Believers in Giving Chances -- Late Summer 1971

I was sitting in my office awaiting the arrival of the Lupins.  I had been writing back and forth with John about his son's lycanthropy.  I wanted to meet the boy before his first day.  I believed that I was doing the right thing by giving him a chance to come and learn at Hogwarts, but I wanted to make sure that he understood the gravity of the situation.  I knew that the poor boy had to grow up so much for being what he was, but I wanted to make sure everyone was on the same page.  I checked the time and knew that they would be coming out of my fireplace within minutes.

I stepped out of the fireplace and into the Headmaster's office and held onto Remus's hand as we looked around.  I saw Professor Dumbledore sitting at his desk and I smiled at him.  "Professor Dumbledore," I said, offering my hand.  I had not seen him since I was at school.  I was happy to see that he was looking as well as one would expect.  "How are you?  This is Remus," I added, putting my hands on my son's shoulders as I introduced him.

I stood up and shook John's hand.  I smiled and knelt down slightly to make Remus more comfortable.  "Nice to meet you, Remus," I said, smiling at him.  "And I am doing well, Jonathan.  I am glad that we're able to do this."  I motioned for the two of them to sit don and I moved back to my chair.  "So, Remus, are you excited to start school?" I asked him.

I smiled politely, though I was so nervous.  "Nice to meet you, sir," I said politely as I sat down.  I was surprised that he was actually speaking to me rather than about me or something.  "Oh, I am really excited, sir.  I can't wait.  I can't believe that you're letting me come despite everything..."  I broke eye contact and looked down, not wanting to really admit that I was a werewolf and that it was difficult to be a kid like me.  But I really was excited to actually be able to go to Hogwarts like other normal wizards my age.

I could easily tell that both of the Lupins were worried and nervous.  I made us adults a cup of tea and offered something a little more pleasing for Remus -- a lemon drop.  "Well, you seem to be a bright young wizard, Mr. Lupin.  I don't see why you should not be offered the chance to take classes like other wizards and witches your age," I pointed out.  "However, as I'm sure you are fully aware, there are some precautions that must be taken due to your unique situation."

I smiled and said, "Thank you, Professor," when he gave me a cup of tea.  I sat down and took a sip of the steaming brew while Professor Dumbledore spoke to Remus -- something that I thought highly of.  Most other professors would speak to me rather than my son.

I nodded, willing to do anything to be as normal as I could be at my age.  "Anything, Professor.  My dad hides me away in the cellar that he made to contain me during full moons.  It works nicely.  Is there something like that we could do here?" I asked.  I knew that if anyone would overhear this conversation would think that my father was a horrible man, but he was just doing what needed to be done so I did not hurt anybody.

I chuckled slightly and shook my head.  "We could, but I have another plan in store.  Something that would keep other students away.  We have planted a Whomping Willow above a tunnel that leads to a shack outside of school grounds on the boundaries of Hogsmeade.  that is where you will go," I explained.  "Madame Pomfrey will escort you along with another Professor to make sure all things are well before leaving you."

I nodded, thinking it a good idea to keep me separated from other students, like Professor Dumbledore said.  "And this shack is sure to keep me contained?  I-I kind of go mad, Professor, but I am doing much better at remembering what I'm doing even if I'm not in control," I explained to him, feeling comfortable to talk to Professor Dumbledore about this.  "To resist the urge to go out and do harm... I - er - well, I-I have to h-hurt myself."  I looked down, knowing that it bothered my father to hear me say that and I did not want to see the judgement in the professor's eyes as well.  "But the wolf heals okay and I'm not too bad by morning," I added in a quiet voice.

I hated that Remus had to go through that, but I kept my mouth shut.  I knew that it pained him worse than it hurt me.  I drank from my tea and watched Professor Dumbledore.  The look of sadness was evident, if only for a moment.

I raised my eyebrows at the young man sitting in front of me.  "It sounds like you have remarkable talent, Remus," I said to him kindly.  "You are able to remember something that any man would soon rather forget.  All for the sake of making sure you don't cause any harm to others.  I think that this proves that my decision to accept you into Hogwarts will not be wasted."  I smiled at him, hoping the poor boy would relax a little bit.

I looked up at the professor and positively beamed.  He called me remarkable.  The only other person to do that was Dad -- and sometimes I thought that was just because I was his son.  "Thank you, sir," I said politely.  "I will not let you down.  I swear."

"I am sure you will be an excellent student," I said.  "The only people in school that will know of your situation will be the other professors.  It would not be wise to mention it to anyone else, though, Remus.  though I'm sure you are fully aware of that by now."

I nodded at him.  "I do read a lot," I assured the headmaster.  "And of course.  I won't be telling any other students, sir.  I already am pretty positive I won't make friends... but I am really excited to learn the subject material."  It was sad, but true.  Who would want to be friends with someone like me?  I could not be completely honest with them and I knew that there would be no way for me to earn anyone's trust with my other side looming over me.

I looked at John, who seemed to indicate that it was normal Remus behavior to have doubt like that, before looking at the boy in front of me.  "Now, now, don't be dismissing that notion so quickly.  You may be surprised to find that others find you quite enjoyable," I pointed out to him.