Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Harry Potter, or anything else you recognise.

A/N: So, no 200th reviewer, but never mind. Just means that everyone gets to read this at the same time. I'm sorry I kept you waiting so long, but inspiration has been lacking. So if anyone has any ideas, or anything they would like to be included, please do let me know and I'll do my best. Thanks for the reviews though, as they are always welcome and greatly appreciated. Special thanks as always to DCoD. And to LightningFuryStrike13 for bringing up a very valid point. I've tried to work that in here, as it needed explaining.

Chapter Fourteen – The Return

"The man who is swimming against the stream knows the strength of it."

Woodrow Wilson (1856 - 1924)

Harry, Severus, Draco and Ron were making a mad dash along the concourse at Wellington International Airport. Portkeying across such a vast distance was not only tricky but also traceable. Oh sure, it was fine for one person, hence why Remus Lupin was able to visit that way, but their new found friends at the government just didn't want to risk it. They had even scolded them slightly for arranging the portkey which brought the werewolf from England, but had let it go without too much fuss.

So, they were flying with Air New Zealand to Auckland, then from there onto Dubai, where they would be for four days. Then from Dubai they were flying with Emirates to London Heathrow. It was quite the journey. Though they had decided to have a stop over because they had all found the non stop journey on the way over was too much.

Overall, it did add more hours onto their trip, but they felt the gap in between more than made up for that. Plus, Draco and Severus had always wanted to go to Dubai, and though Harry and Ron had never given it much thought before now, they too were looking forward to their brief glimpse of a new country.

Harry was especially looking forward to their stopover, as they had a large suite at a lovely hotel, Le Meridien Dubai. It was fairly quiet, only two storeys high, with lovely gardens and only five minutes from the airport. Which was a definite plus point if today was anything to go by.

While the workers at the New Zealand Ministry were polite, fast and efficient, their go between for the muggle travel agent which booked all the flights, hotels etc. was new, and was having trouble with one of the girls at the agency who didn't like her, and so decided it would be a fun to be as inefficient as possible. As such, though all the bookings were made on time, their tickets were delayed. And delayed, and delayed, and delayed…

They eventually had to be faxed to the airline's ticket desk in the airport itself. Which meant they had to run to check in, dash past the queues at security, whilst assuring the staff there that they had no liquids or sharp objects, etc. Or that most deadly weapon known to mankind – The Emery Board.

So now, they were on their way to the gate, where the irritated guy from dispatch was calling out, "This is a final boarding call for passengers, Snape, Snape, Malfoy and Weasley, travelling on Air New Zealand flight NZ457 to Auckland. Please make your way immediately to gate number 17, where the aircraft is ready to depart…"

Harry was determinedly repressing the thought that this was a bad omen.

Oh yes indeedy.

The flight was a most flights are.

Good as flights go, but irritating and annoying, and frankly damn uncomfortable. Harry idly wondered if there was anyone in the world who especially enjoyed air travel. Someone who actually went out of their way to deliberately take as many flights as possible, for the sheer fun factor.

He really didn't think so. After all, aren't there so many other things that a body would rather do? Such as…go to the pub! Or have all your teeth pulled. He had to admit that take off was quite a thrill, but it was over really quickly, and then after that, there was hours of boring, boring, boring! Yawn, yawn, yawn.

Sure there were in flight films and such. However, watching a film that was already slightly questionable as to its appeal on the big screen, on a screen smaller than a shoe with dodgy headphones was not his idea of entertainment.

Perhaps he was the exception and everyone else thought it was fantastic, but he kind of doubted it. Severus had given up long ago and seemed to have willed himself into a semi conscious stupor, ignoring everyone and everything around him. Harry was of the belief that his lover had smuggled in some valium and was wondering where he was hiding it and why he hadn't offered it round.

He didn't remember it being this bad on the way to New Zealand. He thought about that for a second. Perhaps it was worse this time because they were headed somewhere he didn't really want to go? That put a huge damper on things. As one might expect, of course.

Their stay in Dubai was alright, quiet and all. But since they were all pretty tense to begin with, they found relaxing by the pool didn't hold that much value. So it was that they arrived at London Heathrow, tired, weary and pretty cheesed off.

They were met at the airport by representatives from the New Zealand wizarding government's consulate, and quickly ushered through Her Majesty's Customs. When they arrived at the consulate itself, they were too tired to go over any of the plans their new Ministry had made, and so settled in for a nice long sleep.

"Gentlemen? There's a Remus Lupin here to see you. You do have him down on your approved list, so would you like me to show him on in?"

Mariella Woodford had seen to every detail it seemed.

Or perhaps it was her assistant. Who knew? But anyway, they had their own attaché-personal-helper-lady, or whatever, who took care of everything. For four men used to a measure of independence, it was taking some adjusting to having their lives so organised. Well, organised by somebody else, in a good way that was.

Stella, their um, person-helper-thingy, would listen very carefully to their needs, opinions and preferences, and work their schedule around them. Not that they had much of a schedule right now, but it's the thought that counts. It was nothing like Dumbledore's brand of 'organising', and that was all they cared about.

They'd been in London for a week now, and were fairly acclimatised to the change in weather and time zones. And they were also apprised of the local news, which wasn't much or very interesting: Harry Potter: Innocent, Harry Potter: Missing, Voldemort: Attacking Muggles and Wizards, Voldemort: Are We All Doomed? And other exciting news items.

There were also piles and piles of documents, relating details about their situation, the first rise of Voldemort, Hogwarts and its teachers, the Order of the Phoenix, and all of them as well. The list went on. The intelligence services of their new government had clearly done their homework. And no wonder, given the way things stood in the world just then.

"I guess it kind of makes sense. I did sort of wonder why they helped us so easily…" Ron had said when they'd found the files with their names on them.

"I suppose so. I want to feel insulted, and I do a little bit. But I also appreciate the value of a people that do their research before making a judgement." Harry said with a pensive look on his face. Then he smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his neck to ease the ache which had developed there from reading for so long. "Bit of a novelty really." He added and the others nodded slowly.

Harry was jolted out of his remembrances by Severus instructing Stella to show Remus in. He was excited to see his friend. Even though it had been a short time since they last met, he was anxious to know the werewolf was alright, and to hear what had been happening with the Order and the school.

He exchanged a speaking glance with his mate, and waited for Remus to arrive. When Harry's former teacher entered the room, the younger man gave into impulse and rose from his seat to give him a big hug. When he let go, he started examining the slightly shocked man for any sign of injury or trauma. Chuckling a little when he realised Harry's intent, Remus pulled his hands off him and held him back.

"Harry, I'm fine! A little tired maybe, but otherwise OK. What's gotten into you hmm?" He said softly. Harry pulled him back into a tight hug for a moment, revelling in the warmth and paternal love he felt from this man, before letting go and making his way back to his seat beside Severus.

Not forgetting his manners, he waved Remus to a seat and offered refreshment before answering.

"I fear I've been letting my imagination run away with itself, imagining all kinds of horror invading the corridors of Hogwarts. I realise it's rather ridiculous, but I can't help it. I needed to reassure myself that you were alright and unharmed." Again, Remus was slightly taken aback, but only for a moment, and then the surprised look left his face and was replaced by a pleased smile.

"Well, thank you for caring so much about this old wolf. But as I said, I am fine. In fact, despite my own imaginings of nefarious plots and dastardly deeds, things have been pretty quiet." The others let out a snort.

"Gryffindors! No need to be so dramatic Lupin." Severus declared with a lopsided smile. Remus thankfully was not shocked this time, as his brief stay at their home helped him become accustomed to this more human side of the potions master. "Dastardly deeds!" Snape repeated with a snort, and this time the others laughed out loud.

"I am glad you're all back though. I know you've only been away less than two months, but I'm afraid the Minister is pushing for you to be arrested and detained in some way." Remus said, with a worried frown.

"Arrested? On what charge?" Harry demanded, livid. "How can I commit a crime when I'm not even in the bloody country!?" He stuck out a hand to Severus, needing the contact to soothe him.

"Indeed. I am curious also. What does Scrimgeour believe Harry is guilty of? And does he intend to target the rest of us as well?" Snape wanted to know, squeezing Harry's hand in reassurance. Remus sighed audibly.

"As of right now, I don't think even Scrimgeour himself knows. When the announcement of your departure was made, everyone looked to him to tell them what we should do now, and he was not prepared for that. Which is rather stupid, since he is supposed to be the protector and leader of the people." He said with a smile.

"One would have thought he could have predicted that." Draco said with a smirk and the others agreed. They were quiet though, waiting for Lupin to tell them what he knew.

"Well, being stupidly under prepared he did what most petty men in his position would do – he lashed out at the most easily accessible target – Harry. He said that the Boy-Who-Lived had abandoned us in our darkest hour, and that he should be tracked down to face justice. The last I heard, he was trying to accuse you of High Treason." Remus said, looking at his de facto godson with a grimace.

"Is anyone taking him seriously?" Snape asked with a sneer, though the werewolf didn't take offence as he knew it wasn't directed at him personally. Lupin nodded.

"About half the Wizengamot." Remus paused. "Including Dumbledore." He whispered, and the four men almost didn't hear him.

"Ah." Said Harry, not really that surprised. Dumbledore was ever the fair-weather friend.

"You don't look surprised." Said Ron, and Harry shrugged.

"Are you?" He asked, and the red head snorted.

"Not really. But then, it's not as if they can arrest us on those terms anymore." He said, leaning back in his chair, absently taking possession of one of Draco's hands, and gently kneading it. Draco didn't seem to mind, and a contented smile spread across his face.

"Pardon me?" Remus said, looking between his four friends.

"My dear Lupin. We have been remiss in our duties as friends. Let us catch you up on current events before you continue with your own reports. We have been naturalised by the New Zealand Wizarding government. Therefore Scrimgeour no longer has any authority over us in such matters. We are obliged to follow the laws of this country while visiting, but one cannot commit treason against a country of which he is not a citizen." Draco said, and Remus sat back a moment to consider this new development.

"But you were a citizen when you left, so he may still arrest you." He protested.

"I would like to see him try." Said a new voice, and Remus shifted round to regard a tall man, who spoke with a noticeable New Zealand accent. On closer inspection, he found the man to be rather nondescript. Average height, average build, average looks…almost as if he were a carbon copy of a person and not a real one. How…disturbing.

"Oh, Remus this is Archie. He's our minder-babysitter person." Said Harry and 'Archie' rolled his eyes.

"Thank you for so flattering a job description Mr Snape." He murmured and poor old Remus looked confused.

"Um, Mr Snape? What's going on here? Has Severus learned how to throw his voice?" He asked weakly, not sure if his heart could take any more shocks, though Moony disagreed. He was greatly enjoying all the excitement, telling his human counterpart that they hadn't had this much fun in years. Remus believed Moony was a bit warped.

"Yes. Goodness. It seems a lot has happened in the short time we've been apart. Harry and Severus are soul mates. After they bonded, Harry changed his name." Draco explained, rather bluntly. The two men in question shot him scolding glares, before turning back to a flabbergasted Remus.

"S-Soul b-b-bonded!?!" He practically screeched, his eyes as wide as saucers. Harry glanced at his friends, alarmed. He really hoped Remus was going to have apoplexy.

"Ah, are you OK Remy?" Harry asked, getting up out of his chair and walking over to check on him. Kneeling down in front of the werewolf, Harry placed his hands on the arms of his chair and looked up into his red face. Ron and Draco got up as well, but the werewolf shook his head at them, refusing their professional help.

"Fine, fine…" Remus said, his voice hoarse, waving away Harry's offer of support. "Just give me a minute." He said, trying to get his breath back. Harry rose and looked back over his shoulder at his mate, who merely raised an eyebrow and shrugged. Realising that there wasn't much else he could do, other than let Remus sort himself out, Harry handed him a glass of water and returned to his seat.

"Lupin?" Snape prompted after a protracted silence. Remus looked up from his prone position in his chair, to see all eyes were on him, and they were all concerned. Even that Archie fellow looked a bit worried.

"I'm OK, I'm OK. It was just a shock. Not everyday you find out something like this. Soul bonds are rare, and for good reason too. But still, now the surprise has worn off, congratulations! I couldn't think of two men more worthy of such a union." He said, rather formal in his felicitations. Sensing this, Harry and Severus acknowledged the werewolf's sentiments with nods, almost half bows. Archie decided this would be a good time to cut in with his report, since the four English wizards seemed to be at a bit of a loss as to how to proceed.

"Mr Lupin, I trust you are now aware of the naturalisation of these gentlemen as citizens of New Zealand. Despite Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II being our head of state, the magical community has no extradition agreements with the United Kingdom, as we do not fall under her jurisdiction, not the House of Representatives. Therefore, Rufus Scrimgeour can huff and puff as much as he likes, he will not blow our house down." The last was said with a smug smile, with a slightly anticipatory gleam in Archie's eyes. It seemed as if he was looking forward to knocking heads with the British Ministry.

"Well, Mr, um, Archie, that is reassuring. But may I ask, why did your government naturalise them so quickly? Not to disparage my friends, but they do each have something of a…reputation." He flicked an apologetic glance at Harry, and was relived to find no reproach there. Clearly, they'd been over this before. Even so, he would like to hear it for himself.

"An important point, Mr Lupin. And one without a simple answer. But to put it as clearly as I can…we wanted to steal them for ourselves. All four have important skills, and our community would like them to be employed in our favour. We did our research and found out the truth behind the things they have been accused of over the years, and are satisfied with our findings. We also hope that their example will lead more talented folk who find the climate here oppressive to apply for immigration rights. Our community is small, and decaying. Not so much that you would notice it now, but we are few. We need new blood." Archie paused to assess the results of his explanation and was pleased to see none of them were taking it badly. "We help them, they help us. It's a win-win situation." He sat back, arms crossed, ready to defend his position if necessary, though it really didn't seem like it would be.

"But, we're both homosexual couples. We won't be having children of our own. So we really can't bring that much to the community by way of genetic diversity or enrichment." Harry protested and Archie smiled.

"True. But blood adoptions are possible, if that is route you wish to go down, then we have agencies that would be more than willing to help. And also, as I said earlier, our treatment of you, your experiences as citizens, may provoke others into considering their own situations, and then contacting us. As much as we would like to maintain our secrecy here, you know that that is impossible when it comes to men of your public prominence. People will find out, and people will talk." He replied and Harry sat back, considering.

"Well, it makes sense. Almost makes me want to follow you guys." Remus said quietly and Archie smiled.

"All you have to do is ask Mr Lupin. Werewolves are not persecuted by the government in my country. They are not a thing to be feared, though as with anything, there are always dissenters. However, Wolfsbane is available on free prescription from your healer, and is always of the highest quality. I am sure Professor Snape could tell something of this, though perhaps this is not the time."

"Yes perhaps. But later…?" Remus asked, a kind of desperate hope animating his face more than it had been for a long time. A life free of institutionalised oppression? It was a tantalising and heady thing.

"Yes, definitely. Later. For now, could you brief us on matters at Hogwarts? I believe you are currently employed there?" He asked, though it was more of a statement. Remus nodded.

"So, where to begin? Hogwarts has been strange. I walk around there sometimes, and I often feel as though I'm hiding from imaginary shadows. This whole affair has been so cloak and dagger, that I find myself yearning for an enemy I can meet face to face. Out in the open. I know Moony agrees with me. Huh. But anyway, since finding out about the contaminant and its effects, Albus seems to have descended into a form of denial. He acts as though he is infallible, and, that there is no way he could be infected. But then he remembers how he failed Harry, and he questions himself again. I don't know if he has some kind of defence mechanism that he's built out of his own delusions, or if he is infected and the potion kicks in and tells him not to be silly, and that he did the right thing in suspecting Harry." He looked very helpless, and very tired just then, and Harry got out of his chair, and pulled Remus up as well.

Ignoring the other man's protests, he pulled him into a hug, and would not let go. He looked over his shoulder again and Severus and silently thanked him. Thanked Severus for caring about him and bringing him to such a point where he could hug his godfather and not feel awkward. He felt for a moment like his love for his mate could light up the whole world. And then scoffed at himself in his head about how sappy he was being. Remus pulled back, and Harry released him.

They both retook their seats, and were glad none of the other men in the room said anything. All five of them knew it was just one of those things that you don't make a big song and dance over. Remus took a sip of the water Harry poured earlier, and then resumed his narrative.

"So, people have been acting more or less the way you might expect them to. Harry's innocence shocked a lot of people and has been the cause of a lot of arguments and fights. And some soul searching too, I would say. There's been Order meeting and things, though they've degenerated pretty quickly into fights about whose fault all this is. No one seems to want to own up to anything. You know about Scrimgeour and his plans, and I'd say about a quarter of the Order agree with him. Other than that, not much else is going on with them. Though, I have noticed that some of the other professors have been meeting in secret. I don't know what it's about, as they haven't invited me." He paused for a moment, and Severus pulled some parchment and a quill towards himself.

"Which professors?" He asked, and Remus thought for a moment.

"Flitwick, Sprout, McGonagall, Vector, Sinistra and Pomfrey. They don't say much when I'm around, but my hearing is acute enough to know they've been meeting." He replied and Severus wrote the names down.

"Hmm…Filius was always one to make his own mind up about things before jumping. Same as Vector and Sinistra. They kept out of the business of Harry's trial completely. Claimed they didn't know him and so couldn't be of help. Which is true, sort of. Poppy has always gone her own way too, I was surprised she believed in Harry's guilt so easily. As for Pomona, she was pretty damn quiet when Harry was arrested. But Minerva…I thought she was Dumbledore's pawn through and through." He mused aloud, and Harry looked at the parchment interestedly.

"So, you think there may be some connection here, between these meetings and the circumstances surrounding the framing of the then Mr Potter?" Archie questioned, and Severus nodded.

"Most definitely. Filius, Vector and Sinistra remained neutral. It's true they didn't know Harry, for all that Filius taught him for five years. But Harry's always been good in Charms, just like Lily, and so had minimal input from the teacher, because he didn't need it. Sinistra's class is not very hands on either, and Vector never had him for Arithmancy. You should have taken that instead of Divination you know." He said in an aside to Harry, who chuckled, and agreed before looking over the staff members names again.

"I think Madame Pomfrey must have been dosed. She may have been annoyed at the way I always got in trouble, but I don't think she would have believed me to be a killer. She just...sometimes when I was in the Hospital Wing, and she thought I was asleep, I would find her watching over me, or singing a lullaby." He admitted sheepishly. Remus smiled warmly.

"It makes sense, she is your godmother you know." He explained and Harry gaped at him.

"She is? But why did she never say anything? And why didn't she take me in when Mum and Dad died?" Harry demanded, annoyed at the MediWitch now.

"I don't know Harry. I think you'll have to ask her." He replied, ashamed of himself for not being there for Harry when Lily and James died. Severus read this in his face, and shook his head, warning the werewolf that now was not the time to ask for absolution.

"We're getting off track. So, Flitwick, Vector and Sinistra are probably clean. Pomfrey was probably dosed, though it's most likely worn off now, and it has probably not been topped up. I doubt these meetings are about throwing Harry back in prison. What do we think about Sprout and McGonagall?" Asked Ron, looking around at the other wizards.

"I believe that Sprout may have been dosed as well. My theory is though, that the person who controlled her told her to keep her head down, rather than throw around accusations, as it would be out of character for her, and might be questioned. In hindsight, the brewer probably realises that no one was paying enough attention at the time to care if anyone was behaving oddly, other than Potter that is, but they strike me as the type who would have planned ahead for that kind of thing anyway." Said Draco and Ron nodded in agreement.

"That just leaves Minerva. I wonder." Said Severus softly, tapping his chin with one finger, lost in thought.

"What do you wonder Severus?" Harry asked, and his mate slowly turned towards him.

"Well, what do we know? Minerva has always been one for the rules. And it's easy to see why. Transfiguration is not only difficult, it is dangerous as well. She tries to impress this upon her students, much as I am strict with mine to ensure they pay attention in my classroom." He got up to pace. "However, you Mr Snape." He said, pointing at Harry, before resuming his pacing. "Are a rule breaker. Something which she detests. And however brave and selfless you have been, and despite the numerous lives you have saved in the process, you have broken a tremendous number of rules since you first went to Hogwarts. If it was any other student, Minerva would have had serious words with the Headmaster about the serious neglect on his part, when it came to your safety. Her students always come first, believe me, of all people, I know." He paused, ceasing his pacing. "But, it appears, she hasn't. Strange, is it not? And out of character. But here is the real problem: was she dosed, obliviated, or both? And if she was, by who? Our mysterious brewer, or our noble Headmaster?"

There was silence in the room, before the others spoke.

"That's…quite frightening actually. What makes you say that Severus?" Asked Remus and Snape grimaced.

"I was his spy, and also his confidant - to a point. He 'saved' me from my own destruction after I became a Death Eater, so he believed he owned me. He thought the hold he had over me – namely taking me from Azkaban and keeping me from going there again, meant that I would not betray his trust. And I haven't, until now. I think it is highly likely that Minerva received a double dose; one from the Headmaster and one from our brewer, who, let's face is, it probably Hermione Weasley." He replied.

"Sirius had just come from her quarters, or so he said." Remus said and the others remembered.

"How is he?" Asked Harry, and Remus shrugged.

"I don't know. Not ill, certainly. At least, not yet. I've tried not to displace any of the beliefs she gave him. I figured if he wasn't fighting it, it would do less damage and that she wouldn't dose him again. I've mainly been keeping out of his way, trying not to get into a long conversation. With limited success unfortunately, since we still go for walks most evenings. But I don't think I've aggravated anything." He told them, and Harry sighed.

"I see a problem here gentlemen." Archie cut in and Severus laughed.

"Just one?" He questioned, and Archie smiled in return.

"Fair point. That aside though, why have we come back? To solve this potion problem, and then Voldemort. I believe the first is going to be easier than the latter, so perhaps we should focus on that? In that case, we need a subject to study, so that we can work on an antidote. Any ideas on how to get one?" He demanded, looking at each face in turn.

"Ideally, any entanglement with the British Ministry or the Order of Phoenix should be avoided. However, we do need to be realistic. If we are to have any chance at either goal, we will need their help. Both of them." Said Draco, and Ron snorted.

"Or we could just kidnap Black and blame it on Death Eaters." He suggested half-heartedly. When he saw the thoughtful faces, he sat back in his chair and shook his head. "No way guys, we can't do a thing like that!" He declared.

"Well, I don't know. The idea does have merit." Severus began, a sly smile on his face.

"It would give us time to work on the antidote." Offered Harry.

"And, it would give us a position of power to work from when dealing with Dumbledore and the Order." Said Draco.

"And the British Ministry." Added Archie. Ron looked around and sighed.

"I just had to open my big mouth didn't I?" He mourned, leaning into his lover as he offered an arm in comfort.

"There, there love. I know, you're just a misunderstood genius." Draco murmured to him.

"Albus! Albus!" Remus Lupin dashed through the halls of the school, screaming for the Headmaster. Students jumped out of his way, frightened by the sight of the severely agitated man. He moved so fast he was almost a blur.

Remus rounded the corner and faced the gargoyle which guarded the Headmaster's office. Yelling out the password, he stepped onto the stairs and tried to get his breath back. Once at the top, he threw the door open, and shouted for Dumbledore again, and nearly jumped out of his skin when a soft voice hailed him.

"Remus my boy, what happened?" He asked quickly, and Remus stuttered with hysteria.

"Albus! It's Sirius! They've taken him…oh Merlin! Sirius!" He practically keened the last note, falling to his knees on the cold stone floor. Dumbledore was taken aback. His eyes quickly assessed the physical state of his Defence teacher.

His robes were in tatters, not that they had been much before. But now they showed large holes and scorch marks, as if he'd been cursed. He was also bruised and battered, with cuts showing on his face and hands. Clearly, he'd been attacked.

Moving swiftly to the fireplace, he threw in a handful of Floo powder and told Madame Pomfrey to prepare for a patient. Levitating the werewolf off his floor, he sent him through the Floo, where Poppy would catch him at the other end. When he arrived himself, she already had him in a bed and was pouring potions down his throat.

It was some time later, that Remus was in a more stable condition and able to describe what had occurred that evening. The potions were making him a bit groggy, but he was coherent enough that Dumbledore could understand him.

He and Sirius had been out for their normal walk, he said, and as they neared the edge of the lake, figures in black robes and white masks appeared out of nowhere and attacked them. There had been too many to defend themselves against, and Remus had been knocked unconscious after suffering an unknown number of curses. When he awoke, Sirius was gone, with no sign as to what had happened to him.

Dumbledore swore under his breath. He did not need this now! People would start asking questions, wanting to mount rescue missions and other such wastes of time. They would want to know how the attackers got through the wards.

He snorted inwardly. Well, that one was easy enough to solve. A student could have let them in, and Merlin knew they had enough students with Death Eater parents on the grounds! Had they known Sirius and Remus would be there? Or had it just been chance that members of the Order had walked past them at that time? And if so, why did they leave Lupin? Or maybe they left him for dead?

Dumbledore swore under his breath. He really did not need this now.

"Well?"

" Mission accomplished sir."