DECLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter nor its characters. It all belongs to J.K. Rowling.

Chapter 3

Truths be told

"When did she get here?" Ron asked as suddenly Hermione was sitting at their side.

"Miss…"

"Granger, sir. Hermione Granger. Red Caps are small dwarf-like creatures that inhabite wherever human blood have been shed, such as in the dungeons of castles, the potholes of ole battlefields, or holes underground." She quoted.

"Very good Miss Granger. Five points for Gryffindor." Lupin pointed with his want to the farther corner of the room.

"Red Caps are attracted to human blood. For this reason, I've place a few drops of blood (don't worry, nobody have been hurt for this) at back wall of the classroom. Soon I will let the Red Caps free to wander around the classroom."

Many had eyes wide and the sight of blood on the walls.

"As Miss Granger pointed out, they tend to locate themselves in battlefield. During the last war, after battles could be spotted with dozens of Red Caps. It hardened the reconstruction process for the ministry. But they can easily be repelled with charms and hexes.

"It is believe that they soak their cap in blood, giving them that reddish color. No one really knows whether at some pint they had a different color. For this same reason, they have also been called Bloody Cap."

Many were disgusted with the gross picture in their minds of soaking their own hats with blood and wearing it on their heads.

"Red Caps or Bloody Caps, are totally appeal by their gross features and creepy looks. They are completely disgusted with what other may ball 'beauty'. Given this, can any one think of a method to repeal them?" he asked the class.

"Bringing a veela?"

"What's a veela?"

"Casting beauty charms on myself to scare them away?"

"You are on the right track, but not the right answer. You see, they are disgusted by beautiful loo on themselves, not others. But not many charms would work on them. Mostly spells do not actually change their physical form, but just give the appearance that they are different. However, they would still see themselves as they are. The best way to affected them is by dousing them in Beautification Potion."

"But what if we don't have that potion in our hands?" Seamus wondered.

"Excellent question, Mr.-"

"Finnigan, Sir."

"Mr. Finnigan. That lead us to the spell we are learning today. The incantation is 'Cruor Repello'. It will create a sensation opposite to their nature, leading them to a confuse state, and is much easier to cast than the Confundus Spell which you won't learn till fifth year. Now repeat with me, 'Cruor Repello'."

"'Cruor Repello" everyone repeated a couple of times. Lupin went by some of the students correcting their pronunciation, until everyone had a hang of it.

"Very Good. Now the wand movement. It is a small spiral movement to your left, in reverse motion. Your arm must be still and firm. Concentrate in your wrist. Start with slow movement, and finish with a quick flick up."

Harry tried to do the spell non-verbally, but moving his mouth as if he were speaking. Everyone was yelling around, so no one notice the silence on his part. He got it on his third tried, as he felt magic pouring from his wand.

"Excellent, everyone. You are giving your best at this. I see Ms. Granger has achieve the spell correctly. We'll continue practicing directly on the Red Caps. Ready?"

Soon they had a bunch of small creatures running around, and everyone trying to stop them. Neville wasn't able to produce the spell and was surrounded and attacked by 5 Red Caps at the same time. Lupin disperse them and continue going around the class. By the end of the class, almost everyone had achieved the spell.

"Two points to each of you who managed the spell of the Red Caps. Five points from Slytherin Mr. Zabini, for setting that Red Cap over Mr. Longbottom." And like that, Lupin dismissed the class.

As the rest packed their bags and left the class happily retelling their experience, Harry drop his books under the table and bent over to pick them up. Ron and Hermione waited for him at his side, but he told them to go on without him.

"Anyway, I was thinking of stopping by the Hospital Wing. I don't think I'll join you to dinner tonight," he hoped it was a good excuse to get an hour with Remus.

"Well mate, I'll still bring you some left overs in case you change your mind?" Ron offered.

"Are you sure you can go by yourself, Harry? We have an essay for tomorrow, if you don't work on it, Professor Snape would give you another D."

"I'm fine, Hermione. Seriously, don't worry. I'll be better after a draught and I'll finish my essay in the morning." With that, his two friends turned around and left for dinner.

He slowly packed his things until everyone left the classroom. Remus was cleaning up the walls, and spelling off the remaining foul smells in the classroom.

"Harry, if you don't feel well, you shouldn't be skipping meals. I dint think it'll do you any good."

"Actually professor, I wanted to speak with you. I hope we can have some privacy?" He gave a shy look as if it was a rather personal subject he would be addressing.

"Sure Harry, we can go to my office."

"Are you sure ghosts or portraits won't interrupt us?"

"If it make you feel better, I can put some silence wards around, but no one will come see me at this time." As he said this, he started warding the room, and while he wasn't paying attention, Harry added some security measures himself. At the use of Muffliato, Remus turned around with a raised eyebrow.

"Thank you, Moony."

Remus went to some comfy chairs and sit down. He called a house elf to bring them some tea and sandwiches.

"Somehow I think this will be a long conversation," to which Harry just give him a knowing smile.

"I know you won't believe me what I am about to say, but you'll see there are things I couldn't know any other way," Harry started explaining while fidgeting the end of his robe.

"Such as you calling me Moony? Were did you heard that?"

"I first read it on a map. Yes, the Marauders Map," he added at Remus surprised expression.

"You got the map?" he whispered.

"Well, not really. At least not yet." Remus could only stared confused.

"You see, the map was stolen by the Weasley twins from Filch's office in their first year, They lend it to me so I could sneak out to Hogsmeade when they found out I didn't have a signed permission slip." At Remus' open eyes and worried features, he added "Allow me to finish before lecturing me about it."

"And yes, I know Sirius Black is on the loose with his eyes set in Hogwarts. But what you don't know is that he isn't after me."

"Harry, he was…" Remus interjected with a sad look upon his face as if he had to explain cruel reality to a little kid.

"No, Remus. You listen. Sirius did not kill those twelve muggles, nor did he kill Peter Pettigrew. Pettigrew didn't die that night. He cut off his finger and ran away. He has been hiding for thirteen years, and Sirius had finally located him in Hogwarts and is coming to kill him. The map confirms it."

As he said this, his anger kept increasing by thinking of the traitorous rat, and his and Remus cup exploded in pieces. Remus was still in shock, but called for a house elf to clean the mess and bring new cups. He also offered drops of calming draught into his tea.

"That makes no sense Harry. Why would Peter hide if he was alive and Sirius in prision."

"He's been living as a rat in a wizarding family. The Weasleys to be exactly. When they appeared on the Prophet a few months back, Sirius recognize him by his missing toe, and knew he will be coming to Hogwarts starting this school year."

There was silence for a few seconds, as he let the information sink in. Then he asked,

"Can you think any reason why Pettigrew will hide after this incident?" His voice was pauted, very serious, making him consider all possibilities before answering.

"I- not- he wouldn't unless- uh!" His hand stayed in mid air, as he was a about to take a sip of his tea when he came into realization.

"Unless he was guilty." Harry voiced it for him.

"Unless Sirius never betrayed my parents, and it was Pettigrew from the start. That's why Sirius went after him. He knew Pettigrew was the secret keeper, and as soon as he saw the mess at Godric Hallows, he went after him. He was the only one who really knew Pettigrew was guilty."

Remus couldn't speak. He looked like a lost puppy kicked out in the raid. His eyes were red with tears and he started sobbing covering his face with his hands.

"Sirius is innocent. He was never the secret keeper. He thought that was the most obvious choice and suggested to use Pettigrew. They told everyone else Sirius was the secret keeper, because they knew there was a traitor in the order."

Remus broke down. His shoulders were shaking and he gave a crying scream at the air. He started sobbing, whispering Sirius name.

"It is my fault. My fault. I should have done something."

Harry put a hand on his shoulders.

I never believed Sirius could do something like that, yet I never try to find answers."

Harry passed him the tea with calming draught and when he calmed down, went back to his seat.

"It is not your fault. Don't you think Sirius also blames himself for my parents death? Would you blame him because he suggested changing secret keeper?"

"NO! Of course not. Now that I know the truth," He said in self defense with an offended look.

"It is because it wasn't neither of your faults. There is only one man to blame for that, and we will get that rat."

Remus nodded. He raised his head to look ad Harry in the eyes.

"You are a good man Harry. Your parents would be proud of you."

"Thank you, Remus. I wish I could say the same, but honestly I don't think my dad would have like seen one of his best friends, mopping around through his life, never truly living."

Remus immediately composed and tried to look acceptable. He rearranged his robe but then look sheepishly at Harry.

"It is not easy for me to have a normal life. Not many people will hire me of befriend me. Jobs instability has make me live day to day without all luxuries others may have. You are young Harry-"

"Why? Because of your fury little problem? It is only a problem if you let it be. If you reject it yourself." He told the shocked werewolf.

"And you keep surprising me with all your knowledge. The nickname I understand, Peter being alive, and maybe you heard the news and put some things together. Other things however, no one else knows."

"You mean your conditions and the Animagi? I'll get to that."

"Do tell"

"I need to ask you something first. Did my parents ever tell you about a prophecy?" Remus immediately sit upright with seriousness on his face.

"How do you know about that? Did Dumbledore..? No, you're just thirteen. If he is trying to make you-"

"Easy there. No, he hasn't told me. Do you know the actual verses or you just knew of it?"

"Sorry, cub. Can't help you with that. All I know is it was about you and Voldemort, and that you have become a target and needed to hide. Only Your parents and Dumbledore knew the whole thing."

"Don't worry, that's not why I asked. I do know what the prophecy say,

"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies..."

Remus sighted with the weight of the world on his shoulders.

"I suspected as much. Even if I dread at the confirmation. But you have to give me more. I don't understand how you've access all this information. Just before the dementors, you told your friends Black was after you."

Harry looked back at him in shock, "You were awake!"

"Yes, sorry. I woke as soon as you guys opened the compartment, but though you would prefer to have the illusion of discretion." He apologized.

"How sneaky of you. A true Marauder. But I guessed that's when the story changed. You see, Moony, I am not the same thirteen years old boy that was there before the dementors attack."

Remus immediately took a cautious look, his right hand went to his pocket ready to drew out his wand. With a scowl on, he asked, "Who are you?"

"I am Harry. But I am not the same Harry. I am the Harry from another time."

"You are a time traveler?" he inquired untrustful, "From how far into the future?"

"I was seventeen when I was strock by the killing curse, fo the second time in my life, and next I remember was opening my eyes on the wagon, with all of you surrounding me, after the dementor attack."

"Is that why you fainted?" Remus asked curiously.

"Hmmm.. well," Harry said embarrassed, "Actually I also fainted the first time around. I have a strong reaction to the dementors to the point that it reminds me hearing my parents yelling before they died."

"You hear James and Lily? How much contact have you've had with this creatures to develop such an affinity?" his voice had a tone of worriedness and sadness.

"Well, given my high reactions to them, I asked you to teach me how to get rid of them. We used a Boggart all year while you tried to teach me the Patronus. By the end of the year I was able to produce a full Corporeal Patronus to get rid of hundred of Dementors that were trying to kiss Sirius."

"You made a corporeal Patronus at thirteen? Can I see it?" Remus didn't know if to be more amaze by Harry's powers or afraid by the magnitude of troubles he got in.

"Sure," Harry said getting his wand, "Expecto Patronum."

Immediately a silver light came from his wand, the tip of a pair of antlers came up, expanding up to the ceiling. The head came next, followed by his body, and the hooves sent him galloping around the office. It gave a circle round the office looking for danger, and came back to its caster in a calmly manner.

"Prongs," Remus was astonished. "I thought I'd never see him again. Thank you, Harry."

With a flick of his wand, the stag vanished in thin air and Harry pocketed back his wand.

"Dinner is almost over and I should Ron and Hermione will be looking for me at the dorms."

Remus stood up and cleaned the table. Cups and plates vanished and he followed Harry to the door.

"Do you think you can sneak out tomorrow night? I still have thousands of questions." Remus asked hopefully.

"Don't worry," Harry answered with a smirked, "the father's cape would do just the trick."

AN: Well next chapter should be really interesting. I'll give you a view of the future right before he came back in time. I was going to do it in this chapter, but the conversation extended and I wanted to publish it already. I need more time for the next scene, I have many things settle out but still have details unclear. Plus I wasn't to give you a great description without giving some things away just yet. Hope you are enjoying the story.

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MasterHarryRiddle