A faint knock at the door alerted Professor McGonagall that her next student had arrived. "Come in," she said curtly, placing her quill into its pot.
The boy entered slowly and shut the door carefully behind him with scarred hands. He hovered in the room, clutching a slightly crumpled piece of parchment. McGonagall stared at him over her glasses, her hands folded together, resting on the desk. When he still hadn't moved after a while, she said, "Are you going to sit down, Lupin, or am I going to be forced to shout across the room to you for the full duration of our meeting?"
"Oh, right, sorry," he said, his face flushing as hurriedly took a seat. "Thank you."
The Transfiguration professor studied him for a moment. Then, brisk as always, said, "As you are aware, Lupin, this is an opportunity to discuss your future career. Have you had any thoughts on the matter?"
"Well, yes, actually," said, fumbling with his notes. "I've compiled a list of careers and the subjects and grades needed."
He handed the parchment to her without glancing at it and she promptly scanned it, her sharp eyebrows raising steadily throughout.
Possible career options and subjects needed:
1. Filch's assistant - not greasy enough
2. Singing stripogram - need to work on physique and bulk up a little
3. Professor Dumbledore's beard comber - possibility
4. Peter Pettigrew's court jester - no juggling skills
5. Sirius Black and James Potter's manservant - haven't got the legs to wear obligatory maid uniform
6. Professor McGonagall's personal bloomers washer - might enjoy a little too much
There was a long pause as she stared at the parchment, her lips pursed. Remus just stared at his folded hands in his lap and waited for her to finish.
"Well you certainly do have high ambitions, Mr Lupin."
"Yes, I do realise that it won't be easy," he said seriously, his brow furrowed, "what with my condition and everything."
"There is that to be taken into consideration," she said thoughtfully, "though I'm not quite certain which grades would be needed."
Lupin looked confused. "I think you'll find them written next to the appropriate career."
She looked down at the parchment again. "Mm. Well, I think the fifth option would be quite achievable - I am sure that Potter and Black will find your legs perfectly acceptable."
Lupin's head jerked up. He looked at her as though she had gone mad. "Are you feeling alright, Professor?"
"Yes, Mr Lupin, I am perfectly well," she said, a faint trace of amusement on her lips. "I believe your friends, Potter and Black, however, may have been – ah – tinkering with your notes," she said, passing the parchment back to him.
He read it and his eyes widened, his face turning an immediate blotchy red. "I - I'm so sorry, Professor," he stammered and hurried to stand up, avoiding her gaze. "If - if you'll excuse me I – I've got two people I urgently need to curse.
And with that, he rushed out of the room without a backwards glance.