Chapter thirteen: Owl post

Remus woke the next morning because of a mysterious ticking noise. He looked around the room with sleepy eyes, but saw nothing. He got up while being careful not to wake the girl sleeping next to him. He concentrated on the sound and was sure the noise came from the window. Pulling the curtains aside slightly, he saw the source.

An owl was tapping against the glass, a letter in his beak. Remus opened the door slightly and took the letter. He looked around to see if the sound or the light coming through the split in the curtains had awakened Alicia. She made a little mumbling sound and turned in bed. Apparently not.

Remus looked down at the elegant letter in his hands. In cursive handwriting it said Miss Alicia Doreen. He flipped it over and saw a familiar wax seal. It was the Hogwarts one. For an instant he thought it was the familiar letter with the list of books students had to get before they started a new school year. He nearly laughed out loud at how stupid that was. She hadn't been a student for as long as he hadn't been a teacher.

Later, he told himself as he placed the letter on the bedside table. He crawled back into bed, feeling how cold his feet had become on the stone floor. Alicia stirred again but didn't wake. He kissed her temple and snuggled in under the blankets. Remus hadn't been a good sleeper, ever. He suffered from insomnia from time to time. But today it took him only minutes to fall back asleep. Whenever Alicia was next to him it was much easier to feel calm and peaceful.

An hour later both of them woke up. Alicia yawned and stretched before she looked over at Remus. Instantly she was smiling.

'Mornin',' she said with a sleep induced voice. It had been a while since he had the pleasure of waking up with her, it felt as wonderful as it did back then.

'Morning beautiful. How did you sleep?' Remus asked her while stroking her hair. It was tangled more than usual. Probably because of their rough evening activities.

She stretched again but in this movement grabbed him in her arms and held him close to her. 'Good. But this time the waking up part is even better.'

It had been a while since he had counted himself this happy. There were two mayor events in the last years that had made him happy beyond belief. The first was meeting Alicia and the second was regaining Sirius as his friend. He could still vividly remember the years he had spent alone, convinced he would forever stay that way. Convinced he deserved to be alone, because of the danger he imposed to others. That version of him couldn't hope to dream to one day have Padfoot back and the most extraordinary girl at his side telling him she loved him.

'We should get some breakfast. I can smell the toast,' Remus announced, using his heightened senses to sniff the kitchen fumes. Alicia exclaimed happily she would kill for some good toast when Remus' eyes landed on the letter.

'Oh by the way, this came for you,' he said holding out the letter. 'Are you doing some extra education this year?' he joked.

Alicia's brow furrowed as she took the letter from him. 'Hogwarts? That's…odd.'

Remus turned to his closet to get dressed. Alicia had opened the envelop and was reading. He had his back turned for a minute, and when he was done and looked back at her, she had an astonished look on her face.

'What?' Remus asked, curiosity taking over.

She blinked heavily and stared at him like he had woken her from a trance. Then she hurried to put her clothes from yesterday on – her stuff was not in this room – with the letter scrunched in her hand.

'What is it?' Remus asked again. He closed in to her as she tried to pull her heels on without falling over.

'It seems we have company at breakfast,' she said enigmatically. Once both of them got dressed they pulled the door open and stepped into the hall at the same time. Alicia stopped in her tracks, causing Remus to bump into her.

'Hi,' Alicia said quietly.

Remus looked over her shoulder to see Harry, Ron and Hermione standing there. They had similar looks of shock and a bit of disgust on their faces. Remus remembered with a blush that not everyone was familiar with the idea of them having sex.

'Morning,' Harry said equally uncertain as Alicia had sounded.

'Let's uhh…get breakfast,' she said quickly before she grabbed Remus' arm and pulled him to the stairs. He looked up to smile at his three former students, but he knew they weren't seeing him the same way anymore.

'Well that was bound to happen sooner or later,' Remus tried to assure Alicia, who was also blushing. Alicia turned to give him a look. 'I really hoped it hadn't. Definitely now.'

'What do you mean? Is it something to do with that letter?' he asked, once more unhappy she wasn't sharing the information with him. 'Alicia can you please just tell me who send you that letter?'

They reached the dining room, where Alicia pushed the door open. The first thing that Remus noticed was the new arrival at the table. Between all the young faces the very old wizard with the long white beard and purple robes stood out like a sore thumb.

'Hello Alicia. Remus,' Dumbledore said with a smile.

'Hello Dumbledore,' Alicia replied without any surprise that he was there. 'We should discuss this letter of yours.'

After breakfast everyone had cleared the room so Alicia and Dumbledore could talk in private. They were sitting in the armchairs by the fireplace. Alicia found it very hard to process everything he had written.

'I…I really don't know what your motivation is for this request,' Alicia said as she stared in the flames. She had a mug of tea in her hands and was ticking her fingernails against it.

Dumbledore seemed unfazed by her nervous behaviour. 'I'll start at the beginning then. During the last Order meeting, you have shown your resourcefulness. You adapt quickly in difficult situations and make yourself stand out in a unique way. Those are very useful qualities for this Order mission I'm assigning you.'

Alicia laughed coldly. 'In the letter at least it seemed like I have a choice. But I don't, do I?'

'I cannot make you do anything you don't want to. But don't you see the logic of it? The more I considered it, the more it made sense to me. You fit in that place perfectly,' Dumbledore told her.

She bit her lip and smiled at the same time. She felt very nervous and wasn't sure this was what she had hoped for. After she had made up with Remus, she had hoped to stay here and do some small spying missions, or keep the owl training up in the shop she worked at. She had thought that would be enough. It seemed safe that way; not the soldier at the front line but the spy in the shadows. But now Dumbledore asked her to jump right in the spotlight.

'You want me to become the Care of Magical Creatures Professor,' she confirmed to herself. 'You want me to show myself. You want to show the ministry you have one more ally close to you to protect you.'

'Oh no,' he said, leaning forward, 'I don't need protection, thank you Alicia. Also I don't want you to associate yourself too much with me. I want you to play the other side if needed.'

'What?'

He looked thoughtful. 'A witch from Fudge's direct circle is going to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts this year. I could not stop this from happening,' he told her. Something about his displeasure and secretive voice told her he had not shared this information yet with others. It sounded very ominous that there was something he couldn't stop from happening. 'And I'm sure she is going to have some strong opinions and ideas about how the school should be run. Things are going to change this year.'

Alicia rubbed her temple. 'And how do I fit in that picture?'

He smiled. 'Many ways. But the most important thing I have to ask of you, is to stay. Even when she is trying to fire teachers. You must make sure that you stay.'

'Since when can teachers fire other teachers? I should have asked Remus to fire Snape,' she said baffled.

He didn't really seem to think this funny. 'I have a feeling she won't be content with being a professor. Remember, the ministry is behind this woman. Whatever she thinks, will be backed by Fudge. So do you understand what I ask of you? You have to make her like you. Make her feel like you would support her and not me. Say whatever she needs to hear.'

At this point Alicia had sunk deep in the chair, her knees drawn up and her hands over her face. She exhaled deeply. 'Great. This is just great. And why, may I ask, am I so important to keep around? And where is Hagrid in all of this, anyway? You aren't firing him for me. If you do that I will burn your school to the ground.'

Dumbledore chuckled, not seeming too threatened by her. 'Hagrid is away on Order business. I assume it will take him some time to return. But Hagrid is already known as a fond supporter of me. No one would believe it if he suddenly turned on me. Don't worry about him, he will be fine. And when he comes back you can split the classes. To answer your other question; I have another task for you this schoolyear. Something very important.'

She looked at him again. 'Now we are cutting to the chase. What is it?'

Without pause, and with a detached voice, he replied: 'I need you to get Harry to tell you everything he is experiencing. And I need you to tell me everything. He needs to trust you completely.'

This was the hardest thing he had asked of her. She had to gain someone's trust, only to tell all his secrets behind his back? She never wanted to be that person. She usually stayed away from drama…or well…drama from others. She wasn't one to gossip.

'I hate that idea,' she told him through gritted teeth. 'I hate it even more than kissing the ass of some ministry witch.'

He nodded. 'I know. What I ask is not simple, and not without harm. But you came back to join the Order, and this is the task I am appointing you. You can still refuse me and return to Romania. The choice is yours.'

She turned her face away. She knew he was manipulating her. Of course he made it sound like the other option was running away from her problems. But she could take Remus with her this time. Maybe this time he would listen.

She sighed. He would. He would have listened. If it wasn't for Sirius.

'Alright, I'll do it,' she told her new employer.

He clapped his hands together. 'Excellent. Oh and I think it is better to keep this quiet until you arrive at Hogwarts. I understand you will want to tell Remus and that is fine. But apart from him I would prefer if you kept it secret. The less people know you were assigned by me, the better. From the moment you step in the castle, I need you to be cold and distant towards me. Can you do that?'

She looked him deep in his small eyes and smiled cynically. 'Oh that won't be a problem.'

All the happiness Remus had felt that very morning seemed to wither around him. He was staring at the fireplace with a hand covering his mouth. A tear slipped from the corner of his eye. He felt partially stupid for overreacting like this, but he couldn't help himself.

'R-Remus?' her soft voice pierced through his thoughts. He closed his eyes which made the tear drop over his cheek and down his shirt. 'Remus why are you crying?'

He took a shuddering breath and tried to smile. 'I-I don't know. I'm overreacting.'

Alicia got up from her chair and went over to sit on the armrest of his. One hand rubbed his back like he was a child that needed soothing after he cut his finger. He felt so stupid.

'You aren't one for overreacting. I'm not sure what part you are reacting to. It's a lot to take in for me too but…' she stopped as she noticed he was not meeting her eye.

He tried to talk, but his stupid trembling voice kept breaking him off. He cleared his throat and succeeded at the third attempt. 'I've only just gotten you back by my side. And here comes Dumbledore, taking you away again.' His voice kept breaking into whispers. Ashamed, he dropped his face in his hand. 'I can't…lose you again.'

Now that she finally understood his distress, Alicia knew better how to handle it. She moved to sit on the floor in front of him and took his hands in hers, so he couldn't hide his face any longer. It took a little moment for him to meet her eye. He felt so shameful.

'Remus, my dear Moony. Listen to me,' Alicia started with a kind expression to her face. Even with the rough look of a weathered warrior, she could still be soft and sweet. Or so Remus thought. 'I have to take this job. It's for the Order and all that, but there is at least one part in Dumbledore's story I agree with. Harry needs someone close that he can talk too. Now, I am not that person yet. But I hope to become it. I hope that he will learn to trust me so I can share his burden. So that is my reason to go to Hogwarts.'

Remus stifled his tears and nodded, still unable to speak.

'As for you and me…don't Hogwarts Professors have the privilege of using the Floo Network privately? You can visit anytime you want,' Alicia said with a smile.

Softly, Remus pulled his hands out of hers. He scratched the back of his neck. 'If the ministry is involved at Hogwarts, I won't be very welcome anymore.'

'Well then you only enter my office and private chambers. I have the right to slam the door in anyone's face when it concerns my privacy. Besides, who is going to tell me I can't be with you? No one has that authority anymore.' She could see that Remus was coming around to the idea. She leaned on the armrests to press a kiss to his lips. Remus welcomed her fondly.

'Remus John Lupin, I promise you won't lose me again,' she whispered only inches away from his lips. Remus opened his eyes and saw her determination. 'I promise.'

'Okay,' he whispered while he pulled her into his lap. She sat sideways as she hugged him tightly. Remus just hoped they would still have enough moments like this. Because this is what made him happy. And it was what made her happy. That was all that mattered.

'I'm sorry for being such a mess,' Remus said in the end with a little chuckle. Alicia chuckled too. 'I'm a mess too, remember? Messes united,' she joked.

Remus remembered a situation very similar to this, when she was the one that needed comforting. It had been his last day at Hogwarts.

'Alicia Doreen is going to be a professor,' Remus said with a proud smile once he had calmed himself. 'I can imagine it easily. Teaching third-years about bowtruckles and showing off your dragon knowledge to sixth-years. Keeping the legend of Miss Nessie alive. Probably stopping some smugglers of occamy eggs in the weekend. You know, I think it will really suit you.'

She smiled down at him with a radiant smile. 'Maybe it won't be so bad. The classes will be fun. I get to take care of creatures myself outside of classes and can rebuild my bond with the centaur clan. I will just have to swallow all the shit the ministry witch is going to throw my way, but I can handle that. I took Snivellus his shit too after he started bulling me. I am a wonderful actress when it comes to pretending I give a damn.'

Remus laughed. 'I'm sure you will do fine. Besides, how bad can one witch be, anyway?'

The day after that Harry needed to go to the Ministry of Magic for his hearing. Dementors had attacked him and his cousin, and he had cast the Patronus charm to protect them. However, the ministry threatened to expel him from Hogwarts now. Alicia and Remus got up early so they could see him before he had to leave. Arthur, Molly, Sirius and Tonks were already sitting downstairs.

Alicia started a light conversation with Tonks to pass the time. When Harry came down, he looked shifty. His eyes were unfocused and his hair more tousled than usual. They all talked in hushed tones, trying to reassure Harry it would be fine. Once he and Arthur left, there was an awkward silence in the group.

'Molly,' Alicia said, but before she could finish that thought Molly was back in the kitchen, ignoring Alicia like she had done for a couple of days now. The younger witch sighed.

'Did you break something too?' Tonks asked her, probably a means to cheer her up. 'I broke some plates and now I'm banished from the kitchen.'

Alicia gave her a small smile. 'No. It's because Molly doesn't approve of Remus and me. At least I think that's it.'

Tonks looked a bit startled at that. 'Blimey! I didn't know that! But uh…cool…I guess.' She looked rather uncomfortable before she made an excuse and left the room.

'One more that doesn't approve, I guess,' Alicia sighed as she leaned her face on her hands.

Sirius laughed darkly. 'I hardly think that's it. But it's not important. What do you think will happen at the hearing, Remus?'

Remus shrugged. 'If Dumbledore shows up he has a good chance. But I have no idea what they will throw at him. Let's just hope for the best.'

'It's all ridiculous,' Alicia chimed in. 'The hearing, the disbelief about Voldemort's return.'

Sirius looked confused. 'I thought you weren't saying his name.'

'I thought that now I'm fighting him, I might as well call him what he is,' she said stonily.

Later that day Harry returned and luckily he was cleared of all charges. Everyone was excited by the news, only Sirius seemed to be faking his smile. Alicia could guess why, and it wasn't a good thing. She would talk to him later.

During the happiness Alicia went over to Arthur to ask him something. He seemed delighted at the idea and started up the plan she had. After lunch, he and Molly left the house. They were both in need of some fresh air and a bit of sunlight, after all that time in the gloomy house.

When they were gone, Alicia didn't waste a minute. She dove into the kitchen and started assembling pans, cooking pots and ingredients.

'What are you doing, if I might ask?' Remus asked as he leaned in the doorway. Alicia looked like a happy woman from one of the kitchen commercials, only she was using magic to make everything float around. First she made sure everything from the lunch was cleaned and then she set to work.

'I am making dinner,' Alicia announced. 'Molly deserves a break and besides, I'm an awesome cook.'

Remus laughed. 'You didn't really like cooking, the way I remember it.'

She turned around and bit her lip. The sight was enticing for him. 'Granted; I don't. But I've been looking up this wonderful recipe that Molly just has to love! I'll clean everything afterwards and even prepare desert. I hope it will swing her in a more positive direction. She liked me once.'

'And then I ruined it,' he said with a chuckle. Both of them knew he didn't mean it. She flicked her wrist and waved him out. 'Take your self-pity elsewhere Moony. I'm busy.'

'Yes Ma'am.'

When Molly and Arthur returned, everyone was helping to set the table. Most was in its place as the big platters started to hover over the table towards their spot. Molly, looking at all this with great astonishment, almost started to cry.

'I can't believe it! Are my children finally helping me out with cooking?' she said as she looked towards the kitchen. Right at that moment, Alicia stepped out, wearing the floral apron. There was some grease on her fingers but otherwise she looked perfectly competent in her task.

'Ah! You are here. Good, then we can get started!' Alicia said happily as she enchanted the goblets around the table to be filled. 'For tonight we have a variety of roast, potatoes, meat pies and grilled vegetables. And desert will follow! Bon appetit!'

'It looks great Alicia,' Arthur said happily as he sat down at his spot.

'I even want to try the vegetables!' George exclaimed as he helped himself to the dish.

'It's wonderful dear,' Remus said proudly.

Molly did not miss a single interaction. From her family completely accepting their new cook to Remus giving her a sweet name. She stood there for a moment, not sure what to do. Alicia stepped over to her.

'Molly, you looked like you could use a break. You don't have to do all the cooking by yourself. Ask me for help if you need it. I will clean everything and put it all back in its place afterwards. Please, won't you sit?' Alicia pulled a chair back for her next to her husband.

Ms Weasley seemed to consider her options, but since everyone was enjoying the food there was no reason for her to throw a fit. She sat down quietly and started filling her plate.

Conversation was good at dinner. Everyone was still happy about Harry's verdict, and now they had a good meal to add to it too. Alicia knew she wasn't as good as Molly, but she hoped to be good enough to earn some trust back. They said the way to a man's heart was through his stomach. Maybe that worked out for Alicia tonight as well.

Molly was rather quiet during the meal, but she did have some conversations with Arthur and Sirius. With a flick of Alicia's wand, the empty plates disappeared and a huge cherry pie appeared in the middle.

'Next time,' Alicia started with a quick glance at Molly, 'I'll make something healthier. But today we are celebrating. So, who wants a slice?'

Alicia ended up cleaning the kitchen by hand. She wanted everything to be done right, and so she inspected that everything was back in its right place. She was humming a song to herself, when she heard a throat being cleared behind her.

She looked up to see Molly Weasley. She was looking nervous, but also still stern. Alicia gestured around her. 'Is it okay?'

'I appreciate what you are doing,' she started, then sighed as she continued. 'But this does not undo what you did.'

Alicia placed the towel on the counter and stepped closer. 'Can you please tell me what exactly you mean?'

This didn't seem like the right question. Molly crossed her arms. 'How can you ask me that? I don't understand why everyone thinks it's so normal to be romantically involved with a man twice your age!'

Alicia closed her eyes for a second. At least she knew for sure now what the issue was. 'Look, I understand you don't approve. I never thought that everyone would. But I hope you also understand that we made our decision. Remus and I are happy…and in love. I can help you cook and clean, but I'm not going to give that up because you don't like it. I'm sorry.'

Her face grew red. 'In love? You are hardly out of school yet. You don't know what love is yet. I also don't appreciate hearing that you…seduced two of my sons, while you were already involved with…him! Don't you understand how wrong that is?'

She held her hands up in defence. 'I never 'seduced' your sons. It just sort of happened… accidentally. But they are moving on. Everyone is moving on. I get that it isn't very ethical to start a relationship with a professor…but we are not at school anymore. We are two adults, making this decision.'

Molly huffed again, seeing this was going nowhere. 'I will not agree with you.'

Alicia stepped even closer, gaining a little height over the other witch. 'And I will not budge.'

'Fine then. Fine. I get that we are both living in this house. So I will start to…speak with you again. But don't expect a warm welcome back,' Molly concluded.

Alicia nodded. 'I can live with that.'

It was far from ideal, but at least Alicia had defused the bomb. She dived in the bed next to Remus, feeling more tired than a day working with dragons had been.

At first I felt like it was weird to have a nineteen-year-old professor. But then again, Dumbledore is known for not caring about the competence of teachers, isn't he?