Title: A Mother's Love
Author: LupinLovesTonks
Rated: K+
Disclaimer: HP and all related characters are trademarks of JK Rowling. No animals were harmed in the writing of this fic. No profit is made from this fic and is intended strictly for entertainment purposes. Any similarities to actual people or events are strictly a coincidence.
Summary: He was shy but with an underlining confidence that shined from his amber eyes. Ever wonder why Remus isn't like the other werewolves?
Chapter Three
"How much further?" he called.
"Just a little bit further Remus," she called back, then dug her heels into the side of the mountain. "You're doing good!" She peeked down to see how he was really doing. She was surprised to see him right at her feet beside her. "Damn you and your werewolf stamina."
The two of them laughed as Remus finally became even with her on the side of the mountain.
"Why didn't Da come?" Remus asked.
"He felt you and I needed some time together, just the two of us," Brie replied. She looked up. "We've only got about twenty more feet to go."
Remus nodded and grasped his safety rope firmly before continuing his climb upwards. He turned slightly and grinned down at her. "Well? Are you going to join me Mum or do I need to do a levitation spell to get you all the way?"
Once the two of them were on the final perch of the mountain, they plopped onto the ground and sat there looking out over the snowy ranges. Brie looked over to her son. His features were too serious for a boy about to be eleven and there were a few spots in his hair where it had lost pigment from the stress of his transformations.
She had brought him to the mountains to tell him about the letter from Hogwarts. She knew he felt that he wouldn't be able to get in due to his lycanthropy, but a change in Headmasters had changed this ability. Her husband had thought, perhaps, if he heard it from her that Remus would treasure it more. And true to herself, Brie had picked an extravagant way of telling her son the good news.
She opened her mouth to speak and Remus looked at her, his eyes looked tormented and sad.
"I know why you brought me here," he said with a disheartened sigh. "I read it in the Daily Prophet. The letters were sent out last week. I guess I didn't get one and Da thought I would take the news better from you."
"Remus --"
"It's alright mum. I know by now that the magical world doesn't want me just because I'm a werewolf." He looked out over the mountains below and sighed heavily. "I didn't want to go anyway."
Brie wanted to laugh at how he was reacting. "Remus," she said. "This came by phoenix for you a few days ago."
Remus looked at her confused as she took out the letter and handed it to him. "Phoenix?" He slowly unfolded the letter and his eyes widened as he read the words on the parchment. "I… I… I got in! I got in mum! I'm going to Hogwarts!" His hands started shaking. "I get to learn to do magic. I'll be a wizard."
The young boy threw his arms around his mother's neck and hugged her tightly. She felt the warmth of his tears on her neck and hugged him tighter. She pulled him away slightly and cradled his face in her hands.
"See? Not everyone will hate you for being what you are Remus. I bet you will make several friends there and they will stand by you even when you decide to tell them about your illness. We'll go tomorrow to get your things for school. I have to get your father some more medicine anyways."
Remus' eyes darkened. "Is Da alright mum?" he asked quietly. "I mean is he alright with me going to Hogwarts?"
"He's alright Remus, he's just been sick a lot and his breathing is just getting worse and he's just now letting me try the magical way to help him. I'm sure he'll be fine before you go to school. And he's happy that you're going to Hogwarts, thrilled even. He can't wait to see you in your school robes."
She kissed her son's forehead and released his face.
He could feel her hands lightly shaking over his. If it was at all possible, she was more nervous than he was. But, himself, his mum, and his dad were heading for Platform 9 ¾ at a gradual pace so not to over-exert is father's breathing. Or rather, as his mother had pointed out, it was a lovely day and it would have been a shame to waste it running for the train.
By time they reached the platform, in spite of the slow and easy pace, his father was struggling for breath but making a pretence that he wasn't. Remus looked at the wall between platforms nine and ten wearily then back at his parents. They both knelt down to his eye level.
His father was noticeably pale and taking deep struggled breaths as he roughed up his son's hair. "Now Remus, remember what I told you. If anyone tries to belittle you in any way or call you silly names…"
"I ask them if they know what the Pythagorean theorem is and run before they have the chance to get angry and confused?" Remus asked innocently.
His mother stifled a snicker and his father just blinked. "No, son, that won't work once you're on the other side of the platform. They probably don't even care what Pythagoras' theory is. If you have problems, go to your Head of House or to Dumbledore himself."
His mother was next; she lightly grasped his chin and turned him to face her. She gave him a gentle smile. "Just be good Remus. Be an insufferable know-it-all if that suits your fancy. Just do what Remus feels is right. Even if it's using that one spell I taught you about on someone."
"You mean the stupefy one?" Remus asked, grinned broadly.
"Exactly, and don't be afraid to use it on anyone that wants to be mean to you, you have a right to hex anyone that messes with you. If you don't learn them right who will aye?"
Remus nodded firmly in agreement and gave his parents both a hug around their necks. "I'll come home for the holidays," he promised. "And I'll write as well."
His mother grinned and roughed his hair. "Remus, you don't know what you're going to come against there. You may make friends and want to go to their house for Christmas or you all stay at the school. But Da and I know you love us all the same. Just write us and let us know how things are going, at least once a week if you can."
"Yes ma'am," he said quietly. "And it's all right for me to tell my friends about --" he paused "-- you know?"
"Only if you feel comfortable telling them darling," she said gently. "It's nothing to be ashamed of dear, it was an accident but some of the people there may not take kindly to it so it's up to you." She gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Now, off you go before the train leaves."
Both Remus and his father looked at the wall then at Brie, then father and son looked at each other. A small flick of light twinkled at the edge of his father's eye and asked the question Remus wanted to ask. "And how does one get onto Platform 9 ¾ Mrs. Lupin?"
"Just walk into the wall between the other two." Both father and son look at her blankly. "Oh honestly, haven't the two of you seen enough of what I can do to know that nothing is as it seems in the world of magic? Just go for it Remus. Don't be scared, if you go through life being afraid how will you ever experience anything?"
"And don't forget Remus," his father piped. "If you find any good books, bring them home with you during the holidays."
Remus grinned widely and nodded. Good books were a commodity his father treasured so Remus added the mental note to see if there were any good wizard-penned books in the Hogwarts library. "Of course, Da. Good books only."
His father beamed with pride in spite of the fact it was becoming rather noticeable he was growing weaker by the moment. "And why is that Remus?"
Remus promptly replied his father's most common words of wisdom, "Because a man that reads badly done books have no advantage over a man that reads none atoll."
His mother gave his father a slight but playful tap in the arm and muttered, "Stoic." She gave Remus one final hug and kiss. "Remember, it's three weeks and two days until the next full moon, remember to go see Headmaster Dumbledore prior to that day so that you know what to do. Avoid Slytherin at any and all costs. And owl me as soon as you get to your dormitories and let me know what house you got into. I bet as smart as you are you'll be a Ravenclaw."
"What house were you in mum?" he asked.
"Gryffindor. But you're more like your father than me; gods know that, so odds are you might be in Ravenclaw. Whether it be Gryffindor or Ravenclaw, I don't care. Both are noble and reputable houses for wizards that want to make something positive of themselves."
She nudged him slightly and Remus turned to look at the wall again. He bade his parents good bye again and took hold of his trolley. Walking with poise, he walked toward the wall and… walked through it.
Once on the other side he turned looked in surprise. When he looked at the Hogwarts Express, his eyes widened in amazement and awe. As if the vast amounts of robes, owls, and just the feeling in the air were not an indication… Remus definitely knew he was not in the Muggle world anymore.
Dear Mom and Dad.
I was sorted into Gryffindor. The Sorting Hat almost
put me into Ravenclaw though. My dormitory mates
are a peculiar bunch but I think we will get along
rather nicely. James and Sirius are already making
plans to seek out after lights out for a late night eats.
Peter is somewhat of a nervous lad so I feel more at
ease knowing I am not the only one that feels out of
place. And the other lad is completely Muggle born.
He's the first of his family to be magical.
Love,
Remus
Remus.
That is wonderful news. I sent you a few provisions
to go along with your Gryffindor uniform. It's not
much but your father and I do hope you can make
use of it to make friends with your dormitory mates.
Love.
Mom and Dad.
Remus opened the package and felt his face flush. The box
had more stuff that he felt should have fit into it. Scarves and ties
and patches galore -- all in Gryffindor colours or Gryffindor themed --
not to mention several packs of just red and gold jelly babies and
various other wizard and Muggle candies, all in red and gold wrappers.
There was also a book entitled 1001 Uses for Chocolate both Magical and Mundane.
"This is just not normal," Remus said, a little louder than he had
anticipated and drawing the attention of the lads named James and
Sirius.
The two boys walked over and looked into his package. "You're right, what parent in their right mind sends their child that much chocolate?" James asked. "Can we have some? My mum and Dad haven't sent me mine yet and… well… Sirius here will probably never get anything from his parents because he's a bloody traitor to their bloodline."
"And proud of it," Sirius said with a firm nod. "Howler and all."
Remus shrugged. "Seems to be plenty here for all of us so help yourself."
The two lads dug into the box and took their share then sat on Remus bed and chatted for the longest time. By the end of the night, Remus knew he had made himself two friends.
AN: Thanks for all the reviews so far!
Fenice - In all honesty until you told me what brigand meant... I did NOT know... her name was somewhat of a random occrance. It was originally going to Brigid after a Welsh/Celtic goddess but my spell check thingie changed all the occrances of her name in Birth to Brigand after I hit the wrong button. I was furious, of course, but liked the sound of Brigand so I took it as a sign. But now that I know what brigand means... I have full intentions of using that to my advantage. :)
Alli - as I said... I don't mind you stalking me ;) I wish Brie was cannon too, sometimes I get confused and actually think she is then I remember she isn't.
Mooncheese - Yes, it will go through his Hogwarts years. After this chapter it will sort of jump back and forth between Remus and his mom because some things will be happening that somewhat end up making Remus into the man he becomes.. and some toehr thigns as well but I shant release the information just yet even though I have been having a bit fo a foreshadowing of it happening on occasion.
Hermione 'DB' Granger - Thank you. And the link didn't show up, you can email it to me at irishlullaby at gmail dot com (since that is the only way this ruddy thing will let me write it out and not erase it...)
mercutio - Where be Tybalt? er, anywho... nah, not too creative writing 101... 102 mebbe ;)
everyone else - I'll try to get updates as often as possible and I'm glad y'all like bebbe Remus, he's kinda modelled after my godson :)