A/N: For the Too Many Cooks Challenge. This collection will serve as a companion to the lovely MissingMommy's, "I Will Wait For You In The Dark", a Sirius-centric collection set in the same world. She gave me the prompt "understand".
Also, for Sam, because she is forever the Remus to my Sirius.
Albus Dumbledore speaks, and Remus feels his stomach wretch slightly as nostalgia washes over him. Gone are the days of lighthearted speeches over feasts. This is different. This is war.
"I understand that the Order may not be for everyone," the old headmaster says kindly. "Know that if you decide you cannot handle it, you may leave with our good graces, though there will be a few powerful memory modification Charms."
James nudges Remus with his elbow, and Remus turns. "Scared, Moony?" he teases with a grin.
"Hardly, Prongs," Remus snorts.
"Mr. Potter Mr. Lupin," Albus says, "kindly pay attention. There might be a quiz later."
Cheeks flushing with color, Remus turns. In spite of his embarrassment, he can't help but to smile.
This is where he belongs.
