April 26, 1994

"Who can tell me the difference between a werewolf and an animagus?" Remus asked the class.

Hermione's hand shot in the air. "An animagus is a witch or wizard that chooses to turn into an animal. A werewolf has no choice," she answered after Remus pointed to her.

"Very good Miss Granger. Five points to Gryffindor. A witch or wizard only becomes a werewolf after being bitten by one. Now," Remus leaned against the front of his desk, "I'd like you to think about the other dangerous creatures we've learned about this year. What is different about the werewolf?" Remus was beginning to sound more like his normal self, but Harry could still hear the nervousness in his voice.

The class silently thought for a minute before Harry raised his hand.

"Yes, Harry?"

"The other creatures are dangerous anytime, but a werewolf is only dangerous during a full moon. Every other day they are just an ordinary witch or wizard," Harry answered.

Remus smiled at him. "Correct. Another five points to Gryffindor. In fact, there has been much debate throughout history as to how to classify werewolves and what rights should be afforded to witches or wizards infected with lycanthropy."

"Filthy half-breeds," Draco Malfoy muttered from the back of the room. Harry turned around to glare at him.

"What was that Mr. Malfoy?" Remus inquired, raising his eyebrows.

"Nothing, sir," Draco answered quickly.

Remus nodded and turned back to the rest of the class. "Before we talk about the best defense if you encounter a werewolf, I want you to imagine, hypothetically, that you knew one of your fellow students was a werewolf. How would that make you feel?"

"Well, I would want to know what kind of precautions are taken during the full moon. I mean, they can't transform in our dorm rooms," Parvati Patil supplied.

Remus nodded. "Good thinking. Let's say that you were aware that special precautions had been taken, and the student was nowhere near the castle during the full moon. Now how do you feel?"

The class was quiet for a moment before Ron said, "I guess if they seemed like a good bloke, I wouldn't care. I mean, they're only dangerous during the full moon, right?"

There was a murmur of agreement among the Gryffindors, while most of the Slytherin students still seemed skeptical.

"I would want to know who it was, so I could report them to the ministry," Malfoy said in a sinister voice.

In an uncharacteristic move, Hermione snapped back at Malfoy, "Or you could mind your own business and not be a bloody prat." There was an audible intake of breath from the class, with a couple of Gryffindors clapping in support.

"I guess I'd rather go to school with a half-breed than a filthy mudblood," Malfoy sneered at Hermione.

Ron was instantly on his feet with his wand pointed at Malfoy, but before he could say anything, Remus was in between them. "That's enough. Please take your seat Mr. Weasley." He turned back to Malfoy. "10 points from Slytherin for your foul language Mr. Malfoy. You will refrain from using such language again in my classroom or we will be having this discussion with the headmaster. Am I understood?"

Malfoy didn't take his eyes off of Ron, but he did nod and say, "yes, sir."

Remus inclined his head and said, "Very well." He turned to walk back to the front of the class, but paused halfway when he heard the Gryffindor students begin to snicker.

Harry had silently slipped his wand out and pointed it towards Malfoy under his desk. Whispering the spells Remus had taught him, he watched as Malfoy's hair turned grey and began to stick up different directions.

"What?" Malfoy sneered as everyone stared at him, laughing. Glancing around to see that no one was watching him, Harry muttered another incantation and suddenly a dog's tail popped out of the back of Malfoy's robes.

"What the-?" Malfoy jumped up, panicking. He could not, however, finish that sentence before he started howling uncontrollably like a wolf. Within seconds, he was scratching all over as if he had fleas.

By this point the whole class was in hysterics, even the Slytherins. Remus, recognizing the spells he had taught Harry, looked sideways at the boy, who quickly acted innocent. Remus looked back at Malfoy and pointed his wand. "Alright, that's enough. Finite incantatem," he said with authority.

Malfoy's hair was instantly blonde again, his voice was back to normal, and his body relaxed as the itching ceased, but his tail remained.

"You're going to have to see Madam Pomfrey to remove that tail, I'm afraid. Mr. Goyle, why don't you walk Mr. Malfoy to the hospital wing?" Remus said. He turned back to Harry and said in the most stern voice he could muster. "We do not use spells against other students, Mr. Potter. Detention with me Thursday night at 8."

Harry smirked, realizing his detention time was the same as his weekly defense lessons. He quickly fixed his features and looked up at Remus. "Yes, sir. Sorry." Remus gave him a pointed look before walking back to the front of the class.

Remus sighed and leaned against his desk again. "I wanted us to have that discussion because I have something I want to tell you all. I know that some of you are not going to like hearing this, but I hope that I have demonstrated to you all throughout this year that I care for each of you and want you to succeed in the future against any dark creature or dark wizard. This information should not change any of that." He took a deep breath and closed his eyes briefly. Once he had opened them again, he looked around the room and said slowly and carefully, "I am a werewolf."

The whole class was immediately so silent, you could have heard a quill drop. Harry was beaming at Remus, and Hermione was smiling as well, but the rest of the class looked shocked. Finally, Dean Thomas broke the silence. "I don't know, Professor, you just look like a wizard to me."

Several other students snickered. Seamus Finnegan added with a chuckle, "Yeah, it's hard for me to picture a werewolf in a cardigan."

More students began to laugh. Neville said, in probably the most strong voice any of the other students had ever heard him speak with, "Look Professor, I don't care if you're a werewolf, vampire, or mermaid. You're the best damn defense teacher we've ever had."

Most of the class shouted out their agreement. Remus smiled, "Well thank you Neville, and watch your language." Remus soaked in the praise and looked around the class for a moment before addressing them again. "I do appreciate your acceptance and praise very much, but I am serious when I say that once a month I am quite dangerous. I want you all to read over the information in your textbook and write an essay on the best defense against a werewolf, should you encounter one. Two to three feet should be sufficient."

…..

"You're joking!" Sirius said as he bent over laughing. "He really gave that brat a tail?"

"Yes! And fleas!" Remus said, shaking his head and laughing. "It took all the self-control I had to keep from laughing with the rest of the class."

"Oh Merlin I wish I could've seen that. Prongs would be so proud," Sirius responded, wiping the tears that had formed in his eyes as he laughed.

Remus finally stopped his laughing, but kept his jolly smile. "He would have been, no doubt. But you really should speak to Harry. He could've hurt Draco."

"If he did, the little brat would've deserved it," Sirius retorted.

Remus shrugged. "Perhaps, but Harry would be in a lot more trouble than just detention with me."

Sirius hummed. "I guess you're right. He should be here soon anyway," he added, glancing at the clock.

It wasn't long before Harry came through the door.

"Well there's the little juvenile delinquent," Sirius called out teasingly.

Harry looked at him curiously as he walked over to give him a hug. "What do you mean?"

"I was just having a little parent-teacher conference here with your DADA professor," Sirius explained casually, pointing between himself and Remus. "He tells me you've been sending spells at other students," he added with mock sternness.

"Oh that," Harry said as he set his bag on the couch. "He deserved it."

"Well, as your parent, I have to say that using spells against another student is very dangerous and very wrong," Sirius said as he playfully shook a finger at Harry, "but as a Marauder, I have to say that was brilliant, and James would've been so proud." He patted Harry's back before gesturing towards the fireplace. "You better get to Healer Williams's."

Harry nodded before reaching over and grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl on Remus's counter. "Ok, I'll see you later," he said as he walked to the fireplace.

Sirius watched him leave, then turned back to Remus. He noticed his friend was frowning at a small slip of paper.

"What is it, Moony?"

Remus looked up at him. "I just received a note from Albus. He wants to see me in his office."

"What about?" Sirius asked with concern.

Remus sighed. "I'm sure he's already receiving parent complaints."

Sirius frowned. "Wasn't he the one who told you to tell the students?"

Remus nodded. "He was, but maybe he underestimated the backlash. I'll just have to go and see," he responded wearily. "I'll see you later. Wish me luck."

"Good luck, Moony. Remember, the Board of Governors is behind you," Sirius reassured him.

"Right," Remus responded, not at all confidently before exiting. Nervously, he walked to Dumbledore's office and gave the password. Walking timidly into the large office, his mood was not improved to see Snape waiting with Dumbledore.

"Ah, thank you for coming, Remus. Have a seat," Dumbledore told him, motioning towards a chair directly in front of his desk. Snape was seated just to the left of him.

"I take it you've already received parent complaints?" Remus asked, thinking it was best to get to the matter at hand.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "No, actually. The only feedback I have heard has been positive. Parents wanting to show their support. Severus may be having a different experience with the Slytherin parents, but what I'm hearing is encouraging."

Snape's face didn't change from its usual scowl. "Nothing I cannot handle," is all he added.

Remus was taken aback. "Thank you Severus," he said sincerely before turning back to Dumbledore. "If this isn't about parent complaints, what did you want to see me about?"

Dumbledore sighed. "I received a different complaint, actually, that you were showing favoritism in the classroom, specifically to one student in particular."

Remus's eyes grew wide. "Excuse me?"

Snape answered before Dumbledore had a chance. "Did you not do nothing as Potter attacked one of my students today during your class?"

Remus's gaze shot to Snape, his eyes narrowing. "Oh that is rich coming from you. You think I show favoritism? Severus it is common knowledge among not just the students but the parents as well that Slytherins can get away with anything in your class," Remus argued heatedly. He stood up and glared down at Snape."Furthermore, I did not 'do nothing' as Harry 'attacked' Draco. I ended the spell within seconds of them being cast, and I gave Harry detention."

Snape was on his feet instantly. "I'm sure Potter is just shaking in fright knowing he will get to duel with his favorite professor for detention," he responded sarcastically. He sneered as he continued, "For the record, wolf, I have a reputation to maintain. I have the children of death eaters in my house. If I am seen showing any kind of kindness to any other houses, they could tell their parents, and my loyalties to the Dark Lord would be questioned."

Remus laughed with no humor behind it. "Oh no Severus, no one is questioning where your loyalties lie."

Dumbledore stood quickly. "Ok gentlemen, let's calm down and discuss this reasonably." He watched as Remus and Snape took their seats again. Nodding his approval, he continued. "Remus, did you punish Mr. Potter for using spells against Mr. Malfoy?"

Remus rubbed his forehead. "Yes, I gave Harry detention."

Snape scoffed. "At the same time that you have private defense lessons with him."

Remus didn't respond. Dumbledore looked contemplative before asking, "Did you take away house points?"

"No, but he took them away from Slytherin," Snape answered off-handedly.

Remus rolled his eyes. "You are so childish, you know that? Draco called me a half-breed and Miss Granger a mudblood, so I took house points. Surely you do not allow such behavior in your classroom."

"Draco did not call you a half-breed. He said that werewolves were half-breeds, which is technically true," Snape answered back. "Furthermore, those are just words. Potter could have seriously injured Draco."

"He knew exactly what he was saying, Severus," Remus responded coldly.

Dumbledore sighed, altogether finished with this conversation and seeing it going nowhere. "Here is what I would like to happen. Remus, I want you to assign Harry a second detention, and I expect it to be an actual detention. I also want Harry to write an essay to be turned into me about the dangers of using spells against other students." Snape looked very smug until Dumbledore spoke to him. "Severus, I want you to send Draco to speak to me tomorrow about his bigoted language choices, and I want you to assign him a detention as well."

Snape looked outraged. "Headmaster, he was attacked."

Remus scoffed. "Grey hair and a tail is hardly an attack, Severus."

Dumbledore held up a hand to stop further argument. "It seems both Harry and Draco need a reminder that they do not run this school, and that their actions and words have consequences. I do not want to hear anything further on the matter. I have made my decision. Furthermore, despite your inability at times to behave civilly with one another, you've both proven yourselves to be experts in your subject area and excellent in the classroom. I plan for both of you to teach at this school for many more years, so I would suggest you find a way to put your differences behind you. Because if you continue to behave as school children, I will have no choice but to stick you in detention with Minerva." He had spoken sternly, but the twinkle was back in his eye.

Remus smiled slyly. "Minnie? Oh I was always her favorite anyway."

Snape rolled his eyes. "Very well, goodnight Headmaster," he said curtly as he stood to leave.

"Night Sevvie!" Remus called out just before Snape slammed the office door.

…..

"What?!" Harry said hotly.

Remus sighed. "I didn't have a choice, Harry. You know the rules. You cannot use spells against other students. This was the punishment set by Professor Dumbledore."

Harry huffed and threw himself on the couch. Crossing his arms, he said, "I still say the bloody git deserved."

Sirius suppressed a chuckle. He leaned over and tapped Harry's chin. "Watch your language, and you still broke the rules, Harry."

Sirius's tone was matter-of-fact, not stern at all, but Harry still glared at him. "Hypocrite," Harry answered cheekily.

This time Sirius really did chuckle. "I may have used my fair share of spells against other students in my day, but I also served plenty of detentions as a result. You'll survive." He gave Harry a smile and waited for him to smile back before adding, "Speaking of surviving a punishment, it's your last night of restriction. Tomorrow you can have all your meals in the Great Hall and return to your dormitory." He paused as Harry let out a happy yell. "I should be offended. You don't enjoy seeing me every day?" he teased as he acted sad.

Harry snorted. "I do enjoy seeing you. I actually think I'm going to miss it. But I am ready to be back in my dorm and see my friends outside of class."

Sirius smiled and said, "I'm sure you are."

Harry nodded. "Yeah, Ron said Seamus nicked a bottle of firewhiskey last Friday, and they all split it. I missed all of that," he whined in a mock put out voice.

Sirius leaned forward and smacked his son lightly in the back of the head, causing Harry to laugh. "I'm only joking. I told you that wasn't my thing," he quickly reassured. "I am looking forward to seeing Cho though. We're going flying again on Saturday."

"Oh good! I'm scheduled for the Order patrol that evening. Maybe I can meet her," Sirius said eagerly.

Harry's eyes grew large as saucers. "Oh no! You cannot supervise my date!"

Sirius's jaw dropped. "I won't be supervising!" he protested. "But I have to be here anyway. I might as well come meet your girlfriend."

Harry sat up and stared at him in disbelief. He and Sirius had argued Saturday afternoon when Sirius told him about the plan for Order members to patrol the castle for extra security. Harry had been outraged at what he saw as babysitters set up to keep an eye on him at all times. Sirius had been adamant that was not the case. Harry had finally relented when Sirius informed him that if the cheeky responses continued, he would find himself grounded for longer, but he was still skeptical.

"Do you really think I would embarrass you on purpose?" Sirius finally asked.

"YES!" Harry responded quickly.

"Harry, if he really annoys you, you could always use that fleas spell on him. James and I had a great time using that one on Padfoot back in school," Remus suggested, earning him a glare from Sirius.

Harry sighed. "Fine, you can come meet her, but if you embarrass me at all, I'm moving in with Remus."

Sirius rolled his eyes as Remus chuckled. Standing and stretching, Remus walked over to Harry and patted his back. "You got it, Cub. Now, if you'll excuse me gentlemen, I'm going to bed. I'm still exhausted from last night. Good night."

Sirius and Harry both told him goodnight and watched him disappear to his room.

Sirius smiled and shifted his body so he could look directly at Harry. "I have something for you."

Harry raised his eyebrows as Sirius pulled an old-looking necklace from his pocket. "This is an emergency portkey. If you ever find yourself in a sticky situation, that will take you directly to our house. I want you to keep it on you at all times, just in case." He opened the small metal box hanging from the necklace and pointed to the center of it. "All you have to do is touch your thumb to that spot, and it'll activate. Then you just have to hold on to it. Here," he finished as he closed it back and handed it to Harry.

Harry took it apprehensively. "Is this really necessary?"

Sirius nodded quickly. "It is. We already know at least one death eater wants to kill you, Harry. This is absolutely necessary. Keep it on you at all times. Understand?"

Harry sighed as he put it over his head and tucked it into his shirt. "Yes, sir."

Sirius nudged him. "How about we go out to eat tonight? Leaky Cauldron?"

Harry nodded. "Sounds good."