Dav Ragfarn sat in his office, frowning.

He didn't particularly like frowning, because he was afraid it would give him premature wrinkles—however, his frown was more than warranted in this particular situation. People were dying. People were afraid. People were terrified. If anything warranted a frown, it was that.

When Ragfarn went out on the streets, he heard mumbles and mutters of Death Eaters. They were growing more and more frequent, increasing in volume like a musical crescendo, following Ragfarn around… and each mumble, no matter how quiet, felt like an accusation.

Why? Because Ragfarn worked for the Ministry, and the Ministry was supposed to help people. The Ministry was supposed to stamp out these types of threats, because the Ministry of Magic was the only thing standing between You-Know-Who and the general population.

If people were still scared, that meant the Ministry wasn't doing its job. That meant they were losing. You-Know-Who was a terrorist—if he promoted terror, he won, and if he failed to do so, he lost; thus keeping people calm was the key to keeping them safe. Ragfarn didn't mind pandering to the whims of the public a little bit if it saved the future of the wizarding world. No fear was equivalent to no You-Know-Who. No fear meant taking away his power. Right? Even if that meant telling a few white lies.

With this in mind, Ragfarn reread the letter he'd received from his son earlier that day.

Dear Dad,

First of all, I'd like to say that I'm having a great time. I'm planning on trying out for the Quidditch team next year, and Arnold Mackey is helping me train! He's the Slytherin Keeper this year, and he says I'm really promising. And I'm doing well in my classes, I promise. Professor Sidus says I'm very gifted at Astronomy, and I was hoping we could look into some career fields in the subject when I get home.

So most things are going well, but some things still aren't. I keep hearing things about You-Know-Who, and I'm a little scared, to be honest. There was a threat on Hogwarts, you know (though I'm sure you do because you work at the Ministry). Should I come home? I'm not sure I want to be here anymore.

Don't get me wrong—I love magic and stuff, and I have friends, but I'm not sure if it's worth it if my life is in danger. I'm scared, Dad. I don't know what to do. I thought you said that Ministry would handle everything? I thought you said the "war" was only supposed to last a couple of weeks?

Honestly, if you could pick me up and take me home as soon as possible, that would be great. I'm terrified.

Love,
Edmund.

Ragfarn sighed and began writing a letter back: he told Edmund that he'd already figured out the culprit, that the war wasn't supposed to last that much longer, that the Ministry had everything under control, and that Hogwarts was perfectly safe.

He knew, though, even as he wrote, that the vast majority of it (perhaps all of it) wasn't true.

But it would be true. It would be, because Ragfarn would make it true if it was the last thing he did. And the obvious way to start draining the Dark forces from Hogwarts was to get rid of the only obvious Dark force there: the Dark creature. Obviously. Werewolves were Ragfarn's area of expertise. If he was going to do something to help, then this was the only thing he could do. He couldn't make laws, nor could he fight evil forces. He held power in one area and one area alone, and he would make it count.

With that, Ragfarn grabbed his cloak and went to Hogwarts for the second time that day.

This time, he went straight to Dumbledore's office before going anywhere else. That brat Sirius Black wasn't about to trick him again. "Ah, Dav," said Dumbledore in that annoying, patient voice of his. "You've returned, I see."

"I'd like to question some staff members," said Ragfarn. "They all know about the werewolf, don't they?"

"They do indeed know about Remus."

"Good. I'd like to question them."

Dumbledore sighed. "Dav, I don't see how this is necessary. I have told you again and again that there is nothing wrong with the boy. He is perfectly pleasant."

"I don't think you understand. I've seen perfectly pleasant werewolves in the past, Albus, so I'm not new to the concept. I know what a perfectly pleasant werewolf is… and it never, ever ends well. You're going against the Ministry's recommendations by keeping him here, and I can't stand for that."

"There's no reason to send him home permanently."

"There is every reason! Look, I understand this is a political statement for you, Albus. I know you're trying to make the world a better place. I know you're using him as a trial subject, hoping that more werewolves will be able to attend Hogwarts in the future…"

"That's not the only reason, Dav, and you know it."

"…and I know you want to make things better for Remus, personally. I know you care about him. You think he's a good person with a tragic past, and everyone gravitates toward the underdog. You think he's the underdog." Ragfarn grinned, unable to help himself. "Emphasis on dog."

"Dav…"

"But this is a bad time to be doing all that. We're in a war, and terrifying things happen every other day. People are afraid. Do you know the panic that would break out if the world were to discover that Albus Dumbledore, whom they trusted, let a dangerous Dark creature into Hogwarts under their very noses? A Dark beast, rated five X's by the Ministry in terms of danger, was among their children without their consent. You would be finished. Hogwarts would be finished. The children would grow up without an education, making it even harder for them to fight Dark forces in the future."

Ragfarn leaned forward, begging Dumbledore with his eyes. "Albus, this isn't just about Remus. I like the kid. I do. He's pleasant, he's well-mannered, and he stands up for what he believes in."

To be quite honest, that was true. Ragfarn had met Remus when he was five years old, and he'd essentially watched him grow up. He really was fond of the boy, somewhere deep down, even though he was right annoying most of the time. He liked Remus, but he didn't like werewolves, and that was the problem here.

"But this isn't about Remus," Ragfarn continued. "Does he deserve an education? Sure. Does he deserve an education in the midst of a war, when creatures like him are more dangerous than ever? Debatable. Does he deserve an education at the expense of everyone else here? No, Albus, he doesn't. I don't care how clever or nice he may be. One student is never more important than hundreds."

"I agree," said Dumbledore.

"Then why aren't you doing anything about it?"

"I am doing something about it. Have you forgotten that the Ministry itself—a combination of the W.C.U. and D.R.C.M.C.—came to inspect the Shrieking Shack before Remus' first year? They decided that it was safe. I am rather good at magic, you know."

"This isn't about the magic! This is about public opinion—this is about ensuring that the public trust you! People could find out about Remus in a myriad ways. You are asking a thirteen-year-old child to conceal a condition that is frankly quite obvious. Someone's going to notice the pattern of his disappearances—his gaunt features—his scars—his abnormal senses! And then they'll go to their parents, the parents will complain, an article will be published in a newspaper somewhere, probably front page of the Daily Prophet—the Ministry largely controls what's printed in the Prophet, but we can't hold everything back—and then there will be panic! Parents pulling children out of school! Trust for the Ministry declining sharply! That majorly disadvantages the future of innocent civilians trying to protect themselves, as well as the effectiveness of the magical government. You can't ask a child to keep a secret like that, and in doing so, you force the weight of the world onto his shoulders!"

"I am helping him," said Dumbledore passively.

"I don't care! He's thirteen!"

"Quite the clever thirteen-year-old, and a very talented liar."

"I don't care! He's thirteen!"

"No one will find out."

"You honestly think this kid will get through all seven years of school without anyone noticing the patterns of his disappearances? What about his dormmates? What about his close friends?"

Dumbledore was silent, and Ragfarn groaned. "They already know, don't they? Sirius Black? Did he know?"

"Three of Remus' close friends are aware of his lycanthropy," Dumbledore responded, "and they are perfectly willing to keep a secret."

"Indeed," said Ragfarn acidly. "Four thirteen-year-olds can keep a secret… if all four of them are dead. This isn't a joke, and it certainly isn't practical. You're putting the whole future of the wizarding world on the line for one child, and that simply isn't acceptable."

There was a long moment of silence as Dumbledore took his half-moon spectacles off and cleaned them meticulously before placing them back onto the bridge of his nose. Then he leaned forward slightly and said, "If the parents do find out about Remus—which they will not—then I doubt they would pull their children out of school. I have already agreed to step down as headmaster if Remus' Hogwarts attendance doesn't work out. Haven't I?"

"Yes, but—"

"I doubt parents would really distrust both the Ministry and all public education just because of one harmless incident. You ought to give people more credit, Dav."

"People aren't rational when it comes to fear."

"No, but they'll still educate their children. In fact: why don't I make you a deal?"

"I'm listening."

"If Remus' condition is ever leaked to the public, then I will personally take all the blame. The Ministry may even lie and claim that they had no idea about Remus' attendance. I will confirm these lies. A new headmaster may be hired, and I will make plenty of public statements that it was I who did this: I alone, and no one else. Then the general public will be distrustful of me—not the Ministry, and not public education—only the evil Albus Dumbledore, who manipulated their trust in the worst of ways. Send me to Azkaban for a few weeks if you should desire, despite the fact that admitting a werewolf to Hogwarts isn't against the law. I will go quietly in that case."

Ragfarn frowned. Dumbledore sure had a lot of confidence in Remus to be suggesting this. "Why are you doing this?" he asked. "How is this worth it?"

"I strongly believe that the werewolf epidemic in the United Kingdom is largely due to the manmade mental state of werewolves, not the physical nature of them. If we cease to tell werewolves that they are evil—if we grant them an education—if we treat them with kindness and respect—if we give them more of an opportunity to thrive in human society—then far fewer werewolves will join Greyback or turn on humans. My actions are a start to a better future, which is all I can do about the problem at the time."

"The Ministry has provided support to werewolves in the past, and they didn't even try to accept it."

Dumbledore smiled. "If you're talking about the Werewolf Support Services… I believe the reason that no one has ever used them pertains more to the fact that they will be met with intense discrimination and monitoring if they do."

"Still. Your reasoning is based on silly idealism."

"Oh, but I have other reasons. Denying a child admittance to school is a ripple effect. If I always pandered to what the public thought I should do, then hardly anyone would be admitted to Hogwarts."

"You're crossing a line."

"What if, in a couple of years, I am told that inviting a Muggle-born student to Hogwarts is crossing a line? You have a Muggle grandparent yourself, don't you, Dav?"

"Muggle-born students aren't dangerous. There's a difference. And the Ministry would never do that."

"Remus isn't dangerous, either… and the Death Eaters certainly would."

Ragfarn, now angry, slammed his hands on the desk. "Albus, I think we're going in circles. Clearly, you won't change your mind."

"And clearly, I cannot change yours. Though I might be able to do so if you give me twenty minutes and let me make you a cup of tea…."

"No." Ragfarn backed away, crossing his arms over his chest. "Listen, Dumbledore. Werewolf laws are pretty lax, especially right now."

Dumbledore's face went slightly slack, and his eyes were unreadable. "Indeed," he said, voice flat as fresh parchment.

"I wasn't lying when I told you that I was fond of Remus. He really was an adorable five-year-old, and he reminds me of my own kid. I haven't been nice to him, I'm afraid, and he definitely isn't fond of me one bit. But I like him a little bit. I do."

"Why are you telling me this, Dav?"

"So that you know it's not personal. I'm not arguing against his Hogwarts attendance because I hate him; I'm arguing against it because I truly believe it's not what's best for the world right now. It could cause irreparable damage."

"It will not."

"It will. And if you won't do something about it, I will. You realize that the Ministry, as per current laws, has full ability to execute him if he were found breaking even one law?"

"Dav," said Dumbledore.

"So all I need is one law—one little broken law—and then he'll be out of Hogwarts one way or another. It's a last resort, but I'll do it if I have to. I'll question everyone he knows, because there must be something that I can twist into a broken law. There is for most people."

"You won't find anything."

"I might. Last chance, Albus. Do you want to rescind his Hogwarts invitation?"

Dumbledore stood up abruptly. He was far taller than Ragfarn, which was slightly intimidating, but Ragfarn wouldn't back down. "No," said Dumbledore, "and you should know that, if push comes to shove, I am perfectly willing to speak against you in a court of law."

"They agree with me."

"That may be so, but they need my support in the upcoming war, and Minister Eugenia Jenkins knows it."

"He'll be thrown out of Hogwarts at the very least, and I'll settle for that. I'd prefer that, actually." Ragfarn held up his hands in a pretend expression of surrender. "Look, I didn't want to have to do this, and I certainly don't want him to die. But my hands are tied."

Then Ragfarn exited the room, and the last thing he saw was Dumbledore's disapproving frown.

From the notebook of Dav Ragfarn

January, 1974

Full transcript via Quick-Quotes Quill

Interview with Pomona Sprout:

R: All right, Ms. Pomona Sprout, I'm going to start with you.

P: What do you mean? Why are you here?

R: I have a few questions to ask. The Death Eaters made a threat, and the Ministry is trying to catch this supposed "spy".

P: Do you have any specific questions for me?

R: Yes. I'd like to ask you about Remus John Lupin, who should be in your third-year Gryffindor class.

P: What would you like to ask?

R: Has he shown any violent tendencies? Does he dabble in the Dark Arts? Has he acted suspicious in any way?

P: Absolutely not. He is one of my most well-behaved students. I would never suspect him of doing a thing like that.

R: I see. Thank you.

P: I can't say I understand what's going on, but you're welcome regardless.

Interview with Filius Flitwick:

R: Hello, Mr. Filius Flitwick. I'm Dav Ragfarn, and I'm from the Ministry. If you don't mind, I have a few questions to ask you.

F: Is this about the threat on Hogwarts?

R: Indeed. We're trying to find the culprit, and we need some evidence to proceed.

F: I'll be willing to help in any way I can.

R: Good. What can you tell me about Remus Lupin?

F: Oh, he's fantastic. Well-behaved. Talented. Wonderful duellist. I'm thinking about asking him whether he wants to try out for a competitive team… the U.K. has a prestigious youth team, and I think that, with the proper training, he could make it someday.

R: Hm. Does it seem like he has professional training?

F: Well, he does. John Questus helped tutor him for a year.

R: I see. But does it seem like he's been coached recently?

F: He works very hard on his own. I'm afraid I don't know what you're getting at, Mr. Ragfarn.

R: Does it seem like he's secretly meeting up with Death Eaters?

F: Absolutely not. If I were to make a list of the students I'd suspect of conferring with Death Eaters, then Remus would be so far off the list he'd practically be on the moon.

R: I understand. I hope you have a good day, Mr. Flitwick.

F: I wish I could say the same to you.

Interview with Minerva McGonagall:

R: Good afternoon, Ms. Minerva McGonagall. My name is Dav Ragfarn, and I'm here to investigate the recent threat on Hogwarts.

M: Oh, good! I'm so glad we have someone experienced investigating the threat. It seems that the Ministry really does care about our safety after all.

R: Yes. First, I'd like to…

M: I was so worried at first that the Ministry would focus on one particular student, even though they had absolutely no evidence, just because of his species. And that didn't make sense to me, Mr. Ragfarn, because why would such a good organization waste so much time? There's an important matter at hand, and choosing to ignore the evidence in favor of needlessly ruining a single student's life would be useless, unprofessional, and a waste of valuable time. I'm so glad the Ministry is acting like the responsible government that I know it to be! I feel truly safe with such unbiased, fair leaders, you know.

R: I think we're done here.

Interview with Horace Slughorn:

R: Mr. Horace Slughorn, I'm with the Ministry, and I'm investigating the threat on Hogwarts. What can you tell me about Remus Lupin?

S: Oh, plenty. I'm quite annoyed with him, you know!

R: Really? Can you tell me why?

S (chuckling): I've been inviting him to join the Slug Club since his first year. He's right talented and clever. But he's never showed up! Merlin's beard, that boy is so stubborn.

R: Does he make a habit of disobeying authority?

S: Oh, no! Don't get me wrong! It was only a suggestion, and he was perfectly within his rights to turn it down. But that boy is brilliant, I tell you, and he's going to go on to do great things! Mark my words!

R: So he doesn't typically disobey authority?

S: No. His friends are a bit disobedient (yet even more brilliant, if we're being frank), but Remus Lupin is—for lack of a better phrase—an absolute angel!

R: I see. Thank you, Mr. Slughorn.

S: You're very welcome!

Interview with Andrew Dilley:

D: You're Dav Ragfarn, and you're here with the Ministry. Yeah. Minerva warned me you'd be coming.

R: …Yes, Mr. Dilley. What can you tell me about—

D: Remus Lupin didn't do it.

R: But…

D: He didn't.

R: I see. Well, thank you.

D: You're not welcome.

Interview with Leo Sidus:

R: Good afternoon, Mr. Sidus. My name is Dav Ragfarn, and I'm here to investigate the recent threat on Hogwarts.

S: Oh?

R: What can you tell me about Remus Lupin?

S: Oh. Er… he's responsible, most of the time. Gets his work done. Gets good marks. Quiet.

R: Most of the time?

S: There was an incident in first year where he didn't turn in his homework assignments for a couple of months straight… granted, I asked them to draw a picture of the full moon every month. There really wasn't any way for him to do that.

R: And you didn't give him an alternate assignment?

S: I offered. He refused. He just wanted to be like everyone else, I think.

R: But there were no other incidents?

S: Goodness, no. He's exceedingly well-behaved.

R: Of course he is.

Interview with Felix Finley:

R: Good afternoon, Mr. Finley. What can you tell me about Remus Lupin? The Ministry is conducting an investigation. I believe you're his… Ancient Runes professor?

F: I am indeed. He's wonderful. I was a bit reluctant at first, but he's responsible, he works hard, he has a passion for learning, and he even comes to me with questions. You'd be amazed by how many students are too afraid to do that.

R: Why were you reluctant at first?

F: Prejudice. I didn't think I was prejudiced, but I suppose I was. Talking to him one-on-one showed me how wrong I was, I think.

R: Why were you prejudiced?

F: Just the way I was brought up, I suppose. He certainly hasn't done anything to merit such prejudice. Is there any other student you wanted to inquire about, Mr. Ragfarn?

R: No, that's it.

Ragfarn returned to Dumbledore's office, carrying his notebook under his arm. "I'm finished questioning the teachers," he said.

"Oh? Did you find anything?"

Ragfarn scowled instead of answering. "I'd like to search his dormitory."

"I've already told you: all his things are at his house. You won't find anything of his whatsoever."

"I'd like to search anyway. Get his friends out of there."

Dumbledore sighed. "The more time you spend on this, Dav, the less time you are spending finding the real culprit."

"Remus Lupin is the real culprit. I have a son at Hogwarts, you know. I will stop at nothing to protect my son, and I will not let him die because of your silly political beliefs."

"They are not political beliefs; they are acts of common decency. And your son will be perfectly fine."

"But…"

"Dav, I believe it is you who wishes to let an innocent boy die because of your… how did you put it?… ah, yes. Silly political beliefs."

"Let me search Remus' room."

Dumbledore sighed. "Very well," he said.

From the notebook of Dav Ragfarn

January, 1974

Now that Dumbledore's shooed Pettigrew and Black out of the room, I can finally start searching uninterrupted. I'm starting with the bed without the trunk next to it—that one is most likely Lupin's.

It's a bit scratched up. Has he been clawing on it at night or was that there from the previous student to occupy it?

There are photographs glued all over the bed—on the top of the inside, mostly, probably so that Lupin can see them when he's lying down. It's a plethora of photos of him with his friends and family. Bit creepy if I'm being honest.

It looks normal. I'm not going to find anything here. Even tried a Revealing Charm, but nothing came of it.

Searching his friends' beds now. Perhaps they're concealing something for him.

No, nothing. This room stinks, by the way. That boy with all the Quidditch gear must never shower. Don't know how Lupin lives in here.

Searching his friends' trunks. Lots of discarded homework assignments, some books. There's a book on werewolves that seems to have been written in. I'll confiscate that if I can't find anything else.

Lots of Quidditch things. Clothes. Socks. Old copies of the Prophet. Nothing of much value.

On second thought: I've found some Mandrake leaves. Those aren't standard dormitory supplies. They might have even procured them illegally. Perhaps Lupin did. Evidence?

…A lot of illegal Animagus books. Where did they get these? The Restricted Section, perhaps? Did they steal them? And they've even taken tens of pages of notes…

…One of them is illegally planning to become an Animagus, and I'm betting it's Remus. That's certainly illegal. I won't even need to pull any strings. If anything will get the kid out of Hogwarts, this is it.

I won't tell Dumbledore, because he'll just explain it all away. I'll confiscate them and present them to the Ministry as evidence. And the offense is serious enough that there's no way they'll let him off, despite Dumbledore's arguments… no, he'll likely be executed. A pity, but a necessary evil. Theft, endangerment of peers… I can see it now.

Checkmate, Remus Lupin.