...

Remus hated that his eyes were full of tears. After all the things the muggle bullies had done to him, the overused drawings all over his face shouldn't upset him so much. It had happened to him many times before, though done without magic, so it didn't take long to figure out why they were laughing at him. Still, he couldn't help that they had got to him, he really had thought things were going to be different.

Realizing how stupid of a thought this was, he kept his head down rushing for the nearest bathroom. He couldn't understand why he hadn't woken up while they were drawing on him and supposed he had just been that tired. He supposed it was his fault for falling asleep in the first place. Worst of all was that Peter had been laughing along. He thought the two of them had rather hit it off.

The first time he was woken, Remus' head had been throbbing. He was still trying to escape the lingerings of the nightmare and he knew he must have appeared very rude to the boy with storm-cloud eyes. He really should have made a better impression, but the very well-off-looking boy had left in a huff before Remus could apologize. Still, he didn't think the retaliation had been called for. Especially since the boy had successfully isolated Remus from the one friendly acquaintance he was beginning to believe he had made.

Peter had been so nervous to come into his compartment shortly after the other boy had woken Remus up. Remus had been more composed by then. Which meant he had been able to make a polite introduction in return. He had smiled kindly at the boy and listened patiently as Peter released a torrent of worries, many of which Remus shared himself.

They had then discussed in low whispers what they suspected Hogwarts would be like. Peter relayed to him what his parents had told him, both of which were magical. Remus recalled what little he had read from Hogwarts: A History that he had found amongst his father's books. With permission, he had spent days over the summer pouring over it and his other textbooks, any free minute he had devoted to studying.

Then when the time came, he had packed his father's book with his own things. At Peter's insistence, he had gotten out the book to show him. He spent the next few hours reading out loud to Peter who honestly seemed interested in the subject. Somewhere along the line Remus must have dozed off, which is why his face was now covered in probably very crude shapes and words.

"Oh, sorry!"

Someone had bumped into him as he walked along with his head down. Instinctively he looked up and regretted it immediately.

A young girl with the most brightly sunset-colored hair he had ever seen, was carrying a much nicer copy of Hogwarts: A History and had apparently been reading it while walking which led to the collision. Her calming emerald eyes widened in horror and then filled with pity. Remus felt himself go red and quickly ducked his head again, but the damage was already done.

"How awful! Who did that to you? It's simply dreadful!"

She had a proper-sounding accent that was similar to the first boy Remus had met. She sincerely seemed concerned about him which took him by surprise. Remus blinked back tears feeling hot with shame.

"It...it's nothing...just a prank."

"It's a dreadful prank and very immature. Oooo, I bet it was Potter and Black. They seem like the sort after how they teased Sev. You're a first-year too, right?"

Her fast-talking had increased in speed as she seemed to be getting quite worked up. Only Remus wasn't sure if it was for his behalf or this "Sev" person she mentioned. Assuming it must be the latter, he tried to sneak around her.

"Where are you going?"

"EVERYONE GET DRESSED! WE ARE REACHING HOGWARTS SOON!" some older-sounding student shouted from the front of the train, their voice magically reaching all ears.

Any concern the girl had for him was replaced by excitement and she let out a squeal, forgetting about him with an excited shriek of "I have to go find Sev." So Remus was left alone and quickly made his way to the bathroom unhindered.

He mentally kicked himself for not bringing his robe to change into and got to work scrubbing his face. It took a long time and a lot of effort. By the time he was finished his face was rubbed raw. Only slight smudges of color remained and Remus found a few tears were running down his cheeks. He looked absolutely ridiculous!

Knowing he couldn't remain in the bathroom forever, Remus slowly walked back to his compartment with a heavy heart. He hoped that it would be abandoned but had no such luck. Instead, he found all three boys laughing and carrying on with an energy Remus highly doubted he'd ever be able to possess. Taking a deep breath and bracing himself for insults and jeers, Remus entered the compartment.

He grabbed his suitcase and hoped they would all just ignore him as he pulled one of his three robes out. Then he gently tucked his mum's quilt he had taken with him back into his suitcase. He was so close to leaving the compartment but found the door blocked by the fancy-looking boy from earlier.

He really did have very expressive eyes, that reminded Remus of laying on the grass and staring into a cloudy sky on the verge of a downpour, a normally pleasant experience. The boy looked defensive, then smug, as if expecting Remus to start shouting at him. When this didn't happen his grey eyes narrowed in irritation.

"Are you just going to ignore me then?"

"What?"

"It's a miracle. He speaks!" shouted the boy with exaggerated surprise. Remus took a shaky breath, swallowing down his nonexistent pride.

"I'm sorry...about earlier...I know I came off as rude...I really...I'm sorry."

He didn't expect his response to cause quite that much surprise from the boy. He looked away from the scrutinizing gaze and flinched when a hand clasped his shoulder.

"Well, in that case, I take back the drawings all over your face. It was just a bit of a laugh. Here, I'll fix it for you. Tergeo!"

His last word was a command and Remus felt a strange sensation across his face and touched it surprised. He half expected cuts or boils to be on his skin but instead, it felt smooth. No longer raw and red as it had been.

"We cool?"

Again the boy's eyes were narrowed defensively as if he expected an attack as much as Remus did. Remus could not believe it was as simple as that, it was never as simple as that. He felt himself tense, concerned all the boys in the compartment would try to jump him. His eyes glanced to the window before realizing how stupid this was. He only had one out on this moving train and the fact that he could easily be trapped in here with all of these boys made him sweat.

"Y...yes um...no worries," he mumbled nervously and quickly attempted to slip out but found the boy was still blocking him, scrutinizing him seriously.

"Oh, lay off him, Sirius. Let the lad go and change. I see Hogwarts in the distance now," the other boy with black hair spoke up a laid-back smile on his features.

Sirius looked like he wanted to protest but stepped aside. Instead of racing to the window to catch the first glimpse of the castle as he wanted to, Remus raced back into the hallway to get changed. Once in the bathroom, he found that his face was indeed ink-free and any sign of his frantic scrubbing was gone as well. Feeling a bit better because of this, he dressed quickly and raced back into the hallway just as the train jerked to a stop.

Remembering that in Hogwarts: A History it said the luggage was magically transported to his dorm he didn't go back to the compartment. Instead, he stepped into the cool night, his eyes going wide with wonder and amazement at the glowing castle in the distance. It was on the other side of a lake and was truly the largest most incredible castle Remus had ever seen. Describing Hogwarts as massive didn't even begin to capture the vast size the castle must be to appear so large without them being on the other side of the lake! Remus had seen pictures of muggle castles before, but Hogwarts made all of them look like miniature dollhouses. Whether it was the fact that Hogwarts rested almost precariously on top of a mountain or the multitude of towers that seemed to pierce the starry sky, it was easily the coolest sight Remus had ever seen. He even found it hard to tear his eyes away from the warm candlelight escaping from the extensive number of windows. The sight of it all seemed somehow welcoming and it made him want to explore the many passages and secrets the ancient castle must hold. Remus thought he had been impressed with Hogwarts from his book. But honestly, his book's pictures of this magical place had not done it any justice.

"Woah!" he let out a breath, daring to express his amazement out loud.

He found he wasn't the only one though, as a chorus of excited exclamations echoed around him. Then his amazement shifted from the enormous castle to an enormous man.

Unlike most of the first years, he didn't step back noticing at once the sincere smile behind the bushy beard. The very wide man was dressed in a coarse rather uncomfortable-looking sweater and baggy pants. Remus wasn't entirely sure why so many people seemed petrified. Sure the man must be at least 10 feet tall, but being small for his age Remus was used to people towering over him. This man just towered more. Besides, he truly seemed very friendly. Several older students even gave him waves or high fives before rushing off.

"Fers yers, in the boats werth me!"

It was unclear if this man was a professor or not, but the other first years had also seemed to come to the conclusion he wasn't going to hurt them, if not slower than Remus had. He found himself jostled around by the crowd as children made a beeline for the boats waiting for them off a dock.

At the mercy of the crowd, Remus disorientedly found himself climbing into a boat before realizing with a jolt he was clambering into the one where the large man sat holding a large lantern in his large hand. Closer now, the size difference was rather intimidating, even with the man sitting down. Seeming to mistake his momentary unease for hesitation the man beckoned him to finish climbing into the boat with a grin.

"Yer allowed to sit in 'ere." His voice was booming and warm at the same time. Remus sat on a bench and tried not to look too overwhelmed, his manners once more kicking in. He extended a very small hand and wondered for one second if it would be crushed by the man's grip.

Instead, the large hand was very gentle. Remus found himself returning the friendly smile. He simply had to take any kindness given to him, as now he was sure most people wouldn't be bothered to give him the time of day.

"Hi, my name's Remus Lupin. It's nice to meet you, sir."

The low rumbling laughter that came in response shook the whole boat.

"No need to call me 'sir.' I'm not a teacher, er nothin' proper like that. My name's Hagrid, the groundskeeper."

Hagrid was a very talkative man and talked happily the whole boat ride across the lake. Remus felt the childrens' stares as other enchanted boats caught up to theirs, or got close. Remus couldn't help but wonder if their stares were directed at the giant of a man or the rather small boy who had dared to sit with him.

But even their stares weren't enough to upset Remus. In fact, Remus even found he quite enjoyed Hagrid's presence. He was, quite literally, a gentle giant. He helped Remus out of the boat with ease and made him promise to come to visit him sometimes.

"Always like it when students stop by fer some tea, specially ones nice as you."

Then he clambered off to help some of the smaller students out of their boats as well. He knew how cruel people could be to those who were different, so he listened intently. Relieved when he heard no screams or shouts of disgust directed at Hagrid, he allowed himself to be shepherded up into the castle.

Hogwarts was not a letdown on the inside either. Remus, like many students, turned this way and that trying to take in everything at once with excitement. They were led into a giant domed hall where a large marble staircase led upstairs. Remus was unsure where to look, since there were so many portraits of wizards and witches in paintings of every sort of scenic destination possible. After a moment Remus realized that the many-sized paintings seemed blurry because the wizards and witches in them were all moving, several waving at the newcomers.

"Single file lines, children. Single file, please," came a curt command that jostled many students out of their momentary reverie. Remus hurried to squeeze into the single-file line that was forming. A stern-looking middle-aged woman, wearing black robes and a large black witch's hat was peering at all of them through spectacles.

She held herself upright and gave off the air as a no-nonsense sort of person, complete with a severe gaze and everything. Her strict gaze softened some as it fell on a few trembling students who looked close to tears.

Then she cleared her throat and spoke again, commanding the attention of everyone with impressive ease.

"I am Professor McGonagall, the Transfiguration Professor here at Hogwarts. I am also the head of the Gryffindor House and Deputy Headmistress. Being such, it is my job to escort you into the Great Hall to be sorted. Now please, keep in line and follow me."

With those brisk instructions, she turned her back on them and headed forward to two large oak doors that must lead to the Great Hall. Remus mindlessly fell in line and waited with bated breath to see what was behind the doors.

With a swift flick of her wand, McGonagall opened the door and they all hurried after her. There was very little shoving as even the most pure-blooded wizards seemed transfixed by the Great Hall which certainly lived up to its name.

There were four very long tables that Remus knew divided the houses, above which floated thousands of lit candles. In the front of the magnificent hall was a single long table where the staff all sat gazing at the new students with varying degrees of interest.

Remus recognized Hagrid and Dumbledore but no one else. Anyhow, his attention was mostly focused on several silvery ghosts floating nearby as if their presence was a natural thing! When he finally pulled his fascinated gaze away from the several talking ghosts, one with his head tilting at an awkward angle, Remus found himself staring at the ceiling which sparkled with stars and wisps of clouds.

It looked as though it opened up to the outside but he heard someone, and he thought he recognized Lily's voice, whispering it was enchanted. He also took in the floating candles throughout and even dared a glance at some students sitting at the tables. He found that some looked friendly and others looked downright hostile. He quickly turned his attention back to the group of forty-some first years whose line had dissolved into a blob.

They all stood in the front of the Great Hall, so close to the staff table that Remus could count the golden goblets and individual silverware laid out for each place. He wondered vaguely where the food was when Professor McGonagall walked to a podium at the front of the raised floor which seemed to act as a stage of sorts.

He noticed that next to the podium sat a stool with a large wrinkled hat on top of it. Remus felt himself go cold. Were they each going to have to go and sit up there? Was the test his book spoke of really some sort of interview conducted with Professor McGonagall or Professor Dumbledore in front of the whole school?

"Before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words," announced Professor McGonagall, standing next to the podium with a scroll now in her hands. Remus swore her hands had been empty a second ago.

He felt rather sick, and noticed a few students looked rather pale as well. But then Dumbledore stood and greeted the hall and all eyes turned toward him.

"Welcome back to all our old faces, and welcome to all our new ones. We gather for another wonderful year and I wish that each and every student here will be filled with adventure and friendship. Let us all enjoy our time here and learn a lot."

There were a few 'here here's' from a few brave older students, but Dumbledore merely smiled in response and continued.

"However, as always, there are certain rules that each one of you should uphold. Without exception, the Forbidden Forest is off limits this year, as well as the southwest tower of the castle. This year we have a new addition to the grounds, a Whomping Willow, to be added to Professor Sprout's continuously growing collection."

There were a few scattered chuckles and a middle-aged witch grinned and waved her hand in acknowledgment, causing some scattered applause, especially from one table in particular. Dumbledore waited then continued once more.

"As the name suggests, it is dangerous, and as such all students are required to give it a wide berth. Thank you."

He sat back down, prompting Professor McGonagall to open the scroll.

"When I call your name you will come forward. I shall place the Sorting Hat on your head and you will be sorted into your houses."

She gestured to the old hat as she spoke, and Remus realized with a jolt it was moving. One of the many creases in the hat had opened to form a sort of mouth and it began to speak.

"Come first years to the Great Hall and let yourselves be enthralled

For here you are safe and free to play

Provided you go to school each day."

There was quite a bit of laughter at this. Remus saw from the corner of his eye some older students jostling each other at one of the more rowdy-looking tables, playfully. However, the sorting hat continued in its gravelly voice that boomed across the great hall.

"For here at Hogwarts wisdom is imparted and futures are charted.

Each future holds such great potential and to find that your houses are essential.

Each house holds a different trait though it's the similarities between them that make them great.

So do not hither and do not fear for I help you decide what home you will reside in for years."

Then the hat listed attributes of each house but Remus had zoned out again. Remus realized with panic that he couldn't tell one house apart from the other besides knowing the colors and symbols were different.

There was a pause and apparently, the hat had finished its poem for there was scattered applause and then Professor McGonagall started calling names.

Remus was very glad he had not been the first five names called since it took that long for him to collect himself. There seemed to be no apparent order to the names, as they certainly weren't alphabetic. After each name was called, a nervous student, and all of them looked quite petrified, sat stiffly on the stool, and the hat either called out a house right away or took a minute before doing so.

"Peter Pettigrew." Remus watched as the boy he thought he had hit it off with stumbled to the chair, almost tripping over himself as he went.

Remus felt his nerves increase for the boy who had almost been a friendly acquaintance. He watched with anticipation as the hat was sat upon Peter's head and silence fell. A minute came and passed, and then two. If Peter knew how much time it was taking he gave no indication. It wasn't until about five minutes passed that the hat's fold opened again and it bellowed "Gryffindor," followed by claps from what had to be the Gryffindor table. Peter was the first Gryffindor of the night and the round of applause he got seemed to be quite enthusiastic.

Remus heard scattered whispers of hatstall from other tables but he didn't know what it meant and soon was watching other students called. He paid little attention to most but was startled when he saw that the boy who took the robe from him back at Diagon Alley was sorted into Slytherin. He also found himself smiling as Lily joined the Gryffindor table and found a streak of Gryffindor's followed her. James Potter, whose head didn't even touch the hat, several more girls, and then he recognized Sirius' name.

He heard whispers grumbling that the record would be broken now and wondered why. But it turned out after about a minute the hat shouted Gryffindor. Unlike most announcements, the Great Hall didn't immediately fill with clapping from the house's table he had joined. Remus also noticed several older Slytherin girls sit down quickly, their faces red with humiliation. Remus felt he had missed something important but had no idea what.

But then the clapping came from James, who was putting a great deal of effort into his claps to make them as loud as possible. The clapping caused the shocked expression on Sirius' face to shift into a cold one. Remus noticed that Sirius gave James a grateful smile before taking a step forward, his knees quivering very slightly. James' continuous clapping seemed to rouse the others who quickly joined in, and although Sirius looked a little paler than usual he held himself tall as he sauntered over to the table. The newest Gryffindor seemed to brighten up as he sat next to James who threw an arm around his shoulder and said something Remus couldn't hear but which caused Sirius to beam.

"Remus Lupin," Professor McGonagall called out his name loudly.

He jumped and forced his legs to work as he approached the stool.

Remus felt ill as he sat down on the stool and felt Professor McGonagall place the hat over his head, with it the din of the great hall was shut off completely.

"Hm, well aren't you an interesting one. A good head on your shoulders, no doubts about it."

It took Remus a second to realize the hat was talking about him. Clearly, there had been some sort of mistake.

"No, I don't make mistakes, boy. Let's see now. Hmm. Difficult. Very Difficult."

Remus felt his grip on the stool tighten as he realized fearfully the hat could read his thoughts. He tried desperately not to think about all the things he didn't want the hat to know, which of course made him think about it more.

"Ah yes. A werewolf. Never sorted your kind before. How peculiar. Been through quite a lot. Such a great deal of courage, mm, and loyalty to I see. Still, with such wit, you'd do great in Ravenclaw."

Remus made a choking sound and quickly reminded himself that no one else could hear the hat. Right?

"Yes, that is correct. I am speaking to you in your mind. Now, let's focus. Two choices. Both could bring out your great potential. Truly difficult indeed."

"You can't really think I have a lot of wits. I cause a great deal of trouble and I really am not that intelligent." He found himself thinking, fighting back as if trying to defend his father who seemed so certain he couldn't handle this.

"Ah, I see. Yes well, that seems to be the answer then. You will go far with friends as loyal as you. I can see it now. With all the courage it takes to be here for you, it really shouldn't have been a challenge after all. There is only one answer and it must be..."

"GRYFFINDOR!"

The last world reverberated through Remus' skull and echoed loudly through the great hall.

He felt rather numb as Professor McGonagall lifted the hat off his head. He thought she gave him a small smile, but he had to direct all his focus to making it to the Gryffindor table without collapsing. He managed to do so, not realizing who he sat next to, only knowing several hands were patting his back which made him very uncomfortable.

"Blimey, two hatstalls and both in Gryffindor. What a day, eh Fabian? What a day!" came an excited shout aways down the table.

"Here! Here! We broke the bloody record of Gryffindor's in a row!"

"We sure did! Take that Ravenclaw! Where's the feast? It's time to celebrate!"

Remus was vaguely aware of more students sitting on the stool and eventually of the sorting finishing up, Dumbledore saying more words, and the table exploding in wonderfully delicious food. He forced himself to pick at some of it. He really ought to be enjoying this more, but he was nervous and felt strangely violated by the sorting hat.

Besides, what if the hat said something to someone? He didn't think it would but...could he really be certain?

So, while the twelve other new Gryffindor first years celebrated as boisterously as the rest of the table, Remus forced a few smiles and kept to himself with ease. No one seemed to give him much attention as everyone had already seemed to form friends on the train. So surrounded by the Gryffindor's that were supposed to be his family, Remus felt more alone than ever.