Lupin's POV
"You know the last time we were meeting like this, I was overseeing your detention."
"Hello, Minnie," I said with a sheepish smile gracing my face. As I turned around to greet my old Head of House. She still looks the same as I last saw her nearly 12 years ago, besides a head full of grey hair. With her posture proud in her green formal robes and her lips pressed tight.
The beginning feast had just ended and I decided to take one last look at the DADA classroom for any last renditions before class begins tomorrow.
"You know I hated that nickname you and your little friends gave me." A small smile teasing her lips
"Sorry Professor" I replied not at all apologetic.
"How about Minerva, since I'm no longer your professor." She said as she drew closer to me. "I have missed you." she sighed before drawing me into a hug. One, I greatly reciprocate. After she draws back from my embrace she says looking over my appearance, "It has been too long. What have you been up to over the years."
"I've been keeping busy, doing a little bit of this and that." she nodded at that with a saddened smile on her face. She was one of the few professors headmaster Dumbledore made aware of my condition. And despite it, she never treated me with fear or disdain. She always treated me like a normal student, whom she was always willing to give an open ear to.
"I received your letter regarding Potter's reaction to the dementer. Poppy gave him a bill of clean health after recommending chocolate and much to her surprise was already given to him from the new professor." Her shoulders slumped in relief as she said "It is refreshing to know that we have a Defence teacher who knows a thing or two about defence. Our last few have been…well, I'm sure you are familiar with the inconsistency of the teachers you had during your schoolboy years. I am glad that Dumbledore asked you to ride on the train this evening. And it seems you have already been introduced to some of the student"
"It is shocking how much he looks like James," I said trying to keep the sadness out of my voice. Nonetheless, she probably heard. She always knew me too well.
"Yes, well that's not all he got from his father". She said this a little indignantly. "He also has a penchant for trouble. And I hope you will do a better job of discouraging this time around."
"Of course Prof… Minerva" I corrected mid-sentence at the arch of one of her eyebrows. "Speaking of trouble, any other students I need to be made aware of?"
"Yes well, the Weasley twins will surely attempt to prank you. The pair are unmatched in their pranks here at the school. I would even bet that they could give the Marauders a run for their galleons. And of course, Potter when he gets into trouble, don't be surprised to see his friends right there beside him."
"His friends? The redhead boy and the curly brunette female?" I recall the two individuals most concerned about Harry after he collapsed on the train.
"Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger. Yes, Mr. Weasley is a very loyal friend who seems to be more concerned with anything else but schoolwork. A habit he seems to be trying to pass on to Mr. Potter. While Miss Granger no doubts assists them in their homework. She is a lovely student you will find. She seems to take after you in that regard"
"How so?" I asked inquisitively.
"Well a bright, kind bookworm trying to keep her friends out of trouble seems to be a familiar story don't you think." She gave me a pointed look. "Most consider, and I find myself agreeing that she is to be the brightest witch of her age. Despite being at the tender age of almost 13."
"Well I look forward to teaching her," I said as we move into my office to have a late-night cup of tea as we continue our conversation. Before retiring to our respective quarters to call it a night.