Home is Where the Heart Is
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Harry Potter › General
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
9
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Currently Reading:
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Category:
Harry Potter › General
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
9
Views:
2,264
Reviews:
8
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Better Than Life
~ Disclaimer: I own nothing but what springs from my imagination. Remus Lupin, Hogwarts, and the rest of the Potterverse are the property and the children of JK Rowling. ~
Home is Where the Heart Is
Chapter 3: Better than Life
Remus sat in a comfortable chair across from Albus. After being offered a lemon drop, he shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He planned to ask Albus for a job, but how should he broach the subject? He was still a werewolf, that wasn’t going to go away, and there was still a very rational fear of him and his kind. He had left the employment of Hogwarts before to avoid problems for the school. While he was pondering the proper way to ask…no beg…for a job, he failed to notice that Albus was speaking.
“…in September,” said Albus, noticing Remus’ faraway look, “should I start from beg beginning, Remus?”
“What? Oh, I apologize Albus, I was paying attention to my inner conversation.”
“Undoubtedly more interesting than the external one, I would imagine,” said Albus with a smile.
“What were you saying?”
“I was saying that your classroom will remain the same as it was the last time you were here as will your quarters. You should take this time to prepare your syllabus and the list of books and materials needed before classes begin in September,” repeated Albus.
“I’m sorry,” said Remus, shaking his head, “My what will remain the same?”
“Classroom. Unless of course, you want a change of venue.”
“What classroom?”
“I would imagine that you would need a classroom to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts, would you not?”
“Are you saying…”
“I am offering you your old job back, Remus. Defense Against the Dark Arts. Are you interested or did I misread you lack of luggage, haggard look, and air of defeat?”
“What about Severus? Surely he wants DADA…”
“Can I tell you a small secret, Remus?” said Albus, leaning forward conspiratorially.
“Of course, Albus.”
“Severus has never truly wanted the DADA position. It was all part of his cover. Sure, if offered, he would take it, but he hasn’t applied every year for it, nor does he particularly wish to leave the potions lab. Keep in mind, Remus, that he is a potions master. Why would he wish to teach another subject for any length of time? Potions are in his blood.”
Remus nodded. It made sense when he actually considered it. Severus had studied long and hard in the field of potions and was well know both in the wizarding community and the Muggle community for his tremendous abilities, if not for his stellar personality.
“So, does Hogwarts have the only recent DADA teacher worth his salt back or not?” asked Albus.
“Yeah, I mean, yes. Definitely. Albus?”
“Yes, you can move in to the castle immediately. And we have to get you robes and basic supplies…”
“Got robes,” said Remus, holding out his parcel, “Got ‘em in the second hand robe shop. Weirdest thing, they’re new, but someone sent them in for consignment. I was actually able to afford them. I was wondering, and I feel foolish asking, but you or Filius check them over for any charms or hexes? It seemed too good to be true.”
Albus nodded and opened the parcel, taking out the deep blue robes, “Beautiful quality. There’s a certain familiarity about the style. Very classic,” Albus drew the robes closer to smell them for any odd scents that could spell danger. He smiled for a moment, “I’ll have Filius check them out for charms, but I think they’re safe. At least I hope so.”
“Thank you Albus,” said Remus, “If you don’t mind, I’d like to shower and clean these clothes.”
“Not at all Remus, you’ll find some clean clothes in your quarters. I believe there are some Muggle clothes you left behind the last time you were here. The password is ‘Swizzle Stick’, feel free to change it.”
Remus smiled a bit brighter and nodded as he left Albus’ office. He was going to be teaching again. He wondered how Albus pulled this off as well. First the Temporary International Apparating License, now his teaching position. The Ministry must be in a tailspin. He headed for his old, and new, quarters, remembering the way as if it had been only yesterday. He spoke the password that Albus had given him and changed it to “Serenity”. Upon entering his quarters, he saw that it was changed from when he had it last. Of course, there had been several DADA professors since then, including that horrific excuse for a witch, Dolores Umbridge. He shuddered at the thought. She was responsible for the dearth in his employment opportunities following her anti-werewolf legislation. He sighed. There would be plenty of opportunity to redecorate and he had no doubt that the following DADA professors had successfully rid the place of her ghastly presence.
Remus undressed, leaving his dirty dusty clothing on the bed. He entered the bathroom and turned on the shower. He was glad this bathroom had a shower. So many simply had baths. Remus much preferred the quickness of a shower. He stepped into the shower and lingered under its pulsating stream. He shampooed his hair with the toiletries left for his use. When he felt sufficiently clean, he towel dried himself off, wrapped the towel around his waist and padded into his bedroom. To no surprise, he discovered his dirty clothing gone and clean clothing in its place: a clean pair of jeans and a t-shirt, not to mention boxers and socks. His workboots had been cleaned and left for him to wear. There was also a tremendous plate of food on the table in the sitting room, he noticed, as he peered through the doorway whilst putting on his boots. He walked into the sitting room, picking up a scone and nibbling on it as he looked at the books in the bookcase. There were some good books to use for his classes. He picked up the quill on the desk and began making a list of the books and supplies each of his classes would need. He poured a cup of tea and pondered over what he would be teaching each year. First years were simple, basic theory. Second years would be the basic disarming and defensive spells, third years would be defense against dark creatures. He needed to speak with Albus regarding the curriculum for the 4th and 5th years. 6th years prepped for the NEWTS. 7th years generally did independent study.
Before he knew it, it was past dark and he had eaten the entire plate of food. He felt sleepy, full, and safe, for the first time in a year and a half. He contemplated grabbing a book and reading it for pleasure, but the thought of sleep called him much more strongly. He put away his work, stripped down to his boxers and crawled into bed.
* * * *
The next morning dawned clear and bright. Remus awoke and dressed in an old pair of shorts and a t-shirt. He found his old running shoes in the wardrobe, along with a decent selection of the Muggle clothing that he had come to favor over the years. He stretched out and left the castle, going for a run along the lake. He had discovered running for pleasure when he was living in California. It seemed to calm him down and gave him time to think. He concentrated on his breathing as he completed the circuit around the lake. When he again reached the drive leading from the front gates, he stopped to tie his running shoe. As he was bent over, someone took a header right over his crouched body. He looked down into the laughing eyes and pink hair of Nymphadora Tonks.
“Oh my gods, REMUS?” she said, sitting up and smiling at him, “you really did have the balls to come back, didn’t you?”
“Yes, Nymphadora, in spite of your note claiming otherwise,” he replied, giving her a warm half smile.
“Oi, help me up, there, wolfman,” she said, grinning mischievously, “and do NOT call me Nymphadora.”
Remus helped her to her feet and was gripped in a bear hug for his efforts.
“It’s good to see you, Tonks,” said Remus.
“Same here. Where you going to in such a hurry?”
“Just running.”
“For what reason?”
“For fun.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
“Nope.”
“You are a strange one, Remus Lupin,” she said, shaking her head, “walk with me to the castle?”
“Sure, I was heading back there for a shower and breakfast myself,” he said.
“Mmmm,” she grinned, “Remus Lupin under a stream of gently falling water. Does a girl good to think of that.”
Remus felt himself blush slightly as he jumped ahead of Tonks to open the castle doors, “Honestly Tonks, could you be any more obvious?”
“As long as it disarms you, it’s worth it,” she said with a grin as she headed for Dumbledore’s office, “see you around, Remus. You look good. Really good.”
“Thanks, Tonks, so do you,” he said quietly as he headed back to his quarters to get ready for breakfast.
* * * *
Breakfast was uneventful, aside from the glare of Severus Snape and the greetings of the staff that had stayed through the summer: Filius Flitwick, Pomona Sprout, Poppy Pomfrey, and Rolanda Hooch. Filius greeted him by handing him back his new robes, commenting on their fine quality, Pomona fluttered over him as if he were her long lost son, Poppy inquired as to his physical condition and forced him to promise a trip to the hospital wing for a complete physical, and Rolanda…well, Rolanda basically looked at him like she was a bear and he was a bit of fresh meat. He swore she licked her lips when she said hello.
“I suggest you not get too close to Madame Hooch,” whispered the dark voice of Severus Snape, “there might not be anything left of you if you do.”
Remus stifled a chuckle and glanced over at Severus, who had not changed his expression in spite of his comment. Severus was someone he had never been able to figure out. He clearly still had issues with Remus from their days at Hogwarts, yet he volunteered to brew the Wolfsbane Potion that kept Remus safer during the transformation. He was the person who announced to the school that Remus was a werewolf the last time he was here, yet while he was in America, Severus made sure that he had enough potion, until his backpack had been stolen. Remus had to admit that he never really had the issues with Severus that Sirius and, to a lesser degree, James had back when they were classmates. Severus was brilliant, but his social skills in certain areas were lacking. Not, that Remus had sparkling social skills either. Severus was a tyrant to his students, yet often exhibited a sarcastic and sardonic wit that confounded people. And one could not overlook the trust and faith that Albus placed in him. Severus had been a key in the battles against Voldemort. He placed his life on the line too many times to count in order to help bring about the downfall of Voldemort. Rumor had it that he had even lost the woman he loved to the battle against the dark, although details about that were sketchy. Remus was determined that this time around; he and Severus would bury the hatchet. He needed a friend, and Severus was the only staff member Remus’ age.
“Severus?” he ventured.
“What Lupin?” was the terse answer.
“Any idea why Tonks was here earlier?”
“I wasn’t aware she was.”
“Saw her about an hour ago. She went to see Albus.”
“Perhaps she’s still here, Albus is missing from breakfast.”
“Having an Auror show up here when Voldemort’s gone is a bit disconcerting,” admitted Remus.
“It’s Tonks,” said Severus in a bored tone, “anything’s possible. She could just be asking Albus’ advice on what color to transfigure her hair into next.”
Remus chuckled. For the first time in his life he was finding Severus Snape amusing. And what was more frightening was that he believed Severus intended to be amusing. With a wry glance at the other staff at the table, Severus excused himself and left for his potions lab, leaving Remus uncomfortably aware of the manner in which Madame Hooch was regarding him. With a quick look around, Remus excused himself too, feeling Rolanda’s eyes on him all the way out of the Great Hall.
Home is Where the Heart Is
Chapter 3: Better than Life
Remus sat in a comfortable chair across from Albus. After being offered a lemon drop, he shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He planned to ask Albus for a job, but how should he broach the subject? He was still a werewolf, that wasn’t going to go away, and there was still a very rational fear of him and his kind. He had left the employment of Hogwarts before to avoid problems for the school. While he was pondering the proper way to ask…no beg…for a job, he failed to notice that Albus was speaking.
“…in September,” said Albus, noticing Remus’ faraway look, “should I start from beg beginning, Remus?”
“What? Oh, I apologize Albus, I was paying attention to my inner conversation.”
“Undoubtedly more interesting than the external one, I would imagine,” said Albus with a smile.
“What were you saying?”
“I was saying that your classroom will remain the same as it was the last time you were here as will your quarters. You should take this time to prepare your syllabus and the list of books and materials needed before classes begin in September,” repeated Albus.
“I’m sorry,” said Remus, shaking his head, “My what will remain the same?”
“Classroom. Unless of course, you want a change of venue.”
“What classroom?”
“I would imagine that you would need a classroom to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts, would you not?”
“Are you saying…”
“I am offering you your old job back, Remus. Defense Against the Dark Arts. Are you interested or did I misread you lack of luggage, haggard look, and air of defeat?”
“What about Severus? Surely he wants DADA…”
“Can I tell you a small secret, Remus?” said Albus, leaning forward conspiratorially.
“Of course, Albus.”
“Severus has never truly wanted the DADA position. It was all part of his cover. Sure, if offered, he would take it, but he hasn’t applied every year for it, nor does he particularly wish to leave the potions lab. Keep in mind, Remus, that he is a potions master. Why would he wish to teach another subject for any length of time? Potions are in his blood.”
Remus nodded. It made sense when he actually considered it. Severus had studied long and hard in the field of potions and was well know both in the wizarding community and the Muggle community for his tremendous abilities, if not for his stellar personality.
“So, does Hogwarts have the only recent DADA teacher worth his salt back or not?” asked Albus.
“Yeah, I mean, yes. Definitely. Albus?”
“Yes, you can move in to the castle immediately. And we have to get you robes and basic supplies…”
“Got robes,” said Remus, holding out his parcel, “Got ‘em in the second hand robe shop. Weirdest thing, they’re new, but someone sent them in for consignment. I was actually able to afford them. I was wondering, and I feel foolish asking, but you or Filius check them over for any charms or hexes? It seemed too good to be true.”
Albus nodded and opened the parcel, taking out the deep blue robes, “Beautiful quality. There’s a certain familiarity about the style. Very classic,” Albus drew the robes closer to smell them for any odd scents that could spell danger. He smiled for a moment, “I’ll have Filius check them out for charms, but I think they’re safe. At least I hope so.”
“Thank you Albus,” said Remus, “If you don’t mind, I’d like to shower and clean these clothes.”
“Not at all Remus, you’ll find some clean clothes in your quarters. I believe there are some Muggle clothes you left behind the last time you were here. The password is ‘Swizzle Stick’, feel free to change it.”
Remus smiled a bit brighter and nodded as he left Albus’ office. He was going to be teaching again. He wondered how Albus pulled this off as well. First the Temporary International Apparating License, now his teaching position. The Ministry must be in a tailspin. He headed for his old, and new, quarters, remembering the way as if it had been only yesterday. He spoke the password that Albus had given him and changed it to “Serenity”. Upon entering his quarters, he saw that it was changed from when he had it last. Of course, there had been several DADA professors since then, including that horrific excuse for a witch, Dolores Umbridge. He shuddered at the thought. She was responsible for the dearth in his employment opportunities following her anti-werewolf legislation. He sighed. There would be plenty of opportunity to redecorate and he had no doubt that the following DADA professors had successfully rid the place of her ghastly presence.
Remus undressed, leaving his dirty dusty clothing on the bed. He entered the bathroom and turned on the shower. He was glad this bathroom had a shower. So many simply had baths. Remus much preferred the quickness of a shower. He stepped into the shower and lingered under its pulsating stream. He shampooed his hair with the toiletries left for his use. When he felt sufficiently clean, he towel dried himself off, wrapped the towel around his waist and padded into his bedroom. To no surprise, he discovered his dirty clothing gone and clean clothing in its place: a clean pair of jeans and a t-shirt, not to mention boxers and socks. His workboots had been cleaned and left for him to wear. There was also a tremendous plate of food on the table in the sitting room, he noticed, as he peered through the doorway whilst putting on his boots. He walked into the sitting room, picking up a scone and nibbling on it as he looked at the books in the bookcase. There were some good books to use for his classes. He picked up the quill on the desk and began making a list of the books and supplies each of his classes would need. He poured a cup of tea and pondered over what he would be teaching each year. First years were simple, basic theory. Second years would be the basic disarming and defensive spells, third years would be defense against dark creatures. He needed to speak with Albus regarding the curriculum for the 4th and 5th years. 6th years prepped for the NEWTS. 7th years generally did independent study.
Before he knew it, it was past dark and he had eaten the entire plate of food. He felt sleepy, full, and safe, for the first time in a year and a half. He contemplated grabbing a book and reading it for pleasure, but the thought of sleep called him much more strongly. He put away his work, stripped down to his boxers and crawled into bed.
* * * *
The next morning dawned clear and bright. Remus awoke and dressed in an old pair of shorts and a t-shirt. He found his old running shoes in the wardrobe, along with a decent selection of the Muggle clothing that he had come to favor over the years. He stretched out and left the castle, going for a run along the lake. He had discovered running for pleasure when he was living in California. It seemed to calm him down and gave him time to think. He concentrated on his breathing as he completed the circuit around the lake. When he again reached the drive leading from the front gates, he stopped to tie his running shoe. As he was bent over, someone took a header right over his crouched body. He looked down into the laughing eyes and pink hair of Nymphadora Tonks.
“Oh my gods, REMUS?” she said, sitting up and smiling at him, “you really did have the balls to come back, didn’t you?”
“Yes, Nymphadora, in spite of your note claiming otherwise,” he replied, giving her a warm half smile.
“Oi, help me up, there, wolfman,” she said, grinning mischievously, “and do NOT call me Nymphadora.”
Remus helped her to her feet and was gripped in a bear hug for his efforts.
“It’s good to see you, Tonks,” said Remus.
“Same here. Where you going to in such a hurry?”
“Just running.”
“For what reason?”
“For fun.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
“Nope.”
“You are a strange one, Remus Lupin,” she said, shaking her head, “walk with me to the castle?”
“Sure, I was heading back there for a shower and breakfast myself,” he said.
“Mmmm,” she grinned, “Remus Lupin under a stream of gently falling water. Does a girl good to think of that.”
Remus felt himself blush slightly as he jumped ahead of Tonks to open the castle doors, “Honestly Tonks, could you be any more obvious?”
“As long as it disarms you, it’s worth it,” she said with a grin as she headed for Dumbledore’s office, “see you around, Remus. You look good. Really good.”
“Thanks, Tonks, so do you,” he said quietly as he headed back to his quarters to get ready for breakfast.
* * * *
Breakfast was uneventful, aside from the glare of Severus Snape and the greetings of the staff that had stayed through the summer: Filius Flitwick, Pomona Sprout, Poppy Pomfrey, and Rolanda Hooch. Filius greeted him by handing him back his new robes, commenting on their fine quality, Pomona fluttered over him as if he were her long lost son, Poppy inquired as to his physical condition and forced him to promise a trip to the hospital wing for a complete physical, and Rolanda…well, Rolanda basically looked at him like she was a bear and he was a bit of fresh meat. He swore she licked her lips when she said hello.
“I suggest you not get too close to Madame Hooch,” whispered the dark voice of Severus Snape, “there might not be anything left of you if you do.”
Remus stifled a chuckle and glanced over at Severus, who had not changed his expression in spite of his comment. Severus was someone he had never been able to figure out. He clearly still had issues with Remus from their days at Hogwarts, yet he volunteered to brew the Wolfsbane Potion that kept Remus safer during the transformation. He was the person who announced to the school that Remus was a werewolf the last time he was here, yet while he was in America, Severus made sure that he had enough potion, until his backpack had been stolen. Remus had to admit that he never really had the issues with Severus that Sirius and, to a lesser degree, James had back when they were classmates. Severus was brilliant, but his social skills in certain areas were lacking. Not, that Remus had sparkling social skills either. Severus was a tyrant to his students, yet often exhibited a sarcastic and sardonic wit that confounded people. And one could not overlook the trust and faith that Albus placed in him. Severus had been a key in the battles against Voldemort. He placed his life on the line too many times to count in order to help bring about the downfall of Voldemort. Rumor had it that he had even lost the woman he loved to the battle against the dark, although details about that were sketchy. Remus was determined that this time around; he and Severus would bury the hatchet. He needed a friend, and Severus was the only staff member Remus’ age.
“Severus?” he ventured.
“What Lupin?” was the terse answer.
“Any idea why Tonks was here earlier?”
“I wasn’t aware she was.”
“Saw her about an hour ago. She went to see Albus.”
“Perhaps she’s still here, Albus is missing from breakfast.”
“Having an Auror show up here when Voldemort’s gone is a bit disconcerting,” admitted Remus.
“It’s Tonks,” said Severus in a bored tone, “anything’s possible. She could just be asking Albus’ advice on what color to transfigure her hair into next.”
Remus chuckled. For the first time in his life he was finding Severus Snape amusing. And what was more frightening was that he believed Severus intended to be amusing. With a wry glance at the other staff at the table, Severus excused himself and left for his potions lab, leaving Remus uncomfortably aware of the manner in which Madame Hooch was regarding him. With a quick look around, Remus excused himself too, feeling Rolanda’s eyes on him all the way out of the Great Hall.