Disclaimer: See Part 1.

Part 10

Harry rose early for breakfast the next morning. He hadn't slept well and was relying on the house elves dependably strong coffee to get him through the day.

He yawned, flipping through a Wizarding catalogue that rested across his lap. Now that he had sorted through all of the tests, he wanted to start in on the practical lessons. Curses, counter-curses, and the defense against dangerous magical creatures.

Hagrid had loaned him the catalogue. But, only after explaining in great detail that the difference between Care of Magical Creatures and Defense Against the Dark Arts. It was Hagrid's job to teach the children about everyday "beasties" that they could encounter everyday and would need to learn how to care for and love the little things. It was Harry's job to teach the children how to defend themselves from the hostile and dangerous sort. Harry had nodded along and thanked him for the advice and use of the catalogue of owl-order creatures. The entire time he had been thinking back on the horrid animals Hagrid had taught him about when he was a student. Harry seriously doubted any of the students in his graduating class had gone out to find blast-ended skrewts to adopt.

He was currently debating with himself over whether or not he should get one or two Grindylows for his third years. They were happiest in pairs, but were much harder to keep control over. They got nastier and enjoyed jumping up against the glass, scaring the students.

He finally decided that the extra work was worth it to see the students shriek and fall back. He wrote in a small number 2 in next to the item number. A familiar chuckle behind him, sounded. He swung around; face stricken by the sight of his old professor and friend, leaning against the back of his chair and laughing. Harry flew at the older man, throwing his arms around the werewolf.

"Remus!" he cried, hugging him tightly.

"I hope you know what you're getting yourself into by ordering two of those little sea monsters!" Lupin laughed hugging him just as tightly in return. Harry reluctantly let him go a few minutes later. He offered the man the seat beside him.

"I have to make the class interesting. Don't I?" he replied. Remus sat in the empty seat and looked at him with a fading smile.

"That it will be..." Remus gave him a significant look. "Harry..." Harry felt himself flinch at the sound of his own name spoken that way.

"Not now." he said quietly. "Come to my quarters after dinner, if I owe anyone an explanation, it's you." Remus seemed reluctant to accept, but nodded nonetheless. A minute later he was bright and smiling again.

"So, what else have you got planned for the Hogwarts student body?" he questioned. Harry gave him a genuine smile and raised a devious eyebrow in response.

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The day seemed to stretch forever. Harry was torn between ecstatic that Remus was there, and regretting his decision to talk later that night.

He felt like a watched dog for most of the day. Remus sat in the back of his classroom for every single class Harry had taught that day. He had asked permission first, and Harry had told him it was no problem. But Harry had still been nervous and a little scared for the most of the day. Remus had smiled and nodded along, sensing Harry's nervousness, and trying to offer support.

It was at evening meal that Albus reminded them of the staff meeting to be held directly after dinner in the staff lounge. Harry winced and smiled apologetically at his old friend. Remus only smiled and shook his head.

"Don't worry, Harry. I forgot them often enough when I was a professor her. There is nothing for you to worry about. We can talk after the meeting." Harry nodded and sighed quietly to himself. Whether that was because he wasn't looking forward to the talk or that with relief that Remus wasn't upset, Harry couldn't be sure.

"So say you'll come Remus. It's been such a long while since we could all sit and talk..." Professor Flitwick said, smiling up at Lupin from his other side.

"It would be a privilege, that is as long as you don't mind, Albus.." He replied looking over at the Headmaster. Dumbledore smiled, eyes twinkling merrily.

"Of course you're welcome to come, you know as well as I do that most of the meeting's discussion is gossiping anyway." the Headmaster smiled and most of the staff laughed at the truth to the statement.

Tbc.