Lupin's True Love

June 27, 1973

Veronica climbed from the scarlet train and looked around Platform Nine and Three-quarters. She sighed deeply as she watched Remus climb from the train. Remus approached her and wrapped an arm around her waist.

"It feels good to be going home, doesn't it?" Remus hugged Veronica close.

"I guess so." Veronica leaned into the hug. "Are you sure you can't come home with me?"

"I wish I could but Mum and Dad want me home for the summer." Remus kissed Veronica's forehead. "I will come visit often."

"Thanks, Remus." Veronica smiled softly as Sirius grabbed her from behind. "Sirius!!"

He picked up Veronica and swung her around. "You'll keep James in line this summer, won't you?"

"Yes, Sirius!" Veronica squealed as Sirius continued to swing her in a circle. "I can count on you to come and visit, can't I?" Veronica felt the platform under her feet as Sirius placed her back on her feet.

"Sure. Not often, mind you, but often enough." Sirius hugged her tightly. "I'll keep in touch."

"Am I allowed to say goodbye to her or am I going to fight you, Sirius?" Lily pulled Veronica away from Sirius.

"I'm not fighting you because you fight dirty." Sirius laughed as Lily tried to punch him.

Veronica managed a smile as Lily, Emma, Patricia, and Jessica gathered around her. "I'm going to miss you guys."

"You're not going to miss us for long." Lily hugged Veronica. "When I see my parents I'm going to ask them about having a slumber party later in the summer."

"Sounds like fun." Patricia rubbed her hands together.

"We'll do each others makeup..." Jessica hugged Veronica and Lily.

"...And talk about boys." Emma squealed as Sirius grabbed her from behind. "Sirius!!!"

"Hello, gorgeous." Sirius kissed Emma's neck.

"Stop that, Sirius." Veronica giggled as Sirius tickled Emma. "I'd like to say goodbye to my friends."

"Fine, Vee." Sirius smirked softly.

"Don't call me 'Vee', Siri." Veronica ran behind Remus as Sirius started toward her.

James grabbed Sirius' arm. "Remember the lake? He'll tear you apart if you mess with her,"

"I'll forgive you only this once." Sirius turned to Remus. "Could you get her to stop calling me 'Siri'?"

"Not until you stop calling her 'Vee'." Remus wrapped an arm around Veronica's waist.

"Fine. I won't call her 'Vee'." Sirius smiled at Veronica.

"And I won't call you 'Siri'." Veronica smiled sweetly. "At least not until the next time you call me 'Vee'."

James' laugh echoed across the emptying platform. "Come on, Vee. We'd better get going." James waited as Remus and Veronica kissed each other goodbye. "We'll see you guys later."

"Bye, James!" Sirius waved over his shoulder. "Bye, Veronica!"

"Bye, Sirius!" Veronica waved as she turned to James. "Let's go, Jamey-pooh."

James pushed the trolley with both trunks through the barrier. Veronica waved to the others as she walked through the barrier. Evelyn and Thomas saw Veronica and James.

"Hey, you two." Thomas hugged James before he turned to Veronica. He noticed the downcast look on Veronica's face. "Evelyn, why don't you take James on out to the car?"

"Sure, Thomas." Evelyn motioned James toward the exit.

Thomas turned to Veronica. "Why the long face, sweetie?"

"I'm going to miss my friends." Veronica bit her lip and braced herself for the blow she knew was coming.

Thomas noticed that Veronica flinched as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Sweetie, they can come over to visit anytime."

"I know, sir." Veronica tried to smile bit failed. "It's just I'm not sure how to act without Sirius and Remus around."

"Just act like you like you would normally act." Thomas hugged Veronica tightly. "And no one in our home will ever hurt you." He smiled as Veronica nodded. "Let's go home."

"Okay." Veronica followed Thomas to the exit.

Together the little family drove home toward Godric's Hollow as the train station slowly emptied.