Disclaimer: b/c I have done one for a chapter or two...These character belong to JK Rowling, the once and future HP Queen.
Author's notes: Thank'ee to all the reviewers who have been kind and whatnot. Especially those three that have repeatedly reviewed! You make my day a bit brighter...and I want to thank you for your patience with this story. I've been a bit overwhelmed of late and trying to write this isn't easy.
I don't like the Potter boy. I don't try to make a point that I do. Well...Now that I've stated the obvious, I suppose I should get on with what really matters.
That's why you're reading, yes?
You want to know what happens to poor little Lupin and his lycanthropy.
It's a damn miracle that the man's lasted this long. He looked how he should now back in Hogwarts, even as a first year. How he looks now? It is a look worthy of a much older man.
Even I feel unnecessary amounts of pity for him.
Who wouldn't?
Don't get me wrong. I don't like him, but he certainly is the pitiful sort.
Really? It's been months since I watch Potter pace the floor, while pretending to be in good company, as Lupin kept making rather pathetic attempts at small-talk. He's always been rather uncomfortable when no one is talking. I blame the influence of Sirius. That damned man couldn't keep his mouth shut if you bound it that way.
To tell the truth, I'm not really that upset he's gone. Potter and Lupin are better off for it.
I remember watching the boy out of the corner of my eye, gauging when would be the best time to spring a rather surprising comment on them both. I love making them both flustered. Especially when it's so easy.
But alas, I finally found myself nodding off into a hardly lukewarm cup of tea, and firmly decided on returning at a later date, to find out what had Lupin in a tizzy and Potter flitting around the room like a pixie with a high metabolism. Really, that last thought scares me.
So here it is, the 'later date.' August, beginnings of autumn are fluttering through the air. My favorite season...besides the fact that one of the worst possible things happens every year at this time: the beginning of school.
Have I ever told you my thoughts on Dumbledore? He's a nutter. Through and through. Worthy of my trust, yes, but truly only half there.
Well, I am supposed to be organizing and cataloguing my potions items back at Hogwarts. Oh no, because I mention that I need a few items, Dumbledore insists that I need to accompany Potter and Lupin to Diagon Alley.
The way that Potter keeps watching Lupin is frightening. As if the boy thought the man was made of glass. Not that he doesn't look it: Lupin's eyes are deeply shadowed and horribly bloodshot, his sallow skin makes mine look 'California healthy,' not to mention the tremor.
In Flourish and Blott's, Lupin couldn't even pick up a book. If Potter hadn't been there to pick it up and comfort him, I would've sworn the man would've cried. I wonder if he can read at all, with the way he keeps squinting at everything.
It's a miracle that Lupin can even walk, even now, as we shuffle down the alley, I wonder on this. Potter holds the man's arm like he's ready for a stumble or a fall at any time. I think I even heard a witch say how it was so nice to see a young man helping his grandfather. I want to tell her that this man is actually the same age his father should've been.
Arthur told me the Loss was upon Lupin. Lupin's Loss. This shouldn't affect me. I should even be a bit elated to know my tormentors from Hogwarts have all finally gotten what's coming.
So why do I keep getting a lump in my throat when Lupin does his best to reassure my frighten looks with a smile? He should be fighting more. He seems like he's already given up. He's so resigned to this fate. I want to scream at him to fight this off. Please, Lupin...Remus. For the old days' sake. For Potter, or Black...or anyone.
Potter stops while Remus totters off to greet Granger and Weasley. "He's getting worse every day," the boy murmurs in a thick voice.
I watch as Remus winces at the enthusiastic hug Hermione engulfs him in. Ron pulls her away, their hands meeting in such a way that I know how the summer has transformed their relationship. I realize that must also be why Potter stands beside me and doesn't run off to greet them. Remus wraps his arms around the two and declares something about ice cream. No doubt he'll want chocolate.