A Most Unusual Student

A MOST UNUSUAL STUDENT

AUTHOR'S NOTE TO CHAPTER 7.

My fic. "That's What Little Boys Are Made Of." was the story of Sirius Black's visit to the Lupins during the summer holidays. That was told by Remus' father. This chapter is built around the same story, but from the POV of Remus, and his mother Gwen.

Chapter 7. No more lies

I strolled through the Hogwarts gates, my luggage obediently trailing lightly behind me as I headed towards my flat. The late August sun warmed my back and it was a glorious summer day, but somehow it just wasn't the same as the sun in Australia. How far away it all seemed now, yet it was only two days since I'd left Sydney, farewelled by Dan and a tearful Amethyst.

I'd had the most wonderful time, and my bag contained dozens of pictures, gifts and souvenirs. I hadn't seen Amethyst for nearly four years, so we'd spent hours just talking and listening, reminiscing, discussing the future. I was glad to see her looking so well and obviously enjoying her life out there. She shared a comfortable, if slightly dilapidated, beachfront cottage with her friend Dan, with whom she had originally gone to Australia. Tall, tanned, with an untidy mop of sun-bleached brown hair and an easy smile, he looked more like one of the "drop-out" Muggle surfers who travelled the coastline looking for waves, instead of a highly intelligent and dedicated young researcher. Like Amethyst, he now worked at the Wirraway Wizard College in Queensland, studying the fascinating life forms on the Great Barrier Reef and its islands.

They'd bought a small yacht together, and used this for many of their expeditions. I spent a week sailing with them amongst the reefs and islands, and soon understood just why they loved their work and lifestyle.

When I arrived, I had been very careful not to mention anything about their relationship, or whether they planned to get married at some stage, though naturally I was dying to know. I had so many questions, but Amethyst had always been touchy about such matters and hadn't said that much in her letters, so I forced myself to hold my tongue. Amethyst must have been expecting a motherly inquisition from me, for at the end of the first week she commented in some amusement that I had said nothing at all about the topic. I merely smiled and said I was simply glad they appeared happy together. My tact proved to be a wise move: after this I found she talked more freely to me than I had experienced in many years. Her last two years at Hogwarts after Stephen's death had not been easy for either of us, and I was relieved to see that the confused, obstinate and somewhat rebellious teenager I'd last seen had grown into a happy and confident young woman.

I'd sent numerous postcards and letters to Michael, Jasper, and friends and colleagues back home. One morning early in my trip, Amethyst had taken me to a wildlife sanctuary, where I had seen hordes of rainbow lorikeets for the first time. Later I found a Wizard postcard of these little birds, darting in and out of the picture, squabbling, chattering and bobbing around among tree branches. On a sudden whim I had sent it to Remus, hoping he would share my delight in their brilliant jewel colours and noisy antics.

Back in my flat I unpacked, then sorted through all the letters waiting for me, dealing with the business ones first and leaving personal ones till later. I made a cup of tea and settled down to read the letters from Jasper and Michael. It was mid afternoon before I reached the heavy envelope from Gwen, which she'd sent to Hogwarts knowing I was away. Finally I opened her lengthy parchment, dated 6 August.

Dear Poppy

It's good to know you've been having such a wonderful trip - hope to hear more from you on your return.

Remus was thrilled with your card, which arrived yesterday, and I know he'll thank you himself when he gets back to school. He's put it on his bedside table where the morning sun can shine in on the birds - they're such amazing colours. It cheered him up wonderfully, as he was starting to feel a little lonely and sad with Sirius Black's departure and the full moon coming up again next week.

Yes, Sirius came to stay with us for two weeks - quite a character, isn't he!

He and his broomstick simply appeared on our doorstep one morning about three days after last full moon. Seems he was rather bored staying in Cornwall with his cousins, so he'd been amusing himself with various pranks at their expense and decided it would be a good idea to leave home for the day. You may know the two older boys, Norman and Tony Penrose, both Hufflepuffs I gather, though Norman's now left school. You should hear Sirius describe Norman's girlfriend and the joys of "young love" - it's priceless! Though I mustn't be unkind to the poor girl as she was the unwitting cause of Sirius' visit here after he "interrupted" her behind the shed with Norman.

And now for the big news. Remember how we were all thinking that Remus should probably tell his friends about his condition. Well my dear - they DO know. After Sirius arrived, we were chatting over morning tea when he remarked that he hadn't come to visit Remus earlier because it was the full moon, and was Remus feeling OK now.

You can imagine our thoughts at THAT comment! I let Edmund handle it, as I was so completely shocked that I don't think I could have said anything sensible. Sirius had just said it so casually.

Edmund is always very calm about this sort of thing, so he asked Sirius to explain. Apparently he and James had become suspicious about Remus around Christmas, started watching him closely, and finally put everything together after Easter. They told Remus they knew about him just before the end of term, and assured him they were all still friends. That explained a lot to us, because Edmund and I thought Remus seemed to be worried about something when he first got home. Now we know what it was.

Anyway Sirius says that the three of them - Peter knows too - have decided it's their secret, so they're not going to say anything to anyone else, including parents. But then he and James became worried after they'd told Remus they knew, because they thought he might run away and not come back to Hogwarts next term. Which was very perceptive of them. Sirius said they'd been planning to visit Remus together during the holidays, but James went away with his family so he came alone. After he told us how they'd worked it out, he simply stood there and begged us to make sure Remus came back to school because they really did want him as a friend. The way he said it all was quite amazing - very touching and sincere and strangely mature for a 12-year-old.

I honestly don't think Remus believed until then that anyone would want to be friends with him once they knew his secret. He was so happy at school this year and I think it would have just broken his heart if he'd had to leave. As you know, Edmund and I have always been worried that he'd convince himself he was worthless and somehow didn't deserve friends. I know we've all told him this isn't so, but I think he had to see it and hear it for himself.

Well, after we'd sorted out THAT little matter, Edmund made the excellent suggestion that Sirius should come and stay with us for a few weeks to escape his cousins - there are three younger girls as well as the two boys, plus his own two year old sister. So Edmund took Sirius back through the Floo network to speak to Mrs Black. Judging by what Edmund told me of Sirius' departure from Cornwall, I think the cousins were VERY glad to get rid of him!

Remus of course was absolutely thrilled at the idea of having a friend to stay, and while they were gone he insisted Sirius wouldn't like the spare room at all and he wanted the extra bed to go into his room.

I can see why they get into trouble at school. After lunch that first day, the two of them went off to "explore". I do wish had a picture of the state in which they returned - I have NEVER seen Remus so wet and dirty! Naturally they thought it was all great fun, and (encouraged by Edmund I might say!) they went back next day for more. I don't think I have ever washed so many clothes as I did while Sirius was here - how DO the house-elves manage in that dormitory?! - but it's been two of the happiest weeks I can remember.

He and Remus have had a wonderful time, and not too many disasters. That is, if you don't count Sirius' broken arm when he fell out of a tree, the amazing effects they achieved on our garden shed walls with their various "experiments", or the state of my kitchen after they decided to try and cook their own chocolate cake. Did you know Sirius is keen on Muggle chemistry by the way? They helped Edmund mend the back fence, repair the bank on one side of the pond, and do various other chores around the place. The pond was fun because it meant they got very wet and muddy again, as well as slightly sunburnt. Our healer, Mrs Noyes, is rather taken with Sirius, but suggested he should try to limit himself to one broken limb per holidays.

The house seems very quiet and still now he's gone. Why is it that boys either cannot close doors at all, or else have to slam them shut? And why do they move absolutely silently when sneaking biscuits out of a jar, but go everywhere else like stampeding buffaloes? Though apart from this I was surprised to realise after a few days that he's not actually a "noisy" child. He's quite happy to sit quietly and practice his guitar, play chess or read - he and Edmund get along famously and he's just as interested as Remus in delving into Edmund's library. He's not a chatterer thank heavens, but he really is very funny.

One night, some old friends came for dinner, and the boys joined us of course. Remus was quite talkative, because he likes Dorothy and Joe, but Sirius sat there quietly for the most part, listening and taking everything in. Then every so often he'd come out with some comment that had us all in stitches. Remus says that's what he's like at school, and that James is really the talkative one, so classes must be interesting. He looks so innocent, too, but then you suddenly see that wicked grin - could be highly dangerous when he gets a bit older and discovers girls!

I probably sound as though it's been chaos every day, but honestly, he's polite and well brought up, just enthusiastic about life in general, and it's been a delight to have him with us. Edmund and I agree though - he is very sharp and intelligent, and it would be easy to underestimate him completely just because he is so mischievous. There's a lot going on in that particular head! He went home very reluctantly a few days ago, but he's asked Remus to come and stay with him later this month, after the next full moon. Apparently James will be back then, and Sirius said he'd ask him to come too. I hope Mrs Black knows what she's in for! Edmund and I will let Remus go, but will suggest we meet up with them in Diagon Alley to sort out their school things. I don't imagine Mrs Black wants to cope with all three of them there. Having met Sirius, I certainly look forward to meeting James at some stage."

Well, well, well. So the boys had worked out Remus by themselves. I wasn't surprised really. And I had to admit I was glad - glad that they knew, glad that there would be no more lies between them. And above all, deeply glad that Remus still had his friends, that they had accepted him despite his condition. Minerva and I had been right in our assessments, and the boys had not let us - or Remus - down. I wondered what changes it would bring when they returned to school. How would they treat his monthly transformations?

I sat and re-read the letter, and found myself chuckling at Gwen's descriptions of Sirius and her shrewd assessment of him. And just arriving on the Lupins' doorstep - yes, that would be Sirius Black! The mischief, the broken arm, the noise and fun and laughter. It must have been so strange and wonderful for Remus to have his friend at home with him, and I imagined Gwen and Edmund would put up with any amount of dirty washing and other mess for the sheer joy of seeing their son happy. I realised suddenly that Stephen and I had always taken it for granted that our children would have friends come and stay with them, and that they would go and visit in turn. Such a simple thing, part of every childhood - and yet Remus had never had that until now. I wondered if Sirius appreciated how much his visit would mean to the Lupins.

It was interesting about the cousins too, as I'd never realised Sirius had any relatives at Hogwarts. I tried to place the Penrose boys: I thought I vaguely remembered Norman as having fair hair, but Tony eluded me. I couldn't recall their names coming up in staffroom discussions either, so I'd have to ask Minerva or Ivy Sprout.

I put the letter in the folder with Gwen's other correspondence and headed to the Hall for dinner. With only six days before start of term, some staff would already be back at Hogwarts and I'd have to work hard to have everything ready and stocked up in the dispensary. Shopping in Edinburgh tomorrow, I supposed, or possibly even a trip to Diagon Alley.

There were seven of us at dinner. Albus was back at school of course, as was Minerva, and we were joined by Filius, Ivy, Horace Heldin and Tertius Angle. I spent much of the meal answering questions about my trip to Australia. Horace eventually gave me the opportunity I needed by mentioning the upcoming Sorting and teasing Minerva about getting another pair of terrors like Black and Potter into Gryffindor.

She rolled her eyes. "Please Horace!" she laughed, "I've had seven blissful weeks totally free of students. Don't wish me another pair like that!"

"Is it true that Black has cousins here at school?" I asked mildly. "Penrose, I'm told their name is."

"Norman and Tony - that's right." Ivy nodded. "Norman left last term, Tony's going into fifth year now, doing his O.W.Ls. Fair hair, medium height, solid build both of them, pretty average students. Tony's fairly easy going, but Norman was a bit sulky at times." She gave a slight smile. "You really didn't know they were Sirius Black's cousins? Not at all alike, are they!"

I shook my head. "I'd certainly never have picked them as his relatives!"

Albus spoke up. "Their mothers were sisters, Anne and Rosemary Denning. Anne - Sirius' mother - is the younger one. She was in Ravenclaw. Studied law after school, and now does freelance editing and research work for Hogwash and Bragg, the legal publishers. She's a nice woman, quite pretty as I recall - married Orion Black in her late twenties."

"So Rosemary is Mrs Penrose?" I said.

"That's right. She's two or three years older than Anne, and they're not a bit alike. I think one could best describe Rosemary as stolid. Unfortunately one of those people with no sense of humour."

"She was the year behind me in Hufflepuff," added Ivy. "Rather an ordinary student and tended to stay out of trouble. Tony and Norman are pretty much like her really." She looked at me inquiringly. "Why your interest in the Penroses, Poppy?"

"Oh, just a remark I heard about them being Sirius' cousins," I said easily. "I couldn't place them - which meant they were usually healthy and they weren't at all like Sirius!" There was general laughter at that and the talk turned to other matters.

I dashed off a short response to Gwen next morning, asking her if Remus knew that she'd told me about the boys and their "discovery" of his condition. I didn't want to put my foot in it when school resumed, so thought I should know how much I was supposed to know about the holidays and these events. I spent the day making up cards for the new students according to Minerva's roll, checking the hospital and dispensary inventory, and making a list of items required. Fortunately there weren't many, and I would be able to get them all in Edinburgh.

That evening Albus asked Minerva and me to join him for supper. I took Gwen's letter with me, having decided that it was best they should be aware of its general contents. Albus and Minerva sat and listened calmly as I told them what had happened, Albus nodding occasionally and sipping his tea. Neither spoke till I'd finished and settled back in my own chair.

"I'm pleased young Mr Lupin is in a dormitory with Mr Black and Mr Potter," said Albus at last, smiling at us in some satisfaction. "Good boys, both of them. Undoubtedly mischievous, but we'll see, we'll see - yes, I have high hopes for those two. It's really just as well they know. And if they keep quiet, so will Mr Pettigrew. I expect he'll take his lead from Mr Potter and Mr Black."

Minerva looked thoughtful. "Yes - you're right there. He's not a leader, young Pettigrew, not bold at all. But he'll certainly follow the other two." She smiled slightly at Albus. "You know, Poppy and I were talking about this earlier in the year, wondering just when those boys would work out about young Lupin, and what reaction they'd have. We both thought it likely Black and Potter would stick by him. I'm pleased we were right. And I think it will certainly make life a little easier for Lupin."

"Indeed." Albus nodded thoughtfully. "And yes, Poppy - thank you for telling us they know. But I don't think Minerva and I need to say anything more at this stage, not even to Filius." He brushed some crumbs from his beard. "Though it will be interesting to see how they, ah, deal with things when they come back to school."

"They've become good friends," I said slowly. "I like them all - even the green hair!" Minerva winced. "But fancy young Sirius flying all the way from Cornwall to the Lupins! I wonder what he did to his cousins to decide that he should spend the day away from home?"

Minerva gave a meaningful sigh. "Perhaps it is wisest not to ask!" twinkled Albus. "So he stayed with the Lupins for two weeks you say, Poppy? Hmmm - I do recall Edmund had an excellent sense of humour. He was in Gryffindor too."

"Actually, I understand the Lupins rather enjoyed Sirius' company," I replied.

"Well, I'm certain young Remus did," said Albus with a gentle smile. "And I think Gwen and Edmund would give almost anything to have their son happy."

*

Gwen's response reached me the day before start of term.

"Dear Poppy,

No, Remus does not know I've written to you about things, though I think he realises I was in touch with you last year about his health generally. But that's only natural of course. I've suggested that he should tell you himself how things stand, and Edmund tells me he had a quiet word to Sirius on the same lines. So I hope they take the hint - anyway, you're officially in the dark till they do say something, so "play it cool" (or whatever the term is!). But yes, you're right to alert the Headmaster and Professor McGonagall about what's happened.

The Blacks have survived the onslaught of three boys for a week. We all met in Diagon Alley yesterday, and Remus came home with us afterwards to pack his things for school. Anne Black is very pleasant and friendly - had sensibly left two year old Miriam with her grandmother for the day - and was most grateful to us for "rescuing" her son from Cornwall! Appears he is persona non grata with the Penrose family, though it sounds to me as though he just behaved like a normal 12-year-old. James' mother Rose joined us too. James is exactly as I'd imagined him from Remus' and Sirius' descriptions - he certainly has the most untidy hair I have ever seen. And yes, he is the talkative one of the group. His mother is just the opposite, quiet and rather reserved, though I suspect she may just be a little shy.

Orion Black met us for lunch at the "Golden Griffin", and James and Remus spent much of the time asking questions about Aurors and their work. He looks quite forbidding at first, tall and rather stern, but was very patient with them and appeared to enjoy their interest and did his best to answer all their questions. After lunch we saw the Pettigrews too - parents are Julie and Mark - Peter is the eldest child, and there are two younger sisters. We'll no doubt all see each other at Kings Cross at the start of term.

I'll write again once I get the chance when term starts - Edmund has just arrived home early and Remus says they're both starving!

Love, Gwen

The students arrived back at school next evening, and the first years were Sorted into Houses. I looked across at the Gryffindors, and found the second years sitting together and cheering each new House member. James and Sirius were side by side as usual, with Remus and Amanda Fisher opposite them. Peter was there too, along with Lily Evans and Susan Pritchard. Remus seemed to have grown over the holidays and looked very well, and I recalled it had been the new moon two days earlier. I was amused to see they seemed to have formed themselves into an unofficial welcoming committee at the table.

Remus was down at clinic very early next morning, and as there were no other patients at that time I was able to give him a hug.

"Thank you ever so much for the card, Madam Pomfrey!" he said happily. "Those birds - they were beautiful! Are they really all those different colours?"

"Oh yes," I assured him. "When I stayed with my friends in Sydney, about twenty of them came down onto their balcony rail each morning - they chatter and carry on like anything. And in the afternoon there are six or seven kookaburras that come down and sit there chuckling away and expecting to be fed - Pam keeps some pet meat just for them." Remus looked fascinated. I didn't tell him I'd brought him a book on Australian birds - I'd give it to him when he was next in hospital.

"And did you have a good holiday, Remus?"

He grinned. "Sirius came to stay with us. For two weeks. We had a great time!" Any further conversation was unfortunately cut short with the arrival of some other students, and with a quick wave, Remus left me to attend to them.

I saw nothing of him for the next two weeks, apart from meals in the Great Hall and the occasional glimpse around the school corridors. Peter came down to clinic one evening with some sort of allergy that needed treatment, but no sign of the others. I'd have to wait till full moon to see what would happen. Meanwhile I wrote a long letter to Gwen, telling her about Amethyst, Dan, and my wonderful holiday, and enclosing a lovely hand-painted silk scarf that I'd brought back for her.

*

Remus duly arrived in the hospital wing after classes, carrying a small bag with pyjamas and personal things. As usual, he looked pale and very tired, and said he was happy to rest until it was time to leave. I brought him a glass of milk and some biscuits, and was almost at the door when he spoke.

"Madam Pomfrey." I turned. He was lying propped against the pillows, a very serious expression on his face.

"Yes, dear?"

"James and Sirius and Peter ... "

"Mmmm?"

"They know about me."

Ah, so here it was. I closed the door and came over to sit beside him on the bed.

"So they found out did they?" I spoke calmly, encouragingly. He nodded, grey eyes searching mine as though unsure of how I'd react, what I'd say.

"When did they find out? What happened?" I smiled at him. "I haven't heard of any owls from angry parents telling us that we shouldn't have you here, you know!"

He was still serious. "James and Sirius. They didn't believe all the things I told them about being away last year. They marked down the dates and saw the pattern and they noticed some of my scars and that. They worked things out and told me just before the holidays.' He paused and took a deep breath. "And they didn't mind. I think they were ... sort of surprised I guess. But they kept saying it didn't matter and they still liked me. They said we were all friends and they're not going to tell. Even their parents." Was there still the tiniest doubt in his voice?

I just nodded slowly and said nothing for a moment, watching his face. Hard to know what he was thinking, what was the right thing to say. 'I told you so' didn't seem the best approach.

"So how do you feel, Remus?" I said at last. "Are you glad they know?"

He took his time before replying, staring down at his hand toying with the edge of the blanket. At last he looked up. "Yes," he said softly, "yes, I am. Now I don't have to tell them lies - I hated doing that anyway. Because they were so nice to me. But I didn't expect them to still like me you know." He looked down at his hands again. "I thought ... I thought they'd hate me and make me leave ... people have done that before you know ... hit me and thrown things at me when they found out..." He trailed off, and I remembered what Gwen had written about his experience in Chester.

"Not everyone's like that, Remus. And I certainly never believed Sirius and James and Peter were the sort of boys who'd do that to you."

"But I didn't know they'd think like that. I just wasn't sure ... I mean, everyone knows that werewolves are Dark creatures. It's there in all the textbooks. We're even listed under "monsters". Everybody hates us." I remembered, with a rush of embarrassment, my own initial reaction when Albus had told me of Remus' imminent arrival at Hogwarts. How much this last year had changed my perceptions! I realised I was only just beginning to understand what this boy had to live with.

"Yes, but real friends accept you for what you are. And Sirius and James and Peter are your friends. They know Remus Lupin as a person, not a raving monster. And they like that person. Did Sirius tell your parents everything when he came to stay with you?"

"Oh yes!" And suddenly he was smiling. "That's really why he came to see me. Sirius told Mum and Dad that he and James were worried I wasn't going to come back to school because they knew about me, so he wanted to come and tell me it was all right!! And he flew up by himself 'cause James was away."

"So that's when he came and stayed with you?"

Remus was grinning now. "Oh yes - Dad asked him what he'd been doing in the holidays and Sirius said he'd been playing all these jokes on his cousins because none of them wanted to play with him or anything. So when he told Mum and Dad that they knew all about me anyway, and what he'd done to his cousins, Dad thought it might be a good idea if he came to us for a bit. And Sirius said his mother had to go home soon because his father had some big Ministry dinner and there were guests coming, so Dad thought Sirius should stay with us while the guests were there." The grin got wider. "I think Dad was worried he would've played some awful joke and got into real trouble! So Dad said he'd better stay for a couple of weeks."

I burst out laughing: Gwen had not included THAT little bit in her letter!

"So you two annoyed your poor parents instead of his!"

"Well, I went to his place later in the holidays. After the next full moon. James came too. Mrs Black's really nice and she put all our beds and things into this big attic room where we could be together and not annoy anyone else, and we could go down the back staircase and go outside or into the kitchen easily. And we all had our broomsticks and we did lots of flying and James and Sirius practised Quidditch. I'm not very good though - I don't like flying as much as they do. And Sirius showed us his chemistry set, but Mrs Black makes him do all his experiments outside in the shed after he set fire to his room one day. We made all sorts of stuff." It all came out in a bit of a rush as though a dam had been breached. I reached out and brushed his hair back from his face.

"So now you don't need to worry any more, eh? You don't have to think up stories to tell them, and you can just come down quietly when you need to, and they'll know where you are. Are they going to come down and visit you this time?"

"I think so. Madam Pomfrey," he was suddenly serious again, "Madam Pomfrey, you won't let them see me when I'm - well, when I'm all bandaged up and that, will you? I don't want them to see me like that - please?"

"Remus, in this hospital, I'm the one who decides when patients have visitors. So if I think you're not well enough, or you don't want to see them, then I won't let them in. Anyway, you're always very tired that first day, so it's really much better for you to sleep and rest without any interruptions. So don't you worry about anything." He looked very relieved, and settled back against the pillows again.

I stood up and handed him the glass of milk from his bedside table. "Now drink that, Remus, and I'll come and get you when its time to go. Another hour or so yet, so you just rest." I left him sipping the milk and munching a biscuit.

I'd cleaned the Shack at the end of last term, but a thin layer of dust had settled over things, and I had to Banish a few cobwebs when we arrived. Stupid I suppose, but somehow I always felt better if the place was clean to start with. Remus watched me, saying nothing till I'd finished.

"You really don't have to do that, you know," he said softly as I put my wand away. "The wolf - I mean I - well, I never notice that sort of thing. And I make a bit of a mess anyway."

"Remus Lupin!" I said, prodding him in the chest with my finger and smiling. "If I am going to deal with a raving monster every month, then I am going to make sure that the monster at least starts off in clean surroundings!"

He looked a little startled, but returned the smile. Then a sort of tremor came over his face, and he stiffened suddenly, hands clenching by his sides.

"Madam Pomfrey, you'd better go. Quickly!" he said huskily. I patted his shoulder, then hurried down through the trapdoor and into the tunnel, triggering the locking charms as I left. I could see a light over in number one greenhouse as I emerged from under the Willow, but met no one and slipped quietly back into the castle.

I had no other patients in the hospital wing, so went to bed early and slept till rudely awoken by my alarm, a Christmas present from Michael two years ago. "POPPY YOUR PATIENTS ARE DYING!" indeed - I'd been vowing for some time to take the wretched thing up to Filius and see if I could have that message changed. Though the clock would probably come up with something just as bad - like "POPPY, JASPER'S JUST MARRIED A VAMPIRE!" or a good old insult like "GET UP YOU STUPID LAZY OLD WOMAN!" On reflection, probably best to just leave it alone.

Remus was right - the wolf did make a mess in the Shack. But he was easy to find this time - lying on the floor at the foot of the stairs across his scattered clothes. Strange: it looked as though he had fallen somehow, and I wondered if he had tumbled down the stairs when groggy and recovering from his transformation.

I didn't like the angle of his shoulder, and he moaned in pain as I examined him carefully. Broken collarbone and arm, it seemed, and probably some broken ribs. His right ankle was very swollen, also possibly broken. I healed the arm and ribs easily enough, but I decided to wait until I had him in hospital before dealing with his other injuries. I used a few quick charms to numb the pain, clean the wounds, strap his shoulder and ankle, and bandage his bleeding hands. Then I covered him with the cloak I'd brought and conjured up a stretcher for him.

I managed to manoeuvre it through the trapdoor and along the tunnel, though the exit under the Willow was more difficult. I'd strapped him firmly onto the stretcher, leaving his good arm free, and somehow between us we managed to get him out of the tunnel without hurting him further. The sky was quite light now, and I was extremely relieved to get him into bed in hospital.

The bites and gashes were very nasty, but once I'd dealt with them, the other injuries were more routine. Once I'd fixed the breaks, a does of Bonesetta and a good rest would complete the job. Remus wasn't hungry, but I settled him comfortably on his pillows, and helped him drink two cups of herbal tea, more painkiller and some sunseed potion. He was asleep almost instantly.

His friends: I'd wondered about them now they knew what was going on. So I was not surprised to find James and Sirius sitting in the waiting area even before clinic was due to start. I smiled and said nothing, just beckoned them through into my office and closed the door.

I took the initiative before they could say anything other than "Good morning".

"I know - you've come down to ask about Remus. Yes, he told me you knew about him, so I've rather been expecting you."

They looked a little surprised. "Is he all right?" asked Sirius softly. "We worry about him - now we know."

Their normally cheerful faces were concerned and anxious, and they both looked a little tired. Dealing with Remus, I realised, now also meant dealing with his friends. We'd have to work a few things out.

"He's asleep now," I said gently. "He hurt himself quite badly - I think he must have fallen somehow, because he had a broken arm, collarbone and ankle, and he cracked some ribs." They glanced at each other in dismay.

"He'll be all right?" James asked worriedly.

"Of course he will! Mr Potter, I've seen worse injuries on a Quidditch pitch" - they smiled slightly - "and I've lost count of the number of broken arms and ankles I've fixed. YOU Mr Black, know all about broken arms, I hear!" Sirius gave a sheepish grin.

"Now," I went on firmly. "Remus needs rest, real rest. Magic, as you know, can cure certain things and speed up the healing process, and after thirty years as a healer I am pretty good at mending broken limbs. BUT," and I looked at them sternly, "the patients need to rest and be still. So Remus is not going to have any visitors today - I want him to sleep and recover properly. He'll probably be in here all weekend, back to school on Monday."

"Can we see him later?" asked James.

"Tomorrow morning?" Sirius sounded hopeful.

"We'll see. It depends on how he feels, and if he wants to see anyone."

They looked vaguely surprised at that. To them, it probably seemed simple: they knew about Remus, he knew they knew. And being boys, it had clearly not occurred to them that Remus might not want to see his friends immediately, or that he may be still very embarrassed and sensitive with them about his condition. The four would have quite a bit of adjusting to do between them, and it would do no harm to drop a few hints to these two.

I checked there were no other patients waiting, then resumed the conversation.

"You know, it means everything to Remus that you and Peter have accepted him and are still his friends. He didn't expect that at all - he's been terrified about people finding out, because he'd have to leave school. Though I must admit, I've been wondering how long it would take you two to discover his secret."

"You thought we'd find out?" James asked in amazement. "You really expected it?"

"Let's just say that Professor McGonagall and I considered you two would be unlikely to believe excuses about sick mothers or family crises for very long. You're both observant, and very curious. And from what I know, you're not exactly stupid, either of you!" James and Sirius had come equal first in their year by quite a margin.

"Does anyone else know about Remus? I mean, apart from the Headmaster and Professor McGonagall? Oh, and Professor Flitwick." Sirius had obviously questioned Remus or his parents.

"No - you two and Peter are the only ones." They looked at each other, then James spoke first.

"Madam Pomfrey - we've promised we're not going to tell anyone. Honestly. Anyone at all. It's not Remus' fault that he's like that - and he's our friend. We don't want him to have to leave school."

"No one else has to know - just us. If we cover up for him, no one will get suspicious. All we have to do is tell them he's sick again. And because he's in our dormitory, everyone'll believe us." Sirius this time.

"I'm sure you'll work things out," I said gently. "You're rather unusual, you know. Most wizards believe werewolves are monsters, and wouldn't even think of being friends with one. Let alone sharing a dormitory! So no-one's going to believe that boys from old and respected Wizarding families like Sirius Black and James Potter wouldn't find out and make a fuss."

"They're not monsters!" said Sirius softly. "Well, only once a month - and the rest of the time, no-one would know. And Remus - well, he wouldn't hurt anyone."

James grinned at him. "Well - he might hex a Slytherin or two! Just for a bit of fun though!"

I chuckled. "Mr Black, Mr Potter, I leave the mischief entirely up to you. Though please try to avoid too many visits to hospital, and try not to get caught too often!"

"That's what Mr Lupin told us too!" said Sirius cheerfully.

James dug him in the ribs. "We'll do our best, Madam Pomfrey, " he said happily.

"Now, one more thing," I resumed, and they looked serious again. "I don't know how much he's told you about what happens to him, so I think it's best if you ask Remus what happens and how he feels about certain things. Just remember - he's still new to being real friends with you, and even the best friends sometimes prefer to keep certain things to themselves. And just because you two tell each other almost everything - " I saw the swift glance between them, "- it doesn't mean that Remus will do the same. So you all have to work things out. And that may take a little time.

"I'll let Remus know you called in. Come down tomorrow after breakfast and we'll see how he is then. I'll tell him you'll make sure he gets his homework assignments."

"History of Magic as usual!" said Sirius, pulling a face. "Another goblin rebellion. They're always revolting."

James punched him. "We'll just have to make it up again. Bogrim the Bad and all that."

"Durbag the Dimwit."

"You forgot Oggle the Obnoxious." James was laughing as they left the room.

"Madam Pomfrey." Sirius suddenly poked his head back round the door.

"Yes, Mr Black?"

"What do you get when a werewolf bites a goblin?"

I raised my eyebrows. "What?"

"A banker who wants a body of interest each month!"

James whooped in delight, and I sent them packing. Bogrim and bankers indeed!

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