Professor?

9

"Miss Longbottom could I have a word?" Professor Lupin catches me just as I'm getting up to leave class.
I nod. Fred looks at me and I wave him off "I'll be behind you in a bit."

I put my book back on the desk and drop my bag.
"Is there something wrong?" I ask after Fred leaves
"Just something I haven't been able to get off my mind." He shakes his head

"What is it?" I ask

"I've never been that comfortable with anyone. To tell them about my mother. I've spoken with dumbledore and McGongall. They seem to think that well that my other side is drawn to you. More than it should be." He says

"I've never told anyone that I worry about Neville when I transform. Not even Gran. No one." I say

"McGongall says that she'll be writing yo your grandmother. Telling her what's happening. McGongall believes that there's a chance that. Well. I'm sure you can put it together." He sighs keeping at least a desks length of space between us.

"Gran Probably won't have a problem with it. Honestly she's been hoping I'd find someone before I'm out of school. Keeps telling me to just date Fred." I shrug

"Seeing as neither of us can be sure until your grandmother responds to either us or McGongall we shouldn't stay be in close company for long periods of time. Just to be sure something doesn't happen." He tells me not looking at me

"I think that's wise. The twins would have a fit. A fit either way really knowing them." I shrug

"Your brother is going to be the one to have the fit Anne." Gran's voice makes me jump and fall over nearly hitting my head.

"Dear God." McGongall helps me up quickly

"Are you okay?" Lupin asks at my side.

"I'm fine. Gran, need you startle me so much?" I ask looking at my grandmother

"Yes dear. It amuses me." She smiles

"Now on to business." Professor dumbledore makes me jump twice as hard as Gran did.

Lupin catches me steadying me before I fall
"Jumpy are we?"

"A bit."

"Now Anne I've agreed to this under one and only one condition. You are not to even think of
children at least until Neville has hit 16."

I open my mouth to say something but nothing comes out.

"Won't be a problem ma'am." Remus says

"Good man Remus. Alright Dumbledore I've done my bit." Gran says

"Thank you Augusta. Now Remus Anne, we are allowing this as a favor to each of you. To make your lives a bit easier. Neville will be allowed to know. The twins and their brothers will be informed. If you wish to tell anyone else you may but please do not show Anne favor in her work Remus. You must remain fair." Dumbledore tells us

"Of course headmaster." Remus says quickly

"As your head of house Anne I'd expect you keep yourself caught up in classes. No matter the distraction you'll no doubt face. But given Lupin's record and your own I'm sure there won't be much problem there." McGongall smiles

"Speaking of classes aren't you due in your next one?" Gran asks

"Free period Gran." I smile

"Alright then."

"First day back and no homework yet I expect." Dumbledore smiles

"Exactly someone here has given a short essay on dementors" I glance at Remus

"You act like you won't finish it in 15 minutes." Gran laughs

"15 minutes? Maybe I should've made more of a challenge for you." Remus smiles

"I've studied dementors since I was 7. I wanted to know what the people that hurt my parents are being punished with." I shrug

"She's our intellectual one. Been asking questions since she was able to talk." Gran smiles

"Now I think everything has been sorted out Augusta would you like to see Neville?" Dumbledore turns to Gran

"Of course." She smiles

"Follow me. He'll be at  Hagrid's now." McGongall smiles and leads her away.

"I'll be checking in on you two from time to time. For now though someone has a free period to enjoy." Dumbledore smiles

"Thank you Professor." I smile as dumbledore leaves