I come to, sprawled on the floor amidst bottles of what's likely alcohol. Oddly enough, I don't recall drinking last night. In the haze of grogginess, it becomes evident that this unfamiliar place is not my own. My pounding headache intensifies as I stumble on auto-pilot to the toilet, retching the remnants of my stomach into the bowl.
Amidst the physical discomfort, memories begin to unfold in my mind, accompanied by a brain-freeze-like pain that threatens to knock me out again. As the pain subsides, I lose consciousness.
Nightfall greets me upon awakening, and the realisation hits hard—I've transmigrated into Remus Lupin's body, feeling the echo of his emotions. From the joy of camaraderie with James, Sirius, and Peter to the profound heartbreak that led to Remus' depression and, presumably, his demise.
Two days have crawled by, marked by the headlines in the latest copy of the Daily Prophet, declaring Sirius Black's descent into Azkaban for crimes he didn't commit—the murder of twelve Muggles and the treacherous role in the demise of the Potters. My transmigrated consciousness holds the key to the truth—Peter Pettigrew's deceitful hand in framing Sirius.
As Remus Lupin's emotions surge through me, I navigate the pendulum swing from the joyous camaraderie with James, Sirius, and Peter during our school days to the abyss of heartbreak that led to Remus' depression and, presumably, his untimely end. It's a roller coaster of feelings, and I find myself grappling with this emotional duality.
Maybe in the morning I think as I am still suffering from a really bad hangover.
The next morning sees me swing my arm up onto the bedside table looking for my wand and not finding it means the rest of me now has to move to look for the offending object and why it's not where I want it.
Not even two steps further I realise that I absolutely stink of stale beer, other alcohol and stale sweat so my first objective has changed to getting washed up and then cleaning these disgusting clothes I've been wearing for who knows how long.
After my washup I am feeling a hundred times better and then look for my wand. I find it for some reason sticking out of an empty bottle of whiskey sitting on its side almost off the counter. Grabbing the wand as I'm thinking of it I wave at the pile of dirty clothes ’Scourgify’ I think and then realise that I did it without actually trying to do it.
Apparently some spells are going to come naturally to me now that I’ve gotten Remus’s memories. Just as I’m about to put on my clothes I hear a banging on the door.
“You there, Remus?” A gruff voice from the other side. “Come on, Remus, op’n up. I don wan to bust down the door.'' It took a few seconds for my mind to reboot but I called back.
“Give me a minute, Hagrid. I'm not decent.” I called back.
“It's about time you answ’rd. I been look’n fer ya fer days. Look I know they were yer friends. They were mine too but you can’ just stop livin cause they're gone.”
Not knowing what came over me I rip open the door and shout at Hagrid with more anger than I thought possible.
“1 of my friends is in prison for the murders of the other 3 and now I'm the one left! ALONE! You can't even begin to know how I’m feeling!” I shout at him. Almost immediately I'm overwhelmed with shame. “I-I. Hagrid, I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me.”
“S’aright. I thought you might say some’it.” Hagrid says back.
I just looked at him shocked. When I got a good look at Hagrid I noticed that he's got cards floating around him. And he’s looking at me also shocked because I just shouted at him while wearing nothing but a towel.
“You mind waiting a minute?” I said not even waiting for an answer. I wave my wand and my hair dries as well as my clothing. Now that I'm fully dressed I go outside my apartment and see that Hagrid is still there, although slightly embarrassed.
“I’m sorry, Hagrid. I shouldn't have shouted at you. Can you forgive me?” I ask the gentle half-giant.
“Not a problem, don't worry about it.” he says waving off my apology like it's nothing. That makes me feel more ashamed. The cards are still there and I reach out to one of them and touch him on the arm after passing through one. Feeling a bit shocked at the fact that I passed through it, I'm mostly shocked that I went to reach for one of them without even thinking. Hagrid not knowing the difference just puts a big hand on my shoulder, almost making me collapse as he again tries to comfort me.
“James and Lily were good people, strong too, an Peter was brave goin’ after Sirius too. No one thought he’d do that.” Not wanting to tell Hagrid he’s wrong about Sirius and Peter, not until I have proof, I just pat the hand on my shoulder which seems to mollify the gentle giant and then bring him into the apartment.
“Is Harry alright, Hagrid?” I ask him, already knowing the answer from my transmigrator's memories. While I was asking I was paying more attention to the cards floating around him though.
“Dumbledore hid him away, had to. Too many Death Eaters still not been caught.” Hagrid says.
“Do you know where he went, Hagrid.” I ask him.
“No. Dumbledore said it would be dangerous for too many people to know, so he obliviated me after I dropped him off.” Hagrid says.
“That's good. Good. Look Hagrid, I appreciate you checking up on me.” I tell him, making him smile.
After the heart to heart with Hagrid he left after another hour or so and I was left to my thoughts. Mostly about the cards I saw. This is my gift for transmigrating, I think to myself.
Going into the bathroom I see a small mirror over the sink and look at myself wanting to see my own cards. When they appear I can't help but grin seeing them all.
I get my cloak and then leave the apartment locking it with a wave of my wand. Making my way down and to an alley I put up my hood and I apparate to Diagon Alley. Then slowly I walk around looking at all of the cards around everyone getting close enough to see them properly I can see that there is a subject written on each.
Not wanting to be creepy I take out my coin pouch to check how much I have left. Not much, just a handful of sickles and a bunch of knuts. I go to the Leaky Cauldron and order some food, sitting close to some other patrons so I can observe their cards. Looking at someones cards I realised I know instinctively what each card is about.
After looking at a blue card for Charms I can feel that I can extract it. Doing so I feel that I can absorb it into my own card, strengthening my own. Choosing my eyes as I do, I'm hit with a memory dump of all of that person's knowledge of Charms. Looking back at the same person I can no longer see any cards around them.
So this must be a cooldown period I think as I can still see cards of other patrons which I then take without remorse. Not wanting to be distracted by another memory dump while in public I get ready to go back to my apartment.
Over the next three days, I make my way to Diagon Alley, strategically selecting individuals from whom I can extract cards without drawing undue attention. This unique ability, granted by my transmigrated essence, allows me to collect a sufficient number of cards to fortify my own.
The colours shimmer with untold experiences, each card holding a piece of someone else's magical journey, unfortunately the common people never really amounted to much and most only went as far as they did in their schooling to pass their O.W.L’s and didn't really put too much effort into learning more.
Having gleaned as much as possible from Diagon Alley, I set my sights on the darker corners of the wizarding world — Knockturn Alley. The air here is thick with a different kind of magic, and the faces that greet me are both curious and wary. It's a place where shadows linger, and secrets are the currency of choice.
I move through the narrow, dimly lit alley with cautious steps, ensuring that my presence doesn't draw unnecessary attention. The inhabitants of Knockturn Alley are a different breed, and I understand that subtlety is my only ally. As I discreetly select individuals to extract cards from, I notice a stark contrast between the cards of those in Diagon Alley and those here. The experiences held within are darker, more complex, mirroring the nature of this notorious alley.
The colours still shimmer, but the narratives on these cards tell tales of clandestine meetings, Dark Arts spells, and dealings with magical creatures not found in the well-lit streets of Diagon. These cards hold the essence of individuals who have danced on the edge of the law, or perhaps beyond it.
As I weave through the crowd, I catch snippets of conversations about rumours and whispers in the magical underworld. Whispers that hint at hidden artefacts and dark rituals. It's a different kind of information that I gather here — not just academic knowledge but the kind of experiences that could prove invaluable in navigating the perilous path ahead.
However, the funds in my pouch dwindle with each transaction. The reality of my situation becomes apparent. The allure of dark magic and forbidden knowledge is countered by the pressing need for financial stability. Yet, the moral compass that guided my past life still holds true. I refuse to resort to criminal activities.
Days pass, and my situation becomes increasingly precarious. The cards I've collected have enhanced my magical abilities, but the cost has been steep. The choices become limited, and my reluctance to venture into the realm of illegality is tested.
As I sit in the darkest corner of the Leaky Cauldron, contemplating my next move, a familiar face appears before me. Hagrid, the gentle half-giant, sees the turmoil in my eyes and takes a seat.
"Remus, y'know, there are legal ways to earn a living. No need t' tread the paths that lead to no good," Hagrid says in his gruff yet reassuring voice.
Hagrid's gruff yet comforting words linger in the air as I absorb the reality of my situation. His insight into the shifting tides of magical society surprises me, but I appreciate the concern beneath his giant exterior.
"How did you know, Hagrid?" I ask, my curiosity evident. The gentle half-giant meets my gaze with a knowing look, his eyes reflecting a wisdom born from a life spent navigating the complexities of the magical world.
"I know some o' the people around, and they've been talkin' about ye. It's not safe anymore, too much attention on yerself," he replies, emphasising the urgency of adapting to the changing circumstances.
Hagrid's solution is straightforward — a job at Hogwarts. It may lack the allure of darker paths, but it offers a legitimate means of survival. The prospect of working within the walls of the magical institution also stirs a dormant longing within me — a chance to reconnect with the epicentre of magical knowledge.
"Ye have to contact Dumbledore yerself, but ye might be able to get yerself a groundskeeper job too, but it's an idea," Hagrid suggests, his words carrying the weight of both simplicity and practicality. It strikes me how I never considered this option before, a testament to the distraction of my quest for magical prowess and the previous Lupins depression and lack of self worth.
With a sigh, I accept Hagrid's proposal. Even in the shadows cast by the uncertain path ahead, a glimmer of light emerges. The prospect of honest work, away from the clandestine activities that had dominated my recent days, feels like a breath of fresh air.
As I prepare to make contact with Dumbledore, my mind races with the possibilities that come with working at Hogwarts. It's not just about survival; it's about rekindling my connection to the magical world, a world that holds secrets waiting to be uncovered.
The journey to Hogwarts promises more than just a job. It is an opportunity to rediscover forgotten corridors, explore hidden rooms, and perhaps even unveil the mysteries of the Room of Requirement — knowledge that the previous Lupin seemed to lack. The castle holds the key to my past and the answers that have eluded me since my transmigration.
As I prepare to embark on this new journey, the cards in my possession, now a mosaic of colours and experiences, whisper promises of potential and mysteries yet to be unravelled. The road ahead is uncertain, but with every step, I am determined to navigate it with integrity intact.
