Harry was nervous. He had recently failed at his first patronus lesson with Lupin. Another afternoon of trying to produce the spell would make him mental.

That's when Lupin came in, a blur of apologies and soft eyes, saying he had to meet with the headmaster. Harry nodded, confused, as he was ushered out of the classroom, watching Lupin hurry off towards Dumbledore's office. In the distance, he saw a flash of greasy black hair, and his attention peaked.

As much as Harry tried to resist, his curiosity got the best of him. He grabbed Ron, and with little explanation other than "Snape", they rushed off, throwing the invisibility cloak over them.

They arrived at Dumbledore's office just in time to see Lupin and Snape enter, the two slipping through just in time to join them. Harry and Ron crowded under the cloak in a corner as the three men stood awkwardly.

Lupin spoke first. "I know this isn't a normal request."

Snape turned to him pointedly. "That is an understatement. To bring a student halfway through the year? Why would we possibly warrant that? Especially one like this. The aggression issues alone—"

"Yes, she has anger issues. Could you blame her? Considering her parentage?" Lupin cut him off, turning to Dumbledore.

"That's another issue. The mere fact of who she is endangers every other student in the school! He's already gone after Potter."

Harry and Ron shared a glance, confusion etched in their faces.

Remus sighed heavily, glaring in Snape's direction. "He would never hurt her. She's the safest child here when it comes to him. That's not the issue."

"Then what, praytell—" Snape started, but Dumbledore silenced him.

"Enough. Remus, explain."

"She's a bright student at Durmstrang. A week before winter break, someone broke into her dorm. They were wearing masks." Snape straightened his back, and Lupin gave him a look that Harry couldn't pinpoint.

"She was on the Quidditch pitch at the time. That's the only thing that saved her." Remus continued, with a grim look on his face.

"Why would they attack her when her father was a known sympathizer? What motivation would they have?" Snape asked, suspicion clear in his voice.

Remus eyed Snape warily. There was a sadness in his eyes that Harry recognized from earlier in the year when he mentioned Harry's parents.

"I don't know," Remus said. "But she isn't safe there anymore. With the added protection, Hogwarts is the only place she has left."

Dumbledore nodded. Snape turned to him with exasperation.

"Headmaster, you can't possibly agree to this. Despite the security risks, a transfer is risky. Her records show she doesn't have nearly high enough scores for herbology or potions. And there's a matter of sorting."

Remus jumped in. "Pomona said she would bring her up to speed. If you'd do the same—"

"Absolutely not. I will not spend unnecessary time with a student who clearly does not have the capabilities."

"We could find a tutor then if you are so inclined to punish a child for her father's choices." Remus turned to Dumbledore. "She has nowhere else to go, Albus."

"Headmaster, if you'd listen—" Snape started.

Dumbledore held out his hand and they both fell silent. "Severus, leave us."

Snape glanced between the two men, his face pointed in dissent. Then, in a sweep of his black cloak, he was gone.

Dumbledore wandered to Fawkes' cage, stroking her feathers.

"Not many children have someone so valiantly stand up for them."

He turned to Remus with a gentle smile. "And, I dare say, that Poppy certainly needs it."

Remus stood at the desk, running his palms down his pant leg anxiously. Dumbledore came to stand next to him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I know what the girl means to you, Remus. I will allow her to transfer."

Remus smiled. "Thank you, Albus. You won't regret this."

Dumbledore nodded. "I would like to speak with her first, however. And I believe a private sorting is in order."

Ron shot a surprised look at Harry.

"Of course. She's staying at the Three Broomsticks."

Dumbledore chuckled. "It seems that you had already known my answer, then."

Remus smirked. "I was hopeful."

After following Remus out of the office, Harry and Ron hurried towards the Gryffindor common room, pulling off the cloak.

Ron stopped suddenly, pulling Harry along with him. "Who were they talking about? A new student from Durmstrang? And one who had someone trying to kill them?"

Harry sighed, glancing around the corridor. "I think Snape was talking about Sirius Black. He said that someone had already tried going after me. Other than Voldemort, I can't remember anyone wanting me dead."

Ron nodded, glancing off towards the windows. "But who would he never hurt? And why?"

Harry shrugged. "We'll have to find out."