Author's Note – I am so sorry that this chapter took so long. My muse has been nonexistent and I have no idea when it will return, so the next chapter could be a long way away. I am sorry for this, but I want to be able to deliver quality chapters to you, my faithful reader. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Enjoy!

Chapter Twenty-Six; Hogwarts Remembers

"Harry!" Shouted Hermione as the boy in question walked down the stairs that led to the dormitories, "you have got to see this!"

Harry frowned slightly as he looked over to the large crowd that had formed by the window, the window that looked out to the Quidditch pitch. Rubbing his eyes Harry walked over to them all, they parted easily for him.

"The castle is locked down," Ron commented as Harry stood beside the red head. Panic filled Harry at those words.

When Harry finally got the chance to look out the window he could see many of his Professors standing out on the lawn. He watched as Dumbledore and Severus conversed with several other teachers as they stood in a large circle around, what appeared to be, an extremely large fig tree. Harry frowned; that had never been there before.

"Any idea what's going on?" He asked Hermione as he turned to her. He got a confused shrug in response before he turned back to the window.

"McGonagall came in really early telling us we were not to leave the tower," piped up a third year. Her bug eyes were fixed on to Harry and he shifted uncomfortably. His peers were staring at him as if he had the answer as to why their teachers were behaving so odd.

"I'll see what I can find out," mumbled Harry as he began walking towards the portrait in defeat, yet he could not deny the curiosity he also felt. He smiled as Ron and Hermione flanked him.

They pushed the Fat Lady open and stepped out. The trio ignored her scolding and gave a sigh of relief when they were finally out of earshot.

"So, you seriously have no idea what's going on?" Harry asked Hermione again.

"I already told you, Harry," she replied and rolled her eyes. Harry smiled at her and began to explain.

"Sorry, it's just I don't think I've ever seen you shrug before. Maybe Ron's rubbing off on you more than you think."

He was given a smack on the back of the head for that and the sound of Ron's laughter filled the deserted corridors.

The trio finally descended the marble staircase and were greeted by the large, ancient doors of the castle. Thankfully they were wide open and the chilled breeze ruffled the group as they stepped out and headed towards the group of teachers.

The first to spot them was Severus and Harry winced as he saw the man glare and then snarl something to the Gryffindor Head. McGonagall spun around and began to stalk towards them before Dumbledore called her back. He then approached the small group of lions.

Harry, Hermione and Ron stood stock-still as they waited for the Headmaster to reach them, but Harry's eyes were only for the humongous fig tree that had seemed to appear out of thin air over night. It was larger than he had expected.

"Harry, Miss Granger, Mr Weasley," Dumbledore said softly as he withdrew his wand. Harry contained his smirk as Ron tensed instantly. "I'm rather disappointed that you did not listen to your Head, but I know how curious the three of you are."

Ron relaxed as Dumbledore smiled at the three of them and his blues eyes twinkled behind his half-moon spectacles.

"I will allow you to come see what has stirred such a commotion, but first I must cast a disillusionment charm on each of you."

The trio nodded enthusiastically and waited patiently as the Headmaster tapped them all on the head with his wand. He then smiled and beckoned for them to follow him towards the other Professors.

"This is a blatant disregard of the rules, Ablus," Severus scolded as he watched Dumbledore approach the group. The Potions Master could feel the presence of the other three people that had joined the group.

"Ah, yes, well we cannot say that this," Dumbledore indicated the tree, "is dangerous, no matter its size."

"We're still not entirely sure Albus!" Minerva chastised, but the Headmaster took no notice as he stepped past his employees and led the children over to the mysterious tree.

A Hermione-like gasp sounded, which was the followed by a curse from Ron and a sharp bark of laughter from Harry.

They stood before the tree and Harry estimated that it was at least one-hundred feet tall and the trunk was at least four metres thick. The leaves sighed in the breeze and the trunk creaked slightly. Yet, the size was not the most astounding thing about this tree that appeared to be ancient. What was surprising were the hundreds of names that were carved in to the tree with silver.

Harry felt his heart stop as he reached out his hand out a laid his palm across the name, James Potter. Next to Harry's father was his mother's name, Lilly Potter. Surrounding those two names were countless others, ranging from Tonks to Collin to someone by the name of Jake Houstan. Each name appeared to be written in different handwriting, as if the dead themselves had carved their names into the tree. Harry shuddered and snatched his hand away.

Harry could hear Hermione pelting the teachers with endless questions, but he simply ignored her. He was caught up in emotion; he felt as if he had dived in to a river where the current was too strong and he was unable to pull himself out. Harry felt as if he was drowning in his own tears. They fell from his eyes and slowly rolled down his cheek and as they landed on the soft earth below him; they soaked in to the soil. He was not entirely sure if he was crying from sadness or happiness, all he knew was that that magic was a wonderful thing.

"So it just spontaneously appeared?" Hermione asked stridently and Harry turned to see Dumbledore looking up at the tree as if he was ignoring the girl before him. Hermione huffed and ran her hand through her wild curls. Harry knew that change unsettled her, especially when no one would give her a reason for it. He then redirected his attention to the tree. Birds flittered in the branches.

"Yes, Miss Granger that is exactly what I am saying. It seems as if Hogwarts has decided to honour those who fought and died in the War," Dumbledore replied after what felt like an age. His voice was soft and contemplative.

"Does that mean my name is on it?" Ron asked excitedly and Harry felt his best friend bump in to his shoulder. The silver on the tree then glowed, indicating that someone was touching the trunk. Ron then laughed and Harry saw the boy's name flash under its owner's finger.

"Everyone is there," commented Hermione quietly and her name flickered in to sight before quickly disappearing. Harry looked over to Dumbledore who had a strange look upon his face. Harry then looked at Severus who was eyeing the Headmaster with concern. Harry was unsure as to his position with Severus, but he hoped his unease was not obvious.

"Can we cancel the charm now Professor?" Harry asked as he turned his body away from the tree and walked back towards the crowd. His hands were clasped tightly together and he was attempting to still the butterflies that filled his stomach.

"Finite," said Dumbledore and he smiled as the three teenagers sputtered in to existence once again. They all thanked him and smiled at the rest of the assortment of teachers.

"It is rather peculiar," Remus Lupin commented, making Harry notice him for the first time. He felt heat creep up his neck and he quickly looked over to Severus, who was completely ignoring the werewolf.

The teachers all murmured in agreement with Lupin, as did Ron and Hermione. The wolf then walked over to Harry and rested his hands on the boy's shoulders. Harry could feel the sharp nails digging in to his shoulders and he tensed instantly. How could Lupin believe that Harry was okay with everything he had said?

"Your parents would be so proud of you," Remus said softly and gave Harry a smile. The latter could not help but smile back at the compliment. His heart felt light as he looked back to the tree, his parent's names shining back at him.

"I must depart Albus, my House becomes... restless when detained," Harry heard Severus say. He snapped his head around at the same time that Snape glanced at the pair standing by the tree. He then whipped his cloak around and strode back up to the castle.

Harry swallowed his guilt and noted that he must talk to Severus later, about this morning and last night. He then looked back to Remus who seemed to be smiling to himself.

888

The Common Room erupted in to noise as the Gryffindor trio and their Head of House entered through the portrait. Questions flew through the air and Hermione looked as if she was about to explode from not being able to answer them all. Harry could hear Professor McGonagall shouting at them to be quiet, but no one would listen. He felt his blood boil at the blatant disrespect and whipped his wand out then slashed it through the air. He smiled as people opened their mouths to speak, but nothing came out. Harry was then promptly prodded on the shoulder by a disgruntled looking Professor McGonagall. He smiled sheepishly as he cancelled the spell and allowed his Head of House to speak freely. Severus had taught him how to cast non-verbally and he was only just getting the hang of it. He smiled to himself in victory.

"Thank you, Mr Potter," she said sternly before looking over her lion cubs, "As you are all aware, the castle has been in lock down for the morning. This is because a large memorial has appeared on the ground of Hogwarts."

Whispers broke through the crowd and many people shifted to look out through the window at the magnificent tree.

"What do you mean appeared?" Chris Mellon shouted from the direction of the hearth. The rest of his seventh year friends all agreed with his question.

"It seems, Mr Mellon, that Hogwarts has decided to honour those who fought in the War."

The crowd broke in to loud chatter and McGonagall's lips became a thin line. Ron cleared his throat loudly and the crowd quietened down and watched their Professor intently.

"You will all be able to go and see this... spectacular, once you have all eaten. If you dare vandalise this tree, be warned that the Headmaster has placed multiple protection wards on it and if you disrupt them, the consequences will be severe."

The room nodded their heads as one and murmured agreement could be heard. Smiling and satisfied with herself, Minerva spun on her heel and exited the room, leaving Ron, Hermione and Harry to battle off their very curious peers.

888

"The rubbish they are publishing in The Prophet is disgusting," spat Hermione as she tossed the paper in to the hearth. Ron and Harry looked up from their chess game.

"What're they saying now?" Ron asked, as his Bishop promptly beheaded Harry's Queen.

"Nothing worth repeating," mumbled Hermione as Harry gave a defeated sighed and cleared the board. Ron gave an annoyed shout before glaring across the board.

"You are the worst loser," he grumbled as he packed up his set, stood up and took the box back up to his dorm. Harry watched him go in amusement before turning back to Hermione.

"Have they said anything about the remaining Death Eaters? Has anyone been spotted?"

Hermione all but glared at him and Harry looked back at her, confused.

"What do you think I mean by 'rubbish', Harry?" Hermione said with a sigh. Harry just grinned at her. "Haven't the teachers said anything to you?"

Harry shook his head and looked over to the window where the new memorial was visible. A few first and second years still stood, looking out of it.

"I doubt I'll be able to go to any Hogsmeade weekends," Harry commented sadly. His frustration of still not being able to act normal was, once again, getting to him. He clenched and unclenched his fists.

"It will all be over soon Harry," Hermione said as she noted her friend's agitation. "Anyways, there is a tonne of things to do in the castle. You could, for instance, catch up on some of your work," at the look Harry gave her, Hermione continued, "or you could go turn the Room of Requirement into something interesting."

Harry agreed with her and smiled faintly. His thoughts were now whirring with thoughts. He knew he had a lot of work to catch up on and he also needed to go and talk to Severus about Remus. Not to mention he wanted to spend time with Rose.

He made up his mind and stood. Hermione looked up at him questioningly, but he just smiled at her and exited the Common Room, one destination in mind.

In every corridor Harry walked through there was at least one person staring out of a window, looking at the fig tree. Harry had to admit, it was a beautiful sight.

As he walked Harry thought about what he was going to say. He loved Remus, even though he was furious with him. Harry knew that Severus was protective and knew that what Remus had said was untrue, but how would he explain that to Severus?

888

"He deserves better," Remus Lupin said as Severus turned his back after delivering the werewolf's potion.

"You're pathetic," spat Severus as he reached the door. He tried to hold in his anger, but the image of the way Lupin had treated Harry this morning kept filling his mind. It was not jealously he felt, more protectiveness over Harry against those who would use the boy for his fame. Severus had thought Lupin incapable of doing so, as he had always been the more mature one out of his school group, but now he was not entirely sure. It was possible the man was trying to focus his emotions onto someone after the death of Tonks, perhaps he needed a distraction. Either way, Severus was not going to allow Harry to be dragged through a middle-aged man's emotional turmoil.

"He'll come around Severus," Lupin went on relentlessly, "you were a Death Eater when his parents died, you were part of the reason Lilly and James died!"

Severus turned sharply and glared at the other wizard. His robes were sparking, his fists were clenched. It was obvious Lupin was baiting him.

"I had nothing to do with their deaths, Lupin," he ground out between clenched teeth. Lupin simply smiled at him.

"You know you did, Snape, and it is sickening that you are now trying to make up for it by looking after their son! If anyone should be doing that, it is me!" The wolf began to shout, his voice rising with every word. He did not realise that Severus had had enough.

In one fluid movement Severus took two strides towards Lupin and had the wolf effortlessly pinned against the stone wall. His breath was short, his hand gripped Lupin's upper arm and his elbow was pressed against the other man's throat. A slight struggle ensued, but Severus did not release the other man.

"You have no idea what you are talking about Lupin," Severus hissed furiously, "as I have said before, you have never been there for Harry. The boy had not properly grieved for Black until this year! You were not there to help him through it!"

The door to the office flung open and both men's heads snapped over to it. Harry stood in the entrance, eyes wide with shock.

"Severus? Remus?" He asked as he quickly walked forward.

Severus looked at Lupin, who wore a smirk upon his face, and then, before Harry reached them, he lifted his elbow, let go of Lupin's arm and stalked out of the room, merely brushing past the very confused boy.

Lupin fell to the ground with a thud and Harry raced towards him. The werewolf was on his knees spluttering and rubbing at his throat. Harry then looked towards the door, the edge of a black cloak disappearing around the corner.

"Are you okay?" Harry asked Lupin and the man nodded his head, before he used Harry as leverage so he could stand up. He then walked over and sat on a chair that was located near a battered desk.

"I'm fine," Lupin croaked as he looked up at the stunned boy before him.

"What happened?"

"Severus was slightly irked about my comment this morning," Lupin replied and Harry nodded his head, not entirely believing Remus, he knew Severus had more control.

"Well, I should probably go check on him as well," Harry commented idly as he began to walk over to the door, trying to ignore the suspicion he felt. He could not believe he had decided to visit Lupin first.

"I do not think that would be a wise idea, Harry," Lupin said and Harry did not miss the annoyance that tinged the man's tone, "After how he reacted with me, I do not believe it would be wise of you to spend time with him."

Harry turned back around and simply smiled, before continuing to walk out the door. He was focusing too hard on not letting his fury get the better of him.

Harry knew that Severus would have retired to his chambers, most likely to have some Scotch or to sleep. That is why he found himself knocking on the entrance to Snape's chambers, his heart thumping with anxiety and worry.

"Come in," growled Snape as he heard the knocking, he fully expected Dumbledore to come waltzing in through the door with an already prepared lecture. He should have known better, Dumbledore would not have knocked.

Harry stepped in to the darkened room and was greeted by a furious looking Severus Snape.

"What are you doing here?" He snapped and Harry winced at the harsh and cold tone that was used.

"Making sure you're alright," Harry replied bravely as he walked in and took a seat on the couch. Severus watched him intently.

"Surprised you're not with Lupin."

"Don't be ridiculous Severus," Harry all but snarled back, "I know I'm young and have a lot to learn, but I'm not stupid."

Severus blinked at his words and if Harry had not been so determined he would have laughed at his Professor's stunned expression. He was sick of being insecure and he was tired of Severus also being insecure.

"I know that what Remus said had to have been really bad for you to lose your composure the way you did."

Severus sighed and relaxed slightly. Of course Harry would know what would make Severus snap, he had acquired enough experience over the past six years.

"I know, Harry."

"What did he say then?" Harry then asked.

"It is none of your business and does not concern you," Severus replied sternly. He looked over and was met by furious and defiant green eyes. He had to fight the urge to smile.

"Leave it Harry," this time his tone was unmistakeable and Harry huffed in defeat.

"I am sick of this, Severus," Harry then whined. The response he was given was a raised brow and a tilt of the head. He continued on. "I mean how insecure we both are. I thought by now you would understand how important you are to me, how much it would destroy me if you left. I've said it before Severus, I need you."

The older wizard looked at the young man before him. He felt his heart tighten at the desperation in Harry's voice, the boy had been able to tell that Severus believed it best they were not involved. It must have hurt him greatly and Severus felt a pang of guilt at the unnecessary stress Harry must have been under. Nonetheless, he knew Harry deserved better.

"I know," Severus said quietly and it was obvious to both of them, that Severus did not completely believe Harry.

The boy then stood to leave and as he reached the door he turned around.

"Stay away from Lupin for a bit, sir," the frustration in his voice was evident, however Severus nodded his head. The door then closed with a click.

"That was a mistake," said a quiet voice. Severus was up wand in hand. He spun around, a fatal curse on his lips. He stopped dead. Albus Dumbledore stood, smiling, next to the hearth. "Go fix it, because it is obvious that the only father figure Harry wants is you."

Severus growled at the old man, mostly because he had entered his chambers without making himself known and partly because he was right, as always.

"So you agree with him then?" He snarled as he spun his wand in his hands, his eyes focused only on the old man dressed in green robes. Dumbledore's hat sat crooked on his head and he wore slippers that looked like they were barely going to survive the walk up to the Headmaster's office. Snape flicked his wand at them and watched as they repaired themselves.

"Thank you, Severus, admittedly they were in dire need of a repair," Albus commented as he stuck his slipper out and smiled. Severus ignored him and waited for his answer. "I completely agree with Harry, Severus, but I believe that you need each other. You both are starting anew and you both know of the hardships you have suffered through. Go to him, now."

Albus Dumbledore seldom gave orders, but on the rare occasion he did, they were not to be ignored. Severus grunted, spun on his heel and began his walk to Gryffindor Tower.