A/N: I have fallen under the Harry Potter spell and this story wanted to be told, so I am stepping away from my usual genre/comfort zone and giving it a shot. Please let me know if you like it or not.

For those of you who love Jax and Joe, I have many stories left and will never abandon them. At least until Jax gets married and Ben can finally relax.

Diagon Alley and Dementors:

Ariadne Lupin looked out the window glumly. She hated the full moon; at least Uncle Remus was letting her stay at the Leaky Cauldron by herself this time. Usually, she had to stay with some wizarding family that would put up with her and the fact her Uncle Remus was a werewolf. She hated being passed around from person to person, but her uncle was so over protective.

Admittedly she didn't have the best track record of staying out of trouble at school or at home. She was a third year Gryffindor with three of the best mates in the world; Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Wheasley. Yes she had a gone after the Sorcerer's Stone and yes she helped them go into the Chamber of Secrets, but she never was hurt. That was until Uncle Remus got a hold of her. Sometimes she thought this was the reason Professor Dumbledore invited Uncle Remus to teach at Hogwarts, so he could be the voice of reason and discipline if needed.

Ariadne was about to leave the window when she heard the popping sound of the Night Bus. She couldn't believe her eyes when Harry Potter got out. Ariadne had never been so happy to see someone in all her life. She had been so lonely this summer. Uncle Remus had grounded her because of the Chamber of Secret nonsense, as he called it. She ran down the stairs just in time to see Harry being led into a room with the Minister of Magic.

"What was he doing here and what does he want with Harry?" Ariadne thought. She had to wait for almost an hour before she got an answer.

"You will stay here until the start of term," Fudge told Harry. "Make sure you stay on Diagon Alley."

"Yes, sir," Harry said.

The minute the Minister was out of the building, Ariadne ran up to Harry hugging him.

"What are you doing here?" She exclaimed. Harry hugged her and returned,

"What are you doing here?"

"My uncle had to get some things together and he left me for a couple of days," Ariadne said.

"I ran away from home after I blew up my aunt. She was bouncing all over the sky like a balloon," Harry said smiling.

"Brilliant. How did you do that? It would come in handy when someone gets on my nerves. Hey, maybe we could use it on Snape. Could you imagine him bouncing around the dungeons?" Ariadne said her words rushing together.

"I don't know how I did it," Harry admitted.

"To bad, it would have been brilliant. So what did Fudge want?"

"To tell me to stay put."

"That's weird; wouldn't you think he would send someone less important to do that?"

"Guess not. How long are you here for?"

"A few days, Uncle Remus is heading to Hogwarts next. I told him to leave me until term but he thinks I'm too young and I get into too much trouble. Maybe, he'll change his mind since you're here."

"Your uncle's going to Hogwarts?"

"Oh, I forgot, he's the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Hopefully, he makes it more than a year," Ariadne joked.

"What's he like?" Harry asked. He forgot how much he missed her cherry nature; she could always make you feel better no matter how bad your day was.

"Nothing like the last two," Ariadne said making a face, "He's kinda strict, but still a lot of fun. Hey, he knew with your dad and mum."

"Really, he knew my paretns?"

"Yep, you should talk to him when he gets back. Maybe he could tell you some good stories."

Harry smiled again at her enthusiasm. He also remembered something else,

"Did your brother and Snape get along?"

"No, that's why Snape hates me most days too, the greasy git," Ariadne said simply.

For two days Ariadne and Harry had a great time. Ariadne loved to window shop and telling Harry what he should and shouldn't buy. At night they played exploding snap and wizard's chess. All and all it was a great time, that neither wanted to end.

"Uncle Remus comes back today," Ariadne said the third morning at breakfast playing with her cereal.

"Oh." Harry said he was going to miss having someone to hang out with.

"He's going to be kinda mad at me, I was supposed to get my homework done," Ariadne said. "Where's Hermione when you need her?"

Harry had to laugh. He had forgotten all about finishing his homework too and school was starting next week.

"Should we try and get some done today?" Harry asked.

"Sure, maybe if he sees me working he won't yell too much."

Harry and Ariadne set down to work. After three hours, Remus Lupin walked into the room and was absolutely shocked by what he saw. First his niece was doing her homework and second Harry Potter was sitting next to her. Ariadne saw her uncle and ran up to hug him,

"How are you?" She asked seriously.

Harry had never heard or saw her that serious in the three years that he had known her. Ariadne was more like George and Fred in never wanting to be serious. It worried him a bit.

"Glad to see you're doing your homework," Remus said smiling.

Remus never told her the truth about how he felt. If he had his why she never would have known that he was a werewolf at all, but she found him one night when he was changed. It was the scariest night of his life.

Flashback:

"I don't want to go to the Longbottom's," seven year old Ariadne begged. "Can't I stay with you?"

"No, I have to go to Scotland on business," Remus said trying to reason with the crying little girl.

"Uncle Remus, why are you always sending me away? When mommy died you promised to take care of me," Ariadne said as huge crocodile tears fell down her cheeks.

"I am taking care of you. Now let's go," Remus said sternly.

Ariadne grabbed her uncle's had reluctantly and apparated to the Longbottom's.

"Be good."

"She will be," Augusta Longbottom promised.

"Come on Neville," Ariadne said refusing to say goodbye.

Once they were upstairs in Neville's room, Ariadne said,

"Neville, I need to know what is going on. Can you help me sneak out tonight?"

"Gran will kill us," Neville said.

"So will Uncle Remus, but I want to know what is going on. I know Remus is lying to me."

"What are you going to do?"

"Go home tonight and try to figure out was going on."

"Ok, what do you need?"

"A broom, and I kinda stole a sleeping draft to put in your Gran's tea. I don't want you to get in trouble."

"My dad's old broom is in the cupboard. We can get it after you drug my Gran."

"Thanks, Nev."

"You're welcome, I guess."

Augusta put the children to bed around eight and headed to her own room for the evening. She was sleeping within minutes.

"Neville, I promise I'll be back before morning," Ariadne said hugging her friend.

Ariadne walked into her house. It felt strange to be here without Remus. She looked in his study first and found nothing. That was when she heard the noise coming from the basement. She walked slowly down that stairs towards the noise. Once at the bottom, she saw him and a strong arm pulled her away.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?" Severus Snape bellowed at the little girl.

"Is that Remus," Ariadne asked through tears.

"Yes," Snape sneered.

"Who are you and why didn't he tell me?"

"You're seven. Where are you supposed to be?"

"The Longbottom's."

Severus Snape grabbed the little girls hand and apparated her back.

"Where is Augusta?" he asked.

"I gave her a sleeping draft."

"You are going to be a menace when you get to Hogwarts," Snape snapped. "Go to bed little girl and do not tell Neville what you learned."

"No, I want answers," Ariadne demanded.

"I am not inclined to give you any. The only thing I'm inclined to do is turn you over my knee for your foolishness."

"You wouldn't."

"I wouldn't, would I? Do you wish to find out?" Snape threatened. Ariadne ran up the stairs and was in bed a few seconds later.

The next morning Severus showed back up at the Lupin's.

"Your niece showed up last night as I was delivering your potion."

"She what? Does she know?"

"Yes, she was in the basement when I found her."

"Did I?"

"You didn't even notice her. She's fine."

"She won't be in a couple of days." Remus promised.

Ariadne sat miserably waiting for her uncle to pick her up. She knew he would be angry, but she wanted answers. Remus walked into the Longbottom's.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, sir," Ariadne said trying to ignore the anger in his voice.

Remus took his niece's had and apparated home.

"You're a werewolf," Ariadne said.

"Yes."

"Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't mum?"

"You didn't need to know."

"How did it happen?"

"When I was about your age, your grandpa offended Fenrir Greyback. He was a werewolf and he bit me." "I'm sorry, Uncle Remus," Ariadne said with tears in her eyes.

"I am too. Come here," Remus said pulling his little niece over his knee.

"Nooooooooooooooo. Pleeeeeeeeeese. Uncle Remus," Ariadne begged before feeling the first smack.

Smack. You. Smack. Stay. Smack. Where. Smack. I. Smack. Tell. Smack. You. Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack.

Remus held the little girl in his arms and let her cry.

"Are you mad that I know?"

"No, maybe you won't complain anymore about me sending you away once a month."

"I'm really sorry. I snuck out of Mrs. Longbottom's, but I'm not sorry that I know."

"Me too, I don't think she'll let you stay again."

"Just don't make me stay with that the man who was here the other night, he scares me. By the way who was he?"

"Professor Severus Snape, Potions Master at Hogwarts," Remus laughed.

"I don't think he likes me."

End Flashback

"Don't get too happy, it's the first time I've done any homework since you left. Oh, this is Harry Potter. Harry this is my uncle, Professor Remus Lupin," Ariadne said smiling.

"Hello Harry," Remus said.

"Hello, Professor Lupin."

"Hey Uncle Remus, I was telling him that you knew his parents and I was thinking you could tell him some stories about them. Can Harry come to supper? He left his aunt and uncle's house and has to stay here. I was thinking he might want some homemade food. I could make stew tonight," Ariadne said all at once in a rush.

"Slow down Ariadne," Remus laughed. His niece was a bundle of energy and at times hard to deal with, especially after the full moon. "I'm heading to Hogwarts tonight."

"Can I stay here with Harry? I don't want to miss the Hogwarts Express. I promise we'll get all of our homework done and I'll be on my best behavior."

"Sorry, I need you to come with me."

"Can we at least take Harry with us? I don't want to sit around the school with just stuffy old professors."

"Do you know if Harry wants to come to Hogwarts early?"

"Of he does, don't ya Harry?"

"Sure," Harry said smiling.

"Let me talk to Professor Dumbledore."

"Thanks, Uncle Remus."

Remus walked out of the room feeling like he was hit by a tornado. He knew it would have been worse if Harry hadn't been there. Ariadne wasn't good on her own, she had too much to say.

Remus threw floo powder into the fireplace and was at Hogwarts within seconds.

"Remus, are you fully recovered?" Professor Dumbledore asked.

"Yes, did you know that Harry Potter is staying at the Leaky Cauldron?"

"Ah, so you finally met James's son," Dumbledore said tapping his long forefingers together.

"Yes, Ariadne was staying there."

"Wonderful girl, your niece."

"Thank you. Sir, is it safe with Sirius Black on the loose?"

"Yes, Severus has been keeping an eye on him along with every other witch and wizard on Diagon Alley."

"Ariadne would like me to bring him to school with us."

"Would you mind having two thirteen year olds in your care?"

"No. It shouldn't be a problem. In fact, I think it will keep Ariadne out of trouble."

"Remus, Harry finds trouble just as fast as your niece."

"I know," Remus said thinking about the past two years. Each note Professor M McGonagall sent home proved that. "Are you going to tell Harry about Sirius?"

"No, I think he will go looking for him. Are you going to tell Harry about your friendship with his father?"

"Ariadne already did for me," Remus said smiling.

"Wonderful, I think it's time that Harry knew more about James and Lily."

"I guess, I'll go get them," Remus said walking back into the fireplace.

Remus walked back into the room and was pleasantly surprised that the two were still working on their homework.

"Professor Dumbledore would love for Harry to come with us."

"Really? Thanks Uncle Remus."

"Yeah, thanks Professor Lupin," Harry said.

"You should call him Remus until the first day of school, right Uncle Remus?"

"Ariadne, I think Professor Lupin will work just fine," Remus admonished.

"Always the rule follower," Ariadne said shaking her head.

"Ariadne," Remus warned.

"Come on Harry, we better get packed. Are you sure you want to go? Seems Uncle Remus is in a bad mood today," Ariadne joked.

"Ariadne, your bum will feel my bad mood if you keep up this cheek," Remus warned.

"Sorry, Uncle Remus," Ariadne said smiling brightly. "Come on Harry, I'll help you pack."

Harry almost laughed as they were walking out of the door.

"Told ya strict," Ariadne said.

"Not too much, for all the cheek you were giving him in there."

"He's used to it. I won't dare do that in class though. I want people to respect him and like him, but I figured you won't say anything."

"I won't," Harry said.

Harry was excited when he arrived at Hogwarts, but knew he would miss riding the Hogwarts Express. He only rode the train to school once in his three years, but that was where his and Ron's friendship began. The castle always fascinated him and he would always feel that this was him home because it was the first place he felt safe and loved.

Remus led the two children to his quarters.

"Can't we stay in Gryffindor Tower?" Ariadne asked as they walked away from the tower.

"No," Remus answered.

"Why not?"

"The prefects have not arrived and I want to keep an eye on you," Remus said simply. "We need to talk a little about the rules, until the rest of the school arrives."

"Aren't they the same?" Ariadne asked.

"No. First there are Dementors surrounding the castle, so you are not allowed near the walls or outside the gates."

"Why are Dementors here? Is it because of Sirius Black?" Ariadne asked, while Harry looked confused.

"Yes, Ariadne," Remus said and directed his attention to Harry saying, "Dementors are the guards of Azkaban."

"They're terrible, if you get near one it sucks away all of your happiness," Ariadne said with wide eyes.

"What's Azkaban?" Harry asked.

"The wizarding prison," Ariadne said.

"Who's Sirius Black?" Harry asked.

"A very evil man who killed a lot of muggles," Remus said sadly.

"How did he get out?"

"No one knows. It's the first time anyone has ever escaped form Azkaban," Ariadne said excitedly.

"Enough, about Sirius Black and the Dementors. The second rule is you tell me where you are at all times."

"Uncle Remus, we're not first years," Ariadne complained.

"I realize that, but I want to know where you are. Finally, you will finish all of your homework. I expect to see some finished each night before bed."

"Ok, Uncle Remus," Ariadne said.

"Professor Lupin, I need to check on Hedwig and send a note to Ron and Hermione, may we head to the Owlery?" Harry asked.

"Of course, Harry. Make sure you stay within the grounds," Remus said looking pointedly at his niece.

"Uncle Remus, I wouldn't dare disobey you on the first day," Ariadne teased. "Come on Harry."

Ariadne and Harry ran down the empty corridors when they were stopped by a familiar silky voice,

"POTTER, LUPIN!"

"Hello, Professor Snape. How was your summer?" Ariadne asked politely.

"Why are you running through the halls?" Snape asked harshly.

"It's the fastest way to the Owlery," Ariadne said.

"Miss Lupin, because your uncle is a teacher at this school, it doesn't mean that you will run around wild. What am I saying? He ran wild around this school as a boy, so why should you be any different," Snape sneered.

"Professor, we are not running wild," Harry argued.

"Running in the hall without any supervision, what do you call it Potter?"

"Going to the Owlery," Ariadne said.

"Twenty points from…"

"Sorry Professor, school hasn't started yet," Harry said cutting Snape off.

"Why are you here Potter? I knew I had to deal with the Lupin brat, but not you."

"I brought him with me, Severus," Remus said walking up behind them.

"And you are allowing them to run ramped around the school?"

"No, I was allowing them to go to the Owlery," Remus said calmly.

"Your niece has too much cheek and I suggest you rein her in," Professor Snape said leaving the three of them standing there.

"Ariadne?" Remus asked.

"He hates us," Ariadne said simply.

"He does, Professor," Harry said.

"Get to the Owlery," Remus said. "I will be in Professor Dumbledore's office until supper. I expect some homework finished."

Harry wrote notes to both Ron and Hermione. He gave Ron's to Hedwig and Hermione's to a spotted owl. Ariadne stood by the window looking around the grounds hoping to see a Dementor, but instead she saw a huge black dog.

"Harry, do you see that?" Ariadne asked pointing to the Quidditch Pitch.

"It looks like a dog," Harry said.

"Let's get closer," Ariadne said.

"Ok."

The children walked slowly across the ground toward where Ariadne saw the large black dog, but once on the Pitch, it was gone.

"I guess it had somewhere else to go," Harry said.

"Come on let's get back to the castle. We have homework to do," Ariadne said.

"Are you sure I didn't run into Hermione at the Leaky Cauldron?" Harry teased.

"Nope, just trying to stay on my uncle's good side. It's going to be a long year if not."

They walked back to the castle laughing and joking when the hooded figure glided across the yard.

"Harry, run," Ariadne said pulling Harry along with her.

Dumbledore's Office:

"Where are the children, Remus?" Professor Dumbledore asked.

"Harry wanted to write Ron and Hermione, so I sent them to the Owlery."

Dumbledore was out of his seat and looked out the window. The next thing the professors knew, he was gone.

The rest of the Professors followed quickly. Remus followed with a stomach full of worry.

Hospital Wing:

"Professor Dumbledore, I promise we didn't go anywhere near the walls," Ariadne said the moment they were in the hospital wing.

"I know, my dear. Before the student's arrive the Dementors will search the grounds daily. I am sure they felt you and Harry," Professor Dumbledore reassured.

"What happened to Harry?" Ariadne asked.

"The Dementors have different effects on different people," Remus explained hugging his niece. "Eat your chocolate."

Harry woke up a few minutes later and asked,

"What happened?"

"We got to meet a Dementor," Ariadne said, "And I for one never want to again."

Making the Professors laugh.

"Harry, eat some chocolate," Madam Pomfry said.

Harry took the chocolate in a shaking hand and started eating. He agreed with Ariadne. He didn't want to meet another Dementor as long as he lived.