Writing School Challenge: Dialogue
Story Title: Outsider with the Outsiders
School: Durmstrang
Prompt: "Oh, I may be on the side of the angels, but don't think for one second that I am one of them." - Sherlock
Year: 4
Word count: 633
AN Reimagining of Remus' early years/somewhat AU/OoC Remus with OCs listed.
An Outsider with the Outsiders
Remus Lupin stood apart. Every time he had an opportunity to almost fit in with a select group, something would happen to remind him...You're not one of them.
His first separation came with the arrival of an innocent owl.
"Remus?" Beowulf called him in from working on a science experiment with his fellow cub, Amou. "You've received a letter. It seems your birth parents deemed it necessary to ensure you would get a proper education. They've talked to the headmaster of Hogwarts. You're to start on September 1st."
It was a dream come true. It was a curse. "What? I'm going to go to Hogwarts? But how? What about the full moon? September 1st? But that means I'll miss the science fair!"
Of course, Remus had to go. This kind of opportunity did not come every day. He still missed Amou something fierce though as he began his journey as Hogwarts' only werewolf. The marauders were nice, but he would always be separated from them by virtue of his greatest secret.
"Remus, we put it together ages ago. We know that you're a werewolf, but we don't care!"
Even if he wasn't separated by his secret, his monthly adventures served as an always-ready reminder, You do not belong.
When they broke that barrier, Remus finally felt that he might have a chance at really, truly belonging until…
"You told him?" The Remus of his youth had felt that this was the biggest betrayal possible. "You told Snape about the Shack? I could have become a murderer because of you!"
Even when time healed that wound, Remus was not allowed a reprieve. Voldemort's forces were growing, and suspicions against his kind grew with them. His pack-of-choice believed him to be a traitor. They didn't say it to his face, but he heard the whispers. He knew there was a reason for the Fidelus to be placed while he was far away on a mission for Dumbledore. The weariness of being alone only became stronger after his friends died.
Some werewolf packs would permit him to stay for a season here or there, but he would always stand on the outside of them. Remus was the Werewolf with a Wand, after all. That meant something. It meant standing alone.
The return of Sirius and reforming of the Order gave Remus a greater sense of purpose, but he was not so naive as to say he was one of them.
"Amou, it is good to see you. Is the pack well?"
"Well enough, my friend. We find ourselves in a war we do not care for if I'm honest. I assume you are here to talk me into joining the side of the angels?"
Remus shook his head. This was what Dumbledore could never understand. A legitimate offer of neutrality would take away Voldemort's lycan support far more than any argument he had for joining against him.
"Not I, Amou. I would be quite happy to know you and yours were off the battlefield rather than on it, personally. Being on that side…how can I put it? I may be on the side of the angels, but don't think for one second that I am one of them. Had You-Know-Who left the Potters alone, I would feel the temptations of his offerings just as strongly as you do. I am well aware that Dumbledore's promises are like shifting sand. Hell, You-Know-Who's are as well, but at least he doesn't stand complacent with the current system in place."
Everywhere Remus Lupin stood, he stood apart from those around him. It was lonely, but it was necessary for him to be true to himself, and he understood that...even when running out into battle never to see his wife and son again.