Disclaimer: See Part 1.

Part 11

It was Harry's second staff meeting of the year. Much like the first meeting, he took great delight in watching his old professors bicker back and forth. He sat on an old comfortable couch and watched Severus and Minerva began a debate about how the Quidditch season was likely to turn out. He watched Professors Sprout and Flitwick carefully avoid the subject as if it was the plague. Harry couldn't remember ever seeing the teachers this relaxed around each other. It had been at the first staff meeting that he had realized it. Severus and Minerva really seemed to have a complex and competitive relationship that appeared to the students as mutual dislike and resentment. Now, he watched Minerva bate Sev with assurances that Gryffindor will surely pummel Slytherin into the pitch this year. Harry is sure they've had the same discussion a thousand times before. Albus sat across from the pair, watching with obvious amusement. The 'discussion' turns heated and Dumbledore decided to add fuel to the fire.

"Now, now. We mustn't exclude the other houses. Not a single match has been played yet this year. I saw Ravenclaw practicing just the other day. Their new chaser is doing quite well so far..." Harry chuckled watching the shocked indignation spread across Minerva's face. The Headmaster received only a raised eyebrow from Severus. He leaned back in his seat, focusing old eyes on the raging fire in the hearth. Harry smothered another laugh when Madame Hooch jumped into the fray. Harry thought, for not first time, that he's glad he wasn't a Head of House.

Remus sank into the couch beside him and smiled.

"Do you miss it here, Remus?" he asked.

"Sometimes. I miss the life of this place, but the memories have always been hard to handle. Teaching's not so bad though. I actually spent two years teaching at the American Academy in New Hampshire. Fine group of people there, but Hogwarts is home." Lupin answered.

Severus suddenly made a rather loud comment on the Gryffindor's newest seeker's appalling lack of skills. Harry smiled, shaking his head. This was an almost playful side of Severus Snape that Harry was sure not many people had had the chance to see before. Harry shot a halfhearted glare at the Potion's Master, who merely smirked in reply. Harry felt surprisingly comfortable in the relaxed atmosphere. He settled back into his seat and sighed. 

"You look tired, Harry." Remus' voice was laced with concern. Harry looked over at him.

"It's been a long two weeks, Remy." Lupin looked away quickly. "Oh, Merlin... I'm sorry Remus..." the werewolf and smiled sadly.

"It's been almost nine years since someone last called me that. Not since Sirius..." he trailed off. Harry felt his chest constrict. His eyes drifted around the room. Everyone had broken off into smaller groups. They wouldn't be missed. He caught Severus' eyes on him and offered a hesitant half-smile. He looked at Remus again.

"I think we should go have that talk now, Remus," he offered. The older man nodded and they excused themselves, leaving the room and heading down toward Harry's rooms.

Tbc.