Don't carry the weight of the world on your shoulders -- January 1999

I walked into the office where my son looked so strained.  "Remus," I said, letting him know that I was there.  I wanted to check on him -- he had been working on making the castle good again for all the students to return to.  I knew that he was stressed and I wanted to check on him.  I viewed him as my own son, so I wanted ot make sure all was okay.

I looked up adn smiled at my mum.  I stood up and gave her a big hug.  "How are you?" I asked, going to get ready to make her a cup of tea.  It was just something I did whenever I had a visitor in my office.

I was pleased to see that Remus was in better spirits than I had expected.  "I'm wonderful, Remus," I said.  "The castle is looking rather good after such a battle was fought here just last month," I told him.  I watched as he worked and could see the little signs of strain -- not on him, but the signs were in his office.  It was not as pristine as it normally was.  His books were all askew, something that never happened with Remus.

I nodded, having to agree with her on that one.  "It's been tough... but I'm making sure things get back to normal as quicly as possible," I said to her, handing her a cup of tea.  I really needed something stronger, bt settled for the tea.  it was better overall anyways.

"I can see that," I said, motioning around his office.  "Don't stress yourself out too much... I'm sure the rest of the Order is still trying to help you with everything?"  I hoped they were.

I realized how bad my office really did look when Cathie motioned around her.  I smiled sheepishly at her.  "They are," I said, "but they also have their own jobs and lives that they need to get back to.  I can handle this here."

I could understand that.  I put a hand on Remus's arm.  "I am just worried about you.  You always tend to put too much on yourself," I said to him softly.

I was so grateful to have someone like Cathie in my life.  I smiled at her.  "There's no need to worry, Mum," I said to her simply.  "I can handle everything here."  I was not entirely sure if I was convincing Cathie or not.

I knew better than to believe Remus.  "Well, I'm not sure about that one, Remus," I said to him simply.  "But I know you'll get everything back to normal in no time."

I looked over at Cathie and chuckled.  She could see right through me like any good mother could see through their children's lies.  "I'm glad you have faith in me," I said to her, smiling.

I put a hand on his arm.  "Of course I do," I assured Remus, matching his smile.  There was no way I was not going to help make him feel better.  "Keeping up on your other Headmaster duties?"

I laughed slightly and shook my head.  "Not at all," I said to her honestly. "I have been so focused on the rebuilding of the castle and the students, that, well, I haven't had time to deal with those duties yet."

I nodded at him.  "That's completely understandable," I assured my son.  I smiled at him.  "That is when you set aside your pride and ask for help rebuilding the castle so you can be a Headmaster again."

I laughed a bit at that.  "Excuse me... but I don't think I'm that prideful," I pointed out to her, though I knew she was right.  When was I goign to admit I could not do all of this on my own?

I was extremely skeptical and I let it show all over my face.  "You are so much like your father," I said to him plainly, a loving smile on my face.  "You both refuse to see the most obvious."