Lupin is the Only Adult in 'Harry Potter' Who Traveled to Hogwarts on the Magical Train: Can You Guess Why?
Of course, one of the reasons is his "wolf nature". But there is something else.
The wizarding world of Harry Potter is full of mysteries, but one of the most obscure is why Remus Lupin, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, traveled to Hogwarts on the Hogwarts Express. After all, adult wizards usually prefer other methods: transgression, flying cars or brooms — but certainly not a train full of schoolchildren.
Let's figure out what the catch is.
1. "Fresh" transformation: the consequences of the full moon
The action of Prisoner of Azkaban begins on September 1, 1993 — and the day before there was a full moon. For Lupin, this means only one thing: he has just experienced a painful transformation into a werewolf and is now physically exhausted.
"He was sleeping. Or rather, pretending to be sleeping," Hermione notes in the book.
Apparition requires concentration, and flying on a broomstick or in a car (like Ron and Harry did last year) requires strength that Lupin simply does not have. The train is the safest option for someone who can barely stand on his feet.
2. Poverty and stigma: why he has no choice
Lupin is one of the poorest characters in the saga. Because of his "peculiarity," he has been unable to find a job for years, wears shabby clothes, and can't even always afford Faw's gunpowder.
"Dumbledore offered me this job... despite my "problem," he admits later.
Alternative ways of traveling are beyond his means:
- The Knight Bus is a paid service (and it's unlikely that a werewolf would be allowed on it).
- Transgression is too energy-consuming.
- Portal — requires connections and resources.
- But the Hogwarts Express is free — perfect for an outcast with an empty wallet.
3. Hidden Mission: Protecting Harry
But there is also a conspiracy theory. Dumbledore put Lupin on the same train with Harry for a reason.
Sirius Black, a dangerous criminal, escaped from Azkaban. Dementors patrol the train, but they are unreliable. Lupin is the only one who recognizes Sirius and can resist him.
That is exactly what happens: when the Dementors attack Harry, Lupin saves him with the Patronus spell. Coincidence? In the world of the boy who lived — very unlikely.
