Disclaimer: Remus, Sirius and their world are all the creation of J. K. Rowling.
Remus Wasn't
Remus wasn't as Sirius was. He wasn't as clever, wasn't as charming, as instantly disarming, as sparklingly witty, as side-stitchingly funny. He wasn't as foolhardy, as trusting, as fickle, as fun loving. Gods, he doubted he even had Sirius' boundless capacity for love but what he was, that he was sensible, that he studied to the point of slavishness, that he was devoted to achieving the best, that counted for something. At least, he'd thought it did.
Sirius had called him stupid, pig headed, arrogant for not taking the teaching post Dumbledore had offered the moment his N.E.W.T results had arrived.
"Defence Against the Dark Arts, Moons," Sirius had glowed with pride, "That's fucking fantastic!"
It wasn't just that he hadn't wanted it. That he'd wanted a break from school. That he worried for his and Sirius' relationship should he have to spend so long away. Yes, it was all of those things and yes it was offered kindly but it was that hint of pity that stung everything anyone ever did for him these days that had made Remus wave it away, mutter badly constructed, poorly executed excuses. Oh poor Remus Lupin, two Exceeds Expectations and 3 Outstandings and where had that got him?
Well, the counter at Flourish and Blots to be precise.
It wasn't a bad job. The salary was good, with two days off every month to cater for that furry little problem. Home in time for a take away, or on odd nights to codge dinner for him and Sirius. Their sex life was good. Nice hours then, and surrounded by books, but…
"'Scuse me love?" A large witch with a huge green feather in her hair puts a hand on his arm and says, in a rather loud voice, "I need 'Success and Stardom in 5 Easy Flicks' for my little granddaughter. Do you know where it'll be?"
Oh the irony, Remus thinks as he guides the plump witch through the shelves. I do hope she doesn't think grades are going to get her there.
