Chapter 91: Talk with mom
Sunday, July 3, 1972.
It had been a few days since James had returned home and started his vacation. Today, he and his family had gone to a Puddlemere United pre-season game.
The game was won by Puddlemere with a good margin, so James was in a good mood after returning home. He missed spending time with his parents at Godric's Hollow.
Plus, it was relaxing not having to do homework for History of Magic, Astronomy, or other subjects James didn't like so much.
The only boring thing was being alone and not with his friends, the marauders. He had gotten used to living with them in the Gryffindor dormitories and common room. In a week or so, Peter and Toby would be coming to spend a few days at his house.
After completing his daily hours of study, James lay on his back on the couch in the living room of his house. He was reading a Quidditch book entitled: Beating the Bludgers: A Study of Defensive Strategy in Quidditch. Written by noted author Kennilworthy Whisp.
Whisp was an English author and quidditch expert. Known for having written several quidditch-related works, including the best-selling book "Quidditch Through the Ages."
'It would be very interesting to meet Whisp and talk quidditch... and get an autograph too,' James thought as he turned the page.
"Sweetheart, would you like something to snack on?" asked Euphemia, looking at James.
James stopped reading his book and looked at his mother, "What's on the menu?" he asked curiously.
"It's good of you to ask. For one thing, we have a delicious banana plum pudding or some cupcakes. Which do you prefer?" asked Euphemia.
'Mm... it's been a long time since I've eaten mom's cupcakes...' thought James as he decided what to choose.
"The cupcakes, please," he replied after a few seconds.
"Good choice, little boy," said Euphemia with a proud smile that her son was polite and knew how to say please and thank you. Besides, she had heard that James was the best freshman and had excellent grades, which made her feel more proud of her son.
"I'm not a little boy," James muttered in a low tone. However, Euphemia came to hear him.
"You'll always be a little boy to me," said Euphemia with a loving smile, "What's the matter? Are you worried about something?" she asked as she noticed something odd on her son's face.
"Eh? No, I'm fine," said James, surprised by the sudden question.
"Come on. Don't be shy. You can't hide from me that something is bothering you. I'm your mom," said Euphemia, sitting on the couch and putting James' head on her lap.
James looked at his mother's face from above. He realized it was impossible to escape. Somehow, she realized that he had concerns about something.
'If Gwen knows when I'm lying. It's not unusual for mom to know I'm worried about something...' thought James with a strange expression.
"Okay, but don't get mad, okay?" said James.
"Don't worry. Just tell me," Euphemia said in a calm tone, as she stroked James' hair gently.
'Where to start... I guess the day I find out,' thought James, as he began to narrate to her the facts of when he first began to suspect that Lupin was a werewolf.
He told her that Lupin disappeared once a month, and the next day, he was pale and skinnier than usual. After that, he noticed that he would disappear on a full moon and began to suspect that he was a werewolf.
Euphemia's face remained almost the same. Only a hint of surprise could be seen on it which she quickly hid. Her son was confiding in her by telling her about a problem. She would not make a scene because his friend is a werewolf.
Like James, Euphemia felt sorry for Lupin and his family, as it is very difficult to have to live with such a condition. She felt that Hogwarts especially Dumbledore was kind enough to let him attend and have a normal life.
Although James didn't 100% know if Dumbledore knew about this fact, it was common sense that he did, as Lupin should disappear with the help of the Hogwarts staff, and Euphemia thought the same.
"I understand... So, you don't know how to face him and talk about it, right?" asked Euphemia with a complicated expression.
She didn't think the problem James had was so complicated, although she felt sorry for Lupin, she also felt concerned for her son since he shares a room with a werewolf.
"Yes... Whenever I want to talk about more personal things with my friends, I end up fighting," nodded James with a downcast expression. It was like this with Gwen, Emily, and even Toby after several weeks they got back together.
"Don't be sad. The most personal topics are difficult to talk about and end well, you must be patient until that person decides to open up with you, and above all that you are willing to be patient..." answered Euphemia in a calm tone.
"I understand," said James.
"As for the subject of your friend Remus, it's complicated..." said Euphemia, not knowing where to start.
"You're not prejudiced against werewolves, are you Mom?" asked James worriedly, though he was almost certain his mother wasn't that kind of person.
"Of course not. I'm just worried about you, but if Dumbledore and the school staff know about it they must have already taken steps to make sure they're safe. If you want to talk to him and give him your support as a friend, you must do it from a safe place," Euphemia said in an irrefutable tone. She would not allow James to do something stupid to try to be with Lupin in his werewolf form, even though she knows her son is smart, as a mother she must set the boundaries.
"Of course," James said quickly.
"Well, to talk to Remus and not end up in an argument I don't think it would be very difficult," commented Euphemia.
"Really?" asked James in surprise. As much as he had turned his head a thousand times, he couldn't find a way to talk to Lupin and not have it end badly. Mainly because to be touching on such a personal and difficult subject could make Lupin angry or shut down.
"Yes. You should just talk to him alone and tell him that you suspect he is a werewolf, tell him in a good way without an accusatory tone. If he sees that you have goodwill and with all the evidence you got he will admit it," Euphemia explained.
"That easy?" asked James again.
"Yes. He has most likely been a werewolf for years. If he sees how his friend is willing to help him, he'll have no reason to argue. He'll even be grateful to you," replied Euphemia.
'Makes sense... Werewolves are very discriminated against. He might feel wary at first, but when he realizes I want to help him, he'll be grateful,' James thought as he nodded his head, and Euphemia looked at him with a smile.
"Problem solved?" asked Euphemia.
"Yes, thanks, Mom!" exclaimed James as he hugged Euphemia.
"You're welcome, sweetie. You get stronger every day," said Euphemia as she happily accepted James' hug.
"I'm sorry..." said James awkwardly.
"It's all fine. One last thing. When you start the new school year you should immediately talk to Lupin about this and have him tell you that the Hogwarts staff is aware of his situation," Euphemia said in a serious tone.
"Huh? Yes of course. Dumbledore almost certainly knows," said James.
"I think so too, but you must make sure and let me know as soon as possible. Otherwise, I will personally go to the school," said Euphemia with a frown.
There was a 1% chance that Dumbledore and the Hogwarts staff were not aware of Lupin's condition, and if that were the case she would not allow James to be sleeping with a werewolf who sneaks out on full moon days so as not to hurt anyone.
Although she doesn't think this situation is very possible, they are not 100% sure that the Hogwarts staff knows about Lupin's condition, so she must make sure, as a mother she puts her son's safety first.
"All right. I'll do it," James said obediently. He understood that his mother wanted to make 100% sure that Dumbledore knew and had the proper safeguards in place with the Lupin issue.
"That's good to hear. Now get some rest. The cupcakes will be up in a little while," said Euphemia, getting up from the couch and heading to the kitchen.
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