DISCLAIMER: I own nothing except for Lisa Coulson. I am broke. Do not sue me. :-)

AN: This story takes place after Voldemort's defeat… which I am making happen over a number of months. Therefore, all the characters are having to repeat the last year (for our golden trio, this will be their 7th year). Also, Lisa will turn out to be related to one of the cannon characters. There is a plot line! Bear with me! God bless:-)

AND IF BY CHANCE…

With the repeal of the anti-werewolf legislation less than a month ago, Remus Lupin found himself back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Not that there was much need for a DADA professor now, but one couldn't be too careful. Volde… He-Who-Still-Must-Not-Be-Named… had been defeated in June, and the world once again appeared a safe place. He ran a hand through his sandy brown hair as he settled himself into the rather uncomfortable chair at the staff table in the Great Hall. Catching sight of a young woman hurrying towards the front, her head down as if trying not to draw attention, he smiled. The woman returned his smile as she took the seat beside him. Lupin gave her a wink, and the two turned their attention to the Headmaster poised at the podium.

"Welcome! Welcome to another year at Hogwarts!" Dumbledore's voice rang out through the crowd as he began his yearly beginning-of-term speech. "I have a few things to say, before we become befuddled by our excellent feast. I myself am particularly looking forward to the flaming kiwi cups, which, while somewhat treacherous for those of us with facial hair..."

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat.

"Yes, well… First, I'm pleased to welcome Assistant Professor Emma Elizabeth Coulson, who has kindly consented to co-teach Defense Against the Dark Arts with our very own Professor R.J. Lupin. Good luck to you both.

As Dumbledore continued his speech, Ron Weasley looked up from the Gryffindor table. "Wow… Professor Lupin looks… young! I guess with the defeat and all…."

Beside Ron, Harry Potter furrowed his brow. "I wonder why Professor Lupin needs an assistant…" he mused out loud, cutting Ron off in mid-sentence.

Hermione Granger tore her eyes away from the Headmaster just long enough to glance at the blonde woman seated beside Professor Lupin. There was something different about her, but she couldn't put her finger on just what. She shrugged it off as Dumbledore finished his announcements and the feast appeared before them.

I don't believe we've been properly introduced. I'm Remus Lupin." Lupin extended his hand to his new colleague.

"Elizabeth Coulson… but please, call me Lisa," she smiled, taking his hand. "Nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine," Lupin smiled back, holding onto her hand a moment longer than necessary. He could have sworn he saw a flicker of something in her eyes, but she pulled her hand away and turned her head before he could be sure. What was it, he mused. Empathy?... Understanding?... Recognition...

What he failed to realize was that she had seen that same faint flicker in his eyes, as well.

Both turned to stare at the Headmaster, who offered them nothing but a wink and a nod before turning back to his flaming kiwi cup.

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Alright, all. Please let me know what you think! I know it's extremely rough, but I wanna know if I should continue this little venture. Thanks! --BlueWolf--