"Come in," Professor McGonagall said when there was a knock on her door.
James Potter walked in with barely any of the smile that was normally across his face.
"Please sit down Mr. Potter."
James sat in the seat opposite his head of house's desk and glanced at the pamphlets spread across her desk. "Is that a new biscuit tin?" he inquired. James had obviously been in her office enough times to recognize every object that covered her walls, shelves, and desk.
"It is. Would you like one?"
James hesitated for the first time ever after having been asked this question and shook his head lowering his eyes.
"Very well. Have you any thoughts about what you would like to do when you leave Hogwarts?" McGonagall continued.
"Well, Sirius and I are thinking about becoming Aurors." James replied.
"Yes Mr. Black did mention that as well. Well you'll need NEWTs in—"
James interjected, "With all due respect Professor, I already know which classes I need and where I need to work harder."
"Oh, well alright then. After Hogwarts you will have to continue working hard, you know that right?"
"Of course," he consented.
McGonagall nodded, "Do you have any questions?"
James paused for a moment, looking at his hands. When he finally spoke it was barely more than a whisper. "What exactly did you tell Remus he would be able to do after school?" James looked up at McGonagall and pressed on when she hesitated, "He told us that obviously it will be very hard for him to get a job even though he's brilliant, but is there anything he can do?"
"Mr. Lupin's situation is definitely… unique, and Professor Dumbledore and I are looking into it." She told the raven haired boy in front of her with a frown. James frowned in return. "Do you have any more questions?"
"How much… how much do Aurors make?"
McGonagall raised an eyebrow, "I assure you it is enough."
"Honestly, I don't know if your version of enough is the same as mine…" James trailed off at the end of his sentence hoping not to sound entirely rude.
"Mr. Potter," She began sternly, but James interrupted her again.
"I'm sorry; I didn't mean it to sound like that. It's just… do you think it will be enough to help out Remus? I know he will refuse any money, but Sirius and I really don't care. We're planning on pooling our extra money to support him, since… well, since his situation is unique as you say."
James looked at McGonagall surprised to see tears forming in her eyes. She took a deep breath and nodded her head, "I believe it will be enough."
"Thanks professor," James said as he stood and made his way to the door.
"He's lucky to have you all," McGonagall called out to the boy as he was reaching the door.
James turned around and grinned, "Nah, we're the lucky ones."