Title: AWAHW – Chapter 1 - About Moony
Author: Nijijin
Rating: R
Pairing: Light SS/RL, NL/DM/HP
Disclaimer: They don't belong to me…but aren't they so much fun to borrow?
Feedback: Gently Please
Notes: In Chapter one of his book, Severus tells the reader about Moony. I wasn't really pleased with the movie Moony, so my werewolf will closely resemble a real wolf.
Spoilers: Some…but mostly post war speculation.
Archive: Sure
To gain a better picture and understanding of Moony (Remus Lupin's werewolf identity) it would behoove me to spend some time describing him in detail.
Physically, some of Moony's attributes are rather commonplace. He does indeed look quite similar to Canis Lupus or the Common Gray Wolf.
It should be understood that variations within the species occur according to environmental needs. I am still amazed that a muggle by the name of Charles Darwin first expounded the theory of Natural Selection. Should you wish to learn more, read "Origin of Species" a most enlightening tome even if written by a muggle.
With this in mind, Moony's characteristics align more closely with wolves that inhabit the colder climes throughout the world. All are considered a sub-species of the Gray Wolf. Their common names are Tundra, Artic and Timber Wolf.
Moony's fur is thick and multi-layered. Long guard hairs are interspersed with fur that is almost downy in nature. He also retains the annoying habit of molting to a much lighter coat in spring. In order to reduce heat loss, his muzzle and legs are slightly shorter and stockier. Whether due to his human background or an additional development to conserve warmth, Moony's ears are more rounded. His paws are unusually large and have thick strive hairs between the pads for better traction in the snow. His eye color is the less common golden amber and remains so in human form.
This is where the similarities between werewolf and wolf end and the difference begin to emerge. Moony's coloration does not match any known markings of wolves. Rather it is identical to his human hair color. Varying shades of blond and brown are interspersed with gray and even silver.
His human distinctions transpose to the wolf body after transformation. For example, a long scar across his human nose can be found across his wolf muzzle. A long and very distinct lock of solid silver hair found at the nape of Remus' neck is also found in Moony's ruff.
While the largest of wolves may weigh 80 kg (176 lbs), Moony is easily twice the size and stands at 11 hands (44 inches) high. Simply put, Moony is the size of a miniature horse.
But this type of empirical information does not adequately describe Moony. Perhaps the following incident will provide a better portrayal.
On the first eve of this particular full moon, snow had fallen and blanketed the Forbidden Forest. It would be the first time I was to observe Moony's behavior in a frozen environment. We were heading to our usual clearing.
Albus had negotiated with the Centaurs, who agreed to allow us the use of this area. Here, the thick forest opens to a spacious zone where a fallen tree lies near the center. Moony is fond of climbing on the stump to survey his territory, and eventually howl to his heart's content. The branches offer me a comfortable spot to write my observations.
As I crunched up the path towards the clearly, I was only slightly aware of Moony's snuffling presence behind me. His large snowshoe like paws kept him from sinking in the snow or making any kind of noise. As we drew closer, Moony let out an excited yip and streaked past me towards the dead tree.
For being rather large, Moony is grace in motion. He fully extended his legs gaining great amounts of distance with each plant of his paws. Shoulder and hindquarter muscles undulated with each powerful stride. Moony held his fanned tail stiffly to increase his balance and maneuverability. The burst of speed rippled through his fur from head to tail.
As he neared the tree stump, Moony coiled his body for the leap. He glided effortlessly through the chilled night air until his front paws brushed a delicate landing on the iced over, slick and slippery surface of the dead tree. 160 kg of unstoppable werewolf could do nothing but scramble frantically for purchase. Ultimately the ungainly beast vaulted over with a loud thud in the snow.
For a moment I was too shocked to move or speak. Apparently, this was true for Moony as well. All I was able to see with my lumosed wand were four motionless paws hanging midair behind the stump.
Suddenly the paws began to wave about as Moony struggled to right himself. I covered my mouth desperately trying to keep from laughing. It wouldn't do to embarrass him any further. But the situation quickly lost its humorous aspect when after shaking himself out, the wolf limped piteously into view. Worried, I ran, quickly dropping down upon reaching him.
"MOONY! You utter clod! Where in Merlin's name have you hurt yourself this time?"
I asked as my fingers brushed through his brisket. He began to whine and pull away when my hand trailed down his left foreleg. Luckily it was just a sprain and only needed basic medical attention. Moving my wand into position I cast the appropriate healing spell.
"There now, better?"
He tested the leg with a short prance of paws. I was relieved when he happily yipped and wagged his confirmation.
"Anywhere else?"
Moony nudged in closer, almost bowling me over. When his great head began to nuzzle under my hand I knew what he wanted. My finger found that lock of pure silver fur in his ruff and I began to twine comfort. Apparently, his ego had been bruised as well.
"What am I to do with you, cur? How many times have I told you to look before you leap? Hmmm?"
Moony's response was a small whine that seemed to indicate he felt sufficiently admonished.
Shall we save this for tomorrow night and go home to a warm fire?
He barked enthusiastically and began moving towards the direction of the school. Moony stopped and turned to wait for me. Rarely does he remain at my side during these excursions. That night, however, my arm lay across his shoulders all the way back to the dungeons.
