DISCLAIMER: I Own NOTHING In The Potterverse!!! It ALL Belongs To JKR and Her Minions… But if she is willing to barter for Remus, then I'll step up to the plate…
WINGSISTER: Thank you so much for being the only reviewer to this story. And for the lovely review on my other story. Sorry it took so long to get this next chapter out. But I had a case of writers block, and work has been occupying my time…
Now, on with the story…
Having friends like James, Sirius, and Peter made other aspects of life far more tolerable. Such as knowing just how unlikely any kind of romantic relationship would be with my curse.
Unfortunately, I learned that one the hard way! Because of that incident, I had learned to keep my heart guarded at all costs. So, that I'd be able to avoid that kind of heartache and disappointment, from ever happening again.
Needless to say, our time at Hogwarts came to an end.
And the world into which we were thrust was an ever-darkening time. Lord Voldemort was coming into the height of his powers. And his reign of terror was spreading throughout the Wizarding Community like wildfire.
But, in spite of all the bad things going on, there were good times, and joyous occasions.
Such as James and Lily's wedding day. And the subsequent birth of Harry.
Though unknowingly, a little over a year later, I ended up losing every person that ever meant anything to me in a span of twenty-four hours.
Turns out that Peter was a spy for Lord Voldemort, and he had been passing information to him for over a year. Basically, selling out Lily and James, all the while setting Sirius up to take the fall.
So an innocent man ended up going to Azkaban prison. Sirius was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in that awful place.
That was a very lonely time for me.
However, twelve years later (in fact), wonder of wonders- I was offered a teaching position at Hogwarts, as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Which, I gladly accepted.
It was on that eventful train ride to Hogwarts that I met James and Lily's son- Harry. Merlin's beard! He was the very picture of James, with only minimal differences. His eyes were different- he had Lily's bright emerald green eyes. And the lightning bolt-shaped scar, from Voldemort's failed attempt at killing him.
I also met his two best friends (and partners in crime) - Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger.
It made me smile when I later learned of the Golden Trio's (as they were known) adventures. They were quite the mischief-makers in their own right. James would have been proud to know that the Marauders lived on in Harry and his friends.
Harry and Ron reminded me of James and Sirius respectively, while Hermione was a combination of myself and Lily at that age.
I came to teach during the Trio's third year at Hogwarts. And while each was unique in they're own way, I found in Hermione, a kindred spirit. She was the more academically driven one. She was formidably bright, always going above and beyond that extra mile for her schoolwork. Even to the point of complete burn-out in order to achieve her goals.
She was also quite loyal. Hermione was the only one to figure out about my lycanthropy. But she kept my secret from almost everyone. The only exception was Harry and Ron. And even then I don't blame her. She was only trying to protect her friends.
I had the utmost respect for her intelligence and loyalty. However after a very near miss, I ended up resigning my post as Defense teacher.
So, I wouldn't see the Trio again for the next year and a half.