Who: Ernest Macmillan, Remus Lupin, Narcissa Malfoy, and Kaleigh Nott (NPC)....PHEW
When: Thursday around lunchtime
What: Some chatting, comfort, and an overly awkward run-in
Where: The Three Broomsticks
Complete



Ernest MacMillan was six years Remus Lupin's senior, but he had taken a liking to the man his first year at Hogwarts. As a prefect, Ernest had made it his mission to know every first year whether in his house or not. Besides, Remus was of Ernest's future wife's House so it wasn't as if MacMillan didn't have reason to be haunting the Gryffindor table at meals anyway! As it was, Ernest had felt something tug at his heart when it came to the small and somewhat sickly looking young boy. He had always been kind to him even when worrying a bit about him.

Ernest had not really kept in touch with Remus beyond the casual run-in, but with the creation of the magical journals, Ernest found himself responding to the man in a whole new way. He was an equal now; in many ways, Remus was an older soul than even Ernest. Ernest had largely avoided the war, but Remus had not only fought in the actual event, but lost loved ones to it. Ernest had great respect for Remus, and therefore, what other person would he want to meet at the Three Broomsticks to discuss his fears concerning Ernie?

'Old soul' was a good way to describe Remus Lupin. He certainly felt older than he was most of the time. It didn't exactly help his still rather consistent arguments with Tonks concerning his age. But perhaps it wasn't completely a bad thing, as it did help him identify with his friends who were older. Particularly Ernest.

Remus had always looked up to the Hufflepuff, striving to be like him when he himself had been made prefect just a few years later. He was fair and good, and he got involved with the other students. Remus had incorporated much of that into his teaching, and thought it was working well. And, someday, should fatherhood ever come into play, he wanted to be similar in that regard, too.

Which is why Ernest's concerns over his only son surprised and worried Remus. And it was why he had no problem agreeing to meet his friend for lunch. As much as he loved teaching, and Hogwarts in general, it was good to occasionally get out of the castle. He flashed a quick smile at Rosmerta, gave a small wave to a familiar face or two, and found the booth near the back of the room where Ernest was waiting. "Sorry," he apologized, despite only being five minutes late. "Class ran a bit late. Stunning spells can be fascinating, but I think Minerva would appreciate it if all my students were standing again by the time they left the room."

Ernest waved his hand, dismissing Remus' apology. "Don't worry about it." He smiled warmly, gesturing to the tea he had ordered. "Would you like some? Jean insisted I have jasmine in it. She said you'd likely need it after a morning of classes." His eyes twinkled, clearly indicating how in love he was with Jean even all those years later. "Something about calming effects. She's into this New Age muggle book she's reading and…" He paused, a sheepish expression crossing his face. "I admit some of it is fascinating."

Remus couldn't help grinning. Sirius would've called Ernest 'whipped', but Remus found it endearing. "No, she's absolutely right," he agreed, pouring himself a cup and skipping adding milk all together. "If she enjoys the jasmine, have her try ginger, too. It's said to have plenty of healing properties, and helps with rejuvenation and memory, too." Babbling on again, about completely useless things. It was so typically him, but he couldn't help sharing the things he learned from day to day.

If being 'whipped' meant a long and happy marriage with three beautiful children, Ernest would gladly consider himself such. At Remus' comment, however, he chuckled. "Good to know I'm not the only bloke knowing about these things then!" He sipped his own drink, giving Remus a moment to glance over the menu before the waiter came to take their orders.

"Thanks for coming," Ernest said when the young man disappeared into the kitchen with their lunch requests.

Ordering had been easy enough, as Remus frequented the pub much more often since moving into the castle. He smiled honestly across the table, however, and leaned back, getting comfortable in the booth. "Of course," he replied, a small smile on his face. "Was a bit surprised to be asked, honestly."

Ernest's cheeks colored at that. He felt guilty though he supposed he really had no reason to. He just didn't want the DADA teacher thinking he was using him. "Oh, well, I apologise. I mean I wanted to catch up anyway and…" He shook his head as too many thoughts clouded his brain at once. "It's not just to discuss my son and…oy, I am sorry. Do you know what I mean?"

At that, Remus had to laugh, even if only a little. Not in a mocking way, but a pleasant one. "No, no, I didn't mean it that way at all, my apologies. Really, I just haven't seen you in a while, is all. I didn't mean anything by it, I know you didn't have ulterior motives." If Ernest's main goal was to discuss Ernie, Remus wasn't really his best bet anyway. He'd help, of course, if he could.

But Ernie was more Professor Sprout's student than his. Remus only knew him from classes, and from a few random talks with the Head Boy.

Perhaps what Ernest really needed was a friend more than anything else. Truth be told, many of his own connections had been taken out with the war and it was hard to know where he stood anymore. He had never felt comfortable around the likes of Lucius Malfoy, but, really, being part of that upper-crust world made him understand the types. He would never understand their ideals, but he could see how easy it was to slip into something where money and power ruled all.

It was funny almost. What right did he truly have to judge? Ernest had done what was best for the family business; he played nice with the other wealthy families and for what? Still, to say his heart didn't go out to Kaleigh Nott or that he wished Smith senior death would be a fallacy. For better or worse, Ernest was caught in the messed up world where things like wealth and prestige mattered. He could not help caring for his partners and acquaintances even if it was detrimental at times.

For a moment, he wondered if Remus realized what a hypocrite he was. He hid his face as the waiter placed the steaming plates between them. "Yes, awhile," he agreed quietly. "I am sorry I lost touch. Really, I am."

Remus was most definitely surprised. He hadn't expected an apology, and he felt incredibly guilty that Ernest seemed to think he was expecting one. "We've all been busy," he replied, attempting to soften the words as much as possible. "It's not as if there haven't been many other things going on, after all." Such as a war. In which Remus himself had gotten in over his head. "I could've made more of an effort too, you know."

It sounded easy when he said it like that. Not like he had been trying to keep the entire world at arm's length for the last several years. "Besides," he continued, attempting to lighten the mood a bit. "Things are different now, aren't they? A second chance at it all, you know."

Ernest relaxed. He didn't know why he was so on edge. Well, alright he was worried about Zach and Ernie. Not to mention Hannah. And Pansy. And Draco and…well, that was why he was on edge. Stalling for time, he took a bite of his roast beef sandwich. He always looked out of place in such establishments; he was impeccably dressed and even the wedding band that shone on his ring finger was clearly expensive. It made him feel guilty even if he couldn't quite explain why.

"A second chance indeed." Ernest visibly perked up at those words, his eyes meeting Remus'. "I really do wish for that and I want to help…in any way I can, you know?"

Comparitively speaking, it was Remus who should've felt out of place with his dining companion. It had taken years before he'd become comfortable with his appearance, and not just because he was tall and skinny with big feet and pale skin. Not to mention the somewhat peaky look he wore three or four days each month. Add to that the premature signs of aging he was--well, cursed with, and his shabby robes, and he ought to feel a right mess. He was comfortable, though, and he'd be a fool not to admit that being crazy about someone young and beautiful who actually recriprocated those feelings helped a great deal.

That he was comfortable with. Helping the wizarding world regain its footing? A bit more difficult. "You've more connections than I ever could," Remus reminded Ernest, staring down into his soup. "That's where it'll all start. The more prominent families, trickling its way down from there."

Ernest never judged on those things. Ever. He preferred good company to comparing who owned what and other such nonsense. Thus, he didn't think Remus looked anything other than the distinguished young man he was. However, Ernest shook his head at Remus' declaration. "I think you have the most important job, mate. Teaching? Honestly, all those young minds…" He flashed another bright grin which stretched over his entire face and lit his eyes. "It must be amazing."

Blushing a bit, Remus gave a small shrug. "They're incredible," he admitted with a broad smile. "All of them. Even when they think they're rubbish at a spell or they skipped a reading assignment or they're afraid of some creature or another... I learn as much from them as they do from me. You read what they write in their journals. Take that and expand. What we hear in the halls, at mealtimes...they're so brilliant, all of them. Even the ones who think they're not, it's just..." Oh, he was sounding a complete fool, but Remus was the type to absorb everything around him, and listening to his students all day was a fascinating experience, watching them grow and change right in front of him.

Yet, Ernest ate up every word and it showed in his expressions as he watched Remus speak of his students. "Oh, believe me, I know. I know quite a few of them and sometimes I just want to throttle them for not realizing how…how special they are." His own son included.

"Well, I can't say I've a mind to throttle them," Remus teased with a smile. "But it's really all part of being the age, isn't it? Remember being seventeen? One minute you felt ready to take on the world, and then the next it felt more like the world was out to get you?"

Ernest nodded his agreement though he glanced down at his plate. He thought back to what he was worrying about then and felt shamed. At seventeen, he had been fretting about joining his father's company and asking Jean to marry him. These seventeen year olds had fought a war. It was unfair. Grossly unfair. "I do recall that time. So difficult…" He looked up again, his eyes imploring Remus to understand what he could not verbalize.

"They're just teenagers," Remus soothed. "Half grownup, half child. Even if they hadn't faced all they had, they'd still be in a horrible place right now. We just have to hope that in the end, their experience has made them stronger." For the most part, he felt his had, over several years of hard times. It was all that kept him believing that, while Harry might look broken now, he'd be alright in the end.

"Right." Ernest desperately wanted to believe that. "I had Zach over for the weekend. Ernie's not too pleased I don't think, but…Helga, Remus, do you know how many I knew when they were only in nappies?"

No, he really didn't. Remus hadn't exactly been popular with most parents at that time, himself, and once Harry had been sent off to live with his family, there'd been no reason for Remus to get involved with small children.

Still, he knew that wasn't what Ernest needed to hear. "He's...confused, I think. Scared. I was glad to see you taking him for the weekend. I'm afraid life may have caught up to Zach without him knowing it. I think he'll be fine, in the long run. He's got a mouth on him, but he's passionate, too."

"He's a good kid at heart, but…he's hurt Ernie." Ernest wiped his mouth and drew down his napkin with more force than he intended. "Still, I can't just turn him away like I did with…" He cut off his statement. "I don't mean to load this all on you. Quite a lunch, hm?"

With a shrug, Remus gave his soup a half-hearted stir. "It's quite alright, you know. You're right, I see these kids every day." So why couldn't he do more to help? "Ernie seems strong, but such...rejection, I suppose, it has to hurt."

"I'm surprised, really." Ernest thought about what Ernie told him and felt his heart swell. His children's pain was his. "Justin was his best mate and…this is the second time Ernie's felt not good enough." He ran a hand through his sandy hair, considering things. "I know my son has faults. I'm not one of those parents, but…I just wish he had a bit more support is all. Thank goodness for Hannah and Hermione."

"The second time?" Remus asked, quite honestly getting into something that was none of his business.

Ernest swallowed hard; he knew Ernie would likely have his head if he knew he was spilling secrets to his Dark Arts professor. Still, it wasn't as if it was exactly a secret. "Yeahhhh…he used to be pretty close to Theodore Nott. Do you know him at all? And…and even to Draco Malfoy. Sort of. It's complicated." Ernest felt that familiar guilt stabbing at him again. How much had been his fault?

Remus didn't answer right away. He took a small bite of his soup, letting the thought sink in. "Theodore seems a good kid, for the most part," he commented quietly. Even if Defense didn't come naturally to him, he certainly had been trying in their private lessons. And he was always polite, if not exactly cheerful. "And Draco..." His girlfriend's cousin could be a pain, he knew, but Remus thought there might be quite a bit more to the boy under the surface. "I'm not sure, really, what all happened. But it seems those are three who ought to get along well enough. They've a bit in common, I think. Though I'm surprised to hear you say that."

"Why? They grew up together." Ernest shrugged his shoulders, not knowing how much more he should divulge. "I didn't exactly encourage the relationship once they were sorted and…I am not really sure anymore, Remus. About anything." He drummed his fingers next to his now empty plate. "Teddy hasn't spoken to me at all since I've been on the journals. It's troublesome. And Draco…well, at least Zach finally came to me. I'd love to offer Draco the same, but…I've lost that trust. Clearly." He pushed his plate away, glancing around the place. "Well, speaking of…" He trailed off, his eyes falling back to Remus.

Having been engrossed in the story of Ernie's friends, Remus hadn't even noticed the blond woman enter the room. And when Ernest's voice trailed off and Remus looked up, he rather wished he hadn't. "What's she doing here?" he couldn't help blurting. For all of his talk about the Ministry's misplaced searches, he still could think of twenty people off the top of his head that he'd rather not have a meal with. Tonks' aunt was one of them.

Ernest didn't have the foggiest idea. The Three Broomsticks was not a place he'd ordinarily equate with Narcissa Malfoy. Still, he must have stared a bit too long since the woman caught his eye and headed over.

Narcissa hadn't wanted to set foot in the place, but her usual and much more upscale establishment had kept snubbing her. She had been meeting Kaleigh and finally just journaled the woman to change plans. The last thing either woman needed was more scrutiny. Of course, walking into the pub was probably not the best way to avoid that. Still, Narcissa was hungry and she wanted a meal already! It was clear Kaleigh hadn't made it yet, but when she spotted Ernest she knew she couldn't be rude. She glided over, her elegant black skirt billowing around her knees. "Ernest! Love! Fancy meeting you here!"

As proper, Ernest stood up, casting Remus an apologetic look. He kissed Narcissa's cheek. "Narcissa, darling, do you know Remus Lupin?" He nodded toward his dining companion.

Remus, on the other hand, didn't stand. He typically did try to be a gentleman; it was an attempt at countering the opinions of those who thought werewolves were all uncouth and unkempt. But this woman had not only shunned someone he cared about more than anything, her family had all caused the sorts of chaos that made Remus wince just thiking about them. Instead, he gave a slight nod of his head. "We've met," he said, even if the encounters had been brief and long ago. And mostly in school. "Narcissa." His greeting was cool, though polite.

Oh. She silently cursed her terrible luck. And how like his kind to just sit there…

Nevertheless, Narcissa realized the times had changed and she had to be cordial. Especially since this man had access to her most precious 'possession' --- her son. She could never be too careful where Draco was concerned and what if the wolf felt the need to use Draco like that bastard Voldemort had? Thus, she plastered on her best smile and held a hand out. "Pleasure to formally meet, however. Mr. Lupin."

Ernest watched the scene with a pit in his stomach. He wanted to intercept in some way, but was at a lost as to how to possibly do so.

Who was she kidding? "Formalities aren't necessary," he said simply, accepting the hand with a quick shake. She really must be worried about public appearances if she'd be seen touching him in front of anyone. A half-blood and a half-breed all wrapped up in one lanky package. "It's just Remus, thank you."

Narcissa kept that phony smile in place despite his clear rebuke. However, her body ran cold and she felt, once again, less a woman. If she only spent a moment to realize that was how she had made people feel for years…"Remus, then." She looked him over; she couldn't help it. Of course she had heard through the grapevine that he was possibly dating her 'niece' and she couldn't help but feel curious. Not only about him, but about that young woman and her mother…

She forced her thoughts back to the present. It was a dangerous territory and she would not allow her mind to settle on any fanciful notions of what could have been. It wasn't and there was no use dwelling on it. "I didn't mean to disturb lunch, Ernest. Remus."

Ernest shook his head quickly. "No, not at all. A pleasure seeing you again." It really was even if not under the best circumstances. Jean had said Narcissa had been holding herself up so it was good she was venturing into public again.

A pleasure? Well, perhaps for Ernest. That'd be a bit of a stretch on Remus' end. No, she wasn't her husband. And he'd had several, rather intriguing conversations with her son. It was hard for Remus, who prided himself on keeping an open mind and an open heart, to look away from a woman he knew was struggling. A woman who'd, in her own way, saved Harry's life. But Merlin, she'd hurt so many people, and likely didn't even realize it. "It's quite alright," he forced himself to say, attempting a small smile. "Meeting someone?"

"Yes. A dear friend in fact." Had Narcissa not been well practiced in keeping appearances, her face might have betrayed her worry. "She should have been here by now, but I suppose she's running late."

"Kaleigh then?" Ernest knew there were few people Narcissa kept close. He guessed it was a calculated move, but when one's husband was a death eater there couldn't be much choice.

"Yes," Narcissa replied, allowing Ernest to see a small amount of trepidation.

"How late is she?" Ernest frowned, knowing it was unlike Kaleigh.

"Well, the plans were changed and all. I am sure there's no reason to fret." Narcissa's fake smile was back in place, showing no sign of fear.

Remus' eyebrows lifted, his worry for others betraying his deep dislike for this particular one. "It's rather busy out there," he reminded gently. "She might just be in the crowd. Or sidetracked. She didn't mention running late at all?"

Narcissa's eyes did not register the surprise she felt at Remus' words. "No, she didn't. Perhaps she just…" She trailed off as a harried looking woman fled into the restaurant. Narcissa held a hand up, but Kaleigh had already spotted her and was charging forth. "Narcissa," she hissed, "This was a terrible idea. Oh, hello, Ernest. And…" She frowned. "I'm sorry? You are?" Kaleigh was every bit the woman Narcissa was, but she was also a spit-fire and it showed.

Almost instantly, Remus caught the resemblance between the woman near his own age and one of his own students. It was nearly impossible not to. "Remus Lupin," he offered, extending a hand and waiting for distrust or perhaps distaste to flicker over the woman's features. "I'm a friend of Ernest's."

"Oh, why hello." Kaleigh smiled and gripped his hand. "Teddy's mentioned you. Thank you so much for helping him. He really needs it and I know he's wary of using the spells, but he's a good boy, honest he is."

Behind the woman, Ernest tossed Remus another look and mouthed. "Sorry!"

Remus was, quite honestly, surprised. But pleasantly so. Not only that one of his more reluctant students had mentioned him, but that she'd offered such a friendly greeting. Perhaps he was being too judgemental. He flashed Ernest a reassuring smile and turned his gaze back to Kaleigh Nott. "He's got the talent," Remus admitted. "But not the drive, really. It's not that he can't do them, I don't think. Just that he's...hesitant. When we're focusing on creatures or magical law, he's just fine in class." This was a bit better. Focusing on his students made the conversation much easier.

Narcissa made a small sound next to Kaleigh, but offered no statement.

Kaleigh shot her friend a warning glance before turning back to Remus. "Oh, I know. Teddy's so afraid of hurting anyone and he just…well, my husband used to try with him as much as possible, but it just…" She smoothed her dark hair which had gotten mussed in the wind. "I suppose I can't blame my baby for not wanting to use the scarier spells, now can I? Still, those NEWTs are really important to him so anything you can do to help…oh, did you want some extra pay? I wouldn't mind at all. The Ministry's watching what I do with my finances, but surely if it was for my son…"

"Don't count on it," Narcissa interrupted, no longer silenced by Kaleigh's eyes.

Ernest bit his lip, not liking where this was going one bit. "Now now, I am sure I could help if needed."

Shaking his head, Remus held up a hand. "Honestly, Mrs. Nott, I couldn't. Helping Theodore is no extra trouble at all, and...well, I want him safe." If the Ministry was going to keep everyone's suspicions up about former Death Eater families, he had the feeling Theodore and the others could use the extra help, NEWTs aside.

"Oh, call me Kaleigh. Please." She touched Ernest's shoulder. "And I know you'll help, love. Do give Jean my love. Now, Narcissa, really? I was nearly bombarded by that blasted Skeeter woman again. Can we get a booth out of the way?"

Narcissa took the question as a method of escape. "Yes, please. That would be nice indeed." She stood on her tiptoes to kiss Ernest's cheek. "Nice seeing you again. My love to Jean as well." Looking back to Remus, she added, "Pleasure, Remus."

"Oh, yes, it was. I'm so glad to meet the man Teddy's been going on about. Oh, you won't tell him I told you, will you? He's simply smitten with you though. Professor Lupin this and that. Even the first time you taught. Best DADA professor yet, he always said." Kaleigh finally paused, taking a breath. She was still smiling, however.

At that, Remus couldn't help blushing a deep shade of scarlet. While he hadn't been sure on the tone Narcissa had used, Kaleigh sounded genuinely friendly and pleasant. And her son's assessment of him came as twice the surprise. "I wouldn't dare," he said with a sheepish smile. "As long as you're willing to tell him how much potential I think he has. He's a bright boy, and he works so hard."

It was without much reluctance that he turned to Narcissa and gave a small nod. "Draco, too. When he takes an interest in a subject."

Narcissa stiffened. Her son was every bit as capable as Theodore Nott. "He's nearly top in his class. Or was before…we got him caught up. I'm sure he'll be just fine again." Her teeth clenched and Kaleigh grabbed her hand. "Darling, I'm starved." She gave a small wave, trying to usher Narcissa away.

Ernest grimaced. Remus had meant it as a compliment and he just wished Narcissa could not make everything a contest. "Bye, ladies."

"Well," Remus breathed, when the women weren't quite out of sight but were well out of ear-shot. "That was...bordering on pleasant, at least."

"I'm so sorry." Ernest finally sat again. "Oy, I can breathe again."

"Oh, come now," Remus teased. "I thought you just adored playing proper business man."

"Shush. That's just what I want everyone to think!"

"And you do it so well," Remus said in the most honest voice he could, hiding his smirk behind his hand. "No one would ever suspect you of being uncomfortable in such...highly publicized situations."

"Hey!" Playfully, Ernest punched Remus' shoulder. "Quit giving me away! Those women will have my head, you know." He grinned, glad to have the earlier heaviness lifted

Looking entirely innocent, Remus looked down at his tea. "It's cold!" he declared, smirking at Ernest over his cup. "Can't have that, now can we?"

"Oy, you're a wizard. Cast a charm." Ernest smirked back, rolling his eyes. "Or bother the poor waiter. He probably thinks we're nutters though."

"Really, now," Remus pulled out his wand, heating first his own cup and then the pot before replacing it in his pocket. "Honestly, how wrong would he be?"

"Truly? Not very."