Dreaming big -- Fall 1998

I walked into the Headmaster's office from using the Floo network.  Remus said that he would have time to meet with me for a littel bit.  I had a few questions for him.  I brushed myself off and saw his familiar smile from behidn the desk.  "Hello," I said with a smile of my own.  Hopefully this conversation would be beneficial and helpful.

I smiled at my adopted son.  "Lincoln," I responded, motioning to the chair across from the desk.  A cup of tea was already sitting there for him.  It was the beginning fo the school year and with the dangers of Voldemort, I was always at Hogwarts and busy.  I refused to leave my students unprotected.  "I'm sorry we had to meet here for a friendly conversation," I said apologetically.

Shaking my head, I sat down.  "I copmletely understand," I assured him.  The times were getting worse and worse.... which was one reason why I wanted to talk.

I took a sip of my own tea and I set my quill down.  "What's on your mind?" I asked, waving my wand so the scroll on my desk woud and sealed itself.  It was just a simpe letter to my lovely wife, but still.

That always seemed to be such a complicated question when it came to me.  "I wanted your opinion about something... it's kind of personal," I explained to Remus.  He was the only person I trusted to talk about Juniper with, actually.

I smiled and nodded.  "You know I'm always here for you to speak to," I assured him.  It never bothered me that he only called me Remus.  I was not necessarily trying to take the place of his father.

Of course I already knew this.  "I know... and You have no idea how much I appreciate that, Remus," I confided.  I took a deep breath and wondered where to begin.  "Well... I just wondered what you thougth of JUniper..."  That would be a good start, right?

I settled back in my chair slightly, a hand under my chin as I thought.  "Hmm... I think she's a nice, though highly misunderstood, young lady," I responded.  Being a professor and a man of many secrets myself, I noticed quite a bit despite attempts to hide things they did not want others to see.  I always knew to look deeper.  "How is your relatinoship with her?"

Naturally Remus would twist this conversation onto me rather than my subject.  A smile came to my lips.  "It's complicated," I confided honestly.  "There's a lot she doesn't say... but I understand that completely with the way my life has been."  I was sure that Remus knew exactly what I meant.

I nodded at him.  "Yes... but she does seem to have a good effect on you.  Don't think I haven't noticed throughout the years," I said, a small smile playing at my lips.  Again, my power of observation are uncanny.

Running a hand through my hair, I chuckled.  "I never doubted that you or Chloe would miss that," I responded.

I folded my hands in front of me and I looked at LIncoln.  "So why is that you wanted to speak of Juniper Malfoy?" I inquired, reaching for my tea nad bringing it to my lips.

Remus never missed anything.  "Well... I was planning on asking for her hand... I kind of wanted guidance on how to ask for permission," I replied.

I got extremely concerned, setting my mug down a little harder than normal.  "You're going to Lucius?" I asked sharply.  Thsi was unwise.

I was slightly startled by Remus's reaction.  "Not Lucius... Draco," I said honestly.  "The only person June cares of for an opinion."