Thirteen years, thirteen long hard years that is how long James was away from England. He had been through countless moons finally seeing what Remus had lived with for so long. James discovered the reality of Remus' curse, now his curse.

James tried his best in making contact with other wolves but had little success, few trusted him, he was a stranger. Keeping suspicions from rising James was forced to move from place to place. He traveled the continental Europe.

For the past year James had found himself in France. In his travels he received an owl, something he had not received since he first set on his travels. Just as James made his way out of England he received a note from Dumbeldore telling him of the death of Peter and the arrest of Sirius. That letter further broke James than what he already was at that time.

Alone, that was what James was, alone. One friend dead, one wife dead, another friend a lying murderous traitor, and a son who would never know him, a son who could never know the truth, a son who was most certainly living a hard life.

Fortunately for James, this letter was not filled with the pain that the others had been filled with.

Remus,

I shall be in France this coming Monday on Hogwarts business. I wish to meet with you while there. I presume that you would be free to meet at Le Bouillant Chaudron the following Tuesday at 3pm. There are things of an important matter that I wish to discuss with you.

-Albus Dumbeldore

Receiving this letter James was forced to wonder what it was that Dumbeldore wished to discuss with him. Hearing little about Voldemort, James wondered if it had been decided that he was no longer a threat. Would James be free to reveal who he truly was? Possibly take up the care of his own his son who was now thirteen years old?

When Monday arrived James cleaned himself up washing his face, shaving, and running a sad excuse for a comb through his hair. With what little money he had gained from doing random jobs he purchased a used robe, it was tattered and worn, but it was better than what he had been wearing.

When James looked in the mirror, he was surprised to see the changes that had over come him. No longer did his face hold some of the boyish features that Remus held so long ago. No longer was his hair still the classic brown, there were tinges of gray in his hairline. There was a wrinkle or two on his face, there were scars there that weren't there before. No longer was this the face of one Remus John Lupin, nor was it the face of James Harold Potter. This face was wizened and slightly gaunt. The years had been hard on James and he had become a different person. James was no longer the roguish marauder he had been in his early years. James was now a humbled more quite man accepting his lot in life. He became much like Remus, yet he was someone different, not exactly Remus nor was he James either. Funny how tragedies and hard times could change a person entirely.

James let out a fatigued sigh as he approached Le Bouillant Chaudron. Though he had thirteen years to mourn and grieve, his heart was still heavy. He could never forget what had happened.

"Remus," greeted Dumbeldore standing up from a table in the pub to greet James.

The pub in France was reminiscent of the Three Broomsticks. The atmosphere was cheery; each person went on with his or her life as normal as if nothing that had happened in the past occurred. Not that they should do anything less, they did not live in the past as James.

"It is good to see you old friend," Dumbeldore smiled and took Remus' hand.

"It is good to see you two Professor," nodded James using the term of respect he had used in his Hogwarts years.

"Please have seat," gestured Dumbeldore taking a seat himself, "I placed an order for Malted Mead, not as good as Rosemerta's but palatable all the same."

James mirrored Dumbeldore in sitting down, "Sound's good to me," he nodded.

"I'm certain that you are wondering what the cause for this meeting is," started Dumbeldore as a waitress approached delivering two glasses of Malted Mead.

"Yes, you could say that I was wondering," admitted James taking his glass giving a smile of gratitude to the waitress.

"Having been here in France, I don't think you are aware of current events in England," explained Dumbeldore taking his own glass and paying for the two drinks, a warm smile on his wizened features, and a bright twinkle in his eyes.

"No I haven't heard much of anything from home, brings back too many memories," admitted James taking a sip of his drink.

"Then you would not be aware that Sirius Black has escaped from prison," answered Dumbeldore looking straight at James, penetrating him, warning him to keep his emotions in check.

"What!" exclaimed James as he just kept himself from choking on his Malted Mead. An anger that had once subsided boiled inside him once again.

"Yes," continued Dumbeldore keeping his tone calm and even, "This is why I have asked to meet with you. Harry's life is potentially in danger and it would be nice to have all the possible help I can in protecting him. He has taken on his father's penchant for getting into trouble."

"What kind of help do you need?" asked James, just keeping his anger bottled in. Sirius had taken everything from him, he was not going to finish things off and take Harry entirely away from him.

"There is a position of Defense open at Hogwarts. I would like you to take the position."

"Teach? You want me to teach?" asked James this was not what he was expecting to be asked.

"Yes," nodded Dumbeldore, "You of all people know Sirius best and would be most capable of picking up weather he is about. Not to mention you are well qualified in Defense you would suit the position well."

"But what of the moon?" asked James realizing what he was being asked to do, "It was hard enough when Rem - I was in school."

"We have an answer to that now. There is a potion that has recently been invented called Wolfsbane. It causes the wolf to sleep during transformations; you would still transform but keep your right mind in the process. You would only miss a day of classes if the transformation occurs on a weeknight."

"There is a potion?" asked James eyes wide with shock, "How long has this potion been in existence?"

"Not long at all. It is quite difficult to make but Severus has agreed to brew you regular doses of it so that you can hold the position."

"Snape?" asked James in surprise.

"Yes, Severus turned from being a Death Eater and is loyal to me, he currently holds the position of Potions Professor, and head of Slytherin House."

"This is unbelievable," remarked James shaking his head looking down at the table as he tried to process all this information.

"So you agree to take the position Remus?" asked Dumbeldore a questioning eyebrow raised.

"Yes. I'll take the position," nodded James looking up to Dumbeldore connecting his gray eyes with the headmaster's blue.

"Good. The pay isn't much but I'm sure that it is more than what you currently have. I am capable of giving you your first month's salary so that you may gather the things that you will need to fill the position. Now I'm aware that there is a moon just prior to the start of term so I can have it arranged for you to ride the Hogwarts Express, rather than having you arrive early with the rest of the staff. Wolfsbane takes about a month to brew, so I will have Severus start work on the potion for the following moon."

"Thank you sir."

"You are welcome," nodded Dumbeldore looking down at his watch. "I am afraid that I must get going at this time, but I will see you at the start of term."

Dumbeldore stood and deposited a small satchel filled with money for James, and then left the pub.