This is a really long chapter. To all of my wonderful reviewers who are a lovely light in the darkness!! Thank you so much for your reviews. You're all fantastic, honestly.

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Harry had never been one to judge a particular day of the week. In his experience every day had the potential to become very good or extraordinarily bad. However, he had decided already, before even having finished his breakfast that perhaps he Mondays were not to be trusted.

He sat holding his head up with his hand, his eyelids falling shut every few seconds as he listened to Sirius and James have one of the worst arguments he'd ever witnessed, and he'd witnessed a fair few, while Remus tried to mediate and Lily only made things worse.

"You're being a right git, Sirius, and I don't even know why." James spat out before shoving a large spoonful of eggs into his mouth.

Sirius' face contorted into an expression of pure loathing, and as he spoke there was malice laced in his tone. "You know perfectly well why. James."

"Well, the why don't you enlighten me?"

"The reason you think I'm being a git is because you are a damn fool, who cannot see beyond his own big head."

"MY big head! You're one to talk! Spending 15 minutes in front of the mirror every morning!" James' face had flushed a little at the insult and he stole a guilty glance at Lily.

"I'm not the one who flies around the pitch yelling orders like some sort of admiral." Sirius shot back.

"Perhaps if you spent a little less time tossing your hair and posing for your little fan club during practice I wouldn't have to remind you of what position you play."

"Guys. Why don't you settle down? People are starting to stare." Even Remus' quiet voice had an edge that showed he was tired of this argument.

"Quite!" Lily said snappily, "After all the both of you, have big heads so that's not really much of an argument!" She stood up and gathered her things and stormed out of the Great Hall.

"Now look what you've done!" James shouted at Sirius, and then he too, gathered his things and hurried after Lily.

After James' departure Sirius let out a long breath and Harry noted the sadness in his eyes as he grabbed his own bag and headed over to a group of Ravenclaw girls who were laughing and waving at him. Harry felt a pang deep in his heart as he watched one of the girls, Lauren something, lean into him and smile. Under the table his fist was clenched and the knuckles were white, he was wide awake now as he watched Sirius brush the hair out of Lauren's eyes and smile down at her.

He felt rage boiling under his skin and pure jealousy bubbling up at his core. He was wandering down an irrational train of thought when Remus' hand on his elbow brought him back.

"It's his way of dealing with things, Harry. It really means nothing to him. They don't ever mean anything to him." Remus' voice was low and Harry understood the other boy was walking a fine line between his two friends and that perhaps his loyalties were a bit confused.

"Well that explains a great deal." Harry's voice was colder than he'd intended, he watched as Sirius kissed Lauren's check and laughed as she turned a deep shade of red.

"Oh, Harry." Remus followed his gaze and shook his head. "I'm sorry, I just…I don't know what to say."

Harry sighed and gave Remus a little smile, "No matter, Rem. I'm just a bit out of sorts today. I suppose we have some sort of class that involves some sort of professor and something to do with learning, no doubt?"

"I suppose, we could always find something else to do though, avoid all that dreadful learning." Remus was standing now with his bag thrown over his shoulder.

Harry stood too and then pretended to stumble a bit in shock. "Remus! Oh dear. Prefects of old are rolling in their graves as they here the treachery of which you speak." He laid his hand across his heart for dramatic effect. Remus laughed and the boys headed out of the Great Hall.

As they came across the foyer, Remus stopped and stared wistfully out the open door that led to the courtyard. Harry came up and threw his arm about his shoulders.

"All sarcasm has root in truth, so they say." Harry smiled and stared out the door as well.

"Oh, lets just go." Harry laughed at Remus' purposeful stride and hurried to catch up.

It seemed, as though, the minute the set foot outside of the castle there was a kind of freedom thrown upon them. They raced down to the lake, making their way sneakily past the greenhouses and found a tree, perfectly hidden from view in all directions. It was a little oasis just for them.

They sat down and looked out over the lake saying nothing at all for several minutes. When suddenly Remus begun to laugh. Harry looked at him quizzically.

"I'm sorry, it's just that. Sirius and James have been trying to get me to skive class for nearly seven years now. They're going to be in a certain state when they discover I've been lazing about with you under a tree when we're supposed to be in potions." He continued to laugh and Harry shook his head.

"Lets not tell them today, it'll only start another row." Harry said picking at the grass.

"Why do you suppose Sirius is in such a mood? I mean, James and him have been playing quidditch for years. And James has always shouted orders at Sirius and Sirius has always flounced around showing off. Why it should result in a twenty minute argument today, is beyond me." Remus was digging through his bag, in search of either chocolate or a book. Harry said nothing and for a while Remus didn't notice. However, once he came up with two chocolate frogs and had handed one to Harry, he titled his head and raised his eyebrows.

"What?" Harry asked lightly as he bit off the right leg of his frog.

"What yourself. You're a bit off as well. Did something happen with you two? Is that why he's being so impossible?"

"Are you asking me if it's my fault?" Harry said looking out over the lake, one tentacle belonging to the giant Squid poked out above the surface for a minute before disappearing again.

"Oh, I'm sure it's his fault. But what did happen?" Remus was staring avidly at Harry, with a concerned look on his face. "Come on, Harry, if you can't talk to me…who will you tell?"

"Perhaps, I don't want to tell anybody." Harry looked at Remus and knew the boy was unconvinced. "Oh fine then. But you must promise not to go off and lecture him. I know you've been wanting to since I told you about the last time."

Remus sighed. "Well, all right then."

"Usually when you're up in the hospital wing, I put the silencing charm on to keep from waking the others," Harry raised a hand to stop Remus' protests. "I know, I know. What if there was a fire and I couldn't hear the warning. But, Remus, it's different when you're there. You wake me before it gets too bad off. When you're not…well I don't want everyone to know I'm slightly unhinged. But anyway, I was tired and I forgot to do the charm…"

Harry leaned back on his elbows and began telling Remus about the night before.

Flashback

Harry was trapped in his dreams again, he was in the midst of the battle but he wasn't fighting. He couldn't affect the things that were happening around him. He watched Hermione firing curses off at a two death eaters and he wanted to shout to her but he could not make the words come. He was forced to watch as a third came up behind her and a shot of green light hit her in the back. She fell in slow motion. And Harry screamed.

He wasn't sure how long he screamed but when he awoke he was panting and he could not slow the rush of tears that came to him. He sat up in his bed and wept. He was surprised when his bed curtains were pulled back and someone slid into the bed next to him. Maybe it was that he was already so unsettled, but irrationally he thought it was Remus, though he knew perfectly well it was not.

"I can't make it stop. I don't want to keep seeing them die." His voice was weak and tears continued to stream down his face.

It wasn't until the other boy had pulled Harry to him that Harry knew it was Sirius who was in his bed. Sirius held him tightly and they lay down. Harry wanted to object, to pull away, but he was far too exhausted. He let himself be held and let the tears run their course. Sirius gently ran a hand through Harry's hair and whispered to him.

"It'll be all right. I promise. You're all right."

And Harry had cried. When he had cried himself dry he turned in Sirius' arms and faced him. He stared for a long time in silence at the beautiful boy, there was worry in the grey eyes and Harry felt like crying again when he saw it. He put his hand on the boy's cheek and pushed Sirius' long black hair out of his eyes.

And then they were kissing, but unlike before it was soft and gentle. Sirius was tentative when his tongue gained entrance into Harry's mouth and it was a kiss that seemed to go on forever. When Sirius finally pulled back, Harry thought he would push him away. But Sirius pulled him closer and held him tightly. And Harry had fallen asleep.

When he woke up the next morning, Sirius had already gone. They had quidditch practice so James was gone as well. He showered and dressed and made his bed. And he was getting ready to leave just as James and Sirius came back. There was a definite tension between them and James slammed his way into the bathroom. Sirius followed banging on the door.

"Oi! There's more than one shower in there." He yelled.

"Well I don't care to be any closer to you than necessary." James shouted through the door. "So you can just wait until I'm done!"

"Fine!"

"Good!"

Sirius had stormed around the room for a while, before he finally relented and looked at Harry who had been watching him.

"I just wanted to say thank you, for last night." Harry offered.

"Fine. Well. Good." Sirius' voice was hard and he didn't meet Harry's eyes.

"Sirius…" Harry wanted to say so many things.

"Don't, Pierson, just leave it. It wasn't a big deal." Sirius said as he began to change. Harry looked away.

"Right then. I'm going to get Remus for breakfast." Sirius didn't acknowledge him as he walked out the door.

End Flashback

Harry looked at Remus who looked caught between anger and guilt. "Harry I'm sorry."

"Oh come off it. You couldn't have been there. I should have remembered the charm." Harry pushed him lightly.

"Sirius shouldn't be doing this to you. Nothing has happened in weeks though right?"

"Not since the bathroom." Harry sighed.

"You sure I can't lecture him just a little?" Remus gave him what he probably thought was a puppy dog type look.

"No. Leave it. You promised." Harry looked at him sternly.

"Oh all right. But he'd deserve it." Remus stated firmly. "Anyway, I was thinking we should find you someone else anyway…there's this guy in Ravenclaw, Tim or Tony something…"

Remus had rambled for a while about Tim or Tony for a while. And they had gradually left Sirius behind.

"So, are you going home for Christmas then?" Harry asked Remus.

"I suppose. I really wish I didn't have to. But with whatever it is that they're doing at the school. I can't stay here over break." Remus' voice was sad.

They had been told the week before that all students would have to leave over Christmas break because there was some sort of conference being held, and wizards were coming from all over Europe.

"I was thinking…I'm going to start looking for a house in London. I've got all the inheritance and I have to have somewhere to go after school is finished. Would you consider coming to stay with me over break?" Harry asked.

"Harry, I would love to—but it wouldn't be safe." Remus shook his head.

"We could find a place with a cellar and see about getting it warded and have a silencing charm put up." Harry said, "I know there are wizards who'll do it for pay."

"That will be very expensive. You shouldn't go to all the trouble."

"Rem. Come on, don't be all noble. It's not a favor to you really. I can't imagine being all alone for nearly two months. And maybe if I don't bother you too much, we can just live together after school lets out too. You wouldn't have to deal with your father and his prejudice anymore." Harry looked at him, "I don't have many friends, none so good as you."

Remus smiled brightly at this, "Well, when you put it like that. It's hard to refuse."

"Good. It's settled then. You'll write to your parents?" Harry smiled.

"Straight away."

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They were nearly late to their dueling class after having skipped out of Potions entirely. When they slid through the door they were met with a curious look and a thumbs up from James and a stony look from Sirius. Soon enough, a tall black man entered the room. He was dressed in auror's robes and strode to the front of the room.

"Hello. I am Kingsley Shaklebolt. I'm a third tier auror, which is to say I've been out of training and on direct duty for three years. For those of you interested in a career your training lasts about two yeas, followed by a one-year trial period and then you begin your direct duty. I will be teaching this class once a week. I do apologize for having to start so late, but there were pressing matters at the Ministry that kept me away…"

Harry smiled at Kingsley. The man looked exactly as he had when he had known him. The same proud and strong air about him. He switched his attention to Sirius who was sitting in the corner alone. He looked simply bored, but Harry sensed he was brooding.

Finally, after walking through the basics of dueling etiquette he called Remus and a Ravenclaw boy named Toby to the front. Remus caught Harry's eye and winked inclining his head toward the other boy. Harry laughed silently but looked over the other boy. He had an almost auburn colored hair and deep brown eyes. He was attractive no doubt, but he seemed too soft around the edges for Harry. The boys began to duel and three curses in Remus had brought it to the end with a full body bind and a silencing charm.

"Well done, Mr. Lupin. Now you stay here and who would like to have the next go. We'll see who can't stay up here the longest."

James jumped up at once and the duel between the two friends was quite exciting to watch. Remus was felled, however, when he moved too quickly in avoidance of a jelly-legs curse and tripped. He fell to the ground and didn't have time to get his shield spell up before James shot the full body bind off at him.

Harry remained silent as each person rotated through, James lasted four rounds only to be ousted by Sirius who then lasted through until a small, frightened Hufflepuff girl had somehow managed to disarm him who lasted only two seconds against Severus Snape. Harry stepped up; this was who he had been waiting for.

They bowed to each other and Harry silently raised his shield. Snape's first two curses were shot out in rapid succession but bounced off Harry's shield and rebounded on to the bricks. Harry quickly dropped his shield and shot of three curses right after another.

The second curse hit its mark and Snape was laughing uncontrollably. He aimed his wand at Harry, who sidestepped it easily. Harry threw another curse at Snape as he was attempting to mutter the counter to the laughing spell. Suddenly Snape's hair was bright pink and growing very quickly. Finally able to stop his laughter, Snape did not even notice his hair and sent off another group of curses Harry's way. One hit Harry in the left leg and he felt as if he had been dunked in freezing water. Shivering he muttered 'finite' and turned his attention back to Snape who had managed to stop his hair from growing but could not make it shorter or change the color back. He now had pink hair down to the middle of his back. His face was furiously red and Harry laughed.

"You know, Severus, they say pink is the new black." At Harry's words the other boy's face grew even redder and he growled.

"Shut up, Pierson."

"Original." Harry laughed as he simply stepped to the side to avoid another of Snape's curses. He yawned and shot another curse at the man who was suddenly wrapped in ropes and fell to the ground.

"Well, done Harry. Very well done." Kinglsey slapped him on the back and turned to the class. "You see how calm Mr. Pierson was? Mr. Snape you could take a lesson on it. When you get emotional during a duel you lose focus, when you lose focus you lose the duel."

"Very well. I would like you to pick a partner and practice twice a week. No harming each other please. And give me one foot on two spells that are not normally used in dueling which could be beneficial."

The class filed out with an excited burst of energy, a few of the girls were talking about how gorgeous Kingsley was and others were still laughing about Snape's pink hair. Remus and James caught up with Harry followed by a quiet and sullen Sirius.

" You really are good, mate. Maybe the four of us could practice all together?" James asked, his bad mood from the morning completely gone.

"Sounds good to me."

Remus headed off to History of Magic, while the boys had a free period. The remaining three headed off to Gryffindor tower. Along the way they lost Sirius to Lauren who 'happened' to be waiting just down the hall for no apparent reason.

"So, I've been thinking about what you said. And after this morning with what Sirius said, I wanted to ask you if you think it's true that I have too big a head." James' voice was serious and he didn't look at Harry when he spoke.

Harry looked at him. "Well, it is a little large but it does seem proportionate with the rest of you."

James looked at him for a moment not comprehending before it dawned on him and he smacked Harry in the arm. "You know what I mean."

"Well, I don't think Lily really thinks that. Which is really what you're asking." Harry smiled at James' blush. "She was just fed up with the argument. I think you're really starting to get somewhere with her."

James' grin widened. "I think so too. I really do."

"Speak of the devil." Harry said and waved at Lily who was coming down the hall. "Hey there. Head girl. How's it going?"

Lily made her way to the boys. "Did you hear about Professor Sprout? Apparently she got roughed up by the Whomping Willow while pruning it. And has cancelled her classes for the day."

"She alright though?" James asked and Lily beamed at him.

"I'm sure. Pomfrey will take care of her."

"Good, then."

Harry gave James a thumbs up when Lily turned to speak with a girl who was passing by.

"So what are you plans then for the afternoon?" Lily asked turning back. "I'm heading to the library to get a start on the Potions essay…where were you in potions by the way?"

Harry smiled mischievously. "Wouldn't you like to know."

"You know Harry, we've got N.E. coming up and you should really not skip class, I hope Remus isn't ill again. He wasn't in class either."

"Oh I'm sure he's fine, my dearest Head Girl." Harry laughed and James shook his head.

"You know you can stop with this 'head girl' nonsense, really." Lily tossed her long hair back over her shoulder.

"I could…" Harry laughed and Lily pushed him lightly.

"So, anyone for the Library then?" She said.

"I'll go. I may as well get this essay out of the way too." James said and Harry winked at him.

"All right. Lets go then. See you 'round, Harry." Lily and James made there way toward the library and Harry continued wandering down the hall with no direction really.

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Harry had spent the free period in the common room playing a game of chess with one of the fourth year boys, named Michael. Finally, it was time for lunch and he made his way alone down to the Great Hall. Class was just about to be let out so he figured he'd wait in the foyer for the others.

He was just about to come around the corner to the foyer when he heard footsteps behind him. He turned to find Snape, and younger versions of Crabbe and Goyle coming up behind him.

"Well, well, well. Pierson. Nobody to protect you now is there." Snape's drawled.

"I'm very well capable at protecting myself, as you saw earlier." Harry smiled.

"Such ego." Snape bit out. And without hesitation he threw a hex at Harry.

Harry was quicker and his shield was up causing the curse to bounce off and hit Goyle, his face erupting in boils. Snape pointed his wand at Goyle and muttered the counter. Then all three of them faced Harry and sent hexes his way. Harry dodged and blocked some of them but was hit in his right shoulder with a hammer curse, which made a sickening cracking noise.

The curses flew and Crabbe was hit with a leg-locker curse, while Goyle battled with a vine that was slowly encircling him. Again, Snape came to their rescue and they came back in full force.

A crowd had started to gather, Harry was only seeing them threw the periphery of his eyes. He momentarily thought that a teacher should be by soon but that distraction had caused him to be once again hit with the freezing charm Snape had used earlier.

Curses continued to be thrown, Harry was shivering but didn't have time to counter the curse. He pushed on and was thrown back as Snape tried to disarm him, but he kept his wand. From the ground he hit Crabbe with a stupefy and the large boy was left unconscious on the ground.

"You're a coward, Snape. Can't even fight your own battles." He threw out the words as he sent another stunning spell at Snape who blocked it.

"What is going on—HARRY!" It was Lily, with James in tow.

"Ah, the cavalry." Snape said and Harry turned to look at them. Remus had arrived as well and Sirius was with him with a strange look on his face. This moment of consideration cost Harry greatly.

"Sectumsempra!" Snape shouted and Harry's shield was too late. He felt the invisible knives tear through his damaged skin cutting deep. Harry brought his hand to his lower abdomen and it when he brought it back up it was covered in blood. There were several screams from the gathered students and Harry saw through the black spots appearing in his vision that Sirius had jumped Snape and was beating the other boy with his fists. James caught up to him and was trying to pull him off while Remus and Lily were suddenly at his side.

"Somebody get a teacher!" Lily yelled and two girls ran off. Harry's vision was getting dim and he was standing only by sheer force of will. "And POMFREY!"

"Harry? It's going to be all right. We'll get Pomfrey. She's coming." Remus' voice was soft and it comforted him.

Suddenly the room spun violently and all Harry could mutter was "Bloody hell." Before the darkness overtook him.

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AN: For all you people who don't like evil Snape, give me the benefit of the doubt. Snape is a conflicting character and we shall be seeing more sides of him soon.

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