Chapter 30
The Marauders Return To Hogwarts
Author's Note: At least one reviewer has complained about the pacing of this story. If this is my first story you've read, and you're not familiar with my writing, then this is for you.
My story pacing tends to be slow. I tend to write long stories with many chapters. It is entirely possible that by the time we get to fourth year in this story, there will be 100 chapters. I like to write a lot of plot details, and description, and dedicate several chapters to various characters and storylines. This story will be no different. I like build-up. If you don't like that, then this story is not for you.
Saturday, January 2nd, 1993 – Late Afternoon
Half-an-hour after he left Amelia Bones' office, Sirius Black was sitting in a Thestral-drawn carriage as it made its way to Hogwarts. Remus Lupin and Ted and Andromeda Tonks were in the same carriage.
Minutes ago, the four visitors had been met by Rubeus Hagrid who was currently riding atop the carriage, steering the Thestrals toward Hogwarts. When he saw Sirius, he apologized profusely to him. First he apologized about taking Harry away from him the night James and Lily died. Hagrid blamed himself for the reason Sirius was in Azkaban. He had rationalized that if he had just given Harry to Sirius, then Sirius wouldn't have been falsely arrested. As much as Sirius had agreed with Hagrid on that point, he tried his best to assure Hagrid that the man was not to blame.
Hagrid also apologized for thinking Sirius was – in his own words - "a murderin' traitor". Sirius forgave him for that, since most people had likely thought the same thing about him, due to the fact that he hadn't been able to tell the true story until that day.
As he stared out the window, looking at Hogwarts, Sirius searched his memories, in an attempt for some reminiscing about some of the best times at the castle. But he was having trouble remembering certain things.
"Damned devils," Sirius muttered.
"Something wrong, Sirius?" Andromeda asked.
"I'm having trouble with some of my memories," Sirius said, "I was trying to remember the last time I had been here. I can't pinpoint it."
"Residual effects from your time in Azkaban," Andromeda said, "It is common for victims of Dementors, and you were in their vicinity for more than eleven years. I'd be astonished if you weren't having trouble with your memories. Relax, cousin. The Healers at St. Mungo's will be able to help with that, and much more. With a few dosages of Flushing Draught, you'll have your memories back. Maybe I'll come and check on you when I'm free on weekends – if I get this job, that is."
"There you go again, Andie," Ted said, smiling warmly, "Doubting yourself. Why wouldn't Minerva hire you? You're a fantastic Potions Mistress. You have a history as a teacher. I bet you'll be popular amongst the students. You'll definitely be more popular than your predecessor."
Sirius snorted. "Wasn't Snape the Potions Master? I can't imagine that he was a popular teacher."
Ted chuckled. "You should have heard Nymphadora talk about him. She hated him. And she wasn't the only one. There were several complaints each year apparently."
"Where is your daughter these days?" Sirius asked.
"Actually, at the moment, she's here," Andromeda said, "Minerva hired her to be a tutor for – er – someone. I know she said who it was, but I can't remember."
"Was she tutoring a Metamorphmagus?" Remus asked.
"I believe she was," Andromeda said.
"Harry," Remus said, "The reason you can't remember that is because Fudge called for a Rite of Confidentiality during Dumbledore's trial. Amelia didn't want anyone in the courtroom to remember that Harry is a Metamorphmagus, especially certain parts of the ability. Privacy of a Minor, of course. But, because I am a werewolf, the Rite of Confidentiality cannot affect me, because it is a form of mind-magic, which I am immune from."
"Right," Andromeda said, "I think I can remember that now that you mentioned it. Yes, apparently Harry only recently learned he was a Metamorphmagus."
"According to his witness statement," Remus said, "He knew about it at the age of six. But he was Obliviated of the knowledge."
"Dumbledore did it, didn't he?" Sirius growled, "Can't believe he was cleared of that charge."
"It was a close call," Remus said, "Twenty-one votes to twenty. I'm quite sure he did Obliviate Harry. Several times in fact. Harry mentioned in the witness statement that he remembered seeing a man multiple times. A man with a long white beard, and wearing eccentric clothing."
"Dumbledore," Andromeda said.
"Indeed," Remus said, "Only he convinced the Wizengamot that Harry was hallucinating due to a Potion that apparently wasn't a Flushing Draught."
"What a load of tripe," Sirius muttered.
"Indeed," Remus repeated.
"Now that you've said that, I do remember what Nymphadora said," Andromeda said, "She's been here for much of the past week tutoring Harry, teaching him about his Metamorphmagus talents."
"Why would Dumbledore not want Harry to know he was a Metamorphmagus?" Sirius asked, "He was using his talents as a baby. I clearly remember that. I do remember James discussing something with me over the Floo about something Harry had done with his talent. Surprised even James and Lily."
Remus laughed. "Yes, I believe I know what you're talking about. Harry mentioned it in his witness statement. He is apparently well aware of that ability."
"What ability?" Sirius asked, "Damn it, I wish I could remember these things."
Remus grinned. "Metamorphs have the ability to become both genders."
Sirius' eyes widened. "Oh! I do remember now! James said he woke up that day and found a little girl in Harry's crib! Turned out it was Harry."
"Indeed," Remus said.
"The kid can turn into a girl," Sirius said, then laughed. "And you said he's well aware of that ability?"
"In his witness statement," Remus said, "he said he turned into a girl several times as a child. That was one of the memories he was Obliviated of. I imagine he's turned into a girl recently."
"Hopefully Harry's still the dominant," Andromeda said.
"The what?" Sirius asked.
"Metamorphmagi who turn into both genders are in danger of having a split-personality," Andromeda said, "For example, Nymphadora's male form has his own personality. He's called Nemo. Lately, he only shows up once or twice a year. When Nymphadora was a child, it was at least once a month. Whichever personality is the dominant is the one who commonly shows themselves. If Harry isn't the dominant, well... congratulations, Sirius, you have a goddaughter."
Sirius' eyes widened. "So... if Harry can turn into a girl, does that mean he can..."
"Go through pregnancy and childbirth, in addition to siring?" Andromeda finished Sirius' question. "Indeed."
"This is almost too much to handle," Sirius muttered.
Remus chuckled. "Perhaps Harry will be happy to discuss it with us."
Sirius swallowed and nodded. He would be reuniting with his godson soon. His godson who apparently looked like a twelve-year old version of his best friend.
Not James, Sirius said, Remember your promise to Amy. He's Harry. He's not James.
Suddenly the carriage stopped. They were at Hogwarts. Sirius inhaled and exhaled. Remus opened the carriage door, let Andromeda and Ted leave the carriage first, before he picked up a tattered, old briefcase sitting near his legs, stood up and stepped out. Then Sirius followed him.
"Madam Tonks, Mr. Lupin," Hagrid said, "You may keep your bags 'ere until Professor – sorry, 'Eadmistress McGonagall informs me that you 'ave been accepted for the Professor jobs. If so, I'll 'ave a 'ouse-elf move your belongings to your new Quarters."
"Thank you, Hagrid," Remus said.
"O' course," Hagrid said, "Good luck."
The only belongings Remus and Andromeda kept with them was their briefcase and purse respectively, since they would need them for their interviews. They bid farewell to Hagrid, and Sirius followed Remus, Andromeda and Ted into the castle. Sirius smiled brightly as he stepped into the Entrance Hall. He could scarcely remember the first time he had stepped into this Hall, scared that he would be sorted into Slytherin, instead of Gryffindor.
The newly coined Hogwarts Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall, was waiting for them in the Entrance Hall. She greeted them all with a smile.
"If you will all follow me, we will be holding the interviews in my new office," she said, "If you're agreeable, I think we can do both interviews at the same time."
Remus and Andromeda both agreed with that.
"Excellent," Minerva said, "After the interviews, Sirius, Remus, I'll arrange a meeting between you and Harry. Also, if you wish, Ted, Andromeda, I'll point you Nymphadora's way. Follow me, please."
Sirius followed his friends and former Transfiguration Professor toward the Grand Staircase. Sirius grinned as he saw the towering staircase, adorned with portraits. He then saw a curious sight. A few students were hanging about on the staircase at various levels and were looking in his direction. He searched amongst the students for someone who could possibly be his godson, but couldn't spot him.
Noticing the students, Minerva cleared her throat, and looked up at them.
"No dawdling, students," she said, "I'm sure there are better things you could be doing right now. Such as finishing that last bit of holiday homework you've been putting off."
Most of the students began moving away. However, two ginger-haired boys who appeared to be twins remained behind. Sirius was oddly reminded of two twins he had known what seemed like a lifetime ago.
"That means you, Fred and George Weasley," Minerva said, "If I get a single whiff of any pranks, you will be serving detention every night for a week with Mr. Filch."
The twins merely grinned then walked out of sight.
"Weasley, you said," Remus said, as they stepped into the second floor corridor, "Arthur Weasley's boys?"
"Two of them," Minerva said, then chuckled, "You may be interested to know that they're this generation's Marauders, at least when it comes to their mannerisms."
"Really?" Sirius asked, "Might have to meet them."
"You most certainly will not, Sirius Black!" Minerva exclaimed, "Just what I need, those two getting inspiration from you."
"Aw, you're no fun, Minnie," Sirius said, grinning. "You'll have to tell me all about them, Remus. Maybe you finally met your match."
"Or they've met theirs," Remus said, smiling.
"I hope so," Minerva said, with a light snort.
"Well, if they're anything like their late Uncles," Remus said, "I'm sure they're quite the duo."
"Their Uncles?" Sirius asked.
"Their mother is Molly... formerly Prewett," Remus said.
"Oh... their Uncles are – were – Fabian and Gideon," Sirius said, nodding, "May they rest in peace, those two. That's why they seemed so familiar! Well, if they're anything like those two, I'm sure they're a good couple of kids."
"They are," Minerva said, "Like I said, they remind me of the Marauders."
Sirius and Remus exchanged smiles at that apparent compliment from their former Professor.
"So," Sirius said, "Owing to the warm welcome, I trust the students know I'm no longer a scary Azkaban prisoner?"
"I addressed the staff when I returned," Minerva said, "Then word got out to a few students, and soon everyone currently in the castle knew about it."
"So they know everything," Ted said, "Including the news about Albus and Severus Snape."
"Yes," Minerva said. "A few staff and several students were rather surprised when Albus didn't return. The news that I am the new Headmistress, while welcoming, was definitely surprising to many."
"So Albus didn't come back with you?" Remus asked, "I thought he would have wanted to pack up his belongings."
"Oh, he tried to come back with me," Minerva said, "I told him I would save him from such a task, and have the House-Elves pack up his belongings. Speaking of, you'll have to forgive me. My new office is a lot less full than it used to be. The House-Elves aren't yet finished packing Albus' belongings, because they were needed in the kitchens to help cook the evening's menu. They'll finish up after dinner. Therefore, I haven't had time to move my things and decorate the office. That will be done later this evening. However... I have already made one change."
Two minutes later, they discovered exactly what that change was. Outside the Headmistress' office, there was a large statue of a cat, where a gargoyle had once stood.
"Cattery," Minerva spoke to the cat.
The cat nodded, sprang to life, and side-stepped. The wall behind where it had stood opened up, revealing a circular staircase. Minerva led the four guests up the stairs and into the office. As Minerva said, it was indeed quite bare of the usual décor which had once belonged to Albus Dumbledore. The various portraits of Headmasters and Headmistresses were still there, as was the Sorting Hat, and the magnificent mahogany desk. But several other items were missing, including the golden perch Albus' phoenix called home. Minerva conjured four comfortable chairs on the nearest side of the desk, before circling the desk and sitting down in the large leather chair. Sirius and his friends sat down in the new chairs.
"Andromeda," Minerva said, "We will begin with your interview for the role of Potions Mistress."
Andromeda nodded, and opened her purse, then pulled out a folder of parchment.
"Here is my CV," she said, removing a few pieces of parchment from the folder and sliding them toward Minerva. "Complete with my past jobs, skills and other notes."
Minerva nodded and took a minute to read over the CV. Her eyebrows raised in apparent surprise.
"You made a former attempt to take the post of Hogwarts Potions Mistress once before?" she asked.
"In the early summer of 1981," Andromeda said, "I had heard that Horace Slughorn was retiring. I met with Albus in this very office. But, as you know, he ended up hiring Severus Snape that summer. He didn't give me any explanation why he had not chosen me, especially since I was much more qualified for the role than Snape was at the time. I distinctly remember ranting to Ted that evening. I couldn't believe Albus had chosen a known Death Eater who was barely out of Hogwarts.
"I had experience, even then, when it came to teaching in general. I had taught a Potions course for a year at the Brighton Auror Academy. Would have been longer, but around that time, I became pregnant with Nymphadora. Then I became a regular ol' house-wife for a few years, raising Nymphadora until she was old enough to have a babysitter for hours at a time.
She grinned and looked at Remus and Sirius. "Both Remus and Sirius here, and James and Lily all babysat her a few times. Before I interviewed for the post back then, I became an Apprentice, a Junior Healer, at St. Mungo's. After I lost the Potions Mistress job, I was taken on as a Healer, and have worked at St. Mungo's ever since. When Nymphadora told me the post was open again, I quit my job at St. Mungo's immediately, and here I am."
"Here you are," Minerva replied, "I cannot believe Albus didn't hire you. Brighton Auror Academy doesn't just hire anyone off the street. They must have been impressed with you."
"I like to think so," Andromeda said.
"Describe your usual class lesson to me," Minerva said.
"Most students I worked with had two or three classes with me a week," Andromeda said. "If it was two-per-week, one of the classes was usually a Double class. The first class of the week, I dedicated to bookwork. The students would learn about – as I like to call it – the Potion of the Week, and do an assignment. The assignment would assure me that the students would memorize the Potion ingredients and the brewing process. Then during the second class, they would brew the Potion. If there was any time left after the students brewed the potions, we would review the Potion – talk about ways to improve their work, or fix mistakes.
"For those three-per-week classes, I did basically the same thing in a different schedule. The first day was bookwork. Second was the brewing day. Third day would be the review, only the students had the advantage of knowing their grade for the Potion on that day, so the review days were far better than the two-a-week schedule.
"During the bookwork lessons, I would help the students and answer any questions they had. During the brewing lessons, I would pay attention to every student, making sure they weren't making a brew that would blow up or whatever. There were very few disasters in my classes."
"What about cases of sabotage?" Minerva asked, "Were there any?"
"Merlin, no," Andromeda said, with a mild snort. "Each desk – or set of desks if students were asked to partner up – had charms around them. They were similar to Shield Charms. Nothing could penetrate them. If there were any cases of blatant, deliberate sabotage, there would be serious punishment."
"That sounds excellent," Minerva said, "If Snape had used your strategy, I think Potions would have been far more popular during his tenure. What did you do about exams?"
"During exams, I dedicated the whole week to the exam," Andromeda said, "I rarely ever did a pop quiz. The first class of the week was always exam preparation. The second day was the exam. If it was a double class, there would be a review after the students did their exams. For those who had three lessons, the third day had extensive review of the exam."
"Very well," Minerva said, "I have no other questions. Andromeda, congratulations. You're hired."
"Just like that?" Andromeda asked.
"Just like that," Minerva said. "Usually there would be weeks of deliberation. However, as you can understand, this situation calls for a speedy process. I assume you can begin immediately?"
"Of course," Andromeda said, with a nod.
"Then you're hired," Minerva said, with a smile.
"Thank you, Minerva," Andromeda said, smiling.
Ted hugged her, congratulating her, as Remus and Sirius congratulated her too.
"Now that you're hired, there are some follow-up questions," Minerva said, "The Potions classroom and office is currently in the dungeons. Would you like to keep it there?"
"For the remainder of the school year, I will keep it in the dungeons," Andromeda said, "We can call it a test run. If I disapprove of the arrangement, I'll figure out a new location."
"Very well," Minerva said. "Would you like your Quarters to be near your office and classroom, or on the fourth floor, where the guest Quarters are usually located?"
"Fourth floor," Andromeda said, "Unless the Quarters are otherwise needed, then I will move to the dungeons, or close to where the classroom and office will be."
"Very well," Minerva said, "Your daughter is located in one of the guest Quarters at the current moment. I'll bring you there after we finish up here. I would not be disappointed if you wanted to use those quarters. Wherever you'll be, I'll have the House-Elves bring up your belongings, and I'll have them set up a private Floo so you can have the option to speak to Ted through the network. What about your curriculum?"
"I will extensively review Snape's curriculum," Andromeda said, "And I will look over his past lessons for last term. For the first week of class, we'll also discuss the curriculum. The first lesson I'll ask each student to write an essay about what they learned. For the following class, or classes, we will discuss the curriculum, and figure out what will be good to be taught. I'll make a whole new curriculum during the summer holidays for the new school year."
"Excellent," Minerva said, "I think that is all. Once again, congratulations... Professor Tonks."
Andromeda grinned at the new title, and thanked her again.
"Moving on to you, Remus," Minerva said.
Remus removed his CV from his briefcase and handed it to Minerva. She smiled and took a minute to read it over.
"You have an interesting amount of jobs listed here," Minerva said, "Several teaching and tutoring jobs in the Muggle world. Teaching students of all ages."
Sirius' eyes widened. "Really, Moony? You've been teaching all these years?"
Remus smiled. "There were some jobs I was lucky to stay on at the school for an entire year. However, each year, without fail, I was released because I had taken too many sick days. I think you can figure out what those sick days were. After the fifth job in a row with that pattern, I moved on to tutoring which was far easier to cope with my infliction. I taught several subjects including maths, physical education, History, English, French. As you can imagine, as it was all Muggle schools, there was no opportunity for Transfiguration."
"That doesn't matter to me, Remus," Minerva said, "You're obviously an experienced teacher, so I imagine you would be able to quickly adapt to teaching magical subjects. Your knowledge in Transfiguration cannot be denied. You were a brilliant student in Transfiguration – competing with James, and sometimes Sirius, for the top spot. Your OWL and NEWT results were fantastic. You could also qualify for the Defense post, which as I'm sure you're not surprised to hear, seems to be vacant after each year."
Remus merely nodded, keeping silent.
"Describe your usual class lesson," Minerva said.
"I'm afraid most of the classes I taught – aside from physical education," Remus said, "were full of bookwork, exams, and lectures. There weren't many opportunities for practical lessons as would be common in Transfiguration and Defense. However, in this case for Transfiguration... for students with multiple classes a week, I would try to have at least one practical lesson a week. Unless, of course, it was exam week. Pop quizzes would take place along with practical lessons. Exams – well – coincidentally, Andromeda and I had pretty much the same strategy. On the days I knew I would miss, I usually had bookwork ready for the substitute. Or had suggestions for what the substitutes could do."
Minerva smiled. "That sounds good to me. What about the curriculum?"
"I like Andromeda's strategy," Remus said. "So, once again, I would borrow it. No offense, Andie."
"None taken, lad," Andromeda said, smiling.
"Very well," Minerva said, "I believe I can safely make my decision now. Congratulations, Remus. You're hired."
Remus looked rather emotional. Sirius grinned, and patted Remus on the back in congratulations.
"Thank you, ma'am," Remus said, softly.
"You're welcome," Minerva said, "Now, let's discuss locations. Classes, Quarters, and so forth."
"Your old classroom and office's location is just fine with me," Remus said, "And I'd be happy to take your Quarters if you're no longer living there."
"I was about to suggest the same," Minerva said, "Because I have another offer for you, for a job. As you can guess, I am no longer Head of Gryffindor. I wish to give you that role."
Remus' eyes widened. "Are you sure, ma'am? Surely there are other options?"
"Among the staff members, Hagrid is the only former Gryffindor aside from you and I," Minerva said, "And as he is not a Professor, he is unqualified."
Remus nodded. "Alright. I accept the job."
"Thank you, Remus," Minerva said. "Your Quarters will be near Gryffindor Tower, where the Head of Gryffindor has always stayed. It will give you a good opportunity to keep watch over the Gryffindors when necessary. Now, let's discuss... your infliction and the effect it will have here. As you can probably guess, you are most welcome to use your old haunt, the Shrieking Shack on Full Moon nights."
"I would be happy to," Remus said.
"As for the substitute role during your sick days," Minerva said, "I have two possible options. The first, of course, is myself. I would try to make time to be available as a substitute each month. However, whenever I cannot, there is another option."
Suddenly, one of the portrait inhabitants cleared their throat. Minerva sighed, and rolled her eyes.
"As you can see," she said, "I have to work on changing their behavior. Interrupting meetings like this is inexcusable. Albus didn't mind being interrupted... most of the time. I, however, do."
"I am sorry for the interruption, Headmistress," the portrait said, "But this is urgent. The daughter of the newly coined Professor Tonks is requesting entrance."
"Tell the guardian to let her in," Minerva said.
Andromeda huffed. "I'll have to tell off Nymphadora for coming here without invitation. She should know better, especially since you're obviously very busy today."
"On the contrary," Minerva said, "I was intending to speak to her soon anyway."
A moment later, the door to the office opened. Sirius looked over his shoulder, and saw a girl in her late teens with pixie-styled, bubblegum pink hair stride into the room. She grinned and hurried across the room. However, halfway, she nearly tripped over her own feet, and caught herself mid-stumble. Ted snickered, and Andromeda sighed and shook her head.
"Wotcher, Daddy, Mum!" the girl said; she walked up to Ted and Andromeda, then kissed them each on the cheek; then she looked over at Sirius and Remus and her jaw dropped. "Holy shite. Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. Blast from the past. You both got old!"
"Manners, Nymphadora!" Andromeda scolded.
The girl – Sirius then realized it was his cousin's daughter, Nymphadora – muttered under her breath.
"What, dear?" Andromeda asked.
"Nothing, Mum," Nymphadora muttered, "Hi, Remus, Sirius!"
Sirius tensed slightly when Nymphadora wrapped her arms around his neck lightly in a hug.
"I was so happy to hear that you're free, Sirius," Nymphadora said, "I missed you so much."
"You can't be that little girl who chased my Animagus form around the grounds of Potter Manor," Sirius said, "She barely came up to my waist!"
"You remember!" Nymphadora exclaimed, then smiled, "I've grown up since then, Sirius."
"Yes, you have," Sirius said.
"Nice to see you again, Dora," Remus said.
Nymphadora's hair and cheeks went slightly red, before they returned to normal.
"You too, Remus," Nymphadora said.
Minerva conjured a chair next to Andromeda. "Please be seated, Miss Tonks."
"Sorry for the intrusion, Professor – er, I mean, Headmistress!" Nymphadora said.
"No apology necessary," Minerva said, "You've actually come at a good time. First, some news. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that your mother is the new Potions Mistress."
Nymphadora squealed lightly, and side-hugged her mother, congratulating her.
"And Remus is now the Transfiguration Professor," Minerva said.
"Right on, mate!" she said, grinning at Remus.
"Perhaps you are unaware of Remus' illness?" Minerva asked.
"I guessed it a long time ago, Remus," Nymphadora said, "But back then I didn't know much about it. Until Mum taught me. I don't mind, Remus. I still consider you a friend like I did when I was a kid."
Remus smiled. "Thank you, Dora."
"During Remus' sick-days," Minerva said, "he will be in need of substitutes. I will occasionally take the role, however, I do require another volunteer. Are you still interested in taking the job, Miss Tonks?"
"Job, ma'am?" Nymphadora asked, "If Remus is the Professor, then -"
"I was going to ask Remus if he would like an Apprentice," Minerva said, smiling at Remus, then Nymphadora, "You will also have the opportunity to teach sometimes when Remus is unavailable. You see, there is a possibility that I'll ask Remus to be the Defense Professor in the future. You, Miss Tonks, could be the Transfiguration Professor if that happens. If you have enough experience by that time, of course."
"I would be honored to take you on as my apprentice," Remus said.
"What do you think, Mum, Daddy?" Nymphadora asked.
"I thought you wanted to go into Auror training, dear," Ted said.
"It was an option," Nymphadora said, "This was the other option."
"I believe this is a far better option," Andromeda said, "I approve."
Ted nodded in agreement.
"Then I accept the Apprentice job," Nymphadora said.
"Excellent," Minerva said. "It will require you to stay here on a mostly-permanent basis during the school year."
"I don't mind," Nymphadora said.
"Alright," Minerva said, "I imagine you'll keep to the same Quarters?"
"Yes, ma'am," Nymphadora said.
"Well," Minerva said, "If your mother accepts, then you'll have her as a roommate."
"I would be happy to room with you, Nymphadora," Andromeda said.
Nymphadora winced ever so slightly, though Sirius noticed. He was beginning to sense a pattern, and thought it quite amusing that Nymphadora didn't seem to like her first name. Had he known this already? Was this something he had forgotten. He wasn't sure.
"Brilliant," Nymphadora said. "I will have to return home to pack my things. I can do that after dinner."
"Great!" Minerva said. "And with that, I believe the interviews are over. I do have one last request though. Tomorrow, there will be a staff meeting sometime after five-o-clock in the evening, and before the students arrive. Before then, I will let you know the exact time of the meeting. I ask that the three of you be there so I may introduce you as the new staff members, and much more which will be explained then."
Remus, Andromeda and Nymphadora promised they would attend."
"Excellent," Minerva said, "I believe this meeting is adjourned. Once again, congratulations, Professors Tonks and Lupin, and Apprentice Professor Tonks."
Remus, Andromeda and Nymphadora all thanked Minerva.
"I would ask you, Nymphadora, to show your mother her new Quarters," Minerva said, "But we're all headed in the same direction. Harry has his own Lord's Quarters in the same area."
"You're visiting Harry?" Nymphadora asked.
"Sirius and Remus wish to – ah – reunite with him," Minerva said.
"Oh," Nymphadora said; then her hair went red. "I am afraid Harry may be preoccupied at the moment. Er... he might have said something about taking a shower. We did just finish up a training session."
Minerva raised her eyebrows, then smirked. "We'll take our time then. How about I show the new Professors to their classrooms, and then we'll visit the Quarters, and Harry."
Minerva stood, and Sirius followed with the others. He was rather curious about Minerva's reaction to what Nymphadora said. She had an odd expression to the fact that Harry was – according to Nymphadora – preoccupied. If Nymphadora had been tutoring Harry about his Metamorph talents, Sirius could understand why the lad might want to take a shower afterward. But why was that so curious?
Confused, Sirius left the office with the others. Though he was nervous all over again. He was about to see his godson for the first time in over eleven years!
Chapter finished! When I originally began this chapter, I will fully intending on having Remus and Sirius meeting Harry (and Hermione) in this chapter. However, the chapter kept going on and on. So I decided it will happen next chapter.
I know some readers will be wondering whether I am going to have Remus and Dora have a relationship in this story. As I already alluded to, Dora and Harry will have a relationship more toward the end of the story when Harry is older. But Remus and Dora may date. I don't know yet.
Can you guess why Harry is "preoccupied'? You'll see why next chapter!
Also next chapter: Finally, we're back to a Harry and Hermione chapter! Harry and Hermione meet Sirius and Remus. Much will be discussed. And we learn – in a summary – what Harry did during his day of Metamorph training with Dora.
Hope you liked this chapter!
