A/N: VERY IMPORTANT: The alter named Kit has merged with Harry. She no longer exists as someone separate. She will never come Out again. I'm sorry that wasn't clear, but when Harry had come to accept that touch was comforting and could be good, he was able to fully understand Kit and allow her back into himself.

However, her characteristics aren't gone, but will be seen subtly in Harry's personality from now on. For example, the way he plays piano is much more passionate and he laughs and smiles more. He also is able to join in activities just for the fun of it and to relax, like Exploding Snap or flying. He even seeks out physical comfort from Remus. These are all things that he would never have done had Kit not merged with him again.

A/N2: This chapter is especially dedicated to my beta, EmySabath, and one of my most thorough reviewers, Staryday. I had trouble with Gabriel's part. I know who his character is, but was not able to fully get into his head for some reason. They both helped me and without them I wouldn't have been able to show Gabriel as the dynamic character he is and would have left him abstract and flat. THANK YOU!

Hiding in Defeat

Harry woke the morning of the Quidditch game to find that the rain of the past two days had become a raging storm. The winds were howling and the rain was coming down so hard that it was dark as night outside even though the sun was now over the horizon. He dressed hurriedly and jogged into the Great Hall. His team was already there and was very agitated.

"What's going on? Is the match canceled?" Harry asked.

"Nah." Fred grinned. "Quidditch is canceled for nothing. But the Slytherins chickened out. We're playing Hufflepuff instead."

"They said Malfoy's arm isn't healed enough to allow him to play." George scowled. "They just didn't like their chances in this weather."

Harry wondered if Snape had been hinting at this last night. Now that he thought about it, it had been odd for him to say "scheduled to play". He shook his head with a wry smile. Some things would never change about his teacher.

"We've been practicing moves assuming we were playing Slytherin, and Hufflepuff's style is quite different. Our plays won't work anymore and they've got a new Captain and Seeker, Cedric Diggory, who's excellent!" Oliver yelled, having a panic attack.

Harry said nothing as the rest of the team tried to calm their captain. He looked out the window and grimaced. Maybe Oliver was right. It was going to be next to impossible to see the Snitch in this mess. Even so, when he followed the team outside, he saw the whole school had turned out to watch the game.

He stood in the locker room's doorway, watching several umbrellas swirl and dance across the pitch, having been ripped from people's hands. Thunder rolled every few seconds, shaking Harry to his bones. At least the lightening was frequent and bright. It made catching the snitch slightly less of an impossibility.

The two teams walked out into the storm. The captains shook hands and they all pushed off. Harry's Nimbus swerved in the wind, but Harry held firm and squared into the rain, regaining control. It took only minutes for him to become completely soaked and his teeth to start chattering. His Quidditch robes were heavy and dragged at him, making flying all the more difficult. Without being able to hear the commentary, he had no idea what was happening. Water on his glasses and the flood falling from the sky made him practically blind.

An hour later, Harry's hands were so numb he was having a hard time staying on the broom. He almost whooped out loud when he heard Madam Hooch's sharp whistle. Swerving like a drunk, Harry made his way back to the ground and ran over to where his team was huddling under an umbrella. Fred cast a drying charm at him and George cast one for warmth. He smiled gratefully at the twins.

"We're up fifty points." Oliver yelled over the thunder. "We have to get the snitch soon."

"I've got no chance with these on." Harry admitted and gestured sharply at his smeared glasses.

At that moment, Hermione ran up yelling that she had an idea. She grabbed Harry's glasses right off his face and cast a spell none of them could hear over the wind. She beamed excitedly as she handed them back. Harry put them on and found he could see again. They repelled water. The team hugged her and she ran back to the stands with a dark blush on her cheeks.

"Okay, team, let's win this!" Oliver bellowed hoarsely and they were all air-born again.

Harry was soon numb and soaked once again, but he smiled in anticipation. He could still see! He looked everywhere as he flew, dodging players and Bludgers. Lightening flashed and shot through the sky and he saw clearly the outline of a Grim on top of the stands. He shook his bangs out of his eyes and the dog was gone. Frowning deeply, he flew closer for a better look when a flash of gold caught his eye.

The snitch!

He turned and bolted for it. Cedric saw him and raced toward it a second after Harry. Harry was closer and he had seen it first, so it was his outstretched hand gaining ground. Just a little more! Something ice cold uncoiled in his stomach. Cedric was right on him, and Harry's hand was almost around the small golden ball. But then his hand fell away and he swerved, slowing dramatically as vertigo rose up and almost knocked him from his broom.

He hung on for dear life, fifty feet from the ground, as darkness ate at his vision and silence slowly crashed down around his ears. He was just able to see terrifying forms gliding onto the pitch under him when he fell, listening to a horrible chorus screaming in agony and terror in his head.

xXxXxXx

A headache so powerful he thought he was being cursed woke Harry. It took several minutes for his eyes to focus and for him to recognize he was in the infirmary. The Gryffindor team surrounded him and as one began consoling him about losing the game. Cedric had grabbed the snitch while he was falling.

Harry hardly listened to them. He was too busy concentrating on his breathing exercise and stopping a panic attack. He felt like at any moment he'd fall to little pieces, sobbing and screaming. His head hurt really, really bad and he felt nauseous. Sweat soaked his skin and his hair was plastered to his head as if he had never been dried off from the rain. To escape everyone leaning in around him, he pulled his knees up to his chest and hid his face against them. His hands came up to grip roughly at his hair.

He barely noticed Pomfrey telling the team to leave and let him rest. When it got quiet, he peaked out and saw that Hermione and Ron were still standing next to him. When his two friends saw they had his attention, they immediately began to tell him everything that happened. He could do nothing, but sit helplessly and listen.

"Dumbledore was really angry." Hermione said in a quaking voice. "I've never seen him like that before. He ran onto the field as you fell, waved his wand and you sort of slowed down before you hit the ground. Then he whirled his wand at the dementors. Shot silver stuff at them. Snape was right behind him doing the same thing."

"Then Dumbledore magicked you onto a stretcher." Ron continued. "And walked up to school with you floating on it behind him. Flitwick and the other teachers showed up and he noticed your broom had blown away."

"I'm sorry, Harry." Hermione was crying. "It hit… it hit… oh, Harry, it hit the Whomping Willow."

Harry moaned and hid his face against his knees again. He just wanted everyone to go away. Why were Ron and Hermione telling him all this? His head hurt and he was scared. What did he care what happened? Pomfrey noticed his distress and shooed his friends from the room. He didn't uncurl even when they were gone and ignored Pomfrey's coaxing.

Eventually, she gave up and wandered away. He didn't know how long he sat like that. But it felt like only a second before a gentle hand touched his head. He looked out and found Remus standing beside him and so was Snape. He uncurled gratefully as Remus sat next to him and pulled him into a comforting embrace, murmuring soft nothings into his hair and rocking slightly.

Harry was embarrassed, especially with Snape standing right there, but he needed to be held bad enough that he didn't pull away from Remus. His blush began to fade when he found no derision or scorn in Snape's dark eyes. Harry could only see concern and that made his fear lessen, and suddenly he was crying into Remus' shoulder.

xXxXxXx

Severus had felt his blood run cold when he and Lupin had come in to find Harry shaking and rocking mindlessly on the hospital bed. Had the child lost his mind? Was he now too hurt to be healed? He had never been as grateful to anyone as he was to Lupin when the man immediately wrapped the boy in his arms and rocked him. Harry responded, and Severus' knees almost gave from relief when the child's green eyes met his and there was intelligence still there.

He stood silently until the boy's crying eased into nothing. "Get some rest if you can. If you can't sleep, use this."

He put a vial of Dreamless Sleep on the bedside. Harry didn't smile as he normally would, but his tired eyes did shine briefly with relief and gratitude. The broken teen reached out a small clammy hand and Severus took it, squeezing gently. That got a shadow of a smile from the boy and Severus found himself smiling back as Harry relaxed even more into Lupin's embrace. His dull green eyes began to droop closed, obviously feeling safe enough to sleep without the potion.

Suddenly Severus heard himself say, "It'll be alright, Harry. One of us will be here when you wake. We won't leave you alone."

Lupin smiled knowingly and he sneered, hiding his embarrassment. Spinning, his cloak billowing about him, he stalked from the room. He was just at the infirmary door when he heard the blasted werewolf say softly, "We love you, Harry. Sleep. We're watching over you and will keep you safe." Damn right was all he found himself thinking in response. And that scared him. It really did.

xXxXxXx

For two days, Harry was kept in the hospital wing. His teachers kept their promise and one of them was always with him. Snape would sit and read, sometimes absently lecturing him about potions. Remus would tell him funny stories and hold him. He had come to enjoy the way his teacher would constantly try and fix his hair by running his fingers through it. They both laughed at the hopelessness of it ever lying flat, but Remus wouldn't give up.

Harry didn't talk much, but he was responding to conversation by shaking or nodding his head, smiling, and frowning. Neither Snape nor Remus pushed him and when Pomfrey started chiding him, the men had shut her up quick. Harry was deeply grateful for their support and promised himself he'd find a way to make it up to both of them.

His other friends visited, but Pomfrey shooed them out quickly and would wink at Harry when he smiled his thanks. Ron had offered to get rid of the pieces of his shattered Nimbus, but Harry gave the broken broom to Remus to keep instead. He had loved that broom and he couldn't bear to destroy any of the pieces. Remus understood and didn't say anything teasing about it.

xXxXxXx

Monday came and Pomfrey released him. Harry thought he could handle class again. He felt much better, but as soon as he entered the Great Hall, he was struck with dread. The crowds and chaotic noise was all too much for him. He knew he couldn't handle facing the school or classes yet. He began to shake and retreated from the whole scene.

Silas slipped into his place easily. Harry's shaking stopped and color came back into his pale face. Casually, Silas wiped at his sweaty forehead and continued on to the Gryffindor table with a graceful stride. He was almost to his seat when Malfoy and his goons appeared before him. The blonde's bandages were finally off and glee sparkled in his eyes.

"Have a nice trip, Potter?" He laughed. "Did you piss yourself as you fell into the dementors' arms? I bet they only wanted to give you a little kiss!"

Silas took a smooth step forward, a silky smile on his lips as the Slytherins roared with laughter and the Gryffindors stood with angry growls. Malfoy's eyes widened in surprise as Silas put his face right in front of the blonde's and spoke so quietly that only the two of them could hear his words.

"Be careful, Draco, or you'll be getting kissed as well. You're nowhere near as impressive as your father and won't escape the consequences of your crimes as easily. If I were you, I'd play to my strengths and start being cunning instead of arrogant."

Silas continued on to his seat, leaving a gaping and silent Malfoy behind him. The Gryffindors looked uncertain, but followed his example and retook their seats. Silas smirked as Ron and Hermione demanded to know what he had done. He took great pleasure in ignoring them and was further rewarded by Hermione stalking off in a huff and Ron glowering at him silently. Yes, that was much better.

xXxXxXx

Severus watched Silas with narrowed eyes. Whenever the boy looked up to find his eyes on him, he'd smirk and lazily add another ingredient to the potion. Of course, it turned out perfect and when Ron got all excited about them finally doing it exactly right, he poured ginger in, causing it to turn into black useless sludge.

"H-Harry!" Ron cried, horrified and shocked.

"Oops." Silas said sarcastically.

Ron went nuts. Severus kicked him out of the room for yelling, took fifty points, and had everyone begin cleaning their stations. Ten minutes later, class was over. He called for Harry to stay after. No one waited for him, but Silas didn't look like he cared. In fact, the teen looked smug.

"What's going on?" Severus demanded.

"Just filling in for Harry, Professor Snape." Silas answered lazily as he flicked imaginary lint off his sleeve. "He didn't feel up to school today."

"Why are you baiting Harry's friends?" He glared. "I don't think he'll appreciate it when he comes back."

"Most likely." Silas agreed with a slow nod, but then his eyes narrowed with disgust. "But I don't really care. Those brats don't really have any concern for Harry. 'I hope everything's fine with the Dursleys' is what they wrote, I believe. They knew Harry wasn't okay, but all they did was give him useless words and continue on to talk about themselves. We don't need them. Harry may not know what true friendship is, but I do, and it isn't what they're offering. Now, if you'll excuse me, Professor, I am already late for lunch."

Severus stared speechless at his empty classroom. For the first time in a very long time, he had no idea what to do.

xXxXxXx

Remus was very confused. All through class Harry had been sitting in the back yawning sarcastically every ten minutes or so to display his boredom. He wondered what he'd done to get Harry so angry at him. Harry always loved his class. Ron and Hermione looked to be on no better terms with the teen and Remus' confusion turned to worry.

"Harry, please stay after." He called as class let out. Harry remained seated and didn't approach until the room was empty. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong." Silas drawled. "I was just wondering why you are teaching about hinkypunks. This is Defense Against the Dark Arts. Leave the creatures to Hagrid. You're supposed to teach us how to defend ourselves."

"I think I understand." Remus said sadly and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. Silas sneered at it, but didn't move away. "You're angry with me because I haven't taught you how to defend against dementors."

"I'm well aware you know how. You did it on the train." Silas agreed coldly. "Don't get me wrong. You're the best teacher we've had in this subject, but that really isn't hard to achieve."

"I'm sorry I let you down, Harry." Remus said, his face aging with hurt and remorse.

"Make it up to me." Silas coaxed gently, allowing his face to look hopeful and warm. At least that's what he hoped it looked like. "Teach me how to beat a dementor. Please."

"It's a powerful and difficult spell." Remus said slowly. "I'm still weak from being sick, but I know how much you want this. How about we work on it when we come back from holidays?"

Silas considered demanding they do it now, but knew Harry would never forgive him if he pushed Remus away. So he nodded and forced himself to smile as he endured Lupin's loving hug.

xXxXxXx

Harry woke up as soon as Silas returned to the tower after dinner. He was sitting on his bed with his journal open in his lap. He read Silas' summary of the day's events. He felt bad about being weak and turning away. He felt guilty for Silas annoying his friends. But he was still thankful that he hadn't had to deal with the day.

After mildly scolding his alter, he made his way to the common room. It took nearly half an hour to get Ron and Hermione to forgive him. Afterwards, he snuck out under his invisibility cloak to go see Snape. He was afraid he'd see disappointment in his face, but Snape was as calm as ever.

"It just felt like too much." Harry explained to him. "Everyone was goofing off and talking. I just wanted to run away somewhere quiet, and I guess that's exactly what I did since it made an alter come Out."

"It was Silas." Severus offered. "Do you think you will be able to face tomorrow?"

"I don't know." Harry sighed. "Probably. Ummm… I know it's late, but can I play for a little while?"

"You may." Severus cleared the space and listened to the piano's music.

xXxXxXx

Harry wasn't fine the next day, but it was Gabriel who came Out to cover for him. At first, things were going really well. Ron and Hermione didn't seem to notice he was acting different and got on well with Gabriel's laidback manner. But this peace only lasted until the first class.

"I can't take anymore." Gabriel growled and stood.

Class had only begun fifteen minutes ago and Gabriel was hard pressed to stay awake. He didn't appreciate the enforced sleep at all. And he couldn't have repeated a single word of the dead professor's lecture. This was a waste of time. They all knew it. And like hell was he going to sit there and meekly sleep away time that they could have spent doing more valuable things. The professor's monotone voice tapered off as the ghost realized one of his students was standing and glaring at him. The rest of the class began to stir awake in response to the silence.

"I don't know what your story is." The teen began, looking hard into the ghost's face. "But you obviously care about this subject. Why else would you continue teaching day after day, year after year? I admire that dedication, but can't you see what you're doing? You're putting us to sleep. We're learning nothing from you! We walk out of this class everyday with nothing gained! Is that really what you want to see happen to this subject? I think it's time for you to move on to something else. If not for yourself or us, then for the subject you're so devoted too."

"My teaching is not for you to question." Professor Binns said dryly. "Perhaps if you had more interest and put in more effort…"

"It has nothing to do with interest or effort." Gabriel's glare became more intense, feeling insulted. "It is your job to teach us and you're failing at it. If any of your students do well, it is because they have good books!"

"Detention, Mr. Potter. Your Head of House will assign it." The ghost then fell silent, his eyes roving over the class.

Some students had indentations on their face from sleeping with their head on their desk. Others had drool stains on their cheeks or were wiping at their eyes. The ghost slowly began to shift and drift in agitation. He hadn't noticed, but what the child was saying was true. Horror and resignation spread across his fading face. He had never wanted this for his students. Somewhere along the way he had lost his ardor for teaching and it had become mechanical. He had forgotten his purpose.

"You are right." He said and his voice sounded more alive than it had in a century. With each word, it got more distant, like coming from the end of a very long tunnel. "I am not conveying history any longer, but crippling it. It is time I moved on."

A few people gasped and all were staring in awe as their teacher began to dissolve before their eyes. As soon as the last wisp of the ghost was gone, everyone burst into loud conversation. No one looked over at Gabriel, now sitting with a triumphant smile. They weren't sure what to think. Hermione and Ron weren't as restrained.

"What was that, mate?" Ron demanded.

"I don't know if that was such a good idea!" Hermione cried.

"I didn't make him do anything that he didn't want to do." Gabriel protested. "Come on, guys. You know we'll all be better off! This class was a joke."

"Harry Potter! What have you done now?" McGonagall came storming into the classroom. "I just got another notice of a detention for you! And you better have a decent explanation! I've held my peace after confronting Professor Snape for your excessive detentions, but this is ridiculous!"

Her tirade cut off abruptly as she stared at the empty desk where Professor Binns had been sitting. Her mouth firmed into an almost invisible straight line and she barked out a demand to know what had happened. Everyone began speaking at once, but she must have understood for she grabbed Gabriel by the arm and marched him from the room.

"Everyone stay seated. The Headmaster will be with you shortly."

"Where're we going?" Gabriel asked innocently, pulling his arm carefully free of the woman's grip.

McGonagall glared at him and didn't answer. He followed her silently and wasn't surprised when they ended up in her office. She sat in the chair behind her desk and glared at him. He gave her a rueful smile that didn't faze her in the least.

"Oh, come on. I didn't do anything wrong." He said with a slight glare of his own.

"Professor Binns has been with us for three hundred years." McGonagall snapped. "If that isn't enough, you've just earned your twenty-fourth detention! I'm really disappointed, Mr. Potter."

Gabriel rolled his eyes and crossed his arms across his chest as he met the woman head on. "I didn't do anything wrong. If he's been here three hundred years, then you know it was time he left. As for my detentions, I'm serving them, aren't I? I don't see why you're complaining if I'm not."

"Mr. Potter!" She exclaimed, outraged. "Obviously you're learning nothing from these detentions! Now I can see why Professor Snape insists that you need them. You will serve two detentions with him later this week and I hope you learn respect from this."

"Two?" Gabriel stood. "Binns only gave me one!"

"And I'm giving you another! Take your seat!" McGonagall yelled.

"What for?" Gabriel shook his head in disgust. "I think it's my turn to be disappointed. Maybe Silas was right about you all along. I thought you were a fair person."

"Mr. Potter! I have not dismissed you. Return this instant!" She screeched as the teen went to the door.

Gabriel ignored her and left the office. Classes had let out and he hurried to the charms classroom. Hermione and Ron were waiting for him. "Did you get in trouble?" Ron asked sympathetically.

"Yeah. Two detentions, can you believe it? What happened after I left?"

"Dumbledore came in and told us he'd teach Binns' classes for the rest of the year." Hermione answered. "He's rather good. We've begun studying the days of Merlin. It isn't at all like what the non-magic people believed."

"So I was right?" Gabriel asked smugly as they took their seats.

Hermione scowled at him and turned to listen to the lecture. Ron snickered at his side. He hadn't been there more than half an hour when the headmaster came into the room, smiling and twinkling at the class. Flitwick respectfully stopped his lecture. Gabriel knew why Dumbledore was there and stood, grabbing his things without being asked. Dumbledore chuckled.

"I need to borrow Harry for a moment." He said.

"Of course." Flitwick squeaked and waved for Harry to go even though Gabriel was already halfway out the door.

Gabriel! You moron! Silas hissed. The headmaster can't learn of us!

He won't. Gabriel answered, a smug smile curling his lips.

Will you please think outside of your delusions of your all-mighty power for one minute? Silas drawled icily. This man can see through invisibility cloaks. He is powerful and a master manipulator. He is crafty enough to corner you into admitting all kinds of things that we can't afford to have him become aware of.

Dumbledore is not here to 'get us'. Gabriel growled. I've never been on the bandwagon of hating the man. He does what he has to and protects us as much as he can. He's only a man. Powerful, but still human. I can handle him. Now shut up! You're distracting me!

"Harry?" Dumbledore questioned softly.

It sounded like he had tried to get his attention more than once. Gabriel blinked and looked around quickly. He was standing in front of the headmaster's desk in the office. He offered a sheepish smile and the headmaster beamed back at him, twinkling once again.

"Take a seat, my boy. Lemon drop?"

Gabriel sat and shook his head at the candy when Silas demanded he eat and drink nothing while with the headmaster. Gabriel didn't see a problem with it, but was willing to humor the Slytherin if it meant his silence. The headmaster smiled again and slipped a lemon drop into his mouth.

"Your Head of House has talked to me. She is most displeased with you." He offered as an opening gambit.

"We didn't see eye to eye about Professor Binns." Gabriel offered.

"Hmmm… yes." Dumbledore leaned forward. "What happened in class, Harry?"

"I just got to thinking." Gabriel answered carefully, consciously trying to sound like their Host. "It must be hard to teach the same thing over and over for so long. I mean, he was doing it even after he died. It must mean he liked history a lot and thought it was important, right? But I didn't know anything about the subject really cause I couldn't stay awake. I thought it was sad and just couldn't sit and do nothing, Headmaster. I didn't mean harm by speaking up. I wanted to help everyone."

"Very noble, Harry." Dumbledore approved. "Though you have just made me a teacher short, I am very proud of you. I have been trying for years to help Professor Binns pass on. You did the right thing."

"Does that mean I don't have to go to detention?" Gabriel smiled, happy with the return of justice.

"I have revoked the detention you received for speaking up in class, but you will still serve the one assigned to you by Professor McGonagall. She cares about you, Harry, and you should show her more respect."

Say yes, Gabriel! Silas demanded, but Gabriel frowned. It wasn't in him to concede an inch, especially when he felt he was in the right. Gabriel, please. I'm asking you to just let this one go. Sacrifice a moment of your pride to protect Harry and the rest of us.

"Yes, Headmaster." Gabriel answered, his frown fading into a blank expression.

But Dumbledore could still see the mild anger in his expressive green eyes, "I'll put in a good word for you to Professor Snape. I'm sure he won't be too hard on you."

"Thank you." Gabriel bowed his head slightly and stood to leave.

xXxXxXx

You killed Binns? Harry wrote slowly after he read Gabriel's summery of the day.

I didn't kill him! Gabriel protested. He was already dead. I just pointed out that maybe it was time he should move on and he agreed with me.

Gabriel! Harry wrote firmly. Can't you just lay low? I promise I won't put you on the spot like this much longer, but I need you and Silas to do this favor for me just a little bit longer. Please? I can't get into anymore trouble!

Sorry. Gabriel wrote guiltily. I didn't mean to get you in trouble, Harry, but that situation was intolerable!

I know. Harry sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Just… tolerate things for a little while. Okay?

I'll do my best. Gabriel answered.

Thank you. Harry smiled and lay back on his bed tiredly.

xXxXxXx

This went on for a week, Silas and Gabriel taking turns every other day. They had toned down their opinions after the disaster that led to them being sent to the headmaster's office, but everyone was beginning to get suspicious. Hermione was the worst. She was going around explaining to everyone what Bi-polar Disorder was and trying to convince all of Gryffindor Harry had it.

This of course made Ron and the others worry. The whole House began mother-henning him and Silas and Gabriel refused to come Out anymore. They couldn't deal with it any longer without snapping and making their thoughts on the matter painfully clear. Harry took control back to prevent that and had to face everyone once again.

He did feel stronger than he had at the beginning of the week, but he still felt shaky so he snuck out every night to play his piano in Snape's warded classroom and managed to shake Ron and Hermione off every other day to visit Remus for lunch. The werewolf was so glad to be forgiven and had taken to hugging him tightly as a greeting. Slowly, Harry's mental balance returned.

After a week of being 'normal', Gryffindor backed off. Much to Harry and his alters' relief. Ron and Hermione remained worried and decided to stay at Hogwarts instead of going home for Christmas, so that they could keep an eye on him. Harry was glad they were staying, but was annoyed with their eyes constantly watching him. He could only hope that their vigilance let up before anything else happened.

Chapter end.

Answers to common questions:

1) Why did no one notice Harry wasn't at the Dursley's over the summer? Well, no one really checks up on Harry. He is usually on his own to make his way to the platform unless the Weasley's come for him, which they didn't in the summer between second and third year. And he did get his letters and owls, so no one would think anything of it. At least in my story. grins

2) I've gotten complaints that Harry is too quickly calling Professor Lupin, "Remus". In the books, Harry doesn't spend that much time with the professor. He grows to trust and like the man, but only has a handful of talks with him. In my story, Harry spends a lot more time with Remus. He has lunch alone with him twice a week since the start of school and they talk a lot more. So I reason that they'd become closer quicker.

3) Why did I choose to merge Kit before the others? Surely he would have been better off to merge Gabriel and Silas to make him stronger so he could handle the trauma Kit held better. Well, Gabriel and Silas are both strong characters, but they also have their weaknesses. Harry without them is kinda like a Hufflepuff. He is steady, focused, childlike, and serious.

Gabriel wouldn't really know how to confront something in the past. How do you beat something that has already happened? He'd only heighten the feelings of helplessness that the situation would cause, making it harder to get past. And even with merging with her first, Harry has by no means gotten over it yet. You'll see that clearly later.

Silas would want revenge and feel wronged. That's all well and good, but revenge isn't going to help Harry come to terms with his own feelings and his own wounds. Indulging in revenge is only continuing to avoid the problem, so Harry should come to terms with what happened and heal before seeking revenge. At least, that's my theory.