Lupin crossed his kitchen and set his plate in the sink. Sirius following him like an excited puppy.
"You went to see Moira? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't know I was going until Dumbledore told me" was Lupin's simple reply.
"Why didn't he send me?"
"You're not thinking clearly, Sirius." Remus leaned against the counter. "I'm sure it would have gone well if her escaped convict ex-boyfriend suddenly showed up where she works."
"But you told her, right? You told her I was innocent."
"I did. Right after she threatened to kill you with her bare hands."
"She wouldn't, you know."
"You didn't see the look in her eyes. I think she would have. Besides, you two have a complicated past. It might have gotten in the way."
Sirius paced the small kitchen, running his fingers through his hair. Lupin was glad to see that his old friend was finally starting to look healthy again. He had gained some weight, and for longer periods of time, his eyes lost that look of desperation they had adopted in Azkaban.
"So is she coming back? Is she going to take the teaching position?"
"I don't know. She didn't seem too keen on the idea. I got the impression she might be happier to stay where she is."
"What's she like? Has she changed much?"
"She's very much the same… and not at all. At first, I though she was a totally different person. She didn't even want to see me when I got there. Very hostile. And then as we started talking, it was like we were kids again."
"What did you talk about?" If Sirius had a tail, it would be wagging.
"Voldemort, of course. And you and Harry. Her father. She asked what I'd been doing all these years. And before I left, I gave her my address, of course."
"But you don't know if she's coming?"
"I guess we'll find out from Albus."
"You have two hours to finish the exam. When you're finished, turn your papers in up here and leave through these front doors so you don't disturb your classmates who are still working. Are there any questions?"
"Can we use our notes?" A wave of hushed laughter rose.
"Only those you have memorized. Anyone else? No? Alright, you may begin." The sound of seals being broken on test booklets filled the room, then silence settled in as the students began the exam. Moira motioned for her assistants to walk the aisles, keeping their eyes out for questions and the occasional student who hadn't studied and hoped for help from a neighbor. The professor remained on the stage, her eyes sweeping over the room, but her mind wandered.
Should she go back? No, of course not. She was under contract. Besides, what good would it do? She hadn't even thought about her wand in years. No, she had thought about it. She hadn't touched it. Not to do magic, anyway. True, she had cleaned it a few times. And held it, just to feel its weight in her hand. But she wasn't a witch anymore.
Why hadn't she been more adamant with Remus? 'No, Remus. I'm not going back.' But then he had to mention Harry and her father. He knew her too well. Dumbledore must have known she couldn't say no to him. He set her up.
She'd send him an owl first thing- no. She didn't know where to get a decent messenger owl around here. She'd have to go see him. Damn it. If she walked into his office, she'd walk out with the job. No. She would be firm. 'I have a job. I can't just pick up and leave.'
High in his tower at Hogwart's Castle, Albus Dumbledore sat behind his large oak desk penning one of the many letters he had written of late to wizards and witches across the country, informing them that Voldemort had risen. A knock at his door revealed Madame Trelawney, the Divination professor.
"Good morning, Sibyl. I hope you bring me good news?"
"I have had a premonition, Professor. One, I think, which will interest you. A lost child returns from the west seeking her past. She will find her future."
"Ah, this is good news. Any idea how soon?"
"This moment."
"Nothing like waiting until the last moment, eh?" he asked with a wink.
"Her fate is yet clouded, Professor," she said dramatically. "Now, I must return to my tower. My eye clouds as we speak," she added melodramatically. With a dazzling flair of her green robes, Madame Trelawney turned and retreated back to her tower.
"Well, Fawkes," Dumbledore addressed the Pheonix perched on a chair near the door. "It seems our 'lost child' is returning. I believe Minerva should be showing her up momentarily."
A knock at the door swiftly followed those words and Professor McGonagall appeared inside, a wide smile spread across her face. The first, Dumbledore noticed, in a long time.
"Professor, we have a visitor." She moved aside so Dumbledore could see Moira O'Shaughnessy standing behind her. She was not wearing robes, but muggle clothing: blue-jeans, a white tank top, and a gray jacket, which hung from her shoulders. She carried a bag over one shoulder. A ball cap covered her head, but when she looked up at him, Dumbledore could plainly see her eyes seeming to glow under the brim.
"Miss O'Shaughnessy," Dumledore said, taking her hand. "Very nice to see you again. It was been a very long time."
"You set me up," she said. "You knew I couldn't say no to him. That's why you sent Remus."
His dancing eyes confirmed his words.
"I knew Remus would persuade you somehow, but he was not sent to trick you into coming. I merely thought it might be helpful to remind you of those you left behind." He motioned for her to sit down. She clutched her wand tightly as she did. "I take it Remus informed you of the developments."
"Voldemort's back with a vendetta against Harry. Sirius is innocent and Peter's alive. My last fifteen years are topsy-turvy, so I'd say I'm caught up."
"You always had a way with words," he answered with a smile.
"So what do you need from me?"
"You will add extra protection to the school, for all the students, but especially where Harry is concerned. You will also be fulfilling an open teaching position."
"The Dark Arts job."
"That is correct."
"Professor-"
"Call me Albus."
"Albus, you do realize I've never taught this before."
"Yes, I assume Defense Against the Dark Arts is not a regular course at American universities. Not nearly as useful as Early British Literature, but I'm confident you can make the adjustment, Professor Lupin." He smiled at her, letting her know he had spoken to Remus.
"So am I starting out the school year as the faculty joke?"
"No, Moira. I was just having some fun with you. Nobody knows who you've been except for Remus and myself."
"What did he tell you?"
"Nothing but that he found you and you talked together. He was quite unsure whether you would come."
"But you weren't."
"I had my doubts, but I also had faith that when you were needed, you would come to us."
"Needed?"
"Moira, I'm sure I don't need to impress on you the danger in this situation. Voldemort is back, possibly more powerful than before. He has gathered his Death Eaters once more, and already the attacks have begun again. I am afraid Harry is no longer protected from Voldemort's touch."
"That's why he used Harry's blood. To break the spell that protected him."
"That is correct." He beamed at the young prodigy before him. "Unfortunately, the Ministry has turned a blind eye, refusing to believe what is happening."
"Who's the Minister?"
"Cornelius Fudge."
"Then we're in worse shape than I thought."
"It's not so bad as it seems."
"This from the guy at the top of Voldy's hit list. I feel more confident already," she muttered, drawing another smile from Dumbledore.
"Don't feel confident yet. You haven't met the students." He passed several scrolls across his desk containing the class rosters. Moira's eyes scanned the lists.
"I know several of these names, and too many of them are Slytherins. Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle all are fifth year boys. That couldn't have been planned any better."
"We do not judge the students by their parents."
"That's easy for you to say. You didn't see first hand what their parents did."
"Don't be too sure, Moira. The most dangerous enemies are not the ones we know about."
'True. No one thought about Peter.'