they began their way up the stairs to Dumbledore's office. Snape entered first followed by McGonagall, Dumbledore, Lucien, and Fudge last. Fawkes eyed Snape mistrustingly and landed on Dumbledore's shoulder. They all pulled up some elaborate chairs (cherry wood with lion-head carved feet) and Dumbledore conjured up some small glasses of water.
Fudge cleared his throat and folded his hands over his round belly. "Well, you have all heard of the recent... tragedy, I dare say."
"In more ways than one," McGonagall murmured quietly.
"I knew it was coming, oh why didn't I do anything?" Professor Trelawney babbled to herself.
Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Fudge continued. "All evidence so far points to him. The body was torn apart, and the lady from the flat above described the attacker to us before we performed a Memory Charm on her..." He paused and sucked in a breath. "And Lupin is the only registered werewolf in the London area. In Wales, to be exact. Its not a happy situation."
"Why don't we just catch him and use Veritaserum?" Snape offered.
"That is a good idea except for one thing. I am sorry to admit it but our system works much like the Muggles. We can't do anything yet until we have good convicting evidence. Plus, he's a good man."
"That's what we thought about Sirius Black..." muttered Snape, still not wanting to believe the blatant facts laid before his eyes last year that Sirius was, in fact, innocent.
Dumbledore and McGonagall exchanged knowing looks, and held back smiles. There were some tense moments of silence and the water glasses became much emptier. Lucien cleared his throat and spoke with some level of tension.
"Well, Albus, there is one thing. Werewolves are not very popular and the moment this hits the press, people will be crying for someone to get condemned. They will not want a murderer running among them, trust me. The outlook is pretty dark, for Lupin and, well, the Ministry if we try to defend him. I hate to say it but we need new evidence that points away from him. Otherwise..." He shrugged and took a sip from his water glass, trying to hide his discomfort. His hands shook visibly.
"I think we have had enough for today," Dumbledore announced after a silence that weighed on everyone's shoulders with a terribly ominous burden. They left the room, dark thoughts on their minds.