Silvia and the Rising Moon [EDITING]

A Visit From Albus Dumbledore

     As Remus grew older, he became much stronger. He was able to control his condition in order to protect those around him when he would turn. Life became almost calm for him and Silvia for the next three years.
The two had grown extensively in height by the time Remus reached his eleventh birthday. He appeared very disheveled, almost moody. The dark circles around his eyes contrasted magnificently with the whites of his scars in the moonlight, just moments before transformation. Silvia was tall and thin. Her long brown hair had fallen into a look of dismay once again. However, it was on Remus's birthday that Anastasia Clydesdale had introduced braids to Silvia.
     "It's my way of getting out of really fixing my hair," she exclaimed as her fingers brushed through and carefully untied Silvia's knots.
"Anastasia?" Silvia asked as the braid formed.
Anastasia paused. "What is it?" She asked.
"Why did your mum name you that?"
The girl smirked slightly before taking a deep breath. She began her story:
"Once upon a time, in a far away world called Russia, there lived a girl named Anastasia. She was the princess of the largest empire in the world. Her father was the emperor. Her young brother, Alexi, was very ill, so a magical man, a wizard, named Rasputin cured him. But, the people of Russia were not fond of this man. Some knew his magical secrets, others believed he was in love with the queen. The people came after him and they killed him," she dragged her thumb quickly across her throat as she spoke. Then she continued, "A big group of people came together and revolted. They killed the emperor and his wife. They killed Anastasia, they killed Alexi, and they killed all of their brothers and sisters. Many people left Russia. One of them being my ten year old grandmother, a witch named Afanasievna Evelina Bogdanov."
     Anastasia paused before completing her story. "I was named after the lost princess of Russia, who's death remains to this day a mystery."
     Silvia looked down at the dirt floor of the Clydesdale home. "I was named after Rhea Silvia."
     "Who's that?"
     Silvia smiled. "She's the mother of Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome."

When she returned home, she discovered a man in shining silver cloaks, a pointed cap, and a long grey beard sitting in their parlor. The family turned anxiously to Silvia.
     "Have a seat, Silvia," the old man said. She squeezed in a chair with Remus, who's face was flushed.
     Lyall sweated in an arm chair. Hope looked nauseous.
     "Now, there's nothing to be afraid of," the man reached out and patted Remus carefully on the shoulder. "You didn't believe that no one could have known about your little secret, did you?"
     Silvia stared at the ground. Suddenly, she looked to the man and spoke. "I know someone else who knows, but I didn't tell anybody. He visited me at my Auntie's house. His name was Fenrir. My Auntie Lita didn't like him at all."
     Lyall and Hope gasped. "Silvia, why didn't you tell us?"
     She shrugged. "Aunt Lita looked very scared."
     The old man placed a hand on Silvia's shoulder as well. Her heart pounded.
     "The two of you look absolutely petrified. I assure you, there's nothing about me to be afraid of." He smiled. "My name is Albus Dumbledore. I'm the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Luckily for you, Remus, I know your little secret."
     "Am I in trouble?" Remus asked cautiously.
     The headmaster laughed heartily. "No, no, of course not. Remus, I'd like to invite you to join me this fall for an education at Hogwarts."
     Remus smiled. "Really? Do you mean it?"
     "I mean it." There was a twinkle in Headmaster Dumbledore's eye.
     Lyall spoke up. "His affliction, bu– bu– but– what? How?"
     Dumbledore waved a hand to silence Lyall. "You were always so full of questions, Mr. Lupin. Luckily, I have answers." He stood up straight and tall before beginning his explanation. "At Hogsmeade, there is an old, dilapidated building that wizards and witches alike no longer dare to enter. Six years ago I discovered what had happened to young Remus. In order to prepare for Remus's arrival in his eleventh year, I planted a whomping willow tree on Hogwarts grounds near the shack. At the base of the tree lies an entrance for Remus to use in order to travel into the shack. There, he will be safe to transform during each full moon. I assure you all, Remus will safely attend Hogwarts this fall.
     Lyall stood in shock. "You mean this? You mean Remus, my son, can attend Hogwarts, just like I did?"
     Dumbledore smiled. "Yes, of course he can," He placed a hand on Remus's head, "as long as he follows my direction. Are you aware of the dangers you can put yourself and your colleagues in if you refuse to follow proper instruction?"
     Remus nodded.
     "Excellent! You will receive your letter come September." He ruffled Remus's hair and turned to Silvia. "What a lovely braid that is," he said before suddenly disapparating.