Lupin's True Love

December 21, 1972

Veronica woke up and quickly changed her robes. Emma was sitting on her bed wrapping a gift. She waved to Veronica as she sank onto the bed.

"Something for Sirius?" Veronica smiled as Emma nodded.

"I'll send it to him later." Emma climbed to her feet. "Let's go to breakfast."

"Sure." Veronica climbed to her feet and followed Emma down the stairs.

Emma opened the door to the common room and saw Remus standing by the fireplace. "Good morning, Remus."

"Morning, Emma." Remus' eyes lit up as Veronica stepped from the stairway. He moved from the fireplace and extended a hand to Veronica. "Good morning, fair maiden."

"And to you, kind sir." Veronica blushed as Remus kissed the back of her hand.

"May I escort the two of you lovely ladies to breakfast?" Remus bowed slightly before he offered his arms to Veronica and Emma.

"Of course." Veronica and Emma wove their arms through his.

Remus, Veronica, and Emma entered the Great Hall together and James, Peter, and Sirius glowered at them. Lily rose gracefully from her seat and made her way to Remus. She kissed him softly on the cheek as Patricia and Jessica came into the Great Hall. They each gave Remus a kiss and made their way to the Gryffindor Table. Veronica smiled softly as she and Emma sank into the beach on either side of Remus.

"How does he do it?" James turned to Sirius and Peter. "He's getting all the women."

"Maybe it's animal magnetism." Sirius laughed as Veronica sipped her orange juice.

Peter passed Remus the platter of bacon. "You need to tell us your secret for getting all the girls."

"Not in this lifetime, Peter, not in this lifetime." Remus wrapped an arm around Veronica's shoulder.

No one noticed the knowing smile on Dumbledore's face. He turned to Professor McGonagall and spoke softly to her. She nodded and left the Staff Table. Dumbledore pressed the tips of his fingers together as he watched the two students laughing with their friends. Professor McGonagall moved toward the group of students. Veronica pushed her plate away as James stuck out his tongue.

"I understand that you will be going to the Potters today, Miss Croft." Professor McGonagall leaned over Veronica's shoulder.

"Yes, ma'am." Veronica twisted the napkin in her lap.

"Good. I want you to take this in case you need help over the holidays." Professor McGonagall handed Veronica a small lion pin. "If you pull on the head of the lion you will be transported directly to the Potter home."

"Thank you, Professor." Veronica took the pin. "Would I be able to transport more than one person? In case it came to that?"

"Of course." Professor McGonagall patted Veronica's shoulder. "I hope you have an enjoyable holiday."

"I hope to have a lot of fun." Veronica glanced over at James.

"I'll keep her in line." James watched as Veronica frowned slightly. "I mean she'll keep me in line, Professor."

"That is what I thought you meant, Mr. Potter." Professor McGonagall moved away from the table.