Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. It all belongs to J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Do not sue, for I am broke. I'd have but a penny to give thee, and that's no more help than getting stung by a bee.
Author's Beginning Note: Well, well, look who's back with another chapter. *blinks rapidly* I think I'm having fun writing this. Maybe not, though don't tempt me.
Facades
Chapter Two
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It was nearly time for Christmas holidays, the Great Hall a buzz like never before. The Gryffindor table was perhaps the loudest of all the others, merrymaking coming naturally. Remus Lupin sat at the end of the table, a book open in front of him, plate shoved to the side as he read on silently, oblivious to all around him, or so it seemed. He slowly turned a page, eyes transfixed, wide, and unblinking. He was often entertained easily once he found a topic interesting at all. It was quite easy to keep him intent on finishing a project once started. As he made a move to reach for the corner of the page once more, an owl crashed down into the bowl of apples and oranges across from him, sending the fruits tumbling from their spot, rolling down the table and over the edge. The bird simply hopped up, shaking its head and ruffling its feathers as it dropped a large envelope onto Remus' open book and instantly launching itself back into the air, flying out without much disturbance as before.
Remus blinked rapidly, picking the envelope up gingerly, closing the book once it was removed. He absently picked an orange from his lap, setting it back into the nearly empty bowl, a few other students doing the same, though sending him curious glances every now and then. Just as Remus' finger found its way under the top, ready to open it, Sirius Black plopped down next to him, hitting him square in the side of the head with one of the stray apples. His head snapped to the side, and he turned, glaring at the black-haired boy, whom only smirked, raising an eyebrow as his gaze drifted to the letter the tawny-haired Gryffindor held.
"What's that, hm?" He question, making a move to grab it. Luckily, Remus was expecting such an act. It was always to be expected when dealing with one Sirius Black. He swatted the hand away, scolding at his friend. "Not any of your concern, I'm afraid." He replied, sniffing arrogantly, but his blooming smile giving everything away.
"Fine, fine, be that way then. Pass me an orange, will you?" Sirius asked gruffly, pointing toward one undisturbed orange in the bowl. Remus reached across, nearly rasping the orange before it was plucked right out from under his fingers. He glanced up, frowning deeply, but it soon turned upside down as well, when he saw it was Lily Evans. The redhead smiled, winking playfully as she tossed the orange at Sirius, hitting him upside the head in revenge for Remus. She patted her brown-haired boy's head in a motherly manner as she gracefully took a set across from him.
"Having a pleasant morning, Sirius? Remus?" She smiled at the both of them.
She was a lovely thing, and no one would dare disagree. It was impossible not to return that radiating smile, even for some Slytherins, thus, Remus and Sirius beamed at their female companion.
"Oh yes, Lils." Remus answered tucking the letter he'd received away into one of his many robe pockets. No questions were asked, even then. Sirius and Lily knew better than to ask of it. Remus had always been very secretive about the mail he got. They all knew this. Sometimes it was too much to bear, watching him read the letters. Remus would only smile bitterly once done, causing their curiosity to spur to new heights, always wanting to know, but never allowing themselves to ask. None of them were very close to Remus, though if anything, Lily was the closet. Not even she dared to.
"Splendid!" She said hurriedly, trying not to let the other know what she'd been thinking.
"Where's James?" Sirius asked, glancing around the table for the familiar mop of messy black hair belonging to their friend, James Potter. He was nowhere to be seen, and neither was Peter Pettigrew. "And Peter." Remus added for Sirius, sending a scowl in his direction. None of the four were very close with the blonde-haired boy named Peter, but they tried to treat him just as equally as they would the others, just sometimes it was hard. He was always so quiet.
"I'm not sure, I saw James in the common room earlier." Lily sniffed, leaning in somewhat, trying to get a glimpse of the book title on the leather cover on Remus' novel. "I hope he's not up to no good again." She continued, pouting when Remus pulled the book from the tabletop, stuffing it into his book sack. "You know what Professor Figg said. She'll have him booked for detention for the rest of the year if he plays anymore pranks on those Slytherins."
At the mention of their opposing house, Sirius and Remus glanced toward the far table, occupied by students whom looked like they'd rather be anywhere else in the world, but there. Sirius sneered as he turned away, shrugging to Lily's statement. "Let him do what he wants, it's his hide, not ours." He commented, and the other two nodded, having to agree with him.
"Although, I still don't approve-" Lily began, but fell silent as James entered the Great Hall, Peter tagging along a few steps behind, wringing his hands nervously in front of him. Lily's eyes narrowed at the movement, a deep scowl crossing her brow. "Look there, I bet you anything he's dragged Peter into whatever it is!" She accused, huffing.
The other two reached them in no time at all, James and Peter sitting down, James next to Lily, and Peter next to him. They paid no mind to the stern look Lily was giving them, or the anxious one Sirius was sending their way. Remus himself was gazing across the hall, once more oblivious to all else.
His gaze had been met not a moment before by a pair of beetle black orbs, staring at him from Slytherin table. Remus knew those eyes very well, for they had watched him many years. The owner, Severus Snape, had taken an intense interest in him during their first year. It was still a mystery to Remus just why. He was positive Snape could not know his secret. Surely that couldn't be it? He narrowed his eyes instinctively, but the black ones were turned away, their attention directed to the boy sitting next to Snape, Evan Rosier. Remus snorted quietly, looking back to James and Peter, only to find all eyes on him.
He raised a fine brow, looking between them all. "Hm?" He inquired, uncomfortable by the attention.
"I asked you if you agreed." Lily told him, concern evident in her emerald eyes, only adding to Remus' discomfort. He looked away from her, not wanting to have to look at her. Instead, he looked at James, whom held the same worry in his eyes. Remus inwardly sighed. "Agreed with what?" He asked finally, figuring it would help greatly if he knew at all what they were talking of.
"That those Slytherins need to be put into line again." Sirius supplied for him, earning a kick under the table from Lily. "Sirius Black!" She hissed, smiling despite her tone. "Don't you dare go putting those ideas into these guys' heads." She gathered her books quickly, with a glance down at her magical watch, which she'd gotten for an early Christmas present from the Transfiguration teacher. None of them knew the reason for the gift, it was rather peculiar..
"Remus?" He felt a hand on his shoulder and his vision blurred before he looked up, meeting those emerald eyes. "Sorry, Lils." He mumbled, pulling his bag strap onto his left shoulder and standing, just as the others had already done.
"Are you alright? You seem-distant?" Still, Remus could not meet those eyes. He nodded dumbly, smiling. "I'm fine, Lily, just a little tired. Didn't get much sleep at all last night." He excused it, nodding to her with yet another forced smile, instantly upping his pace and catching up with the boys.
He did not catch Lily's frown, nor the narrowing of those beetle-black eyes at his back, as they stepped passed Slytherin's table.
The group entered Potions several minutes later, taking a spot near the back, like always. James and Sirius were seated next to each other, Remus, Lily, and Peter behind them on the next row. Lily looked slightly disgruntled as she sat next to Remus, earning herself scrutiny. He wanted to know what was wrong with her lately, but he kept his mouth shut, opening his bag and pulling out his ink and quill, setting them neatly in front of him.
He chewed his bottom lip, leaning back in slightly, glancing up toward the ceiling, which was stained with different colors in many places, making it look like someone had decided to just toss paint on it. Remus directed his attention toward James, whom was now whispering to Sirius, both boys with the same expression: that of mischief. Remus found himself shaking his head, wondering just what the two were planning next. He himself had an idea of a swell prank, but it was not his area to tread into. He preferred not to get involved in the house wars.
The class settled down instantly when the door to the classroom opened, and their Potions teacher, Arabella Figg, stepped into the room, hawk-like eyes searching over all of them. Satisfied that no one was missing her class, she stalked to her desk, sitting easily down into the chair and pulling out a stack of papers from the right-hand drawer. She said nothing for a while, leaving the class to sit in silence. They were used to these things, not really caring either way. Suddenly, Professor Figg slammed her quill down, and, Remus noted, caused Peter to nearly leap out of his skin.
She stood, crossing her arms over her chest and clearing her throat, as to gain any attention she did not already have. Next him, Remus could see Lily was alert, quill ready to take any notes she may need, eyes glued on her professor. He inwardly chuckled, surprised that although he'd known her many years, Lily had not changed on bit. She was still that first year he remembered, bright and eager to learn. It seemed, that of all of them, she was the one to change least, but Remus knew better than that.
Tod ay, class, we will be making a truth potion." Professor Figg informed them, eyebrows raising, disappearing into her hairline at the few groans, mainly from the Slytherins, for it was only they who would dare make any outburst in this class. She ignored them, as she always did, and continued on, "If you did your assignment from yesterday, you should know just what to do. I believe I had you read the text on preparing the potion in your books?" She smirked. "If you did not, then you are left to your own devices." She sat down, picking up her quill once more. "The supplies are in the storage room. Only use what you will need, do not waste anything. You may begin." Those words spoken, Professor Figg began to grade the papers she had set out earlier, making large, slashing marks across any incorrect answers.
Lily beamed, hopping up from her seat in between the two boys and clapping Remus on the back. "I'll do great at this! I've been hoping she'd let us make one, you know." She said to them as Remus pulled himself up. "Professor Figg?" He called out nervously, always unsure of himself in this class. "You didn't assign partners-." He ceased to speak when his professors looked up at him, eyes narrowing. "I suspected you could fend for yourselves. You and Mister Black do need some extra help, don't you?" She drawled easily, eyes glinting, knowing Remus would not like the whole class knowing that bit of information. "Lupin, Black, with Miss Evans." She snapped, turning back to the papers once more. "Be glad I'm in a merciful mood."
Remus was, too. He truly was, though still embarrassed at her words. He smiled at Lily, shrugging, knowing she would not mind. She was always out to help him, trying to get him to do all his class work and homework that they were assigned. This was possibly a field day for her, having two at once.
"Come on, then!" She grinned, Sirius turning around, away from James, whom stepped around to take Lily's seat next to Peter. The three, soon followed by James and Peter, went off to the storage closet, like most others, Lily listing off everything they would need. She seemed to always memorize the texts.
None of them noticed Evan Rosier sneaking by the cauldron James and Peter were to share, tossing something within it. He smirked, returning to his spot across the room, where Snape waited, ingredients already gathered, and ready to begin.
It was well toward the end of the class before any incident occurred. Peter had been stirring the potion he and James had worked on, just as he should, from what the directions Lily had given included. James himself was chatting away with Sirius, just as before. Lily and Remus sat in silence, Lily stirring their potion slowly, as she had instructed Peter to do. Everything was tranquil, though Remus felt them all being watched and very closely at that. It was unnerving to him, as it was any other time. It was almost to the point when he could not take it anymore when it happened.
Peter had stopped in his stirring, dropping in the very last ingredient. The moment it hit into the potion, the whole cauldron shook, and it erupted, just as a volcano would have, showering everyone within reach in the liquid. Yet, there was something horribly wrong. The moment the potion made contact with Peter's skin, it was turned green and silver striped, almost like a tiger.
Sirius, James, Lily, and Remus were not spared, either. A few Gryffindors around them were also unfortunate, but it was clear what had happened. Remus' glare sought out Snape, and it was a no-brainer to him. He knew, everyone knew. Snape and Rosier were covering their mouths in silent laughter, eyes dancing with amusement, smirks in place.
Professor Figg was on them within seconds, scolding deeply as she observed them. Finally, she sneered, chuckling lightly, it was more like a cackle to those colored in Slytherin's trademark combinations. "Very well, class dismissed. Mister Snape and Mister Rosier, please stay and clean up this mess. Thank you for the entertainment, though." He smirked down at the Gryffindor group, sweeping off, out of the room, leaving them. The rest of the class began to file out after her, and soon it was on the Gryffindor group, Snape and Rosier, all glaring daggers at each other.
Lily looked near tears, her red hair now green and silver, she felt at it gingerly, not even bothering to show her displeasure, for it was evident. "How could you?" She cried finally, frowning deeply, which was very unbefitting for her. "That was just down right cruel." She finished, gathering up her books quickly and racing from the room best she could without actually fleeing.
Sirius and James exchanged glances, Sirius' murderous and James' nothing but anger. "Bloody prat," James mumbled, never one to start anything usually. He would not make an exception this time, even if they had hurt Lily. He slung his bag over his shoulder, nodding to Sirius and Peter, and the three left, hoping to catch up with Lily.
Remus raised an eyebrow, still observing his skin. He had to admit; it was quite devious, painting your enemy house your own house's colors. They'd have to walk around like that, for the whole student body to see, most devious indeed.
He looked up finally, at the other two. He sent his most charming smile in their direction, nodding his head. "Very nice." He commented, shrugging his own bag strap onto his shoulder, picking up his bottle of ink and placing it gently into the side pocket. Snape was glaring at him now, black eyes full of fury.
"Did I say something wrong?" He asked, furrowing his brows.
Rosier ignored him completely, sneering. "Come on, Severus, let's clean this up. We'll be late to Transfiguration if we don't hurry." Snape nodded his silent agreement, and Remus knew this as to mean he was not being fully ignored. He sighed, biting his bottom lip as he made his way to the door, leaving.
He caught up with the rest of the group outside the common room, much later. They were just going inside, Lily pausing, waiting for him. He hurried up to her, smiling. "You couldn't find a reverse spell or something?" He asked her, seeing that her skin was still colored. "No," She replied in a huff, the two stepping inside the common room. "Madam Parks said it would wear off on its own within twenty-four hours." She sighed heavily, frowning.
"Those Slytherins," She said, "always so nasty. It's no wonder they haven't got many friend, hm?" She smiled, heading toward the steps leading up to the girl's dorm. Remus stayed within the den, going to sit down on one of the large, winged armchairs beside the fireplace. He gazed out on of the windows on the other side of the fireplace, sighing heavily.
He could sense the moon, could almost see it in his mind. He knew it was almost full, and it was plain to see for him. He'd been eating less within the past week, sleeping more, staying up later, and looking more and more ill by the day. He figured he'd have to go see Dumbledore soon. He needed a new excuse for disappearing. The last had been that his mother had fallen ill herself, requesting he return home to keep her company while her husband was away on business. Of course, his mother was neither ill, nor his father away on a business trip. Rather, Remus was curled up on the floor of a shack in Hogsmeade, a wizarding village nearby, referred to as the Shrieking Shack. One could figure why, if only they knew a werewolf lurked there during the full moon, but they did not.
They only heard the pained yells, the howls, the scratching at the doors, and sometimes, if they dared come close enough, a glimpse of fur, or a growl directed to the outside. It was always like that. The shack had come to be considered 'haunted' due to all of those strange things, but only Dumbledore, his professors, and he knew the truth. No one else needed to know.
Though, Remus suspected Snape might be well on his way to knowing his little secret. That thought was terrifying on its own. Remus could only fret over if Snape found out and told everyone. It was a well-known fact that werewolves or vampires, any dark creatures for that matter, were not allowed to attend school here. Dumbledore had been too kind with this, and it was risking his own position has Head Master. It was the least Remus could do, to try and keep it all on the down low. He tried his very best.
Feeling completely worn, he pulled his legs underneath him, curling up in the large chair, almost in a cat-like way. He watched the fire dance lazily in the hearth, almost in an unearthly manner. Such things always struck his attention. He watched it wave and flicker, sway about, almost in an exotic sort of dance, like it was teasing him. He drew his eyes away finally, blinking rapidly as his vision was blurred.
He felt a small breeze blow through the stonewalls, almost reminding him of the dungeons. It was always so cold. He could not imagine having to hold-up in that sort of environment. He got cold extremely easy, which was why he'd taken the time to cast a heating spell on his cloak that he always wore around the school. It was the most convenient way to keep warm, and it worked nicely during winter, as was obvious.
There was a creak behind him, from the stairs, and he peered around the back of the chair, though saw nothing. He raised an eyebrow, but did not call out. He thought that was foolish, for sometimes no one was there at all. It was like talking to one's self.
Spooked now, Remus slipped from his position and off of the armchair, padding across the floor and up the stairs. He figured he'd try to get some sleep tonight, at least it'd seem like the paint would wear off quicker.
The next morning, Remus rose extra early to go see the head master. They'd come to the conclusion that his excuse this time would be that his sister was having problems with her baby, as it was her first child and it was expected that she would.
Though Remus hated to always lie to his friends, he felt it necessary. He could not risk being discovered, and he dreaded to think of what would happen if he were. One slip up, and he'd be expelled and sent right back home. He hated to think how disappointed his parents would be in him, even if they pretended they were not feeling so.
As he made his way to lunch, Remus finally notice that the paint from the day before had worn off, and he hadn't even realized it until now. He was thankful for that, glad that he wouldn't be laughed at more than usual today. He smiled slightly as he entered the Great Hall, heading over to Gryffindor table, where James was motioning him to a seat next to him. Remus complied, taking the offered seat and sending James a brilliant smile.
"Good morning!" Lily greeted him as he sat, lowering her book as she gazed across the table at him, wearing a smile that could equally match his own. Remus nodded to her before directing his attention back to James, just as Lily did hers to her book.
It was then that Remus noticed Sirius and Peter were nowhere to be seen. He raised an eyebrow, opening his mouth to question James on it, but the raven-haired boy beat him to it.
"Detention, again." He said, shrugging. "Sirius got caught up in a brawl with Rosier on the way down here. Peter was just doing his usual bit, you know? Backing up." Remus nodded after he finished, feeling sorry for the blonde-haired Peter. He shrugged the feeling aside, it having been his own choice to intervene and no one else's.
James had turned back to talking with some of the other members of the house, and soon afterward Remus had pretty much gone to his own world in thought, absently tracing patterns on the wooden table in a ring of water, where a goblet had evidently once set.
It was only a matter of time until Remus was supposed to be on his way to the Shrieking Shack, in which he spent his nights during the full moon. It was located in the wizarding village, Hogsmeade, atop a hill. It had long since been abandoned, boarded up, and nearly forgotten, as it sat on the edge of the town. It had remained that way until Remus had come along, finding a purpose for it by way of Dumbledore. The man had told him it would work out, and it surely had. The noises during the full moon were just twisted into ghost stories, and the old house was thought nothing more of, just a haunted house. Hardly anyone dared to go near it due to the stories, and those brave enough to venture close, were warded off by many magical shields, mainly for their own protection, though partially for Remus' as well.
He was to leave just as the first class of the day started, to return to his dorm and collect the few things he would need. He usually only brought a spare set of robes, just in case the set he did wear were ruined in some way due to the transformation. Once ready, he would head out across the school grounds, trying his best to not be seen. There was a large, gnarled tree located on Hogwarts grounds, known as the Whomping Willow. Not many crossed paths with this beast of a tree, and those who did regretted their venture later. Remus did, though. It had been arranged that a secret passage be located here, at the base of the tree, only to be unlocked by a button, disguised as a knot, on the tree. Once hit, the tree would cease to move, and the entrance would be revealed.
It was a simple way for Remus to travel. The passage led right into the Shrieking Shack, and could be locked, just in case his wolf form decided to try to leave the shack.
He appreciated the effort Dumbledore and the staff took to ensure the safety of the others around him, as well as himself. It made him wonder if he was more a pest than anything else, but those thoughts did not remain for long, generally.
Remus was finally pulled from his thoughts, as James stood next to him. He instantly stood as well, returning his forgotten smile to his face as Lily's gaze landed on him, as she packed away her book into her bag. Neither of his friends noticed that he did not carry his own bag, or any books at all. He didn't exactly expect them to have, and he didn't particularly care.
Lily returned his smile, quickly heading off after a group of girls, whom she often associated herself with. Remus watched her go, as the hall quickly emptied, and he even missed James' exit. He sighed, turning and leaving himself, needing to hurry just a bit more than usual, knowing he'd forgotten to owl his sister that morning, as he tried to do each day when there was a full moon.
Remus entered the Shrieking shack from the trap door, which came up on the bottom floor. He crawled to his feet slowly, pulling his small bag up after him. He shut the door, kneeling down to latch the lock into place, as he always tried to remember to do.
Looking around, Remus had no doubt as to why he had nightmares of this place. It wasn't exactly considered welcoming, and definitely wasn't cozy in the least, but it was his home for more than one time each school year, and he'd grown used to staying there his one night.
He stepped lightly across the dusty, wooden floor, coming to a stop in front of one of the boarded up windows inside the room. He peered through the crack, still seeing the sunlight, and feeling a small amount of disappointed in its presence. He really wanted this to be over as quick as possible, and he truly did hate lying to his friends. They would question him, just as they always did, when he returned, and he dreaded that more than anything else. It meant he'd have to lie more to them, and build more webs to become entangled in. He hated it very much.
He sighed, walking to a corner and setting his bag down before smoothly sitting himself down on top of it, avoiding the dusty floorboards the best he could, being sensitive to dust. He sniffed, nose twitching, and he settled down for the usual, long wait he had to endure, knowing he didn't want to wait, or for the wait to be over. The transformation was far from something you looked forward to while waiting.
He closed his eyes, pulling his knees closer, and hoping to get a small amount of sleep before nightfall, or else he would not get any at all until the following night, if not even later. The moon's effects could carry over a few nights, if it was a particularly rough shift.
He tried not to think about it anymore, and with this extra effort, he was able to clear his mind just enough to fall quickly asleep, and he would need to extra energy.
To Be Continued
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Author's Ending Note: Well, here's chapter two, finally. Hope you guys didn't have to wait too long. -_-; I can't help myself. Anywho, see you guys next chapter.
PLEASE REVIEW!! ^-^;