Lupin's True Love Returns

Carey Ann Lupin

Story Summary:
Eighteen years have passed since Veronica was at Hogwarts. The Memory Charm is failing and Veronica is beginning to remember the times of fun and horror at the school. As a teacher she knows how to make class fun. She learned a lot while away including how to fight. Will she be able to teach Harry all she has learned or will she have to bring others in to help

Chapter 28

Chapter Summary:
Remus and Veronica have to pick up their daughter but there's one small compliaction... Logan's come with her.
Posted:
09/22/2005
Hits:
348
Author's Note:
Thanks to everyone for being so patient with me and the people doing the improvements at the library. I hope you enjoy what I've actually had time to write.

September 8, 1996

Remus was busy reading the signs trying to find gate 45 when Veronica heard a metal detector going haywire. She turned toward the alarm and stared at the man in shock. She grabbed Remus' arm as the man's voice reached her ears.

"Look, bub. You read the doctor's note. I've metal throughout my entire body. Of course I'm going to set off the metal detectors." The man waved a piece of paper at one of the security guards.

"Remus, we don't have to look for the gate." She started to pull her husband through the gathering crowds toward the security gate.

"What are you talking about, Veronica?" Remus watched her shove people out of her way.

A teenage girl was following Veronica's example from the other direction. "Look, sirs. We have the documents that state that Logan has metal plates in his entire body."

"If you need more proof, please feel free to call Professor Xavier." Another teenage girl pulled her hooded jacket closer to her body.

Remus stared at the first teenager. He noticed that she looked exactly like Veronica except she had his light brown hair swinging around her shoulders. Her hazel eyes were the exact same shade of hazel that his were only they held years of happiness not pain. My daughter. She's beautiful just like her mother. He turned his attention to the other girl. Her dark auburn hair swung from a ponytail. It was accented by a streak of white hair that framed her face. Her emerald green eyes took in the location of every person around her. He watched as her gloved hands tightened slightly on her coat. She's also very pretty. I wonder if George would be interested in her. He finally turned his attention to the man that Veronica was pulling him toward. His dark hair was swept back from his face. His face held a look of concentration while his hands were clenched at his sides. Remus noticed several small slits forming between his knuckles. The man's dark eyes were focused on the guards but Remus had a strong feeling that the man knew the location of everyone at every moment. I wouldn't want to meet up with him a dark alley. I doubt the wolf would be a match for him.

Veronica stepped through the final line of people and crossed her arms. "Perhaps I could vouch for Logan."

The security guard's eyes swept down Veronica's body, making both Logan and Remus growl slightly. "You know this man, Ma'am?"

Veronica ignored the growls as she threw Logan a look that said 'Follow my lead.' "I should. He's my older brother."

Logan smiled a half-smile. "Sis, are you going to get these stuffy Brits off my case?"

The guard finished reading the note. "I'm sorry about detaining you, sir, but you know how it is. I would, however, advise you to contact the airlines when you are ready to return to the Colonies."

"Sure thing, bub." Logan turned to the two teenage girls. "Let's go, Rosie, Marie. The sooner we get to 'Roni's house the happier I'll be." He looked around for a moment.

"Sure, Logan." Regina leaned over to scoop up her bag but her hazel eyes locked with Remus' as he lifted the bag. "I can carry it, sir." He's got my eyes. I wonder if he's my father.

"I'll carry it, Regina." Remus smiled as he gazed into her hazel eyes.

Veronica wound her arm with Regina's and pulled her away from Remus slightly. "Let him carry it, Regina. Remus is one of the few gentlemen left in the world."

"Yeah, right." Logan's dark eyes settled on Veronica's slightly rounded stomach. "I hope he's made an honest woman out of you."

"Logan, you can growl and roar all you want but I guess you'll have to wait for me to introduce my husband..." She squealed as Logan scooped her up and swung her around.

"About damn time you got married." Logan extended a hand to Remus. "I'm Logan, the guy you'll have to answer to if you hurt 'Roni."

"Remus Lupin. Trust me. You don't have to worry about her." Remus shook Logan's hand as another man raced over to the group.

"I swear, Logan, you must be in a hurry to die." The man dropped his bag beside Veronica and scooped her up into his arms. "Veronica!"

"Scott Summers, put me down this instant!" Veronica pretended to pummel Scott's broad shoulders being extra careful not to knock off his ruby quartz sunglasses.

Scott placed her on her feet. "It's great to see you, Veronica."

"It's good to see you, Scott." Veronica took in his auburn streaked hair, tanned skin, and his smile that didn't quite reached his covered eyes. "You guys couldn't have brought the Blackbird?"

"Not just for three members of the team." Scott half-turned when he heard Remus clearing his throat. "Look, pal. The lady is taken so get lost."

Veronica giggled slightly as she placed a hand on Scott's shoulder. "This is my husband, Remus."

Scott groaned as Remus shook his hand. "I'm sorry about that, sir."

"Call me Remus." Remus smiled at the embarrassed young man.

"So, Veronica, how are we getting to your house?" Scott hefted his bag as Logan grabbed his and Marie's bags.

"You'll see." Veronica's grey eyes changed to a mischievous hazel with blue streaks.

"Shall we go, dear?" Remus led the group outside.

"I guess I'll let you do the honors, hon." Veronica smiled as Remus raised his right hand.

The Knight Bus appeared with a bang. Logan dropped the bags as he pulled Marie and Regina behind him. Scott's right hand went to his sunglasses.

"What the hell is that?" Logan stared at the triple layer, violently purple bus.

"Welcome to the Knight Bus. My name is Stan Shunpike and I will be your conductor today." Stan looked over at Remus and Veronica. "Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Lupin."

"Afternoon, Stan." Veronica ushered the girls toward the Bus before turning to Logan and smirking slightly. "Did Stan answer your question, Logan?"

Regina accepted Stan's hand to climb into the Bus. He turned and held out a hand to Marie. She placed her slender gloved hand in his and carefully climbed onto the bus. Remus lifted Regina's bag onto the Bus while Veronica climbed on board. Logan and Scott looked at each other before following Remus onto the Bus.

"Where are you folks 'eaded?" Stan turned to Remus.

"Lupin Cottage in Hogsmeade." Remus reached into his pocket.

"That'll be twelve Sickles each unless you want hot chocolate then it's fourteen."

"Twelve times six is 72 Sickles so it'll 4 Galleons and 4 Sickles." Remus counted out the coins and handed them to Stan.

"Please take your seats." Stan watched as Remus situated himself in a blue armchair between Veronica and Regina.

"Marie, I suggest that you grab that wall sconce behind you." Veronica grabbed the sconce behind her while Marie followed her instructions.

Scott grabbed Marie's chair while Logan raised an eyebrow in question. The Bus took off with a bang, causing Logan to fall over backwards. His chair landed on his head causing the group to laugh.

Logan climbed to his feet scowling slightly. "Couldn't think to warn me?" He righted his chair.

"Have a nice fall, Logan?" Veronica giggled slightly as the Bus stopped with a bang.

Logan flipped forward this time in his chair, making Marie and Regina laugh harder. "Damn bus."

"What, Logan? Don't you like traveling by Knight Bus?" Veronica smiled innocently as she climbed gracefully to her feet.

Logan, still grumbling about the ride, and Scott gathered the luggage and followed Veronica, Remus, Regina, and Marie from the Bus. They watched the Knight Bus disappear with a bang before turning to face the cottage. Veronica smiled with pride as her family and friends looked over her new home.

"Oh, Mother, it's beautiful." Regina smiled softly as Remus walked over to one side of the cottage and began to pick several roses. She looked over to the other side and saw the same roses climbing toward the attic of the cottage. The front of the cottage was covered by ivy. "It's in a nice location."

"I agree." Marie gave Remus a brilliant smile when he handed her a pale pink rose. "Near a forest and at the edge of town. It's perfect."

"Come on." Veronica started up the walk. "Time for tea."

Logan picked up the bags and followed her up the walk. Scott turned slightly to look at the Forbidden Forest when he saw a flash of white shoot across his line of sight. He gasped causing Remus to turn and smile. He clapped a hand on Scott's shoulder making him jump.

"Did you see anything of interest, Scott?" Remus took into the shocked look on Scott's face.

"I could have sworn I saw something white run across the forest." Scott shook his head slightly.

"It's quite possible you saw a unicorn." Remus laughed slightly as Scott turned to face him.

"A unicorn? They're not real...are they?" Scott half turned when he heard Veronica laughing from the front door.

"They are as real as you and I." Veronica watched as a red and black bird flew over Scott's head causing him to duck. "Hello, Griff."

"Whoa! That bird's huge!" Scott watched Griff settle on Veronica's outstretched arm.

"Yes he is. Griff is a phoenix." Remus led Scott up the walk toward the door. "He belongs to no one but he stays with Veronica no matter what."

"No matter what? I seem to remember him staying in the Forbidden Forest for eighteen years." Veronica slapped Remus' shoulder while Griff sang a wavering note.

Regina and Marie turned from the fireplace to see the phoenix flying toward them. Regina squealed slightly and ducked as Marie simply held out an arm. Griff settled on Marie's arm, making Veronica smile softly.

"Well, I see Griff has made a new friend." Remus moved through the living room toward the kitchen.

"Just go make the tea, you silly man." Veronica ushered Remus from the room.

Logan picked up one of the pictures from the mantle. "Who are these guys, 'Roni?"

Veronica looked around Logan's arm and saw the offending picture from their seventh year. "Let's see. You probably recognize me and Remus." She pointed to James and Lily. "That's my brother James Potter and his wife Lily. Next to him is Rat Boy."

"Who's Rat Boy?" Marie turned from the perch beside the large picture window.

"Peter Pettigrew. He was supposed to be our friend but he betrayed Lily and James." Veronica growled low in her throat.

"No changing into Lioness!" Remus' voice floated from the kitchen.

Veronica rolled her eyes slightly. "I know, dear." She pointed at Sirius. "And this guy here was James' partner in crime, Sirius Black. He was so funny."

"Was?" Logan looked down at his friend and saw the tears forming in her eyes.

"Yeah. Of everyone in our original group, only Remus and I are still alive and Peter is a traitor to us all. James and Lily were murdered fifteen years ago and Sirius was killed only a few months ago." Veronica heaved a slight sigh. "I still miss them."

"Well considering that you have only just returned to us, it would be safe to say you miss them a whole lot." Remus stepped into the room carrying two trays with a third following behind him.

"Oh! Let me help, Mr. Lupin." Regina hurried over to Remus and plucked the third tray from the air.

Veronica looked over the contents of the trays. "I see you didn't forget the firewhiskey or the butterbeers."

"I happen to like butterbeer." Remus smiled softly as Veronica proceeded to pour herself a cup of tea.

"Well, I think the girls will like it as well." Veronica handed a bottle of butterbeer to Marie and Regina while Remus poured Logan some firewhiskey. "What would you like, Scott?"

"I think I'll stick with the tea." Scott took the teapot from Veronica. "I'll get it myself."

"I haven't seen you in close to eleven years, girl. Aren't you going to tell me what's been going on?" Logan swallowed the firewhiskey in a single gulp.

"Well, where do I start, Logan? I mean my whole life for the last eighteen years has been, as far as I can tell, a lie." Veronica leaned back in her seat slightly. "I only found out the truth four months ago."

"Well, start there." Scott drank his tea.

A loud knocking sounded on the front door. Logan's claws extended as Remus pulled out his wand. Scott's right hand went to his sunglasses as Veronica started to push and shove the girls up the stairs.

Marie tried to get to the luggage. "Scott needs his visor."

"I'll get it, Marie. Now get up those stairs." Veronica held out her right hand. "Accio Visor!" Scott's visor ripped through the side of his bag and shot toward Veronica's outstretched hand. She caught it and tossed it to Scott. "Here, Cyclops."

Scott closed his eyes before sliding off his sunglasses. Once he had his visor safely in place, he smiled as Veronica. "Thanks, Lioness."

"Just keep those Death Eaters away from the girls, Cyclops." Veronica barely turned toward Logan. "That goes for you too, Wolverine."

Remus glanced at Veronica with her wand drawn and the girls behind her. He turned back to the door. "Who is it?"

"Open this door right now, Lupin!" Severus' voice sounded irritated as it came through the door. "Albus has sent me to retrieve your wife!"

Veronica shook her head. "You know, hon, it could be a trap."

"I know." Remus smirked slightly. "Time for the question." He turned back to the door. "Who sent you under the Whomping Willow in our sixth year, who tried to stop you, and what did this person call you because you wouldn't listen?"

"I ought to strangle you, Moony." Veronica hissed through her clenched teeth. She knew that Severus was thinking the same thing.

"Sirius sent me under the tree and Veronica tried to stop me. When I wouldn't listen she called me a stubborn jackass and asshole." Severus' voice sounded even more irritated than before.

Remus and Veronica slid their wands back into their pockets before Remus opened the door. Veronica saw Logan and Scott still ready to attack. She stifled her laughter as she allowed the girls to come back down the stairs.

"Good to see you, Snape." Remus stepped to one side and let Severus into the cottage.

"Whatever." Severus ignored Logan, claws still extended and aimed at his throat, and Scott, hand still ready to fire his visor. "You happen to be late, Professor."

"Albus promised us the day, besides we have company that you have effectively ignored." Veronica turned her head slightly. "I'd like for you to meet some friends of mine, Logan, Scott and Marie. I'd also like for you to meet my daughter, Evelyn Regina Rose...Lupin."

"I see you named her after the blood traitor and the Muggles you were so fond of." Severus barely had time to react.

Logan had him pinned to the wall. "Listen here, you slimy, hook-nosed, greasy worm. Never insult that girl unless you want to tangle with the Wolverine."

"Logan, please drop him." Veronica rolled her eyes slightly. "I happen to think he's going to be paying for that comment for the rest of the year."

"Hold on, girl. I have one more comment to make to him." Logan shook Severus slightly. "Next time you're given an order to retrieve someone, I suggest that you call in advance and make sure they're ready to leave." He dropped Severus onto the floor.

Severus dragged several deep breaths into his lungs and glared up at Logan form his position on the floor. "I'll remember that, sir." He slowly climbed to his feet. "I believe we should be going, Professor Lupin."

"Sure, Severus. I just need to get the essays I graded yesterday." Veronica hurried into the study followed by Regina and Marie. "You girls, put those scrolls into that box for me." Veronica pointed at a pile of scrolls lying on the table beside the window.

Marie scooped up several scrolls and let them fall into the box while Regina picked up a few from the floor. Veronica hurried to the desk and began to gather her inkbottles and quills. Regina barely looked up from the box when her mother made sure the lids were tightened.

"Mother, can I ask you a question?" Regina placed the last of the scrolls into the box.

"What is it, dear?" Veronica's eyes skimmed over her desk.

"Why do you use quills?"

"Because it's what witches and wizards use, dear. You'll get used to them." Veronica barely looked over at the girls.

"Witches and wizards? They're not real." Regina rolled her eyes slightly.

Marie looked shocked as she turned to Regina. "After everything we've just seen, you don't believe that Mr. and Mrs. Lupin are a witch and wizard?"

"Don't tell me you believe her?" Regina looked skeptically at her friend. "Just because Mother says it doesn't make it real."

"The phoenix downstairs...isn't that real? How about the unicorn Scott saw? Are you telling me that we're all imagining things?" Marie glared at her friend.

"Maybe a few things are real but how can Mother be a witch? She's only been here for a few months let alone at this school." Regina held out her arms to either side. "There's no way she could have learned all this in a few months."

"Having your memory taken from you is very difficult, sweetie, but when you get it back, it's complete heaven." Veronica watched her daughter for a moment. "I was your age when my memory was erased but now I have it back and can remember my childhood and my family. It also means that I can remember all the spells that James and Sirius taught me to use."

Regina took a step back from her mother's angry glare. "I'm sorry, Mother. It's just that it's a lot to take in at once."

"Do you remember when you made the dog stop barking?" Veronica leaned against her desk.

"Barely." Regina's cheeks reddened slightly.

"Okay. How about the time that guy wanted to kiss you and you made his lips disappear?" Veronica smiled softly as Regina blushed even more. "You were doing magic. The reason that I never told you is because I couldn't remember it myself. Now you have a chance to learn of your heritage." Veronica scooped up her satchel and reached for the box.

"I've got it." Regina picked up the box and followed Veronica and Marie from the study.

"You've got to understand, Mr. Logan, you aren't an invited guest therefore you are unable to stay at the castle." Severus was glaring at Logan.

"I happen to disagree with you there, Severus." Veronica moved gracefully across the room. "They are my guests; therefore, they will be staying at the castle until after the full moon."

"As you wish, Professor Lupin." Severus bowed slightly. "Shall we hurry to the castle? It is not yet safe for you to walk alone in the dark."

"Let's go." Veronica watched as Logan and Scott reached for their luggage.

Remus pulled out his wand and pointed it at the ripped bag. "Reparo!"

The bag repaired itself moments before Scott picked it up. "Thanks, Remus."

"Not a problem, Scott." Remus placed a hand on Veronica shoulder. "Go on out to the carriage. I need to speak to Veronica for a minute."

They watched the group step out into the growing darkness before Veronica turned back to Remus. "What's up?"

"When are we going to talk to Regina about us?" Remus gazed into Veronica's grey eyes.

"Well, you have to come to the castle for your potion, right?" Veronica watched Remus nod. "We'll tell her at dinner tomorrow. I'm going to try and tell her what I can tonight."

"Good." Remus maneuvered her to the door. "I think you'd best be going before Logan helps over half the school with their fantasies about Snape dieing."

"I'm going." Veronica stood on her toes and kissed his lips. "Don't forget to come to the castle."

"I won't." Remus watched her climb up into the carriage and Logan slam the door shut.

The thestrals took this as the signal to move out. Scott settled back against the seat while Logan and Marie looked out the windows. Regina looked across the carriage at her mother and saw the sadness filling her face.

"Are you okay, Mother?" Regina reached over to grab Veronica's cold hand.

"Hmm?" Veronica barely opened her eyes.

"Are you okay, Mom?" Regina felt Veronica tighten her hand slightly.

She's really worried now. Veronica's eyes popped open completely. "I was just thinking about a few people I wish you could have met." James, Lily, and Sirius would have loved you. "Personally I think your cousin is going to be thrilled to meet you."

"My cousin? Who's that?" Regina let go of her mother's hand.

"You'll see." Veronica closed her eyes again. "We're meeting him for dinner tonight."

Severus scowled slightly at Veronica. "You really think that Potter is going to want to have dinner with you and a bunch of Muggles that he hasn't met?"

Veronica's eyes snapped open. "STOP THE BLOODY CARRIAGE!!!" Veronica climbed to her feet and slung the door open as the carriage came to a stop. "Get out, Snape!!"

"But..." Severus cowered slightly as he got a view of Veronica's furious face.

"I said get out, you filthy Slytherin! You dare to insult my family and my friends! I think you need to walk in order to think about what you just said"

"Fine. I'll walk." Severus climbed from the carriage. Damn! She's pissed at me again! He glanced back at Logan's smirking face. Better her than him!

Veronica pulled the door shut and the carriage began to move again. She took several deep breaths all the while muttering things she was going to do to Severus. Logan smiled when he heard her say that she was going to tie the slimy snake to a tree and beat him with a cactus.

Scott cleared his throat slightly making Veronica look up at him. "Who is this Potter guy and how do you know him?"

"His name's Harry Potter and he's my nephew." Veronica smiled when she saw the gates to the castle pass the window. "Well, we won't have long to wait. We're now on Hogwarts' ground."

Regina and Marie jostled each other for a view of the castle. They took in the glittering lights of the towers and the Great Hall. Scott and Logan began to fuss with all the bags and Veronica's box of scrolls.

"Oh, Mother, it's so beautiful." Regina sighed softly as she stared at the castle.

"Just wait until you see the inside." Veronica stood up and swayed slightly as the carriage rocked to a stop. She swung open the door and started down the steps. "Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

Dumbledore stood at the top of the stairs leading up to the castle. He smiled broadly when he saw the people stepping from the carriage. "I see Professor Snape managed to find you at home...and with company no less."

"Evening, Albus." Veronica watched as Dumbledore made his way down the stairs. "You ought to know better than to send that Slytherin to my home. Logan tried to take his head off."

"May I ask where Professor Snape is?" Dumbledore and Veronica started up the steps side by side.

"He's walking back. You see we decided that there wasn't enough room in the carriage for all of us, the luggage and him." Veronica lifted the hem of her robes slightly as she climbed the steps. "Besides he was very rude to my family and friends."

"I understand, my dear. I believe a meal set up in your chambers will suffice for this evening." Dumbledore turned to the group following them. "Welcome to Hogwarts. I am Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of this school." He held out a hand to Regina. "Welcome, young Evelyn."

"Actually, I prefer Regina or 'Gina." Regina straightened slightly as she shook his hand.

"But of course, your grandmother never did like the name Evelyn either but it grew on her." He turned to Marie and took her gloved hand in his. "Welcome, Miss D'Ancanto."

"This place is beautiful, sir." Marie gently removed her hand and stepped over to Regina.

"You will find no need for your visor here, Mr. Summers." Dumbledore shook Scott's hand.

"If I take it off, you might not have a roof." They laughed together as Scott stepped over the threshold into the castle. "Whoa! This place is huge!"

Dumbledore glanced at the final member of the group and did a double take. "Logan! I believed you were dead. It is good to know that my beliefs were wrong."

"Do I know you?" Logan gripped Dumbledore's hand.

"Apparently you have forgotten who I am. No matter. I will just have to help you remember your past." Dumbledore smiled as he ushered them into the castle.

Severus stalked up the stairs, past the group, and toward the dungeons. Veronica barely turned as she formed a megaphone around her mouth.

"Hey, Severus! You're not going to join us for dinner?" Veronica watched as several Gryffindors turned toward them.

"I believe I'll have to leave you with your Gryffindor company." Severus continued on his way to the dungeons.

"Just remember, Sev. Gryffindors rule and Slytherins drool!" The gathering Gryffindors took up the cry the whole way into the Great Hall.

"We shall see after the first Quidditch match." Severus disappeared down the dungeons stairs.

Scott turned to Veronica. "What exactly are Gryffindor, Slytherin, and Quidditch?"

"You'll find out." Harry, carrying Leo, came down the stairs.

"Slytherin is going down." Ron followed in Harry's wake.

"Ron, you're incorrigible." Hermione smiled up at the red head.

"He's not any worse than me." Ginny scooped up Leo from Harry's arms.

"Now, children, we have company and it happens to be impolite to talk about something that they don't anything about." Veronica slipped her arm through Harry's. "For now we better go and eat."

Veronica led them through the maze that was the castle until Logan spotted Nearly Headless Nick.

"'Roni, we have some kind of thing floating towards us." Logan clenched his hands but kept his claws in.

"Huh?" Veronica turned slightly and saw the ghost. "Oh, Logan. That's just Sir Nicholas. He happens to be Gryffindor's resident ghost."

"Okay." Logan loosened his grip on the luggage slightly.

"Professor Lupin, 'tis good to see you this fine evening." Nearly Headless Nick swept his hat of and bowed slightly.

"And it is good to see you, Sir Nicholas. I'd like for you to meet my friends. This is Logan, Scott, Regina, and Marie." Veronica watched Logan nod slightly.

"A pleasure to meet such fine lords and ladies." He turned back to Veronica. "I would suggest using another passage. Peeves is ready to drop a suit of armor on someone."

"Thank you, Sir Nicholas." Veronica pulled aside a tapestry and ushered the group up the hidden stairs.

They hurried behind Veronica until she stopped before a portrait of a man holding a sword. He was dressed like a medieval knight. He held up the sword and looked down at the group gathered under his portrait.

"Password, milady?" The man bowed slightly when his eyes met Veronica's.

"Bravery and Honor, Godric, milord." Veronica dropped a quick curtsy as Godric turned to the rest of the group.

"Are these ladies and lords allowed to enter?" His eyes remained upon Regina as he posed this question.

"Yes, milord." Veronica took a small step back as the portrait swung from the wall.

Scott managed to close his mouth. "Nice security system." He started to step through the hole but Veronica stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

"Just a moment, Scott." She stood on the threshold of the doorway and held her hands up. "Finite Incantatem!" A shimmer of lights flowed across the doorway. "Now it's safe to enter."

"What was that, Mother?" Regina followed Veronica into the room behind the hole.

"A simple security spell. In these troubled times you never know who will be trying to get in here." Veronica smiled softly when she saw the table set with nine place settings. "I see the House Elves have seen to everything."

Logan and Scott dropped the luggage and Veronica's box next to the hole. Regina wandered over to the mantle and looked at the pictures littered across it. Marie slid her coat from her shoulders and laid it across one of the chairs. Ron wrestled with a baby swing as he dragged it across the room toward the table. Hermione and Ginny played with Leo while Harry hovered near Veronica.

"So, Aunt Veronica, who are these people?" Harry looked over at Regina as she took her coat off and placed it with Marie's before she sat on the floor to play with Leo.

"Well, that guy there is Logan. He's a bit gruff but really a big teddy bear." Veronica smiled as Logan sank to the floor and playfully growled at Leo. "The other guy is Scott Summers. I used to teach him in school." Scott wandered over to them and looked out over the playing group. "The girl with the white streak is Marie. She's really sweet. You just need to careful not to touch her skin."

"Why?" Harry laughed when he saw Leo pulling Logan's hair.

"I'm not sure. I only met her this past Christmas. Regina, could you come over here?"

"Sure, Mother." Regina climbed gracefully to her feet and walked over to Harry, Veronica, and Scott.

"Harry, I want you to meet your cousin, Evelyn Regina Rose Lupin." Veronica watched as Harry and Regina sized each other up. "Regina, this is your cousin, Harry James Potter."

"Otherwise known as the Boy Who Lived." Harry stuck out a hand.

"I'm known as Regina or 'Gina. And we're family so we hug." Regina threw her arms around Harry and hugged him tightly.

"You're just like Aunt Veronica. She's always hugging me." Harry laughed as Ginny growled at them. "Ginny, she's my cousin."

Ginny's eyes narrowed slightly. "I've heard that before."

Veronica laughed as she hugged Ginny. "You're not jealous of my daughter, are you?"

"Well no." Ginny blushed as Harry draped an arm over her shoulders. "It's just that Harry and I just started..." She clapped a hand over her mouth.

"Well, enough chitchat. Let's eat." Veronica bent over and scooped up Leo in her arms. "Come on, Leobug. Time for food."

Scott and Logan pulled out Marie's and Regina's chairs as Harry and Ron pulled out Hermione's and Ginny's. Veronica slid Leo into his swing and sank into her chair. She picked up her goblet and took a sip. Ron and Logan filled their plates as Hermione giggled.

"I think we have two bottomless pits. Thank Merlin the House Elves have managed to keep those plates full." Harry picked up his goblet as a loud crack filled the room.

Logan looked down between his and Veronica's chairs and pointed to a House Elf with several hats on his head. "What the hell is that?"

"Oh hush, Logan." Marie frowned slightly.

"Is everything to Professor Lupin's liking?" The House Elf bowed low almost making his hats topple off his head.

"Yes, Dobby. We are happy with everything." Veronica smiled down at Dobby as he bowed again.

Logan jumped slightly as Dobby disappeared with a loud crack. "That was freaky."

"No freakier than you." Veronica pushed Logan's shoulder slightly before turning back to her plate.

"Veronica, are you sure the bottomless pit will have enough food?" Scott watched Ron shovel the food into his mouth.

"The plates are enchanted to keep refilling, Scott. We won't run out." Veronica leaned back in her chair. "Now I believe I should introduce everyone."

"I was beginning to wonder about that, Mother." Regina fed Leo a tiny bit of her mashed potatoes.

"Well, Regina, you've already met your cousin Harry. Beside him is Ginny Weasley. I used to watch her oldest brothers when they were little."

"I remember Bill talking about a 'Roni that used to watch him and Charlie." Ginny turned to Ron. "Remember that, Ron"

Ron nodded as Veronica laughed. "Next is Ginny's brother Ronald. Beside him is Hermione Granger. She's the daughter of my best friend from primary school." Veronica waved her hand slightly. "She's one of the smartest witches in her year."

"So who are they?" Hermione cocked her head slightly.

"Well, there's Marie. She's a student at a school I used to teach at. In fact Scott teaches there now." Veronica looked over at Scott who nodded. "Scott is one of my former students from the same school."

"She was the best teacher I ever had except for Professor Xavier." Scott smiled slightly.

"What about him?" Ginny jerked her head to Logan who was sitting back in his chair with his arms crossed.

"Logan is a guy I met when I was teaching at a school in Canada. He is really sweet." Veronica patted Logan's arm. She turned her gaze to Regina. "And finally we have Evelyn Regina Rose Lupin. She's my daughter."

"A pleasure to meet you all." Regina smiled slightly. "Mother, you forgot someone."

"Who?" Veronica looked around the room.

Regina laughed as she pointed to Leo. "This little guy. Who is he?"

"His name's Leo Black. His mother was Ani Jane Wagner and Sirius Black was his father." Veronica waited for the fireworks.

Marie looked down at the tiny baby. "No wonder his eyes look familiar. He's Ani's son."

"What's he doing here? You'd think Xavier would have him." Logan glanced over at Veronica.

"Ani left him in the care of Harry. Leo's his responsibility now." Veronica laid a hand on Harry's shoulder. "And he's doing a wonderful job of it. Besides he's part wizard. He's going to have to learn it sometime. Speaking of which, Regina, you're going to start on Monday." Veronica jumped slightly when there was a flash of light. A scroll and a scarlet feather were laying beside her plate. She unfurled the scroll and smiled. "Listen to this." She began to read.

Professor Lupin,

I have made arrangements for your company to stay in Gryffindor Tower. The men will have the Head room to themselves. The young ladies shall stay with the Sixth Year girls in their dormitory. Messrs. Weasley and Potter will show the men to their chamber while Misses Granger and Weasley shall tend to the ladies. I hope their stay is enjoyable.

Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster

"That's great news." Hermione glanced at the clock as it began to chime nine. "Oh, we'd better get going or Filch is going to be thrilled to give us detentions."

"Harry, did you bring your map?" Veronica waved her hand over the table and the empty plates disappeared.

"Of course." Harry pulled a piece of aged parchment from his pocket. His place his wand tip to the paper. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

"What is this thing?" Regina leaned over the parchment as lines stretched across it.

"It's a map of Hogwarts." Veronica bit her lower lip as her eyes skimmed over the words forming.

"Okay, Veronica." Scott looked up at Veronica trying not to laugh. "What's the big idea? Your codename's on this map."

"I know. I helped create it with some friends. One of those friends you already know." Veronica's finger traced over Moony's name. "Open it up, Harry."

Harry unfolded the Map and skimmed over each section. "No sign of Snape."

"He might be in the dungeons." Veronica tapped the map with her finger. "Here he is. He's in the Staff Room with Minerva. Albus is pacing his office, again. Filch is..." Veronica moved several pages. "...in the dungeons. He must be making sure the Slytherins are all asleep. Now for his fossil of a cat." Veronica looked up as Logan and Scott snickered slightly. "If you saw Mrs. Norris you'd say she's a fossil too." She looked back down at the Map. She tapped her finger against the Map. "Mrs. Norris is in the Owlery." She looked up at Scott and Logan still snickering. "You guys should be safe until you get to the Tower. Don't forget the password or the Fat Lady won't let you in."

Logan stalked toward the door and scooped up his and Marie's bags. "Well aren't you coming?"

Scott hurried over to grab his and Regina's bags while Harry gathered up Leo and his diaper bag. Hermione and Ginny waited for Marie and Regina to pull their coats on. Ron tapped his foot impatiently as Harry shoved the diaper bag into his hands. Veronica sighed softly as Regina, Ginny, Marie, and Hermione each gave her a hug. Logan ushered them out the door while Scott hurried out behind Harry and Ron.

Veronica hurried to the door and hollered at Logan. "Don't scare the children, Logan." She heard his grunt of a response a moment before the door closed. Griff appeared in a flash of fire and a puff of smoke on his perch beside the open window. "Tomorrow is going to be very interesting, Griff."

Griff sang softly as Veronica moved about the room extinguishing the candles. He took off out the window toward Gryffindor Tower as Veronica got ready to head to bed.


Author notes: Lots of candy to those of you that guessed the mystery man was LOGAN! You're right.