Thank you to the people who took the time to review! I love reviews!

This chapter contains sexual references.

May

The two clay volcanos were side by side. Both had been painted and Chris' pupils squirmed with impatience.

"Now, do you remember what I told you?" Chris was smiling. "Teddy?"

"We have to pour the vinegar into the middle of the volcano and it will hit the baking powder!"

Chris' smile broadened at the excitement in the child's voice. "And then what will happen, Victoire?"

"It will explode!"

Remus glanced up from the assignment he was reading. His lips twitched. There was distinct chill in the air of Remus' little garden but it had not hindered the science experiment that Chris had finally agreed to perform with their students. Remus shook his head, the volcano had been effective bribery for the last week of their lessons and the quality of work that had been presented to them had Remus informing his friend that he would need to produce an experiment every week.

"Ready? After this you both have to tell me how it works."

Twin eager nods and Chris laughed. "All right. Count of three you can pour the vinegar in. One, two, three!"

Intense looks of concentration crossed their faces as they carefully tipped the white vinegar from their beakers into the centre of their volcanos. Twin shrieks of excitement broke from the children as foam bubbled over the volcano and spilled onto the grass at their feet.

"Look, Daddy! Look!"

Remus moved closer to the group and smiled. "That is very, very impressive! How does it do that?"

Two sets of curious eyes returned to Chris once more. "Do you remember what I told you?" His knee jittered suddenly and he pressed his fingers over the joint tightly. The spasm passed, a small one and he shrugged slightly when his eyes met Remus'.

"Well? Do you remember?" Chris prompted again, distracting the children who were inspecting their volcanoes closely.

"Umm." Teddy frowned.

"Umm is not a word, Teddy." Remus reminded.

"The vinegar touches the powder and fizzes." Victoria nodded wisely and Chris rubbed a hand across his mouth to hide his smile.

"Do you know why the powder fizzes?"

"I can't remember." Teddy confessed.

"That's all right. Sometimes science can be a little bit tricky. And this is a tricky one. The baking powder is called a base and the vinegar is called an acid. They react together and form a different…" Chris hesitated as he searched for the word to explain it to his eager eyed students. "A different substance."

"Like when you add dirt to water? It makes mud?"

Chris huffed a laugh. "Yes. Like that. But this reaction means that they form a substance that is unstable, so it breaks apart because—"

"It doesn't like each other!"

"Exactly, Victoire! These two things don't like each other at all. So it fizzes over the edge as it tries to escape."

"That is so cool!"

Remus smiled at his son's enthusiasm.

"Can we do it again?" The boy's hair was bright blue.

Chris glanced questioningly at Remus who nodded. "All right. On Monday you have to tell me how it works. Sound fair?"

"You are very good with them."

"I can't quite find the words to explain it properly." Chris pressed his fingers into his temples.

"Headache?" Remus frowned.

"It's nothing."

"Chris. Have you a headache?"

"A slight one."

"Do you want something for it? I can have Giant fetch what you need."

Chris sighed. "You fret too much."

"Says the man who singlehandedly routed my lessons the day before the last full moon and ensured I didn't have to do anything other than reassure the children that I was quite fine."

Chris frowned and watched as Remus summed the house elf and the small creature returned a moment later with a glass of water and the small tablets that would ease the throbbing at his temples.

"Your headaches are becoming more frequent?"

"Yes. Once the holidays are here Lia is insisting I see the specialist."

"That will help?"

"He will probably change some of the doses of the medication. Most of them will be increased. Perhaps new ones added."

"You are going to be staying in England are you not?"

"Yes. During Easter Lia and I found a little place. IT's connected to the floo but only two hours' drive to London. She wanted me to be comfortable too."

"And are you?"

"Yes. It's a nice place. Has a garden. A library. Plenty of room for my chair. I wish… I worry about her." The words were drawn from the man reluctantly.

"Worry?"

"She… she is young. She should be finding love. But…"

"But she is far too busy furthering her career and enjoying teaching students and experimenting during the holidays to worry about love!" Lia's voice preceded her wrapped her arms around her brother's shoulders and placing a light kiss on his cheek. "How did the volcano go?"

"Excellent. I think they are about to run out of vinegar and baking soda."

Lia laughed. "I remember you doing that experiment with me when I was nine. I thought it was the most exciting thing imaginable."

"Until you came to Hogwarts?"

"Oh yes, then you become my dull redundant brother."

Chris sighed. "Hard life I lead."

"Nymph is here, she was just changing." Settling herself on the grass Lia tipped her face to the sun. "Going to join us for dinner tonight, Chris?"

"No. Perhaps the weekend." Chris' reply was carefully neutral.

"Mummy!"

"Hello, my love!" Tonks hugged her son. "That's a pretty flower, Victoire!"

Victoire touched the rose in her hair. "Uncle Remus conjured it for me."

"It's lovely." Tonks smiled and bent to kiss Remus. "Hey."
"How was work?" Remus caught her hand as she folded herself onto the grass beside his wheelchair.

"Horrid. I'll talk to you later."

Remus nodded slightly, frowning slightly at the strain that radiated through the woman he loved.

"I wish that Chris would join everyone in the Great Hall." Tonks was brushing her hair as Harry carefully completed Remus' simple exercises.

"Why doesn't he?" Harry questioned.

Remus winced as Harry's fingers found a painful point near his ankle. "He is an extremely proud man."

"So are you." Harry muttered.

"Yes, that is true… But I have potions that control what I had to endure quite closely. Chris is a muggle; potions do not work for him. He is more vulnerable than I will ever be."

Harry nodded and drew a warm blanket over Remus' legs. "He is difficult to know. I think Teddy adores him though."

"Oh. He does." Remus smiles. "He's a good lad."

"The best godson," Harry agreed. "Comfortable?"
"Yes. Thank you, Harry."

Harry smiled. "Night Remus, Dora."

"You are worried about Chris aren't you?" Tonks sauntered across the room and curled into Remus' arms.

"His illness isn't going to go away. Or miraculously improve. I… I hate the fact that symptoms that I have can be managed but he…"

"That isn't your fault."

"Does not help me feeling guilty."

Tonks brushed a finger across a scar that decorated Remus' cheek. "You can't feel guilty. You can't. It isn't your fault."

"No."

"And please don't think about stopping taking one of your potions."

"I… It had crossed my mind."

"I know. Because you are a darling and a martyr. But you, being in pain, suffering, living through hell doesn't make Chris' life any easier."

Remus was silent for a long time.

"Please. Remus. Don't you suffer enough without voluntarily putting yourself through hell?"

"Hush. It would not have gone beyond a thought."

"Good. Now, I have a question. It has come to my attention, and I am actually paying attention to this thought now, that you stay here year round. That you don't have somewhere else to go during the summer."

"That's true," Remus agreed cautiously. "Is that bad?"

"Well, it's not ideal, Love. Hogwarts? For the entire year?"

"I like Hogwarts."

"Even Snape doesn't stay the entire year, does he?"

"No, he spends part of the summer in Spinners End, though, he is here almost every day, I think it is his subtle way of disapproving about my staying here."

"Why don't you leave during summer?"

"It was easier staying here," Remus confessed. "I was so unwell at first and Harry stayed her with me the first two years until he and Ginny were married and then had a house. They try every year to convince me to come and stay with them but it's easier for me to feign independence if I am here."

"You are independent you prat."

"So sweet aren't you?" Remus muttered.

"You could come and stay with Teddy and I?"

"Are you asking me to move in?" Remus spoke cautiously.

"I… I think so?" Tonks looked at him nervously.

Remus studied her closely for a long time. "Will you give me time to think about it? Just a few weeks? There are some things that…"

"Take all the time you need." Tonks smothered a yawn.

"Dora? You aren't working late tomorrow are you?"

"No. Why?"

"I am taking you and Teddy out for dinner tomorrow."

"Are you now?"

"Into Muggle London, the weather is still cool enough that we can have Teddy wearing a hat."

Tonks smiled. "It sounds like a wonderful idea."

"So does sleep for you."

"Boring but true."

"I love you."

Tonks smiled. "I love you too."

Remus studied the stairs that led to Tonks' front doors. He had sent a Patronus to her only a moment before and he knew that it wouldn't take long for her to hurry to the car. Her offer still rang in his ears. It was a sweet offer, an offer for so much more than simply moving in. It had been close to six months since he had finally admitted that he loved her. Six months. Remus tapped the steering wheel feeling nerves exploding in his stomach suddenly. He turned as the door opened and his son slid into the back seat, Tonks folding herself into the front and kissing him deeply.

"You look amazing."

Tonks laughed. "Biased."

"About you, always. Hullo young, Teddy! How was your day at Gran's?"

"We went to Diagon Alley and she said that if Mummy lets me she is going to buy me an owl!"

"Really?"

"Uh Hu! And Mummy said that I have to ask you too."

Tonks winced. "Sorry." She mouthed.

Remus smiled reassuringly before merging with the traffic that flowed around them. "Perhaps we can talk about this later? After dinner? There is a new book for you in the pocket behind Mummy's seat."

Teddy's shriek of excitement made both his parents smile. "Are you staying with me tonight?" Remus spoke in a low tone."

"Yes. If that's all right?"

"Yes. Working tomorrow?"

"No. Remus, what is going on?"

"Harry and Ginny are taking Teddy tonight." Remus spoke softly. "And I've…"

Tonks curled her fingers over where his rested on the steering wheel. "A nice romantic night together?"

"Yes," Remus smiled crookedly. "And tomorrow it will just be you and I."

"Sounds perfect."

Tonks straddled Remus' legs as they sat under the hot stream of water from the shower. The room was lit softly by a gentle glow from lamps against the wall. The scent of jasmine hung in the steamy air from Tonks' body wash. They were naked. Skin to skin under the stream of water that beaded on their skin. Pressed against one another for the first time in forever.

"Dora! Dora!" Remus pulled back a little, his eyes were dark with emotion.

"Yes?" Tonks traced his collar bones with the tip of her finger. The muscles in his shoulders and upper chest were defined above where the silver had entered his spine, below that, there was softness to his body that spoke of wasted muscles, poor definition. Tonks' hand dropped lower, watching his face closely as her fingers lightly skimmed along his stomach. "I'm not hurting you am I?"

Remus shook his head. "I…I'm sorry."

She paused. "Sorry?"

Remus arms were loosely around her, his fingers against the small of her back pulling her closer against him.

"I..."

"Remus?"

"I'm not what you deserve," the words were ragged, vulnerable.

Tonks cupped his face and forced him to meet her eyes. "Because you are paralysed?"

His eyes dropped briefly. "I can feel you against me but… I can't respond, I can't move. I can't…."

"Have sex without a potion? Is that what this is about? Because it is something we can overcome. We can do this. We can."

Remus searched her face closely. "My body…"

"Is wonderful and perfect. Wonderful and perfect." She began to feather kisses along his jaw.

"Wait." Remus lifted a twisted hand and caught her hand. "Dora… I can't go further tonight."

Tonks nodded. "That's ok. We are still one step at a time."

"I promise. It will be soon. I just need. A little more time."

"Shut up and kiss me again," Tonks pressed her lips to the corner of his jaw. "I don't care how far we take it tonight. I love you and I am happy to take it a slow as you need."

Remus shook his head slightly. "Merlin, you…" his words were smothered as her lips pressed to his. Her words were a balm to his broken soul. She could see past the damage that the silver had caused to his body and, as their lips met with feverish intensity he suddenly found himself truly believing her words. She didn't care that he had been injured. She loved him. Wheelchair and all.

Hands searched one another's bodies, discovering and rediscovering the planes and marks that touched their skin. Tonks shivered and pressed closer against Remus as his hands brushed in soft circles around the skin at her hips. "Oh!" Her back arched as his crooked fingers dipped lower, his fingers skimming gently across the top of her triangle of soft dark curls. "Remus!" Her voice was breathy as he reached lower, his eyes locked on her face as her head fell back, her breasts rose and fell rapidly with every breath. She twisted against him. "Remus!" He pressed his fingers deeper against her and she shifted, arching, her face a mask of ecstasy as he rediscovered the thrill of pleasuring her, a thrill he had through would never be his once more. "More! Remus!" She twisted against him, her thighs tight around his. "Oh! Oh!" A shudder ripped through her as heady release swept her again and she slumped against him. "Oh, Merlin."

Remus wrapped his arms around her. She was still gasping for breath, soft shudders passed through her. Finally she lifted her face and kissed him deeply. "Never, ever apologise to me again."

A soft, throaty chuckle.

"No one, in my memory, has ever done that."

"I'm cheating really," Remus whispered against her ear. "I have past experience."

"Something that I won't object to right now." She kissed him deeply. "This is the start of a long and beautiful relationship!"

Remus laughed. "Merlin. I love you, Nymphadora."

"I love you too. But don't call me Nymphadora!"

"So, talented fingers, huh?" Lia was painting Tonks' fingernails.

"Very talented." Tonks agreed with a laugh. "He's still so vulnerable though. He acts as though I care about the wheelchair and nothing that I can say seems to take that away."

Lia nodded slowly. "I remember when Chris was first diagnosed. He was dating this girl, had been for nearly two years, and was ready to propose but… Once he knew how sick he was, how the disease could progress, then she dumped him. Told him that she couldn't be with someone who was broken. He never went near anyone again. He actually believed what she said. Remus… Well, you have to remember, he woke up, paralysed, so very weak only to find that his wife didn't even remember meeting him. That is going to mess anyone up."

"I wish I could take the last few years back."

"No. Don't wish that. You fell back in love with who Remus is now. He knows that you aren't with him out of obligation. He knows you love him."

"I think he finally does." Tonks half smiled.

"So the romantic half weekend was nice was it?" Lia grinned and Tonks rolled her eyes.

"It was perfect. And then we tucked ourselves away with Teddy and had a wonderful family night on Saturday night."

"Good." Lia leaned back. "And what did he say about moving in?"

"Said he would think about it." Tonks sighed. "I think it was a bit of a rush for me. I… I don't know. It's probably the worst place for him to try to navigate."

"Maybe look for something new? That is your house, and Teddy's. A place where David lived. It won't just be the fact it's so hard to move around in. David lived there. You had a whole other life."

"I didn't think about it like that."

"You didn't have to. Now, you have to help me mark these essays!"

"Aunty Ginny?"

"Teddy Bear?" Ginny smiled as he godson approached and leaned against the arm of the rocking chair where she was seated, feeding the baby in her arms.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm feeding Artie, but you have seen me do this before, Sweetheart."

"I know."

"Everything all right?"

"Uncle Chris' legs sometimes dance. Daddy says that his do that too. But I've never seen. It makes him sad to talk about it I think."

Ginny nodded slowly and glanced at the clock on the wall. Harry had probably left his classroom to check on Remus who was sleeping off the after-effects of the full moon. Usually Molly or Andromeda would watch the young metamorphmagus but a particularly nasty cold had engulfed the entire Weasley clan and Andromeda was in France. Ginny had instantly offered to take him and had been rewarded watching Teddy play with Jamie for hours, never worrying about the smaller boy's limited attention span.

"It does make him sad, yes."

"Why haven't I seen his legs move? Daddy said he can't move them anymore. But why not?"

"Because he was hurt in the war."

Teddy nodded. "I know that."

"But before the war your daddy was very fit and was always doing something. It makes him sad that he can't teach you how to fly, or that he can't walk anymore."
"But I don't care about that!"

"No, and your Daddy knows that. It makes him feel very special to know that you love him so much."

"But I've never seen his legs dance."

Ginny nodded slowly before she shifted Artie so she could burp him. "Your daddy takes several potions every day, love. And they help his legs not dance."

"Why can't Uncle Chris take them then?"

"Because Uncle Chris is a muggle." Ginny explained. "And muggles can't use the same potions we can."

"Why?"

"I think you might have to ask Professor Snape about that one, Sweetheart. He will be able to explain it better."

"Ok."

"Any more questions?" Ginny smiled.

"Can I see Daddy now?"

"Yes, you can." Harry smiled as he entered. "Your Daddy just woke up and he would very much like to see you."

"Is he ok?"

"He's very tired and is sore. So we must be very gentle. But he wants to see you very much."

Teddy nodded. "And then can we talk to Professor Snape?" Teddy looked serious. "I have to ask him questions."

Remus was frowning at the thick legal tome that was on his desk. There were papers sprawled across every surface.

"You missed dinner." Severus' hoarse voice made Remus flinch and ink blotted the paper from the quill that he held in his awkward grip.

"Dammit!"

"I am sorry," Severus winced as he approached.

"Never mind, the writing is barely legible anyhow." Weariness hung heavily in the werewolf's voice.

Severus frowned and carefully removed the quill from the cramped that had stiffened into a twisted claw. "Accio chair. Accio oil."

"Severus."

"Hush. How long have you been sitting her for?"

"I had Titus in here talking about defence homework until nearly five."

"It's eight pm, Remus, you've been writing for three hours?"

"I was distracted."

"Nymphadora and Teddy not here today? Giant is bringing food for you; I thought you must have become side-tracked when you did not appear at dinner. Potter and I nearly came to blows over who would come to check on you."

Remus smiled for a moment before his breathe hissed between his teeth as Severus carefully began to gently massage the cramped hand. "Why were you not using your dicta-quill?"

"It is easier to take notes."

"Is this about stubborn pride?"

Remus winced as aching joints rebelled against the careful manipulation. Severus glanced up briefly at the weariness the carved deep across Remus' face. "You shouldn't be pushing yourself so hard. The full moon was only a few days ago."

"I'm fine."

Severus released Remus' hand and the werewolf flexed his fingers. "Thank you," he sighed. "That does feel rather more bearable."

"Eat something." Severus urged. "And then tell me why you have been closeted here all day reading," he frowned. "Werewolf laws."

"Kingsley visited yesterday. He is serious about wanting change and so I suppose I finally decided that it truly needed my complete attention."

Severus was searching through Remus' untidy notes the werewolf slowly sipped his tea. "How long have you been working on these?"

"A little while now, but seriously, only a week. I had an idea, just before the full moon."

"An idea." Severus prompted.

Remus rubbed the fabric of his robe. He was frowning. Uncertain.

"Remus?"

"Ian's father is a good man."

"Kiaran?"

"Yes."

"You see him frequently?"

"Occasionally. We write frequently. And his situation troubles me."

"Because it so closely resembled what yours once was?"

"What could happen to me all over again."

"We wouldn't let that happen."

Remus pinched the bridge of his nose. "But that's the point! Why me? What was so special about me?"

Severus watched him closely.

"I am a werewolf. I have been one for over thirty years! Why should I be different! If Harry had not defended me and you had not made potions to keep me alive, still make potions to keep me sane, if Minerva had not given me a place here then where would I be?"

"Potter would never have left you destitute." Severus spoke carefully.

"And why do I deserve that? Why me among all the other people cursed with lycanthropy!"

"For a long time you did not have that." Severus reminded.

Remus slumped back against his chair. "No," a flash of pain.

"So, tell me, how do you plan to change this?"

Remus frowned. "I don't know." He admitted. "I feel as if my hands might be tied."

"Remus Lupin, you are friends with the Minister of Magic." Exasperation filled the hoarse voice. "I expect you can do anything that seems legitimately appropriate. Now, how are you planning to change this?"

"I was thinking an organisation. Not just for werewolves but all those that are classified Dark Creatures. Somewhere where support can be offered, both emotional and monetary. Education could be given, the change how people view us. We could find jobs for people. Perhaps then families would not be torn apart. It barely makes sense. It…"

"It is a good idea. It needs work and refinement. But it is a good idea."

Remus frowned. "You are just saying that."

An eyebrow arched disbelievingly. "You actually believe that?"

Remus managed a small, reluctant smile. "No."

"You have friends. Let them, us, help you."

"You and Harry have enough to manage. OWLS and NEWTS are so close."

"Then, speak with Kiaran. Ask him what would have helped him, what would help him now. Then speak with Mr Anstruther."

"Chris?"

"Remus, you are the first friend that man has had in Merlin knows how long. I might not like his pathetic sister but I do not hold any bitterness against the man. Besides which," Severus eyed the werewolf closely. "I have it on good authority that the man suffers acutely."

"I have said nothing…"
"No, but your son was quite curious as to why potions cannot help his new uncle."

"Ah."

"His disease?"

"Incurable." Remus admitted.

"You do seem to have a rather unfortunate ability to befriend people who are not going to live long lives."

"Something I am acutely aware of."

"So, why don't you ask him for help? It would be a good distraction."

"Severus, are you actually being nice?"

The potions master shrugged negligently. "Perhaps it will ensure that you do not starve yourself or become more of a miserable git than you are."

Remus shook his head. "You are a true friend, Severus."

"I want to ask a favour." Remus spoke abruptly. It was raining yet students could still be seen flying high over the Quidditch pitch. There were spells above the stands to allow the observers to remain dry and Lia, Tonks and Ginny had found themselves dragged to watch by an overexcited Teddy who had informed them that Jamie really needed to see the game. His pleas to convince his father and 'Uncle Chris' had faded when a violent spasm had left Chris white faced and his godmother quietly ushering him from the room.

Chris glanced up. He had attempted to lock himself away after what he viewed as his mortifying episode, he had not counted on the werewolf's quiet insistence that he not be alone. "A favour? There is little enough that I can manage now. Already evidenced again today."

"Ginny saw me at my worst," Remus mused. "I could barely speak for the pain for a good month as I finally woke. Then, until Severus was able to perfect the potions…" Remus frowned. "It was bad. Harry rarely left, he used to sleep down here and was almost always here between classes once school started again. I swear they had it planned, between the four of them and Neville, always made sure I was never alone for more than an hour. Severus found potions fairly quickly, but then, it was a matter of refinement. Even now," Remus mustered a smile. "Depending on the time of the lunar cycle… It was a slow process, one that we thought was achieved so many times. It was winter, a week after the full moon, only a few months after the war. I was exhausted and in pain. Ginny was sitting with me, we were talking when pain ripped through my back. My legs went into spasm, I could barely breathe." Remus rubbed a hand along his thigh. "I will never forget Ginny's reaction. She sent off a Patronus to Harry and then Severus and after that she pressed down against my knees hard enough to ensure my back wasn't badly jarred and then she talked, distracted me, about Teddy I think, made sure I kept my eyes on her. That girl was so strong. And after, when I finally woke from the potion induced sleep she could barely be convinced to leave me alone."

"It was a bad time for you."

"The first twelve months were the worst." Remus spoke carefully. "But I am lucky. I have potions available to me. My point is though, Ginny is a sweet, dear girl."

"And I am a dying cripple."

Remus frowned.

"Sorry." Chris spoke as Remus opened his mouth. "I've… You, Lia and Nymph are the only people alive that have ever seen my spasms."

"I understand. It isn't easy letting people in."

"No."

"Your illness, however, is not something that you should be ashamed of."

"Easy for you—" he swallowed the sharp words.

Remus turned, distracted by baby Artie's soft whimper as he stretched in the cradle that his mother had left him in. "You are right. I do have it easy, in comparison. The symptoms of my injuries are extremely well controlled. I have a wonderful family and incredible friends. Hush now, little man, back to sleep." He smiled as he tucked the blanket more securely around the baby before he turned back to Chris. "Before the second war… When…" A pained look crossed the man's face.

"Lupin was alone for twelve years," Severus' cold voice filled the room. He swept across the threshold, a box of small vials in his hands.

"Severus."

"I had not realised you had company. I apologise for the intrusion Mr Anstruther. However, I could not help but overhear your conversation."

"Severus." Remus warned.

Chris looked deeply uncomfortable as unfathomable black eyes regarded him. "Alone?" His eyes flickered towards Remus.

The potions seemed to disappear from the man's hands as he vanished them to Remus' room.

"After James and Lily Potter were murdered. Lupin, please shut up for once. And Black was, mercifully, incarcerated."

"Severus!"

"Remus was alone. We were not friends then."

"Sworn enemies." Remus muttered.

Severus' lips twitched slightly. "Your insults are truly weak, Wolf. As I was saying. Potter had been sent away to his odious muggle relatives and for twelve years Remus had no one. Werewolves are not regarded highly in society. They are the lowest scum in existence."

Chris frowned, bristling at the cold words.

"Employment was infrequent."

"Severus, you should have been an actor." Remus muttered. "Can you not leave the drama?"

"You would paint a far nicer picture," Severus murmered. He touched his throat briefly and Remus' eyes narrowed on the gesture. "His life may be pleasant now but let me assure you, no amount of potions will remove the discomfort of silver lodged in a werewolf's spine. Or the fact that the people he loved most when he was young are all dead."

"Severus!"

"Or the fact that for twelve years he was completely alone. And, do not forget, that every month his body reshapes itself twice into a completely inhumane form that causes every bone and joint to break or misalign." The man's voice had grown hoarser.

"Severus. Enough." Remus spoke firmly.

"Forgive the intrusion."

"Severus!" Remus' sharp voice made the man pause at the doorway. Their eyes locked for a long moment as Severus acknowledged the concern he could see clearly in Remus' open mind.

"It's fine, Remus."

"Tea tonight?"

"Your family?"

"You have to get used to them eventually."

Severus half shrugged. "Perhaps." He nodded briefly towards Chris before he closed the door behind him.

"Severus is strangely protective." Remus apologised.

"It is true though, isn't it?" Chris was rather pale. "I've been sulking about how hard my life is and I never thought…"

Remus laughed suddenly. "Chris, you are hardly ever self-pitying. Not properly anyhow, I watch you teach the children. You have just had a hard time of it." His voice softened. "Besides which, you have the knowledge of terminal illness, I—"

"Have your body brutally rearranged twice a month. Forgive my sulk. You are right, I should stop caring… Stop being so paranoid about people seeing me. Wheelchair, spasms and all."

"Acceptance is the first step." There was a twinkle in Remus' eye.

Chris laughed. "Yes." He had relaxed a little, the tension easing from the lines around his eyes. "You said something about a favour?"

Remus studied the man closely. Purpose. Would it help? Weariness still hung heavily in Chris' eyes.

"Remus?"

"Kingsley," Remus began.

"The Minister of Magic? Yes, because everyone one knows the minister. Continue."

"At times."

Remus smiled and shook his head slightly. "Kingsley has asked me to give him ideas on how to improve the lives of Dark Creatures."

Chris frowned. "He's right, isn't he? Professor Snape, when he said you were alone, you still feel that way at times?"

"You have ideas on how to help people who have incurable diseases?"

Remus half smiled. "Yes. Not well formed ones, but… Ideas. I wondered if you would help me work on them? Make them something more than ideas."

"Of course."

"You don't have to agree!" Remus spoke quickly. "It will mostly be dull work, legal at the beginning but…"

"Remus!" Chris frowned. "It would be an honour to help.