Over the Edge [ Lupin x Evans ]

Chapter 20: Dumbledore's decision

Remus Lupin stood on the wooden threshold of the house in Yorkshire, staring off into the distance with a vacant expression. A certain scene from many years ago came back to him. He had been standing in the very same spot, watching as an old wizard with a long, grey beard disappeared down the country lane, gradually fading from the werewolf's line of sight.

⤝°♦°⤞

The ten-year-old boy clutched a large wooden box tightly in his arms. He carefully navigated the stairs and, after a moment, entered the sitting room. He sat down in one of the two comfortable armchairs and began to lay out the board for Gargoyles on the coffee table. Unfortunately, he couldn't count on any company from his mother, let alone his father, who were both preoccupied with their own things. Hope Lupin was preparing dinner, while Lyall had disappeared upstairs into his study.

Little Remus could only dream of playing any kind of game — whether wizarding or Muggle — with someone other than his family. He had no friends or playmates from the village. The Muggle children in the area avoided him, some even running away at the mere sight of him. No other wizards lived nearby, apart from their neighbour, Ms. Margaret, so his parents rarely had adult guests, friends, or acquaintances. The Lupins lived in deep isolation, almost to the point of fear, wary of any visitors. Merlin knew what anyone might think or do if they found out that little Remus was a werewolf. The solution was simple. The Lupins avoided other people like the plague, which meant they, along with their son, lived in seclusion and loneliness. Their home was exceptionally well-protected by all known spells. It was important that no Muggle from the village ever heard about Remus's monthly transformations. The poor child was always chained up tightly and suffered in the cellar. However, despite all the precautions the Lupins took to keep him safe, none of them noticed when, one January day, a figure appeared in their small yard.

An old man with a long, grey beard had teleported almost right in front of the front door. He stood for a moment, scanning the area with a watchful gaze, as though calculating or contemplating something. After a while, he waved his hand effortlessly. This seemingly small gesture caused the air to crackle lightly, and something shimmered. Then, an almost invisible, matte shield appeared in the air, surrounding the entire house. The barrier slowly descended until it vanished at the old wizard's feet. Albus Dumbledore smiled to himself. Although the spells were clever and powerful, they couldn't deceive the most powerful wizard of their time. Dumbledore swiftly walked across the yard, amused by a pair of geese waddling by. He climbed a few steps, pushed open the door, and entered the house as though nothing were amiss.

Inside, a Muggle radio was playing loudly, the Lupins' favourite song filling the air. Albus's lips curled into a slight smile. At first glance, it was evident that this was a warm, family home, despite the curse of the monthly full moons and their visible poverty. Trinkets were scattered on shelves and cabinets, and on the walls, numerous magical photographs of little Remus and his loving parents were framed. The headmaster paused to admire a few drawings by the ten-year-old when he heard a slightly off-key singing from the kitchen.

"She's really got a magical spell, and it's working so well that I can't get away!"

Albus took a few steps toward the sound of the singing and music. He watched for a moment as a tall, slender woman with wheat-coloured hair swayed slightly to the song while stirring a pot on the stove. Dumbledore turned and began to head towards the sitting room, hearing a snippet of the chorus from the Muggle song:

"Because love grows where my Rosemary goes, a d nobody knows like me!"

The old wizard paused by the small living room. In one of the chairs sat ten-year-old Remus, his focused, amber eyes fixed on the Gargoyles board. The boy made a move, then quickly ran along the table to sit in the other armchair, assuming the role of his opponent. Dumbledore frowned at the sight. Was the child really this alone in a house full of love?