Again, it's been a long time. I'm really sorry, I've got to get on a better schedule with this thing. I like this chapter; it's kinda soap opera-like. Real mushy girly-girl stuff. But hey, that's fun sometimes, right? Wow, my reviews are going through the roof lately! 31! Can you believe it? I'm so happy! I love all my reviewers! And while I'm on the subject:

Taeniaea: That's cool you like it! Was this update soon enough?

Marguerida: Wolfsbane would be pretty interesting, wouldn't it? I hope this chapter was what you were waiting for.

lovemehatemejustdon'tfearme: I know, Hagrid's awesome! Definetly one of my favorite characters. Right up there with Fred, George, Ron, and Lupin.

Stephanie: Yeah, Lupin's really got a guilt trip in this fic. I feel bad for him too!

Rumpleteaze: Tee-Hee. I like that quote. It makes me laugh. You'll see Rons' parent's reaction in the next chapter. Oh, I can't wait. And yes, I do love cliffhangers. I'm so evil! Mwahahahahaha!

OOO

Dumbledore walked over to Ron's bed and looked him over. Lupin followed in a shy manner.

"He's sleeping, that's good," muttered Dumbledore.

"Y-yes..." was all Lupin said. Harry noted he was shaking.

Madame Pomfrey returned with a tray full of potions.

"Ah, hello Remus, hello Professor. I'm afraid I'll have to wake him for his pain reducing potion." She set the tray down on a bedside table and gently shook Ron's shoulder. His eyes slowly opened, though he shut them abrutly.

"It's bright... where am I?"

"You're in the Hospital Wing, dear. Do you remember anything from last night? The transformation, anything?" She spoke just above a whisper. His senses were apparently still heightened.

"How could I forget?"

The nurse nodded. "Yes, of course. Here, this potion will help cease the pain some. Are you still in a lot of pain?"

"Yeah... really a lot..."

Though Harry's eyes had been resting on Ron the whole time so far, they quickly flicked over to Dumbledore and Lupin. They stood a few feet away from where him and Hermione were at the foor of the bed on the side of the bed opposite Madame Pomfrey. Dumbledore looked on with a grave set to his face. Lupin, however, seemed like he was going to pop. His eyes were shadowed and bloodshot, probably from his own transformation. He nawed at his bottom lip as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

After Ron downed the potion, Madame Pomfrey proceeded to tend to the cuts, gashes, and bruises that covered him. She smeared many different potions on them to aid in healing. After fifteen minutes or so she straightened herself up and collected her tray. She smiled grimly at Lupin.

"It's been a long time Remus. I would love to stay and chat but I trust you have some... business to take care of."

He closed his eyes and nodded. When he opened them his gaze rest upon Ron. He sat down on a chair next to the bed. This was going to be pretty heavy.

"Ron... you don't know how sorry I am. I didn't want it to happen. Never would I wish such a thing on anyone, let alone such a good friend of mine. When I was young, when I first came to Hogwarts, I vowed I wouldn't ever infect another. I've broken that vow, I've burdened another with the curse that has haunted me most of life. I am dreadfully sorry. I-I can't express how truly sorry I am." He paused for a moment, staring intently at Ron's blank expression. Tears rimmed the older werewolf's eyes. It was eerie, seeing someone as respectful as Remus Lupin about to break down and cry. "I don't blame you if you hate me now for what I've done to you. After I was bitten I hated the wolf who bit me with all my heart."

Ron shifted his eyes from Lupin's to the blanket that covered him.

"I don't hate you," he murmered in a small voice.

Lupin's eyebrows shot up.

"You don't? Why not? If I were you I would hate myself. How could you not hate me? I've ruined your life, for Christ's sake!"

"It wasn't your fault. After last night I know what it's like for you. You really can't control it. I don't blame you. Besides, it was my retarded idea to go for walk during the full moon of all times."

"True, but that's very kind of you. One shouldn't have to worry about such a thing, especially in school" A warm smile crossed his face. He seemed to have calmed down some after getting everything off his chest. "I promise I'll be there for you from now on. I wished I could have been there with you last night, however circumstances didn't really allow it. I remember my first transformation like it was yesterday. Brutal, isn't it?" The smiled became more of a sorrowful smirk. "Don't hesitate to ask if you ever have any questions, or just want to talk. Trust me, I'm an expert." He said the last bit quite thickly.

"Actually, I have a question right now."

"Oh, really?" Lupin inquired.

"Yeah, do my parents know? And my brothers? And Ginny, too?"

"I think I can answer that if you don't mind Remus." Dumbledore stepped forward. "Before coming here this morning I notified your parents telling them that you had had an 'accident'. I told them I would explain all the details to them in person if they could come here today. So, they know half of the story. As for your brothers, I suppose it would depend on whether your parents told them or not. And about Ginny, I was planning on telling her later during breakfast."

"Hmm, so... who's going to explain all this to my mum?"

At this thought the clean white room fell to a deadly silence.