Half an hour later, Vera was being shuffled off of the Hogwarts Express between the twins who had not long before, been interrogating her on everything that had happened since she left them.

"So, I won't be sneaking around the castle with you boys this year, but I was told that there would be an office near the Defense classroom where students can visit me any time so long as it's during daylight hours. However, if I happen to be working and you all slip through the passageway, I won't say anything. Just keep an eye on that map. If I'm not in there, it's off limits, understood?" The witch clarified.

"Completely." They agreed.

"Good. Now let's get a carriage before we have to walk the entire way there." She laughed.

When they arrived, a house elf immediately took her things and left her standing somewhat confused. She jumped at the feeling of a hand on the small of her back. She turned sharply to see Remus, smiling at her. "You look lovely. The hair clip is a nice touch."

She smiled, reaching back to gently touch the clip. It was a silver crescent moon shape with a piece of jade dangling from the bottom. He had sent it to her on her eighteenth birthday, and she was overjoyed with it. "I thought so, too. I must admit, I feel lost. In all my years here, I've never gone in before the students. It feels...odd."

"Well, if you like, it would be an honor to escort you in to your seat. May I?" He asked, moving his hand away from the small of her back so that she could take his arm instead.

"Of course." She laughed, taking his arm. They entered the side doors, only to come face to face with the rest of the professors, as well as the headmaster. "Hagrid!" The young woman exclaimed as the half-giant approached her. She hugged his large frame and smiled widely as Remus observed from the side, a warm smile gracing his handsome face.

"It's great ta' see ya, Veronica! Gonna be a good year with you helping ol' Lupin out. Tha kids'll love ya. Just you wait an' see!" Hagrid said excitedly.

Veronica smiled and laughed. "Let's hope so. If you'll excuse me, I need to go see Dumbledore. Uh, Remus, I'll be over there." She said, waving bye to the two men. As she approached Dumbledore, she relaxed at the kid expression his face held.

"Ahh, Professor Dursley. It's wonderful to have you back with us. I take it youre ready to teach alongside professor Lupin?" He asked.

"Certainly, sir. And thank you again for this opportunity. I hope I can exceed your expectations." She replied, wholeheartedly.

"I have no doubt that you will. I have the utmost faith in you." He assured her, before looking just past her. "Professor Lupin. I look forward to seeing how you and our dear Veronica handle the class. Do you have everything you'll need?"

Veronica turned to see Remus nod curtly. "Yes sir, thank you very much. Have you had the chance to speak to Severus yet?"

"Indeed I have. Severus has agreed to brew your potion before each full moon. He has requested that Veronica retrieves it from his classroom whenever it's prepared so that it may help avoid suspicion." He said, recieving a nod from both professors.

"Now," Dumbledore said,turning to the other professors, "if everyone could kindly take their seats, we can allow the students in and begin our feast!"

At the High Table sat Flitwick, Hagrid, and McGonagall on one the left. Dumbledore sat in the middle on a grand seat. To his right sat Snape, a very nervous looking Vera, a surprisingly calm Lupin, and Professor Sprout.

The doors were opened, bringing forth the slew of students. The first years stood to the side as the older students took their seats at their respective house tables.

The Sorting ceremony went surprisingly quickly, and Vera clapped politely after every student, smiling at the reactions of her younger friends whenever someone was sorted into Gryffindor or Hufflepuff.

When the sorting was finished, Dumbledore announced that the choir would be performing a song with the singing toads.

Through the performance, Veronica nervously bounced her leg until Remus discreetly placed his hand on her knee. She looked at him with an apologetic smile, to which he simply smiled back.

As the choir's song concluded, Dumbledore rose, beaming over the sea of black hats. "Welcome! Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say, before we become befuddled by our excellent feast. I myself am particularly looking forward to the flaming kiwi cups, which, while somewhat treacherous for those of us with facial hair..."

McGonagall cleared her throat, trying to reign him in. Vera let out a breathy laugh.

"Mm. Yes. First, I'm pleased to welcome Professor R.J. Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts. Good luck to you, Professor." Dumbledore said, allowing Remus to stand and give a small bow.

When the applause quieted, Remus sat, giving Dumbledore the chance to speak again. "Next, I would venture to say that most of you know our new permanent Assistant Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts. Please join me in welcoming for the first time as a Professor- Ms. Veronica Dursley."

Vera rose from her seat as a thunderous applause erupted from the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables, causing her to blush deeply. She smled and gave a small wave before sitting down again.

"Finally, as some of you may know, Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher for many years, has decided to retire in order to spend more time with his remaining limbs. Fortunately, I'm delighted to announce that his place will be filled by none other than our own Rubeus Hagrid!" Dumbledore announced excitedly.

At the sound of applause, Hagrid turned ruby red and rose, nearly toppling the staff table, sending water goblets weaving.

After everything calmed down, Dumbledore spoke once more. Only this time, his tone was far more serious and grave. "Finally, on a more disquieting note, Hogwarts - at the request of the Ministry of Magic - will, until further notice, play host to the Dementors of Azkaban.

A murmur of apprehension filled the hall. Vera felt her chest tighten.

"The Dementors will be stationed at the entrances to the grounds. While they are under strict orders not to enter the castle itself, you will on occasion see them as you go about your daily activities. Under no circumstances are you to approach them. It is not in the nature of a Dementor to be forgiving. Now! I announce, with great excitement on my own part- enjoy the feast!"

XxxxxxxxxxxX

After dinner, Veronica and Remus were greeted by a very enthusiastic house elf. "Hello, professors! Tessie has been asked to show you to tour rooms since you are new. When you are ready, Tessie can show the way!"

Vera smiled and nodded. "After you."

They followed the small being to the Defense classroom, which held the main Professor's office, as well as his sleeping quarters. What surprised Vera was an open door right across the office from Remus' bedroom. What had once been a small closet was now a full sized bedroom, complete with furniture and comforts.

"Miss Veronica has a brand new bedroom! Professor McGonagall and Headmaster thought since you will be here for permanent, you needed a home close to the classroom. So the professors made you a room from the old closet. Made it bigger with magic and put nice things in there for you. If you or Mister Lupin need anything, let Tessie know!"

"Thank you, Tessie, we certainly will. I think for now though, we'll just be getting settled in." Vera said with a smile. Tessie nodded and exited, closing the office door behind her.

"Well, I guess this means if we ever need anything, we know where to find each other." Remus said with a quiet laugh.

Vera shook her head, chuckling at him. "I guess we do."

A moment of silence lapsed between them before Remus looked down at her. "Tomorrow is the first day of class. I know things are going to get hectic, but I want you to promise that you won't hesitate to come to me any time. Day or night. You are important to me in a way I don't quite understand yet, but I will spend as long as it takes to figure it out." He took her right hand in his own and placed a gentle hand on her cheek. "Vera, if we do...progress, in our relationship, I want it to be because we both want it to happen. I would never ask anything of you that you were not comfortable with."

Veronica looked up at him, her eyes scanning his face over and over. "Of course. Of course I want that, Remus." She said, her free hand coming up to rest on the hand he had on her cheek. "You have no idea how much I want that." She admitted.

A smile settled on each of their faces as they basked in the moment. Before too long, she gave a small sigh. "We have an early morning. We better get some sleep."

He nodded and took a step back. "If you should need anything, don't hesitate." He assured her.

"I won't. Goodnight, Remus."

"Goodnight, Vera."

A.N.- I know this is a shorter chapter, and I'm so sorry for that! I would really appreciate some reviews on what everyone thinks! Thank you so much. xxox-T