Chapter Thirty-Nine
Calm Before the Storm
Without the mask, where will you hide?
Can't find yourself lost in your lie.
I know the truth now, I know who you are
(Everybody's Fool - Evanescence)August 25th, 1975The rest of the summer broke down into lazy, relaxed days previously unheard of.
After Flooing into the Potter Manor in late July, Remus's parents came to collect him, and
Charlus and Dorea took it as an opportunity to reach out to them on behalf of the children.
Mrs Lupin was easy to persuade in regards to the new relationship that her son had with
Mia, but Mr Lupin looked pessimistically nervous about it all until Dorea produced old
books on werewolves from the family library.
"Where did you get these?" he asked her, wide-eyed. "I've studied everything, and
I've never seen these before."
"Sometimes it can be helpful to be associated with a family who has a history with
dabbling in the Dark Arts," Dorea said nonchalantly. "It's my understanding that
werewolves have been used in past wars by Dark wizards blackmailing them with promises
of freedoms. Unfortunately, it's a likely thing to recur. I assume you've heard the rumours?"
Mr Lupin nodded, whispering to keep his voice low, though he was unaware that
Mia's hearing was amplified thanks to her Animagus training. "Death Eaters. That's what
they're calling themselves."
Mrs Lupin gasped. "You think whoever is behind these attacks on Muggles and
Muggle-borns will be after wolves next?"
"We can't say," Charlus sadly admitted, "but we will offer you and your family any
knowledge we have. Your son has become quite a fixture in the lives of our children. My
daughter especially has a fondness for your boy."
Mrs Lupin looked pleased at that; Mr Lupin looked tense.