Author's note: I'm back once again! I'd be updating more often if possible. Thanks to Erica for editing the chapter so fast! Also a big thank you to brennqt14 for being the first to review, and sticking to the story each time I updated. I urge all the readers to review or give any suggestions or ideas for the plot of the story (I'm running out of ideas). Thank you.


Chapter Five
The Shack and the Whomping Willow


Keeping up with Professor McGonagall, young Remus wondered why the headmaster called for him. He was such a minor character, unless he wanted to ask about that?

"Phoenix Tears," said Professor McGonagall. The gargoyles sprang to life and moved aside, revealing a secret passageway with a Phoenix staircase. Professor McGonagall went to stand on it and Remus followed. The staircase began to move on its own accord, when it came to a halt, it showed another passageway with a door.

Professor McGonagall knocked on the door and a voice said, "Come in." She turned the doorknob and stepped into the room, Remus followed and his eyes grew wide.

The room was enormous; on the walls of the room were the portraits of the deceased Headmasters and Headmistresses who eyed Remus suspiciously. In a corner was the fireplace for floo network connection. Then on the tables were strange instruments. Remus identified one of them, his father had brought that instrument back home for some research but Remus broke it without another thought, his father never bought another one and he cried for days.

Right before him was the headmaster whom he had not noticed yet. His eyes were twinkling with friendliness and calmness before his half moon glasses; this was something Remus had never seen before. Apart from his parents, his neighbours had been keeping a long distance from him, terrified that he would bite their children and turn them into that.

"I believe you know why you are here, Mr Lupin?" asked Dumbledore. Remus nodded. "I believe that your August transformations are done and through?" Remus nodded again. "I believe you heard about the Whomping Willow?" he nodded again and again, why couldn't he just open his mouth and say yes?

"Beneath the Whomping Willow is a tunnel which leads to a Shack in the village of Hogsmeade," said Dumbledore.

"Excuse me," said Remus suddenly, completely not himself. "What d'you mean by tunnel?"

"The tunnel which lead to Hogsmeade," said Dumbledore calmly. "The shack is where you shall transform. It is build for your safety as well as others."

"So I shall be alone?" said Remus.

"I afraid so, Mr Lupin," said Dumbledore. "Anymore questions?" Remus shook his head. "I must warn you that your conditions should not be revealed to other students. It's for your own reputation."

"Yes sir," said Remus.

"Madam Pomfrey would accompany you into the tunnel each of the month," said Dumbledore. "All right, you may go."

Professor McGonagall left the room with Remus and accompanied him until the fat lady's portrait. "The password is 'Godric Gryffindor," said Professor McGonagall. "Have a good rest." she turned and headed for her office.
The three boys were already in the dormitory shared among the four. One was not there. James had chosen the bed closest to the door, so he could sneak out secretly anytime he pleased. Meanwhile, they were exchanging their aspects.

"I'm Peter Pettigrew," squeaked a boy excitedly. He was a pudgy boy and looked like he was well fed.

When it was too late in the night, Sirius blew out the candles and the room was dark. Everybody climbed into their beds and went to sleep.

The common room was deserted; everybody had gone to his or her dormitory. His one was shared with the two boys whom he had met on the train.

The room was so dark, Remus muttered 'Lumos' and his wand tip ignited. Out of the dim light, he could see a boy whom wore thick spectacles, the pure blood Black boy. Then there was the boy whom he met during the sorting.

On the corner of the room lay another bed; it seemed to be the farthest away from the other beds. His trunk was already there by his bed. Without muttering the counter charm, he flopped off to bed.