Chapter 3
The Sorting Hat's Song
It was beautiful. The enchanted castle stood up high beyond the huge lake, its windows glowing a warm yellow in the night sky. The reflection sparkled on the lake, making it seem alive as it glittered with a thousand tiny dots. The entire experience was very dreamlike. All three boys gazed at it in wonder and rapt. It wasn't until Hagrid ushered them onto a boat that they tore their eyes away from it. The boat sped along on the lake like an ice cube across glass.
"This is amazing!" James breathed, putting his hand in the water so it skimmed along the surface as the boat went on.
"Just look at that castle! Can you believe were going to be living there?" Sirius said in awe. Remus peered into the murky water and saw something gargantuan and white directly underneath. He couldn't help but dry out.
"Look! It's a monster!" He pointed down his hand shaking.
"WHOOA!" James exclaimed. "It's so cool!"
"I'm gonna jump in and touch it!" Sirius announced.
"You'll get killed! It must below zero in that water." Remus reminded him.
"Oh, yeah. . ." Sirius sat back down, sounding put out. In a few moments the boat stopped at a stone platform in the middle of the lake. They departed from the tiny wooden boat and began to ascend the stone bridge that led to Hogwarts. It was chilly and the wind slapped against their faces but they eventually made it to the top. When Hagrid opened the doors to the entrance hall more than half of them gasped. It was simply enormous. The ceiling was so high you had to squint to even catch a sight of it and a fabulous marble staircase spiraled along the walls to the upper levels. The walls were adorned with paintings of every shape, size and type along with crackling torches. The polished stone floor reflected everything above it in a mirror like way.
A witch in a cloak of deep emerald flurried down the stairs to meet them. She had sleek black hair that was tightly wound into a bun on the back of her head and wore tiny square glasses.
"Thank you Hagrid, I'll take it from here." She said in a business like manner.
"Right-o, Professor McGonagall." Hagrid said, bustling back out the door, scratching his huge beard.
"Welcome to Hogwarts." Professor McGonagall said sternly. "This will be your home and workplace for the next seven years, excluding breaks where you go home. You will each be sorted into house. The four houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin, each with their own admirable qualities. The people in you house will become like you family. You successes will win you house points and any rule breaking will lose them. This way now, you will all be sorted, and then you may join the start of term feast." She pushed open the grand wooden doors to the Great Hall where four rectangular tables were lined up. The older students were all sitting at their tables, some taking a look at the new first years, some chatting with their friends.
Professor McGonagall strutted up and placed a stool up near the front and put a worn hat on top of it. As she stepped back it began to sing, much to the surprise of the first years.
They all call me the Sorting Hat
I have never once been wrong
Just try me on and I'll tell you
The house in which you belong
I could pick you for Gryffindor
If you are brave and strong
The heroes come from the house of lions
Though your journey may be long
Though you're perhaps a Hufflepuff
They're loyal to the end
Badgers work hard and don't complain
They'll truly be your friends
But maybe you're in Ravenclaw
Never hesitant to show their smart
Those eagles are always clever
Talented in science and art
Last they're also Slytherin
Cunning, devious and sly
Oh, the serpents down in Slytherin
Always sharp, plotting and wry
So try me on, don't be afraid
I'll help you find you own
I'll make sure that in these houses
You'll always feel at home
They hall burst into applause as the song ended. Professor McGonagall swept to the front and unrolled a golden scroll.
"Abbot, Francis!" She barked. A pudgy little boy with shiny blonde hair crept nervously up and fitted the worn out hat on his head.
"HUFFLEPUFF!" It shouted at once. A grin spread across his face as he waddled quickly over to the Hufflepuffs who were clapping for him.
"Benson, Michelle!" A girl with straight black hair nearly to her ankles was placed in Ravenclaw.
"Black, Sirius!" Shouted McGonagall. Sirius casually walked up, a crooked grin on his face and put the hat down over his eyes. The Sorting Hat seemed to take its time on Sirius. Finally, at the end of long wait it announced his house.
"GRYFFINDOR!" It boomed. Sirius whipped off the hat and flipped his hair back, then took a seat at the Gryffindor table, smiling back at Remus and James.
"Ceilous, Flora!" Became a Hufflepuff along with "Dubon, Ashlee!" Then came "Estrada, Wesley!" and "Elam, Emily!" both in Slytherin. James looked up when "Evans, Lillith!" Was called.
Lily, her vivid red hair bobbing up and down scurried up excitedly to the stool. She put the hat firmly on her head and with her fire engine red lips grinning widely, was also placed in Gryffindor. James clapped loudly and bent sideways to talk to Remus over the crowd.
"Don't you think it'd be brilliant to be in Gryffindor?" He asked. Remus nodded, a smile on his face.
"Gray, Rosemary!" Was the third new Gryffindor of the year. Remus looked watched first year filed up one by one when he heard the first L name. He decided to pay very strict attention.
"Lench, Raleigh!" A pretty girl with freckles and curly hair made her way confidently up and after what seemed five long minutes was sent to the Ravenclaw table. The next was a girl with ebony hair and eyes who looked like she would mind pulling a few dogs tails or ruining some young children's sand castle for a good time.
"Lestrange, Bellatrix!" Barely had to put the hat on her head before she was named a Slytherin. Lo, Judy, an excited Asian girl drifted up.
"GRYFFINDOR!" Judy ran to the table and sat next to Lily who patted her on the back. Remus swallowed. The name Lupin was looming closer and closer.
When "Longbottom, Frank!" was called and housed in Gryffindor, Remus felt so nervous he was tapping his foot on the ground. Maybe this entire thing was a trick and he wasn't supposed to be at Hogwarts at all. He felt a mixture of sick relief and adrenaline when he heard "Lupin, Remus!" He willed his legs to move forward and picked up the sorting hat carefully and delicately placed it on his head as he sat down. He jumped when he heard the Hat's voice in his ear.
"Ahh, yes. Very polite you are, eager to learn, and intelligent. I see you have a burning desire to have friends and be accepted, but would you do anything to have high status? Quiet, yes, you find it hard to stand up for yourself, but you are very courageous, yes. I see now you should be in
"GRYFFINDOR!" It yelled. Remus beamed as he carefully placed the hat back on the stool and joined Sirius.
"Yeah! Now we're just missing James!" Sirius cheered. And Luna. Remus thought, stealing a glance at her talking dreamily with Sarah in the line. Lucius Malfoy successfully made it into Slytherin, and everyone clapped for Sarah when she made it into Gryffindor. She filled the gap between Remus and Lily.
"Wow, I thought I would be in Ravenclaw, but the sorting hat said I was too forgetful." She said a bit gloomily.
"It told me I was hotheaded, so don't be too down." Lily contributed.
"It said to me I have low self-confidence but I can build it up with Gryffindor . . . Man, I don't know what that means . . ." Judy Lo mumbled. Afterwards "Meyering, Max!" Was made a Ravenclaw. Remus and Sirius conversed softly while N and O were called.
"Pettigrew, Peter!" Was called and a fat, mousy haired boy ran towards the stool. He tripped before he could reach it and some Slytherins laughed. Remus began to hate Slytherin. Clumsy little Pettigrew was surprisingly sent to Gryffindor and sat next to Sirius.
"Hi!" He said enthusiastically to Sirius who returned the greeting halfheartedly without looking back.
"James should be up next." Sirius informed Remus. Surely enough it was "Potter, James!" James was sorted into Gryffindor, which didn't come as much of a surprise.
"I knew it." He said as he went to sit by Sirius. Peter slid sideways so violently he knocked into the person beside him who grumbled loudly. James took his seat and they continued watching. O passed without anything exciting or strange and R began.
"Rosepyre, Luna!" McGonagall yelled a little less forcefully. Nothing happened. She looked around at the students. "Rosepyre, Luna!" She tried again. Remus looked back. Luna was staring up at the stars that were on the ceiling of the great hall, oblivious to what was going on. "MS. ROSEPYRE!" McGonagall barked furiously. Luna snapped back to life.
"Hm?" She asked. She analyzed the situation for a few moments. "Oh! OH! Sorry, Professor!" She apologized quickly and ran up to the stool and put the hat on. It took a whole ten minutes before anything happened. "Um, I think it's broken, Professor." She said at long last. As she began to take it off it shouted Gryffindor and she smiled happily. People in the audience laughed as she floated to the Gryffindor table.
"Luna! Over here!" Shouted Sarah, waving her arms. Remus told Peter, James and Sirius to scoot over so they could make room for Luna.
"Is something wrong with her?" Sirius whispered cynically to Remus.
"I think she's brilliant." Remus said with a smile. Sirius shrugged. She came and sat between Remus and Sarah who both congratulated her.
"Oh, my, I was so embarrassed." She said a pink tinge on her cheeks. "At first I didn't hear her, then when it wouldn't call the house. Do you think it disliked me?" Remus chuckled a little.
"You probably had strong qualities for two or more houses, Luna. Like Hufflepuff and Gryffindor and it really had to search your mind to find what was best." Sarah explained. "At least, that's my guess."
The last student sorted that stuck in Remus' mind was a boy called Severus Snape. He was short and had very greasy hair that clung in little tendrils. His face and skin were also very oily and he had a hooked nose. He didn't smile as he was sent to Slytherin and sat as far away from anyone at possible.
After all the first years had been successfully sorted into their new house, Professor Dumbledore walked up to the podium at the front of the room and smiled.
"Welcome, to another year at Hogwarts? I trust you've had a long, un- educational summer?" He looked around with a thin smile. "Now that you've gotten back we can remind you! Without further ado, let the feast begin!" The plates in front of the bloom with the most delicious and wonderful foods Remus had ever seen. It was like being in heaven. Remus had never been allowed to eat as much as he wanted in his entire life. When everyone thought they couldn't eat another bite, dessert appeared and they forced themselves to fit a little more; it was too good to pass up.
"Ohhhhh . . . My stomach hurts . . ." James moaned as he gave up trying to finish his cake.
"I feel sleepy. . ." Luna murmured, closing her eyes. Suddenly, all the food from the plates disappeared in a flash and the students started leaving.
"Guess it's time to go." Sirius said, looking around. Everyone moved out and joined the rest of the Gryffindors who were filing up the grand staircase to the upper levels. The climbed up seven long, stone staircases to reach the dormitory. The Prefect, a tall boy with black hair waved them all silent.
"First year boys follow me. I'll show you to your dormitory, First year girls follow Rachel." He gestured to the girl Prefect beside him. Remus, James and Sirius waved goodbye to Luna, Sarah, Lily and Judy and follow the Prefect who's name was Roger. He took them through the common room and to the dormitory, which held the seventh year student the previous term. They five trunks were there, each with the owner's initials on it. Remus picked out R.L. and lugged it to the bed near to a window.
"This one's mine!" Sirius said, racing to the one on the end and diving through the curtains. James laughed and picked the one between Remus and Sirius' bed. Peter Pettigrew picked the four-poster on the other side of Remus and Frank Longbottom chose the only remaining one.
"I'm so tired . . ." James said, spreading out on the mattress. Remus changed into his night clothes and crawled into bed, not waiting for them to turn off the light. Sirius talked for a while, then finally shut up when he realized no one was talking back.
Remus dreamt that he was climbing up a snowdrift after Lucius Malfoy and he got lost. When he was exhausted he closed his eyes. When he opened them again a monster made from snow with vulture's body and a human skull for a head was on top of his chest, just staring into his eyes.
Remus woke up in a slight sweat. Then the thought hit him. First day of term! He looked over at the others. They were stirring in their beds. Remus threw off the cover and went to the shower. He got out quickly and dressed in his new robes. He felt awfully distinguished and proud wearing something as formal and new as this. He loved the way the cloaks would swish at his ankles when he moved. The other four took turns showering and all went down to the Great Hall where Professor McGonagall was handing out schedules. Remus, James and Sirius went up to get theirs, Pettigrew scurrying behind them. The Gryffindors had Charms with the Ravenclaws, Transfiguration with Hufflepuff then double Herbology with Slytherin.
Remus, Sirius and James hurried up to the charms classroom on the second floor. The teacher was a man about three feet high with a long white beard. Professor Flitwick talked in a squeaky voice and stood on top of his desk when he taught. The first lesson in charms was making something move across the table.
"Adjicio!" Flitwick squeaked, sending a cork rolling across his desk. "Now you try."
"Adjicio!" Repeated Judy who was next to Sirius. Her cork rolled the full length of the desk and stopped right before the edge.
"Oh, bravo Ms. Lo! Five points to Gryffindor!" Flitwick squeaked happily. Remus looked at the cork. Can't be that hard, He thought. He flicked his wand and repeated the words. Nothing happened. One the fourth try it rolled slowly off the desk. Remus smiled. A brownish Blur sped by Remus' ear as Luna's cork zoomed off her desk and hit James in the face.
"Oops! Sorry!" She said apologetically.
Professor McGonagall taught Transfiguration and she was every bit strict as they made her out to be. She set out a match on each one of their desks and lectured them about the science of transfiguring it. They each got to try it out, but only Sarah McDeans was able to make a full transformation; Remus' just gained a silver tinge.
Herbology wasn't a bad class, but being with the Slytherins surely was. Lucius had gained two friends it seemed. Narcissa, a girl who looked very much like Malfoy, with silver blonde hair and pale face, was found following him everywhere along with Wesley Estrada. He was a burly boy who was rather unfortunate in the attractiveness department. His face looked nearly flat with a pushed up nose and piggy set of eyes beneath his bushy eyebrows. Remus' liked to think of Wesley as Narcissa and Lucius' brainless bodyguard. The rest of the Slytherins were just as unpleasant.
Professor Green, the Herbology teacher was a very tall man with round spectacles and head of dark hair that looked suspiciously false to Remus. He wore boring, gray robes with khaki pants underneath. His voice was deep and he barely did anything besides talk. He was always ready to take of points for not paying attention and to assign extra homework.
The Potions class, which was held down in the dungeons was taught by a young man who looked fresh out of Hogwarts himself. He was tall with soft looking brown hair and pale eyes and suffered from an incurable curse, which made him fall asleep fall asleep suddenly with no warning. They found this out on the very first day when he began walked down the aisles, passing out a sheet for everyone to read.
"Hello everyone. I'm Professor Marley and I'm the potions master here at Hogwarts. I will-" He stopped in mid-sentence and fell to the floor. Several people screamed when a small trail of blood leaked from his smooth looking skin.
"Professor!" Luna yelled running over to his side. Remus didn't know what hit him but for some reason he wish he was the Professor's position. Luna's caring for anyone who was in trouble endeared her to Remus. He blushed a bit and tried to hide what he was thinking. She shook him awake and he rose chuckling a bit.
"Sorry about that." He said genially, not noticing his injured forehead and he told them the entire story. They soon found out he was prone to bad luck and accidents but he was a very likeable fellow.
Defense Against the Dark Arts was difficult for Remus. It was his favorite subject but the teacher, Professor Smithers, was absolutely awful. He was a grizzled old man with wild gray hair and nasty temper. He hated everyone that wasn't full human and disliked Muggle-borns.
"Welcome. I am here to arm you against the foulest creatures to roam this planet. In this year alone I will show you how to eradicate a centaur, destroy a Sphinx, annihilate a mermaid, obliterate a Naga, eliminate a giant and . . ." He looked straight at Remus. "Kill a werewolf." Remus shrank back. The entire staff knew, of course, but Remus never expected such hostility from them. "Monsters that masquerade as humans are the most malevolent and wicked of all. This is why I am deciding that even though this is a more difficult subject, we will be going over it first." Remus was beginning to feel increasing uncomfortable.
"Now. Who can tell me what the difference is between a real wolf and a Werewolf?" Smithers said. Raleigh Lench, who proved to be very intelligent, raised her hand eagerly. Smithers pointed to her.
"Um, a Werewolf is a human for most of the time and transforms into a wolf on the full moon of each month." She said formally.
"Right you are. A Werewolf is in human form for a long time but they can be just as violent as ever." He continued. Remus was tempted to raise his hand and object. "They have been known to kill suddenly and the curse is highly contagious. One bite or scratch in human or wolf form will result in you losing your mind and becoming as ruthless and violent as the Werewolf. People will tell you that they are quite harmless, but this is a myth." Remus clenched his teeth. Sirius looked over at him.
"What's wrong?" He whispered.
"Nothing . . ." Remus mumbled, looking down.
"There are certain ways to recognize a Werewolf without actually seeing them transform. They are highly allergic to silver; even a touch will burn at their skin. The also have some sort of a connection with other wolves and their eyes have a yellowish tinge. They can hide their hatred and lust for blood quite well, but never be alone with someone you suspect to be a Werewolf. You can kill them by either shooting them with a silver bullet out of a Muggle weapon called a gun, or stab them with a knife of pure silver." Remus suspected that Smithers had planned this out. He knew what Remus was and he wanted him to suffer. A hate blossomed in Remus' chest for Professor Smithers, but he didn't dare show it. Their homework for the night was to write an essay on recognizing the Werewolf. "Mr. Lupin." He said suddenly after assigning the homework. Remus looked up. "You were looking awfully upset. Is something the matter?" Each word was more venomous as the next.
"No, sir." Remus said without any inflection. "Maybe you were imagining it." Smithers glared back.
"Because you looked very uncomfortable when I was talking about the Werewolves." He was silent for a moment. "Wouldn't you agree their terrible creatures?" Remus couldn't stop himself. It was the first time he'd lost his cool in about three years.
"No, sir, I wouldn't agree." He said plainly, maintaining eye contact.
"And why not?"
"Because they're just like everyone else, except on the full moon. I don't think it's very fair that you tell everyone those fake things." Remus said bravely, his stomach dropping with each word.
"Well, Mr. Lupin, it is you who are mistaken. They are EVIL!" He slammed his hands down on Remus' desk. Their air was deathly silent and all eyes were on them. "And they should be destroyed and NOT welcomed into our society!" For one horrible moment Remus thought he was going to start strangling him but the bell interrupted. Remus ran out of there faster than he thought he could go.
"What was that all about?" James said as he and Sirius caught up.
"I have NO idea." Remus answered very unconvincingly.
History of Magic was a highly boring class. Professor Binns was so old he'd taught many of their grandmothers and grandfathers. The only introduction he gave was his name written on the board. The first thing he droned at them was "Open your books to page five." Then he commenced in reading until the bell rang.
Astrology, which was at midnight every Wednesday, was taught by and old loony named Stavarez. He was enormously fat with a shock of white hair and spoke with a wheeze. He had a gigantic pair of square glasses with silver rims and he waddled around, sometimes looking inappropriately at some of the girls. He was a very bad teacher, they all learned, but had a burning passion for astrology. He would lose assignments that were turned in; blame them on you and there was nothing you could do about it. He told Lily Evans that he'd give her and "A" if she wore a shorter skirt next time once everyone else had left. She complained to the Headmaster, but Stavarez denied it. She was always the first one out after that.
Remus loved Hogwarts. He loved all his classes, even Defense Against the Dark Arts where Smithers abused him every day. Remus barely noticed when it had already been a month. On the night of the full moon Professor McGonagall came into the Gryffindor common room.
"Mr. Lupin." She called. Remus got up from his place by the fire where he was doing his homework and went over to her.
"Yes, Professor?" He asked.
"Tonight is the full moon." She whispered, raising her eyebrows.
"Oh, oh!" Remus realized. "May I say goodnight to my friends?" She nodded. Remus went to where Sirius and James were sitting.
"See you later guys. I've got to go." He said shortly. James looked up, his expression confused.
"What's going on? Where are you going?" He asked. Remus' mind raced for an excuse.
"You know, I wouldn't tell this to everyone but my mother is very, very sick. She's dying and I'm going to go visit her before . . ." He feigned a look of misery.
"We understand, man. See you later." Sirius quietly said. Remus nodded and hurried off to McGonagall. She led him down the Grand Staircase, through the Entrance Hall and onto the grounds. She started over to a tree that was swaying in the wind. Suddenly Remus realized there was no breeze. The tree was moving on it's own. As they got nearer to it reared back as if it was going to swing at them and Remus put up his guard. Professor McGonagall whipped out her wand and used a spell to hit a knot on the tree. It stopped attacking and fell limp.
"In here Mr. Lupin." She said leading him to a secret passageway underneath the roots of the tree. She led him down a long, cold passageway that was pitch dark. Remus shivered a little as they reached a wooden door with light shining through the cracks. "In here is a shack that was recently constructed on the borders of Hogsmeade. You will stay in here until you are ready to come out. You do not have to attend classes tomorrow morning." With this she swept down the long passageway and melted into the gloom. Remus turned the handle nervously and stepped inside. It was shadowy and creepy inside with many dark corners. Remus went into the top room and shut the door. He watched the moon slide into view after a few minutes and the transformation begun. When he was fully in wolf form h knew something was wrong. He'd feel more flashes of pain that before. He could almost hear himself howling and yelping. When he came back into consciousness he was in such pain he cried out. It hit him all at once like a punch in the face. Remus rose slowly and noticed his back was wet. When he put his hand on it he found it was covered in blood. He'd been lying in a pool of his own blood all night. He had no chance to run around and perhaps destroy small animals. He'd been in a small place all night with only himself to destroy.
He limped all the way back to the dormitory where the others were just waking up. Peter was the first one to say something.
"Remus!" He cried, running over to him. He hadn't been able to change his robes and they were torn and stained with blood. "What happened? Are you okay? You're covered in blood!" Fat little Pettigrew sat down next to him with a concerned look on his face. Sirius, James and Frank all wandered over. This was not the attention Remus wanted.
"What happened to you?" Sirius breathed, putting a hand on Remus' shoulder, and then removing it to see a bloodstain.
"Remus. . ." James said, shaking his head in pity. Frank looked scared.
"It's nothing you guys. Just please let me sleep." Remus whispered, not daring to look any of them in the eyes.
"No!" James suddenly yelled. "It's not nothing. Who did this to you?" He forcefully inquired. Remus had to lie even more and he hated it. He forced himself to tear up. It was easy; all he had to do was think of . . . when . . .
"Listen . . . I'll tell you the truth but you can tell a soul, it's very private to me." They all nodded consolingly. "My father does this to me. He drinks so much because of mom and he gets very violent. He cut me with the broken bottle." Remus made his hands tremble and felt a tear fall down his cheek. He was giving a good performance and it hurt him. "Please don't tell anyone. They'll lock him up in Azkaban or something. It's not his fault . . . He just . . ." It wasn't all that much of a lie if you counted that time. But it was worse then, much worse. He just wants the best for you . . .
"We won't tell anyone Remus." Pettigrew nodded wide-eyed. "Right guys?" They all nodded, looking somber.
"I. . . I need to sleep." Remus Said. Now that he thought of he couldn't get it out of his mind. He remembered the sheer terror and the feeling of being betrayed. It was awful . . . They left the room and Remus changed out of his torn robes, dressing in his blue and white striped flannel pajamas. He didn't care if he was still bleeding. He truly wanted to sleep.
The Sorting Hat's Song
It was beautiful. The enchanted castle stood up high beyond the huge lake, its windows glowing a warm yellow in the night sky. The reflection sparkled on the lake, making it seem alive as it glittered with a thousand tiny dots. The entire experience was very dreamlike. All three boys gazed at it in wonder and rapt. It wasn't until Hagrid ushered them onto a boat that they tore their eyes away from it. The boat sped along on the lake like an ice cube across glass.
"This is amazing!" James breathed, putting his hand in the water so it skimmed along the surface as the boat went on.
"Just look at that castle! Can you believe were going to be living there?" Sirius said in awe. Remus peered into the murky water and saw something gargantuan and white directly underneath. He couldn't help but dry out.
"Look! It's a monster!" He pointed down his hand shaking.
"WHOOA!" James exclaimed. "It's so cool!"
"I'm gonna jump in and touch it!" Sirius announced.
"You'll get killed! It must below zero in that water." Remus reminded him.
"Oh, yeah. . ." Sirius sat back down, sounding put out. In a few moments the boat stopped at a stone platform in the middle of the lake. They departed from the tiny wooden boat and began to ascend the stone bridge that led to Hogwarts. It was chilly and the wind slapped against their faces but they eventually made it to the top. When Hagrid opened the doors to the entrance hall more than half of them gasped. It was simply enormous. The ceiling was so high you had to squint to even catch a sight of it and a fabulous marble staircase spiraled along the walls to the upper levels. The walls were adorned with paintings of every shape, size and type along with crackling torches. The polished stone floor reflected everything above it in a mirror like way.
A witch in a cloak of deep emerald flurried down the stairs to meet them. She had sleek black hair that was tightly wound into a bun on the back of her head and wore tiny square glasses.
"Thank you Hagrid, I'll take it from here." She said in a business like manner.
"Right-o, Professor McGonagall." Hagrid said, bustling back out the door, scratching his huge beard.
"Welcome to Hogwarts." Professor McGonagall said sternly. "This will be your home and workplace for the next seven years, excluding breaks where you go home. You will each be sorted into house. The four houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin, each with their own admirable qualities. The people in you house will become like you family. You successes will win you house points and any rule breaking will lose them. This way now, you will all be sorted, and then you may join the start of term feast." She pushed open the grand wooden doors to the Great Hall where four rectangular tables were lined up. The older students were all sitting at their tables, some taking a look at the new first years, some chatting with their friends.
Professor McGonagall strutted up and placed a stool up near the front and put a worn hat on top of it. As she stepped back it began to sing, much to the surprise of the first years.
They all call me the Sorting Hat
I have never once been wrong
Just try me on and I'll tell you
The house in which you belong
I could pick you for Gryffindor
If you are brave and strong
The heroes come from the house of lions
Though your journey may be long
Though you're perhaps a Hufflepuff
They're loyal to the end
Badgers work hard and don't complain
They'll truly be your friends
But maybe you're in Ravenclaw
Never hesitant to show their smart
Those eagles are always clever
Talented in science and art
Last they're also Slytherin
Cunning, devious and sly
Oh, the serpents down in Slytherin
Always sharp, plotting and wry
So try me on, don't be afraid
I'll help you find you own
I'll make sure that in these houses
You'll always feel at home
They hall burst into applause as the song ended. Professor McGonagall swept to the front and unrolled a golden scroll.
"Abbot, Francis!" She barked. A pudgy little boy with shiny blonde hair crept nervously up and fitted the worn out hat on his head.
"HUFFLEPUFF!" It shouted at once. A grin spread across his face as he waddled quickly over to the Hufflepuffs who were clapping for him.
"Benson, Michelle!" A girl with straight black hair nearly to her ankles was placed in Ravenclaw.
"Black, Sirius!" Shouted McGonagall. Sirius casually walked up, a crooked grin on his face and put the hat down over his eyes. The Sorting Hat seemed to take its time on Sirius. Finally, at the end of long wait it announced his house.
"GRYFFINDOR!" It boomed. Sirius whipped off the hat and flipped his hair back, then took a seat at the Gryffindor table, smiling back at Remus and James.
"Ceilous, Flora!" Became a Hufflepuff along with "Dubon, Ashlee!" Then came "Estrada, Wesley!" and "Elam, Emily!" both in Slytherin. James looked up when "Evans, Lillith!" Was called.
Lily, her vivid red hair bobbing up and down scurried up excitedly to the stool. She put the hat firmly on her head and with her fire engine red lips grinning widely, was also placed in Gryffindor. James clapped loudly and bent sideways to talk to Remus over the crowd.
"Don't you think it'd be brilliant to be in Gryffindor?" He asked. Remus nodded, a smile on his face.
"Gray, Rosemary!" Was the third new Gryffindor of the year. Remus looked watched first year filed up one by one when he heard the first L name. He decided to pay very strict attention.
"Lench, Raleigh!" A pretty girl with freckles and curly hair made her way confidently up and after what seemed five long minutes was sent to the Ravenclaw table. The next was a girl with ebony hair and eyes who looked like she would mind pulling a few dogs tails or ruining some young children's sand castle for a good time.
"Lestrange, Bellatrix!" Barely had to put the hat on her head before she was named a Slytherin. Lo, Judy, an excited Asian girl drifted up.
"GRYFFINDOR!" Judy ran to the table and sat next to Lily who patted her on the back. Remus swallowed. The name Lupin was looming closer and closer.
When "Longbottom, Frank!" was called and housed in Gryffindor, Remus felt so nervous he was tapping his foot on the ground. Maybe this entire thing was a trick and he wasn't supposed to be at Hogwarts at all. He felt a mixture of sick relief and adrenaline when he heard "Lupin, Remus!" He willed his legs to move forward and picked up the sorting hat carefully and delicately placed it on his head as he sat down. He jumped when he heard the Hat's voice in his ear.
"Ahh, yes. Very polite you are, eager to learn, and intelligent. I see you have a burning desire to have friends and be accepted, but would you do anything to have high status? Quiet, yes, you find it hard to stand up for yourself, but you are very courageous, yes. I see now you should be in
"GRYFFINDOR!" It yelled. Remus beamed as he carefully placed the hat back on the stool and joined Sirius.
"Yeah! Now we're just missing James!" Sirius cheered. And Luna. Remus thought, stealing a glance at her talking dreamily with Sarah in the line. Lucius Malfoy successfully made it into Slytherin, and everyone clapped for Sarah when she made it into Gryffindor. She filled the gap between Remus and Lily.
"Wow, I thought I would be in Ravenclaw, but the sorting hat said I was too forgetful." She said a bit gloomily.
"It told me I was hotheaded, so don't be too down." Lily contributed.
"It said to me I have low self-confidence but I can build it up with Gryffindor . . . Man, I don't know what that means . . ." Judy Lo mumbled. Afterwards "Meyering, Max!" Was made a Ravenclaw. Remus and Sirius conversed softly while N and O were called.
"Pettigrew, Peter!" Was called and a fat, mousy haired boy ran towards the stool. He tripped before he could reach it and some Slytherins laughed. Remus began to hate Slytherin. Clumsy little Pettigrew was surprisingly sent to Gryffindor and sat next to Sirius.
"Hi!" He said enthusiastically to Sirius who returned the greeting halfheartedly without looking back.
"James should be up next." Sirius informed Remus. Surely enough it was "Potter, James!" James was sorted into Gryffindor, which didn't come as much of a surprise.
"I knew it." He said as he went to sit by Sirius. Peter slid sideways so violently he knocked into the person beside him who grumbled loudly. James took his seat and they continued watching. O passed without anything exciting or strange and R began.
"Rosepyre, Luna!" McGonagall yelled a little less forcefully. Nothing happened. She looked around at the students. "Rosepyre, Luna!" She tried again. Remus looked back. Luna was staring up at the stars that were on the ceiling of the great hall, oblivious to what was going on. "MS. ROSEPYRE!" McGonagall barked furiously. Luna snapped back to life.
"Hm?" She asked. She analyzed the situation for a few moments. "Oh! OH! Sorry, Professor!" She apologized quickly and ran up to the stool and put the hat on. It took a whole ten minutes before anything happened. "Um, I think it's broken, Professor." She said at long last. As she began to take it off it shouted Gryffindor and she smiled happily. People in the audience laughed as she floated to the Gryffindor table.
"Luna! Over here!" Shouted Sarah, waving her arms. Remus told Peter, James and Sirius to scoot over so they could make room for Luna.
"Is something wrong with her?" Sirius whispered cynically to Remus.
"I think she's brilliant." Remus said with a smile. Sirius shrugged. She came and sat between Remus and Sarah who both congratulated her.
"Oh, my, I was so embarrassed." She said a pink tinge on her cheeks. "At first I didn't hear her, then when it wouldn't call the house. Do you think it disliked me?" Remus chuckled a little.
"You probably had strong qualities for two or more houses, Luna. Like Hufflepuff and Gryffindor and it really had to search your mind to find what was best." Sarah explained. "At least, that's my guess."
The last student sorted that stuck in Remus' mind was a boy called Severus Snape. He was short and had very greasy hair that clung in little tendrils. His face and skin were also very oily and he had a hooked nose. He didn't smile as he was sent to Slytherin and sat as far away from anyone at possible.
After all the first years had been successfully sorted into their new house, Professor Dumbledore walked up to the podium at the front of the room and smiled.
"Welcome, to another year at Hogwarts? I trust you've had a long, un- educational summer?" He looked around with a thin smile. "Now that you've gotten back we can remind you! Without further ado, let the feast begin!" The plates in front of the bloom with the most delicious and wonderful foods Remus had ever seen. It was like being in heaven. Remus had never been allowed to eat as much as he wanted in his entire life. When everyone thought they couldn't eat another bite, dessert appeared and they forced themselves to fit a little more; it was too good to pass up.
"Ohhhhh . . . My stomach hurts . . ." James moaned as he gave up trying to finish his cake.
"I feel sleepy. . ." Luna murmured, closing her eyes. Suddenly, all the food from the plates disappeared in a flash and the students started leaving.
"Guess it's time to go." Sirius said, looking around. Everyone moved out and joined the rest of the Gryffindors who were filing up the grand staircase to the upper levels. The climbed up seven long, stone staircases to reach the dormitory. The Prefect, a tall boy with black hair waved them all silent.
"First year boys follow me. I'll show you to your dormitory, First year girls follow Rachel." He gestured to the girl Prefect beside him. Remus, James and Sirius waved goodbye to Luna, Sarah, Lily and Judy and follow the Prefect who's name was Roger. He took them through the common room and to the dormitory, which held the seventh year student the previous term. They five trunks were there, each with the owner's initials on it. Remus picked out R.L. and lugged it to the bed near to a window.
"This one's mine!" Sirius said, racing to the one on the end and diving through the curtains. James laughed and picked the one between Remus and Sirius' bed. Peter Pettigrew picked the four-poster on the other side of Remus and Frank Longbottom chose the only remaining one.
"I'm so tired . . ." James said, spreading out on the mattress. Remus changed into his night clothes and crawled into bed, not waiting for them to turn off the light. Sirius talked for a while, then finally shut up when he realized no one was talking back.
Remus dreamt that he was climbing up a snowdrift after Lucius Malfoy and he got lost. When he was exhausted he closed his eyes. When he opened them again a monster made from snow with vulture's body and a human skull for a head was on top of his chest, just staring into his eyes.
Remus woke up in a slight sweat. Then the thought hit him. First day of term! He looked over at the others. They were stirring in their beds. Remus threw off the cover and went to the shower. He got out quickly and dressed in his new robes. He felt awfully distinguished and proud wearing something as formal and new as this. He loved the way the cloaks would swish at his ankles when he moved. The other four took turns showering and all went down to the Great Hall where Professor McGonagall was handing out schedules. Remus, James and Sirius went up to get theirs, Pettigrew scurrying behind them. The Gryffindors had Charms with the Ravenclaws, Transfiguration with Hufflepuff then double Herbology with Slytherin.
Remus, Sirius and James hurried up to the charms classroom on the second floor. The teacher was a man about three feet high with a long white beard. Professor Flitwick talked in a squeaky voice and stood on top of his desk when he taught. The first lesson in charms was making something move across the table.
"Adjicio!" Flitwick squeaked, sending a cork rolling across his desk. "Now you try."
"Adjicio!" Repeated Judy who was next to Sirius. Her cork rolled the full length of the desk and stopped right before the edge.
"Oh, bravo Ms. Lo! Five points to Gryffindor!" Flitwick squeaked happily. Remus looked at the cork. Can't be that hard, He thought. He flicked his wand and repeated the words. Nothing happened. One the fourth try it rolled slowly off the desk. Remus smiled. A brownish Blur sped by Remus' ear as Luna's cork zoomed off her desk and hit James in the face.
"Oops! Sorry!" She said apologetically.
Professor McGonagall taught Transfiguration and she was every bit strict as they made her out to be. She set out a match on each one of their desks and lectured them about the science of transfiguring it. They each got to try it out, but only Sarah McDeans was able to make a full transformation; Remus' just gained a silver tinge.
Herbology wasn't a bad class, but being with the Slytherins surely was. Lucius had gained two friends it seemed. Narcissa, a girl who looked very much like Malfoy, with silver blonde hair and pale face, was found following him everywhere along with Wesley Estrada. He was a burly boy who was rather unfortunate in the attractiveness department. His face looked nearly flat with a pushed up nose and piggy set of eyes beneath his bushy eyebrows. Remus' liked to think of Wesley as Narcissa and Lucius' brainless bodyguard. The rest of the Slytherins were just as unpleasant.
Professor Green, the Herbology teacher was a very tall man with round spectacles and head of dark hair that looked suspiciously false to Remus. He wore boring, gray robes with khaki pants underneath. His voice was deep and he barely did anything besides talk. He was always ready to take of points for not paying attention and to assign extra homework.
The Potions class, which was held down in the dungeons was taught by a young man who looked fresh out of Hogwarts himself. He was tall with soft looking brown hair and pale eyes and suffered from an incurable curse, which made him fall asleep fall asleep suddenly with no warning. They found this out on the very first day when he began walked down the aisles, passing out a sheet for everyone to read.
"Hello everyone. I'm Professor Marley and I'm the potions master here at Hogwarts. I will-" He stopped in mid-sentence and fell to the floor. Several people screamed when a small trail of blood leaked from his smooth looking skin.
"Professor!" Luna yelled running over to his side. Remus didn't know what hit him but for some reason he wish he was the Professor's position. Luna's caring for anyone who was in trouble endeared her to Remus. He blushed a bit and tried to hide what he was thinking. She shook him awake and he rose chuckling a bit.
"Sorry about that." He said genially, not noticing his injured forehead and he told them the entire story. They soon found out he was prone to bad luck and accidents but he was a very likeable fellow.
Defense Against the Dark Arts was difficult for Remus. It was his favorite subject but the teacher, Professor Smithers, was absolutely awful. He was a grizzled old man with wild gray hair and nasty temper. He hated everyone that wasn't full human and disliked Muggle-borns.
"Welcome. I am here to arm you against the foulest creatures to roam this planet. In this year alone I will show you how to eradicate a centaur, destroy a Sphinx, annihilate a mermaid, obliterate a Naga, eliminate a giant and . . ." He looked straight at Remus. "Kill a werewolf." Remus shrank back. The entire staff knew, of course, but Remus never expected such hostility from them. "Monsters that masquerade as humans are the most malevolent and wicked of all. This is why I am deciding that even though this is a more difficult subject, we will be going over it first." Remus was beginning to feel increasing uncomfortable.
"Now. Who can tell me what the difference is between a real wolf and a Werewolf?" Smithers said. Raleigh Lench, who proved to be very intelligent, raised her hand eagerly. Smithers pointed to her.
"Um, a Werewolf is a human for most of the time and transforms into a wolf on the full moon of each month." She said formally.
"Right you are. A Werewolf is in human form for a long time but they can be just as violent as ever." He continued. Remus was tempted to raise his hand and object. "They have been known to kill suddenly and the curse is highly contagious. One bite or scratch in human or wolf form will result in you losing your mind and becoming as ruthless and violent as the Werewolf. People will tell you that they are quite harmless, but this is a myth." Remus clenched his teeth. Sirius looked over at him.
"What's wrong?" He whispered.
"Nothing . . ." Remus mumbled, looking down.
"There are certain ways to recognize a Werewolf without actually seeing them transform. They are highly allergic to silver; even a touch will burn at their skin. The also have some sort of a connection with other wolves and their eyes have a yellowish tinge. They can hide their hatred and lust for blood quite well, but never be alone with someone you suspect to be a Werewolf. You can kill them by either shooting them with a silver bullet out of a Muggle weapon called a gun, or stab them with a knife of pure silver." Remus suspected that Smithers had planned this out. He knew what Remus was and he wanted him to suffer. A hate blossomed in Remus' chest for Professor Smithers, but he didn't dare show it. Their homework for the night was to write an essay on recognizing the Werewolf. "Mr. Lupin." He said suddenly after assigning the homework. Remus looked up. "You were looking awfully upset. Is something the matter?" Each word was more venomous as the next.
"No, sir." Remus said without any inflection. "Maybe you were imagining it." Smithers glared back.
"Because you looked very uncomfortable when I was talking about the Werewolves." He was silent for a moment. "Wouldn't you agree their terrible creatures?" Remus couldn't stop himself. It was the first time he'd lost his cool in about three years.
"No, sir, I wouldn't agree." He said plainly, maintaining eye contact.
"And why not?"
"Because they're just like everyone else, except on the full moon. I don't think it's very fair that you tell everyone those fake things." Remus said bravely, his stomach dropping with each word.
"Well, Mr. Lupin, it is you who are mistaken. They are EVIL!" He slammed his hands down on Remus' desk. Their air was deathly silent and all eyes were on them. "And they should be destroyed and NOT welcomed into our society!" For one horrible moment Remus thought he was going to start strangling him but the bell interrupted. Remus ran out of there faster than he thought he could go.
"What was that all about?" James said as he and Sirius caught up.
"I have NO idea." Remus answered very unconvincingly.
History of Magic was a highly boring class. Professor Binns was so old he'd taught many of their grandmothers and grandfathers. The only introduction he gave was his name written on the board. The first thing he droned at them was "Open your books to page five." Then he commenced in reading until the bell rang.
Astrology, which was at midnight every Wednesday, was taught by and old loony named Stavarez. He was enormously fat with a shock of white hair and spoke with a wheeze. He had a gigantic pair of square glasses with silver rims and he waddled around, sometimes looking inappropriately at some of the girls. He was a very bad teacher, they all learned, but had a burning passion for astrology. He would lose assignments that were turned in; blame them on you and there was nothing you could do about it. He told Lily Evans that he'd give her and "A" if she wore a shorter skirt next time once everyone else had left. She complained to the Headmaster, but Stavarez denied it. She was always the first one out after that.
Remus loved Hogwarts. He loved all his classes, even Defense Against the Dark Arts where Smithers abused him every day. Remus barely noticed when it had already been a month. On the night of the full moon Professor McGonagall came into the Gryffindor common room.
"Mr. Lupin." She called. Remus got up from his place by the fire where he was doing his homework and went over to her.
"Yes, Professor?" He asked.
"Tonight is the full moon." She whispered, raising her eyebrows.
"Oh, oh!" Remus realized. "May I say goodnight to my friends?" She nodded. Remus went to where Sirius and James were sitting.
"See you later guys. I've got to go." He said shortly. James looked up, his expression confused.
"What's going on? Where are you going?" He asked. Remus' mind raced for an excuse.
"You know, I wouldn't tell this to everyone but my mother is very, very sick. She's dying and I'm going to go visit her before . . ." He feigned a look of misery.
"We understand, man. See you later." Sirius quietly said. Remus nodded and hurried off to McGonagall. She led him down the Grand Staircase, through the Entrance Hall and onto the grounds. She started over to a tree that was swaying in the wind. Suddenly Remus realized there was no breeze. The tree was moving on it's own. As they got nearer to it reared back as if it was going to swing at them and Remus put up his guard. Professor McGonagall whipped out her wand and used a spell to hit a knot on the tree. It stopped attacking and fell limp.
"In here Mr. Lupin." She said leading him to a secret passageway underneath the roots of the tree. She led him down a long, cold passageway that was pitch dark. Remus shivered a little as they reached a wooden door with light shining through the cracks. "In here is a shack that was recently constructed on the borders of Hogsmeade. You will stay in here until you are ready to come out. You do not have to attend classes tomorrow morning." With this she swept down the long passageway and melted into the gloom. Remus turned the handle nervously and stepped inside. It was shadowy and creepy inside with many dark corners. Remus went into the top room and shut the door. He watched the moon slide into view after a few minutes and the transformation begun. When he was fully in wolf form h knew something was wrong. He'd feel more flashes of pain that before. He could almost hear himself howling and yelping. When he came back into consciousness he was in such pain he cried out. It hit him all at once like a punch in the face. Remus rose slowly and noticed his back was wet. When he put his hand on it he found it was covered in blood. He'd been lying in a pool of his own blood all night. He had no chance to run around and perhaps destroy small animals. He'd been in a small place all night with only himself to destroy.
He limped all the way back to the dormitory where the others were just waking up. Peter was the first one to say something.
"Remus!" He cried, running over to him. He hadn't been able to change his robes and they were torn and stained with blood. "What happened? Are you okay? You're covered in blood!" Fat little Pettigrew sat down next to him with a concerned look on his face. Sirius, James and Frank all wandered over. This was not the attention Remus wanted.
"What happened to you?" Sirius breathed, putting a hand on Remus' shoulder, and then removing it to see a bloodstain.
"Remus. . ." James said, shaking his head in pity. Frank looked scared.
"It's nothing you guys. Just please let me sleep." Remus whispered, not daring to look any of them in the eyes.
"No!" James suddenly yelled. "It's not nothing. Who did this to you?" He forcefully inquired. Remus had to lie even more and he hated it. He forced himself to tear up. It was easy; all he had to do was think of . . . when . . .
"Listen . . . I'll tell you the truth but you can tell a soul, it's very private to me." They all nodded consolingly. "My father does this to me. He drinks so much because of mom and he gets very violent. He cut me with the broken bottle." Remus made his hands tremble and felt a tear fall down his cheek. He was giving a good performance and it hurt him. "Please don't tell anyone. They'll lock him up in Azkaban or something. It's not his fault . . . He just . . ." It wasn't all that much of a lie if you counted that time. But it was worse then, much worse. He just wants the best for you . . .
"We won't tell anyone Remus." Pettigrew nodded wide-eyed. "Right guys?" They all nodded, looking somber.
"I. . . I need to sleep." Remus Said. Now that he thought of he couldn't get it out of his mind. He remembered the sheer terror and the feeling of being betrayed. It was awful . . . They left the room and Remus changed out of his torn robes, dressing in his blue and white striped flannel pajamas. He didn't care if he was still bleeding. He truly wanted to sleep.