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(no subject)

Who: Remus Lupin
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When: January 14th, early evening

[Remus sits on the floor in James' room, back against the bed, holding the communicator in one hand. The other is tangled in his hair; he pushes his hand through the tangled curls again and again throughout this little speech. Still, he smiles pleasantly enough. This first part is easy, after all.]

Right, hello. My name is Remus Lupin, I've been here a few months, and I've noticed a bit of a trend among those taken. There's quite a few of us with-- well, abilities, for lack of a better word. Abilities that most human beings don't have. They vary, of course, but-- it's an odd consistency. I've met more people with magic than I usually do in a year. Something to think on, perhaps.

In any case: even if it's a meaningless connection-- something that has no significance beyond sheer entertainment value-- I'd be interested to hear what everyone can do. Whether you call it magic or alchemy or even if it's-- god, I don't know, if you have a talent for juggling, I'd be interested. I want to know more about what kind of company I keep.

[His smile fades, now, and he hesitates visibly.]

For example, I, ah. I'm a wizard. Wand and all. I can do magic, which means anything from transfiguration to charms to knowing what plants to use to brew a good cold remedy. It's hardly infallible, but it's certainly useful. And, ah . . .

I'm a werewolf as well. The sort that only changes once a month. It's lasted here, but I seem to have control over it. I take quite a few precautions, so-- so it won't be a problem. I'm not the only werewolf here, nor the only other supernatural creature, but--

[He shrugs. His face is pale, now, the little scars standing out sharply against his skin-- but he forces himself to keep talking.]

I'm used to keeping it a secret at home. And I'm sure others are as well. So I suppose this is a . . . a way to let everyone know. Even if they don't want to tell anyone else, they know they're not alone.

[His mouth twists in a wry smirk.]

That, and I'm tired of keeping it a secret.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I ought to have explained, sorry. It's, um, a . . . well. We're not human, not any longer. Most of the time we look like this, but once a month I, ah, lose control of myself. Turn into a wolf, and usually lose my mind along with it. We're not particularly loved at home.

You mean... you shapeshift? ... But you're not an actual shapeshifter. You just have one form? And you can't control it?

[Is she getting this right?]

That's about the long and short of it, though I wouldn't use the word shapeshifter. But yes. Werewolf. Converted, not born-- which means I used to be human, but was bitten and made into one. It's why I have to keep myself locked away-- I don't want to risk anyone else becoming one.

Wait, converted? So... anyone can just make anyone else one of these-- werewolves-- just by biting them?

He's safe, Ahsoka.

[ he knows ahsoka is probably not going down that train of thought, and is really just wrapping her mind around the concept, but he just wants to make it clear earlier rather than later. ]

That wasn't what I was worried about, but I appreciate the concern.

I know, but you know how nosy people can be.

[ everyone could be watching the conversation, and everything is televised.

james offers a slight grin. ]

But my thanks for your open-mindedness.

[Ahsoka just looks puzzled.]

It's not something you have to thank me for.

I know it's not, but not everyone in our world's so kind.

[ so. ]

Just reinforcing it, that's all.

... People in your world are weird.

Preaching to the choir.

With intent. I mean, if I bit you now, I'd have to break the skin and get a fair bit of saliva into your bloodstream before anything happened. It's . . . easier as a wolf, for obvious reasons.

[He explains it steadily, but his hands have started shaking again-- which, honestly, might be why James interjects.]

Still... that seems pretty easy.

It's surprising that your whole planet hasn't become werewolves.

[He barks out a laugh, startled by that.]

God, no. Most people prefer to be allowed to die than turn into a werewolf.

What? ... That's stupid. Is it really that bad?

[He inhales, hesitates, and then exhales harshly.]

It's certainly not pleasant, losing your mind to pure bloodlust once a month. But I can't say I'd rather be dead.

[He rubs his face.]

Werewolves are also very heavily stigmatized against in my world. It's very difficult to find a job-- any job, honestly, never mind something you want to do. Add to the fact most people consider werewolves sub-human, something monstrous and awful . . . I suppose some consider death ultimately more dignified.

... Some people are stupid.

[He smiles, albeit tiredly.]

You sound like James. We are dangerous-- it isn't an entirely unfounded fear.

Can't you just lock yourself in a room for a day?

I do. But . . . you have to understand, it's not me. I get . . . demented. Intent. The moment he-- the wolf, I mean-- suspects he's being captive, he grows furious. Tries like hell to get out. I can't run wild, because I run the risk of hunting a human. But it's . . . James and I had to put half a hundred different spells on the doors here just to make sure I wouldn't get out. I usually go to an abandoned shack a mile away from anyone civilized, I--

[He breaks off suddenly, shaking his head.]

I'm not a monster, no. I just-- it's not entirely unfounded.

[Ahsoka seems unfazed.]

Huh. What about a sedative? Just have a big old sleep for a day.

A night-- but no, unfortunately. It hits me well enough, but it doesn't seem to take while I'm transformed. Alcohol doesn't work too, though that stuck-- I just vomited all night between snarling and biting. A werewolf with a hangover is not happy, I can tell you.

[Her briskness and unwillingness to concede his point is quite refreshing, actually-- it's the same thing James and Sirius do, and, just as with them, Remus finds himself cheering.]

My mother tried chains and collars, but that was ultimately unsuccessful.

Hmmm. It might just be that the chemicals necessary to subdue a human are different to that of a werewolf. I mean-- I know it's not always the same between humans and togruta, after all. Medicine isn't really my area of expertise, but... I can't believe that there's nothing that's capable of it.

Maybe it's just a matter someone needing to experiment to hit upon the right formula.

Edited 2016-01-17 03:14 (UTC)

[His face pales somewhat, though he knows she doesn't mean it that way. But experiment-- his mother had always been terrified of that, terrified of some mad magical researcher trying to find a cure through any means possible.]

Mm. Well, I suppose I, ah, have a lifetime to figure it out. But here, at least, I'm a bit more subdued. Able to exert a measure of control.

... Huh.

Do you think it's the Atroma's doing?