Chapter 3 revamped!
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Chapter 3: The Shift
Year 1972
Sirius Black:
Something had happened, but I didn't quite know what exactly that something was until I saw them together.
During the break, I saw less and less of Remus, and curiously, that made me uneasy. As if my routine was changed unknowns to me. I was used to seeing the smaller boy around, but I could scarcely catch a glimpse of him.
Then I found out what was going on a day before the school started again.
Snape and Lupin were together. In the library. Alone.
The thought of them being together made my blood boil for some reason. Snape was a Slytherin, someone not to be trusted. Yes, I admitted that we didn't welcome Lupin into our Gryffindor gang, as we should have. But hanging out with Snape? A dirty Slytherin? That was going too far. If you are a Gryffindor, you are one of us. Not one of them.
"Loony, loopy Lupin." I muttered as I saw Lupin approached the dorm room. I saw in my anger the change of his color in his face.
I knew what I was doing was totally wrong, but I couldn't help my anger.
"Loony, loopy Lupin. Loony, loopy Lupin." I sang as he approached his bed in silence, his eyes betraying nothing. The name calling was began by the Slytherins, but I wasn't about to feel guilty for doing it.
"Loony, loopy Lupin." I said louder this time, with Daniel Jones snickering behind his curtain.
"What do you want, Sirius?" Lupin's voice was calm and controlled.
"I want you to behave like a Gryffindor." I stared back his unwavering golden stares.
Lupin lowered his eyes, finally, and started to organize his books into his trucks. Ignoring me completely and utterly. I stood behind his back with my big shadow looming over his features fully.
When he didn't acknowledge my presence, I reached down and tapped his shoulder.
"Did you hear what I said? I said I want you to-"
"Behave like you?" He turned suddenly and stood facing me.
I avoided the accusation and continued my taunting, "Yeah. I saw you. I saw you hanging out with that grimy Slytherin. Don't you have any pride? How could hang out with that stinking Snape? You are a Gryffindor. You shouldn't mix with the wrong kind. I am telling you before you get into trouble."
He looked defiant at my words, and I couldn't help but adding, "Try to act normal, for once, will you?"
Severus Snape:
Lupin and I made a comfortable routine of spending our break inside of the library. His presence wasn't a distraction or an endeavor. I found myself able to concentrate better, knowing that I could ask Lupin a question if I face a problem in DADA or Astrology. In return, I believe, Lupin could get helps on Potions from me.
The best thing was that neither of us had to make an effort to be there. We usually did not find the need to speak to each other, and either of us could come and go without feeling any bit of responsibility. But knowing that he would be there, helped me study more effectively. And the unknown void that had its usual place on my heart was filled without acknowledging its grievance.
When the rest of students came back from their holiday trips, I found myself more alienated than before. I had scarcely seen Lupin in the library. It wasn't until in a dark corridor of Dungeon. I heard his name, before I saw him.
"Loony, loopy Lupin." The voice of Malfoy ranged out, with few other Slytherin cronies he had with him towering over the corner.
They were blocking my views, but I could see Avory holding Lupin's hands against the wall.
"Lupin, we can't let you pass, until we try out our new hex on you." Bale said with his wand ready.
"Loony Lupin, aren't you scared? Oh oh, are you going to call for help? Don't have to try it, because your own house wouldn't care whether you get hexed or not." Malfoy said as he grinned.
"Snape, come and join the fun," Goyle called out over Bale's shoulder. "Let's put the girl inside the Cichlid's slime."
They were my housemates, and I would have enjoyed giving any Gryffindor a grief. Especially Potter and Black for making my potions fail numerous times. But…
I sneered and walked over as they parted a bit for me to see Lupin. His robe was torn in sides and his small body was no match against Avory's burly grip.
Malfoy grabbed handful of Lupin's hair, pulling them. "I mean, look at you. Your hair, long, like a girl. You hang out with girls all day.
"You are bizarre case, aren't you, Lupin? With a face like that, no wonder you have no friend to save you from us. If you aren't careful, people will started to think that you are a nancy boy. Or even worst, you don't have it all together in the head." He pulled Lupin's hair roughly, making Lupin wince."Do you understand? Loony, loopy Lupin? You freak."
Lupin's pleading eyes found mine, but I stared at them meekly, unable to do anything.
"What's going on down here?" The voice of mild Professor Loden startled us. He was coming down the stairs, and only heard our muffled voices.
They broke apart in a heap, "We are just going to our class, Professor."
"Then move on, come on. Mr. Bale, you've forgot your wand. Now go on." Professor said as he walked toward a classroom himself.
I felt the heat on my cheek, but I masked my face with my usual sneer as Lupin past me by on his way to his class. I heard the snickering of my own fellow Slytherin behind me, and I turned my back on Lupin.
Remus Lupin:
I am a freak.
James Potter:
It was true. I admitted that I didn't make things easy for Remus. We made fun of him, even though he was one of us, but the thing was, he wasn't one of us. It makes no sense if I think it over.
I heard about the Dungeon incident from a Ravenclaw boy. I decided it might be best not to say anything to Sirius or Daniel. It wasn't their fault after all.
Remus Lupin:
I screamed again. My paws were hands once again. But this time I started to pull my hair. My voice sounded more of a shrieking angry ghost as I continued.
I took a chomp of my hair in my hand, and I couldn't stop. I pulled and pulled. I didn't want to have my hair. I don't like my white skins. I wished I had brazen tanned skin like Quidditch players. I wished my eyes were the color of brown instead of gold.
I think my dorm mates, who were closest to me physically, sensed the abnormality in me without really realizing it, like how people would stare at me when I entered the room, and how girls would try to smother me in some way or other when I am alone. They didn't do that to other boys.
I don't want to be like this. I want to be normal. I wish I were normal.
I spent almost a week at the Infirmary under Madam Pomfrey's care. She asked no question, which I was thankful for. She also tried to magically grow out my hair, but somehow it didn't work. I guessed the magic doesn't work if I didn't have the desire to grow my hair back. After working on my hair for few days without success, she decided to cut my hair even instead.
"Oh, your handsome hair, Remus." Madam Pomfrey tooted, as she cut out my hair to even them out.
I stared at a hand mirror, and my reflection stared back at me. My short hair made me look more like a boy.
"Do I look…all right?"
Madam Pomfrey gently smoothed my hair, and smiled. "You look dashing, love."
"I mean," I stared back at her, "do I look like a boy?"
Madam Pomfrey's hand stopped. She stooped down to meet eye to eye. "You are a boy, Remus. Of course, you look like a boy." She nodded encouragingly as she surveyed my feature.
"You don't have to worry about growing up too fast. You will soon be a young man, Mr. Lupin. A dashing one at that. In my years, I've seen many boys like you, all worrying about catching up with their classmates. And I've been telling them the same thing I am telling you now."
"But I am different than most boys, aren't I?"
"Only once a month, Mr. Lupin. You are a late bloomer. But the flower that blooms the latest is the one most beautiful." She kissed my forehead gently and went to measure the vials in the storage room.
"But that's just my problem, Madam. I don't want to be beautiful." I muttered to myself.
Albus Dumbledore:
"I do wish you well, Mr. Lupin." I watched the boy, so thin for his age, retreating back to his dormitory.
"Yes, sir. I know that sir." He gratefully said as his admiring eyes bidding me goodbye.
I watched him disappeared into the darkness of the shadow, the memory of his sad eyes tugging my heart. Duration of our short conversation, I had to remind myself not to betray anything to the boy. It was much too early. When he is ready, I shall tell him.
Remus was a brilliant student, just like his father. Very smart indeed. His eyes were constantly taking in all the different information, greatly enhanced by the tragic affliction. The reports from the professors reinforced how powerful his magic really lies in himself. I wondered how much of his mother's magic lied within him.
Lily Evans:
"Professor McGonagall, Lupin is wearing a hat inside." Malfoy said smugly as he looked over at Remus.
"Mr. Lupin, you do know the rule. You can't wear hat inside the classroom." Professor McGonagall stated firmly, yet a hint of sympathy was hard to hide. I watched Remus with sympathy as Remus sighed and took off his hat.
Even if you were outside of the classroom, you still could have heard the collective gasps from us.
"Oh your hair, Remus. Your hair. What happened to your hair!" Meg cried.
Remus' usual pale cheeks began to redden with strong blush, but my eyes were focused on his hair like any other girls in the room. Even Professor McGonagall looked a bit surprised, although she tried to hide it. "Class, it is obvious that Mr. Lupin had cut his hair. Now pay attention, everyone."
His hair was so beautiful and soft and soothed to his feature. It was like his trait, but now the long soft locks were all gone. He used regular wizard hair holder in style of 18th century to hold his hair together in the back neatly in a small ponytail. The shorter hairs on the sides were always getting into his eyes.
Without his long hair, his eyes looked bigger and more pronounced than anything. His shorter hair made him look…different. It was surprise, but not an unpleasant one. I actually thought it suited him, but I kept that to myself. All the other students were staring and giving Remus their ideas.
I sometimes wish they would just leave him be. He needs to breath sometimes. After the class was over, after Professor McGonagall regained the classroom's attention back, I watched as few Gryffindors couldn't help but reach out and touch his short hair.
Sirius Black:
His vast eyes were hard to look away, even if they were not looking at me. He ignores and never acknowledges me. He would politely say hello to Peter, and sometimes James and Daniel, but never me.
But I think he took my advice though, because I haven't seen Remus and Snape together in the library since Christmas. I sometimes made my excuses to other Gryffindors, so that I could visit the library unseen.
There he always was, alone in the corner, with substantial stacks of books and notes. His shorthaired head hunched over his book. I wondered what was so fascinating he found in books. I began to flipped through books as I looked on at the pale boy with no distinct talent.
Severus Snape:
I watched Remus as he sat down next to me on the Potions class. He didn't meet my eyes, and I couldn't meet his eyes. Whatever bond we had since Christmas was lost, and I felt I was lost as well. He was the only one I could…I don't know…he was different than most, and that interested me. He was interesting.
I had never met anyone like him.
Albus Dumbledore:
"…Another year has gone. I do hope everyone would safely be back in Hogwarts. And the seventh years, I would like to say to you, you have greater responsibilities on your shoulders. In this time of despair and chaos, I wish you all, good luck…"
I watched the grim faces of my students as they looked at me in confidence. I swept all the faces, especially those who were seventh years. My eyes moved on to Remus Lupin. My dear friend, Ishmael, was taking care of him for few years now. It had taken great persuasions in my part to convince him to let me take care of Remus for seven years.
With my busy schedules with the Ministry of Magic about the attacks, I was unable to keep my close eyes on the boy as I had promised Ishmael, but I did notice his unhappiness. I am afraid his unfortunate affliction was keeping him from making friends with boys his age.
When I look at Remus, I am reminded again of the girl I lost so long ago. I had failed Beatrice, but I won't fail again. He was my last chance of redemption I dearly needed.
Then why was I not doing anything?
James Potter:
My first year at Hogwarts ended in a sad air, when Lord Voldemort killed Daniel Jones' oldest brother and father only few days before. He was taken away from Hogwarts to be with his family in secret location.
Sirius was unusually quiet, which made Peter and I depressed as well. I was hoping he would make his peace with Lily Evans before this term was over, but it seems to me that they just don't like each other.
It's a pity really, because I think Lily is fine Gryffindor, even if she's a girl. She doesn't even like Quidditch. She thinks it's degrading to women because they have to cheer on the sideline with big pompoms. Maybe next year, there will be a girl on the team, Jordan will be gone, so who knows what will happen.
Remus Lupin:
I never knew Mr. Stafford was a member of an important secret society against the dark wizards then, it would be years later I would learn secrets of Mr. Stafford. I guessed the most important reason I, myself, joined the Order of Pheonix years later, was because of Mr. Stafford, who was part of it from the beginning.
My bleak mood was not lifted, when I found he would be gone for unlimited time.
"Master Lupin, your hair much different!" A gangly boy told me matter of factly as he smoothed out my growing hair.
"Wardley, what ever are you doing here for?" I uttered my surprise.
It was our house elf, Wardley, at the King's Cross station. He was transfigured into a tall teenage boy! I wondered why he was there and not Mr. Stafford.
Wardley told me, "Master Stafford gone. Wardley look after master Lupin says master Stafford. Everything perfect in Dafford castle, come master Lupin."
"Al-Alright, Wardley."
"Missed you greatly, master Lupin. Master Stafford cheerless many nights without sleep!"
"Where is he now?"
"I cannot tell. I not supposed to know. Don't worry, master Lupin, he back in no time." Wardley said cheerfully as he pushed the cart with ease.
"Remus!" Lily's voice rang after me, and I turned around to see her running after me. "You are not going away without saying goodbye to my parents."
I saw Lily staring at Wardley and I remembered myself to introduce them.
"Lily, this is Wardley, our house elf. Wardley, this is Lily Evans, my friend at Hogwarts."
They shook hands friendly as I watched Lily's family approaching closer.
"Wardley, I think it might be best if you waited for me outside." I pointed my head to approaching Lily's family, and Wardley understood me perfectly and left with my cart.
"Why didn't you let him stay? I am sure my parents would be fascinated by him." Lily said as she watched Wardley disappear among the crowd.
"He's allergic to muggle perfumes." I whispered quickly, "He would get sick from just smelling them."
"Where did you smell-" Lily's question was cut off when Mrs. Evans came over and hugged me motherly, and her question was answered when her sister, Petunia came over and the strong smell of flowers caught her sense. Lily looked at me thoughtfully for a moment as I bided her family good bye.
It was the longest two months of my life in Dafford Castle, also a loneliest one without Mr. Stafford present. He had sent letters of reassurance and his regrets of missing me greatly, but it did not improve my frame of mind.
Wardley, Merlin bless his soul, tried his best to cheer me, but his eagerness could not ease my unhappiness. He tried to read me bed time stories, even though, I was too big for that now, and he brought my usual chocolate milk just before bedtime, like how he used to do when I was younger.
The castle was just too big for small creatures like us, a house elf and a boy. We mainly stayed in East Wing. The West Wing has been unused for many years, long before I came to Mr. Stafford's care, and we are not allowed inside as one of many unspoken rules that had came to be known among three residence of Dafford castle.
My second year at Hogwarts began, (without Mr. Stafford to farewell me at the King's Cross) and it turned out to be one of my most unforgettable moments in my life.
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End of Chapter 3!