The cottage of Esme Cadoret was nestled deep in a meadow outside of Wimborne, England. It was a quaint little building with a thatched roof and timber frame siding. Beautiful bushes and flowers lined the foundation of the cottage, adding a bright pop of color to its otherwise white background.

Inside was just as beautiful as the outside. Darkwood floors lined the entirety of the house where patterned rugs would cover certain spots. A large, burgundy sofa with plush cushions made up a large part of the living room. The kitchen sink seemed to run itself as brushes washed pots and pans without the aid of human touch.

In the midst of it all was Esme Cadoret herself. She busied herself at the oven, pulling out a small batch of tea cakes. Though, she didn't use her hands, like a person normally would. Instead, she pulled out her wand and muttered a few incantations. Within seconds the stove opened itself, pulled out the baking sheet, set it atop the stove, and closed itself right back up.

"Ori!" Esme called, sticking the tip of her wand into her pocket. "Would you mind setting the table?"

A young girl appeared from one of the far back rooms in the cottage. Oriane Morissette, a bright young witch. Her soft eyes lit up at the scent of the tea cakes that wafted around the air. "Is he almost here?"

Esme floated over to the window in front of the sink. Taking great care to not bump into the self washing dishes, she opened it. The warm summer breeze rolled in, allowing the heat of the oven to dissipate.

"Any minute now," Esme smiled, eyes glancing at the clock on the wall.

It was Oriane's turn to take out her own wand. With a simple flick of her wrist, a cupboard from the kitchen gently opened. Three sets of teacups and saucers came floating out, setting themselves on the birchwood table nearby.

"I'm excited to see him again," said Oriane, waving her wand for a final time. The cupboard door closed shortly after.

Esme had busied herself with her tea cakes, gently scraping them off with a spatula and setting them on a cooling rack. "Me too," she sighed, "it's been much too long since we've been together."

As soon as Esme scraped the last tea cake off of the baking sheet, a knock sounded at the door. Esme turned around, eyes squinting at the clock she had looked at only moments earlier. "Damned fool. Always running early." She set the spatula in the sink, where it was quickly cleaned by the floating brushes. "Be a dear and put the kettle on?"

Floating out of the kitchen and to the entrance, Esme appeared in front of the door. She took a moment to pat down her hair, making sure not a single blonde strand was out of place.

When she finally opened the door, she was greeted with a smile from Remus Lupin. He was a tall fellow, with light brown hair peppered with flecks of grey. A well kept, thin mustache sat on his upper lip, which curved upwards with his smile, which Esme mirrored.

"Remus!" she exclaimed, taking a step back. The man entered the cottage, his shoes softly patting against the wood floors. "It's so good to see you."

Remus gently wrapped one arm around Esme, pulling her in for a quick side hug before moving away. "You look as radiant as the last time we met," he commented, which earned him a quick slap on the arm.

His attention was quickly taken away from his friend and instead landed on Oriane. The young girl stood in the doorway to the kitchen, kettle on the stove behind her. Her fingers fiddled with each other as she held her hands in front of her, a sheepish smile on her face.

"It's good to see you again, Remus," she said, rocking back on her heels.

"Ori. My, how you've grown." Remus took a few steps towards her. Despite her claimed change in height, the man still towered over her well enough. He held his hand up, resting it against his hip. "I swear, the last time I saw you, you only came up to here."

This comment earned him a giggle from Oriane. He reached forward and gave her the same side hug he had to Esme. "I'll be fourteen in just a few months," she reminded him.

"Fourteen," he repeated. "Since when were you allowed to become so old?"

"You say that every time we see each other," whined Oriane.

Esme had long since closed the door, but she had stayed standing there. Her eyes were bright as she watched the two speak. From first glance, it would be difficult to tell that they hadn't seen one another in so long. They got on so well naturally. In reality, it had been over two years since they were all last together.

"Ori was kind enough to set the table for our tea," Esme interjected before their conversation could take off too much. "I just set out some tea cakes to cool."

"And I just set the kettle," Oriane added, "so tea should be ready soon."

Remus took his cue and walked into the dining room. A beautiful round birchwood table laid in the center, with teacups sitting on top. It was the perfect size for two people, yet a little cramped when adding a third. That didn't stop the three of them from making themselves at home.

Their conversation took off naturally without the need of prompting. In fact, the only thing that heeded their conversation was the familiar sound of the kettle whistling in the kitchen. This prompted Esme to excuse herself from the table, leaving Remus and Oriane alone.

"So," Remus spoke up, folding his hands in front of him at the table, "Esme tells me you've been homeschooled these last two years."

Oriane nodded, fingers gently tracing circles around her saucer. "She said a few of the professors at Hogwarts weren't quite fit to teach. I would get a better education here at home than anywhere else."

"Is that so?" Remus mused.

"Gilderoy Lockhart," Esme called from the kitchen. "He was the DADA professor last year." She entered the dining room shortly after, tea tray carefully balancing in her hands. "Idiot didn't know nearly as much as he claimed. He's been in Saint Mungo's for awhile now. Had his own memory charm backfire so badly he can hardly remember his own name."

"Lockhart?" Remus repeated. "As in the author?"

"Unfortunately," said Esme, tartly.

Esme sat the tea tray in the center of the table. On it of course was the kettle, along with her freshly baked tea cakes. The scent of them was still remarkably strong. Once she took her seat, the three of them began serving themselves.

"I must agree with Esme then." Remus began pouring Oriane a cup of tea before doing the same for Esme. "She's a much better teacher than that wannabe monster hunter." Eventually he poured his own cup before sitting back in his seat. "Though, I imagine the Ministry wasn't too thrilled."

Oriane took a quick sip of her tea. "They really weren't. We had to go and appeal our case in order for me to use magic outside of Hogwarts. Took us nearly two weeks of going back and forth with the board."

"Don't remind me," Esme groaned. "Dealing with Dolores Umbridge these last two years has been agonizing."

"Do you have to appeal every year?" asked Remus.

Oriane nodded, eyes focusing on the tray in front of her. After deliberating for a moment, she added a tea cake on her saucer. "That and perform semesterly exams. They want to make sure I'm not flunking."

Remus hummed. "I imagine it would be impossible for you to flunk."

"She normally exceeds the standards set for her," Esme said proudly. Oriane grinned in response.

"Well, your mother was in Ravenclaw, after all," Remus beamed, "so it's no surprise you take after her."

Esme's eyes grew a little cold at that comment. And they landed right on Remus, who didn't notice as his attention was on the young lady next to him.

"Ravenclaw?" Oriane echoed.

Remus let out a soft chuckle. After reaching for one of the napkins provided at the table, he quickly wiped a few crumbs off of his mouth. His attention then turned back to Oriane. "Right. You probably don't know much about the Hogwarts Houses."

Any coldness in Esme's expression quickly vanished. Instead, her usual bright, warm smile stood in its place. "There are four houses total at Hogwarts. Each is said to have certain values. For instance, your mother and I were in Ravenclaw. We value knowledge and learning." She paused, motioning to Remus. "Remus and your father were in Gryffindor. They're said to be brave."

Lights began to shine in Oriane's eyes as she listened with deep sincerity. She had only heard about Hogwarts in conversation, despite having been expected to go to the school two years prior. The short stories Esme shared with her were oftentimes the only glimpse of the school she got.

"So," Esme continued, "when Remus says you take after your Ravenclaw mother, he's just telling you you're smart."

A light pink dusted the girl's cheeks, which she tried to hide with her teacup.

Once again, Esme's attention turned to Remus. She raised her eyebrows and cleared her throat, attempting to get his eyes on her, yet he was oblivious.

"Remus," she said instead. The man turned to look at her, shortly taken aback by the look on her face. "Isn't there something you wanted to share?"

His eyes brightened with a deviously excited twinkle. "Oh yes, of course," he said, reaching a hand into the pocket of his pants. "Ori, I have a gift for you."

From his pocket Remus pulled out a simple letter. When she took it from him, she saw it was addressed to her, with both her name and address on it.

"For me?" she asked cautiously.

"Go on. Open it," Esme egged.

Oriane turned the letter over, revealing a red wax seal. It bore a coat of arms, with a lion, badger, snake, and eagle. She gently slid her thumb under it, popping the wax off. Inside were two pieces of parchment, which she gently pulled out. Before looking any further, she turned her attention to Esme and Remus, who watched her intently. Then it was back to the parchment.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Miss Morissette,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on 1 September.

Yours Sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

(Deputy Headmistress)

Oriane's eyebrows knit closely together as she finished reading the first page of the letter. She looked away and set the parchment down on the table next to her tea.

"I don't understand," she admitted. "It says my term at Hogwarts starts on the first of September. But I thought…" She trailed off, her thoughts escaping her.

Esme grinned. The type of grin that someone does when they know more than someone else. "Hogwarts is having a change in staff this year," she said, eyes glancing to Remus. "Their Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, for example, is said to at least be competent."

A deep chuckle sounded from Remus as he shook his head. "Oh, I don't know about that." Then, he turned to Oriane, smile widening. "But I suppose you ought to get used to calling me professor, now."

The gears in Oriane's mind were quick to turn, and she let out a gasp. Her eyes widened as she looked down at the letter, and then up to Remus again. "You're going to be teaching at Hogwarts?" Then, her eyes flickered to Esme. "And you're letting me go to Hogwarts?"

Laughter filled the room as the two adults watched Oriane's reaction. It was a jumbled look of confusion, anxiety, and happiness all in one. The girl had spent the last two years fully accepting that Hogwarts was just something she was never bound to experience. So, in that moment, her entire world was flipped upside down.

"We'll head to get your school supplies this Friday." Esme rested her head in her hand, her fair skin glowing in the sunlight reflecting in the room. "I made sure to take the day off of work so we could go together."

The familiar chime of a clock sounded from the living room. It was a simple tune, lasting only seconds and followed by two strikes. Remus found himself looking at his wrist watch, as if he didn't trust time off of what he heard alone.

"Two o'clock already," Remus grumbled slightly. His attention turned away from his watch. He offered a somber smile to the two in front of him. "It seems as though I should get going."

"So soon?" asked Oriane, whose eyes had grown shiny with the thought of him leaving.

"Being a professor at Hogwarts is bringing about big changes in my life. Unfortunately, it leaves me with many things to sort out before I go, and not a lot of time to do so." He quickly finished the rest of his tea, which had grown cold, before standing up. "Don't worry. The first of September will come around before you know it. You'll see me so much you'll probably want a break from me."

The girl was quick to follow his lead, standing from her own seat. She wrapped her arms around his torso, smothering him in the largest hug she could muster. Remus couldn't resist a smile.

"I'd never want a break from you," Oriane said, pulling away from the hug.

It was Esme's turn to stand from the table. Her eyes were glued to the two in front of her as they shared their goodbyes. A wistful smile graced her lips, but the emotion carried heavier in her eyes. "Ori," she finally spoke, "would you mind putting the tea cakes away so they don't go stale? There's a few things I want to talk to Remus about before he leaves."

Agreeing, Oriane said one final goodbye to Remus before Esme walked him out of the cottage. She began to do as she was told, sorting the tea cakes into an airtight container. She even went as far as to clean up the tea tray and cups. Eventually the table was sparkling clean.

"You're sure about this?"

Windows were wonderful. They could air out a room, and let in a beautiful draft to cool down the cottage. In the summertime, an open window invites the scent of the beautiful wildflowers nearby.

They also let in the conversation between Esme and Remus.

Oriane was in the dining room when she first heard Remus ask his question. The window above the kitchen sink was open, allowing her to hear them clear as day. For a moment, she hesitated, eyes focused on the doorway to the kitchen. Surely Esme had sent her off for a reason. The conversation was supposed to be private. In the end, her curiosity seemed to get the better of her, and she quietly crept out of the dining room and back into the kitchen.

"She'll be safer at Hogwarts than here," Esme answered after a moment of thinking. Her brilliant white-gold hair reflected so brightly under the sunlight it was nearly blinding. "Besides. You'll be there to keep an eye on her."

"What about you?" asked Remus.

A light sigh came from Esme. Her bright blue eyes seemed to struggle to take in all the light, as she squinted so hard her eyes nearly shut. Yet, she did her best to look up at her friend.

"I'll be fine. If Sirius is stupid enough to come here I'm more than ready to handle him." Her vision wandered back to the cottage, landing on the front door. "But if he does, I can't have Ori here." Then, back to Remus. "She's too young. I'm not letting her get mixed up in the mistakes of our pasts."

Remus was silent, his eyes focused out in the meadow. A lone willow tree, waving in the light breeze, sat nestled in a soft patch of green grass. In just a few months it would be buried under frost and snow.

"You still haven't told her?" he asked slowly, treading in dangerous waters.

Esme followed his gaze. "She's thirteen, Remus. For now she knows enough."

"I know you want to protect her," Remus said, his posture straightening, "we all do. But you can't keep her in the dark forever."

"I don't plan to. When she's old enough, I'll tell her everything. But not now. She's too young."

"It won't be any easier when she's older."

Her head snapped back to him so quickly her hair nearly whipped her face. A deep fire burned in her eyes, one that was very rare to show. But when it did, it was a terrifying sight.

"Don't you think I know that?" she retorted, nearly in a spit. The fire in her eyes were quick to die down to the glow of an ember. "I know it won't be easy, no matter what. But I want her to at least enjoy her childhood while she still has it."

Realizing his mistake, Remus nodded, a familiar somber smile crossing his face. "Of course," he nodded, "and no one should blame you for it. Least of all me."

Their words hung in the air for a long moment. The leaves of the nearby willow tree fluttered in the breeze, mimicking the sound of raindrops on pavement. Nature completely surrounded the two of them, brightening up the area despite their rather dark conversation.

"Thank you, again," Esme finally spoke, "for helping me with this."

"Of course. I only wished you never had to do it alone to begin with," Remus smiled, tired eyes resting on hers.

Esme took a step back, motioning to the watch on his wrist. "You ought to get going. I'd hate to keep you waiting."

The two quickly muttered their goodbyes to one another. It was a short, awkward farewell. Something that wasn't fitting for two good friends. When they finished, Remus stepped away from the cottage, and with a simple, loud crack he was gone. He left nothing behind but his imprint on the ground, and Oriane, who watched them from the kitchen window.