Written for Hogwarts' 1st September Event: A parent/guardian/sibling seeing someone off, and the Back to School Event: (character) Remus Lupin.

Wordcount: 374

Seeing Off

"Lyall, are you sure we should be doing this?" Hope fretted, rearranging Remus' clothes for the nth time in the last five minutes. "Look at him," she continued, eyes frantically switching back and forth between Remus and his father, "he's too young to go to Hogwarts, to leave us. What if something happens?"

The emphasis she put into the word something had Remus draw back into himself, pulling away from his mother.

"Mum, please, you said I could go," he said at the same time as his father spoke reassuringly, "Dumbledore told us he'd taken every precaution, it'll be fine. Stop worrying so much."

Hope grabbed her husband's hand like it was a lifeline. She sighed, looking at her son apologetically. "I'm sorry, Remus, but you know I only worry because I love you."

Remus forced a smile, hoping it looked more natural than it felt. From his mother's wince, it didn't. "I know, Mum. I love you, too. I'll be fine, you'll see. And I'll write you a lot of letters, and do all my homework on time, and I'll be the best student in my year, I swear."

For some reason, it only made his parents look sad. Behind them, someone on the train started to call out for everyone to embark, and Hope dragged him into a tight hug. "Try to make some friends, alright? Don't forget to have some fun."

Remus nodded, throat too tight for words. Him, making friends? Please. He was a werewolf - a dangerous monster. Coming to Hogwarts was an incredible chance, he wasn't about to put anyone at more risk than he already did by simply coming here.

His parents were still smiling when Remus took his seat, waving at them through the window. For a moment, he let himself imagine that he was normal - wrapped himself in the idea that he could have what every other kid in this train had, of how peaceful and nice that pain-free life would be. And then he let the bubble pop, letting in the dreary real world back in.

Sighing, he took out his Potions book and started reading. He was getting the best education he could. Best make something good out of it.