Dumbledore did not even look at Will. His voice carried the weight of years. "I hope you'll accept the position, Remus. Not just to teach the students how to protect themselves, but so you can stay at Hogwarts, close to Harry."
Lupin froze. He had never expected Dumbledore to offer him the position of Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, bringing him back to Hogwarts to protect Harry up close.
Lupin wanted to accept, but after several minutes, he shook his head. He was a werewolf. How could he teach at Hogwarts?
Memories of hardship and rejection brought a flicker of hesitation to his eyes. His job at the bookshop was going well, but only because no one there knew he was a werewolf.
But back at Hogwarts... Even if no one else said anything, Snape would probably reveal what he was. Then the students' parents would never allow their children to be taught by a werewolf.
"Professor Dumbledore, I... I can't take this position." Lupin's voice was bitter.
"Remus—" Dumbledore started to say more.
"I..." Lupin's voice caught. He took a deep breath and tried to steady himself. "You know about my... condition. I can't stay at Hogwarts. Perhaps I'm better off hiding what I am and living in the Muggle world."
A kind, law-abiding werewolf like Lupin would never hurt ordinary people in the Muggle world the way Fenrir Greyback did. As a wizard, Lupin would not even use magic on Muggles, though a little harmless magic could solve so many problems.
Outside the full moon, he sometimes went months without using magic at all, living just like a Muggle. Years of drifting from place to place had made him cherish a stable life all the more. Of course, it would be even better if Mrs. Green