Remus Lupin
Room of Requirement:
Lucius was monitoring the listening device he planted in Quirrel's quarters. So far, none of the others revealed much of anything.
"I know someone was watching", an unfamiliar voice was saying.
"If there was, the Revelio would have..."
"That is not what I'm talking about you fool! We have an infiltrator, of that I am certain. I sense it. Fortunately, I have a good idea as to where he may be hiding".
"Maybe if I mention it to Dumbledore..."
"You must avoid Dumbledore at all cost. If we are discovered, he is the one who would be the most likely. Need I remind you of the consequences if we fail to recover the artifact? You must not call undue attention to our activities, or you lose everything".
"I understand that, and I won't fail you".
"I have no use for those who fail me".
Lucius didn't need to have that explained to him. He gathered up everything, stuffing it all back into his bottomless pack, and left the "Come and Go" room. At least, the room would not reveal his hidden office were he no longer there.
Great Hall:
Dumbledore was at the podium: "It is with great pleasure that we welcome back Cedric Diggory...":
There was applause, as Cedric acknowledged his greeting with a wave.
"…there will be a long road to full recovery, so let us wish him our best".
Cedric struggled to his feet, supported by a walking stick: "It was a bit of touch and go, but it looks like I will be back next year, so you're forewarned: next year that Quiddich Cup belongs to Hufflepuff".
The Hufflepuffs cheered their Seeker in agreement.
Cedric struggled to the Slytherin table: "Harry", he offered his free hand, "I know you didn't have anything to do with it… Not you or your team mates".
He'd heard all about the ugly rumours.
"We Slytherins appreciate your vote of confidence", Harry said. Hopefully, this would end all those nasty rumours the other House mates were spreading about Slytherin. "i'm looking forward to matching wits with your and your team".
More applause, more well wishes from around the tables. A tragedy avoided, but justice no closer to being served. Dumbledore, at Harry's insistence, didn't mention last night's events with the troll. He didn't want to steal any thunder from Cedric, and more importantly, he didn't want anyone dwelling on it, to perhaps ask inconvenient questions as to how he got the drop on a troll.
The first of November saw a heavy snow fall: the Highland winter had arrived in earnest. The older students knew what that meant: the beginning of that long drag to Christmas break. Harry and the other Firsties were about to learn the meaning of "cabin fever".
That evening, right after lights out, Lucius paid the dorm a visit.
"Lucius?", Harry asked.
"I am leaving Hogwarts this evening".
"So you completed your investigation?" Draco asked. "Learn anything?"
"More than I cared to, less than I needed to".
"What's that supposed to mean?", Harry asked. The otter had a habit of speaking in enigmas every now and then. "You could stay here in our dorm, work out of here".
"There is an infiltrator, and I could be putting the both of you at risk by staying here", with that, he played back the audio of the conversation he recorded in Quirrel's quarters.
"Know who?"
"That, I do not know, but it's looking very much like he can come and go at will, Perimeter or no Perimeter. Either the wards have a serious defect that's escaped your Headmaster's attention, or Quirrel has more abilities than anyone rightly suspects, even your Headmaster. If that's the case, I have no way to know the limitations of his powers, no guarantee my defenses won't be compromised or how soon that might occur".
"Or whoever our mystery voice belongs to is always here", Harry added. "Is the Professor in on it… whatever it may be?"
"I doubt it, you heard for yourselves: whoever is giving Quirrel his marching orders, he fears Dumbledore. As for your suggestion, the only way that could be possible is if Quirrel is possessed. I tried a scan, but was too quickly detected before I could complete it. My methods go beyond the capabilities of even the best magi who rely solely on their magic. It is possible that Quirrel is able to slip by, unnoticed, as a possessed individual without alerting the wards, or bringing down suspicion of even your Headmaster despite his considerable abilities as a magician. I'd say that possession is a very real possibility, and that makes Quirrel even more dangerous. He could be acting without even knowing what he's doing".
"Like stunning Diggory? The aurors didn't find out anything".
"It's a very real possibility. If he did, and didn't know it then his denial would be the truth, even under Veritas".
"Then Father was right: Dumbledumbass is an incompetent old fool", Draco said.
"No, Draco, he isn't. Don't allow your father's opinion to colour your judgment. Dumbledore may be a lot of things, but foolish and stupid aren't among his character defects. I don't know exactly what he's planning, but I do know this: he is not working for Voldemort in any way. As for his real plans, I would have liked to stay longer, but that is no longer possible. It would seem the Come and Go Room isn't the secret I was led to believe. Either Quirrel or this partner of his is sure to inspect the Room soon if they haven't already. I could not be there, as he would discover the Room was already in use, and he would certainly want to know why.
"I also know what Dumbledore is so eager to protect up there on the third floor. Somehow, he has acquired a Philosopher's Stone… or at least what he believes to be a Philosopher's Stone".
"How could he? Isn't that a myth?", Harry asked.
"I thought so too, so do a great many folks. So far, no one has produced a genuine example. That doesn't mean it's not possible. Dumbledore has a friend, Nicholas Flammel – or at least that's the alias he's currently using – who created or discovered it. He is supposed to have used the Stone to keep himself and his wife alive for over 600 years. Every century or so, he creates a new identity and the old one "dies". Flammel entrusted the Stone to Dumbledore for safe keeping, as he believed someone had discovered his secret, and was attempting to steal the Stone for himself. Voldemort would surely find a Philosopher's Stone most useful indeed if he intends to reincarnate himself".
"Then why didn't he send it to Gringott's?", Draco asked.
"He couldn't as the goblins won't do business with him. Too many dirty dealings, apparently. I will have to look deeper into his financial records. The whole matter somehow involves Harry here".
"How? What did he do?"
"I can't say just now. It's not that I won't, I'm not being like Dumbledore, but you will have to trust me for now, but I assure you, you will know everything when the time is right.
"For now know this: this Quirrel is a dangerous character that hides behind a mask of of incompetence and buffoonery. I would suggest dropping his class; ask Dumbledore to excuse you. I suspect he won't put up much of an argument".
"I could see what Father can do for us", Draco suggested.
"Just make sure you play up what you believe is Quirrel's inadequacies as a professor, not that you have other, darker, suspicions. Based on how Quirrel is managing his class, that will be believed. You never know how secure Hogwarts owl network really is, especially during these times".
"Will I see you again?", Harry asked.
"Oh yes you will, but not probably before you leave Hogwarts. Before I go", he dug into his pack.
"I'm leaving this in your care", as he handed over something tech. "I left the listening device in Quirrel's quarters. I highly doubt he'll discover it, and even if he does, he likely won't understand what it is or how it works. You can listen in on whatever his latest schemes may be. Just be sure to avoid him, and whoever he's working for".
"Thanks".
"I'll be seeing you soon".
Lucius aparrated from Hogwarts.
"So what do we do now?"
"Ask to see Dumbledore, and get excused from DADA. Keep as low a profile as possible until the break. Hopefully, we'll have something more we can work with".
Since tomorrow was Saturday, they wouldn't be able to see McGonagall until after Transfiguration. Some of the kids were out romping in the snow, sliding or snow ball fights. Harry retired to the library where it was at least warm. Predictably enough, Hermione joined him.
"I just wanted to say 'Thanks' for rescuing me..."
"You're quite welcome"
"Ummmm… Harry? You cast another Unforgivable..."
The head librarian came by to shush them as she was a bit O/C about that.
"C'mon", he motioned to leave.
They went to am unoccupied classroom nearby.
"How do you know those curses?", she asked. "You aren't supposed to know them, let alone do them".
"You know them".
"I know about them, and I know enough to know you shouldn't be doing them!"
"Not even to save your life? Not gonna stand around, casting useless spells at a troll that's hell bent on bashing your brains out when I know how to stop it. What spells were you using before I saw you in that bathroom? Did they work?"
"It's still forbidden… you could get in great trouble..."
"Defending innocent life? I don't think so..."
"It's still dark magic, and you shouldn't even be fooling around with anything like that".
"The magic isn't dark, only how you use it".
"Now you sound like a Slytherin, Harry".
"Aside from the fact that I am in Slytherin, I'm not seeing the point here. I'm not going to let harm come my friends' ways if I can do anything about it. You may question my methods, but not my resolve: I have no intention of ever aligning with any dark lord wannabes. Not Gonna. Happen. You can take that to Gringott's".
"You still haven't explained how you know".
"I would if I could, but I made a promise even before we met. I can't betray a confidence. I can guarantee no one will find out", he took out his special wand.
"Where'd you get this?"
"Not from Ollivander's. It doesn't keep records and doesn't inform the Ministry. That's really how I learned to cast, and why Bones and her aurors didn't know. I assume I can count on your discretion?"
"Of course. But… why?"
"There are certain someones' with a good reason to believe I'd need it here at Hogwarts".
"The Professor: go to him..."
"You can't trust Dumbledore..."
"He's a great wizard and a great man. If there's anyone you can trust, it's him".
"I wouldn't be too sure about that. We have unicorn poachers operating in the forest, and you know what happened to Cedric? As if that wasn't bad enough, we just had a mountain troll running amok right here in the castle endangering the lives of everyone here. How did that happen? It's obvious the wards aren't as secure as we're led to believe. That can happen in one of two ways: incompetence, or by design.
"There's something going on here, and at the very least, Dumbledore's as much in the dark as I am. And if he's not, then he's part of it, either actively, or someone's put one over on him. How could a 'great wizard' (finger quotes) let shit like this happen on his watch, under his nose, at his school? Set aside the hero worship and blind trust in 'authorities' for a moment before giving yourself an answer.
"How about let's get us some fresh air? I know Hedwig could use some, and this old castle is plenty cold and drafty. If we're going to be cold, best to be outdoors. It'd do you some good too, getting some sunlight. There is one thing you could do for me..."
0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
"What is it, Mr. Potter?"
"I would like to see the Headmaster. I'll be needing an excused absence slip, preferably during Potions, and I figured you could arrange an appointment, Headmistress".
"I see, and what would this meeting be about?"
"I would like to discuss transferring out of DADA".
"I will arrange an appointment, though I question if he will permit it".
"Thank you, and that's all I ask: a chance to make my case".
As Harry was headed for Potions, Professor Snape was waiting just outside the classroom.
"It would seem we won't be graced with your presence", as he held out the slip. "The Headmaster has informed me your presence is requested in his office".
As Harry reached for the permission slip, Snape pulled it back: "However", he continued, "this does not excuse you from today's lesson, and I expect you will do extra homework to make up".
"Certainly, Professor, I won't let you down".
"See that you don't, Mr Pot-ter".
Harry made his way, past a disappointed Filch, who was hoping he'd caught a student out of class, and to the gargoyle standing guard over the spiral stairs.
"Lemon drops", he gave the password. The gargoyle slid aside to reveal the ever upward spirling stairs.
He let the heavy gryphon door knocker down with a light tap. The thing was so heavy that letting it drop from much of a height would sound like a rifle shot.
"Come in, Harry", he heard Dumbledore call. He stepped into the office; Dumbledore was behind his desk, elevated above the rest of the floor, and up the short stairway.
"Lemon drop?", Dumbledore offered.
"Thanks, but no thanks. Don't want to spoil my supper", Harry declined, and hoped he didn't run out of excuses for always declining Dumbledore's questionable lemon drops.
"Quite", Dumbledore said as he helped himself. "What is it you require?"
"I would like to be excused from Defense".
"I see… And why would you want that?"
"It's Quirrel..."
"Professor Quirrel", Dumbledore corrected.
"Professor Quirrel. It's that I find his lessons to be inadequate".
"I can assure you, the Professor is quite qualified as an instructor".
"With all due respect, Professor, have you audited his class? He doesn't really teach anything… all he does is brag about his exploits during last year's adventures. It's all fascinating, though doesn't really tell us anything about actual defense against the dark arts".
"I'm afraid Defense is a required subject, and this being your first year, there are no electives. That comes much later, Harry"
"Is it not permitted by the Bylaws that students may take lessons from tutors?" Harry had learned of this from Hermione and her research.
"That is quite true. I see you've been visiting the library again, or perhaps Miss Granger has?"
"In that case, I would like to hire my own tutor for DADA, and I would like Draco to join me".
"Mr Malfoy feels the same?"
"He… we do, Professor".
"You would see to this tutor's compensation?"
"I would, that's why I have an educational trust fund".
"I will permit it, but under one condition: I select this tutor".
Harry didn't like the sound of that, but if it got him away from Quirrel…
"That's agreeable, Professor".
"I have someone in mind: his name's Remus Lupin. You'll like him, and he was an old friend of James'. He'll owl you the details within a day or two".
"Thank you, Professor".
"Be off with you, you don't want to be late for class".
"No, Professor", Harry tool his leave. That was Dumbledore's stock dismissal, even though Potions was the last class of the day.
That meeting confirmed everything Lucius Lutra had said. Dumbledore didn't put up much of an argument. The only question was if this Lupin was a better choice than Quirrel? Maybe he and Draco might actually learn something?
Dear Harry:
It was with great pleasure that I received Professor Dumbledore's letter requesting that I tutor you in Defense. If you didn't know already, I was a close friend of your father, James. I am so looking forward to seeing you after all these years.
I was quite frankly shocked to learn you were sorted into Slytherin, and that you are friends with Lucius Malfoy's son Draco. There was some less than pleasant history there. We can begin your lessons in two days.
Sincerely,
Remus Lupin
Saturday dawned clear and crisp, good Quiddich weather for the delayed kick off to the year's competition for the Quiddich Cup. The first match being Team Slytherin v. Team Ravenclaw. Despite the cold, the stands were full, warming charms increasing comfort. The game announcer this time was Lee Jordan. As the teams assembled in the center of the pitch awaiting the release of the balls, Harry stepped forward to extend a hand to the Ravenclaw Seeker: Cho Chang. It was an awkward moment.
"Good game, and may the best team win", Harry offered.
Cho didn't know what to do, caught off guard, as this had never happened before. It was usual for both teams to just glare daggers at each other. Adding to the awkwardness of the situation was that incident in the hallway with Luna.
"Uhhhh… you too", Cho said as she finally took his hand.
Next, Harry turned to Madam Hooch.
"Thank you for taking the time to referee. Without you, we wouldn't have a game".
This, too, had never happened before. The only comments usually addressed to Madam Hooch were arguments and curses over disputed rulings.
"You're most welcome, Mr Potter", she replied.
"Hell you think you're doin'?", the Slytherin Captain, Marcus Flint, objected.
"Practicing good sportsmanship", Harry explained. "You might try it yourself".
"C'MON, GET THE GAME GOIN'!", someone called from the stands.
Madam Hooch released the balls, and off the players went.
Harry's first play was to intercept the quaffle and fly towards the Ravenclaw goals. Just outside the scoring zone, he faked a throw. The Ravenclaw Keeper, forgetting that Seekers couldn't score goals, shot towards the left most goal. Harry backhanded the quaffle to Millicent, who had an easy shot at the now open goals.
"Slytherin scores!", Lee called out, "and a magnificent fake-out from Potter".
Harry was shadowing Chang when he suddenly shot ahead of her and dived for the pitch. Chang, thinking he had spotted the Snitch, followed. Harry swooped up at the last second. Chang tried to pull up, but was a moment too late as she landed face first in the snow covering the pitch. She rolled and though not hurt, this delayed the Ravenclaw Seeker, and distracted the other Ravenclaws, allowing Slytherin another goal.
"I don't believe it!", Jordan called out. "An honest to Merlin Wronsky Feint! And from a novice Seeker at that!".
Suddenly, Harry's broom started acting as though it were trying to buck him off.
"Potter's in trouble!", Lee announced.
Harry figured there was some sort of magical interference, but he still had his special wand.
"Finite!", he cast the spell neutralizing charm.
The relief was temporary and brief.
"Looks like Potter's back in control", Lee announced, "wait a minute..."
Harry wasn't the only one suspecting foul play. Hermione was scanning the stands through her glasses. She spotted Filius Flitwick seemingly muttering to himself. She took off behind the stands. It was easy sneaking over to where the Ravenclaws had congregated. She did the only thing she could think of: set Flitwick's robes alight.
As she slipped out of sight, she was relieved to see that Harry's broom wasn't trying to throw him off, and he looked to be OK.
Slytherin won this match, as expected, after Harry caught the Snitch.
"Hell do you think you were doin' up there!", Marcus was dressing down his Seeker after the match. "You almost ran right into Zambini!".
"I don't know, but it wasn't my doing", Harry explained himself. "Someone was interfering with my broom. I had to use the Finite or I would have crashed, and taken out who knows how many players..."
"You expect me to believe that! Do you have any idea what kind of magic it takes to take a broom from the rider's control?!"
"I do because it's the truth. I brought along my wand, just in case. After what happened to Cedric, well, I wasn't about to let anything like that happen to me".
"And what makes you think you're so damn special..."
"I can't answer that, but something isn't right ever since I started Hogwarts. You can either believe me or not. Cut me from the team if you think that's the right thing to do. I'll thank you for an enjoyable game. Or you can take my word as the truth: your choice".
"Mister Pot-ter!", Snape had arrived. "What did I tell you about trying my patience?"
Harry went through the whole story again for his head of house.
"I find that hard to believe", Snape replied.
"You no more than I. I can't explain it. After all, it's a school game, not like anyone would have a lot of money riding on Ravenclaw. I can't think of anyone who'd benefit. As I explained to Marcus, you can believe me or not".
"Trouble seems to follow you like a faithful puppy, Mister Pot-ter".
"Believe me, Professor, it's not my preference either".
"Hummmmm...", was all Snape had to say about that.
Harry was fortunate in that he wasn't booted from the team, nor did he receive the expected detention from Snape.
Hermione was waiting as he exited the locker room.
"Harry, I have something important to tell you", she explained.
"What would that be?", he asked.
"A word in private".
"Catch up with you later", Harry called to his team mates.
"What's up?", he asked as soon as they were out of sight.
"About the game… it was Professor Flitwick".
"You're shitting me, right?"
"I wish I was..."
Hermione explained what she witnessed, what she did. Harry had to agree it looked bad, especially since the attacks stopped after she set Flitwick's robe on fire.
"But… why?!", he asked.
"You did steal Luna from Ravenclaw"
"That couldn't have anything to do with it. Flitwick doesn't hold that grudge".
"How can you be so sure?"
"I have it on the best of authorities: Flitwick doesn't hold me responsible for that. He knows who chased Luna from Ravenclaw".
"What authority?", she asked.
"I wish I could tell you, but I can't. Something is definitely amiss here, but Flitwick isn't a part of it. Outside of Charms, I haven't had much dealings with him. Hell, if it were anyone, I'd be more inclined to suspect Snape. He's been very cool towards me, and I expect he'd be much worse had I been sorted into Gryffindor".
"If it wasn't him… then who?"
"That new guy: Quirrel. There's something definitely off with that guy. Besides, who else? Every other professor has been here for years. What would they have to gain? Not even Filch, even if he wasn't a squib, wouldn't have any reason to pull something like this.
"As for Quirrel, I'd stay the hell away from him if I were you. I've arranged for a private tutor in Defense, maybe you should join us?"
Hermione vaguely recalled running into Quirrel when she was on her way to stop Flitwick. If she made him break eye contact…
"I just night take you up on that offer".
0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
"I wasn't expecting so many", Lupin was saying, "I thought I'd be teaching just Harry".
Remus Lupin looked every bit the professor, tall, thin, nattily dressed, and with salt and pepper hair.
"I couldn't not invite my friends", Harry explained. "I'd like for you to meet: Hermione Granger..."
"Pleasure's mine", she replied.
"And Draco Malfoy..."
"Your father and I attended Hogwarts together". As for the rest of that history, the less said, the better.
"I think he mentioned that a time or two", Draco also knew how to be diplomatic.
"And Neville Longbottom..."
"I knew your parents quite well. My condolences".
"Thanks".
"And Luna Lovegood..."
"Happy to meet you", Lupin replied, as he didn't know Xeno from his Hogwarts days.
"And Pansy Parkinson..."
"Pansy", Remus replied.
He was wondering how Harry had managed to become associated with someone like that. He was well aware of what her father had done, what he may still be doing.
"If it's a problem", Harry explained, "we will all chip in for your tuition. We all would like the kind of instruction we're not getting from that new DADA professor".
"I'll take you up on that offer", Lupin explained. "Times've been pretty tough. Now where did you want to start?"
"How about what every Firstie should be learning", Draco called out.
"I was thinking dueling", Harry said.
"But, why? You know dueling isn't legal".
"It is on the Continent", Harry countered. "There is more to learning how to take care of yourself with a wand than challenging everyone to a duel for slights, real or imagined".
"It's something I believe I need to know. Let's just say Hogwarts isn't your - or my parents' - Hogwarts".
"How do you mean? Professor Dumbledore has always been an excellent, caring Headmaster".
"I wish I could explain it better, but I can't. Please".
"Very well then, dueling it is".
"Harry, a word?", Lupin requested after his lesson.
"Yes, Professor"
"There's no need to be so formal, Remus or Lupin will do nicely. If you didn't know, I knew your parents quite well while we were attending. We had a gang of sorts, the Marauders, we called ourselves".
"Aunt Petunia mentioned that".
"Did she now? I wasn't expecting..."
"Why would you think that? My mother was her sister, after all?"
"It's... nothing. I thought I'd mention it in case… Anyway, how did you wind up in Slytherin? I thought you'd follow your parents into Gryffindor?"
"I get asked that a lot. That's just where that Hat thought I'd do best. As for all that bullshit about Houses, I never really cared all that much. I have friends in Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. Hufflepuff, not so much: they seem to stick together more than most. I suppose it has to do with everyone else saying Hufflepuff is the loser's House. Hogwarts could do away with the Houses for all I care. That would probably be for the best".
"Not expecting you to say that".
"I suppose it goes along with my muggle upbringing. None of those schools had Houses, and certainly didn't encourage those rivalries and in-school tribalism. So you knew my folks?"
"James... the stunts he'd pull", Lupin looked off into the distance, or backwards in time. "He and Sirius, especially. Me? Not so much. Good times... has it really been that long? I mean, look at you, how've you grown.
"You remind me of James, but you have your mother's eyes".
"You aren't the first to say that".
"It's true, and everyone can see that".
"I thought there was a war on?"
"Indeed there was, but it wasn't all unpleasantness. During times of sorrow, you need to find some happiness".
Harry got the impression Lupin actually missed the excitement of his youth.
"If you were so close to my folks, then how come you never bothered to visit?"
"I wanted to; I would sometimes stop by Privet Drive, to see you…"
"Then why didn't you, if you were that close to my parents. Didn't it occur to you I might want to ask about them?"
"It was the Professor's idea..."
"You mean Dumbledore?"
"Yes, Professor Dumbledore warned me to stay away, to not interfere. He said it was essential for your well being, not disturbing the blood ward your mother's sacrifice created. That's why he placed you with your Aunt Petunia - Lily's closest living relative".
Dumbledore, again, interfering with his life: unasked at that, Harry thought. Where did he get the idea he could make these kinds of decisions for him? More importantly, why?
"There's something I'd like to show you", Lupin brought out a sheet of parchment, just a plain old sheet of paper.
"Not very impressive", Harry said. Lupin wasn't going to tell him any more, and obviously wanted to change the subject. He thought it might be a document that would shed some light on his parents' history.
"It is when you do this", Lupin took out his wand. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good".
The page began to transform, something like a splash screen as a program started, appeared.
Messrs. Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs, purveyors of aids to magical mischief-makers, are proud to present the Marauder's Map
The Marauder's Map displayed the entire floor plan of Hogwarts. Dots with names next to them tracked the movements of everyone inside the castle, and the surrounding grounds.
"Padfoot was Sirius, Prongs was James, Worm Tail Peter Pettigrew, and I was Mooney. Back then, we all transformed ourselves into animagi. Padfoot was a dog, and Prongs a stag. Peter, being a rat, well, you can see how his nick fits. "We made this map to better get away with our pranks..."
"Three of you named yourselves after animals, so how does 'Mooney' fit in?"
"Now that, Harry, is a long story for another time and place".
"I can see how that could be useful to pranksters", Harry agreed. "Best keep this well away from the Twins..."
"Twins?"
"Yeah, George and Fred Weasley. They think they're following in the footsteps of the Marauders, but not understanding why they needed to prank Death Eater wannabes".
"I'm afraid we weren't always so high-minded, Harry. Sirius and James - James especially - couldn't resist tormenting poor Snivelus..."
"Who?"
"That would be Professor Snape to you. James just took a dislike to Severus, hell, I don't think even he knew why. There was his fascination with black magic, and his likely recruitment into Voldemort's ranks, maybe some jealousy for Lily... Maybe I should have spoken up back then... But kids, friendships, we weren't as mature as when we all grew up, maybe a bit faster than we should have, considering...
"Anyway, I wanted you to have it".
Lupin took out his wand again, pointed it at the Map: "Mischief managed" This was the counter spell that hid the map from view.
"Just promise me you won't go getting yourself in trouble by pranking..."
"You needn't worry about that. I disapprove of the Twins' pranks and said so to their faces. I don't find it the least bit funny… One last thing".
"Yes?"
"Sirius: did he betray my parents?"
"I...don't know. He was James' and Lily's original secret keeper, but he transferred that responsibility to Peter. Dumbledore suggested it as Voldemort was really putting on the pressure. Petigrew was less well known. The way I heard it was that Pettigrew tracked Sirius to London, confronted him, and Sirius let loose a spell that caused an explosion that cost a dozen muggles their lives. All the aurors found of Pettigrew was a finger. Of course, Sirius told a different story. He's still in Azkaban, so there's that to consider".
"He didn't receive his day in court either".
"There's that too. We were all so close, I hate the thought that one of us betrayed your parents to Voldemort, but it is what it is".
Maybe this Lupin was OK, despite being Dumbledore's man. Maybe he'd inadvertently just given Harry something he could use as more than a keepsake from his birth parents? Or maybe not? The Marauder's Map would definitely prove useful for avoiding Quirrel, in case he got too curious as to why his class had thinned out.
0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Neville assembled at Hagrid's cabin. His dragon egg finally hatched.
"Not as big as I expected", Ron said. The small dragon was sitting on Hagrid's main table. Ron reached out towards the animal.
"OW! DAMMIT!" he called out as a thin flame licked his finger.
"Ye needs ter be keerful, Ron", Hagrid explained. "Doan be start'lin 'em, an dragons not be the cuddly type of critters".
"Now you tell me", Ron said as he rubbed his finger.
"So what is he?", Hermione asked.
"You don't know?", Neville asked. It wasn't often when Hermione couldn't come up with an answer.
"Well, Nev, magical creatures isn't something I studied in too much depth. We take that class next year", she explained.
"Looks ter be uh Nerrwegian Ridgeback", Hagrid answered.
"Hell'd you come by a dragon?", Neville asked.
Hagrid told him the tale of the mysterious visitor to the Three Broomsticks.
"You know you can't keep it", Harry said.
"Akshully, his name is Norbert", Hagrid corrected.
"Still, Norbert's not going to stay that small forever, and you do live in a cabin that's mostly wood", Harry pointed out. "Where will you live, how will you explain when the cabin goes up in flames? You said it yourself: dragons don't make good pets".
"Yer rye Harry".
"Charlie works at a dragon preserve in Romania", Ron offered a suggestion.
"Think he'd help?"
"I don't see why not".
"Ahm sure gonna miss ter lit'le guy", Hagrid said.
"I'll work something out", Harry promised. "Ron, if you could get an owl off to your brother".
The next day Harry intercepted the Twins after breakfast. "Fred, George..."
"Harry"
They hadn't spoken much after the dressing down Harry gave them.
"I need your sort of expertise, a prank of sorts".
"You, Harry, I thought you didn't approve", George told him.
"It's not against any students, and won't hurt anyone. If you can pull it off, it will prevent harm from coming to someone close. Ask Ron, he'll tell you".
"And I suppose there's a catch?", Fred asked, suspicious.
"Yes, there is", Harry explained, "no one must know about it, and especially not who was behind it".
"You have a lot to learn...", George started.
"...half the fun of a good prank is that everyone knows who did it, but they can't prove it", Fred finished that thought.
"I did say there was a catch. Ask Ron all about it, better you hear it from him than me".
"He got Ronniekins involved in a prank? On us?"
"If he did, little brother will find life at the Burrow, ummmm, interesting"
0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
"Draco!", Harry called out.
"Sup?"
They were in their dorm. "Our 'friend' (finger quotes) is back".
"How is it that you are losing so many students?", the unknown visitor was asking Quirrel.
"I assure you: it wasn't anything I did. Dumbledore explained that Harry, Draco, and some of their friends would like a private tutor".
"You did nothing to stop them?"
"There's nothing I could have done. Hogwarts bylaws allow it, with parental permission, of course".
"You could not persuade Dumbledore?"
"I tried..."
"I didn't ask bout trying. I don't need trying; I demand success. Need I remind you of the cost of failure?"
"Please Master..."
"I needed you to keep a close watch over the boy, and for that, I need him in your class..."
"Who is he talking to?"
"I have a way to find out. Just keep this to ourselves", Harry explained as he took out the Marauder's Map. "A gift from my father. He and several of his friends made it to enhance their pranking abilities.
"I solemnly swear I am up to no good", Harry cast the spell.
The Map revealed itself with its splash screen, and the floor plan of Hogwarts appeared.
"There", Harry pointed out, "Thomas Riddle..."
"I've seen that name before!", Draco called out.
"Where?"
"In the trophy case, I'm sure of it".
"So he was a graduate?"
"If it's the same guy... Uhhhhh... Harry?"
"What?"
"There are two names, but one dot", Draco noticed. A single dot in Quirrel's quarters, but two names.
"Then he is possessed - like Lucius suspected".
"It's only a minor setback, I assure you, Master. So far, I'm on good terms with the other professors, so I can ask, one professor expressing interest in a student's progress. It's not as though he left the school completely. I'm sure I'll hear news".
"I will forgive you this time, but this is your last chance".
"Thank you, Master"
"As for the artifact, are you any closer to acquiring it?"
"I haven't been able to get up there. Snape's always watching. If I go up there again, I don't know how I'd explain it. I'm sure he suspects. I do have a plan, and we should secure its possession some time after Christmas break. I've been putting compulsion charms on one of my slower students. He'll do most of the work for us".
"Excellent. Maybe you're not as useless as I was beginning to suspect".
"Who do you suppose...", Harry asked.
"Weasley", Draco answered with confidence.
"I'm afraid you're right, so now what? Tell him? Tell Dumbledore?"
"Then Quirrel or this Riddle will know. You heard: he's taking way too much interest in you. Merlin knows what he'll do if he finds out".
They both knew Quirrel had become a good deal more dangerous than they'd realized.
"Then keep an extra close eye on Ron. I'm sure Hermione will help, after all, they both live in Gryffindor Tower. Maybe Madam Pomphrey can concoct a plausible explanation for giving him a physical?
"Mischief managed", Harry closed the Map.
The next day, Harry stopped by the trophy case. That name, Thomas Marvolo Riddle, was displayed on a House Cup from 1954. Riddle had been the Slytherin Boys Prefect that year. There should be more information in the library.
0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
Getting Norbert out of Hogwarts involved meeting Charlie Weasley at the Astronomy Tower. The use of ward stones to make an opening in the Perimeter was carefully timed to coincide with the Twins' diversion in and behind Ravenclaw Tower: Dung Bombs inside, and their home made fireworks outside. Since this was the day before the students who weren't staying behind would be leaving for their homes, Fred and George would do their detentions after the break. Harry's plan hadn't been as successful as he'd hoped, but Dumbledore was more than willing to overlook the violation of the Perimeter, as the cause of sparing Hagrid the legal troubles of possession of unlawful wildlife was a worthy one.
"There is one thing that I would appreciate", Dumbledore requested.
"That would be?"
"That you spend Christmas with the Weasleys"
"I'm afraid I can't do that, Professor. You see, I already have an invitation to the annual Yule Ball at Malfoy Manor. Hermione, Neville, and Luna too - all our families. That doesn't mean I can't drop by the Weasleys for a visit sometime before we come back, but Christmas, no can do".
"Is that so? I thought the Malfoys invited only pure blooded guests?"
"There's a first time for everything".