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Remus was sitting behind his desk, a large, dusty smelling tome opened beside him, a thick, muggle pen grasped in his now awkward grip. He was jotting down notes, the perpetual frown that followed well-worn lines on forehead an indication of his concentration. There was a knock on his door and Remus flinched at the unexpected noise and the pen smeared a line across his untidy scrawl. Frowning, he carefully lowered the pen and glanced at the clock that sat on his desk.

"Come in." He smiled at the lone student who hovered uncertainly in the doorway. "How was class today?"

Matthew Davidson shrugged. He slumped into the seat opposite the werewolf. "Not great."

Remus winced. "Well, then, let's have a look and see what we can review to make it a little better tomorrow, shall we?" Closing the heavy book, Remus stacked his notes neatly aside and motioned for the young man to spread his work upon the table.

Matthew spread the defence homework before his tutor. "I just don't get it!" He exploded suddenly. "Nothing seems to make sense and then when I read it, it all jumbles together! I am so stupid!"

"Matthew, look at me," Remus' voice was uncharacteristically stern. "Look at me. You are not stupid! I never want to hear you say that again. You are quite one of my brightest students but you measure yourself against those people who have no trouble learning. I wish that they would apply themselves as much as you did! Twice a week you come to me and that shows your dedication to learning."

The anger deflated from the boy. "I'll never amount to much."

Raising an eyebrow Remus looked steadily at the boy. "And why is that?"

"I am rubbish at potions and defence."

"You like arithmacy? Have you ever thought of working at Gringotts? Or become an arithmacy professor? Or an accountant, or working in the ministry in their accounting departments? Or what about Herbology, Professor Long Bottom tells me you are quite gifted in that area? It is rare to be able to train virtually untrainable plants."

Matthew flushed.

"No one can ever say that they will never amount to much. You are young and have your whole life ahead of you. You will do quite well, I think."

"When you left school what did you want to do?"

Remus smiled faintly. "I wanted to become an Auror like my friends were. As a werewolf, of course, that was quite impossible."

Colour burned into the young man's face as he realised exactly how his moaning must have sounded. "Sorry, Professor."

"Rubbish," Remus waved his hand. "Now, Professor Potter gave me the notes from last week and this, I am sorry I wasn't up to seeing you last week."

Matthew shook his head. "Don't worry, Professor Potter gave me some extra class work to help with last week and said that you would see me again today."

"Well then," Remus motioned to the papers. "Let's start."

Matthew leaned forward and lifted his quill. He breathed in deeply and began to slowly run through the questions that he could barely comprehend.

It didn't take long before Matthew was leaning his elbows on his desk and listening intently as Remus spoke.

"I wish it was this easy in class." Matthew said finally as the clock chimed loudly.

Remus chuckled as he watched the teenager pack away his books. "In class there are a great deal more of you. It's much easier to work with just one student as oppose to twenty or more. Come again on Thursday and we will review this weeks lessons."

"Thanks, Professor Lupin." Matthew stood.

"And if you ever need to talk my door is always open," Remus reassured. "Even the week after the full moon."

Matthew smiled and nodded before he walked out the room. The set of his shoulders had relaxed and the stress that had clouded his face had vanished.

Blinky appeared by Remus' side. "Tea for you, Professor," she piped. "Before you has another student."

"Thank you, Blinky." Remus flexed his fingers before wrapping them around the warm surface of the mug. He would have his group of three next, the top three students in Harry's class who came to him to refine the spells that Harry did not have time to teach them in the class room environment. Then would be dinner.

"Blinky? Would you please come back before dinner?"

"Of course, Professor!" The house elf nodded reassuringly. "I wills come and help you once the students has left."

"Thank you. Come in," he called before his students had a chance to knock and the three seventh years entered, laughing at the fact that they had still not managed to sneak up on their tutor.


The rules had become relaxed since Minerva McGonagall took over as Headmistress of Hogwarts. Families of the teachers were now allowed to live in the castle, to join them at the head table at dinner and the environment seemed changed, better for it.

Remus sat in his usual seat between Harry and Severus. His wheelchair fit perfectly under the table and his magically steadied utensils were ready for him. Filius Flitwick had charmed the plates so that Remus only had to tap the side of the plate with his fork for the food to cut itself into manageable pieces. The goblet before him had a thick stem that he could grip more easily and the house elves always ensured that his favourites were all within reach.

His eyes swept the noisy Great Hall. Teddy's presence was always enjoyed by the students when he visited and the little boy revelled in the attention that he received from some of Remus' favourite students. Green eyes narrowed slightly as sullen faces at the Ravenclaw table caught his attention. He turned towards Severus, a small smile fixed on his face.

"What makes that trio in Ravenclaw look towards us so angrily? Has something happened?"

"There was an incident in Transfiguration today and Juliet punished them accordingly."

Remus glanced down the table towards Juliet Summerly, the new transfiguration teacher who had arrived at Hogwarts two years previous. She was a year younger than himself and he was unable to remember the quiet Hufflepuff, though she had informed him, with some amusement, that she remembered him and his friends well. "She is pure-blood is she not?"

"Yes," Severus confirmed. "But she shot the young idiots there down and they were not happy that a pure blood witch was championing muggle borns."

Remus shook his head. "You would think that a war a mere five years before would be enough to stop this foolishness!"

"I fear this foolishness as you call it will never stop. You are too optimistic, Remus."

Remus' eyes were steady as he stared at his friend. "Perhaps I am," he agreed. "Though, my optimisim occasionally wins out?"

Severus snorted. "Yes? And when would that be?"

"You and I are friends, are we not? I believe I expressed a desire for that once at Grimmauld Place."

Severus raised an eyebrow. "We are friends because I took pity on your unconscious carcass."

"Yes," Remus agreed with an amused smile. "But, we are still friends."

Severus scowled and turned back to his food. "Insufferable werewolf," he muttered, ignoring the quiet chuckle from Remus as he turned back to their food. Neither of them noticed the poisonous looks shot towards them or that certain students from the Slytherin and Ravenclaw tables turned towards one another, bitter, angry expressions on their young faces.


"Remus? Can I have a quick word?" Neville Longbottom stood framed in the doorway of Remus' sitting room. The werewolf looked up from his book and smiled.

"Of course. Come in. Tea?"

"No, thank you, I won't stay long. You look tired."

Remus waved aside the concern. "I always look tired. Comes with the delights of being a crippled werewolf."

Neville frowned. "I wish you wouldn't talk like that."

Remus' faint smile faded. "I don't mind, you know," he reassured. "I am quite used to the wheelchair now and the werewolf thing… well; it was old news long before your parents even thought about dating."

Neville smiled at the words. He pulled a seat closer to Remus' couch.

"Something is troubling you?"

"I am in love with Luna Lovegood."

"Yes," Remus agreed.

Neville blinked. "You know."

"Neville, my boy, everyone with eyes knows."

The young man slumped back in his chair and frowned heavily at his former teacher. "Does she know?"

"I cannot say that for sure. I don't interact with her often enough, but I would say there is a fair chance she does. She is a lovely girl. You are well suited for one another."

"So you don't think it's completely daft? Gran was a little worried because… well, you know how Luna is."

"She kept me quite entertained when I taught her," Remus agreed. "But she proved herself loyal and courageous during the war. She is a brave-hearted girl. Very sweet."

Neville nodded. "Yes, she is."

"And if you love her…?"

"I do. I am going to actually start taking her out properly." Neville sounded decisive. "Thank you."

"Is that what you came to talk to me about?"

Neville laughed and relaxed. "Partially. You know, Harry and I were talking a few weeks ago about how so many students from all houses come to you to talk over their problems. So many people lost their fathers in the war, on both sides. I know that I view you as a substitute for the father I never knew and so does Harry. Teddy is a lucky boy."

Remus flushed. "Thank you, Neville. I am simply glad that you are both comfortable enough to come to me when something is troubling you."

Neville snorted. "Rather you than Professor Snape."

"Oh, he's not so bad," Remus scolded.

Laughing, the Herbology professor shook his head. "I still believe that I am not forgiven for my boggart! That was the class I decided that you would always be my favourite professor."

"There wasn't much competition," Remus retorted.

Neville's grin acknowledged the words. "Harry told me that you told him about the students the other day."

"Mmm, Severus informed me that if I did not tell Harry he would. They seem to have caused trouble in Transfiguration today."

"Yes. They are being watched closely and I think that it is making matters worse. Just… be careful, all right? You allow students in here all the time. Just make sure you are on your guard, with any of them. Polyjuice potion can be used for those you trust."

Remus tapped the side of his nose. "Polyjuice potion does not change someone's core scent, little things most people don't notice but given my wolf like talents I do. I will be quite fine, Neville."

"Well, someone has to worry about you. I have homework to mark. I will see you tomorrow, good night, Remus."

"Good night, Professor Worry."

Neville's laugh floated back to Remus.


Tonks knocked on the door and waited for Remus' voice to bid her enter. She wore her heavy Auror robes and she could see the surprise on his face before it was carefully schooled into calm.

"Hi," she smiled crookedly. Approaching his desk she raised an eyebrow at the papers spread across his desk. "Busy day?"

"Always."

"What are you working on?"

"Just going over some lesson plans for Harry."

"Ah."

"Have a seat. Tea?"

"Umm, no, it's ok. I'm not staying long. We had to speak to Professor McGonagall about some security matters and David said I should come down here and talk to you while I am here. I've been meaning to talk to you since Teddy came back."

Remus folded his hands out of sight to hide their sudden trembling. His jaw clenched a little.

Tonks' eyes widened. "Oh! Nothing bad! He was full of stories about how much fun he had. No, David and I were talking and we thought that perhaps we should have a more scheduled plan for Teddy's visits, that way what happened with mum won't happen again."

Remus nodded slowly. "Perhaps tea?"

Tonks smiled. "So very English. Tea would be lovely. Let me tell David to meet me back at the office."

A swish of her wand and a Patronus formed. It was a wolf. She murmered soft words that Remus forced himself not to listen to. When she turned back to him it was to see a house elf placing a tea tray on the desk. Remus had piled the papers to one side and she watched as the small creature set a mug before the werewolf.

"Still white with two sugars?"

"Yes," Tonks murmered. The tea made itself and the cup and saucer floated to hover before her. "Thanks. I still think it's odd I only take two sugars in my tea. Before… you know… I used to take five!"

"Yes," Remus half smiled. "You dropped by half a sugar a month because Sirius was teasing you about it. Said it was shocking that you actually had more sugar then me."

Tonks sipped her tea. "I wish I remembered him," her voice was wistful. "Kingsley tells me that we were good friends."

Remus concentrated on wrapping his weakened hands around the mug and lifting it slowly. Tonks failed in her attempt not to stare as she watched him slowly lift the cup to his lips. She had never thought about how painstaking it must before.

"You were very close," Remus said finally. Tea sloshed slightly as he set the cup down heavily and he frowned. His clumsiness had never irritated him more.

"It was a bit of a shock to find out my Patronus had changed." Tonks grinned suddenly. "The first time I cast it was when I was proving myself fit to get back into the Auror department and I nearly fell over from the shock."

"Ah, no one warned you about that then?"

"No. They did not." She averted her eyes as he took another laborious sip of tea. There was a picture on his desk and she turned it to face her. She smiled. It was taken perhaps six months ago and was of Teddy and Remus. The little boys face was contorted in hysterical laughter as his father tickled him. The sun was shining and Tonks could see the wind that flittered through the leaves behind them. "This is lovely."

"It's one of my favourites." Remus agreed. "You wanted to talk about Teddy?"

"Yes," Tonks nodded, relieved that small talk was over. "I really am sorry about what happened with Mum. She told me she was going to be bringing Teddy over and when I got home that night… David said I shouldn't come over, it was late, we had a long day and I knew that the full moon…"

"It's fine, Tonks." Remus muttered.

"No!" Her eyes flashed. "It's not fine! I am making a horrid mess at apologising! But I will make sure it won't happen again. I'm not sure how. But I will. David and I were talking and we can arrange it that one of use will bring him here every second weekend."

"For the whole weekend?" Remus questioned.

Tonks nodded. "Yes. He is your son; you deserve to see him more than you do. I…"

"You don't even remember meeting me, Tonks. I don't blame you for being wary about sending your son here."

Tonks set the cup on the desk. "I might not remember," she spoke carefully. "But I did marry you. That has to count for something. Even if I don't remember it. At all. And I let my mother dictate when my son saw his father. That was wrong of me, I am sorry, Remus."

Remus watched her closely. "You know," his words were slow. "It won't always work perfectly. The full moon…"

"We will work around it. If it ruins one of your weekends you can have two in a row. We will manage it."

Remus swallowed. "Thank you, Dora… Tonks," he corrected hastily.

Tonks nodded once. She rose. "I should go. I… we thought it best to talk about it as soon as possible. You don't mind David dropping him off if I am working do you? It means Teddy will actually get here."

"No, I don't mind." Remus was aware of how hollow his voice must sound.

Tonks smiled. Her hair was dark brown, tied in a tight bun at her neck. "Thanks. I will see you later."

"Thank you," Remus called as she left the room. The door swung shut behind her and Remus was left alone once more. He rubbed his forehead wearily as a slight headache that had blossomed when Tonks had entered seemed to grow into a thunderous pounding. It was quite possibly their longest interaction since he had woken five years ago to realise his wife had no recollection of their life together. He knew that his frailty made her uncomfortable. Her curiosity had been unveiled as she had watched him. He dug his fingers at his temple. He had grown accustomed to his limitations, had accepted them with good grace but seeing her brown eyes wide with pity had made overwhelming despair crash down on him. Merlin he missed her. His pink haired darling. Breathing in deeply Remus shifted in his chair and grimaced as pain shot through his back. It was better this way, he reminded himself forcefully as he pulled the lesson plans towards him, it was better that she did not remember that she was happy with the man she now loved.


He stared dully at the words that blurred on the words before him. Pain seared behind his eyes and he was rubbing at his forehead when the door opened. Harry paused before he close the door behind him and crossed the room.

"Remus?" His hand fell onto his friend's shoulder. "I heard that Tonks was here."

Remus lifted his head. "Harry…" His voice was hoarse; he made a futile attempt to straighten and sucked in his breath. "How did you hear that?"

Harry shifted a heavy book and settled on the edge of the desk. "Ran into Dimples and she told me. Why was she here?"

"Talking about Teddy."

Harry frowned. "You all right? You are rather pale."

Remus' eyes flittered up and he winced at the bright light that streamed through the window. "Headache," he muttered.

Harry nodded. "Who are you tutoring today?"

"Samuel Lynch and Josie Crew."

"I will have Blinky find them and tell them to put it off till tomorrow. They can review their material today."

"No, it's fine, I will manage."

"Was it bad news about Teddy?"

Remus' face softened. "No, good news." He frowned as Harry tapped the glass orb that hung near his chair, the orb that would summon one of the house elves. "Tonks and David—" he ignored Harry's murmur of disgust. "Have been discussing the rather irregular visitation pattern we have and have decided I should see my son every second weekend."

Harry snorted.

"For the whole weekend."

"That's an improvement." Harry muttered. "Ah, Giant. Can you please tell…. What houses are the students in?"

"Hufflepuff and Gryffindor."

"Excellent, the appropriate prefects that Professor Lupin won't be able to teach Samuel Lynch and Josie Crew today."

"Harry!" Remus sounded irritated.

Harry sighed. "Fine. Tell them that they need to push their session back an hour. Is that acceptable?"

Remus frowned. "I can manage."

"Yes," Harry smiled. "But let me make myself feel better and make you a little more comfortable."

Remus sighed heavily. "You fuss far too much about this."

"Yet, I am still your favourite." Harry laughed as he pushed the chair into Remus' private rooms. "Why don't you lie down for an hour? It will be easier on your back."

Remus closed his eyes and nodded once.

"Do you still love her?" Harry asked suddenly as he helped Remus shift to the long couch.

Green eyes opened and regarded the young man closely. "Yes," he spoke slowly. Watching Harry sort through the box of potions, selecting a few and setting them aside, he continued in a low tone. "But I think it is better she doesn't remember."

Harry frowned. "Here, pain potion, and headache potion. It's time for the anti-spasm potion isn't it?"

Remus nodded and then winced again at the throbbing in his head.

Harry helped the werewolf swallow the potions before he spoke again. "Why is her not remembering a good thing?" He lifted a frail hand and frowned at the tremors that shook it.

"Because I could never have asked her to stay with me now."

Harry's brow contracted.

"I love her, Harry, but I was always…. There was always such a difference between us. It's better that she is with someone like David."

"But that doesn't stop you loving her."

"I doubt I will ever stop loving her, Harry. Tell me, how was class?"