“It doesn’t matter.” Remus’ face hadn’t brightened since he’d entered Professor McGonagall’s office to discuss his plans for the future. “Nobody will hire a werewolf.”
“You may be a werewolf, Mr Lupin. But you’re also a wizard. And a bloody good one at that.” He looked up at her, surprised by her language. “You have so much potential.”
“Do I? Really?” Remus was unconvinced. “And when I need at least two days off every month? Or when they learn what I am?”
“There will be something out there for you, I’m sure of it.” She frowned before pulling a tin from one of her drawers and opening it. “Biscuit, Lupin?”
He hesitated before taking one. “I just look at what Sirius, James and Lily are about to start and I wish I had the same opportunities.”
“I understand.” She smiled sadly at him, “Are you going home to Wales after you graduate?”
“Sirius has bought a bloody flat in London. He wants me to live there with him, but I don’t know.” Remus took a bite of the biscuit. It was sugary and spicy and melted in his mouth. “I know he means well, because he always does, I just feel like I’d be taking advantage of him.”
“If you had a full vault at Gringotts, and Sirius became unable to work due to… say, an accident at work, would you not want to help him as much as you possibly could?” She stared at him, watching as a few more pieces fell into place.
“Of course, I would. I’d do anything for him. He’d hate that, though.” Remus said.
“Just like you hate it. You’d still want to help him though.” It wasn’t a question, but Remus nodded. “You can’t hide in your childhood bedroom and never try, Remus.”
“I know.”
“If you could do anything, what would you want to do? Auror? Healer?”
“I’d actually like to teach, professor.” He said, smiling for the first time. “I love tutoring the younger students, and I think I’m pretty good at it.” His face fell again, “But again, what school will hire a teacher who needs time off every month and may attack the students?”
“In thirteen years, have you ever attacked anyone?” McGonagall raised an eyebrow.
“Other than myself? No.” He said.
“Then I don’t think that even need be a consideration. Have you spoken with Professor Dumbledore about this?”
“No. I haven’t spoken to anyone about it, honestly.” He looked at his hands which were twisting in his lap. “Do you honestly think it’s possible?”
“Absolutely. Leave it with me.” Nobody believed him when he relayed this story back at the dorm, but he swore that she winked at him.
“Professor?”
“I’ll speak to Professor Dumbledore and see what can be done.” She nodded, “I wish you believed in yourself as much as Sirius believes in you.” Remus’ cheeks went scarlet. “He told me he wants to work in the Ministry. The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, to be specific.”
“But he has a place at the Auror academy.” Remus was baffled, “He got the letter weeks ago.”
"I suspected he hadn’t told you.” She sighed, “I think this is a conversation the two of you need to have.”
“Yes, I think you’re right.” He said. “Thank you, professor.”
“Remus, not only are you a talented wizard, but you are a good person. You deserve a good life, please never think that you don’t.” She paused, “I’ll be in touch once I’ve spoken to Professor Dumbledore.”
Remus got to his feet, “Thank you. I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me, Professor.”
“You’re very welcome, Mr Lupin.” She smiled as he left her office. Dumbledore was probably still in his office now, she’d make it if she was quick.
Remus rushed to the dormitory, hoping that James and Pete were otherwise occupied and was relieved to find Sirius there alone, lounging on Remus’ bed.
“Moons?” He said, lifting his head slightly. “How’d it go?”
“You turned down your academy spot?” Remus said from the doorway.
“Ah. She mentioned that, then?” Sirius sat up and crossed his legs, looking more than a little nervous. “Yeah, I did.”
“Why?” Remus moved to sit facing him. “You were so excited. You and James—”
“James turned it down too,” Sirius said quietly.
“Were either of you planning on saying anything?” Remus sighed, “You didn’t tell me because you knew how I’ve been feeling about it all.”
“I hate that I have the privilege of turning down jobs that people dream of, and I’m able to just walk into something else. It’s not fair.” He rested his hand on the bed between them, and Remus linked their fingers. “The thing about being an auror is upholding the law. But a lot of the laws don’t make sense.”
“So… what are you going to do?”
“We’ve been offered internships. James is still in Magical Law Enforcement but wants to end up in the Wizengamot. Help make the laws better.” Remus smiled at him, his eyes crinkling at the edges. “I’m going to work in the Being Division of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. I want to make things better for you. Set up a Werewolf Support Centre, get this fancy wolfsbane stuff made available, there’s so much we can do!”
“You can’t just give up your dream of—”
“That isn’t my dream anymore,” Sirius said, shrugging slightly. “All I want is to make things better for you and honestly, anyone else who needs it. It’s not charity and it’s not pity—”
“It’s love,” Remus said.
Sirius met his gaze, “Of course, it’s love, Remus.”
Remus just stared at him. “I love you, too, you know?”
“I know.” Sirius smiled. “Can we talk about your meeting now we’ve discussed mine?”
“I think I’m going to be a professor.”