Work Text:
1993- Hogwarts Express 9:30AM
Remus Lupin stared at the train he had last ridden in 1978, his final year at Hogwarts, 3 years before his pack had either been killed or brutally betrayed everything they stood for, (not that he believed for a second that Siri could or would betray James) and gave a deep shuddering breathe.
Gods, he thought, letting his gaze sweep over the empty platform, allowing his mind to drift back to 1971. Much like his first train ride, it was the night after a full moon and his body, all aching joints, and scraped bruises, was so tired. Everything changes and nothing does. He mused as he climbed aboard.
It took him but a moment to walk to the 5th car, 3rd cabin on the left, the same one he had rode on his first trip and every trip after, leaned into his corner and fell asleep to the gentle memory of laughter.
———
The quiet argument between the young Malfoy and Weasley boys had woken him, for a moment he had was in 1971, Sirius and James had been arguing, and Peter had shuffled in and quietly asked if he could join, and just like last time he cracked his eyes just long enough to identify the two at the door before ignoring it and dropped back into sleep.
————
1971
“-I’m just saying that you can choose to dedicate to any type of magic you want. I don’t have to follow family tradition.” A voice argued.
“Oh for fucks sake, Peter, was it? Should we just say fuck tradition, two heirs just saying fuck everything?” Another joked.
“….I….I honestly have no idea w-what you two a-are talking a-about.” A timid voice returned.
————
1993
The dreams turned from sweet memories to cold lonely nights, 13 years spent without his pack, dark thoughts filled his mind, and he was ripped into the waking world by the screams of children.
The Patronus came easily, the memory of his friends first transformation and running under the moonlight, filling him with love for them, and his wolf leap from his wand.
“We aren’t hiding Sirius Black under our robes, get off the train, and I WILL be speaking to Dumbledor about this.” He growled at the black Spector in the door, allowing his guardian to chase them from the train.
He watched the door until his wolf returned, and as it disappeared, job done, he turned to the students to check on them and found himself in 1971 all over again.
James Potter laying out on the floor, Sirius had tripped him, and laughing because “is that the best you could do Black?”
Peter giggling from the other seat, waking Remus up.
1971
Siri’s pure blood mask melting as he too began to laugh, before looking up and making eye contact with Remus, “Well the sleepy heads awake, Potter get up and say hello.” He said kicking the other boy in the leg.
“About time,” Potter said, popping up, sticking his hand out. “James Potter, this is my friend Sirius Black, and that’s Peter Pettigrew.” He introduced them.
“Remus Lupin” he murmured, it wouldn’t due to get attached. Sooner or later, they’d figure out he was a werewolf and that would be that, they would flee his sinking ship like rats and break his heart if he allowed himself close.
How wrong he had been, that friendship had lasted for damn near 10 years, those 3 boys who had loved him, regardless of his curse, regardless that he was a danger.
They had fought for each other, the had killed for each other, broken the law so he wouldn’t be alone, and he had never fallen asleep on the train again, because they had always been there, with a joke, a laugh, a hug.
1993
It all led back to that moment, when Sirius had tripped James, and woken him.
Now here he was, so many, many years later, in the same compartment, overwhelmed by the scent of his cub, his baby, who looked so much like James had, sprawled out on the floor.
Lily's green eyes blinked open in confusion.
“What happened?!” James' groggy voice rang out.
“Not to worry Harry, just the dementors.” He told him, pulling a bar of chocolate from his pocket, handing it to him. “Have a bit, it'll help. I’ve to go talk to the conductor.”
Escaping from the compartment he leaned against the wall, tears filled his eyes. The last time he had fallen asleep in that compartment he’d woken up to what would become his pack, his family.
It would seem history had a way of repeating itself, even for a broken lonely wolf. He would take this year to get to know the cub that he hadn't been allowed to see, he would track down Siri and get the truth, and somewhere in the middle he would try to figure out why the compartment still reeked of Wormtail.