This Love

Chapter 1

March 10, 1971

On Remus Lupin's eleventh birthday, a strange old man showed up on the door step of the orphanage that he lived in. He knew he was different from the other boys there, for several different reasons. He turned into a wolf on every full moon, he was covered in scars from being locked up and chained down, and he could make things happen. Strange things. This tended to cause problems for him.

The matron of the orphanage knocked on Remus's door before walking in. Behind her was a strange man. He wore strange robes, had a long beard, half-moon spectacles. Remus didn't know what to think of him. But he was too tired from the full moon the night before to really give it much thought. Until Matron pulled the covers off Remus and told him to get up out of bed.

"You have a guest. Get out of bed this instant."

Remus did as he was told, slightly embarrassed to be scolded in front of the strange man. He was also in his pajamas and had bandages covering most of his body. He stood in front of the strange old man, almost like a display up for sale. At least that's what he felt like. And it wasn't a feeling he greatly appreciated.

"Mrs. Graham, I would like to speak to Mr. Lupin in private. If you wouldn't mind, of course." The strange old man looked to Matron, giving her a pointed look. She just huffed and walked out the door, closing it behind her.

The strange old man sat in the chair that was at Remus's desk, looking at him with a kind and patient face. Remus really hoped this strange old man was truly kind. He didn't have a lot of experience with adults other than the ones working at the orphanage, and they were all unkind. Except for Miss Phillips. She was in the kitchen and always made sure Remus had enough to eat.

They sat there in silence for a minute, Remus fidgeting uneasily while the strange old man just stared at him. Finally, he spoke. "Mr. Lupin, I would first start by saying happy birthday. I believe you turn eleven today, correct?"

Remus was surprised for several things. One, no one ever cared that it was his birthday besides Miss Phillips. And how did this stranger know it was his birthday? Matron must have told him, Remus decided. Even if she didn't care it was his birthday, it was probably something she knew.

Remus simply nodded, looking back down at his hands in his lap. The strange old man simply hummed. It was silent again for a few seconds.

"Mr. Lupin, have you ever been able to make something happen that has no explanation? Made something float in the air, changed the color of something?"

At this, Remus finally looked up. How did this strange old man know these things? Remus never told anyone about that. Except for the first few times when no one knew what was happening, Remus always made those things happen alone. It was one of his only sources of entertainment at the orphanage.

Remus wasn't sure what the right answer to this was. He knew he was different for a lot of reasons, but he wasn't sure if it would get him in trouble. Matron told him that he was going to be in a lot of trouble because he was different, but he was only eleven. Surly they wouldn't take him away.

When Remus showed no inclination to reply, the strange old man continued. "Mrs. Graham has informed me that you are quite a special child. Although, I will say, I did already know that. See, Mr. Lupin, you are not the only one who can do that type of magic." With that, the strange old man opened his hand and let a small butterfly out. But it wasn't any normal butterfly. It was sparkly silver and it flittered about the room before it vanished.

Remus stared at the strange old man, wide eyed and a little scared. "Mr. Lupin, my name is Albus Dumbledore and I am the headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. On September 1st you will be attending my school to be able to learn how to do magic, along with several other topics. You are a very special young man, Mr. Lupin."