Lupin on the Train

[Blaise]

No: HPFGUIDX 154

Peg wrote:  

<<Hello, everyone, this is my inaugural message.  This is an 
interesting theory, Rita [that Remus was on the train to guard 
Harry], but I see a couple of problems with it.  Remember, Lupin was 
asleep when Harry got on the train, and in fact, slept through much 
of the journey.  He didn't choose to sit by Harry to guard him; 
Harry, Ron and Hermione chose to sit by him.>>

Remus wasn't necessarily on the train to guard only Harry, but to 
protect all the students from the Dementors, should any problems 
arise.  Therefore it would make no difference where he sat, and he 
can sleep until the end of the journey when the Dementors will 
arrive.  Obviously, fate and JKR combined to make Harry et al. sit 
with him, and as it turned out they were the ones who had difficulty 
with the Dementors.    

<<I think it is more likely that the timing of the full moon that 
month forced Lupin to delay his journey to Hogwarts so that he had to 
arrive later than the other teachers.  Note that Harry notices that 
Lupin looks as though he has been recently ill; presumably he has 
just gone through his monthly transformation.  Maybe the aftermath of 
the transformation just makes him a bit queasy about apparating for 
several days afterwards, and so Dumbledore arranged for him to take 
the express.>>

Okay, I have to play Hermione here and say, 'You can't Apparate to 
Hogwarts.'  Nonetheless, I think you're quite right that Remus' 
transformation had something to do with it.  I suppose that's why it 
was Remus who was on the train rather than any of the other 
teachers.        

And you can find 'A Second Chance' on www.fanfiction.net if you do a 
search for either the title or for Blaise - that's me.  I hope you 
enjoy it!    

~Blaise.