"Thanks for coming with me, Professor Flitwick," I said as I walked down the seemingly endless hallway with the petite man. I had to make an effort to walk slowly; one of my strides easily equaled three of his. "I really appreciate it."

"It's no trouble at all!" He said, smiling up at me. "I wouldn't go through all the trouble if I didn't honestly think you deserve a second chance, Violet."

"Yeah…" I said nervously, knowing that I really didn't deserve a second chance. It had been decades since a Ravenclaw had failed a class. No one had ever heard of a Ravenclaw failing four. Professor Binns had been kind enough to allow me to continue History of Magic at the N.E.W.T. level – probably because I actually listened to his lectures – but Professor Sprout and Professor Vector hadn't been quite so kind. Oh well, Herbology and Arithmancy were never my favorite topics, anyway.

"You're going to have to sound a little more confident if you want to convince Professor Lupin to allow you into his class," said Professor Flitwick, wagging his stubby finger at me. "Unlike the other teachers, Professor Lupin hasn't seen you in action; he has no past experience to base his decision on."

"So far, that hasn't done me much good," I mumbled helplessly.

"Oh, cheer up, Violet," he said, beginning to get frustrated with me. "You're one of my brightest students. Now, I taught Professor Lupin myself, and I know that he happens to be a very reasonable man. I'm sure he'll be willing to give you a second chance; if you'd quit moping!"

I nodded, straightening my blue and silver tie, "Right. I am confident. I am overflowing with self-assurance and poise!"

"Good," Flitwick said, smiling and nodding. "You almost convinced me there for a second."

"… Thanks, Professor," I said, once again feeling deflated. "Your confidence in me is very inspiring."

"Ah, well," he said, pausing to straighten his collar. "I always do my best to support my students. Ah, here, Professor Lupin's office… Well, aren't you going to knock?"

I sighed, feeling my heart leap up into my throat as I knocked on the door. At least when I went begging to the other Professors, I knew what I was getting myself in to. But this was different. I'd never even met this man before. I hated not knowing what to expect.

Oh well. I'd already lost the respect of all my other Professors and my peers. What's one more person?

"Who is it?" a voice called from inside. He sounded hoarse, as if his vocal chords had suffered years of abuse.

I was thankful when Professor Flitwick answered, "It's me, Professor Flitwick. I'm here with the student I mentioned earlier."

Suddenly, the office door flung open, revealing Professor R. J. Lupin. I had caught a glimpse of him at dinner, but up close he looked very different; much older and shabbier. His light brown hair was already beginning to fade; his mustache slightly more than the hair on his head. His face was aging as well, though perhaps not as quickly; I could still see a glimmer of boyish mischief in his dull blue eyes. His brown tweed suit was covered with patches, and his shoes looked like they would crumble to pieces if he took another step.

"Ah, well," he said, sounding about as awkward as I felt. "Please, do come in… Valerie, wasn't it?"

"Violet," I corrected, walking past him. "Violet Carroll."

"Violet Carroll," he repeated, as if he was committing the name to memory. "Right, please take a seat. Would either of you like something to drink?"

"No, we're quite alright," Flitwick said, struggling to get into the chair. I looked around the office while he got situated. The room was almost completely empty, but there were several boxes that remained unpacked. The new professor probably hadn't had time to finish settling in.

"So, Miss Carroll," Professor Lupin said, folding his hands together on top of his desk. "What is it you wanted to speak to me about?"

"Well, last year, I…" my throat closed up, and my cheeks felt as if they were on fire. I hated having to explain what happened. It was so embarrassing.

"Last year," Flitwick continued for me, "Violet, who in the past has always been a brilliant student, failed several of her classes, including Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"Mhm…" Lupin nodded, looking at me curiously. I continued to stare at my feet, as if plain black shoes were the most interesting things I had ever seen. I just couldn't force myself to make eye contact; I was so ashamed of myself. "N.E.W.T. level classes are far more difficult. I glanced at those records you gave me, Flitwick, and it seemed that her schedule was very rigorous. Perhaps the course load was too much for you, Miss Carroll?"

"Oh no, believe me, that was not the problem," said Professor Flitwick, laughing off the question. "I'm sure you heard about the events that transpired last school year, have you not?"

Lupin nodded, "Yes, who hasn't?"

I hate it when adults talk about you like you can't hear them, I thought, playing with a loose thread on my skirt. But if Flitwick wants to do all the talking for me, I'm not going to complain.

"Poor Violet, she was frightened out of her mind," Flitwick continued. "She hardly ate or slept. Wouldn't you be frightened as well – especially if you were a muggle born, like Violet? I'm certain if it weren't for what happened, she would still be at the top of her class, maybe even head girl-"

"Thank you, Professor Flitwick," Lupin sighed. I was thankful; I was sick of hearing that story. Living it was bad enough. "Could I please speak with Miss Carroll alone?"

"A-alone?" Flitwick stuttered, as if it were the most absurd thing he had ever heard. He wore the expression of a new mother, who had just been asked to leave her child in the hands of a stranger.

"Yes, alone," he repeated. "Not that I don't enjoy chatting with you, but I'd much rather hear what Miss Carroll has to say about all this."

"Oh," Professor Flitwick said, his lack of confidence very apparent. He slid out of the chair rather easily – such a shame he wasted all that effort getting into it – and headed towards the door. "Of course. By all means."

"Wait!" I called after him, but it was too late. The door was shut. Professor Flitwick was gone, leaving me at Professor Lupin's mercy.

Lupin chuckled, "He's so talkative."

"Y-yeah…" I said absently, turning around slowly. I hadn't intended for Flitwick to do all the talking for me, I merely wanted him there for moral support. Now, I was on my own, and that terrified me.

"So, Miss Carroll," Professor Lupin continued, rising from his chair to pace around his office. "You tell me. What brings you to my office this evening?"

I gulped, "Well, sir, I was hoping that you would allow me to continue Defense Against the Dark Arts at the N.E.W.T. level, even though I failed last term."

"Hmm, interesting," he said, as if it was the first time he had heard this bit of information. "Why should you be allowed to continue the subject, in that case?"

"Well, do to unfortunate circumstances-"

"What sort of unfortunate circumstances?" he asked.

I blinked, not in the mood for jokes or sarcasm, "Um, there was a monster lose in the school, and I thought it was going to kill me…"

"Ah, yes," he said, sitting down on the edge of his desk, chuckling. "I had forgotten."

"It isn't funny," I scowled. "I failed four of my classes because I was so freaked out!" I felt my hands tremble just thinking about it. "I c-couldn't even go to class half the time; I was too afraid to even walk down the hallway!"

"I'm sorry," he apologized. He lifted his arm, as if he intended to comfort me in some way, but then lowered it awkwardly. "I didn't realize it was such a big ordeal for you."

"Well, it was," I said darkly. "So, if you'll excuse me-"

"No, please stay seated," he said, returning to his desk chair. "Before the last term, your marks are very impressive, Miss Carroll. And I don't think Professor Flitwick would be so adamant about you if you weren't truly brilliant. That really speaks to your character. I suppose I could give you another chance."

"I don't want your pity," I said, crossing my arms. "If you're just letting me come back because you feel sorry for me-"

"Trust me, that is not the case," Lupin assured me. "You won't be getting off so easily…"

Oh no… I thought. I smell extra coursework…

"To prove that you're serious about my class, you will do some extra coursework; to help you catch up."

I knew it.

"Let's see…" he said, rummaging through the stack of papers on his desk. "You're a seventh year… Alright," he said, looking back up at me. "From now on, you will spend your Thursday evenings here with me, until you're back on track."

"Every Thursday?" I repeated, feeling exhausted already.

"Do you want this or not, Miss Carroll?" he pressed, leaning across the desk.

"Yes," I groaned.

He smiled, looking very pleased with himself, "Alright. It has been a pleasure meeting you. I look forward to seeing you in my class tomorrow morning."