Percy Jackson and the Hound of Hogwarts [Book 3]

50) Remus Lupin

"You killed my parents," Harry said, his voice shaking. His wand hand was steady.

"I don't deny it," Black said quietly. "But if you knew the whole story —"

"The whole story?" Harry repeated, scowling. "You sold them to Voldemort. That's all I need to know."

"You've got to listen to me," Black said, his tone urgent. "You'll regret it if you don't.... You don't understand...."

"I understand a lot better than you think," Harry's voice shook even more. "You never heard her, did you? My mum... trying to stop Voldemort killing me... and you did that... you did it...."

Suddenly, Crookshanks leapt onto Black's chest, settling over Black's heart. Black blinked down at the cat.

"Get off," he mumbled, trying to push Crookshanks off of him.

Crookshanks sank his claws into Black's robes and didn't move. He turned to look at Harry, and Hermione gave a sob.

After a moment, Harry raised his wand.

"Harry," I whispered. My friend didn't move, and I shook my head, "don't do this."

Suddenly, I heard steps beneath us.

"WE'RE UP HERE!" Hermione screamed immediately. "WE'RE UP HERE — SIRIUS BLACK — QUICK!"

Black jumped slightly, and Harry tightened his grip on his wand. I crept closer, ignoring the footsteps thundering up the stairs. "Harry. You don't want to do this."

"He killed my parents," Harry whispered.

"That doesn't mean you have to kill him," I said, gently placing my hand on his shoulder.

The door burst open in a shower of red sparks. I turned to see Lupin hurtling into the room, his face bloodless and his wand raised. His eyes scanned each of us.

"Expelliarmus!" Lupin yelled, and my sword flew out of my hand a second time.

"Would you guys stop doing that?" I pouted. "It's rude." Lupin blinked at me, then handed me the sword.

Lupin turned to Sirius, and spoke in a shaky voice, "Where is he, Sirius?"

I tilted my head, feeling as if I were missing some big piece of the puzzle.

For a while, Sirius remained motionless. Then, he lifted his arm and pointed at Ron. I glanced back at my friend, noting the bewildered expression on his face.

"But then..." Lupin muttered, staring intently at Black, "... why hasn't he shown himself before now? Unless —" his eyes widened, making connections. Understanding dawned his face —"unless he was the one... unless you switched... without telling me?"

Black nodded very slowly, his gaze never leaving Lupin's face.

"Professor," Harry said loudly, "what's going on —"

He never finished his sentence. Lupin lowered his wand, staring at Black. He walked to his side, grabbed his hand, and pulled him to his feet. Crookshanks fell to the ground, and Lupin and Sirius embraced like brothers.

I tilted my head curiously, and pieces of the puzzle started snapping in place.

"I DON'T BELIEVE IT!" Hermione screamed suddenly.

Lupin let go of Black and turned to Hermione, who was pointing at Lupin, wild-eyed. "You — you —"

"Hermione —"

"— you and him!"

"Hermione, calm down —"

"I didn't tell anyone!" Hermione shrieked.
"I've been covering up for you —"

"Hermione, listen to me, please!" Lupin yelled. "I can explain —"

"I trusted you," Harry shouted, his voice wavering, "and all the time you've been his friend!"

"You're wrong," Lupin said. "I haven't been Sirius's friend, but I am now — Let me explain...."

"NO!" Hermione shrieked. "Harry, don't trust him, he's been helping Black get into the castle, he wants you dead too — he's a werewolf!"

"You dumbass, Hermione," I shook my head, walking over to stand by Lupin and Sirius. "Being a werewolf doesn't make you evil. It has nothing to do with anything!"

Lupin stared down at me with surprise, then looked up at Hermione, "Not at all up to your usual standard, Hermione. Only one out of three, I'm afraid. I have not been helping Sirius get into the castle and I certainly don't want Harry dead...." a shiver passed over him. "But I won't deny that I am a werewolf."

Ron struggled to sit up, but fell back with a whimper of pain. Lupin moved toward him, clearly concerned.

"Get away from me, werewolf!"

Lupin stopped in his tracks. I hissed in Greek, "Being a werewolf doesn't make you evil, dumbasses! Say that again and I'll skewer you!" They blinked at me, and I let out a breath.

Lupin turned to Hermione, "How long have you known?"

"Ages," Hermione whispered. "Since I did Professor Snape's essay...."

"He'll be delighted," Lupin said smoothly. "He assigned that essay hoping someone would realize what my symptoms meant.... Did you check the lunar chart and realize that I was always ill at the full moon? Or did you realize that the boggart changed into the moon when it saw me?"

"Both," Hermione said lowly.

Lupin forced a laugh, "You're the cleverest witch of your age I've ever met, Hermione."

"I'm not," Hermione whispered. "If I'd been a bit cleverer, I'd have told everyone what you are!"

"But they already know," Lupin shrugged. "At least, the staff do."

"Dumbledore hired you when he knew you were a werewolf?" Ron gasped. "Is he mad?" I glared.

"Some of the staff thought so," Lupin said. "He had to work very hard convince certain teachers that I'm trustworthy —"

"AND HE WAS WRONG!" Harry yelled suddenly. "YOU'VE BEEN HELPING HIM ALL THE TIME!" He pointed at Black, who crossed the room suddenly, and sat on the bed. Crookshanks leapt onto his lap, purring. Ron scooted always from the both of them, dragging his leg.

"I have not been helping Sirius," Lupin repeated. "If you'll give me a chance, I'll explain. Look —"

He separated our wands, tossing them to my friends first then passing mine back to me.

"There," Lupin stuck his wand in his belt. "You're armed, we're not. Now will you listen?"

Sorry I didn't post sooner. I've been arguing with my mom for the past three hours. Uh, things have been really sucky lately. But some stuff has been all right. I went to a Thanksgiving thing at my friend's church. That was cool. I maybe(?) helped a friend with some relationship issues. Me and my friend actually started thinking of some stuff for our story. That stuff has been cool. Uh, my dog is adorable, and we got him a bow tie, so he's just even more adorable. Ummmmmm... our goat is gonna give birth soon probably. She keeps screaming. I had this art project, and it requires specific sized paper. The paper I got was too small, so I got counted off for it. It's for this collage. I really like it. Um. Idk what else to say. I kinda just want to press the publish button.

Anyway, I hope you have all had a fantastic Friday, and I will see you on Sunday! Love ya!