Intro, Q's Lupin/Tonks

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 109996

Hi everyone.

Thought I'd introduce myself and ask a couple of questions. 
My name is Steve, I'm 30 and from Buffalo, NY. I started reading HP 
after the 2nd adaptation was released on DVD. Absolutely love them, 
and have read all 5 at least twice each.

On with the questions:

1. In PoA, Lupin is on the train with the students. Ron asks 
who Lupin is as they enter the compartment. Hermione says Professor 
R. J. Lupin. She gets this from his trunk which has it written out 
in peeling letters. PoA US ed. PB pg. 74. Why are the letters 
peeling? If he had just been hired by DD in the last 2 months the 
letters wouldn't be peeling yet. Was he a teacher before? A secret 
desire to be a teacher?

2. How long does Auror training take? In OotP Tonks says she 
qualified a year ago. OotP US ed. Pg 52. Even if it takes 2 years, 
she would have been at Hogwarts as a 7th year during PS/SS. I seem 
to remember her saying she was in Gryffindor but I can't find the 
quote right now.  From JKR's descriptions of Tonks she does seem to 
be part of the part of the generation born in the mid 70's and grew 
up during the 80's. The odd hair colors, and the talking back to 
authority figures (Moody)

"Steve"