The train ride into Hogsmeade was filled with retellings of their summers, Neville spending time with his Gran and his new greenhouse he'd gotten, and Faye going to America with her parents. Luna was introduced to the two Gryffindors properly and, while at first nervous and silent, soon came from her shell to join in on the fun. All three were on the edge of their seats when Alexander and Hermione spoke about their holiday, missing out all the demigod stuff.

They were about halfway there when the compartment door opened, Weasley was standing there, "What did you do to my rat Potter?"

"He wasn't a rat you moron, he was a murderer and the betrayer of my family, Peter Pettigrew," Lex fumed.

"No, that was Sirius Black, everyone knows it," his eyes drifted to the blonde, "What's Loony doing in here?"

The couple was thankful when Neville got up and belted the redhead across the jaw, they couldn't hit him no matter how much they wanted to. The once pudgy wizard kicked Ron from the doorway, "Don't insult our friend, Weasley."

Luna had tears in her eyes, "I should go."

"No you don't," the door was locked and the four Gryffindors surrounded the younger witch, "He is an idiot, we don't want you to leave because you're our friend. Never think you aren't good enough to be our friends, people who think that are the ones who aren't worthy."

"O-o-okay," the Ravenclaw sniffled, a shy smile on her face.

Faye looked over at Lupin, "You'd think he'd be woken by the racket."

Hermione grinned, "He is awake, has been since we left; he's simply observing everything that's going on."

The cloak was pulled back and a smiling face appeared. Looking at Remus Lupin, you wouldn't think him to have been the same age as Severus. His brown hair was more grey than brown, the slight beard he had in the same state, and deep brown eyes that were surrounded by light black sleep deprivation marks. Scars ran along his face, and most parts of skin that were visible from around the shabby robes that hung from his body. But he did look happy, not as haunted as the couple had thought he would.

"Very well done Miss Granger," Remus spoke with a light huskiness in his voice, "What gave me away?"

"When you would focus on one person's voice, your eyes would unconsciously also focus in their direction; I could feel you watching me," the witch explained with a knowing smile.

The werewolf snapped his fingers, "Caught out. Oh well."

"There was also the obvious tensing every time Wormtail was mentioned," Lex added, "That was easier to spot."

The fury that crossed over the brown eyes was noticed by the couple but Remus settled easily, "Yes; that I couldn't control. If you will excuse me, as I've been found out, I believe I will go talk to the conductor."

Hermione held up a finger to her friends before following after the man, "Sir, every morning Harry and I go for a run around the lake; we would like it if you would join us. We'd like to talk to you about Padfoot."

Hearing that, Lupin nodded, "I shall be there, and Hermione; it's Remus to both of you."

The witch shook her head as she returned to the compartment, the rest of the journey filled with laughter and joking.

Hopping off the train, the 5 students took the same carriage up to the castle. Just before they were to go inside, Lex spoke softly to Luna, "Flitwick is going to ask you who was bullying you Luna, please tell him the whole truth, it's the only way this will stop."

"Okay," the blonde whispered, getting two hugs from Lex and Mia as they walked past the Ravenclaw tables.

As it was the first meal of the term, the two assistant professors were going to sit up at the staff table, so they said their goodbyes to Neville and Faye, and head up there. They could feel almost all the eyes aimed up at them, but they simply continued up, taking their seats next to Severus' empty one. As Deputy, he was in charge of the first years; just the thought had the teens internally chuckling.

When he walked in, a line of awed firsties following behind him, it was almost too much but they did get control and watched as the students were sorted, clapping with all but a little harder with the Gryffindors.

Finally Minerva got up to the podium, "Welcome students to another year at Hogwarts. A few things before we feast. Mr Filch has asked me remind you all that there is no magic in the hallways, and that any contraband will be seized immediately; there is a complete list in his office. The Forbidden Forest is, as always, forbidden to all. Now this year we have some new staff additions. Taking over as DADA professor and Head of Gryffindor is Remus Lupin."

Remus rose to the loud applause from his former house before Minerva continued, "Replacing myself as Transfiguration Professor is William Weasley."

The witch barely had time to finish before the twins exploded in cheers, joined by the rest of the Gryffindors, who were having the time of their lives with the newest additions. Bill glared at his younger siblings but had a smile on his face never-the-less, "And in addition to their few classes, we have Harry Potter and Hermione Granger as Assistant Professors. Their classroom and office is located on the ground floor, the old Defence classroom during Professor Quirrell's tenure."

This time the cheers weren't just coming from Gryffindor, the pair had helped a lot of students from the other three houses, though the snakes were less than willing to make that known. Finally, Minerva said the two words that everyone wanted to hear, "Eat up!"