Chapter 11 "Return to Normal"

The next several weeks were spent in a blur of activity and sadness. Funerals were held for the dead; the Lupins attended the services for Fred Weasley and some of the other students.

After the last funeral was held, Professor McGonagall asked the entire staff, and anyone else who is willing to help with the repairs to the castle. The building had sustained quite a bit more damage than it had last year, so it was going to take a lot of work to repair it.

Aside from the physical damage to the buildings, there are administrative obstacles to be dealt with. Professor McGonagall was appointed Headmistress by the new Minister, Kingsley Shacklebolt. This left her to deal with the problems caused during Professor Snape's year as Headmaster. Many students who should have been admitted were not, and quite a few that were at school ended up in hiding. Subjects were omitted or drastically altered, and the air of tension and fear created an unhealthy learning environment. A fair solution regarding how students should advance must be reached.

About three weeks into the repairs, Remus and Holly received some good news. Sirius had been released from Azkaban. He appeared at their quarters the day after he's released. The couple walked into their quarters while taking a break from their work, and found him sitting on the sofa, reading. Remus spoke to him

"Sirius ! What are you doing here? How did you get out? You didn't escape again, did you?"

"No, Remus, I didn't escape. They've released me. I'm free!!"

"That's great! What happened to get them to release you?"

"As I'm sure you know, our friend Kingsley is the new Minister. He asked Harry to come to work for the Ministry. Harry agreed, on the condition that I was released. And, to make it even better, my record has been cleared and a full account of the real story will appear in tomorrow's paper."

"That's wonderful. You'll actually be able to have a decent life now. You won't have to hide anymore."

"I know. I almost can't believe it. I heard about the damages to the school, and knew you'd likely be helping repair it, that's why I came here instead of to Godric's Hollow. I figured I'd see if you could use an extra hand. I'd offer my wand, but I haven't gotten a new one yet. I've only been out a day."

"I'm sure we can use the help. We've got every witch and wizard we could find here helping, and it will still be weeks before we're done. McGonagall doesn't know if school will be able to open on time or not. As for a wand, you could go into Diagon Alley tomorrow and get one, I'm sure."

The three of them talked for a little while longer, then went downstairs to see Professor McGonagall. Sirius told her the same thing he'd told them, and she agreed they could use the help. She told him to work with Remus, and they left to get started. The three of them worked together until dinner, then ate in the Great Hall with the rest of the workers.

After the meal, they were done with the work for the day, but McGonagall had called a meeting of the staff in an hour. Holly was included because she had been on staff the year before Snape's term as Headmaster. She wanted to discuss with them any ideas they had regarding the situation with the students.

At the meeting, Professor McGonagall stated that she felt it would be fairest to advance all students to the next year, except seventh years...they were a separate case, and adjust the curriculum to fit the needs of the students.

Each year-level class could be divided into three sections; advanced, regular, and remedial. An exam could be given before the start of term so the teachers could determine where the students should be placed. If a student scored high on the exam, they would be placed in the advanced section, if they scored below a certain score, they would be placed in the remedial section.

The seventh year students would also take an exam, but it would be based on the requirements for whatever job they've chosen. If they meet the criteria, they graduate; if they don't, they stay behind and take whatever classes they need to pass. They could be retested before winter break, and if they pass that time, they would graduate.

Everyone at the meeting agreed to this, so the matter of advancement is settled.

Then she brought up the other item she needed to discuss with the staff; filling vacancies.

"As has been the case for several years now, we are without a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I know with Voldemort gone, some may tink we don't need the subject, but I believe we do. I have someone in mind, but wanted to bring it to your attention first."

"Who are you thinking of?" asked Professor Flitwick

"I am thinking of asking Remus Lupin to return. He was by far the best we've had in quite a long time, and the students seemed to like him."

"Do you think that's wise? Last time, he missed his potion one night and ended up a full werewolf, loose on the school grounds. We were lucky no one was seriously hurt." said Madam Pomfrey.

"I remember quite well what happened last time, Poppy. However his circumstances have changed. I have total faith that he will receive every dose of potion that he's supposed to. He now has a wife to make sure he gets it, and I'm sure if needed, Professor Slughorn would help with that too."

"Of course I would. I can make the potion if Mrs. Lupin is unable to for some reason, and I can make certain he gets it." said Slughorn.

"It's not as if he ever refuses a dose, that was an accident. I know he regrets that incident, and will not allow it to happen again. I will brew the potion myself and see to it he gets his doses. However, I have another issue to bring up. " said Holly.

"First, with these reassurances, does anyone have any complaint about Professor Lupin returning?" asked Professor McGonagall.

No one objected, so she addressed Holly "Okay, what did you need to bring up?"

"I won't be able to teach for most of this year. I'm pregnant, and the child is due around late October or early November. I can teach until that time, but you will need to replace me. I can help train my replacement if you'd like. You should plan on this person being here for a while, because I won't be back for several years."

"I'm glad you're telling me this now, we've still got time to find someone. Congratulations, by the way. I'm sure you're both quite excited."

"Yes, we are. I'm sorry for the inconvenience it's causing though."

"It won't be a problem. You can work until we find someone else, then you can help them adjust."

"Yes, ma'am, I will."

With that settled, all that remained was to decide on dates for the exams. They decided the last week of July and first week of August would be best, it would give them about five weeks to finish repairs and create the test. The students would be notified of the plans and test dates so they could prepare.

The meeting was then adjourned, and Holly returned to her quarters. Remus and Sirius are in the living room, talking. She walked over to Remus, gave him a hug, then said

"I hope neither of you will think this rude, but I'm going to take a shower. I'm tired, my feet hurt, and I want to relax."

"Of course we won't think it rude. Sirius doesn't expect to be entertained, or for us to drop everything because he's here. He's too happy to be free to worry about those things. And when you finish your shower, sit down by me and I'll rub your feet."

"You know you're spoiling me. But I will take you up on it."

At that, she went to take her shower.

The two men continued to visit. Sirius teased Remus about spoiling Holly.

"You know, you do that kind of thing often enough, she'll come to expect it."

"Actually, she doesn't. But she does really appreciate all I do for her. And, I love doting on her. There's nothing quite like doing something for a genuinely appreciative recipient. Her pregnancy will give me the chance to care for her like she does for me each month."

"It's hard to believe I'm hearing this from the same man who couldn't believe anyone could ever love him. The same man who came so close to pushing this woman away. But I'm glad for you; it's good to see you so happy. And now, you're taking the next step- fatherhood."

"Yeah...I have to be honest, though, Sirius. I'm scared. Neither of us exactly had 'normal' childhoods, 'normal' parents to learn from. We don't have a good foundation of knowledge to work with. How will we know how to handle it?"

"I can't tell you how to be a parent, but I can tell you I don't think the fact that your childhoods weren't normal will have much affect. I think it will be much more important that you love and care for your child. And that you both have a good set of values you adhere to and teach your child. But you do have examples to learn from that you probably haven't thought of yet. The Weasley family is an excellent example of a good family; so is Alyssa's family, from what you've said. Ask them questions, and learn from what you see."

"You're right that I hadn't though of them. But I do agree they are good sources of information. I hope you're right that we can do a good job. I also have to admit that, even though the Healers said the chances were small that the child would be a werewolf, I'm nervous about that possibility. I want to believe them, but it's one of my worst fears, that I would pass this on to a child. I thought I'd worked this out, that's why I decided to become a father. But the night after she told me, it all came back. I'm not quite as nervous now as I was when we first decided to get married, but it's still more than I'd like. I try not to let Holly know, though."

"I think you should let her know. She needs to know how you feel. Maybe she can help you put your fears to rest."

"Maybe you're right. She seems completely confident that everything will be fine. I guess she just isn't as easily worried as I am."

"I bet it's not that. She probably has already accepted the idea that if the child is a werewolf, she'll simply love it and care for it just like she does its father. Remember, she loves you for yourself, she's going to love your child for itself, and because it's her flesh and blood as much as it is yours. It is your own unique creation, and she will love it for that. You will too, I suspect."

"I'm sure I will. And you're probably right about her. We'll discuss it sometime when she's not so tired."

A few minutes later, Holly came into the room. She was wearing a long fluffy robe with a pair of boxer shorts and one of Remus' undershirts. She sat down beside him on the couch, and put her feet on his lap.

"I'd like to take you up on your offer."

"Of course."

He started rubbing her feet, and as he did, she could feel the fatigue washing away.

"I almost forgot to tell you something, honey."

"What?"

"At the meeting tonight, McGonagall said she's considering you for the DADA post, if you're interested."

"What did the other teachers say?"

"That as long as you didn't miss your potion, it would be okay with them. McGonagall called you the best DADA teacher we've had in a long time."

"Really? It would be great to work here again. If she asks, I'll definitely accept, unless you don't want me to."

"No, I want you to if you want the job. The students liked you, I think, and you have a lot of knowledge to bring to the job."

"I think they liked me too, and I did find teaching very rewarding. I certainly wasn't expecting this."

"Looks like our places this year will be reversed, because I won't be working long, if at all. I told McGonagall tonight about my pregnancy, and that I wouldn't be returning after the baby's born."

"What did she say? Didn't she already know you're pregnant?"

"She was okay with it. She was glad I told her this early, so she'll have time to find a replacement. No, she didn't know I'm pregnant. I hadn't got around to telling her yet. I'm only a couple of months along, I haven't started showing yet. I've only gained five pounds, so she'd have no reason to guess."

"I'm glad you came up with a plan as far as your classes. I didn't realize you hadn't told her yet."

By this time, Holly was very relaxed. Remus' foot rubs always made her feel good. She cuddled with him on the couch for a while, then they got ready for bed. This suite of rooms had an extra bedroom, so they let Sirius sleep there.

The weeks of summer moved along quickly. By late June, the repair work on the castle was nearly completed. Holly, like many of the other teachers, began to spend her free time preparing the exams for the students. She also worked on a rough draft of lesson plans, because since her class had been omitted, she knew they would not have learned any new material. Therefore, they'd be a year behind where they would normally be. A class called "Muggle Studies" had been taught, but it had become a course on the inferiority of muggles and reasons to hate them- it bore no resemblance to the normal course that was taught. This was the reason she'd been dismissed; her muggleborn status and tolerant attitude didn't fit with what they were teaching last year.

The second week of July saw the repair work completed. The volunteer workers left, but the teachers of course remained at the castle because of the nearness of the exams. They also wanted to get their classrooms ready for the start of term, which would start only a week late. Around this time, Professor McGonagall told Holly she had found a replacement for her. Since there were still a few weeks of summer, Holly would have time to familiarize the new teacher with the text, lesson plans, and anything else they needed to know.

The new teacher was a young woman, Jennifer Wilson, who was about twenty-five. Like Holly, she's muggleborn. She graduated from Hogwarts eight years ago, and had been working as a tutor for a handful of families. She lived near Professor Sprout, who suggested Professor McGonagall contact her. Holly decided that the first thing Jennifer should do was get familiar with the textbook. So, she gave her a copy, along with some of the lesson plans she'd made.

"If you have time, read the whole book. But, at least read the first few chapters. That's where you'll be starting with the younger students. I'll show you how to determine where to start with the older groups in a few days."

"Okay. Professor McGonagall said something about the students taking a placement exam. Will I need to do anything in regards to that?"

"Not really. Due to circumstances, many of the students basically lost a year. The exam is to determine what material each class will cover. I made the exams for this subject. I'll grade them and sort them into sections. Then we'll work together to plan what the classes will cover the first few weeks. After that, how the class learns and performs will dictate what you cover. It sounds harder than it is. It's probably fairly similar to tutoring, but you're dealing with more students at a time. You can expect to tutor a few students privately as well."

"I'm glad to know you've got this worked out. And I'm glad to have you available to help me."

"You'll have me for a few weeks, but most likely by the end of September, maybe a little earlier, I'll be gone."

"Professor McGonagall said you're pregnant. If I may ask, when are you due?"

"Early November, maybe as early as late October. I'm not really sure."

Holly then focused her time on finishing the exams. A few days before the deadline, she was ready. When exam day came, she was very glad that her subject was only taught to those in third year and above. It meant fewer students to test, therefore a shorter day for Holly. It only took a little over five hours for her to finish giving the exams, compared with all day for subjects like Charms and Potions.

That evening, she returned to her quarters, tired, aching, and with a bag full of papers to grade. Remus looked at her as she walked in, took her bag, led her to the couch, then removed her shoes and began rubbing her feet and legs without even asking. He watched her face as she began to relax . "I know these are tired. What else hurts?"

"My back. Even though I sat down when I could, it takes a lot less to make my back hurt now. I guess it's the fifteen extra pounds I've put on. But from what Alyssa has told me, this is normal for four months."

"I'm sure she's right. I'm sorry that your back hurts. Why don't I draw you a warm bath? A soak would probably feel good."

"I appreciate the offer, but I can do it. However, you could see about getting us some dinner when I'm done, if you don't mind."

"Of course I don't mind. Let me know what you want and when, and I'll have the kitchen send it up. Or I can prepare it for you."

"If you want to prepare it, that would be great, but tonight the kitchen's food will be okay too. I was thinking of some vegetable soup, a grilled cheese sandwich, and some iced tea."

"I'll make that for you, I should be able to have it ready by the time you're done."

About forty-five minutes later, she returned, dressed in pajamas, a robe and slippers. On the dining table was her dinner, exactly as she'd asked, still warm. Remus was putting away the last of the dishes he'd used to prepare it . She walked over to him and told him "Thanks. This smells delicious. Come eat with me."

After the were finished with dinner, they sat on the sofa and talked for quite a while. He had also been busy preparing lesson plans the last few weeks. He and Professor McGonagall had decided that since Defense Against the Dark Arts had not been taught at all, and it had been so uneven, they would not test the students. Instead, they would all be considered "regular" sections, and he would proceed slowly with them at first. Then each class could be tailored to suit their needs. He decided to use some of the lesson plans he'd written five years ago as a starting point. In fact, many of them wouldn't require many changes.

Over the next few days, Holly worked on grading test papers. Jennifer helped some, but Holly wanted to do a lot of the work herself, to get a good sense of where the students were. She discussed the tests with Jennifer, and they worked together on sorting the tests, recording the scores, and adjusting the lesson plans. The last part was the hardest, but the two women collaborated on it and by the end of August, had a good set of lesson plans for the beginning of school.

Since Jennifer already had quite a bit of teaching experience, Professor McGonagall told Holly that if she wanted, she could let Jennifer take the class from the beginning, thus avoiding changing teachers in a month's time. Holly agreed that made sense, and gave Jennifer all the materials for the class, and returned home. Remus had decided he would be coming home each evening so he could be with Holly.

By the time school started the second week of September, Holly was seven months pregnant. She was staying in touch with Alyssa, who told her that the twenty-five pounds she'd gained was normal, and that the swollen ankles, aching back, and fatigue were also normal. As a Healer and a mother, she had plenty of experience to draw from, and gave Holly good advice. She had also examined Holly a couple of times, just to be sure nothing was overlooked.

The first couple of weeks of term, Holly found herself missing work. She was a bit bored and restless with so much free time. She spent a fair amount of time listening to the wireless or reading, and she would cook dinner for Remus before he got home.

During this time, Holly noticed how strongly she could feel the baby move. She'd been feeling movements for a while, but now that she wasn't so busy, she could pay more attention. It became an evening habit for her and Remus to stretch out on the bed after she'd showered and put their hands on her stomach to really feel it kick or stretch. They both found themselves fascinated at the changes that were occurring and at the idea that they had produced a little human being. Often, during these sessions, they would discuss different things about the baby. Sometimes it was serious topics, like Holly assuring Remus about his parenting skills or trying to put to rest his fears about the baby not being normal. Other times, they would speculate on what the child might be like or look like. One night in late September, they started talking about names.

Holly suggested "If it's a girl, I like Marie Elizabeth. But I'm not sure about a boy's name."

"What was your dad's name?"

"John Thomas. But I don't want to name him just after my dad. What was your dad's name?"

Remus laughs "John. He didn't have a middle name. That's why my middle name's John. Remus is just a name my mom liked."

"So, how about John Remus? It would honor both grandfathers, you, and indirectly, you mother."

"That sounds good. I like the girl's name you chose too."

"Thanks. The 'Marie' is for my mom. Elizabeth just seemed to fit with it. Now that I think about it, didn't you once tell me that was your mom's name?"

"Yes, I did. It was her name. I like the way they fit together too."

"I wonder what it's going to be?"

"Me too. But I hope it gets its looks from you."

Holly laughed " Only if it's a girl. If it's a boy and looks like you, we'll have to fight the girls off him. But either way, I hope it gets your intelligence and kindness."

"And your confidence. That quiet, gentle way you have of nurturing someone. I'm sure your contribution to the intelligence area will be significant as well- you're no slouch there either."

"Thanks. I guess we'll know soon enough."

As the weeks went by, Holly found new things to do while Remus was at work. She decided to try her hand at writing children's stories. She had Remus' old copies of some fairy tale books, along with a couple she'd purchased in London. But she'd always enjoyed writing and felt she could come up with some good stories too.

Now that she was nearing her due date, Mrs. Weasley, who had been checking on her a couple of times a week, began to visit her daily. She had offered to help Holly deliver the baby, since Holly wanted it to be born at home. Holly had accepted, knowing that she was in good hands with her. Over the years since they'd met, Holly had come to really like and trust Mrs. Weasley. Molly, in turn, seemed to have adopted Holly, taking care of her in ways her own mother would have done if she'd been alive.

On November first, Holly and Remus were cuddled on the couch, listening to the crackle of the fireplace and talking about his day at school. She'd been having some slight pains from time to time during the day, but she'd been told it was not unusual to experience that as the pregnancy progressed. So, she'd dismissed the feelings she'd had and gone on about her day. This evening, however, she couldn't get comfortable, and the pains seemed stronger and closer together. She decided it would be best to contact Mrs. Weasley. Remus contacted her by floo network and told her what Holly had described.

She said "It sounds like she probably is in labor. I thought by the way she was feeling when I came by earlier that she would be soon, but it's always a little hard to tell the first time. I'll be there in a few minutes. In the meantime, help her get to the bed and get comfortable if she can."

"Okay, I'll try. See you soon."

Remus helped Holly to the bed. With a fair amount of effort from both of them, they managed to get her somewhat comfortable. A few minutes later, Mrs. Weasley arrived. She looked Holly over, and speculated that it wouldn't be long. Remus sat beside Holly on the bed, holding her hand, rubbing her back and doing anything else she wanted.

About four hours later, around 11:15, Mrs. Weasley told Remus to get a couple of towels, a wash cloth, and a bowl of warm water. She expected the baby to be born very soon. He did, and placed them within easy reach. He then got beside Mrs. Weasley, but where he could still hold Holly's hand.

Within another thirty minutes, the baby was born. Mrs. Weasley handed him to Remus as she severed the cord. He cleaned him up and handed him to his mother. Holly held her newborn son in a warm, tender embrace. Remus bent over and kissed each of them, then spoke to his son.

"Welcome to the world, John Remus Lupin. I love you."

After a few minutes, Mrs. Weasley asked to weigh and measure him. Remus helped her; he weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces, and was 22 inches long. She wrote down all the information, and told them to contact St. Mungo's later so that the birth can be recorded and a birth certificate issued.

The couple thanked her for her help, and offered to pay her for her work.

She refused, saying "I'd do the same for anyone I consider family. You're almost like a daughter to me, Holly. I'm just glad I was able to help."

Holly replied "I'm glad you were too. I'm glad to have someone I trust and care about help with this instead of a stranger."

Mrs. Weasley left, and Remus spent a long time sitting with Holly and John. As he sat there, holding him, Holly looked over at them and said "He looks just like you."

"Do you think so? Because I thought he favored you more."

"Well, there's no question he has your hair- mine was never that shade. His eyes may change when he gets a little older, but for now they're bright blue like yours. And he's long, which tells me he'll be tall...that's from both of us. But I'm glad he favors you; you're a very good-looking man."

"Thank you. And now that you point it out to me, I see what you mean. But, I do think he's got your mouth. He hasn't smiled yet, but the shape of his mouth looks like yours."

"Yeah, I guess so. At least he's here, and he's healthy. I think we're both going to enjoy watching him grow up."

A while later, Holly is very tired and ready for bed. Since Mrs. Weasley had helped Remus change the sheets not long after John was born, all Holly needed to do was give the baby to Remus and go to sleep. Remus held him for a little while, but John soon fell asleep as well. Remus put him in his bassinet by their bed, then laid down for a nap as well.

Just as the sun came up, Remus was awakened by the sound of singing. He opened his eyes and saw Holly in the rocking chair, holding John and singing softly to him. Evidently the baby had cried and she heard it before the sound woke him up. He laid there for a while, watching and listening. In the three years they'd known each other, he'd never heard Holly sing. He didn't know if it was the early hour, or if he was just biased because he loved her so much, but her voice sounded beautiful. He hoped he'd be lucky enough to hear that more often.

When she stopped and placed the now-sleeping infant back in his bed, Remus complimented her " That was beautiful, honey. I might need to start requesting lullabies."

"I'll sing for you, just don't ask me to rock you." she grinned.

She crawled back in bed, glad to find the covers had kept her spot somewhat warm. She drifted back to sleep within a few minutes.

Remus, however, decided he would contact both St. Mungo's and the school. Today was Friday, so he would have had classes, but he'd told Professor McGonagall when term started to expect him to take several days off when the baby was born. She'd said she would have expected nothing less from him or anyone. So, he'd made some lesson plans that could be carried out by another teacher to be used when needed. When he contacted her, Professor McGonagall seemed sleepy. " What is it Remus?"

"Sorry to disturb you, but I wanted to let you know Holly had the baby a few hours ago. I won't be in to work for a few days."

"Of course not. I'll have someone fill in for you. What is the baby? What did you name it?"

"A boy. John Remus, 8 pounds, 5 ounces, 22 inches long. Born at 11:50 p.m"

"Congratulations. Holly's okay too, I presume?"

"Yes, just tired. She's asleep now, though. They both are."

"Did you leave your spare lesson plans in your office?"

"Yes, I did. On top of my desk, in a folder labeled 'extra lesson plans'.There's one set for each class. I've done enough to last five days. I'll be back by then."

"Okay. I appreciate you letting me know early."

Over the next several days, Remus helped Holly as much as possible with their son. He tried to make sure Holly got enough sleep, and found he really enjoyed the quiet moments when she's sleeping and he's holding John. Several times he offered to rock the baby to sleep so she could get a few extra minutes rest. During those times, Remus would cuddle John, listening to him breathe, feeling his warmth against him, and find himself in awe of the fact that he'd been a part of creating this tiny life.

At the end of the week, Remus hated to go back to work. He enjoyed his job, but had really treasured the time he'd spent with his wife and son. At least he knew he would get to see them every night.

Remus was a little nervous when the full moon came around the first month after John's birth. He knew this would be the month that would tell if he was in fact normal. As he prepared for his own transformation, he watched his son, looking for any hint of difference.

Holly assured him that "whatever happens, I still love both of you."

As the moon rose, and Remus' transformation began, she watched John. He was sleeping in her arms. Other than opening his eyes briefly when Remus howled, he simply continued his nap. She opened this blanket and looked him over, but nothing had changed. When Remus walked over to her a few minutes later, she told him

" He's normal. Not a hair out of place, nothing changed at all."

Remus nodded his head to show he understood.

The next morning, when he changed back, he hugged her, saying

"I couldn't express how relieved I am to know for sure that our son is normal. I'm so pleased to know he won't suffer the pain I do each month."

"I had a feeling he would be normal. But you know, even if he'd been a werewolf, I would have loved him and cared for him just as I do you."

"I know." He kissed her, then went to bed for a while.

As Remus curled up on their bed, he thought of how lucky he was. He had a wonderful wife, a precious son, and a job he loved. Somehow, in the span of three years, his life had gone from that of an outcast to someone who had everything he wanted.