Werewolf Blues

Nearing the End

Like his classmates, Remus had sent out job applications. With You-Know-Who wreaking terror across the land, job opportunities were sparse, and Remus expected his to be more so. James and Sirius didn't need to worry about work - they had money - but he didn't. He wouldn't live off his folks. His marks were high, and Dumbledore had written him a glowing recommendation. If only it would be enough to overcome the discrimination he received because of his condition. All he could do was hope for the best and send out more applications. One of them had to result in a job.

************

The owls swooped down, and Remus looked up expectantly. He'd already received a dozen rejections. They had all been polite, yet impersonal. "We aren't currently hiring." "We are looking for more experienced personnel." "We don't have a job for anyone with your skills at the moment." They were all variations of the same thing.

Three owls dropped letters before him. He eagerly tore into his first letter, and the second. He opened the third more slowly before dropping them all to the table. It was more of the some.

"It'll get better, Remus," said James.

"Yeah, thanks," he replied weakly.

************

Remus reported to the Headmaster's office. "You wanted to see me, Professor?"

"Have a seat, my boy. I hear that you've been receiving nothing but bad news."

"About what, Professor?" Remus asked innocently.

"It is difficult to find work, especially for you. I had hoped my word would be enough to find employment for you. I'm sorry I failed you."

"You didn't fail me. You did more than anyone else ever has."

"And I'm about to do more. As you know, there is a group outside the Ministry, which is working against Voldemort. I'd like you to join that group."

************

Remus' step was lighter now that he finally had a job offer. Joining his friends in the common room, he cautiously asked, "What are you three doing after school?"

"Fighting You-Know-Who," replied James quickly.

"Absolutely," echoed Sirius.

"Me, too," replied Peter. "What about you?"

"I'm thinking about the same thing," said Remus triumphantly.

"The Ministry finally offer you a job?" asked James hopefully.

"Not them, Dumbledore, and I think I'm going to take it." Even though the job would vanish when the war was over, it should be a way for him to get his foot in the employment door.

*************

For the first time in weeks, Remus felt like he could finally get some sleep. The stress of his lack of post-school employment had overwhelmed him. He had even had a hard time studying for N.E.W.T.s, though he was careful not to let his friends know. Knowing them, they would take pity on him and find creative ways to help him. He did not want their help. He was a man, and he would fend for himself.

Now, he wouldn't have to worry about that. He had a job, and he was sure that it would lead to better things.