Through the Eyes of the Werewolf

Additions to Disclaimer: Guess what I don't own: Harry Potter. Guess what I write about : Harry Potter. Guess what I don't profit from writing about because I don't own it: Harry Potter.

Author's Notes in Header: Hey there, friends. This is my very first Harry Potter fan fiction that has been a few years in the works. In fact, it's nowhere near completion (chapter 3 is only in the beginning stages). I'm hoping you all can help me make my story more interesting, as well as enjoy my take on Lupin's sixth year at Hogwarts. This story has been on MuggleNet for the past few months now and has gotten little notice, so I thought here might be a better home for it. To my good friends who previewed this story from its humble beginnings, and continue to do so as it goes on, I cannot thank you enough for your help with making this tale become what it has. And now, on with the story!

Chapter 1

Chasing Memories

The forest is restless tonight. The wind blows fiercely, making the pine trees bend and creak in a rhythmic pattern. The cold air brushes past a gloomy cavern, making a furry tail protruding from inside blow from one side of the rocky ground to the other. The tail flicks itself back to its original position, only to let the wind blow it over again. Further in, four terrifying creatures all lay resting. All are wolves of different colors, builds, and so on. The two nearest the cave's entrance are dark-grey with sleek silver stripes that reach from their heads to their tails. Their snouts are enormous. One growls in his sleep as the wind moves his tail back and forth. The wolf in the middle of the cavern is of a much stronger, bigger build than the others. He lies on his back, his great chest heaving up and down as his cold, black nose loudly breathes in, breathes out, breathes in, and breathes out.

The fourth wolf is the most interesting of all. He sleeps on his side, protected from the wind by the hulking third animal in the middle of the cave; and yet, his is the most troubled sleep. He moves his legs about, as if unable to find a comfortable way to rest. He switches between lying on his chin and lying on his cheek. His tail wags about anxiously.

The others sleep on, content with their day's work of poisoning innocent victims with their lethal bites. They do not care for the lives of others, as their own lives have been changed in ways that most could not possibly imagine or understand. The way in which they live is painful; for as the full moon rises, their lives are forgotten for an entire evening of madness, agony and constant rage. This is the life of a werewolf.

And still he twitches in his half-sleep, the one in the rear. He is unique. Unlike the others, he has taken a dosage of a concoction that will help him retain sanity for the entire evening that the full moon has risen upon. Moreover, he is one of rarity in this forest nook for his pure heart, great wisdom, and strong empathy for others. Then why does he sleep with those of his kind who do nothing but kill for pleasure and sport? Because he is on a mission for the side of justice and good, and as with any mission risks must be taken.

The diamond in the rough continues to shuffle two paws forward and the other two back, as if they have a mind of their own. His half-thoughts, half-dreams are half-blessed and half-plagued. Away from his loved ones, werewolf Remus John Lupin thinks tonight of those his subconscious is missing most. As a small wolfish whimper escapes his whiskered snout, the sounds around him seem to almost intensify to the levels of a train engine in his restless mind. The creaking of the pines outside is suddenly as loud as the creaking and clanking of passenger carriages. The repetitious snoring of the largest wolf merges into the sounds of the engine's slowly chugging wheels. And a sudden large gust of wind whistles the alert that the Hogwarts Express is departing from platform nine and three-quarters to begin another long journey.

~

In London's King's Cross Station a heavy cloud of steam slowly faded from the magically hidden train platform numbered nine and three-quarters. A scarlet steam engine emblazoned with an insignia on its front had just made its last boarding call for the students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Young witches and wizards alike were leaning out of the passenger windows to wave their parents goodbye. Those guardians newer to the station reached out and grasped their eleven year-old first years' hands gently and longingly before the chugging of the engine began to clearly resonate on the platform. Other guardians more adapted to the routine were beaming with pride as they stood back and waved at their seventeen year-old seventh years, wishing them a safe and successful final year.

At the barrier, which separated platform nine and three quarters from the non-magical world of King's Cross Station, a boy of sixteen stumbled through, anxiously trying to keep a firm grip on the suitcase in his right hand, the owl cage (with an occupant) in his left, and yet another suitcase held tight under his right arm.

~

Only moments ago the boy had been walking steadily along with his parents by his side past platform one of King's Cross, discussing his excitement at reuniting with his friends, the classes he would be taking and other such delightful treats the new school year would bring.

Then the boy's father glanced at the giant clock and gasped. "Remus, it's ten fifty-five! Quick, we've got to get you to platforms nine and ten!"

And with that, Ralph Lupin hastily, but softly, gripped his son's right hand in his left. Knowingly, Susan Lupin grasped her son's left hand. The three smiled at each other brightly, each parent holding a suitcase while the young man, named Remus, clasped his pet owl, Phelan, in the cage between him and his father. With that, they began to run. Platform numbers raced by, along with the trolley carts that Remus could have placed his luggage on. People stared incredulously as the family trio went running by. Remus winced in his thoughts, but quickly put aside his worries of what others would think. It was not like they would see him again anyway, so it certainly shouldn't be of concern to him if they found his family's enjoyment a little odd. He smiled at this thought as they all came to a halt at the brick wall between platforms nine and ten, laughing and out of breath.

"Dear, are you sure you will be alright carrying all of your things onto the train in such a hurry? It would be no trouble to come through the barrier with you," Susan Lupin said, handing her son one of his suitcases which he propped under his arm.

"Now, now, Susan, we promised Remus that he could go through the barrier on his own this year. And I think he deserves it, after our brisk little run," said Ralph cheekily, handing over the other suitcase.

"I know, darling, I know," Susan said with a sad laugh. "I will just miss my boy so much!" As she had said this, Mrs. Lupin pulled a handkerchief out from behind her back. She had discreetly slipped her wand's tip from her left shirt sleeve and tapped it into her right hand causing the handkerchief to magically appear. She dabbed at her eyes and sniffed.

Ralph was more composed, although he gave his son a look mixed with pride and uncertainty.

"Now, my little prefect, you'll remember what we talked about?" said Mr. Lupin, raising an eyebrow and grimacing.

"Yes, dad, of course I will," replied Remus, smiling.

"You're just as good as any of those boys in, below and above your year. Better, if I do say so myself. Yes, I know you don't like to hear that, Mr. Modest," added Ralph, seeing his son shake his head and smirk. "But it's true. And you've got the badge to prove it."

Mr. Lupin kneeled down on one knee, despite that his son was almost his height, and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Don't be afraid to take risks, son. If your friends can't accept your small reprimands as a rule-enforcer, then... well... maybe it's time to start questioning how faithful of friends they really are."

Remus smiled again at his father and patted the hand that rested on his shoulder. "Thank you, dad. You're right, of course. I've learned a lot after last year. I'll really do my best to live up to my badge."

"And to yourself, Remus."

"Of course, dad,"

Then, on sudden impulse, Remus lowered his accessories, leaned forward and gave his dad a hug of reassurance and understanding.

The father-son dialogue had set Mrs. Lupin on a soft crying tangent, but she smiled warmly as Remus turned towards her and hugged her tightly.

"I'll never let a second go by without thinking of you," Susan said, softly stroking Remus' smooth, brown hair.

"I'll send you owl posts as often as I can, mum. And I mean that."

Susan leaned back from the embrace and tapped her son gently on the nose.

"Of course you will. You always keep your commitments, darling. It's almost second nature to you; I don't even know why you bother telling me anymore."

She laughed, letting her son go.

Suddenly, all three of them gazed up as the King's Cross clock began its first of eleven strikes.

"Quickly, then, Remus. Off with you, now."

"We love you, darling. Have a wonderful year."

Remus gave his parents a final nod and a grin, faced the barrier between platforms nine and ten, and ran directly towards it. He disappeared instantly through the brick, luggage and all.

Author's Notes after story: Reviews always make my new chapters better, and any improvements or accolades you, the reader, can provide are always appreciated. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this chapter, and hope you enjoy the next one.