Author's Notes:

Hi everyone! I hope you're all staying safe and healthy wherever you may be! I hope y'all are ready for a sneak peek into some smutty writing because I decided to dabble in it a little bit this chapter! And, again, please know that I have a plan with this whole Remus/Jean thing!

I also wanted to get opinions from you guys. If I decided to write a second story about the next generation (not utilizing Cursed Child because that is, in my opinion, over glorified fanfiction and I do not follow it as cannon) would you read it? It'd had a prophecy premise and wouldn't have one of the kids as the main character but, rather, a made up character who has interactions and close relationships with the next gen. It's just something I've been tossing around in my head.

bankerrtx01: Thank you! Here's more for you now with much more to come! Geekymom: Thanks! I was the DD in undergrad myself because I was so much younger than my friends (17 to their 20/21) so I feel you! Midnitewanderer: I totally understand where you're coming from with the Doe thing. Honestly, it was more of a placeholder that I kinda forgot about in editing. I already have the final nickname picked, I just have to introduce it in the next chapter. As for Jean/Hermione, you'll get more about them in the next couple of chapters!

As a heads up, after I've finished establishing some of the foundational stuff I need for the story (probably 5 or 6 more chapters), I'm going to start time hopping towards Harry's first year. I'll probably do a chapter for each year. I.e. I'll end the in depth Harry is little on his 4th birthday-ish, and then each subsequent chapter will be Harry's next year. he'll be five the next chapter, then six in the next, and so on. I'm just so excited to start writing his school aged stuff! I'm not sure how in depth I'll go in the first two years, but definitely year's 3-7 you'll get similar in depth updates like these with more chapters as the story progresses.

Update schedule is still once a week. With finals and the bar that once a week day may vary.

Please enjoy and thank you for reading Ignoring Destiny and remember, WASH YOUR FUCKING HANDS! :)

Chapter Seventeen: The Dating Game

Both James and Sirius managed to wake up with massive hangovers from their expeditions the previous evening. James ended up having to go to team practice in his condition while Sirius laid in bed by himself. Remus took Harry to visit the Weasleys that day to give Sirius some peace and so Remus could follow up on a lead in the curse breaking industry about a new rune interpretation.

The group of men spent the rest of the week in the normal manner. Remus spent most of his time traveling and preparing for the full moon the next week. Sirius spent most of his time down at the pub while James spent time at work and with Harry.

James was trying to decide whether he should send Harry to a muggle primary school or to home school Harry. With his fourth birthday rapidly approaching, James wanted to make a decision for the coming school year because nursery school had begun enrolling students. He had gotten Jean's phone number from Remus and spoken to her about the schools in the area, trying to gauge whether it would be worth sending Harry to school or not.

After sitting down with Minerva, Remus, and Sirius, James finally decided that Harry should attend school and, because they lived so close, that he would send Harry to the same school as Hermione. The group agreed that Harry would do best in a school where he already knew someone as opposed to entering into another new situation with another new group of people.

Harry seemed extremely pleased with this decision. He told the three men that he liked Hermione and he knew that she would help him meet more friends, too. Harry also seemed to understand that he can't do any magic at the muggle primary school because that would be breaking the wizard rules.

The rest of the week went rather normally. Harry was looked after by either James or Remus while Sirius tended to keep more to himself. On the occasions that Sirius was left to watch Harry, James would often come back to the house and find both of them asleep on the floor, toys scattered everywhere. James couldn't figure out why Sirius tended to avoid babysitting duties, but he never asked either.

Harry had a few more playdates over the next week. He had the chance to play with Hermione again and his friend Neville came over as well. But today Harry was especially excited because his Nana and some new people were coming over and they were bringing their daughter who's name he couldn't quite pronounce. He was a little sad, though, because his Uncle Moony wasn't staying for tea; he was going to see Hermione's mom for the evening to talk about his new school.

Harry bounced on the balls of his feet in the library while he watched the fireplace, waiting. He heard some footsteps behind him, but he refused to turn around. His green eyes bore into the black stone while he waited.

"Harry, why are you hanging out in the library?" Sirius asked, "You're not trying to use the floo again, are you?"

"No. I'm waiting."

"Waiting for what?"

"For Nana, Uncle Sir-rus. You know she's coming."

"She is?" Sirius asked, confused.

"Yes! For tea, 'member?" Harry asked as he crossed his little arms, "Dad told you yesterday."

"Oh, I must have forgotten," Sirius said, trailing off, "Anyway, I forgot what I was coming in here to do."

Harry shrugged, "Books for Uncle Moony?"

"Maybe."

"You can sit and wait with me if you want. Don't be lonely!"

Sirius looked into Harry's little face, at his chubby toddler cheeks, and into his eyes that are so much like Lily's were and he smiled. He smiled so hard he began laughing, though it sounded more like a bark to Harry.

"Thank you, Harry. You know, sometimes you remind me so much of Lily."

"My mama?"

"Yes, Harry, your mama. I miss her so much. She was one of my best friends you know."

"I don't remember her."

"I know you don't, BK. But we do; your dad, Remus, and I. We can tell you all about her even if it makes us sad sometimes."

"My dad misses her. He cries sometimes in his room. I seen him."

"I know," Sirius said as he put his arm around Harry, "I know."

As the two sat before the fire place, it lit up with green fire and a tall woman with dark brown hair stepped out and into the library. She looked around the room, clearly impressed by the enormity of the library, before she caught sight of Harry and Sirius sitting on the ottoman in front of her.

The woman smiled and yelled, "Sirius! You dog! Why haven't you written to me yet?"

Sirius smiled slightly before saying, "Auntie Dromeda! What's it been, 4, 5, 6 years?"

"It's been too long," She said as she embraced Sirius and the fireplace behind her lit up.

A young girl with long turquois hair stepped out of the fireplace. She had black boots, fishnet stockings, a short black dress that flared at the bottom, and a black crop jacket on. Harry was examining her outfit when the fireplace behind her lit up again and a comely man stepped out from it.

The woman turned to the girl and frowned, "Nymphadora, I thought I told you to change into robes. What are you even wearing? That would never pass as muggle clothing!"

"Mom!" The girl called Nymphadora replied, "I told you, I found this outfit in a muggle magazine. They're fascinating! Plus, dad said I looked fine."

The woman rolled her eyes and turned back to Sirius, "Please excuse my daughter, she's going through what I hope is a phase. Dora, come say hello."

The girl crossed her arms and said, "Hi."

"Dora!" The woman chastised, "I'm sorry, Sirius. Dora wasn't happy she had to come. She was hoping to go visit a friend tonight."

Dora rolled her eyes, "Mom. Please call me Tonks. Nymphadora is too long and I just can't stand Dora. Please?"

"Fine. Tonks had wanted to visit a friend. But seriously, Sirius, I'm so happy to see you again."

Sirius embraced Dromeda, "Me too, Dromeda. You always were my favorite cousin! Come on, I'll introduce you to everyone. But first, this is Harry Potter. He's James' son and my godson! I don't think you had the chance to meet him during the war."

"No, I didn't. it's nice to meet you, Harry. My name is Andromeda. I'm Sirius' cousin. You can call me Aunt Dromeda, though, if you'd like," Andromeda said to Harry as she knelt down to look at him, "My, you have beautiful eyes. Has anyone ever told you that?"

"Yes!" Harry said, "Sirius says I have my mama's eyes but I don't remember my mama. Hermione and Ginny like my eyes, too. Ginny says they look like a chalk board."

"I suppose they are pretty close in color," Andromeda said chuckling, "This is my family, Harry. My husband, Ted, and my daughter, Nymph—sorry, Tonks."

"Nice to meet you," Ted said as he grasped Sirius' hand, "I've heard many a story about you! And little Harry, how are you, sport?"

"I'm ok. I'm waiting for my nana!"

"His nana?" Andromeda asked, confused.

"He means Minerva McGonagall, the—"

"Professor at Hogwarts, yes I remember her! She's coming this evening?"

"Yes. Hopefully she's here soon. Poor Harry has been waiting for her for ages."

"Wonderful! I had some questions about transspecies transfiguration maybe she could answer," Ted said as he looked up to the ceiling, thinking.

Sirius led the three Tonks' out of the library to give them a quick tour of Potter Manor. Harry decided to stay in the library to wait for Minerva. He didn't have to wait long before she appeared in the fireplace.

Harry jumped up in excitement and ran to give Minerva a tight hug before telling her rapidly about his week and how he met his new friend Hermione and that she was going to come over and visit soon and how his Uncle Remus and Hermione's mom had become good friends. Minerva listened intently to Harry before giving him the small gift she had brought along with her. Harry quickly unwrapped it to find a child's wizards chess set. This particular set was designed especially for younger children who were learning to play the game by having specially enchanted pieces that gave helpful tips, advice, and rules to teach the child through active play. Plus, the set was in Harry's two favorite colors: red and blue.

Harry thanked Minerva profusely for the gift. He grabbed a hold of her hand and pulled her with him to go show his dad the lovely gift all a while asking her if she would play with him after dinner. Minerva told him she would be delighted to play with him.

The dinner went smoothly as the group of people caught up with and got to know one another. Harry had the best time talking to Tonks who showed him that she can change her features just by concentrating on it. Minerva watched the two intently and calculatingly. She had a funny feeling that this ability of Tonks' would cause some ruckus at Hogwarts if the girl were so inclined.

After dinner the group moved to the living room to continue the festivities. Harry and Minerva played chess while Tonks split her time between watching the game and listening to the adults.

The adults spent their time talking about recent politics and news. They spent the night talking until, eventually, they noticed little Harry sleeping on the floor and Tonks was nodding off while sitting on the couch. The adults decided to call it a night and James saw the family and Minerva off for the evening before carrying Harry to bed. Sirius decided to head out to the pub until last call just as Remus returned home from his date with Jean. He simply shook his head at James before headed up to bed.

~ID~

Remus walked into the Full Moon and glanced around the bar. The room was dimly lit but lively decorated. There was local art covering the walls and the bar itself was a piece. The top of the bar was made from reclaimed bowling alley wood and the siding from a 100-year-old barn. The top was thickly sealed and was smooth and glossy. Remus loved the warmness that the bar gave the room.

Grabbing a seat, he looked at the beer menu while waiting for the bartender to make her way over. She was an attractive blonde with wide hips and lovely, thick thighs. Her blue eyes were deep and dark, her lips pale pink. Remus admired the way she moved as she quickly made her way over to him.

"What can I do you for?" she asked with a smile on her face and her hands on her hips.

Remus blinked wondering if he had misheard her, "I'm sorry, can you repeat that?"

The bartender laughed, "I'm so sorry. I only just realized how that probably came across to you. Let me rephrase myself; what can I get you?"

"Oh!" Remus replied as he ran his fingers through his hair, "Uhm, can you tell me about the Alter Ego?"

"Sure! Alter Ego is our flagship IPA. It's a west coast style beer that's been growing in popularity because of its distinct flavor profile."

"What's an IPA?"

"An India Pale Ale. It's a type of ale brewed with one or more hops. This particular IPA had the hops added during what's called the whirlpool cycle. When hops are added during this portion of the brewing process, their flavor becomes less bitter and harsh while still leaving a lovely citrus taste. We also added hops after fermentation. Would you like a sample before purchase?"

"Uh, sure?" Remus replied. He was completely overwhelmed. What's wrong with a simple ale or a Guinness?

The bartender rushed off to pour Remus a small sample of Alter Ego. Remus gave the beer a go but found it to be exceedingly bitter. He quickly sat it down and shook his head.

"Sorry, that just isn't my style."

"Well, maybe I can help make a suggestion?"

Just then the door to the pub opened and Jean entered the room. She quickly looked around before seeing Remus at the bar. She smiled and took the seat next to him.

"Evening," Jean said to the bartender.

"Hello! Can I get you something to drink?" the bartender asked.

"Yes, please. Can I get an Alternative Facts?"

The bartender nodded and rushed off to pour a pint of beer for Jean as Jean turned to look at Remus.

"You look lovely this evening," Remus said as he looked down at Jean, "What kind of beer is Alternative Facts?"

"Thank you," Jean said, blushing, "It's a raspberry ale. I know it sounds sweet or fruity but the beer just has a really nice hint of raspberry."

Remus watched as the bartender dropped off a pubglass full of Alternative Facts and said, "I'll just take a pint of, uh, do you have a stout?"

"We do. It's an Irish Dry we've dubbed Clydesdale."

"Perfect."

Jean and Remus sat in silence while they waited for Remus' beer to be poured. Jean tapped her fingers on her glass between sips as the bartender dropped off Remus' beer and stopped at the POS system to open their tab.

Remus looked over at Jean, "Thanks for coming out with me this evening. I needed a break from research and from James and Sirius."

Jean smiled, "It's no trouble. I enjoy your company, Remus."

Remus took a hasty drink of his beer. He was delightfully surprised at how smooth and flavorful the stout was.

"How have classes been?"

"They've been alright. I'm just ready to graduate at this point. Sometimes I feel like I can't give Hermione the attention she deserves with how often I'm in classes and work. Rick has been so helpful these last few years, honestly."

"Is Rick around often?"

"He comes by, yeah. He's a good friend, you know? That's all he'll ever be," Jean took a large swig of her beer as Remus replied.

"Yeah, he seems like a good friend. Are you sure you've moved on from him, though?"

"I have. Would I be here if I hadn't?"

"Well, I suppose not," Remus said as he took a sip of his beer, "Hey, why don't we play one of those games over there?"

"They have games? Oh I love games! What do they have?"

Remus walked over to the game shelf that was situated along the back wall. He picked up a box with gems and knights on the front and carried it back to the bar.

"This one looks interesting," Remus said as he sat the box down, "Call to Adventure. I wonder what it's about. Have you ever heard of it?"

"Oh yes! I love this game! Rick and I play this a lot. It's like a combination of Dungeons and Dragons, Catan, and Magic the Gathering. You create a story with cards by 'rolling' runes to win the card and at the end of the game you count up your points and then tell the story you made. It's also super strategy based because your end card gives you extra bonus points for gather certain cards or hero/antihero cards during the game."

"Well, I've never heard of either of those games but if you say it's a good one to play let's do it."

Jean pulled the box towards her and opened the lid. She quickly began setting up the game by shuffling cards and dealing some out and putting others in piles. Once it was set up, the couple agreed to let Jean go first to show Remus how the game is played.

The couple played the game, ignoring everything around them. They each ordered several more beers and ended up playing the game several times through. As it turns out, Remus had quite the knack for playing it and had won three out of the four times they played. The entire time the couple talked about everything from what they hoped to accomplish in life to what their childhood was like.

Remus told Jean all about his family and the vacations they used to take when he was younger. He also told her stories about the pranks the Marauders pulled (without telling her the magical portions of course).

"And then," Remus said as he laughed, "James fell over, butt ass naked, in front of McGonagall and said, 'Oh, sorry Professor, didn't see you there. We'll be moving along now!'"

Jean burst out laughing and nearly knocked her beer over in the process.

"Your friends sound hilarious, Remus," Jean said as she put her glass down and laid her hand on his, "I can't wait to meet them. Do you three still pull pranks?"

"Yeah," Remus began as he looked down at their intertwined hands, "We had a prank war a little while back. Ironically, I think Harry won that. He managed to get Sirius to come down stairs naked in front of McGonagall. It was absolutely hysterical."

"The Professor McGonagall?"

"Yeah, we all stayed pretty close to her after graduation. She was always someone Sirius looked up to when we were kids so it was only natural."

"How on earth did Harry manage that?"

"Well, he was down in the living room with Minerva and called for Sirius—"

"I'm sorry," Jean said as she moved within a few inches of Remus, "I couldn't hear you very well. I think they turned the music up in here."

"Oh, I was saying, he called Sirius into the living room saying that he was hurt. And of course Sirius came running down just as he was getting into the shower not knowing that Minerva was in the room," Remus said a bit louder this time.

"I'm sorry, I just, I still can't hear you very well," Jean said as she moved closer to Remus, their faces only an inch apart.

"I said—I don't remember what I just…" Remus trailed off as he looked into Jean's deep brown eyes.

He could smell the roses and honey from her shampoo and could see her pink lips were slightly parted. Without thinking, he carefully leaned in and kissed her gently.

Pulling back, Remus looked into Jeans eyes. He wasn't able to look long before she had pressed her lips to his again this time harder as they parted under his. He carefully slid his hands onto her waist, gripping her firmly as she twisted her fingers into his golden locks.

After several moments, Remus came back to his senses and realized they were still sitting at the bar in a local bar in public.

He pulled back from Jean and looked down into her face, "Jean. Why don't we get out of here?"

"I like the sound of that," Jean replied, licking her lips.

She turned and laid her credit card out on the bar, "I've got it this time. You can get the next, ok?"

"Oh, well—"

"No buts," Jean interrupted.

Remus sighed as he watched the bartender take Jean's card and run it. She quickly returned the card with a receipt, which Jean signed. Then the two of them gathered their stuff and walked out the door.

They walked hand in hand down the lane. As the wind picked up, Jean walked closer to Remus who slipped his arm around her.

"So does this mean the handsome Remus Lupin is walking me home?" Jean teased Remus.

"I suppose it does. I don't generally kiss and walk away; I find it rude," Remus teased back.

Jean laughed, "I'm just up here on the right. The house with the rose bushes there."

Remus could see the house Jean pointed out. It had several rose bushes out front lining a porch with a white railing and two tall bushes on either side of the stairs. He and Jean walked up the stairs and onto her covered porch. Once they reached the front door Remus yanked her close and kissed her hard on the lips. He felt her yield and then relax as she slipped her tongue into his mouth.

Jean slipped her arms around Remus' neck and fisted his hands in his hair, holding his face close to hers as he kissed down her jaw and neck. He nibbled her neck as he kissed his way back up to her lips.

Remus recaptured her bottom lip as he pushed her against the door. Jean let a moan slip as she tilted her head to be able to kiss Remus better. He kissed her hard and then pulled back and looked into her eyes.

"Wow," Jean said, "You are a fantastic kisser."

"Thank you," Remus said, "But I think the credit should go to you. It takes two, you know. I need to be getting home."

"Oh, well, if you're sure," Jean replied disappointedly, "Did I mention, I can see the moon in your eyes? It's so beautiful. Well, good night, Remus."

"Good night, Jean," Remus replied.

Jean turned and unlocked her front door before looking back at Remus and smiling. Then she walked inside and closed the door.

Remus turned and walked down the stairs and began walking home. He didn't live far from Jean, but the walk home was long enough for him to think.

The moon. How could he be so stupid. She's a muggle. She would never be able to handle a werewolf on any deep level. A friendship would be hard enough, but a relationship? What on her was he thinking?

Remus continued to chastise himself his entire walk home. As he walked into Potter Manor he could see James and Sirius saying goodbye to the Tonks' and Minerva. When James looked up at him, he simply shook his head. He didn't want to talk to them right now. Maybe tomorrow. Tonight, he just wanted to get some sleep.

End Notes:

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