Burning Love

•Break Out•

The day had begun like any other, the bustling energy of the Ministry humming around me as I navigated through the familiar corridors. I was deep into a report when an owl swooped down, landing gracefully on my desk. I recognized it immediately—Remus's owl, with its distinct mottled feathers. My heart quickened as I gently took the letter from its leg.

Unfolding the parchment, I felt a wave of warmth wash over me as I read Remus's familiar handwriting. The words leapt off the page, bringing his voice to life in my mind.

Dear Grace,

I hope this letter finds you well. I have some news that fills me with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Dumbledore has asked me to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts this coming year! It's an incredible opportunity, and I'm both thrilled and terrified at the prospect.

I must admit, the thought of hiding my condition again weighs heavily on me. Dumbledore reassured me that it would be okay, that the school community would understand, and that I wouldn't have to face this alone. I want to be a source of strength for the students, especially for Harry. I've thought a lot about him and hope to be a positive influence in his life. Knowing he'll be at Hogwarts gives me comfort.

I can't express how much I miss our time together, Grace. You have always been a beacon of light in my life, and I hope to bring some of that light to the next generation.

Take care of yourself, and know that I'm thinking of you.

Yours, Remus

As I finished reading, a flood of emotions washed over me. I felt pride swell within me for Remus, knowing how much this opportunity meant to him. He had always been a gifted teacher, and I had no doubt he would inspire his students. Yet, the weight of his fears regarding his werewolf condition gnawed at my heart. I wished I could ease his burden, to remind him that he was more than his struggles.

But the most comforting part of his letter was his promise to look out for Harry. The idea of Remus guiding him through the challenges of growing up, especially in a world that could be so harsh, brought a sense of peace I desperately needed. I smiled at the thought of Harry having someone like Remus in his corner—someone who understood the complexities of love and loss, someone who could help him navigate the shadows.

As I sat in my office, the sounds of the Ministry fading into the background, I took a moment to reflect on the connections that still anchored me. The letters we exchanged had become lifelines, reminders that I was not alone in my grief or my journey. I penned a response, pouring my heart into each word, promising to visit him at Hogwarts, to support him as he embarked on this new chapter.

After sealing the letter and sending it off with the owl, I took a deep breath, feeling a flicker of hope ignite within me. While the past still lingered like a shadow, there was a future ahead—one filled with potential and promise. As I glanced out of my office window, I envisioned the vast grounds of Hogwarts, the laughter of students, and the warmth of friendship that Remus would cultivate.

In that moment, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. I would continue to honor the memory of my lost family and friends by supporting those who remained, by nurturing love and connection in a world that often felt cold and dark. And as I moved through the rest of my day, the weight of my grief felt just a little lighter, buoyed by the knowledge that together, we could face whatever lay ahead.

~

Mid-August had arrived, bringing with it the usual buzz of activity at the Ministry of Magic, but today was different. As I entered the building, the air was thick with tension, and whispers filled the hallways like wildfire. My heart raced as I approached my office, the news echoing in my ears: Sirius Black had escaped from Azkaban.