Having graduated only recently, Tonks was still afraid of Professor McGonagall. After greeting her timidly, she insisted on sitting at the front of the carriage to bond with the two Thestrals, leaving Brian to settle comfortably into the back.
After boarding, Lupin exchanged a few pleasantries with Professor McGonagall and nodded to Rita before turning to the thin boy. Harry was looking at him too. Their eyes met, and the Thestrals flapped their wings, carrying the carriage toward Hogsmeade.
"Hello, Potter." Perhaps familiar features could steady a person's feelings and let them linger; Lupin visibly relaxed upon seeing Harry. "Remus Lupin, a friend of James and Lily's. Ah, you look well. That's wonderful."
Harry was still very nervous. He tried hard not to sound too distant:
"Thank you-hello, Mr. Lupin. I'm Harry Potter, my dad and mum's child-oh, I mean, um-listen-I, I'm really glad to meet you!"
His face had already turned scarlet, and he regretted his ridiculous opening. What do you mean, your dad and mum's son? Harry Potter, you're an idiot! Would you be your dad and dad's child instead, or your mum and mum's?
"Exactly. Everyone is their dad and mum's child." A gentle smile appeared on Lupin's long, broad face. "I'm glad too, Potter. Truly, very glad."
Harry smiled too. They grinned foolishly at each other until, after pinching his thigh several times, Harry managed to produce, "Lovely weather today."
Lupin breathed a sigh of relief and agreed, "Yes, seeing the sun always lifts your spirits."
"What are you two talking about?" Rita Skeeter could not control herself once her mouth was free. She laughed. "No offense, but that was a whole string of textbook nonsense. If that went into an article, the readers would tear it apart."
Lupin and Harry both glanced at Rita. Their