Remus John Lupin

Remus John Lupin sat on the marshmallowy cushion of the window seat cheek resting on the soft grey fabric of his trousers as he hugged his knees to his chest, curled up in a defensive ball as a means of self comfort.

A glistening tear dribbled slowly from shining golden eyes dulled with sadness, he had thought that it would be different here, that he would have a chance of making friends even with his 'condition' as some put it.
When his Hogwarts letter had arrived hope had swelled inside him like a party balloon growing and growing, only to pop when certain boys took a metaphorical 'pin' to it, since he was four years old he had been different, the weirdo, the odd one out shunned by all in the village.

His father Lyall had told him magnificent stories about the old castle, sitting on the side of his bed, using his wand to light up the walls and project images that illustrated the adventures and crazy teachers.
At such a magic school where everything was possible and there was all manner of magical creatures why wouldn't he fit in?

He stifled a sob, it wasn't even his 'condition' that had isolated him as a target for the bullies, it was his shaggy robes with the frayed hems and patches, his worn out sickly look and the few scars along his face.
Gently running a finger along the raised grooves on his cheeks he reflected upon his life so far, the pain and suffering he endured once a month for six years and he would continue to do so forevermore.

What a comforting thought he chuckled wryly to himself, who would have thought that I would ever end up sitting in the Gryffindor Dormitory tucked on a draughty windowsill bemoaning life could I get anymore pathetic?

A creaking from the stairs to the boys dorm followed by shuffling footsteps and muffled laughter pulled him from his self pity and he scrubbed hastily at his eyes in an attempt to hide the tear tracks, it wouldn't do to have poor Lupin known as a cry baby on top of everything else, he was already the polar opposite of the boys in his dorm it would be better to not alienate them further.

Watching the staircase with apprehension and distrust in his eyes, he fiddled anxiously with his sleeve as he waited for the boys to appear, James Potter, Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew.
Two of the most popular boys in school already and it was only the third week, well it wasn't hard to see why, James with his rugged good looks and just tumbled out of bed hair and Sirius with his mischievous smile and playboy nature.

The whispering became louder and he secured his lip between teeth nervously, what would they think of him sitting down here, alone, in the middle of the night.
The whispering came to a sudden stop and Remus' eyes widened as he registered the fact that no one was standing in the stairwell, where had they gone?
He slipped down from the windowsill, baggy pyjama trousers trailing along the ground and floating around his slim figure, bare feet half covered as they tapped softly on the carpeted floor.

Suddenly two boys appeared from thin air with a whoosh of air and the sound of billowing material, Remus stumbled backwards with a yelp of surprise, promptly tripping over a red footstool and slamming to the ground with a muffled thud and grunt of pain.

"Well Sirius" James exclaimed, slipping his chunky round framed glasses further up his nose "look what we have here, our roommate up and about in the common room"

"Yes James" Sirius responded grinning "it would seem that our roommate is avoiding us"

Remus settled himself more comfortably on the floor, grimacing as he massaged an ankle that had twisted on the way down "just carry on and make your mischief wherever you want, I have had enough for today" he sighed in frustration.

The two boys exchanged a glance of confusion and as one swept towards the sitting boy and grabbed an arm each, dragging him to his feet and depositing him onto the squashy settee, James frowning in concern at the thin limbs and almost non -existent weight as they easily manoeuvred him.
Sirius plopped down beside the smaller boy whilst James examined the already slightly swollen ankle, "well, it's a little swollen but I think if you're careful then it should be fine by the morning" he smiled gently at the wide eyed Remus.

"Now, what on earth were you doing down here alone so early" Sirius exclaimed in shock, disbelieving of the fact that anyone would willingly give up sleep. Behind his glasses, James' hazel eyes narrowed as he noticed the red, irritated eyes and the slightly shining cheeks "and crying by the looks of it" he added softly.

Remus' golden head jerked up in shock, equally golden eyes widening and locking with the concerned hazel gaze, fine hair floating around chiselled cheekbones "w.. why would you think that" he stuttered in embarrassment cheeks burning with a bright blush.

"Your eyes are slightly red and your cheeks are slightly sparkly" James smiled gently feeling empathy for this frail and lonely looking boy.
He didn't understand how someone who seemed so sweet and endearing could be so lonely and upset, it seemed incredibly unfair.

Remus grimaced "I had hoped that it weren't that obvious, wouldn't want to give them anymore ammunition" shaking his head in despair.

"Who?" James asked in concern, " what did they do to you?" the thought of anyone being cruel to this shy and unassuming boy was unbearable.

A harsh barking laugh was his answer "who do you think" Remus sneered, " only the biggest bullies in the school, Malfoy and Lestrange. They're older, there's nothing anyone can do, i'm the poor kid with the tatty robes and the grotesque face" his breathing hitched in distress and he desperately fought back the tears stinging his eyes.

James wrapped an arm around the thin shoulders and pulled him into his side, breaking the dam on the tears as his body began to shake with sobs.
He looked over at Sirius and mouthed 'Get a blanket Siri'. The other boy jumped up in relief, completely unequipped to deal with emotional situations and glad to escape the awkwardness.

"Listen Remmy, can I call you Remmy?" James whispered softly, receiving no answer he ploughed on "I'll take that as a yes. Look, from now on you are our friend, you seem like a nice person and we have noticed you in lessons. We can't do anything to stop Malfoy and Lestrange, but we can be here for you when they target you. We will be there for you, from start to finish, no matter what!" he laid his cheek on the smaller boy's soft hair and smiled at Sirius as he returned with a thick, fluffy Gryffindor red blanket.

They carefully wrapped the slender boy in the blanket, arranging his trembling limbs safely and comfortably, at that moment he seemed years younger than he was and they couldn't help feeling like he was a long lost younger brother.

Remus remained deeply asleep, worn out by his emotional outburst and the three sat together in the quiet of the common room, "Hey Siri" James said quietly "I think this might be the start of a beautiful friendship"