**** So… I don't have a Beta, looking for one or two… mostly for grammar and helping plot holes… because I retain the right to control my stories. You can suggest it, if I hate it, I won't use it. Got it? I do want someone who can promise me 2-3 day turn around… thinking of posting twice a week, depending on schoolwork. If you're expecting me to post the day I have three final exams, you're crazier than I am.****
James Potter smiled at the sight of the Hogwarts Express as he entered platform 9¾ on the morning of September 1st. He hugged his parents goodbye after his trunk was placed on the train, and went in search of his childhood friend, Sirius Black.
A small brown-haired boy sat in one of the few mostly-empty compartments, and by this time, James was getting ready to give up. "Excuse me?"
The smaller boy looked up, a fading shiner still visible on his face. His clothes were somewhat big on him. His green t-shirt hung over well-muscled but thin arms, and his jeans had to be turned up at the cuffs so that they wouldn't hang over his shoes. He had been bent over a book, reading intently.
"Hey, you didn't happen to see a boy with dark hair, and blue eyes come by?" James asked of him.
"No."
James sat down. "Well, I've checked in every compartment, do you mind if I wait here for him?"
"No."
James looked at him curiously. "You don't say much, do you?"
"No."
"Is that
all you can say?"
Remus half smiled. "No."
He went back to his book as James sighed heavily.
James wiped the edge of his glasses on his shirt and pulled out his chocolate frog card collection, looking through it.
"Jamie!" came a shout from the door.
Remus jumped, hands flying to his ears. "Sweet Merlin," he hissed.
James jumped as well, launching himself at the boy in the doorway. "Siri! What took you so long? I've been waiting!"
"Sorry. Mum threw a fit when I tried to pack some dungbombs. We'll have to make them ourselves," Sirius said, setting a bag down on the seat next to Remus.
"That's okay. I managed to get a few things past my mum and dad," James replied, scratching his head.
Sirius sat down, a smile on his face, then turned to see the boy across from him. "Holy cricket. Remus?"
"Sirius. How's John working out for you?" Remus asked idly.
"Well, mum and dad named him Rigel. You were right… he's pretty cute," Sirius said. He frowned. "I thought you said you weren't coming."
Remus shrugged. "Same here. But when Dumbledore came to the orphanage to invite me personally, I figured I should give it a shot. Besides, it gets me out of that hellhole for about 9 months out of the year," he said quietly.
"The Squibs again?" Sirius asked, gesturing at Remus' face.
"The Angels."
"You're joking."
"No."
"I could fix it," he said, drawing his wand.
"No." Remus said firmly.
James smiled. "You don't say much, do you?"
"No."
"Siri, how do you two know each other?"
Sirius smiled. "Well, you know about Rigel, and how mum and dad and I went to a wizarding orphanage to get him?" James nodded. "Well, while I was there, I met Remus, and we got to talking and I figured out he's a pretty cool guy."
"No, I'm not."
"The only orphan in the place who didn't want to be adopted."
Remus glared and went back to his book.
"Why not?"
"Just drop it please," Remus whispered.
James and Sirius just looked at Remus for a bit, then leaned back to get comfortable as the other students began arriving.
"Look inside, Gus. If it's empty, we've finally found a place to sit," a familiar voice said. It was exactly like Remus', but with an arrogant drawl.
Remus stiffened, closing his book. His heart started pounding and he narrowed his hazel eyes at the door.
Another boy poked his head inside, followed quickly by another. "Well, hell, this is the second group of three we've found. Maybe we should try farther back," the first boy said. "Hello all."
"Hi. James Potter."
"Sirius Black," he said, sorting through his Every Flavor Beans.
"Gus Fletcher," the first boy said.
Remus stayed silent, glaring at the second.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't Remus," said the second in a near singsong voice.
James and Sirius looked at Remus, who was now standing, fists clenched and hazel eyes blazing. "Romulus," he growled.
Gus looked between the two carefully. "Wait. You two know each other?"
Romulus smiled. "Of course. How could Romulus ever forget Remus?" he asked quietly. "I didn't think you would be here. But then again, Mother and Father never expected you to survive on the streets. They thought it would be more humane to let you die." He stood the same height as Remus, but with shorter hair, slicked back in an aristocratic style. His muggle clothes were much dressier, and he stood with a more confident posture. He moved his hand as if to shake Remus'.
Remus nearly shook in rage. "Get out Romulus." He drew back quickly as he noticed that Romulus had silver rings on his right hand.
"Or what?" Romulus countered. "You'll fight me? I was always the better son. More civilized, more loving, more loved…"
"More conceited, more arrogant, more self-serving," Remus finished, preparing for an uppercut. "You tell them they were wrong. You tell those guardians of yours that they couldn't kill me then, and that I never want to meet them or you in a dark alley, unless one of you has a death wish."
"Remus, hold on mate. You don't want to get in a fight right now," James said, stepping in to restrain his new friend.
"I'd win and you know it, Romulus," Remus hissed.
"Stay away from me," Romulus spat. "Let's go, Gus."
The two boys left the compartment and Remus turned away in disgust.
"What was that, Remus?" Sirius asked as the train began to move.
"That was my twin brother Romulus… the most arrogant, self-centered brown noser that I have ever met," he said, looking out the window. "My parents kept him and I ended up in the orphanage where Sirius met me. The official reason is that they did not want to split the inheritance between two brothers. They didn't want to see a family torn apart by warring brothers."
"That's not a good reason," James said, compassionately.
Remus picked up his books and threw them in the bag. "This was a big mistake."
"Remus, wait. Where are you going?" Sirius asked, standing in the doorway, to block the exit.
"Home."
"No," James said. "You're staying, and you really should tell us what all of that really was about."
"You told me once that you hate the orphanage and everyone there. Why would you throw away a chance to go here for that kid? It's probably exactly what he wants," Sirius said, gently placing a hand on Remus' thin shoulder.
"You wouldn't understand, Sirius," Remus whispered.
"Tell me," he countered quickly.
Remus' bowed his head. "When I was four, I… got sick. Bad. It was my own fault. I got lost in the woods near our house. By the time my parents found me, it was too late. I'm not contagious, except for about once a month, when I get really ill, usually on the order of a visit to the doctor. My parents were unprepared for that…" he replied. "And they didn't want the responsibility. So they took me to London, sent me on an errand, and then disappeared. I didn't know where I was… A 5 year old lost in London. Finally, about a year later, I was found by some Aurors down in Knockturn Alley, and turned over to St. Jerome's. My family kept Romulus, ensuring that they would have an heir."
"And you hate him because if he hadn't been there, you think they might have kept you?" James asked, in understanding.
"No, that's only part of it. Who's idea do you think it was to go into the forest that afternoon?"
"Romulus," Sirius spat.
"Yeah. Look, if I promise to give it a shot, will you guys please change the subject?" Remus asked, lowering his bag to the floor.
"Sure." James smiled.
A knock came at the doorway. "Excuse me," a girl with flaming red hair said from outside.
"Yes?" Sirius asked, as Remus retreated to his corner.
"Someone asked if I could come in here so they could sit together. I agreed. My name's Liliacea Evans, but my friends call me Lily."
James stood up and shook her hand in greeting. "James Potter. Sirius calls me Jamie."
"Sirius Black, but my friends call me Siri," Sirius replied, bowing comedically.
They all turned to Remus, who was silent in the corner, looking out the window as if he hadn't heard the conversation.
"I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name," Lily said to him.
"That's because I didn't say it. Remus Lupin. And I never had friends."
She looked at him, emerald eyes nearly tearing up. "That's terrible," she said, as she flung herself at him and wrapped him in a hug.
James and Sirius looked at each other and smiled, then watched the shocked Remus awkwardly pat Lily on the back. "Such a girl magnet, Remmy," Sirius said.
Lily pulled away. "Remmy. I like it."
The first year entered the Great Hall, some gasping in awe. Lily was among those who were fascinated, while Romulus was among those rather blasé about the entire thing. Remus was concerned in the meantime with finding the moon among the floating candles, and attempting to calculate the time until his next transformation.
"Gather around please. When I call your name, you will come forward and I will place the Sorting Hat on your head," a tall brunette witch said, from her place in front of the Staff Table. "Romulus Allenson."
Remus' face went dark and Sirius touched his arm as Romulus took his place on the stool. The hat was flopped on his head, and after a few moments, it said, "Ravenclaw!"
One of the tables against the walls erupted into cheers as the first boy was sorted into their house. A few others came and went, to various Houses and then it was Sirius' turn.
"Sirius Black."
Sirius smiled, and walked up to the stool. Well, well. Sirius Black. Antares and Lyra's only blood relative. Both Gryffindors, they were. Let's see where to put you. You're a loyal friend, which suits you for Hufflepuff. Lots of courage… you would make a fine Gryffindor. Smart, but not motivated towards schoolwork. No, your intelligence lies in practicality and survival tactics. Not Ravenclaw material. You would do anything for a friend, wouldn't you? Regardless of the consequences. When your new friend felt threatened, you were ready to use your fists to defend him, weren't you?
Your moral strength and your cunning are perhaps the most prevalent things about you, Sirius Black. You would do well in Gryffindor… but you would do far better in SLYTHERIN.
James locked eyes with Sirius as the hat spoke its decision. James was taken aback, but didn't say anything, while Sirius whispered a barely audible, "Oh, man." He walked to the Slytherin table and sat down heavily.
Lily was sorted into Gryffindor, as were Arabella Figg and Gus Fletcher, before they came to…
"Remus Lupin."
Remus walked forward tentatively, ignoring the look from Romulus.
A werewolf. Never have I met one of your kind in my time as Sorting Hat. You might just be the first to attend this school after having been bitten, not before. Not surprising, as not many headmasters would have taken on the responsibility of educating you. May I recommend that you not disappoint him? He has a great deal of faith in you, as do I. Your temper is something that you must control. It could very well cast you into darkness without your knowledge.
You are filled with exceptional courage, as evidenced by the way you lead your life prior to this school term. Even when faced with overwhelming opposition, you always held to the course you thought was right.
You are intelligent, but it is an intelligence geared for one thing… survival. Remember, young Allenson, that just because you have survived does not mean that you have lived. Learn to live, child.
Your are filled with ambition, a desire to leave your old life behind. It is a hard road, but your cunning, courage and ambition will take you far. Welcome to SLYTHERIN.
Remus stepped down from the stool and headed to the Slytherin table, sitting down next to Sirius, his back to the wall.
"You can bet that Jamie is going to be pissed off at me when he recovers from the shock," Sirius muttered.
Remus sighed. "You think your parents are going to be pleased about this?" he asked gently, as the next boy got Sorted.
"Oh no. My parents were…"
"Both Gryffindors, right?" Remus asked.
"Yeah."
"Breathe, Siri," Remus said, squeezing his shoulder.
James' turn came up soon, and to no one's surprise, he was sent to Gryffindor. Sirius hit his forehead on the table repeatedly.
"That could cause brain damage," one boy said dryly. "You might want to stop doing that."
Sirius looked up. "Brain damage works."
The new boy smiled. "Charming. My name is Severus Snape."
"Remus Lupin and Sirius Black," Remus said, gesturing to himself and then Sirius.
"Not pleased about being in Slytherin, Sirius?"
Sirius played with his fork. "Parents are Aurors."
"Nice, but don't say that in the Common Room. What about you?" Snape asked, turning to Remus.
"I don't have any," Remus replied tonelessly, watching as the final students were Sorted.
Severus Snape didn't know what to say, instead, he turned to watch Dumbledore give his speech.
Remus slept peacefully in the quiet of the Slytherin dorms. It was somewhat less privacy than he was used to at the orphanage, but at least he could use magic to get more. He had been lucky, and had managed to get the bed farthest from the door, closest to a solid wall, like he liked it. So, Remus slept with his back to the wall.
That is, until a hand grabbed his right elbow and shook him from his deep sleep.
"What?" he murmured groggily. "Whosit?"
"It's Sirius."
Remus looked at his watch. "It's three thirty in the morning. It had better be serious. What do you want?" he asked, pushing himself up off the soft mattress.
"I couldn't sleep," he replied, black hair in complete disarray around his face. "I sent my mum and dad a letter telling them where I got Sorted… what if they disown me?"
Remus sighed. Of course Sirius would wake him up. Who else but the abandoned would he ask about being abandoned? "You haven't slept all night?" Remus whispered incredulously. "You're going to be so tired by lunch."
"What if Jamie doesn't want to be my friend anymore? What if…"
Apparently, changing topics wasn't going to work. "Sirius, three things, before I beat you into unconsciousness. One, your parents are honorable and kind people, right?"
Sirius nodded.
"Then trust me, they will love you regardless of the house you are in. Sure, they may have expected a different outcome, but they will love you all the same. Second, we are both in Slytherin, and no house is any worse than the other… just different. We got Sorted here because we belonged here. We're cunning, and we do whatever it takes, right?"
Sirius nodded again.
"Then relax. Things happen for a reason. Third, and this is the last time I say this. Worrying doesn't fix a damned thing. What will happen will happen, and you can't change what people are going to think or do. Siri, I promise you, whatever happens, I will never turn my back on you simply because you're a Slytherin. Now quit worrying. It's 3 bloody thirty in the bloody morning, you git!" Remus lay back down on the bed and buried his face in his pillow.
Sirius sighed, and went back to his own bed, but he couldn't sleep.
****
Long chapter, but it was the best stopping place.
And now for something completely different…the thanks!
Lady Kara- My first reviewer ever!!! Thank you. I really feel that there is more to him than most writers show, and I don't think that he would have escaped his childhood emotionally un-scarred. I mean, how could you lead a normal life with a wolf in your head. But I refuse to make any character one-dimensional. You will later see his hesitation, anger, doubt, temptation… fear. And somehow, Harry, Sirius and Dumbledore will be coming along for the ride, as will (his new friend) teenage!Snape!
Katy999- good. This is one of the currently unfinished fics, as I can't decide how I want it to end. May have to do an alternate ending and let people choose which one they want to believe. Sorta depends on your worldview though, which one you will choose.
Authors Note: I am thinking of starting a yahoo e-group for people who want updates for my fanfics. Let me know of your interest, and if you have any good ideas for names. I would appreciate them and will post my decision on my profile or the next chapters of my fics.
Getting ready to post my first AU fic, Heron. Takes place PoA, and I fully expect some flames for mild child abuse, but it's a fairly untouched plot aside from that. (I mean, I had to explain it to my friend 2x before she got it, but then again, I was being purposefully cryptic.) See profile for summary.
The next chapter will have Remus' first confrontation with a young wizard from Book 2, and more of the life he has suffered. It may take a bit longer, as it's not on my computer yet, just in my notebook.
Please review!