Eyyy, last start-up chapter, so now I can really dig into this AU. I appreciate any prompts and ideas, so please don't be shy.

It was a week before the start of the new school year and Remus was about to catch a train, destined for Hogsmeade, with Tonks and Teddy.

It was a very tearful farewell, with Andromeda threatening to kidnap Teddy so she could keep him all to herself. She had hugged her daughter very tightly, while Tonks eyes bulged comically, wheezing at Remus to save her. Once Tonks was released, Remus then turned, with Teddy propped against his right shoulder, to board the train. To his surprise, Tonks took Teddy from him just as Andromeda turned him about and gave him a hug too. He blinked, Tonks muffling her laughter in Teddy's hair, which was a cheerful gold colour.

"You take care now, both of you," Andromeda said sternly, looking both from Tonks and Remus, who she still had a tight hold of.

"Yes, mum," Tonks sighed, rolling her eyes, turning to grab their luggage, "We'll be back over the holidays, don't worry."

"And you," Andromeda leaned back to grab Remus' face in her hands, "you better not get cold feet again, if I hear you've done another runner-"

"I won't," Remus replied instantly, "I promise."

She must have seen the sincerity in his face for she loosened her hold, and patted him gently on the cheek. The train whistle blew.

"Off you go," she said, waving her hands as if to waft them onto the train.

"One minute she's crying for us not to leave, now she wants shot of us," Tonks mumbled, passing Teddy back to Remus as they got onto the train and sat in an empty carriage. They waved to Andromeda out of the window until they could no longer see her.

Upon reaching Hogsmeade, and stepping out onto the platform, Teddy was swiftly taken from Remus yet again, to his visual displeasure. Tonks stuck out her tongue at him and their son giggled at his pouting face.

"Teddy and I'll be wandering around Hogsmeade for a bit, probably end up in the Three Broomsticks. No doubt Teddy will have Rosmerta wrapped around his little finger in less than two minutes flat," she snorted, "want me to take our stuff with me while everything gets sorted or...?"

"No, that's alright," Remus said, already shrinking their things to carry up to Hogwarts, "I'll take it all, then I can come and fetch you once everything is sorted. I think Teddy might be enough of a hand full as it is."

They both eyed their now strawberry-coloured haired son, who was cross eyed staring at his own snot bubble. Remus handed Tonks the bag full of 'Teddy Essentials', wordlessly.

- - - - - -OoO- - - - - -

Retracing his steps from three weeks prior, up to Hogwarts, he now noticed that the Forest seemed quieter, motionless. He assumed it was because a majority of the creatures that had dwelled within it had been killed during the battle, but it also gave him a sensation of great calm to look into the forest now. He would have to go exploring at some point, maybe take Hagrid with him and swap stories about the place.

He finally reached the Castle, and slipped in through the one open door to the Entrance Hall. Placing his belongings down by the door, and returning them to their original size, he took stock of his surroundings. Just under a dozen people were milling about around the bottom stair of the grand staircase that lead up into the main parts of the Castle. Many of the faces he recognised, either as teachers he had been a pupil of, or those he had known as colleagues. A few he did not recognise, however.

There was of course, Flitwick, returning for Charms; staring off into space was Trelawny, for Divination; Sprout for Herbology; Hagrid, looking proud to represent Care of Magical Creatures; Slughorn had been convinced to continue Potions it seemed; Sinistra was still here for Astronomy, and Hooch was standing to attention at the back of the group. He saw Professors Vector and Babbling for Arithmancy and Ancient Runes, respectively, standing near the staircase, discussing a recent discovery on Dimensional Magic. Remus studied the three people he did not recall ever seeing before. He assumed one must be here to teach Muggle Studies, and one was for Tranfiguration, but he had no idea what other subject the third was here to teach.

Remus came to stand in his own space, looking around the hall, letting the idle chatter become background noise as he listened for approaching footsteps of McGonagall. Instead, he heard the giant footfalls of who could only be Hagrid, and felt the giant man lean down to enter his space.

"Remus! Glad ya' came back," Hagrid whispered genially, placing a hand onto Remus' shoulder.

Thankfully, the full moon had been two weeks ago. Therefore, Remus was at his most healthy and his extra werewolf strength was in full play, otherwise his legs may have given out under Hagrid's good cheer.

"Been wonderin' if yer were gonna come back."

"After much deliberation and pressure from many parties," Remus murmured back, lips twitching upward to show it was in good humour.

Further comments were halted by the tapping of shoes coming down the staircase. Everyone turned to watch as Headmistress McGonagall came swiftly down the stairs.

"Good Afternoon, everyone, I take it you all had a pleasant journey and nothing is amiss?"

There were positive murmurs all round, and the congregation came in closer together at the foot of the stairs; McGonagall had stopped half way down to address them fully.

"First, I would like to thank all of you for either returning to your posts," she nodded at the group of teachers such as Flitwick and Sprout, "and those of you have taken up the post upon my invitation. I would like you all to welcome Professor Lupin, back to his post of Defence Against the Dark Arts," this was accompanied by a nod at Remus, which he reciprocated.

Among the polite applause, Remus heard a curse and subtly started to try and make himself seem smaller. When he turned towards the source, however, he was surprised to see Slughorn dejectedly handing over a few Galleons to a very smug looking Flitwick. Seeing him looking over, Flitwick winked and Slughorn waved weakly. Remus did a little wave back, if a little confused about it.

"You're in Flitwick's good books for the rest of the year, I reckon," Hagrid chuckled.

"Exactly how big was the betting pool on whether I'd take the Defence position or not?" Remus asked, but didn't get an answer as McGonagall continued.

"I would also like you all to welcome our new Muggle Studies Professor, Ms Angel Sage," McGonagall indicated a tan skinned, wavy dark haired woman, who waved, the long sleeves of her blue dress swishing. "Also, Mr. Midas Augrect, who will now be teaching Alchemy," a pale blonde man, with an equally pale moustache, wearing a suit inclined his head at the crowd.

"Alchemy will now be a permanent subject offered to students in their third year, and will not be an optional side class for extra credit," McGonagall continued.

"Interesting decision," Remus noted, leaning toward Hagrid so he could hear.

"Sounds fun though doesn't it? Shame it wasn't offered before, bet Hermione would have loved that," Hagrid replied.

"I think she had enough to be getting on with in third year, if I remember correctly," Remus reasoned, smiling slightly.

"Finally, my successor for Transfiguration; Ewon Clement, " finally the third individual, that Remus could not identify from before, held up a hand in greeting. They were androgynous in appearance, and wore a set of to-the-knee robes with leggings underneath. There was something in-human about their appearance, but he wasn't sure exactly what it was.

McGonagall had now come down to the bottom of the stairs and was handing out envelopes to each of the teachers.

"These are the assigned textbooks that have been suggested by the Educational Board at the Ministry of Magic," everyone could practically feel the disparaging tone in her voice. "However, the new Minister for Magic has agreed that the Headmistress is allowed to recommend books until the system for each Professor to choose their own course content can be brought back into effect."

This was met with elated chatter among the gathered Professors, but Remus was now a bit worried. He had already mentally compiled a list of which textbooks he would supplement his classes with. What textbook was he going to have to contend with now?

Remus was handed his own envelope and opened it with a feeling of dread as he eyed the book title. He didn't recognise it, which didn't bode well. He looked up at McGonagall who gave him a brief apologetic look before handing Hagrid his envelope. That meant the Ministry had still automatically assigned a book and McGonagall couldn't devise an alternative which appeased the Board. This was going to be fun.

He was about to fold the envelope when he felt something thin but firm still inside. He tipped out it's contents and found two fabric badges sitting in his palm.

"As you will have all noticed by now, you each have a badge with a symbol depicting your subject, to be worn on the front of your robes," McGonagall informed, as Remus noticed the top badge was a shield with a skull on it. "Four of you will also have badges depicting a House each, these will also be worn on your robes to denote that you are the Head of that House."

Remus glanced down at his palm again and moved the front badge away with his forefinger. Underneath, was a Gryffindor Lion badge.

"What?" he said, out loud.

Hagrid looked down and saw what he was holding.

"Ah, congratulations, Lupin!" Hagrid accompanied this outburst with a pat on the back that would have sent a full human stumbling.

"What?" he said again.

Others turned to view him curiously, even while his brain made the logical conclusion that McGonagall could no longer be Head of Gryffindor house as she was Headmistress, and therefore the position was open. Still, he looked up at McGonagall, feeling slightly betrayed that he hadn't been forewarned about this. She looked back, pursing her lips slightly, and he instantly knew she was holding back a smile. He narrowed his eyes at her, guessing this was the start of her good natured revenge against his shenanigans when he was a student.

"You will now also have details of your class schedules, the new subject based attire for Professors to wear during class, and the list of students that will be in each year for your classes," McGonagall concluded, re-taking her position mid way up the staircase. "If any of you have any questions I will be available in my office, simply speak your name and intention. Now, I'm sure all of you would like to get settled in and begin your preparations for the start of term. Lupin, if I could have a word?"

Remus stayed where he was, as the others filed out, drifting towards each other and eyeing each others respective letters.

"See ya around some time then, eh?" Hagrid said, retreating back out into the grounds.

"Of course!" Remus replied, making plans to propose the idea of exploring the Forest with the other man when he felt up to it.

"I did try to dissuade their choice of reading material," McGonagall said briskly, clearly still irritated with the Ministry's decision to interfere with Hogwarts affairs.

"I'm sure I'll manage, and if it proves to be too limiting I'll just suggest that extra curricular ... defence clubs, would be highly advised." He gave her a side long look, that she must have understood for she wore a pursed expression that meant she was restraining a smirk.

- - - - - -OoO- - - - - -

After being given directions to his new living space, Remus decided to pop down to Hogsmeade again and meet his wife. Maybe they'd get a late lunch in the village somewhere.

He walked out into the grounds and saw that Augrect, Clement, and Sprout were talking just a few metres away from him. Telling himself not to be anti-social, and work on that automatic assumption he always made that people didn't want him around, he walked over to them.

"Hello, Remus, glad to have you back," Sprout said brightly.

"Glad to be back, if I'm honest."

"Ah, so I'm not the only one with parents who decided to consult a naming seer," Augrect had turned to appraise him, but his eyes did not seem to judge. "Unless, you're name really is just a coincidence, hell of a thing if it is."

Before Augrect could fully develop his apologetic expression, Remus interjected, "No, no, my parents did go to a seer. I think they came away more confused than anything else."

"I think my parents believed I would become a great leader, named after a King. They didn't think about the nuances of his character," a shrug, "never the less, I became obsessed with Alchemy, and not even for wealth, I just like the colour gold." He grinned, "but my obsession, has made me rather wealthy."

"Can't say the same for my naming destiny," Remus said with a wry grin.

Augrect inclined his head in agreement, "I can imagine. Hopefully, this will be an opportunity to change that."

"After all, your Father had an instinctual knack for dealing with all things Dark," Sprout inputted, "have you spoken with him lately?"

Remus immediately looked guilty, "not as much as I should have."

"I'm not sure I've heard the name Lupin before, should I have?" Clements had finally spoken up, after seemingly analysing the current company they had found themselves in.

"Not especially. The Lupins are not a particularly well known family, we're a bit of a bunch of shut ins. My mother was also a Muggle, so it's probably no surprise you would not have heard of my father after that marriage, had he been from a notable lineage," Remus said kindly.

"Wizards will forever confuse me in that regard. They insist only the purest of families are of any note, yet completely disregard the resulting inbreeding which must occur for pureblood families to remain so." Clement suddenly looked a little panicked, "no offense to anyone present, I meant no harm."

"Well, none of us here are from pureblood families," Sprout reassured, "and what you said is true, but only the most conservative of families truly insist on pureblood matches anymore. You speak of Wizards as if they are a foreign concept?"

"Ah, yes, I was sure someone might have mentioned it before now," they admitted, looking surprised, but not displeased

Sprout patted them on their shoulder, "you'll find we're not a particularly gossipy bunch here, well, not in a malicious way at least."

Clement nodded understandingly, before continuing, "I'm actually half Forest Elf, but my mother was a witch. She died, unfortunately; a rare disease that not even the Forest Folk could cure. This is why I was raised in the Elven communities, they have a natural gift for the Transfiguration and Charms practices of Wizards, you see." They surveyed her captive audience, "my heritage will also explain my slightly ... non-human appearance. I'm sure one of you, at-least, is asking yourself which gender I am?"

"Male," Augrect answered immediately.

"Female," Sprout said, a second after Augrect.

"I prefer not to assume until told by the person in question," Remus replied.

Clement turned to view them each, "interesting. Usually, the majority will assume I'm female, a couple think I'm male, but very few default to neutral." They looked at Remus, rather impressed, while Augrect straightened slightly.

"Well," Remus started, "I just don't like to assume things of people."

"No, I guess you wouldn't," Clement surveyed him a moment longer, before they appeared to come to a decision. "Nice to meet you, Remus Lupin," they said, smiling as they held out their hand to shake Remus' own. He reached forward to return the favour, thinking this year might be easier than expected.

- - - - - -OoO- - - - - -

"Sweet Merlin, did you single-handedly change every Rule of Hogwarts? You've been gone for ages. Teddy's started to clock that I've just been rotating the same two toys around so he doesn't get bored," Tonks gesticulated at their son, who was eyeing the floppy dog toy, he had favoured lately, suspiciously. As suspiciously as any 3 month old could. Remus noted that he seemed to be growing at a rather accelerated rate, even for a baby.

After politely excusing himself from the conversation back at the castle he'd made his way down to the popular pub of Hogsmeade. He had quickly spotted his wife with her fluorescent green hair, no doubt a choice she had made so he could easily find her in the crowd.

"I swear someone was about start when I tried to breastfeed Teddy, but Rosmerta looked like she was gonna decapitate someone with the beer tray," Tonks grinned.

Remus could see the bartender a couple of tables away, no doubt turning down yet another ill advised dating proposal. He suddenly remembered Sirius' attempts, he at least had managed to make her laugh. He grinned at the memory.

"I got a little sidetracked, talking to other new Professors," Remus explained, apologetically, gathering up Teddy's things to put back into the baby bag. Hoisting Teddy up to rest against his shoulder, he held out a free hand to Tonks.

"Well, aren't you the social butterfly," she joked, taking his proffered hand and helping him slip the strap of the baby bag over his shoulder. "Also, you're hardly a new Professor, you've taught there before."

"It's a new thing I'm trying, and I only taught there for a year," Remus reminded, gently.

They got some food to go, and exited the pub, waving at Rosmerta as she passed by and winked at Tonks. Setting a sedate pace through the village, they chatted idly about what their new daily routine would be. Making plans to visit Andromeda as soon as possible, it was at this point Remus breached the subject of contacting his father. Tonks was surprised he hadn't wanted to discuss this earlier, she hadn't actually met his dad yet. Then again, Remus barely talked about himself as it was, and she had heard him talk about his father even less. Still, she looked forward to the day where she would finally be able to meet him and introduce herself as the woman who had married his son. She paused her thoughts for a moment, considering that it may actually go horribly wrong, given her luck with social situations. Tonks was then convinced Remus did actually have a sixth sense, because in the next moment he had wrapped an arm around her back.

"It'll be fine, and he'll love you. The fact that you accepted me as I am will automatically endear you to him, I can assure you of that," he said, resting his head against hers.

- - - - - -OoO- - - - - -

They followed the directions McGonagall had given Remus and came to a door on the fifth floor. There were no others doors in the corridor, except for one located at the very far end, which Remus knew was used for Charms occasionally.

"Home sweet home, I guess," he said, pushing the door open so they could peer inside.

After one look, Tonks grabbed the edge of the door and threw it open.

"Home sweet home is right, look at this place, it's so nice!" Tonks gushed, rushing inside to peer around.

The walls were covered in dark wooden panels, to match the dark floorboards, the continuity of wall to floor broken only by pine skirting boards. A chestnut coloured fireplace contained an already lit fire, and a similarly coloured table stood to one side. Various empty bookshelves lined the walls and Remus could already envision where he would put everything. Tonks had moved on to investigate where the door to their left went, and was delighted to find their bedroom, which had a window, and then the bathroom leading on from that.

"This place is amazing," Tonks said, beaming brightly, coming back into the main room with her hair the brightest shade of purple Remus had ever seen. "This is going to be so much fun!"

She did a strange sort of wiggle, he assumed of pent up excitement, before ducking back into the bedroom. He heard more happy gasps, and then an 'ooooh' of appreciation. He bent his head down to look at his son, who was turning his head from one side to the next, taking in his new surroundings.

"What do you think, cub? Do you like our new digs?" he asked softly.

Teddy turned to look up at his fathers voice, but made no comment. He did snuggle down into his chest though without complaint, so Remus took that to mean the new room had Teddy's approval.

"We're gonna have to get Molly to babysit tonight," Tonks informed him, coming out of the bedroom again.

"What why?" Remus asked, subconsciously holding Teddy to him even tighter.

Tonks just reached up, plucked Teddy from him, took off the baby bag, placed their son down in the corner of the sofa, and looked back at him. With half-lidded eyes and a raised eyebrow she wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled him down to whisper in his ear.

"Because we seriously need to break this place in."

He was going to die of a heart attack, he just knew it.

A reference for what their new room looks like can be found on my tumblr (british-sarcasm-artwork) along with the new teaching robes and subject badges

- The Alchemy Professor came from Midas (Greek King who could turn anything into gold) Augrect (first two letter being Au, the symbol for gold)

- The Muggle Studies Professor was based off the name Angie Sage, who writes another favourite series of mine called Septimus Heap

- The Transfiguration Professor in my head is based off Pearl from Steven Universe, the name just came from looking at my bookcase, saw Eoin Coilfer and David Clement-Davies *shrugs*