Remus was grateful that his lecture was rather chatty today. It helped him keep his mind off of a certain young father. Two students ended up in an argument about the literary merits of children's literature in academic spaces. He was pleased to find that most students saw books aimed at young audiences to have value in a college level curriculum. This was rarely the case with his students. They believed in a very traditional canon. Remus did too, but he loved to push the boundary. A few times, he had included comic books and spoken word poetry in his fiction curriculum. It wasn't common, but he thought it made for interesting discussions and based on his feedback, it was a much needed shift for his English majors.

They didn't have too much time to work through this week's book, but he would get a sense of where his students were at based on their written response. He even got a few book recommendations from students. Young adult literature and some children's fiction that could easily fit into his current structure. Another student asked about their semester long paper that was going to be due in a few weeks. He told her to not worry and that he would cover all the needed information at the next lecture. She thanked him and left while he packed up his things. As he placed the last of the papers and books into his briefcase, he heard a very familiar voice echo off the wooden walls.

"Oh thank goodness I caught you before you left!" A preppy, blonde-haired woman with the most abrasive green and pink dress entered like a peacock through the classroom door.

"How is it that you are always able to find me?" He asked the woman.

"It's magic, darling." She said, "And by magic, I mean that I was just in a meeting with Kristoph."

Kristoph was the head of the English department. He was cold and callous and only willing to communicate on his terms. He was not the micromanaging type. In fact, Remus was surprised that Kris was even aware of what classroom he was teaching in. Rita on the other hand was incredibly neurotic and needed to know everything in order to do her job properly. She ran the journalism department on campus and worked regularly with other departments. She was at the top of her game. Remus admired her tenacity, but he knew that she could be grating to some, including Tonks.

Rita was one of the few people Remus spoke to at the university. Mainly because she was always willing to do all the talking and take the attention off of him. She is very observant too and it doesn't take much for her to know when to call it quits. They had met during his time at the campus when they were both completing their undergrad. Remus, Tonks, and Rita all took a creative writing class together. They spent a lot of time outside of class talking to each other, but Tonks didn't really care for the way Rita would dish out other people's problems, even if she didn't know them personally. Remus on the other hand actually kind of enjoyed the fan fair and the drama. It was a story after all. Gossip, whether real or imagined, tells you something of the character of either the person saying it, or the person it's about. Remus knew that Rita was not one for getting the facts wrong. In fact, she was strict about telling the truth and it's gotten plenty of people kicked out or fired. She even managed to reveal some terrible information that got one professor arrested.

"So what news have you uncovered this time?" He asked, gesturing towards the door so that she would step outside and he could lock the room.

"The drama department has some crazy professional working on this year's play. I haven't found out if they're permanent staff or not, but he seems legit. Everyone was talking about him."

"Well, do you have a name? Couldn't you look him up?"

"That's the odd thing, no one seems to know who it even Margret knows and it's her department. I'm guessing whoever it is will bring the school some good publicity."

"Not unless you find out any of your dirty little secrets."

"Oh doll, you know me so well." She laughed. "Anyways, I only wanted to tell you because I know you work pretty closely with Margret from time to time so if you hear anything." She stuck her thumb and her pinky out and placed her hand near her ear like a phone while mouthing the words call me. And with that, Rita floated off down the hall.

Remus knew this wouldn't end well for whoever was just hired. Sometimes, he imagined that part of the reason no one knows who it is is because the school is scared of what Rita might find. The last time they hired someone in secret, Rita found a history of aggravated assault and they had to fire him. The only reason that they don't fire her is that she makes the school good money. Journalism is an impacted major at their institution and she would easily have a position lined up if she left. Even if she didn't, she could easily create her own journalism school. Part of the reason she stays on campus is for the drama. It's easier to find in such a crowded space.

Regardless, he now had to turn his attention to the fact that he needed to figure out whether he was still going. A wave of embarrassment flooded over him and he wished that he wasn't so out of sorts with this man. He wanted to keep his distance. He wanted to stay away and not follow what Tonks said. She was always very encouraging of his ventures. However, he didn't want people to get the wrong idea. On two separate events, Remus found himself stuck between two different people who absolutely had zero boundaries. It made it impossible to keep anything casual. He had needs of course, and he enjoyed the time he spent with people, but even when you communicate them to your partner, it doesn't mean they will respect them. Remus was a man who enjoyed his space and some time apart from his partners. His partners on the other hand wanted someone who was always present. It was just easier to not get involved.

Plus, he had never been with someone who has kids. That dynamic complicated things incredibly. But this was just dinner for helping Sirius move in, nothing more. He knew it would be rude for him to not go. They had just moved into the building, and for all he knows, they're also new to the city. He didn't want to seem hostile. When Remus first moved into town, he wasn't able to make friends with a single person. He didn't make any enemies, he was simply one of the millions of people working hard to survive. He spent so many nights alone until he entered the rock scene. Remus couldn't imagine what it's like trying to start a life someplace new with a child. So he shook off his nerves and made his decision, he was going.

Remus took a detour to the grocery store to buy a bottle of wine. He figured since Sirius said he was making pasta, a Pinot Noir would be a decent pairing. He also grabbed a bottle of grape juice before paying. Remus hopped on the bus and his head started considering everything he needed to take care of. It would take at least twenty minutes for him to get home. He was certain that he had enough time to take a shower and freshen up. Even though he only had two classes today and the city was filled with the quiet cool of a creeping winter, Remus had managed to work himself up so much that he was sweatier than usual. He wondered if the wine was enough though. He hasn't made friends with anyone new in years. He wasn't sure the normal protocol was.

Remus stopped a block before he reached his complex. Across the street from June's Kitchen was a little store called Wonderland. He had seen it on his walks, but he had never gone inside. He never had the need too. For a moment, Remus considered stopping by June's and seeing if she was in so he could thank her. He didn't have too much time, so he decided to give her a call before he went to dinner. The light flashed a walking man and Remus walked towards Wonderland.

Remus wasn't sure what to expect when he walked inside. The room was warm and iridescent, leaving trails of light across the toys that lined the shelves. The walls were a delicate shade of purple that appeared almost grey, but even then they were impossible to see. Light up toys, stuffed animals, and board games reached the ceiling. There were paper garlands in every color going across the tiny store. There were four little kids running around the store, their parents talking with an air of familiarity near the register. A wave of peace washed over him.

It was odd. Something about the room calmed his nerves. It wasn't because he had fond memories of going to a toy store similar to this one. He had only gone to a toy store once and that ended with his father becoming upset at Remus's indecision. It was as if by magic, he forgot about his troubles. He shook himself out of his gentle trance and wandered the halls. He didn't know what Harry would like. He already had a beloved stuffed animal. He was still a little too young for board games and anything that was battery powered felt like he was giving Sirius an extra expense. He thought back to the coin trick and he knew exactly what to get. He went to the back wall and found a few hanging from a hook. Remus grabbed one and paid for it at the front.

Remus thanked the woman at the register and placed the little item in his coat pocket. He exited the store and was glad to see the sun setting. He walked down the sidewalk and got to his apartment in due time. When he opened the door, it read 7:00 P.M. Remus was relieved. He still had plenty of time to get ready. He placed the wine on the counter and threw off his clothes before hopping into the shower, not really minding the mess he had created. He made a mental note to make sure he cleaned up the apartment. He paused, considered whether to write a note so that he would actually remember, but decided that the growing pile of laundry would remind him plenty.

After showering, he cleaned up his face and brushed his teeth. He went to his closet and picked out a more casual button down and wore his favorite jeans. He figured he would throw on his nice black derbys to pull the look together.

"It's just dinner." He told himself. He took a deep breath, gathered everything he bought, and opened the door. The hall was barely lit and the sound of a couple fighting lingered in the air. Maybe this was a sign that he shouldn't go. Tonks and him would end up just like this couple screaming over pointless things. As that thought passed through him, he realized how absolutely stupid that was. Tonks was the one encouraging him to live a little. To have a fling with the new neighbor. With Sirius.

Please, for the love of God, don't fall in love with him.