Chapter 2: Diagon Alley Welcomes Remus
On a beautiful Saturday Morning in August, Mr. Lupin and Remus took a train down to London to go shopping in Diagon Alley. Remus was confused because his dad took him into the back of a pub that stunk of cigars and stood in front of a brick wall.
"Dad, what are we doing?" Remus asked confused. His dad gave a smug smile and then turned and took out his wand and tapped a few bricks. Suddenly the bricks started to move to create a doorway. Remus's blue eyes widened as he took in the view of the Ally. There were so many shops that were crammed together and stacked on top of eachother. Far down he could see a big and beautiful bank that looked like it was going to fall over.
"Let's go in the bank first, I have to exchange my muggle money."
When they entered the bank, Mr. Lupin asked that he would sit in the waiting area while he talked to a goblin. He didn't always like to eavesdrop, but he was curious of what they were talking about. He concentrated and tuned his hearing like a radio.
"What do you mean I have insufficient funds? Please, I've been working my arse off in those mines, I know it's not much but it's all we got." His dad's voice said. He heard the goblin's high pitch voice explaining the situation.
Oh dad why didn't you say you couldn't afford it. I could have helped somehow. Remus thought. Suddenly a piercing telephone ring caused Remus to nearly jump out of his skin. "Yes sir… of course sir… this is good news, I'll tell him right away." The goblin hung up the phone. "That was Dumbledore, he said he was aware of your situation and the school covering for all of Remus's expenses. He must be an auror or something if Dumbledore wants him this much. Tell the store owners Tidius sent you."
"Yeah, he's something. Thank you so much sir." Mr. Lupin said.
Dumbledore really wants me. This is cush! Remus happily stated. He saw his dad smiling and walking toward him.
"Hi son, let's go, I prepaid for everything so we don't need currency" Mr. Lupin said, obviously embarrassed of his financials.
"Thanks, Dad, can I get a wand first."
In Ollivander's, Remus' wand picked him in his first try, a rare occurrence, Mr. Olivander said. It was 14 inches long and was made of cypress with a male unicorn hair as it's core.
"Remus, can you go get your books next door and I'll go get your robes. Wait for me in there to pay, please." His dad politely said. Remus was a bit nervous going alone because he realized it was the first time without a parent. After he picked out his school books, he saw "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them", his favorite book. He walked up to it and gently stroked it's spine.
"That's my favorite book. Have you read it?" a small thin boy with long straight black hair said. He was standing with a cute redheaded girl.
"Yes, I read it last summer. Are you two going to Hogwarts?" Remus asked excited, but shyly, realizing these were the first kids he had ever talked to.
"Yes we are both starting this year. I'm Severus and this is my friend Lilly." Severus said.
"Excuse me, best friend!" The girl said lightly
"You're right, this is my best, and only, friend Lilly."
"Remus Lupin. Pleasure to meet you both. You can add me as your friend . . . if you want. I don't have any."
"We surely will." Lilly giggled.
Remus saw his dad waiting outside. "I better go, I'll see you maybe on the train ride?"
"Definitely, you seem like a nice person, Remus." Severus said while giving a smile.
"Bye!" Lilly said
"Hi dad, can I maybe get a pet, please? I think it will teach me responsibility and I promise to take care of it, and it could keep me company." Remus pleaded.
"Okay, son. Pet shop's right here. What kind of animal do you want?" Mr. Lupin asked
"I think a cat!" Remus said excitedly.
A shocked Mr. Lupin pulled him aside and quietly said."Remus do you think that's the best choice. I mean wouldn't you rather have a dog or an owl or anything besides a cat."
"Why, just because I'm a werewolf you think I relate to dogs more? I'm only that thing once a month and I hate everything about it and dogs. Cats are different though, they're independent, intelligent, and calm creatures. That's what I think I relate to more, and that's why I want a cat." Remus said annoyed but calmly and quietly.
"You're right son, I'm sorry. But we don't know if cats like you. Try to hold one." Mr. Lupin seriously suggested.
Remus looked at the cats and instantly connected with a young female black fluffy cat with bright green eyes. He picked him up and the cat started purring and cuddling with him. He gave his dad a smug told-you-so look.
"What are you going to name her?"
"Moonlight." Remus said. Mr. Lupin looked stunned. "For irony dad, she's harmless and a thing that brings me joy while the other moonlight brings me agony. Irony, that's all." Remus said.
"I understand. Let's go home, son. I love you."
"I love you too, dad."