School was hard enough for the average student, but you had extra stuff on your plate. You were getting behind in your classes and struggling to do work in your free time. Everyone was struggling with their N.E.W.T. preparation but being a werewolf added to that hell. You had missed three days of classes due to the full moon and the pain you experienced over the following next few days, so you were trying your best to catch up with what you had missed. You were sat in your defence against the dark arts class, but everything seemed foreign to you. You did your best to pretend to know what was going on so that Professor Lupin wouldn't question you, but you were still in a bit of pain and tired from not sleeping very well recently. It was clear that you were a mess. You hadn't brushed your hair, new scars covered your skin and the bruises of the full moon hadn't completely gone yet.

At the end of the class, you hoped to sneak out of the classroom and go get a nap before your next class, but your plan was foiled before you could ever walk away from your desk.

"Miss Y/L/N," Professor Lupin called out as everyone made their way from the room. "Please stay behind."

You had never been asked to stay behind before, so anxiety raged within you.

"I have a class to get to," you lied hoping he would buy it. Professor Lupin was the nicest professor you had, and you didn't want to lie to him, but you didn't want to stay behind.

"No, you don't," he stated. "You have a free period, as do I, so please take a seat."

He gestured towards the chair that he had pulled up to his desk. Having been caught in a lie, you didn't want to argue with him anymore.

"Have I done something wrong Professor?" You asked nervously.

"Please call me Remus. You aren't in trouble but, I would like to help you, hence the first name, this is beyond the relationship the average professor has with a student, but if my assumptions are right, you aren't an average student."

You cocked an eyebrow at him. "Pardon?"

He placed a potion vial and a folded scroll onto the desk, pushing them towards you.

"You have missed several classes, all around the full moon, the scratches and bruises and trips to the infirmary, it isn't normal, now is it?" He stated.

You didn't know what to say. Only Professor Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey knew about you being a werewolf and you didn't want anyone else to know.

"Um... I... Um..."

"You're a werewolf," he smiled softly. "Don't worry your secret is safe with me."

"How... How did you know?" You whispered.

He let out a chuckle. "I am the defence against the dark arts teacher. But you wouldn't have noticed as you aren't here, but I miss the same days you do."

"Wait... are you?" You asked.

He nodded his head.

"This vial contains a wolfsbane potion that professor Snape makes for me. I will keep your secret and get him to make double for you as well. It won't stop you from transforming but it will allow you to keep your mind. It isn't a lot, but it helps, believe me. And this is the marauders map. All you must do is tap it with your wand and say, 'I solemnly swear I am up to know good' and it will show you where everyone is in the castle, this is a safe route to the shrieking shack, where you can transform without danger of hurting anyone. Once you're done with the map, just tap it again and say, 'mischief managed'."

You couldn't help but smile. No one had ever shown you such kindness for being a werewolf.

"Thank you, Prof- Remus. Thank you so much," you smiled warmly.

"You don't have to thank me. You no longer must go through this on your own. When I was at school, I was lucky to have people to help me, so you shouldn't have it any different."

~*~

Written by Charlotte.

Tumblr Request