Author's Notes: This is my time writing fanfiction, so bear as I try to improve. But, I'll improve faster if you leave a review! Contruntive criticism, or complements only!

Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing.

Chapter 1: The Ball

Five year old Remus Lupin sat on the ornate floor of a ballroom among a large pile of presents. He sat hunched over, propping up his head with his hands, idly watching the adults twirl gracefully around the gold-trimmed room, dancing to grand-sounding music. His light, longish brown hair flopped over into his face, but he didn't bother to swipe it aside. Remus sighed as he leaned back against the wall. It would be his 6th birthday tomorrow, and his parents had thrown him a ball, as was custom in the rich wizarding families.

The adults twirled and clapped twice with the beat, elaborate, emboidered dress robes swishing. Everything was so lit up and grand, he hated it. It made him feel small, unimportant, even though the ball was thrown in his honor.

Remus was so bored, that he didn't even notice as two boys plopped down on either side of him.

"Bored, Remus?" asked the one to his left. He had messy black hair, hazel eyes, and round glasses.

Remus nodded. "I didn't even want the ball, but Mummy and Daddy insisted. I think they just like to dance." The boy on his right laughed. He, too, had messy black hair. His brown eyes sparkled with mirth.

"I hate balls. The music is so annoying, it's too loud.Plus, ballsare boring...You know what? I heard that muggles and mud-bloods-

"Sirius!" shouted Remus and James Potter at once. "You shouldn't say stuff like that." continued James. "My Mummy and Daddy don't like it when people say that."

"So what?" asked Sirius, "My parents say it all the time."

"Just don't say it, Sirius," Remus said quietly. He groaned, "Ugh...I hate balls. Wish they'd hurry up and finish dancing. I'm hungry."

Sirius and James nodded in agreement.

Remus looked out the window at the dark sky, where a full moon was beginning to rise. "My Mummy says monsters come out at the full moon,"

"Not monsters," said Sirius, "Werewolves. They're worse than monsters. They sneak up on you..." He carefully crept behind James, who was staring at the dancers, "And bite you!" he suddenly pounced on James, who yelped in surprise. Remus laughed.

"So, werewolves are evil? Like vampires?"

"Yep." replied Sirius. "Every last one would rip your guts out."

"Ewww!" said James, his nose wrinkled in disgust. "Gross!"

They watched the rest of the ball in silence. Around midnight, the three boys were curled up, fast asleep on the floor. The guests began to leave, pointing and exclaiming about how cute they were. Mrs. Black frowned and barked.

"Sirius Lee Black! What is the meaning of this, falling asleep on the floor like common filth!"

Poor Sirius blinked sleepily and muttered softly. "Sorry, ma'am."

His mother spanked him hard. Biting back tears and casting a last look at his sleeping friends, Sirius followed his mother out the door. Mrs. Potter frowned after them. It's horrible how that family treats children. She thought. Then, gently picked up James.

Finally, after they had bid all their guests good night, Mrs. Lupin picked up her son gently and took him to bed. She tucked him in, kissed his forhead then turning the lights, gazed at him fondly. She sighed. My little boy is growing up. Six already... Shaking her head, she went downstairs.

"Remus!" yelled Mrs. Lupin the next morning. "Time to get up!"

Remus groaned and curled into a tight ball. "Not yet..." He'd been having a wonderful dream...except he'd forgotten what it had been about. Suddenly, he remembered that it was his 6th birthday. He paused for a second, wondering how he had gotten to bed. Dismissing it, he squealed happily and got up, clutching his little teddy bear.

As he entered the kitchen, he saw with delight his favorite breakfast on his plate.

"Thanks Mummy!" he ran up to her and put his arms around her waist; as high as his little arms could reach. She laughed, picked him up, and set him in his chair. "Happy birthday, sweetie." She kissed his light brown head.

"When are Siri and James getting here?" he asked.

"Later, Remus."

"When later?"

She sighed. "Two hours."

"I have to wait that long before I get my presents?" Remus asked.

"Yes, Remus"

Remus waited a bit before asking his next question. "Where's Daddy?"

"You'll see," his mother said mysteriously. "It's a surprise."

"I'm done."

"Good, now wash up and get dressed. Your friends will be here before you know it."

Remus grinned and dashed out of the room. Happily, he charged up the stairs to his room. Within the next 5 minutes, he had washed up and gotten dressed. He sat on the window seat. He was so excited about his birthday party, James and Sirius had better hurry up and arrive...