So sorry, I've not updated any of my fics in a while, but that's because I've been in the school play and have also been packing for my 2 week holiday in France! So yes, from the 24th of July to the 8th of August there will be no updates whatsoever, sorry!
This chapter is based on Remus, and is in Dumbledore's point of view. It's my take on when Remus is first appointed as DADA teacher, and all I can ask of you now is to read, enjoy and review! Thanks, Molly x

4. A Favour

"Remus?" I say upon noticing the forlorn looking man in the corner, head in his hands, and empty bottle of butterbeer on the table beside him.

He looks up and instantly straightens. "Dumbledore, what brings you here?"

"By Jove, it is you! Oh, the barman is an acquaintance of mine… are you here on business?" I say politely, drawing up a chair and sitting down.

He gives a low laugh. "Chance would be a fine thing, no, no, simply drowning my sorrows- not that I have enough money to do so."

"Ah. I heard about your unfortunate unemployment issue. I've been trying for years to get your rights equal, alas, there are those still higher than me that do not wish to grant it."

"Don't worry about it. There's more important things to worry about at the moment than if a werewolf has work."

"I take it you're talking about Sirius Black?"

"Naturally- I don't think they'll ever find him."

"He was a friend of yours."

"I thought I knew him. I was mistaken." His tone is cutting.

I sigh deeply. "I imagine that you miss the Sirius you knew, though."

"I miss James, Lily and Peter. I never knew Sirius. He killed my friends," he says bitterly, looking away. I can see the tears welling up in his eyes.

"They're doing their best to find him, Remus. In the mean time… I have a favour to ask of you."

"You have a favour to ask of me?" he says incredulously.

I nod, smiling. "Would you care for a butterbeer- or perhaps- something stronger?"

"A butterbeer would go down nicely, thank you," he says, still staring.

"I won't be a moment," I assure him before standing and going to the bar. I order a butterbeer and a small gillywater and walk back to the table.

Remus takes the butterbeer and has a long gulp. "Thanks."

"No problem," I say benignly and sip my own drink through the straw. "Now, the favour."

He sits up, alert, and places the butterbeer down on the table.

"For a long time now," I say, while absentmindedly stirring my drink with my straw, "it has been difficult for me to keep a professor of a certain subject for an entire school year. You may have heard of my misfortune?"

"No- which subject?"

"All in good time, all in good time. I know that I never will be able to keep a professor for over a year, therefore this is only a short favour. Do you understand?"

"Surely you don't want me…"

"In fact, I truly do, Remus. You'll receive excellent pay, living quarters and meals- I'll even have Professor Snape brew something up every month to help keep, ah, control, over your problem."

"Dumbledore, there'll be children… I can't risk…" he shakes his head.

I smile. "Do call me Albus, Remus. Professor Snape's Wolfsbane Potion rivals that of any others, there are certainly no disputes over that."

"I'm sure it's very good indeed, but what if I forget to take it? I cannot possibly be set loose on a castle full of children, Albus!"

"You may have heard of the Wolfsbane Potion? It allows a werewolf to only transform in body, not mind, therefore, you could curl up in a small and comfortable space in your office and be of no harm to anyone."

"Oh," he looks tempted slightly, and I jump at the chance.

"And… as an added bonus, you'll be teaching students in all years."

"Why is that…"

"You'll be teaching Harry, Remus," I say softly.

"H-harry? Harry Potter, you mean?" something sparks in his eyes, something that hasn't been for there for 12 years.

"Who else? He's quite a fascinating child, looks exactly like James, but with his mother's eyes..."

"I- I haven't seen him in years- he wouldn't know me- he may not like me…" I can tell he's struggling to argue now.

"I'll see you on September the first then, Remus. I take it you remember which train to catch, and on which platform?"

"How could I forget…" his voice trails away, a misted look in his eyes.

I down my gillywater and stand up. "I'll bid you goodbye, for now I must see a man about a dog. Actually, not a dog, and not a man, either- I'm going to see Professor Sprout to look at the school's agapanthuses- in full bloom, apparently…"

He isn't listening, but waves a vague hand in my direction. I gather my cloak around me and nod to Aberforth, and head for the door.

"Wait!"

I turn around, smiling. "Yes, Professor?"

He blinks, but continues, "What subject do I teach?"

"Why, defence against the dark arts, of course," I say before inclining my head and stepping out the pub. "Lovely man," I mutter absently before heading back to the school.