Remus grew up to be a happy toddler. He went to a Muggle kindergarten, because even though he already had magical abilities and was most likely to go to Hogwarts, it was Hope's wish that Remus first went to kindergarten and then to primary school. He was a half-blood and should get to know both worlds. Muggle and wizarding life should be freely available to him and he should be able to choose afterwards whether he went to a secondary school or to Hogwarts after primary school. Lyall swore that Remus would definitely go to Hogwarts, as he had often caught his little offspring playing with his wand.
The Lupins had four happy years. The governess reported back how well Remus played with other children and he was already far advanced for his age.
"He has already drawn his name in the sand today. For a four year old that is remarkable as most children don't learn to write until later," she reported as Hope picked Remus up and he happily met his mother. Things couldn't have gone better for the Lupins.
Remus was developing splendidly and the couple loved each other like on their first day. Nothing ever seemed to disturb the happiness of this family.
Soon it was Remus' fifth birthday and Hope was already in preparations. She picked out a delicious cake recipe, bought balloons and a few toys which she wrapped up prettily.
"Remus is going to have a lovely party," Lyall said with a smile when he saw all that his wife was preparing. "I hope the trials are over by then."
There was a particular case of a werewolf called Greyback who had been caught and he, as Chair of the Department of Magical Creature Oversight and Guidance, was due to attend the Wizarding Gamot and give evidence at the trial as well.
Lyall dressed properly as said day arrived. He gave Hope another kiss and tousled through Remus' hair as he clung to his mother. Tomorrow would be his special day. That was why Hope was especially busy preparing the cake she had decided on. She was baking a marble cake with chocolate icing. Remus stood on the stool and helped her as best he could. As he did so, he licked at the wooden spoon that had chocolate residue on it. "Don't let Remus snack on too much chocolate, he'll get addicted," Lyall admonished before stepping into the fireplace and entering the Ministry via flea net.
As soon as he arrived at work, he took his place in the wizard's chamois.
His colleagues from various departments also sat down. Finally, Greyback was led to the centre. Chains snaked around his wrists as he sat down on the chair. He was accused of killing children. Lyall looked at the beast with narrowed eyes. How horrible! He imagined what it would be like if the werewolf killed his child and it shook him inside with horror and hatred for the creature that sat there accepting the trial with a smug grin.
Just you wait, you're going to lose that grin, Lyall thought grimly to himself as he watched the trial. His stomach knotted as he listened to his colleagues argue for his innocence, claiming that Greyback was a werewolf and therefore not fully conscious when he killed the children.
What nonsense! There was no excuse for what he had done, no explanation! Lyall saw himself as a responsible father and spokesman in the supervision and guidance of magical creatures. This had to be dealt with immediately! That was why he tapped his foot impatiently until he was finally given permission to speak.
"Mr Lupin, I give you the floor," said the judge.
Lyall rose and looked at Geryback with complete disgust.
"I must disagree with you. There is no excuse for the murder of children! Everyone here who has a child should think as I do. Werewolves are soulless and evil creatures and deserve nothing but death!" A murmur went around the room after his words. Some of his colleagues scuffled with each other and looked at Lyall in horror. But he didn't care. He stood by his opinion and nothing would change his mind. Not even Greyback, who looked at Lupin with as much disgust as he felt for him. "Thank you, Mr Lupin, you can sit down," the judge finally said to get on with the trial.
Lyall had lost. He sensed that when Greyback was actually acquitted. How could they let it happen? A murderer belongs in Azkaban but not at large!
In his office, he packed his bag in frustration and fled back home. For today, his day was done.
"The trial didn't go well?" guessed Hope when she saw Lyall's expression. The latter shook his head.
"No. They let Greyback go," he said bitterly. Later they sat at the table and he was still talking about it. "How can they just let a child murderer go free? Now he's running around The World just murdering more children."
Hope put a hand on her husband's shoulder. "Don't think about it anymore. Tomorrow is Remus's birthday." The two parents looked at the little boy mashing his vegetables with a fork and shovelling them into his mouth. "Yes, you're right. Remus, are you looking forward to your birthday?"
Remus nodded vigorously. "Yes. I'm turning five!" He held up all Five fingers of his hand. The frustration was quickly forgotten at the sight of his son.
For the rest of the day, the couple played with Remus and put him to bed together.
"Can't sleep! Too excited!" said Remus as Hope tucked him in and blew a kiss on his forehead. "Close your eyes, sweetheart. If you sleep, your birthday will come faster," she replied lovingly, opening his window a crack. Hope knew that Remus fell asleep faster when some fresh air came into the room.
With a smile, she left the nursery and went to Lyall. "Remus is quite excited about his birthday. He's been talking about it all day," she reported. Tomorrow would be a nice but long day, because Remus had invited five boys from the nursery. So Lyall and Hope enjoyed the peace and quiet, but it was short-lived because as soon as they entered their bedroom, they heard Remus screaming at the top of his lungs. That was disturbing, because Remus had never screamed like that before. Even when he had fallen off the bed once, his crying sounded very different from now. As fast as they could they ran into the children's room and sheer horror was reflected in the Lupins' faces. A full-grown werewolf bent over Remus' bed and sank its teeth into the boy's upper arm, who roared like a spit.
"Leave my son alone!" shouted Lyall, drawing a wand. A red beam came shooting out but the werewolf wiped out. "Revenge tastes so delicious," the werewolf murmured. What? He could speak? Mostly they lacked the consciousness to manage that. Then Lyall recognised him. "Greyback!" he snapped at him. Greyback's mouth moved and he let out a grisly laugh. "Lupin, still think werewolves deserve nothing but death?" he asked, pointing his head at Remus, who was turning into a werewolf before his eyes.