Lupin on the train (WAS: Werewolves and related topics)

[gwendolyngrace]

No: HPFGUIDX 33834

Cindy asked:
> So can anyone explain why Lupin would participate in this ruse of
> pretending to sleep if he was really sent there to protect Harry?

First of all, I don't think the two are mutually exclusive. I think he
was ill and tired and spent at least some of the trip really resting.

As for not introducing himself to Harry. Well, here's a few reasons:

1. He didn't know whether Harry was aware of Sirius Black's a. escape;
b. proported targetting of Harry; c. relationship to Harry via James;
d. relationship to the rest of the Marauders. Thus, he didn't want to
alarm Harry unnecessarily.

2. Here is a rare opportunity to observe Harry without Harry knowing
he's being watched. At one time, Remus and James were close friends.
Perhaps Lupin wants to see how like James Harry is? Perhaps it amuses
him to watch his friend's son without alerting Harry to his knowledge
of him? Or

2a. He wants to observe Harry, but is afraid that if he reveals
himself to Harry, Harry will begin asking questions he doesn't trust
himself to answer (cf the scenes where they're working on Patronus).

3. It's also an opportunity to observe a few of his students without
directly influencing them. Which leads to

4. He's respectful of their last hours of freedom and doesn't want to
"cramp their style" by being saddled with a teacher's company. He's
deliberately minimizing his impact on their behaviour by being there,
but not actively participating in anything.

Want more?

Gwen