It Takes Two- part 3

Pairings: Remus/Harry

Rated: R

Notes: I have made the portrait in front of Harry's room be an Indian lady because I like Indians, that's all. I think there would be Indian witches and wizards, don't you:) There are also the beginnings of Original characters in here. They're first years, mainly, and there is a good reason for one of them.

.-.

Remus gaped at Harry.

"What do you mean 'is that all'?" he finally asked, though he was still stunned.

Harry's cheeks tinted lightly and he looked away. "Er, I just don't think it's that big of a deal. I don't mind that you think I'm handsome. I'm very flattered."

Remus wasn't sure if Harry understood why it was surprising to him that Harry wasn't fazed by his comment. He opened his mouth to ask Harry something, then closed it, but then opened it again.

"Harry… do you even know… I mean, why do you think it isn't such a big deal? You don't think it's odd that I'm telling you that I think you're handsome?"

Harry shrugged. "No, it's not odd. I mean, I don't think it's a big deal because I can tell when a guy is handsome or not, so why can't anyone else?"

Remus could hardly believe what he was hearing. He rubbed at his ears to make sure they weren't plugged, and tried again.

"So, you don't think it's too… weird… that I think you're handsome?"

"No," said Harry.

"You don't think it could be taken as… flirting? Or maybe actual attraction?"

Harry's mouth opened, but then he suddenly shut it, his eyes going wide. By golly, it looked like Harry finally understood.

But then he laughed. "Oh, Remus, you're so funny!"

Remus blinked. "I am? I mean, what makes you say that?"

"Because," chuckled Harry, cheeks red. "You're not gay!"

Remus stared at Harry, unable to move. It was possible that Harry didn't know the reason of why he had broken things off with Tonks. Perhaps Harry figured that it wasn't any of his business, so he hadn't asked.

"But what if I was bisexual?" Remus asked, leering slyly at him. "What then?"

Harry stopped laughing. He stared at Remus as if he'd never seen him before in his life. There was an awkward silence between them as Harry continued to stare at him. Remus racked his brains trying to think of something to say.

Then Harry shrugged and looked away, little spots of red forming on his cheeks. "If you are, I guess that's your business."

Ah, just as Remus thought. He wondered why talking about it embarrassed Harry. He didn't want to make Harry feel uncomfortable, so he decided to change the subject.

"So, uh, where am I sleeping tonight?"

Harry's face went even redder, and Remus almost laughed at that.

"There's only one room for the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, so I'm guessing we have to share. I don't know if there's another bed, though…" Harry scanned the room eagerly as if hoping there was another bed for Remus to take. Thoughts of having to share a bed with Harry made Remus feel hot under the collar.

"I'll just go talk to McGonagall about it," he said, turning around so that Harry couldn't see him blushing. "I'll be right back. You just go ahead and get ready for bed. If I don't come back, then I'll say my goodnights to you now…"

Harry smiled softly, face still faintly pink. "All right… good night, Remus."

Remus smiled back, stomach swooping as he stared into Harry's face. "Good night, Harry . . . . We're both professors now, so maybe I should call you 'Professor'?"

Harry ducked his head, shaking it. "No, that's ok… you can call me by my first name when we're alone." He looked back up, eyes shining and smile bright. Remus couldn't help smiling wider.

"All right. Just don't forget to call me Professor Lupin while we're teaching."

Harry nodded. "Right. 'Night."

"Good night," said Remus, and he shut the door softly behind him on the way out. He sighed and leaned back against the door, his heart going a mile a minute. Harry was more of a charmer than he knew.

.-.

After Remus was done talking to McGonagall, he made his way to his real quarters. His own were across from Harry's. He hadn't noticed it before because the entrance to it had a statue of a lion in front of it; the entrance to Harry's room was a portrait, like Gryffindor had, except it was a painting of some kind of warrior woman. She looked to be American Indian, but Remus wasn't sure. He hoped the password wouldn't change in the morning; he wanted to see Harry as soon as he was able.

He told the lion statue the password. The statue stood and walked calmly to the side, moving just like a real lion. Remus grasped the handle to the door that had been behind the statue and pulled. Once inside, he could hear the lion statue go back to its usual spot. For a moment he thought about Harry and wondered if he was fast asleep or if he were awake and thinking about him. Remus decided to take a quick shower and go back to see Harry and let him know where he was in case Harry needed him for something.

Taking the quickest shower he'd ever had since he was a teenager, Remus threw on whatever clothes he could find, along with his robe, and went across the hall. When he had opened the door, the lion statue had immediately leaped out of his way and sat off to the side, tail swishing and eyes glowing. Remus smiled at it, unable to help thinking how cute it looked. When he went to stand in front of the portrait to Harry's room, the lion padded silently back into its original position.

"Quidditch maneuvers," said Remus. The Indian lady nodded in acknowledgement and opened. Remus climbed in.

Harry was lying on the bed when he walked in. If it hadn't been for the fact that Harry's hair was wet, he'd think Harry hadn't moved from his spot since he left. Remus stood above him, watching him sleep. Unable to stop himself, Remus placed a hand on Harry's shoulder.

"Harry?" he said softly. Harry didn't stir, except for the steady rise and fall of his chest. Remus didn't want to disturb him, so he found a piece of parchment, quill, and ink to write him a note. He wrote where he was staying and what the password was in case he needed him for anything, signed it, and then stuck it on the little table next to Harry's bed where Harry's glasses were.

"See you tomorrow morning," Remus whispered. He almost leaned down to kiss Harry on the cheek, but resisted the temptation and just lightly moved a stray hair away from Harry's forehead. Harry didn't even stir.

There had been a time when Remus had done that to him, back when Harry was sleeping at Grimmauld Place during his fifth year, and Harry would move just a little and mumble something in his sleep. Now, however, Harry's body was so exhausted that it didn't register the soft touch. He was in such a deep sleep, Remus was worried that Harry wouldn't wake on time in the morning. He'd probably have to make sure Harry was up and ready for the first class.

Fatigue finally catching up with him, Remus left Harry's room. Again, he said the password for his own quarters quietly, the lion moved away from the door, and he went in. The bed was so comfortable that he fell asleep in an instant.

.-.

"Harry—Harry, wake up or you'll be late!" Remus said, shaking Harry gently. Harry barely stirred. If Harry didn't get up in the next minute, Remus would have to race down to the classroom and explain to the students what was going on. He didn't think it would make a good impression on them if their teacher were late on the first day of class.

"For Merlin's sake, Harry, wake up! I don't feel like explaining to your students why their teacher is late on his first day… Harry!"

Finally, Harry's eyes opened. When he saw Remus's face, he sat up like a shot, eyes wide.

"What's wrong, Remus?" he asked, apparently thinking that there was an emergency.

"You'll be late for class, that's what's wrong. Now get up or you won't make a good first impression on your students."

"Crap!" Harry said, realizing what Remus was saying. He swiftly got out of bed and started dressing.

"It's a good thing you took a shower last night," said Remus, watching Harry dress. He wasn't completely naked as he got into his teaching suit and robe, but Remus still couldn't help staring at Harry's physique. He didn't dare say anything, in case they got into another weird conversation like last night. He didn't want Harry to walk into the classroom looking like a beet.

"How'd you know I took a shower last night?" Harry asked, cheeks cherry red.

"Because I came in here to tell you where my sleeping quarters are—ah, here's the note I left. I guess you didn't see it yet. Anyway, I saw that your hair was wet, so I made the assumption that you took a shower before going to bed."

Harry nodded, looking very embarrassed. Remus was confused as to why, but didn't press the issue. He tapped the note on Harry's nightstand with a finger. "The note's here for you to read when you get back."

"Right," said Harry, still looking red. He quickly got his things together, teacher's edition under his arm and bag over his shoulder, before going out the portrait. Remus followed.

"So," said Remus as they walked together to the classroom. "How're we doing the payment thing?"

"Oh," said Harry, still looking straight ahead as he walked. "I'll just give you whatever they're paying me."

"That doesn't make much sense," said Remus. "That would be like me taking your earnings. Since you're the actual teacher, you should have a bigger salary than me…"

"But I couldn't do this without you, so you should earn what a teacher normally gets."

"Then you should be getting more than normal pay."

Harry shook his head, but he was biting his bottom lip as if in thought. They stayed in silence for a while, and right before they made it to the door to the classroom, Harry said, "Well, I guess you have a point, but I don't want you to feel cheated."

"If I ever thought I felt cheated, I'd let you know," said Remus firmly. "Let's not talk about this now; we have a class to teach."

Harry nodded in understanding, but Remus knew that Harry was eager to continue with their conversation. Now was not the time to discuss such things, though. The students didn't need to hear about their personal business.

The moment Harry walked in the room, the students that were there immediately stopped talking. They stared at Harry as he made it to the front of the room. They didn't seem to take notice of Remus yet, which was understanding since it was seemingly a big deal that Harry Potter was teaching them.

When they both reached the front, the students finally noticed Remus and started to whisper to each other. There was five minutes before class officially started, so Harry was taking that time to arrange his things on the desk and get his students' attendance folder out. The folder had all the names of the students in each class in it. He also got out the syllabus and opened the teacher's edition. A couple students ran into the room, just making it before the final bell rang.

Harry stared at the two latecomers. One had dark hair, like Harry's, and the other had red. Remus could only guess what was going through Harry's head as he stared at them. McGonagall had told him about the time when Harry and his best friend, Ron Weasley, had just barely made it to her class.

Remus had to nudge Harry to get him out of his stupor. Harry jumped and apologized for zoning out.

"Will you be all right?" Remus asked him quietly. Harry nodded and took out the attendance sheet. When he cleared his throat and started taking roll call, the class immediately fell silent.

"Bentley, William…" Harry called, and the red headed boy that had come in late raised his hand and said, "Here!"

"Chambers, Orion…"

"Here!"

"Cox, Thomas…"

"Here!" said a sandy-blond haired boy.

"Danger, Lauren…"

A girl with curly brown hair raised her hand high and said, "Here, sir!" Harry had to do a double take; she reminded him a lot of Hermione.

Harry continued to read down the list of names, and when he reached the name James Savage, the boy with the dark hair that came in late with William Bentley, he raised his hand and said, "Here, Professor."

Harry smiled softly at being called Professor.

Finally making it to the last name (Ethan Walker), he closed the attendance folder and moved around the desk to stand in front of the class. Remus watched him closely. Harry looked a little shaky as he stood there, but he was holding up remarkably well. Remus's eyes swept over the first years—they were Gryffindors.

"Hello," said Harry gently. "I'm your Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and hopefully I'll stay on as your teacher throughout your years at Hogwarts. As you probably know, my name's Harry Potter, but I'd prefer it if you call me by the appropriate title: Professor Potter." Harry's cheeks went pink again, but Harry ploughed on. "For reasons I don't want to get into right now, I'll be having an assistant helping me with lessons. I don't know if you know him, but his name is Remus Lupin, and you will address him as Professor as well. Please give him the respect you'd show me or any other teacher, because not only is he also my assistant, but he used to teach this class back when I was a third year."

The students either stared at Remus, Harry, or whispered to their neighbor. Harry did his best to ignore it.

"I believe the best way to learn Defense is by the practical approach. We will be doing some reading and maybe a few essays, but only if I think it's necessary. It is vital that you all learn how to defend yourselves, in case something happens in the near future . . .

"Now, open your books to page three, please…"

The students obeyed, and Harry smiled, eyes shining in a way Remus knew was exhilaration. There was no exhaustion there.

.-.

At the end of the day, after Harry finished teaching all the houses of different years, he collapsed onto his bed and put an arm over his eyes. Remus sat on the chair that was next to the bed, watching him.

"Did you overexert yourself?" he asked gently, placing a hand onto Harry's arm.

Harry sighed, not responding right away, but finally said, "Maybe."

"I figured you did," smiled Remus. "Still, you did a great job today, Harry." He rubbed Harry's arm in a soothing manner. "I'm really proud of you."

Harry smiled, peeking one eye out from under his elbow. "You think so?"

"Absolutely," said Remus. "But maybe we should do a trade off. You teach half a day, I teach the other half. Or we could pick which years to teach. I could teach the older students and you teach the younger. After all, it would seem more appropriate that you take care of the younger students, since I'm considered dangerous."

Harry rolled over onto his side and rested his head onto the elbow he'd just had over his eyes. "I didn't mind that you were a werewolf when I was a third year."

"I know. I suppose the Gryffindors wouldn't mind, but I don't want to take all of them away from you. I know how much you like working with the younger years, especially those first years."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"Well, you seemed to enjoy doing things with Mr. Savage and Mr. Bentley. If I wasn't mistaken, it looked like you were seeing Ron and yourself in them." Remus gave Harry a knowing grin. "You are, aren't you?"

Harry hid some of his face into the crook of his elbow. "Well, maybe… they do remind me of when Ron and I were first years…"

"Then I won't take away your pleasure of teaching them."

Harry looked at Remus, emotion swimming in his eyes. Remus smiled, and then patted Harry's shoulder. Harry blushed.

"Just rest now; I'll grade those papers for you. Unless you'd like to do the first years?"

Harry smiled again, cheeks a little red. "Yeah, you can leave the first year papers for me. I won't take that long of a nap."

Remus nodded, stood up, and made his way to the door. Before leaving, he turned around to get another look at Harry, but Harry's eyes were already closed, and it looked as if he was already falling asleep. Remus dimmed the lights in Harry's room and quietly left.

He went to their office where the papers were. Rarely Remus would grade papers in his own room because a student might need to talk to him before curfew. Just as he was getting through the third year papers (they were short quizzes on what they had just taught them in class), there was a soft knock on the door. When Remus looked up, he thought he was back in the past; the first year, James Savage, peeked his head around the door. With the shadows falling around him, Savage resembled Harry (and his father) in many ways, but didn't wear glasses. Remus nearly called him Harry, too, but he caught himself in time.

"Ha—Mr. Savage. Come in. What can I do for you?"

James Savage carefully entered, shutting the door softly behind him. "Um, sir? Is Professor Potter here?"

"He's resting," said Remus kindly. "I may be able to help you."

Savage walked slowly to the front of his desk, hands behind his back. He looked a little nervous.

"Have a seat, Mr. Savage," said Remus, gesturing to the chair.

The first year sat. He began to pick at the sleeve of his robe, fidgeting slightly. Remus was afraid of scaring him off; he patiently waited for the boy to speak first.

"Sir," Savage said, and then stopped for a moment, as if trying to find the words. His mouth opened and closed a few times, quivering.

"It's all right," said Remus gently. "You don't need to be nervous around me. I won't bite."

Savage made a 'meeping' noise. The second he did, Remus wanted to bury his face into his hands. He understood now just what the boy was about to ask.

"Have you come to ask about me?" Remus said. When Savage just looked at his shoes, he took that as a yes. "That's why you wanted to speak to Professor Potter, isn't it? You didn't want to seem rude for asking me."

Savage nodded ever so slightly. Remus sighed and pretended to be more interested in grading the papers in front of him, not that he wanted to ignore the boy at all, of course, but to make it seem like he didn't care if the boy knew about him. Honestly, he wished no one knew about his condition.

"The truth is, Mr. Savage… I am a werewolf. But Professor Potter said he'd have everything under control. I'll be taking a potion that ensures that I don't become dangerous when I transform during the full moon."

Savage looked up, eyes scanning Remus's face, possibly for the truth. Locking gazes, Remus nodded softly to indicate he was, indeed, telling the truth.

"Seriously?" Savage said in a small voice. "You really are a werewolf?"

"Yes," said Remus. His stomach lurched as he dreaded what the boy was about to say next. For some reason, he didn't think the boy would be like Harry in his mannerisms; he was trying to see young James Savage for the individual he was.

But, again, he surprised Remus with his attitude for everything going on around him.

"Wow, a real werewolf teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts!" Savage was beaming.

Remus nearly fell out of his seat. "Er, yes… well, Professor Potter is the actual teacher. I'm just the assistant."

"But you've taught here before?"

"Yes," said Remus carefully. He didn't know why it suddenly worried him to talk about it to the first year. He guessed it was because he never really talked to an eleven-year-old about his condition before. Harry'd been thirteen when he found out.

"I think it's brilliant!" smiled the boy. "I can't wait to tell Will that Chambers was right."

"Mr. Chambers found out?" blinked Remus. "How?"

Savage blushed. "Er, well, he heard it from Thomas Cox, who heard it from Lauren Danger."

"Oh?" said Remus. He remembered Miss Danger; she looked almost like Hermione Granger when she was a first year. "Do you know if Miss Danger is a Muggleborn by any chance?"

Savage shrugged. "I'm not sure. I never asked. Do you think she is?"

"It's possible. I've never heard of any wizarding family with the surname Danger before. She also seems the type. Professor Potter has a friend that resembles her."

"Really?" said Savage, looking shocked. "Is that why Professor Potter almost called her Granger?"

"He did?" Remus didn't remember that.

"Yeah, when he was asking her a question that was on the quiz he gave us, it sounded like he made a 'grr' noise before her last name, so it came out as 'Grr-danger.'" James Savage laughed.

Remus grinned, actually remembering that Harry did indeed say that. "Well, yeah. I guess that's why he almost said the wrong name." Remus sighed. "Anyway, is that all you came to ask?"

"Yeah…" said Savage shyly. "I just wanted to talk to Professor Potter too. I heard there were Quidditch tryouts this weekend and I heard that he used to be the best Seeker Gryffindor had ever had."

"You want to try out for the team, don't you?" Remus smiled. "Well, first years aren't allowed, actually."

"But Professor Potter became the youngest Quidditch player in a century!"

"Youngest Seeker," Remus corrected. "But yes. I'll let him know that you wish to speak to him. You should go back to your dormitory now, before it's curfew. We don't want you to be caught out of bed after hours and lose points for Gryffindor, now do we?"

"No, sir," said Savage. "I hope Professor Potter feels better tomorrow." The boy stood and made his way for the door.

'This boy is smarter than he looks,' Remus thought. "I'm sure he'll be just fine. He just needs his rest. You do too, if you want to make it to your class on time tomorrow."

"Oh, it's only History of Magic," said Savage flippantly. "I hear it's as boring as all hell…"

"Mr. Savage!" Remus warned. "Language."

Savage blushed. "Sorry. It's Will's fault. He swears a lot."

"Don't go picking up bad habits from Mr. Bentley," Remus reprimanded.

Savage smiled and gave Remus a small wink. "Will do, Professor Lupin."

Ah, Professor Lupin… he missed that title. "Good night, Mr. Savage."

"You can call me James," he grinned.

Remus frowned a little, but then laughed softly, shaking his head. "All right, James. Go to bed."

"Yes, Professor," grinned little James. He saluted before leaving, closing the door softly behind him. Remus didn't want to call the boy James… for reasons that were very understandable if you knew Remus well enough, but what was he to say to the boy? No? Then he'd have to explain himself, and he didn't feel like doing that.

Right as he finished grading the papers, except for the first years', there was another knock on the door. He looked up, about to ask who it was because it was way past curfew now and if James Savage was still up he would give the boy a good talking to, but stopped when he saw that it was Harry.

"May I come in?" Harry asked, smirking. "Professor?" he added playfully.

Remus sighed, but was smiling. "Yes, Harry, come in."

Harry came in and sat where young James Savage had been sitting about an hour ago. It was so eerie to see Harry acting almost like Savage had not to long ago, Remus rubbed at his eyes to make sure he wasn't imagining it.

"Are you all right?" Harry asked softly. "Do you want me to take over?"

"I'm finished," said Remus quickly. "I left the first year papers for you, though."

"All right, thanks," smiled Harry. "I'm still sleepy, but not as worn out as before. Did you eat yet?"

"No, but I was just thinking about calling a house-elf to get me something."

Harry's eyes twinkled. "Fancy a stroll to the kitchens?"

Remus smiled, wanting to say just what he fancied at the moment, but he doubted it was appropriate at the time. "I suppose. Are you hungry?"

"Famished," replied Harry easily.

"All right, then," said Remus, standing from his chair. "Let's go eat."

TBC