The Wolf Among Us

Lupin slowly paced back and forth staring at the two pieces of parchment lying on the small table. He massaged his temples and then raked his fingers through his graying brown hair. How long had it been since he's had contact with anyone from his past? Five, seven years at best, he thought. Then yesterday, out of the blue, two owls had appeared at his window with letters as different as their authors, yet essentially wanting the same thing, for him to go back to Hogwarts.

He sat down and picked up the official looking letter; he smiled as his fingers lightly brushed across the Hogwarts crest. He'd read this letter it seemed a hundred times since it arrived two days ago but he still couldn't believe it.

Dear Remus,

I hope this letter finds you well but I'm afraid I must get right to the point. Many things have happened in the last week and I find I am in need of your services. Hogwarts is in great need of a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor with practical experience. I've heard of your exploits in Eastern Europe over the years and in these trying times I need some one with your background. This brings me to my second reason for writing; Sirius has escaped from Azkaban and we have good reason to believe that he's headed to Hogwarts.

We haven't much time; the term starts in a week and a half. If you won't come back for me then please do it for Harry's sake. I shall be expecting your reply in the next few days. Remus, you may be the only one who can get through to Sirius.

Sincerely Yours, Albus Dumbledore

P.S. As for your condition, everything will be taken care of. Severus has agreed to make the potion for you.

"Well I bet that made Severus' day." Laughed Lupin as he gently placed the letter back on the table.

Next he picked up the scrap of parchment and suddenly his heart felt like it slammed into his ribs as he remembered Dumbledore's words. Sirius has escaped from Azkaban. How could this have happened, he thought? Closing his eyes he tried to force out the memories of twelve years ago. He sighed as he opened his eyes and read the scribbled note yet again. The all too familiar half script half print words threatening to open the memory flood gate.

Remus, I can't explain it right now I don't have much time. Peter is the traitor. He's alive and on his way to Hogwarts. Harry is in danger. You need to find a way to get a job at Hogwarts. I'm on my way there but I can't protect Harry without your help. Remus you must know deep in your heart that I would have died before betraying James and Lily. Next to James you are my best friend, I'm sorry I ever doubted you. Please believe and trust me now. Moony, I'm trusting you with my life, they have dementors looking for me. You can leave word at the Shrieking Shack.

Sirius

Finally the flood gates broke and all the memories that Lupin and been fighting to control the last few days poured into his mind threatening to drown him. Everything seemed like it had happened just yesterday and twelve years faded away to nothing...

When Remus had arrived at Godric's Hollow the fading Death Mark still hung overhead. From his spot on a nearby hill he could see James and Lily's bodies buried in the rubble of their house an a few Ministry agents milling about. Bits and pieces of their conversation floated up to him and he had learned that Harry had been whisked away per Dumbledore's orders. Just then something caught his eye or more specifically someone, Sirius.

Remus wanted to go down and console Sirius but he knew that Sirius no longer trusted him and his presence wouldn't be welcome. In fact Sirius might blame him for what had happen so Remus resolved to just watch from a distance. As Ministry agents began to remove James and Lily's bodies he saw the anger flash across Sirius' face. Remus knew that look all to well. Sirius had a very nasty temper and welcome or not he was going to stop him before Sirius did something rash. However before Remus could get half way to the house Sirius Disapparated.

Remus spent the next day searching for Sirius before finally tracking him down in London. He'd arrived seconds after the explosion. The scene was awful, but the thing that made Remus' blood run cold was the sight of Sirius standing there laughing. He ran up to Sirius trying to get him to talk, but all Sirius did was laugh never even acknowledging Remus. Sirius was still laughing when Ministry Law Enforcement dragged him away.

A few days later Remus learned that Sirius had been the Potter's Secret-Keeper and had killed Peter along with the twelve Muggles in London that day. Now Sirius would spend the rest of his life in Azkaban. If I'd only known about the Fidelius Charm maybe....

Lupin slammed his fist on the table bringing him back to the present.

"How can I believe you Sirius? I know what I saw that day." Lupin sighed, "I want to believe that you didn't betray your best friend, that you didn't betray us all?"

In that moment he made his decision. He walked over to his case and pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill.

Dear Professor Dumbledore,

I accept the Defense Against the Dark Arts position. Thank you for thinking of my condition. I wouldn't have consented if that issue couldn't be resolved. I will arrive on the Hogwarts express instead of Apparating to Hogsmeade. Since dementors are involved I think it would be wise to have another adult on the train. Sincerely,

Remus J. Lupin

The tawny owl that had brought Dumbledore's letter fluttered to the table so that Lupin could attach the note to its leg. He smiled, thinking how furious Severus would be to hear that he'd accepted the job, and that Severus would have to brew the wolfsbane potion each month. Just to see the look on his face would be worth returning. The owl took off through the window and Lupin picked up his battered case to start packing. It was going to be a long trip and he feared he wouldn't be getting much sleep in the next few days.

To Be Continued...