This is a simple chapter, but whatever. It's posted. That's good by my standards. Review answers:

Taeniaea: Thanks for sticking with this story! I'm glad you like it. Hmm... I'm seeing a pattern in your reviews...

lovemehatemejustdon'tfearme: I just couldn't bring myself to make Ron mad at Remus. He's such a likable character, how could anyone ever be mad at him? Poor Ron. That's a pretty good description of him.

Rumpleteaze: Don't worry, people saying they love my story never gets old. ;) Staring at the wall is quite entertaining, but I hope this chapter is more... erm... not boring.

Marguerida: What can I say, I'm a sap. I just didn't have the heart to make Ron hate poor Remus. Hope you like this chapter!

OOO

"Ronald Weasley!" Mrs. Weasley came storming through the Hospital Wing entrance, closely followed by Mr. Weasley, a few hours later. It was midmorning now, around 11:00. She instantly embraced her son in a tight (and quite embarassing) hug.

"Now, what's wrong with you? Dumbledore told us it was serious, and that we needed to come see you. We got here as fast as we could. Your father was, luckily, able to get off work. You don't look well, are you sick? You are, arent you! Oh, you must be really sick, you dont look well at all..."

She rambled on and on like this, never once loosening her grip on Ron. After a while he could no longer stand it.

"Mum, MUM! STOP IT, WOULD YOU? I'M A BLOODY WEREWOLF, OKAY!"

For a long while Mrs. Weasley's eyes darted between everyone in the wing, as if searching for some alternate answer. Tears began to brim when she realized this was the truth. Her hand rose to mouth to comfort her trembling lips.

Mr. Weasley removed his hat and stared at the floor. He was first to regain speech.

"How long have you- Or, I mean, when were you bitten exactly?"

"Last month, you know, on the full moon."

"So you- you've transformed once already."

Here Dumbledore stepped in.

"Yes, last night was his first time. It was quite a close call; your son apparently wasn't too keen on telling anyone. I found out myself at the very last minute and had Hagrid assist him through the transformation."

"No... no, no! My youngest son... he can't be a- a werewolf!" She took time to meet eyes Lupin before continuing. "Remus, was it you who- who bit him?"

He couldn't bring himself to return her gaze.

"Yes, it was I. I'm so sorry..."

Seeing the forlorn look about the man, on top of feebleness the second quarter had brought about him, Mrs. Weasley couldn't help but pitty him.

"Well, it's not like you can help it. It was bound to happen, you know. It amazes me that you've gone most of your life without biting anyone before." Her face hardened as she turned back around to face Ron. "What exactly were you doing out on the full moon, of all times, anyway? It's not that I don't feel sorry for you, poor dear, but I'm furious that you would do something so- so foolhardy! Now, answer me!"

Ron had felt a large deal of guilt after yelling at his mother like that. He didn't mean to, he was just frustrated, and still on edge from the previous night. The pain potion had kicked in and done its job well. Only the slightest tingle remained, leaving him with a straight mind to sort life out with.

"I... well I was kinda stressed out, I guess... so, er, I went for a walk. The night was so peaceful; I thought I'd just stroll through the forest. It wasn't until I was pretty deep in the forest that I noticed the moon. By then it was too late, though."

Everyone took time to digest this revelation. Hermione spoke up for the first time in a while. She and Harry had thought it best to stay out of everything and merely observe.

"I should have noticed it sooner. I knew something was off with you that night, I knew it!. You were limping, I could see it. And then your sudden interest in reading... and that hideous book I caught you reading! And of course there were the tell-tale symptoms too. How could I have been so blind!"

"I suppose we'll have to register you at the Ministry sometime," Mr. Weasley stated. He appeared quite shaken, but nothing like Mrs. Weasley.

Lupin nodded.

"They have a fit whenever I'm late for renewing my registration papers. I can't imagine what they'd be like if they found out there was an unregistered werewolf wondering around Hogwarts."

"Well he isn't going anywhere until he's completly recovered. Remus, I've seen what you're like after those things. It's terrible... oh, I can't believe my own son..."Mrs. Weasley'strain of thoughtseemed torun off the rails.

"Was it really th-that bad, Ron? Like, well, what was it like?" Trust Mr. Weasley to be curious even in times like this.

"Arthur, honestly! Of course it was! What kind of question is that?" Mrs. Weasley asked. This didn't stop Ron from answering though.

"Yeah... it was pretty awful I guess." Ron still couldn't bring himself to meet his parents' eyes. Somehow he felt as if he had let them down. He continued to stare at his hospital blanket.

Hagrid, who had decided he would try and avoid the discussion with Harry and Hermione, now felt the need to thrown in his two cents. "Werewolf transformations, ya know, they're always worse the firs few times."

"One never truly gets used to them, but they do get easier as time rolls by." Lupin added. "I promise you, I'll do everything in my power to help you, Ron."

"And your father and I will stay here with you for today. Tomorrow Dad almost has to go back to work, but you should be feeling better by then."

The rest of the day seemed to pass in blur of sleep and depression. Harry and Hermione left for breakfast and then afterwards had classes. During breakfast Ginny was called to the Hospital Wing and told the news. Her reaction was similar to Mrs. Weasley's. Hagrid too left for breakfast and then had business to tend to. Dumbledore went back to his office to work on running the school and such.

His parents, on the other hand, were true to their word. They really did stay the entire day. So did Lupin.