A Past Reborn
By: Angua27
Ah! Do you see that? This story is in angst! Since when do I write angst? *GASP* What has happened to me? Well, even though this isn't my normal type of fic, I still don't own anyone even though I REALLY want to own Remus. I can't wait for Book 5 so I can see my Reemy-kins again. Aw... Oh! I do own Sylvan. And Danielle. I know a lot of this is not accurate according to the books, but in my world Remus spontaneously became DADA teacher during their fifth year. I actually have a reason for it, but it's long and involved and I don't want to explain it because it's even more improbable than the spontaneous theory. Okay, I'll stop now. R/R and I'll finish this.
Chapter 1
Remus Lupin sat in his office poring over his sixth years' papers. There was a knock on the door just as he finished grading Ronald Weasley's.
"Coming," he called as he pushed his chair back. He pulled open the door to see none other than Professor Albus Dumbledore. "Professor Dumbledore! What brings you to my humble abode?" he asked smiling slightly.
"I have a letter for you," Dumbledore replied not returning the smile. "I'm sorry it isn't very good news, at least not most of it."
Professor Lupin glanced suspiciously at the headmaster as he opened the letter. It read:
To Remus J. Lupin,
We regret to inform you that on the 17th of September Ms. Danielle Caritas passed away from unknown causes. As per her last will and testament, she has bequeathed her estate upon her sole heir, Sylvan Lupin. Until the aforesaid gains his legal independence, you are specified to care for him and are therefore given control of all his assets. Please reply by owl post to Hoope Law Firm.
Sincerely,
Raymond Hoope, Attorney at Law
Remus read the letter again in disbelief.
"Professor Dumbledore, I - "
"Of course he will be coming to Hogwarts," Dumbledore interjected, misunderstanding Remus' intent. "I already received word from Faerun, that's the school in Northern Ireland, and he will be arriving Monday afternoon."
"I really don't know what to say. I mean, this is all so unexpected."
Professor Dumbledore nodded and rested his hand paternally on Remus' shoulder.
"Why don't you write them that letter now? I'll leave you to think." Professor Dumbledore began to leave, but hesitated at the door.
"Lemon drop, Remus?"
"Hmmm?"
"I just asked if you would care for a lemon drop."
"No, I don't think so," Remus answered offhandedly.
Professor Dumbledore eyed him for a moment and then placed a lemon drop on his desk. "Trust me, they're the best Muggle invention yet."
With that, he left.
Remus smiled and absently opened the candy. He hadn't thought he would ever hear of Danielle again. How many years had it been since he last saw her? Probably almost ... well, seventeen. That meant Sylvan - his son - must be Harry's age.
It was amazing; he could remember Danielle perfectly. Her nearly ebony hair, her hazel eyes, and the way she smiled. Oh, the way she smiled. It used to make him feel as though he's give up the world just to see her smile again. And the way she smelled. She never wore perfume, she was much too modern for that, but her shampoo and soap would leave the most wonderful traces mixed in with the scent that was just her. Remus closed his eyes and tried to feel her sitting next to him now, but it was impossible. All he could remember was the way she'd been that last day he saw her.
* * *
Remus opened the door to reveal Danielle Caritas. He pulled her in with the crook of his elbow and kissed her as if to prove to the world they were inseparable. She shifted awkwardly and he let her go sensing her discomfort.
"What's wrong?" he asked, watching her intently.
She blushed under his gaze. They had only been dating for a few months and unable to control their emotions.
Remus sat next to her on the couch and put his arm protectively around her.
"Are you crying?" he asked incredulously.
She nodded and looked pleadingly up at him.
"Remus," she whispered hoarsely. "I'm going to have a baby.
The color fled from Remus' face unable to stay for this new development.
"A baby?" he repeated.
"That is what I said," she responded, her voice on the edge of hysteria.
"Is it mine then?" he asked carefully.
"Of course!" she shrieked hitting his arm. "What kind of question is that?"
They looked at each other, as strangers for a moment and then she smiled. He felt his own mouth mirror hers as though it were a reflex. In a second they were both in the grips of laughter. She fell against him in a mixture of relief, sorrow, and joy. Remus nuzzled his nose into her dark hair.
"Marry me," he whispered.
She shot up as though he had whispered a death threat.
"What's wrong? I don't see what I said wrong."
She shook her head and backed away from him.
"I can't," she mumbled. "I have to leave."
"Wait, what do you mean? Why?"
"I just ... this is stupid. I shouldn't have even bothered coming here." She grabbed her handbag and blew a kiss at him. "I'm sorry Remus, really. I'll see you when this is over. I'll explain then."
Remus stepped toward Danielle, but as he did, she disapparated.
Remus stood alone in the middle of his living room with helpless tears welling up in his eyes.
* * *
That was the last time he had ever seen her. She was probably the only woman ever he thought he could spend the rest of his life with, but now she was gone, inexplicably gone. And now he knew that all the hope he had for seeing her again had disappeared as well.
Professor Lupin sighed heavily and turned back to the letter. He read it through one more time and then picked up his quill.
* * *
The next three days were a blur to Professor Lupin. He could barely concentrate on Friday's lessons and ended up allowing the students to study for their other classes. He received post from Hoope Law Firm on Saturday informing him that he now had 85,000 galleons to his name, thanks to Danielle.
Monday afternoon he was standing on the front steps of the school in the cool air. He scanned the horizon anxiously as he pulled his cloak tightly around him. It was only September, but he could already smell fall on the grounds. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them, a silvery carriage had appeared and a young man was stepping out.
He was about 16 yrs old, well he was 16 yrs old, but he looked it, which isn't always the case. His ash brown hair hung past his shoulders, but most of it was pulled back in a loose ponytail. He had the build of a skinny kid that had worked out, giving him a lean, muscular look. Professor Lupin bounded down the stairs to help with the suitcases. The boy surveyed him appraisingly.
"Are you the gamekeeper?" he asked shortly.
Professor Lupin felt his face tinge red. He was all to aware of the shabby state of his robes and sickly demeanor.
"No," he managed. "I'm the Defense Against Dark Arts teacher here." He waited to see if the significance of this sunk in. He was sure Dumbledore had said he mentioned his position, but the boys face didn't show it.
"Ah..." said the boy passively and brushed by him and up the steps.
Perplexed, Professor Lupin stared after him.
"Well, are you bringing my bags or not?" Sylvan called back. Professor Lupin gathered the bags and hurried up the steps.
Dumbledore was waiting in the entrance hall with Hagrid.
"Hagrid, why don't you take the boy's luggage," he whispered theatrically. "I believe he and Professor Lupin have much to catch up on."
"Right, sir," Hagrid boomed and grabbed the luggage under one enormous arm. Dumbledore smiled a little sadly at Lupin.
"I'll be back in a minute, there are some things I need to get ready for the Sorting Ceremony."
Remus turned to his son who was examining a portrait of a scowling wizard in a violent pink robe.
"So..." he began awkwardly.
Sylvan turned and eyed him suspiciously.
"You went to Faerun before, then?"
"Yes," he answered shortly.
"I don't think I've really properly introduced myself ... "
"You're Remus Lupin, my father. I know."
Remus paused. "Well, I thought ... I suppose this is difficult for you, but ... "
"Look, I don't blame you for my mum's death or hate you for leaving her because I know you didn't. She left you and frankly I'm not sure the three of us would have worked right together. Don't try all that psychology BS on me because it won't work. My teachers tried that at Faerun, but they were all a bunch of ignorant gits. And yes, I am a werewolf." Silence followed his outburst and he turned back to the Great Hall. "I wonder if the headmaster is finished with the Sorting Ceremony yet. I would really just like to set up my things." He headed toward the Great Hall and turned abruptly. "And please Remus, you haven't been my father for 16 years. Don't bother trying to act like it now."
* * *
"Did you hear about the new student?" Seamus asked no one in particular.
"He's Professor Lupin's son!" Dean exclaimed, as though no one else had heard yet.
"Really!" scoffed Hermione. "Why is it that everyone is making such a big deal out of this. He's a teacher, not a hermit. Of course he had a life before Hogwarts. Why shouldn't he have a son?"
"But still," Ron commented between mouthfuls of porridge. "It does seem weird. I never pictured Professor Lupin ... "
The three of them were silent for a second. Hermione's face had gone bright red. "Really, Ron," she chided.
"I didn't mean it that way!"
"I wonder what house he's in," Harry mused aloud in an attempt to break the train of thought.
"Gryffindor, of course."
"Why Gryffindor? I mean he could be in Ravenclaw. Besides, we didn't see him yesterday," Hermione said.
"So? Maybe he's not in our grade," Ron persisted.
"He is," said Harry. "I heard Dumbledore talking with McGonnagall last night."
"See! He was talking with McGonnagall. He must be in Gryffindor."
"Doesn't really matter." Harry pushed his plate away and stood up. "We have Transfiguration in ten minutes."
Hermione nodded. "We better go. We'll see if he's in Gryffindor or not then, which he won't be."
* * *
By: Angua27
Ah! Do you see that? This story is in angst! Since when do I write angst? *GASP* What has happened to me? Well, even though this isn't my normal type of fic, I still don't own anyone even though I REALLY want to own Remus. I can't wait for Book 5 so I can see my Reemy-kins again. Aw... Oh! I do own Sylvan. And Danielle. I know a lot of this is not accurate according to the books, but in my world Remus spontaneously became DADA teacher during their fifth year. I actually have a reason for it, but it's long and involved and I don't want to explain it because it's even more improbable than the spontaneous theory. Okay, I'll stop now. R/R and I'll finish this.
Chapter 1
Remus Lupin sat in his office poring over his sixth years' papers. There was a knock on the door just as he finished grading Ronald Weasley's.
"Coming," he called as he pushed his chair back. He pulled open the door to see none other than Professor Albus Dumbledore. "Professor Dumbledore! What brings you to my humble abode?" he asked smiling slightly.
"I have a letter for you," Dumbledore replied not returning the smile. "I'm sorry it isn't very good news, at least not most of it."
Professor Lupin glanced suspiciously at the headmaster as he opened the letter. It read:
To Remus J. Lupin,
We regret to inform you that on the 17th of September Ms. Danielle Caritas passed away from unknown causes. As per her last will and testament, she has bequeathed her estate upon her sole heir, Sylvan Lupin. Until the aforesaid gains his legal independence, you are specified to care for him and are therefore given control of all his assets. Please reply by owl post to Hoope Law Firm.
Sincerely,
Raymond Hoope, Attorney at Law
Remus read the letter again in disbelief.
"Professor Dumbledore, I - "
"Of course he will be coming to Hogwarts," Dumbledore interjected, misunderstanding Remus' intent. "I already received word from Faerun, that's the school in Northern Ireland, and he will be arriving Monday afternoon."
"I really don't know what to say. I mean, this is all so unexpected."
Professor Dumbledore nodded and rested his hand paternally on Remus' shoulder.
"Why don't you write them that letter now? I'll leave you to think." Professor Dumbledore began to leave, but hesitated at the door.
"Lemon drop, Remus?"
"Hmmm?"
"I just asked if you would care for a lemon drop."
"No, I don't think so," Remus answered offhandedly.
Professor Dumbledore eyed him for a moment and then placed a lemon drop on his desk. "Trust me, they're the best Muggle invention yet."
With that, he left.
Remus smiled and absently opened the candy. He hadn't thought he would ever hear of Danielle again. How many years had it been since he last saw her? Probably almost ... well, seventeen. That meant Sylvan - his son - must be Harry's age.
It was amazing; he could remember Danielle perfectly. Her nearly ebony hair, her hazel eyes, and the way she smiled. Oh, the way she smiled. It used to make him feel as though he's give up the world just to see her smile again. And the way she smelled. She never wore perfume, she was much too modern for that, but her shampoo and soap would leave the most wonderful traces mixed in with the scent that was just her. Remus closed his eyes and tried to feel her sitting next to him now, but it was impossible. All he could remember was the way she'd been that last day he saw her.
* * *
Remus opened the door to reveal Danielle Caritas. He pulled her in with the crook of his elbow and kissed her as if to prove to the world they were inseparable. She shifted awkwardly and he let her go sensing her discomfort.
"What's wrong?" he asked, watching her intently.
She blushed under his gaze. They had only been dating for a few months and unable to control their emotions.
Remus sat next to her on the couch and put his arm protectively around her.
"Are you crying?" he asked incredulously.
She nodded and looked pleadingly up at him.
"Remus," she whispered hoarsely. "I'm going to have a baby.
The color fled from Remus' face unable to stay for this new development.
"A baby?" he repeated.
"That is what I said," she responded, her voice on the edge of hysteria.
"Is it mine then?" he asked carefully.
"Of course!" she shrieked hitting his arm. "What kind of question is that?"
They looked at each other, as strangers for a moment and then she smiled. He felt his own mouth mirror hers as though it were a reflex. In a second they were both in the grips of laughter. She fell against him in a mixture of relief, sorrow, and joy. Remus nuzzled his nose into her dark hair.
"Marry me," he whispered.
She shot up as though he had whispered a death threat.
"What's wrong? I don't see what I said wrong."
She shook her head and backed away from him.
"I can't," she mumbled. "I have to leave."
"Wait, what do you mean? Why?"
"I just ... this is stupid. I shouldn't have even bothered coming here." She grabbed her handbag and blew a kiss at him. "I'm sorry Remus, really. I'll see you when this is over. I'll explain then."
Remus stepped toward Danielle, but as he did, she disapparated.
Remus stood alone in the middle of his living room with helpless tears welling up in his eyes.
* * *
That was the last time he had ever seen her. She was probably the only woman ever he thought he could spend the rest of his life with, but now she was gone, inexplicably gone. And now he knew that all the hope he had for seeing her again had disappeared as well.
Professor Lupin sighed heavily and turned back to the letter. He read it through one more time and then picked up his quill.
* * *
The next three days were a blur to Professor Lupin. He could barely concentrate on Friday's lessons and ended up allowing the students to study for their other classes. He received post from Hoope Law Firm on Saturday informing him that he now had 85,000 galleons to his name, thanks to Danielle.
Monday afternoon he was standing on the front steps of the school in the cool air. He scanned the horizon anxiously as he pulled his cloak tightly around him. It was only September, but he could already smell fall on the grounds. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them, a silvery carriage had appeared and a young man was stepping out.
He was about 16 yrs old, well he was 16 yrs old, but he looked it, which isn't always the case. His ash brown hair hung past his shoulders, but most of it was pulled back in a loose ponytail. He had the build of a skinny kid that had worked out, giving him a lean, muscular look. Professor Lupin bounded down the stairs to help with the suitcases. The boy surveyed him appraisingly.
"Are you the gamekeeper?" he asked shortly.
Professor Lupin felt his face tinge red. He was all to aware of the shabby state of his robes and sickly demeanor.
"No," he managed. "I'm the Defense Against Dark Arts teacher here." He waited to see if the significance of this sunk in. He was sure Dumbledore had said he mentioned his position, but the boys face didn't show it.
"Ah..." said the boy passively and brushed by him and up the steps.
Perplexed, Professor Lupin stared after him.
"Well, are you bringing my bags or not?" Sylvan called back. Professor Lupin gathered the bags and hurried up the steps.
Dumbledore was waiting in the entrance hall with Hagrid.
"Hagrid, why don't you take the boy's luggage," he whispered theatrically. "I believe he and Professor Lupin have much to catch up on."
"Right, sir," Hagrid boomed and grabbed the luggage under one enormous arm. Dumbledore smiled a little sadly at Lupin.
"I'll be back in a minute, there are some things I need to get ready for the Sorting Ceremony."
Remus turned to his son who was examining a portrait of a scowling wizard in a violent pink robe.
"So..." he began awkwardly.
Sylvan turned and eyed him suspiciously.
"You went to Faerun before, then?"
"Yes," he answered shortly.
"I don't think I've really properly introduced myself ... "
"You're Remus Lupin, my father. I know."
Remus paused. "Well, I thought ... I suppose this is difficult for you, but ... "
"Look, I don't blame you for my mum's death or hate you for leaving her because I know you didn't. She left you and frankly I'm not sure the three of us would have worked right together. Don't try all that psychology BS on me because it won't work. My teachers tried that at Faerun, but they were all a bunch of ignorant gits. And yes, I am a werewolf." Silence followed his outburst and he turned back to the Great Hall. "I wonder if the headmaster is finished with the Sorting Ceremony yet. I would really just like to set up my things." He headed toward the Great Hall and turned abruptly. "And please Remus, you haven't been my father for 16 years. Don't bother trying to act like it now."
* * *
"Did you hear about the new student?" Seamus asked no one in particular.
"He's Professor Lupin's son!" Dean exclaimed, as though no one else had heard yet.
"Really!" scoffed Hermione. "Why is it that everyone is making such a big deal out of this. He's a teacher, not a hermit. Of course he had a life before Hogwarts. Why shouldn't he have a son?"
"But still," Ron commented between mouthfuls of porridge. "It does seem weird. I never pictured Professor Lupin ... "
The three of them were silent for a second. Hermione's face had gone bright red. "Really, Ron," she chided.
"I didn't mean it that way!"
"I wonder what house he's in," Harry mused aloud in an attempt to break the train of thought.
"Gryffindor, of course."
"Why Gryffindor? I mean he could be in Ravenclaw. Besides, we didn't see him yesterday," Hermione said.
"So? Maybe he's not in our grade," Ron persisted.
"He is," said Harry. "I heard Dumbledore talking with McGonnagall last night."
"See! He was talking with McGonnagall. He must be in Gryffindor."
"Doesn't really matter." Harry pushed his plate away and stood up. "We have Transfiguration in ten minutes."
Hermione nodded. "We better go. We'll see if he's in Gryffindor or not then, which he won't be."
* * *