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

I feigned offense, but in reality, I loved being compared to Dad.  It made me feel close to him still.  I rolled my eyes playfully at Mum.  "I know I'm just like him... but that doesn't mean I refuse to see the obvious," I pointed out to her playfully.

"Don't you roll your eyes at me, Remus John Lupin," I teased, getting my mother-tone on.  I  went over to him and gave him a hug.  "And what you said just proved me right, mister."  I kissed his cheek.

I sighed.  "Don't mother me," I teased, embracing her easily and holding her tightly for a moment.  "But you really need not worry about me... you know that I can keep everything together."

I put my hands on his shoulders and squeezed them.  "I know, kiddo," I said to him.  "There's nothing that surprises me when it comes to you and taking care of things."  I had seen him do it over and over again.  I was so proud of him.  "How are all your students handling everything changing around here?"

Of course I was hoping to check in on Nate without it being obvious.  My youngest would not necessarily enjoy hearing about hsi mum stopping by to check in ino him.  That would not be cool.

I laughed, giving Mum a knowing smile.  "The students seem to be doing fine.  Nate is being as obnoxious as ever," I assured her.  there were a few points that I wanted to talk to her about him, though.  "It is obvious he's still hurting a tad after the Dark magic tore him apart a bit... but he's in good hands with Pomfrey helping him."  It was good that chloe and LIly got their hands on him as soon as they did as well.

I chuckled.  "Sounds about right," I agreed.  "I'm glad that he is doing better.  I don't know why he came back and fought... he was so injured..."  I hated that toh my boys fought, but I knew it was necessary of Remus.  But Nathaniel was merely a boy!

I put a hand on my mum's arm.  "Nate has found a perfect shade for himself, though, have you seen it?  He's starting to get rid of the red... he's becoming his own person.  I've talked to him about that... he almost felt ashamed that he was getting rid of it," I said to her quietly.

I felt tears in my eyes.  "Oh?  There is no reason for him to feel ashamed that he's getting rid of it," I said to my eldest.  "Thank you for being there for him, Remus.  He needs that so much."

I smiled at Mum and gave her a hug.  "Of course I'd be there for him," I assured her.  "He's my little brother... I know how hard things can be..."

Of course Remus knew how hard things could be.  I smiled gently at my eldest.  "I know you are," I said to him.  "I know that you would do anything for your brother -- and everyone at this school, really.  Just don't let it wear you all the way down, Remus."

I smiled at Mum.  "Of course," I said to her, knowing how much she worried about all her kids.  "I'll ask for help when I need it.  I can assure you of that."

I was not entirely sure about that and I let it show on my face.  "Remus, you are as stubborn as your father," I pointed out to him kindly.  "I will make sure you get the help that you dont' always ask for."

I looked at Mum and laughed.  "And I believe the stubbornness may have rubbed off on you, too," I teased, hugging her.  I was grateful for people like her in my life, though, because they made sure I did not overdo mysel.f