Remus Lupin

Lore & Background

Lupin is a half-blood, born to wizard Lyall Lupin and his Muggle wife Hope Howell on 10 March 1960. He was bitten by the werewolf Fenrir Greyback as a small child and became infected with lycanthropy, an incurable condition. Headmaster Albus Dumbledore allowed him to attend Hogwarts under protective measures: a house was built in Hogsmeade with a secret passage from under the Whomping Willow, where Lupin was confined for his monthly transformations. The villagers mistook his howling for violent ghosts, and the house was dubbed 'the Shrieking Shack.' Dumbledore promoted this rumour to discourage curious villagers. When Lupin started Hogwarts, his condition was kept secret, but James Potter, Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew deduced the truth in their second year. By their fifth year, they secretly learned to become Animagi to keep Lupin company during his transformations. His friends nicknamed him 'Moony' for his condition. In an interview, J. K. Rowling said Lupin has a desire to be liked 'because he's been disliked so often,' and his main failing is that 'he's always so pleased to have friends, so he cuts them an awful lot of slack.' According to Sirius, Lupin did not participate in James and Sirius's bullying, but Lupin regrets never having told them to stop. He is also one of the co-creators of the Marauder's Map.

In Their Own Story

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Lupin first appears on the Hogwarts Express, asleep, and 'looked as if one good curse would be able to finish him off.' When Dementors appeared, Lupin woke up 'holding what seemed to be a handful of flames.' He gave Harry private lessons in casting the Patronus Charm. Until the climax, Lupin believed Sirius Black was guilty of murdering 12 Muggles, betraying Lily and James Potter, and killing Peter Pettigrew. He discovered the truth in the Shrieking Shack—that Sirius was innocent and Peter was the traitor. However, Lupin had forgotten to take the Wolfsbane potion, and while Harry, Ron, and Hermione were distracted, Peter escaped. Lupin resigned after Snape exposed his werewolf condition. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Lupin reappears as an Order of the Phoenix member. He is described as having 'light brown hair' that is greying, wearing shabby patched clothing, and later a pale face with premature lines. He joins the advance guard who escorts Harry from the Dursley home and participates in the battle at the Department of Mysteries, where he duels Lucius Malfoy. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Lupin works undercover as a spy amongst werewolves under Fenrir Greyback. At the end, Nymphadora Tonks has fallen in love with him; he resisted due to being 'too old, too poor, and too dangerous,' but they are seen holding hands at Dumbledore's funeral. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Tonks reveals they were married. Lupin later stumbles upon the trio at Grimmauld Place, offering assistance. A heated argument reveals Tonks is pregnant; Lupin fears passing lycanthropy to his child and believes his marriage made Tonks an outcast. Harry criticises him for abandoning his family, calling him a coward. Lupin attacks Harry with his wand, smashing him into a wall, but leaves in a rage and eventually returns to Tonks's side. Lupin remains active in the Order of the Phoenix throughout the year.

Reader's Guide

Remus Lupin is defined by his lycanthropy and the prejudice he faces. As a teacher, he was held in extremely high regard by his students, excepting a few from Slytherin, who loved his hands-on teaching style. Harry and his friends considered him to have been their best Defence teacher. His primary magical strength is his deep knowledge of Dark Creatures and his ability to cast a corporeal Patronus. Key moments include teaching Harry the Patronus charm, revealing the truth about Sirius Black's innocence, and joining the fight at Hogwarts. His arc is tragic yet inspiring, showing a man who loves despite the fear of hurting others.

Did You Know?

• Lupin's first name 'Remus' is an allusion to Romulus and Remus, the legendary twin founders of Rome, who as infants were cared for by a she-wolf.
• His last name 'Lupin' recalls the English word 'lupine' (meaning 'characteristic of or relating to wolves'), which derives from Latin 'lupus' ('wolf').
• Lupin was bitten by the werewolf Fenrir Greyback when he was a small child.
• He was one of the co-creators of the Marauder's Map.
• When Lupin faces boggarts, they take the form of a globular full moon.