Remus Lupin never wanted to attend Hogwarts. But with his parents unable to control his monthly transformations much longer, Remus finally gives in. At Hogwarts, he will be better protected. But fearful of the harm he could cause if his secret were ever known, Remus vows to keep everyone at arm's length. He certainly won't be making any friends.

"Not Slytherin, eh?" said the small voice with a touch of malicious glee. "Are you sure? You could be great, you know, it's all here in your head. And Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness, no doubt about that..."

Ed teaches himself to read using Lucius's fanfiction. He quickly becomes obsessed with this "Gentleman Pirate" and longs to see if the real thing is as fascinating at the fictional. Meanwhile, Stede discovers that he is shipped with the dread pirate Blackbeard. The stories Izzy writes disturb his delicate sensibilities, and he soon resolves to avoid Blackbeard at all costs.