Beast Of The Whomping Willow

Remus

It had been ten years since the events that unfolded that fateful crisp autumn night. Remus Lupin was now ten years of age, and had the attitude to prove it. You would never of seen a more genuinely happy child at a toy shop. But if you were to dig a little deeper, you would notice the dozens of scars and marks that decorated the young boys frail frame. Small bite marks, Slashes that ran from neck to crotch.

Remus sat in the corner of his little room playing with a stuffed dragon toy, his drawings and art decorated the room. Most of his art was on the wall with the window, covering up all the patchwork that had to be done to repair the once knocked down barrier. Drawings of magical creatures great and small. Drawings of his imaginary friends, and drawings of his family. But one particular set of drawings would catch the attention of anyone who entered the cosy little dwelling. A cluster of drawings hung in the farthest corner of the room from the door, where the light struggled to reach. On these drawings were images of a long lanky creature, with pointed ears. One of these drawings depicted the creature standing up on its two hind legs. Whilst another showed the creatures creepy face. While another, rather sad drawing, showed the creature slumped over looking unhappy.

"Remmy come and get some lunch!"  Remus's mother called cheerfully from the kitchen

Remus hopped up excitedly and ran down the long hallway that lead towards the kitchen. He walked into the kitchen, a big grin covering his face.

"Remus dear, go wash your hands you filthy little animal" his mother said in a playful voice.

After washing his hands Remus returned to the kitchen, " What are we having Momma" the small boy asked curiously

"Jam sandwiches" 

Remus sat at the kitchen bench eagerly awaiting the food that was to come. 

"What have you been doing love?"

"Playing with silly sally!" He named the dragon silly sally because it was missing an eye and half of a wing.

"well why dont you go and fetch one of your books after lunch and we can do a spot of reading" His mother said.

Remus rolled his eyes.

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After lunch Remus's father walked into the small house, He looked at his wife and son with a look that could only be described as disgusted. He was a balding man of forty years. He had a thin build but was rather tall. He had piercing blue eyes that could stare daggers. He smelt of alcohol.

"Do you have any idea what tonight is!" he shouted at his family.

"Of course, love" Remus's Mother said calmly

"why is he up here!" He shouted back, pointing accusingly at Remus.

"Hon, it is not sundown for another three hours, i thought we could all do some reading together" She replied, trying to reason with her husband.

"I will not risk our lives to that little freak for some 'Reading'. What is wrong with you woman?" he replied, his voice like a knife.

Remus stood up sadly and walked down the little hallway and down the stairs that lead to the basement, as he had done many times before. In the rooms above, he could hear the shouting and screaming of his parents. His father hurling abuse, while his mother tried protecting him against the unreasonable wrath of the man he called father. The basement, if you could call it that, was a small cold room. It had concrete walls and floors.  In the back of the cold damp room, fixed tightly to the wall, was a chain with a collar attached to it. Remus walked slowly over to the chain and slid the collar over his little head. He sat on the ground and cried.

After what seemed like hours, he heard the tap and creak of someone coming down the stairs. Fearing it was his father, Remus recoiled defensively. The thick metal door creaked open slowly and his mother walked in.

"Now sweetheart, the moon will be going up now, i brought you some food" She was clutching a cage with a live rabbit inside.

"Thanks momma"

"Love, you know you're father loves you very much, he doesn't show it, but he truly wants the best for you" she sat down next to him, stroking his hair dotingly.

Remus started to tear up again. They sat in that spot together for another ten minutes, saying nothing. She continued to stroke his hair. As the first glimpse of the full moon inched around the corner of the small, barred window, Remus's mother stood up and walked towards the door. 

Remus's eyes were drawn towards the moon, His mouth was agape and he started to shake. Foam started forming in his mouth as his teeth were pushed upwards to reveal the sharp, canine teeth hidden beneath his normal teeth. His legs began to crack and his muscles popped. His jaw and face cracked and slid from the sockets, slowly taking the form of a snout. His body trembled and quaked violently. Thin hair follicles were forced  through his tightly stretched out skin. His tailbone was stretched out slightly revealing a thin, sickly looking tail.

As Remus's new form writhed back and forth on the cold ground, his mother looked at him sadly and locked the door behind herself.

The creature caught the scent of the small rabbit in the corner and inched towards it.