By the next week everyone had gotten the news that Sirius had been spotted in Hogsmeade, again, and I found myself arguing with Remus about it. It was long after students were supposed to be in bed so I knew we weren't risking being overheard, but Remus insisted on closing and locking both my classroom door and the door to my office.

"No, Remus, I can't do it. I'm not going to risk mine or Lily's neck trying to help a man that is currently a wanted criminal to the entire world but us," I said, pacing in front of the fireplace in my office.

"All it is is making sure he has something to eat at least when there are Hogsmeade trips. I know it's risky and I know there may be serious repercussions if we were found out, but he's like family, Avery," Remus pleaded with me, sitting on the couch in front of the fireplace while I paced.

"There could be some very serious repercussions, Remus, the least of which being that we most definitely would be fired from our teaching positions. I love Sirius like a brother, but I can't put Lily's livelihood at risk. I'm all she had for eleven years and no offense Remus, but you got damn lucky that Dumbledore hired you here," I said, growing frustrated.

"Yes, thank you for pointing out that no one in the wizarding world will hire me because I'm a werewolf, Avery, because that's really helping the situation right now," he practically barked at me. I should have known better than to get into an argument with him two days before the full moon. At least if we had waited to have this conversation after the full moon he wouldn't be so easily riled up.

"Remus, when we got married, I understood that there was a good chance you'd be playing the stay at home dad role until our child was old enough to come to Hogwarts. Obviously that didn't happen, but I was prepared for that reality regardless of what happened. I can't help that so many people have this huge prejudice against werewolves, okay? But trying to help Sirius puts you at an even greater risk, just as much as it does me, and by association Lily," I nearly shouted at him, hoping he might understand my side.

"I don't know why I'm trying to convince you to help me with this. I should've known this would be how you reacted, always thinking only of yourself," he said, standing up suddenly and without thinking I slapped him in the face.

"I do not only think of myself, Remus," I said through gritted teeth, getting in his face. "I think of our daughter first and foremost in every decision I have ever made since the day she was born. Maybe you'd understand if you hadn't left us high and dry eleven years ago," I yelled at him, shocking myself with what I'd just said.

"Do you think I wanted to leave you and Lily? Hm? I did it to protect the both you, Avery. I have lived every day of my life on the brink of exile because of what I am. After what happened to James and Lily I didn't want to put you at risk of the same thing just because we happened to be married," he yelled back.

"Oh please, you were like four when you got bitten," I said snarkily, crossing my arms, knowing that would get a reaction out of him.

"Good god, Avery, do you hear yourself?" he said, starting his own path to pace around me. "You are absolutely infuriating, you know that?" he said after a moment when I didn't respond.

"I know," I shrugged and he looked at me in surprise, not expecting that answer. "Now, if you please, get out," I said, surprising him again.

"Fine," he said after his initial shock, shoving past me and slamming the door of my office as he stormed out. I immediately went to bed, but just tossed and turned for a couple of hours before I heard a soft knock on my bedroom door. I got up and padded over to the door, not bothering to put on my slippers despite the cold stone floor. When I opened the door I wasn't surprised to see Remus standing there, looking as though he hadn't slept much yet either.

"Do you mind if I come in?" he asked, rocking on the balls of his feet and looking at the floor.

"Sure," I said and moved so he could come in. I sat on my bed and crossed my legs, waiting for him to say something as he paced.

"First, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gotten so angry with you earlier," he said, stopping to stand in front of me.

"I'm sorry, too. I shouldn't have said some of the things I did," I said, looking down at my hands.

"I shouldn't have called you selfish, I know you're only looking out for Lily," he said and sat beside me, taking my hand in his.

"I want to help Sirius, I really do, but I can't risk anything happening to Lily," I said and put a hand to Remus' face and he leaned into my touch. "A little bird told me that you're going to be helping Harry with something against the dementors. Do you think he'll be able to do the patronus charm? I know both of us can, but that's really advanced for a thirteen year old," I said after a moment of silence.

"He probably won't be able to produce a corporeal one, but he has a lot of potential, I think he'll do well with it," he said and I decided to lay down on the bed, my legs in his lap. "What are you doing?" he said with a smirk.

"I'm tired, so I'm laying down," I said, closing my eyes and getting myself comfortable.

"Well in that case, I think I'll just join you," he said and laid down next to me.

"You can't stay here," I said, already much more comfortable and feeling myself falling asleep before I could help myself.

"Are you going to stop me?" he said, snaking his arm around my waist.

"Hm, no. Even though I should," I said, snuggling in closer to him. Soon enough we were both asleep, not caring that it was a school night or that even if it wasn't we were still taking a risk falling asleep in the same bed. The next morning I shot up, remembering everything that had happened the night before. When I looked over, Remus was still there, fast asleep.

"Remus," I said, shaking him lightly, but got no response. "Remus!" I said louder and he jerked awake.

"Merlin, what time is it?" he said, rubbing his face.

"Time for you to leave my bed so no one sees you leaving my classroom so early in the morning," I said, standing up and grabbing my robe to shield me from the cold morning air.

"Shit, you're right," he said, sitting up slowly.

"How are you feeling?" I asked him, sitting back down next to him.

"I've felt worse the day before the full moon if that counts for anything," he said, leaning his elbows on his knees.

"Come on, I'll peek and see if there's anyone in the hallway," I said, leading him out of my office to the door of my classroom. The sun had barely begun to rise so I was pretty sure no one would be in the hallways this early, but wanted to be sure just in case. I opened my classroom door slowly and peeked out into the hallway quickly, not seeing anyone and rushing Remus out.

"I'll see you at breakfast," he said softly and hurried over to his classroom. Once my classroom door was closed I leaned on it, letting out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. I knew there was no way we could ever do that again. While being able to be in the same bed as Remus was always nice to be able to do, it was a huge risk we were taking, especially in the middle of the week. I went back up to my office and started my morning routine to get ready for the day, making my way to the Great Hall for breakfast once I was dressed and ready to go. On my way out of my classroom I saw Remus coming out of his as well and smiled at him.

"Good morning, professor," he greeted me with a smile when he saw me, though it was a tired smile that didn't reach his eyes like it usually did when he smiled at me.

"Good morning, professor. You look exhausted," I commented nonchalantly, giving him a small wink and he smirked at me.

"Just a bit of trouble sleeping last night is all," he said with a small wink and we walked the rest of the way to the Great Hall in a comfortable silence. Ever since term had started at the beginning of the month, Remus and I had been getting a lot of stares from students, complete with them all whispering behind their hands, what about I wasn't completely sure but we both had some ideas based on some things we'd both heard a few students say between classes. That morning was no difference and every time I would look towards a student that was staring at us they looked away quickly, embarrassed to have been caught. I smirked at myself the few times that happened that morning in the Great Hall alone, knowing we had the worst kept secret in Hogwarts and not having a care in the world about it. Remus took his seat next to Severus and I made my way down to my seat next to Sybil.

"Good morning, dear. You're in a chipper mood this morning," she said when I sat down.

"Just amused is all," I said, getting myself some toast and bacon to eat.

"The rumors the students are starting to spread are getting more and more ridiculous every day, surely you and Remus will tell them something soon?" she asked me, sipping her tea.

"We haven't decided yet. Plus we would have to talk to Albus and Minverva about it first. It's not every day you get two professors that just happened to be married to each other," I said, pouring myself some coffee and adding two creams and two sugars to it.

"I suppose so," Sybil said, seeming to go off in her own little world, a common occurrence with her. The day dragged on as it usually would until my last class of the day, the third year Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs.

"All right everyone, get out your textbooks and a roll of parchment for your notes. Today we will be covering the history of everyone's favorite sport, Quidditch," I said and Harry's hand shot into the air immediately.

"Professor Stroupe, I have a question," he said, seeming nervous.

"Yes, H- Mr. Potter?" I said, catching myself from using his first name.

"Well, a few of us were wondering, um, what exactly is going on between you and professor Lupin?" he said, Ron elbowing him in the side when he took too long to ask the question.

"I had a feeling this question would come around eventually, if you would all give me just a moment," I said and walked out of my classroom, making sure the door was closed behind me. I went over to Remus' classroom and knocked, opening his classroom door just enough to poke my head in.

"Professor Lupin, could I borrow you for just a moment?" I said when he looked up at me, waving at Lily since this was his first year class.

"Of course. Excuse me just a moment," he said to the class, joining me in the hallway and I lead him a few paces from the door to his classroom.

"You will not believe what just happened in my third year class," I practically whispered, not wanting anyone to overhear me. He just looked at me expectantly. "Harry has just asked what is going on between the two of us," I said when he didn't say anything.

"Oh," was all he said at first, looking away from me, deep in thought. "Well, I suppose we could at least tell him. Keep him after class and I'll come over there when my class is finished. He already knows that I knew his parents, but I'm sure he probably doesn't realize that you did as well," Remus said after a few moments.

"Okay, sounds like a good plan," I said, walking back to my classroom. Once there I deflected any other questions about my personal life and went on with my lesson until I dismissed the class. "Harry, could you stay for a few moments?" I called to him as he gathered his things together. He told Ron and Hermione to go on without him and came to the front of my classroom. I was leaning backwards on the front of my desk, hoping Remus would come in soon.

"Yes, professor?" he said, looking as though he was afraid he was in trouble.

"What you asked me earlier, you deserve to know the answer, and you'll know why in a moment," I said and right on cue Remus walked in, closing the door behind him and walking over to stand next to me.

"Hello, dear," Remus said, coming up and kissing me on the cheek, which I thought was awfully bold of him in front of Harry, but Harry just looked even more confused.

"I'm confused," Harry said slowly, looking between the two of us and Remus' arm around my waist.

"Come, we'll go into my office," I said, gesturing for Harry to follow me and Remus. The two of us sat on the couch in front of the fireplace while Harry sat in the one armchair next to it.

"Are either of you going to tell me what's going on?" Harry said, seeming a bit frustrated.

"Well, Harry, as you know, I knew your parents quite well, but what you don't know it that Avery, Professor Stroupe that is, knew them just as well as I did," Remus started and I was grateful he spoke first.

"You did?" Harry said hopefully, directing the question to me.

"Yes, Harry, I did. Lily, your mother, was my best friend from our very first day in this castle. That's why I named my daughter Lily. Well, our daughter," I said, taking Remus' hand in mine and looking over at him.

"Wait, your daughter? What do you mean?" Harry asked, looking extremely confused.

"Like we've said, we both were very close with your parents during our time here at Hogwarts, and even afterwards. And yes, Remus is Lily's father because six months after we left Hogwarts Remus and I got married," I said, smiling at myself at the memory.

"But, wouldn't your name be Lupin, too?" Harry asked and I could tell he was very confused.

"Technically it is. After your parents were killed I started using my maiden name again to keep Lily safe. The same night your parents were killed a group of death eaters showed up at our house looking for Remus so he left for mine and our unborn child's safety. You know, you were quite fond of me as a baby," I said with a grin.

"Really? Huh, maybe that's why you're one of my favorite professor's. Well, both of you are," Harry said, more to himself than anything.

"Now, Harry, we don't expect you to keep this information to yourself, but try not to let it get too out of hand, yeah?" I said after letting him take everything in for a moment.

"Oh, yeah, of course. Um, can I go now?" he asked.

"Of course," Remus said and Harry left, me and Remus staying silent for a bit.

"I think that went rather well," I said after a few moments of silence.

"Yes, I think so too. I'm sure he'll tell Ron and Hermione, but between the three of them my guess would be they won't tell anyone else," Remus said, sitting back into the couch.

"You're probably right. Are you ready to head down to dinner?" I said, running my fingers through his hair and he closed his eyes, leaning into my touch.

"I suppose so," he mumbled and only got up off the couch after I did. I was glad Harry finally knew everything we had just told him since both me and Remus had been so close to James and Lily, though I was interested to see what he would do with that information.


Personally this was one of my favorite chapters to write, mostly because of the bit with Harry near the end. I'd love to know what your thoughts on it are! Thank you to those reading!