I'm not a coward, just shy (Hogwarts fanfic)

ch 3- Diagon Alley

It had been about a week since I arrived at the Leaky Caldron. Harry had arrived shortly after me. There was so story about him blowing up his aunt and using magic. I didn't tell him that I knew exactly why I was here. I couldn't. How would I start this conversion? Oh, by the way, my dad was responsible for the death of your parents and might be out to kill you too. I just couldn't tell him. I spend my days in my bed room playing on my guitar or trying to see what would happen next, but I got nothing in relation to what I needed. It was killing me not knowing. I wished I could just see the tiniest thing, but nothing of value. Other than that, I read. I had picked up a few books from Flourish and Blotts.

I had become very interest in Lycanthropy or werewolves. The day to day life, the history and what comes with the disease. I learned that it was a painful process, changing into a werewolf and that the person loses themselves. They can't control what they do and can end up killing the people closest to them. This makes them dangerous and feared. I can imagine that this would make it hard to work and socialize. I learn that once a man or woman is infected with Lycanthropy then they basically lose their rights as a human. I felt sick reading how werewolves were mistreated. How many suffers could to the forests, creating packs, just so they could feel normal. In a way I could relate. I can't control my visions and if I try not to see then it causes more pain and in the long run, it may cost me my life. However I can probably never understand the things these people go though.

Every day Harry would come down early for breakfast and go out into Diagon Alley. I asked him once why he went out every day. He told me that he like to go to the broom shop to look at a new broom, the firebolt. The Fastest broom ever created to date. He looked like he really wanted it but it had a big price tag and there was a limited supply. I simply came to the conclusion that I will never get Quidditch fans.

The Weasley and Hermione arrived a week before we would go back on the Hogwarts express. Mrs and Mr Weasley, Ginny and Hermione looked worried, while Ron, Fred and George seemed to think it was cooled, while Percy, couldn't care less about me. I should probably be used to that now. I remained distant, not wanting to hear them people about things they didn't understand. I had already picked up my school supplies for the year but since the others hadn't they decided to bring me along with them. It wasn't a big deal but the fact was I didn't like to go into Diagon Ally anymore. This was because every shop window, street corner and wall space was covered in his insane laughing face. They made me feel watched. So I scooped Stormy up and she took up normal place sleeping in the hood of my oversized hoodie and broke off from the group, telling them to meet me at flourish and Blotts. The owner had told me that would be a new book coming in about the creation of the wolfsbane potion and its effects on Lycanthropy.

As soon as l walked into the shop Mr Blott gave me a little wave and pointed to one of the shelves in the back where they keep the lycanthropy books. I nodded and waved back. When I got to the shelf there was someone already there. A tired looking man with mousey brown hair. His clothes were tattered and wore and he had a baggage on his right cheek. He had one of the new books in his hand, flicking though the pages. He had a small hand held trunk by his feet.

"Hello, You Professor Lupin, right" I blurted out before I could stop myself. He turned conclusion clear on his face and I couldn't h stop from blushing.

"Yes... but how to you know that" He questioned, I had to think fast.

"hmm... your case, Sir, Remus Lupin. Dumbledore spoke about you" I lied though the skin of my teeth.

"You know Professor Dumbledore?" He asked kindly. He didn't seem to not believe me so I carried on and I nodded. I didn't like lying but I had a talent for it.

"I am a Third year at Hogwarts, me and the Professor speak often. I Read the name off your case" I said pointing to his case where luckily his name was on his case. "I just... guessed there wouldn't be to many Remus Lupins about". He chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck, nodding.

"Yeah, your right about that. I am Remus Lupin, soon to be defense against the dark arts teacher" He put out his hand and I took it.

"Taylor Fleet, soon to be Gryffindor third year" His hand stiffened in mine when he heard my name.

"You're not the son of Emily Fleet are you?" He asked and it was my turn to tense a little before nodding.

"You know my mother?" I asked.

"Yes, not well though, we only exchanged words a few times. She was a Ravenclaw, brightness in the year, However I knew what happened to her after school".

"My mother passed when I was a few days old" my voice didn't sound like my own. It was stained. I cleared my throat trying to dislodged the pit which had stuck there. He made an "oh with his mouth.

"I apologies for bring it up" He looker sincere. I walked closer and pick up the Lycanthropy book I had wanted to get

"You like werewolves" He asked, probably trying to change the subject, I nodded.

"Yes, they are quite misunderstood" I peered at the back of the book.

"Most hate and fear them."

"As I said they are misunderstood."

"You speak as If you know what it is like" I could feel his eyes on me, I sucked in a breathe.

"In a way.... I know. I know what it is like to not be in control of something you never asked for. These people have been cursed, nothing more. Sure they are a danger but the only thing to fear from them is in which context you meet" I opened the book.

"I fear I don't understand" he spoke slowly, choosing his words carefully.

"Do you fear me?"

"Pardon?"

"Do you fear me holding this book?" I repeat this time looking into his chocolate coloured eyes and holding up the book.

"Of course not, but-"

"If I had a wand pointed at you with intent to harm, would you fear me?"

"Possible"

"Same people different situations. It is the same. I would be terrified if I meet a werewolf, but I would be scared if they were in human form. It is a little different though because a werewolf and it's human counterpart are more like a... two people. One side angry, fear, rage and emotions and the other is the control. The something that stops normal people from going bat shit crazy" I looked at hi realizing I had rambled a little. "Sorry does this make sense" he seemed to snap back to life.

"Yeah" He nodded, "you just sound like someone I used to know. You are wise beyond your years" He smiled kindly at. My cheeks turned pink at the complement.

"I wouldn't say that..."

"Well I shall see you at school then" He smiled before picking up his suit case and walking to the counter to pay for a copy of the book.

Soon after I paid for my own copy, Hermione, harry and Ron came in. Hermione had a box in her arms.

"What have you got?" I asked.

"Well, Since you have stormy, Ron has a pigwidgeon and harry has Hedwig, so I thought I should cat" She beamed. "this is crookshanks" she lifted the lid just enough for me to so the large tabby cat, with big yellow eyes and a face that made it look like it run into a door.

"Wouldn't you prefer a younger cat" I asked gently. She shook her brushy mane of hair. I sighed and smiled. "Stubborn as always" and she half hearty punched my shoulder.

"You have gotten taller again" She said.

"No you have just shrink" I tensed. I missed this. With Hermione and me it was such an easy friendship. Something that me, Ron and Harry didn't have.

"Anyway" she breathed, "we just need to get over books then we can head back." I nodded and help her get all her books which was a lot.

"Hermione, how many subjects are you taking" I asked looking at the tall stack of books.

"Well... all of them" she shrugged.

"But Hermione there only so much time in a week. How will you fit all of it in" I asked.

"McGonagall said she would sort it out"

"Ok if you say so"