The Tameness Of A Wolf

Remus tried to make his final few weeks at home last, but the days flew. Last year at this time he had been praying for the seemingly endless hot, hazy August days to pass; now there barely seemed to be enough time for him to thumb through his schoolbooks, label his new belongings, and pack everything into his trunk. His parents, of course, were eager to help with the preparations, folding clothes or stacking books while reminiscing about their own school days when the two had been in the same year in Ravenclaw. Remus couldn't help but smile as he listened to them dispensing advice - "Give the Slytherins a chance", "Always do your homework the night it's assigned", "Show up to detention on time", "Address your teachers as 'sir' or 'ma'am'". He always nodded briefly before turning back to his work and trying to ignore the tingling flutters in his stomach.

Don't be late to class, especially on the first day . . . if you need help with homework, ask your classmates . . . make sure you carry enough ink in your bookbag to last the day . . . write home if you need anything at all . . .

And now here he stood at Platform 9 ¾, looking up at the Hogwarts Express.

It was a huge train, towering over the entire platform with its flaming red engine trailed by seven shining carriages. Already these carriages were filling with children eager to leave for school. Students were everywhere - arguing about Quidditch stats, reassuring owls through the bars of their cages, kissing parents goodbye, or lugging heavy trunks toward the train. The sight made Remus feel more than a little overwhelmed. What if Dumbledore was wrong and one of the students guesses my secret? What if I don't fit in after all? What if I'm not talented enough and I fail all of my classes?

"Remus, are you listening?"

Remus' head jerked up, and his mother smiled slightly. "I know it's a lot to take in, but I do wish you'd pay attention - this is important."

Remus nodded. "I'm sorry."

"Don't worry," she replied, and began to reiterate what she had told him earlier. "Now, the full moon is the fifth this month, which is very close to the beginning of school. Madam Pomfrey, the school nurse, said that if you're not feeling well you can stop by the hospital wing at any time, but to make sure you're there by about half an hour before moonrise each month. Apparently it's a bit of a walk to the Shrieking Shack, and there are a few things she'd like to discuss with you beforehand. I've written her a letter about what to expect, so this shouldn't be too stressful."

"Okay. That's not so bad . . . " He paused. This really wasn't a conversation that he wanted to have in the middle of Platform 9 ¾, surrounded by so many people, but he knew it was important. Besides, no one on the hectic platform seemed to be paying any attention to the Lupins. "If anyone asks where I'm going . . . what should I tell them?"

"It's entirely up to you," Samuel responded. "You could say that you don't feel well, or that you're going home because a family member is ill. Just make sure you vary it a bit from month to month so that no one gets suspicious," he added. "It wouldn't do to have your aunt die seven months in a row!"

Remus managed a laugh. "But what if I have seven aunts with miserable luck?"

"That's beside the point," Samuel said quickly, but he was smiling. His expression became serious when he saw the look on his son's face, and he rested a hand on Remus' shoulder. "I'm sure you'll do fine, Remus. Just work hard in your classes, and try to make some friends."

Amaryllis, who had been looking at the train, suddenly interrupted their conversation. "You'd better find a seat - the Hogwarts Express leaves in five minutes."

"Okay." Remus took a deep breath and felt an odd fluttering sensation in his stomach. "See you, then. I'll write," he added. "Every day."

"Do you need any help with your trunk?"

"No, I've got it." Remus tightened his grip on the handle of his trunk. "I love you."

"We love you too. Good luck," his mother said. His father reached out and embraced him briefly. Remus nodded and turned toward the train without another word.

The train was crowded, yet somehow he managed to find an empty compartment. This did not last long, however - he'd barely finished stowing his trunk under the seat when there was a knock at the door, which slid open.

A boy stood in the doorway. He appeared to be about Remus' age - short and sturdy, with fair hair and hazel eyes that currently displayed mild confusion.

"'Scuse me," he began hesitantly, "but do you mind if I sit here?"

This is your opportunity, a little voice in Remus' head hissed. "Try to make some friends," your father said. Well, here's your chance! Go on! Remus swallowed.

"No, not at all." He was amazed at how steady his voice was

The boy smiled, clearly relieved, and began to chatter nervously. "Thanks. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to find a seat. Most of the other compartments are full." He shoved his trunk under the seat and sat down opposite Remus. "Are you a first-year too?"

"Yes - my name's Remus Lupin."

"Oh. You must be a wizard, then. I mean - your parents are wizards?" Remus nodded. "Mine are both Muggles." The boy paused. "Have I said something wrong?"

Remus realized that he must have looked surprised. "No. It's just rather odd, because Muggle-born wizards don't normally . . . " He could feel color rapidly rising to his cheeks, and he took a deep breath. "Sorry. What I'm trying to say is that you know a lot about the wizarding world. Normally Muggle-born wizards don't know about the word 'Muggle' or things like that before they start at Hogwarts."

"Oh. I never really thought about that. My older sister got her Hogwarts letter before I did, so I know some of those things from her. I'm Peter Pettigrew, by the way."

"It's nice to meet you," Remus said truthfully. "So - how old's your sister?"

"She's sixteen. She's in Ravenclaw." He rolled his eyes good-naturedly.

"It must be nice having an older sister. I've always wanted a sibling, but . . . my parents didn't want to have any more children. It gets lonely being the only one."

Peter shook his head. "I wouldn't mind being lonely if I could get rid of Janice! She's the most annoying person in the world - always going on about school and magic like she's better than everyone else. She always teased me about not being as smart as her, so she was really upset when I got my Hogwarts letter. She was rather good about it after my parents talked to her, though - she told me about Muggles and everything." He paused and his gaze darted to his shoes. He seemed suddenly ashamed. "S-she said some pretty strange things, though. Is it true first-years have got to live in the dungeons with the ghouls?"

Remus resisted the urge to smile. "No, not as far as I know. My parents told me loads of things about Hogwarts. We stay up in our house dormitories with everyone else."

"And they don't make us fight a monster to decide which house we go in?"

"Not quite . . . "

Remus soon discovered that although Peter knew about Muggles and Mudbloods, the four Hogwarts houses and their rivalries, and Quidditch, he didn't know much else. His sister had distorted many facts about the magical world, and it was quite some time before Peter's confusion was sorted out. They were halfway through an interesting discussion about moving pictures when there was a knock on the compartment door. Peter got up and slid it open to find a cheerful old witch wheeling a cart.

"Care for a snack, lads?"

Peter eyed the cart eagerly. "Sure! Remus, d'you want anything?"

Remus could feel his face going red. "I - I didn't bring any money - "

"Nonsense, I'll lend you some. Come on!" he added when Remus hesitated. "You can pay me back later."

Remus accepted the money that Peter handed him and selected several packets of Chocolate Frogs. Peter, meanwhile, decided to sample some of the Pumpkin Pasties and Cauldron Cakes. They were just sitting down to eat their purchases when there was another knock on the door, and three boys burst in.

They looked vaguely familiar, and Remus was sure that he'd seen all of them at Platform 9 ¾. The first was tall and handsome, with dark hair and sparkling blue eyes; his face was alight with excitement, and he scanned the compartment impatiently as though seeking a place to hide. The other two had clearly been following him; both were red-cheeked and very out of breath. One, a bespectacled boy with the messiest black hair that Remus had ever seen, stepped forward and seized the first boy's arm. The other, a broad-shouldered fellow with tousled nut-brown hair and an amiable appearance, turned to Remus and Peter.

"Sorry 'bout that," he explained, still out of breath. "You won't want to eat those," he added, gesturing toward Remus' Chocolate Frogs. "He's put a jinx on them."

This was clearly meant to refer to the tall boy, who winked cheerfully at Remus before resuming his struggle against his captor's firm grip. "I'm Sirius Black," he added. "Pleased to make your acquaintance. That sneak over there is Ethan Clemmons, and this rascal who's got hold of my arm is James Potter." James nodded courteously.

Remus eyed his Chocolate Frogs warily. "What did you do to them, exactly?"

"I'm not quite sure," Sirius admitted. "My cousin Andromeda taught me the spell. If I got the incantation right, they'll explode five seconds after you've opened the package. Fancy checking to see if I'm right?" he added merrily.

Remus didn't, but he hesitantly reached for a frog and opened the wrapper. The chocolate creature bounded out of its package, took a single step, and then -

BANG! The Chocolate Frog disappeared in a shower of sparks, and a moment later the sparks joined in midair to spell out the phrase "SB wozhear."

Sirius was grinning broadly. "Did you see that?" he demanded, waving his free arm wildly at the shimmering letters as they danced around the compartment. "Isn't that fantastic?" Remus and James nodded; Ethan merely rolled his eyes.

"Erm . . . you misspelled 'here'," Peter ventured.

Sirius' smile became rather sheepish as he re-read the message. "Oh - oh, so I did. I think I can fix it, hang on . . . " He procured his wand from a pocket and brought it swishing through the air, muttering a furious incantation. There was a moment of silence, and then another loud explosion.

When the smoke cleared from the compartment, Remus saw that the sparks had adhered to Sirius' clothes and were rapidly changing colors. Ethan's amused smile hadn't changed, but James was nearly on the floor laughing; a quick glance across the compartment revealed that Peter's reaction was quite similar. Remus could feel the corners of his mouth twitching, and after a moment he gave up and began to laugh with the others. Sirius glanced down at his clothes and sighed.

"Right, so maybe that wasn't a very good idea. I thought I knew how to fix it - I mean, I managed the spell the first time . . . oh, well. At least I haven't changed into my robes yet; I think these clothes are ruined." He grinned wryly. "Mum's going to kill me!"

"Speaking of changing into robes," Ethan commented, "we'd probably better get changed. We're almost at Hogwarts."

James caught his breath, still smiling. "Good point. Come on," he added, standing up and straightening his shirt. "We'll see you later, I s'pose - hang on, you never told us your names . . . "

"I'm Remus Lupin, and this is Peter Pettigrew," Remus replied. "We're both first-years."

"Good to have met you all," Ethan said.

"See you!" Sirius chimed in, and the three boys left the compartment.

Remus and Peter both pulled on their robes, talking idly about what had just happened. "That was swell!" Peter exclaimed. "I've got to see if I can get Sirius to teach me that spell."

"I don't know," mused Remus, who had thought the exact same thing earlier. "He didn't seem as though he knew it very well."

"Good point. Hmmm . . . " Peter was about to say more, but he was interrupted as the train began to slow down and a voice, magically amplified, rang throughout the compartments.

"Good evening, and welcome to Hogsmeade Station. If you have not already donned your robes, please do so. Once the train has come to a complete halt, you may exit in an orderly fashion. A member of the Hogwarts faculty will be waiting to meet the first-years; everyone else should follow the Prefects."

"What do we do now?" Peter asked.

"Stay here until it's time to get off the train, I suppose." Remus looked down and noticed that he was fiddling nervously with the sleeves of his robes. I don't think I can do this . . . He stopped and took a deep breath. Don't worry. It's going to be fine. Just don't panic!

The compartment door swung open, taking both boys by surprise, but it was just another student. She looked several years older than they were, and pinned to the front of her robes was a gleaming badge engraved with a large letter P.

"What do you think you're doing?" she asked. "Come on, you'll be late!"

"Prefect," Remus explained to Peter. He'd seen his mother's old badge and knew what it meant. "We'd better do what she says."

"What about my trunk?" Peter asked, turning back to look at it, stowed neatly under the seat.

"It'll be brought up to your dormitory for you after the Sorting. Come on," the prefect repeated, before turning abruptly and rushing to separate several boys who were fighting over a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans.

Peter took a step forward, tripped on the hem of his robes, and stumbled awkwardly onto the platform. Remus followed, watching his step, and the two joined the crowds of black-robed students spilling out onto the platform.

"Firs' years, this way!" a loud voice bellowed.

"That's Hagrid!" Peter said suddenly. "He's the gamekeeper. Janice told me all about him."

"What did she say?" Remus asked.

"He's - she said he's really, really big - some people say he was caught in a spell that backfired, or he accidentally drank too much of a Growth Potion when he was little. He was expelled from school a while ago, but the headmaster let him stay on as gamekeeper. I guess Dumbledore had something to do with it. People say he's obsessed, he wants to fill the school with things like half-wits and monsters - vampires and such."

"Oh." Remus could feel his heart sinking at the description of part-humans as "monsters". He had been so glad to have a friend from the very start, but had he judged his new friend too quickly?

"I'm not sure how much of that's just Janice, though," Peter continued. "She tells a lot of lies . . . "

Their conversation was cut off as Hagrid boomed, "Any more firs' years?" The two boys hurried to the other end of the platform and joined the crowd of nervous eleven-year-olds gathered around him.

Peter hadn't been kidding, Remus realized as he looked up at the man who stood a few feet away. Hagrid was huge. He towered over everyone on the platform by at least five feet. With his wild, tangled hair and beard he looked like a wild man, but the jolt of fear in Remus' stomach disappeared as the gamekeeper smiled, eyes sparkling. "You two the last ones?" he asked Remus and Peter. Peter nodded, and Hagrid raised his voice. "Firs' years, follow me ter the boats! Keep up, now! Mind yer step!"

They followed Hagrid down a winding, narrow path. Big trees lined the edges, and it was too dark to see anything other than various large shapes in shades of gray. Remus could hear two girls whispering excitedly behind him.

"An' 'ere's your firs' view of 'Ogwarts," Hagrid announced, a note of pride in his voice. Remus looked up and saw that they were standing at the edge of an enormous, inky lake. On the other side stood Hogwarts - a huge castle with sparkling turrets and towers. Although he had seen it before, the sight of the magnificent castle - windows glittering with lights, towers soaring up to the sky - filled Remus with joy and foreboding.

"There's boats in the water," Hagrid announced. "No more'n four in each, mind!"

Remus and Peter scrambled for an empty boat, but no sooner had they sat down than James, Sirius, and Ethan joined them.

"Hullo, all," James said amiably. Sirius and Ethan, still looking up at the castle, nodded.

"Um . . . aren't there only supposed to be four in a boat?" Peter asked hesitantly.

Sirius turned to face him. "Oh, yeah. Don't worry, we won't sink." Peter looked as though he highly doubted this, but he didn't say anything. It was a wise choice, in Remus' opinion; he sensed that there was no use arguing with any of the three boys.

"I know we already met on the train, but while we're stuck in this boat, why don't we get to know each other properly?" Ethan suggested. "I'm Ethan Clemmons - my father's a wizard, and my mum's a Muggle. They divorced when I was little though, and I grew up with Dad. He taught me all about Quidditch - I can't wait for trials! They say first-years never make the house teams, but . . . " He sighed longingly.

One by one, the others gave similar speeches. James and Sirius were both from old wizarding families; Remus recognized their names. The Potters, although very well-off, had managed to remain mostly anonymous through the years. The Blacks, however, were on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. A huge, wealthy, and influential pureblood family, they'd produced generations of Slytherins and were known to support Dark Magic and prejudice in all of its forms. Despite this, Sirius seemed nice enough, as did James and Peter, and Remus hoped that he would end up in their house. It would be good to have some friends from the start.

Remus soon realized that Ethan wasn't the only Quidditch fan in the boat. Sirius was also crazy for the sport, and the whole way to Hogwarts the two debated Quidditch stats, their favorite positions, teams, brooms, and all the famous games that they'd been to. James, meanwhile, continued to speak with Remus and Peter. All three boys wanted to be in Gryffindor - though Peter confessed that his sister said he'd probably be a Hufflepuff - and soon they were engaged in a discussion about classes, professors, and homework.

Finally, the boats reached a small, dark underground harbor. Sirius scrambled out of the boat, nearly banging his head on the low ceiling, and the others followed him onto the pebbled ground.

"Ever'one here?" Hagrid asked, counting heads. "Right, then. Follow me!" He led them up a flight of wide stone steps and into the cool night air, where they stood on the castle steps. Then he raised a fist and pounded on the immense oaken front door.

The door opened immediately to reveal a short, blond witch. "Thank you, Hagrid," she said. "Come along, students," she added, giving them a brief smile. There was a professional tone to her voice, and the first-years followed without talking. Remus' heart was thumping. Please let me be Sorted into Gryffindor . . . please don't let me make a fool out of myself . . .

They followed the witch into a small room just off the Entrance Hall. "Welcome to Hogwarts," she began. "I'm Professor Felle - the Herbology teacher and Deputy Headmistress. The banquet will begin soon, but before you take your seats you'll be Sortedinto your houses. At Hogwarts, your house will be like your family. You'll have classes together, eat together, sleep in the same dormitory, and spend free time together. You will also share failures and triumphs, which will be measured by the giving or taking of points. At the end of every year, the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup. I hope that each of you will be a credit to whichever house you join.

"The four houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each is unique and wonderful in its own way. The Sorting Ceremony will take place in just a few minutes in front of the whole school, so I suggest that you all tidy up."

Remus didn't move. Next to him, James raked his fingers through his dark hair, only to succeed in making it stand up even more. In front of him a girl was fumbling with a hair tie, while the boy next to her straightened his robes. Peter caught Remus' eye and smiled slightly, but his face was pale with nervousness.

"All ready, then?" Professor Felle asked. "Please form a line and follow me." The students did so, and she led them into the Great Hall.

Remus had passed the open door to the Great Hall on his way to Dumbledore's office a month earlier, but he'd been too nervous to notice it. Now, however, he was surrounded by its splendor - full of students, lit by thousands of candles that were moving up and down, the five tables set with golden plates and goblets. He looked up at the ceiling and saw that it was pitch black and dotted with stars. The walls were hung with tapestries showing the mascot of each house. As the first-years walked into the Hall the tapestries began to move, and the air filled with roaring, cawing, and hissing noises. Professor Felle clapped her hands impatiently, and the noise ceased.

There was a tap on his shoulder, and Remus spun around to see a short boy with brown hair.

"Felle's got the Sorting Hat out. Listen, it's going to start singing soon!"

Remus turned to see that Professor Felle was standing in front of the staff table, holding a roll of parchment. Next to her, the Sorting Hat had been placed on a stool. It certainly wasn't much to look at - it was old and grubby, and even its numerous patches were threadbare. Remus felt himself wondering just how clever it was - it didn't look capable of Sorting a mouse, let alone forty first-years. But before Remus had a chance to wonder any more, a large rip near the Hat's brim opened up, and the rumble of voices faded away as the Hall filled with a single loud, raucous voice:

"There are many types of hats,

But none compare to me.

Just set me down upon your head

And this you'll surely see.

I can hear your every thought -

There's nothing you can hide!

I have access to your memories,

When you laughed and when you cried.

And since I am so clever,

You can certainly trust me

To listen to your hearts' desire

And Sort you carefully.

You might land in Gryffindor,

Where all are brave and true.

Courageous, strong, and chivalrous -

Is that the house for you?

If not, perhaps it's Ravenclaw,

For those with clever wit.

If you've a thirst for knowledge,

This could be where you will fit.

In Hufflepuff, hard workers go -

Those who are loyal and fair.

They do their best at everything.

You'd be accepted there.

And then there are the Slytherins,

The most cunning of the lot.

Ambitious schemes and thirst for power

All flourish in this spot.

Leave your doubts behind you

For I'm sure I won't be wrong.

I'll place you in the perfect house -

Wherever you belong!

The hall burst into applause, but looking over at the tables Remus noticed that several of the older students were yawning or toying with their silverware. It must be awfully boring, watching the Sorting every year. I wonder if the Hat always sings the same song?

He was prevented from thinking any more as Professor Felle began to speak in a loud, clear voice. "When I call your name, please put on the Hat and sit down to be Sorted. Alcott, Simon!"

"RAVENCLAW!" The Ravenclaw table cheered loudly as a tall boy with blond hair sat down at the head of the table.

"Archard, Marjory!" A nervous-looking girl with brown pigtails hurried over to the Hat.

"SLYTHERIN!"

"Avery, Robert!"

Sirius cast a look of disdain at the boy. "Avery - I know him. Mark my words, he'll go into Slytherin and be proud." James nodded.

Sure enough: "SLYTHERIN!" The boy smirked and swaggered over to the applauding table.

"How many of these people do you know?" Remus asked.

Sirius began to tick off names on his fingers. "Carter Wilkes, Evan Rosier, Robert Avery, RodolphusLestrange, Severus Snape . . . and a few others. Tabitha Windle, Richard Henley - " He was cut off as Professor Felle announced, "Black, Sirius!"

Sirius ran up to the Hat and quickly pulled it on. It had barely touched his head before it shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!" As he strode over to the yelling table, he winked at James, who rolled his eyes and grinned. A tall girl with the same sparkling blue eyes as Sirius stood up and pulled him over to a seat next to her - "Probably one of the girls who were ogling him on the train," James commented.

Remus noticed, however, that not everyone seemed to be happy about Sirius' placement: over at the Slytherin table, there were several glares. With Sirius' background, this was not surprising - they were probably relatives who were very upset that Sirius had besmirched the family honor by being sorted into Gryffindor.

Next Terrence Borden, the small boy who'd whispered to Remus about the Hat, was Sorted into Ravenclaw. Two more girls, and then Ethan was Sorted. He was a Hufflepuff; James let out a small sigh of dismay and Peter waved dismally.

From that point on, the Sorting seemed to last an eternity. Remus watched as "Dixon, Patrick," "Donahue, Marya," "Evans, Lily," "Ferris, Julie Ann," and "Finch, Robin," were Sorted, only half-listening. By the time "Lestrange, Rodolphus" ascended the platform, he was lost in his thoughts . . .

"Lupin, Remus!"

Oh, God!

Remus stepped forward, struggling to keep his face calm and feeling as though he might be sick. He sank down onto the stool, looking out at the crowd. James and Peter were grinning, and from the tables Sirius and Ethan were giving him a thumbs-up. Then the Hat slipped over his head, and everything went black . . .

"Another Lupin, eh?" the Hat asked. "My goodness, I haven't had one of you in decades. Samuel, wasn't it? He's your father, I see. And I remember Amaryllis quite well. Ravenclaws, the both of them, and you seem to have inherited their quick minds. But you . . . " There was a long pause, and then the words that Remus had been anticipating with dread. "You're a werewolf." Remus could feel his heart sinking, and the Hat gave a little chuckle. "And you're not proud of it, are you? But you must be brave to have lasted this long with such a curse, hmm?" Remus said nothing, trying to keep his mind blank, but one thought escaped the barrier. Please . . . just Sort me and be done with it . . .

The Hat laughed again. "Very well, then . . . GRYFFINDOR!"

Before he had a chance to process what had just happened, the Hat was lifted from his head. Remus stood, feeling shaky, and began to walk toward the wildly applauding Gryffindor table. Sirius grabbed his arm and pulled him to a seat.

"Congratulations, Remus!" he exclaimed, and Remus nodded, smiling. "Hey, I want you to meet my cousin Andromeda," Sirius added, and the girl next to him extended her hand. "She's the one who taught me that spell I used on your Chocolate Frogs . . . " Remus shook Andromeda's hand, and the three turned back to watch the rest of the Sorting.

Remus' memories of the rest of the evening were very vague. He knew that Peter and James became fellow Gryffindors, but other than that he didn't remember the other people who got Sorted, nor which houses they ended up in. Nor did he remember the opening feast, or being led to Gryffindor Towerby a prefect and told the password ("Canis Major," which caused Sirius to grin broadly.) He did, however, remember climbing the spiral staircase to his dormitory for the first time, and the overwhelming sense of happiness that flooded him as he flopped down onto his four-poster bed, feeling as though he was home at last.