The Lost Prophecy | Year One

Furry Little Problem

The darkness fell upon the cloudy night sky. The only way one could navigate through the thick, dense woods was through the faint moonlight that shone through the clouds. Remus Lupin was hurrying down the lane into the woods as fast as his legs could carry him. His feet ached with each step he took. He thought his knees would soon give away and crumble down from the pain, but he kept walking.

Remus was determined to reach the hut before the full moon rose in the sky. The very thought of being out in the open when he transformed sent a shiver down his spine. He tightened his grip around his cloak as he increased his pace and peered up at the sky. The clouds were slowly clearing away, and the full moon was threatening to rise. He could feel his heart pounding wildly in his chest, and his vision blurred momentarily.

He leaned against a tree, trying to steady himself. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He had to think quickly. There was no way he would make it to the hut in time. He knew it was too late. He drew his wand from his robes and quietly muttered a spell.

"Lumos," The tip of his wand lit up, emitting a bright white light. Remus looked around and found himself deep inside the woods. The village was no longer in sight, and he knew no one would wander this deep into the woods at night.

"Thank Merlin," Remus sighed, relieved. He shook his head, composing himself, and started walking further into the woods. He came to a sudden halt seeing the old, crippling cottage before him.

The cramped cottage stood tall, surrounded by trees from all sides. Hadn't it been for the light from the wand, Remus wouldn't even realize it was there. The roof was covered with twigs, and branches spiked through the roof, into the cottage. There were hardly any windows and doors. The only way in was through a small opening, which looked like someone had broken a part of the wooden walls, to gain access into the cottage.

Remus found himself walking through the opening before he could even realize it. As soon as he stepped in, the rays of the moon engulfed the cottage. Remus Stiffened. A cry escaped his throat, and he fell to the floor. His shoulders hunched, and fur was sprouting through his spine, ripping his robes. His face and hands were covered with hair, as his bones cracked. His fingers replaced with claws as he transformed, and he stood on his hind legs, snarling and shrieking in pain, unaware of the fact that he was not alone in that cottage.

The warm sun rays fell on Remus as he lay crouching on the floor. He had turned back to himself, but it had been a long night. Remus could hardly recall anything, but he was very much aware of the pool of blood he was laying in. His body ached, and he could barely move. Every muscle and bone within him felt as though they have been ripped apart and set on fire. He tried to pull himself up, but a sharp pain shot through his leg. He winced and slouched down back on the floor.

A shrill cry echoed in the cottage, making Remus shudder. He looked around frantically, trying to locate the source of the noise. He pulled himself off the ground instantly, ignoring the pain that shot through his leg, and limped across the room.

A young boy, not older than five years old, was crouched against the wall. His shirt was torn, and his pants had patches of dried blood on them. He had a few scratches on his arms, and a long scar ran through his left cheek. The boy cowered at the sight of Remus, and tears rolled down his cheek.

"I- I'm so- sorry," The boy croaked.

Remus was horrified at the state of the young boy before him. He couldn't believe he had done this to him, he didn't want to. But he knew it was him, it had to be him. After all, no one else was there in the cottage. 'You're a monster' echoed a voice in his head. 'You need to be locked up' echoed another voice. 'Werewolf's like you deserve nothing but death' echoed another. 'He's not a monster' rang another voice in his head. 'He is!' screamed another.