A/N: This is my first ever attempt at writing a HP fanfic. I wanted to lay out some ground rules before really getting into this though. There are some new magic systems throughout this fic. I absolutely cannot stand "Bashing" and there won't be any here. Dumbledore is a good guy, with pure intentions, and bad execution. Ron is like he is in the books. AKA flawed like everyone else, but still a good person and more importantly, a good friend. Ginny and Harry is my all-time favourite ship so you better expect it. The first quarter of this fic is not focused on any romance whatsoever. Harry has to come into his own earlier than he does in the books. Sirius and Remus play a larger role, and I fully intend on writing this story until the end of Harry's seventh year.

Last thing; I believe in natural dialogue. While I'm not English (Canadian, actually. So I guess the third next best thing) If there are grammatically incorrect sentences in dialogue it's just because sometimes people don't speak like robots. (most of the time)

Harry Potter felt like shit.

He sat on his favourite squashy armchair, glaring into the long-dead fireplace, his stomach churning accompanied by a pounding headache. Unable to stand the ringing any longer Harry brought his palms up to his ears to block out the constant barrage of sounds. This didn't help much as blocking one of his senses only allowed his brain to focus on his remaining four. Closing his eyes his headache began to recede. Two senses down, three to go. Cursing his inability to manually shut his nostrils he jumped to his feet.

Big mistake.

'FUCK!' Harry yelled as he massaged his temples with his thumbs. Harry had never drank alcohol but he assumed this is how it felt to be hungover.

'Please, just stop with this headache' Harry thought.

'Alright, stop fighting your heightened senses then'. A new voice rang out through his mind. It sounded female.

Harry yelped and spun around. Eyeing the common room apprehensively.

'Harry, I'm in your head.' The voice said. She sounded amused, Harry felt like if the voice could, she'd be smiling.

'Cut the bullshit, is this another snake in the walls because I'm not fighting another bloody basilisk.'

The voice laughed. A loud, beautiful laugh. It filled Harry up from the inside and for the first time since Sirius flew away on the back of Buckbeak did Harry feel himself loosen up.

'No Harry I'm not a snake but I don't appreciate the language young man.'

'Who are you, my mother?'

'Funny you should ask. Yes.'

Harry always wondered what it would feel like for his brain to suddenly stop. To have absolutely zero thoughts or feelings course through his head. Now that he was here, feeling the absolute definition of numb could he confidently say that it was not a welcome feeling.

'You're shitting me.'

'Language, and no I'm not shitting you. Every werewolf has a voice of comfort to speak to them.'

'Damn, so I really am a werewolf then.'

'What did you think? Moony bit you. The virus is spread by the bite, sort of like venom. A venom that affects your mind, body, and magic. You'll be fine every day of the month except for the week leading up to the full moon. When the day actually comes you won't be fine because, well, you'll be a wolf.'

'So this is it then. No more normal life, no more friends-'

'I do wish I could have a word with my dear sister about your self-hatred inner monologue. Harry, sweetheart, take a moment to think. Moony felt exactly as you did, but your father, Padfoot, the rat, and I were all amazing friends to him. We supported him and loved him, and he even had a few girls around at school. Your life has never been normal Harry, it's always been full of a bit of excitement.

Harry smiled to himself.

'Yes Harry,' She laughed. 'I've been watching. Taking on a mountain Troll? Helping a dragon escape to a Romanian reserve? Rescuing The Philosopher's Stone? Flying a car to Hogwarts? Ridiculously stupid plan I might add. Saving Ginny Weasley from the Chamber of Secrets? Your life has not been "normal" but I'd say you've done quite well for yourself, all things considered. Things are just going to be a little more complicated now.'

'Should I tell them? My friends I mean?'

'That is not my decision to make.'

'I should talk to Lupin. He knows. He understands.'

'Feeling resourceful tonight are we? Using a Time-Turner and asking for help on the same night? I suppose there is a first time for everything.' She teased.

'What the hell is that supposed to mean? I asked for help with the Patronus!'

'Yes exactly, you only went to an adult after you fell from the sky and nearly died. Not to mention the fact that you went to an adult who had to spend months to earn your trust. It is good to be cautious but to constantly tell yourself that you shouldn't bother others with your problems is not endearing, Harry.'

Harry thought long and hard about his mum's latest statement. He did tend to convince himself that he shouldn't burden others with his problems. (Of which there were many) but he didn't think it was that bad.

He heard his mum scoff mentally.

'What? I just don't think I need to unload my soul onto someone. They have their issues and they don't need mine on top of all that.'

'Alright, but this discussion isn't over. For now, you should get some sleep. You may have noticed that that wonderful headache of yours has gone away. Fall asleep and I'll come up with a Quidditch dream for you.'

'You can do that?'

'Well I'm in your head, aren't I? I can't see why I couldn't affect your subconscious.'

'Hey don't mess with my head. I've got a train to catch in a few days and a defense professor to speak to.'

'Wouldn't dream of it, dear. Climb those stairs and get to bed. chop-chop.'

'This is so fucking weird.' Harry said aloud as he climbed the steps to his dormitory.

'You're stuck with me now, you know.'

Harry climbed into bed and rested his head against his pillow, letting his body relax.

'Honestly mum, that's the best gift I could have ever received.'

He heard a mental sniffle come from his mum's voice before he fell asleep to a wonderful dream filled with brooms, redheads, and butterbeer.

Harry woke the next day to an onslaught of different smells that he somehow simply knew the identity of. Socks, sweat, a toad, (Trevor?) Ron, Seamus, Dean, Neville, and every other occupant of Gryffindor Tower. He knew who each and every person was without having ever thought to smell them. Quickly the events of the previous night came flooding to the front of his mind.

'Mum?'

'Good morning sweetheart, how was your sleep?'

Harry breathed a sigh of relief. Then the anxiety came flooding back. He was bitten by Remus Lupin while Hermione flew off to rescue Sirius atop Buckbeak. Surely the hippogriff could have held more than two people.

'Bright side Harry, focus on the bright side.'

'Right… okay. You're right. I need to… I need to speak to Lupin. Quickly. Will he remember the night's events?'

'Moony never really bonded with his inner wolf so I doubt he could ever remember anything unless he was with your father and company, or under the effects of the wolfsbane.'

'Alright, so he'll have no idea? Damn, he's gonna flip.'

'If by flip you mean wallow in self-pity then yes you'd be correct. Do me a favor and slap him if he starts blaming himself. You don't blame him do you?'

'No! How could I possibly blame him? He wasn't in control!'

'We'll just make sure he knows that. He's one of your last links to your father. Well, now that I'm here I suppose he's lost that characteristic but he was a truly fantastic teacher and he could be a great friend.'

Harry nodded. 'I should go.'

'Harry you don't have to say goodbye to me. I go where you go.'

'Oh… right.' Feeling slightly dim, Harry got out of bed and changed into a muggle T-Shirt and Jeans. Both fit fairly well as he had purchased new clothes for himself that were, for once, his size during his "summer of freedom" as he had dubbed it. Blowing up Aunt Marge really was one of his greatest achievements.

'It was spectacular.' Lily thought. Harry jumped. Can she hear everything he thinks?

'Yes.' She replied, simply.

'A continuous invasion of privacy is just what I need right now.' Harry got a mental scoff in return.

With newfound determination, Harry ran down to the common room finding Ron, Hermione, Neville, and surprisingly Ginny sitting there.

'Harry!' Exclaimed Hermione. She stood up and ran towards him and wrapped her arms around him. 'I never got to thank you! Sirius is free! Well.. escaped anyway. Ron's leg was a quick fix and I figured we should fill in some others as to our whereabouts and spread Sirius's innocence a bit.' She frowned a little, she didn't know how Harry would react to revealing his godfather's secret.

To her surprise, Harry smiled. 'Brilliant! The more who know the better. No need keeping secrets. We need to get him cleared but I've really got to speak to Professor Lupin right now.' And with that, he strode towards the portrait hole.

'Merlin's beard Harry! What happened to your arm?!' said Ron as he got up to walk over to Harry.

Harry stopped and tilted his head confused. He glanced down at the already healed wound on his left arm his friends were openly staring at. A chunk of his arm was missing. A small chunk, but still a noticeable gap in his lean muscles.

'Er… part of the whole time travel thing I think. After Hermione left I was on my own and… tripped. Healed fast though!' He let out a shaky laugh. 'Really, I've got to go!' And Harry fled from the room.

Hermione turned to Ron and the others.

'That was strange right?' Neville asked the room at large.

'Definitely.' Ron, Ginny, and Hermione said together.

'You should have told them, Harry.'

'Yeah well I'd rather speak to my only viable source of information before telling my friends I'll never be safe to be around ever again.' Harry spat out loud.

'Truly lost your mind then have you, Potter?' Drawled a voice from behind him. Recognizing the smell of pure unfiltered ponce, Harry turned to face Draco Malfoy.

'I really hate this boy you know.'

Harry couldn't help himself, he grinned.

This seemed to unnerve Malfoy because his usual swagger died a little upon seeing Harry grinning maniacally.

'Right in one Draco!' said Harry. He turned and continued towards Lupin's office. Malfoy did not follow. Standing in front of the office door he knocked three times. No answer.

'Potter what are you doing here?' Came the despised voice from behind Harry. The smell of unwashed hair permeated the air. Harry once again turned to face a hated individual.

He heard a mental growl and successfully fought off a smile. 'I'm looking for Professor Lupin. Have you seen him? It's just that I think he had a rough night.'

Snape sneered 'Yes… Lupin had a nice little dance in the moonlight. It'd be a shame if someone let the news slip that he were a werewolf. I doubt he'd be allowed to return. He's in the hospital wing recuperating. I doubt there's a long line for visitors.'

For the first time in his life, Harry did not look at Snape with loathing. But a feeling of pity came upon his senses. Guiding him not to spit back an angry retort. Harry looked up into Snape's eyes and smiled. 'No, I reckon he doesn't have too many visitors. He pushes away everyone anyways.' Snape looked somewhat taken aback. Harry decided now was a good time to try and steer the professor away from whatever it was he was about to do. 'Professor, if I could ask you a favour… Don't leak his condition. He's had a hard life, and everyone thinks he's a brilliant teacher. Even the Slytherin's do.' A sudden wave of memories that were not his own hit the forefront of his mind. A group of teenage boys tormenting a teenage snape. 'I know my dad and his friends were horrible to you, but Lupin was always alright. He's lost everyone. At least let him continue his career.' Snape's eyes widened in shock. How could the Potter brat know this?

Harry waited a few seconds before speaking up again. He didn't know where all of this was coming from but he figured it had something to do with the soul of his mother living within his head. 'And I'm not my father. I don't bully people just for the fun of it. I just want to learn potions.' And with that Harry walked away from the office door, past Snape, and made his way to the Hospital Wing.

When he finally arrived he pushed the doors open to find only one occupied hospital bed. Striding up to Remus Lupin, Harry took a deep breath.

'You've got this Harry. Just show him that you don't blame him.'

'Professor?' said Harry.

Lupin turned to face the boy who looked so much like his father.

'Harry! How are you? Albus filled me in on last night's events. I'm proud of you Harry. And Hermione for that matter. She hates heights.' Remus chuckled.

Harry sighed. 'Good I'm glad someone filled you in on all of that. Uhm, there's actually something else that you don't know about… no one knows yet and I thought I could talk to you since you're probably the only one who could ever understand.'

Remus's eyes swam with concern as he stared intently at the boy, demanding he continue.

Harry sighed again, collecting his thoughts. 'When me and Hermione went back, we had found a way to get to Sirius, but Buckbeak isn't an adult Hippogriff and I remember learning from Hagrid that he wouldn't be able to hold more than one person so I hung back and told Hermione to fly up and rescue Sirius. I could have done it, sure, but without the Map, I really don't know the layout of the Castle, especially from the outside. Hermione knows the whole thing practically by heart so we decided she should go and let Sirius fly away with Buckbeak once she rescued him. I ran through the forest back to the school to meet Hermione back at the hospital wing when I was… well I met you.' Harry looked up at his favourite professor and saw that all the blood had drained from his face.

'Harry, tell me I didn't.' Remus choked out.

'Oh bloody hell, here we go.'

'Language.' Harry muttered before continuing in a louder voice. 'Well I tried to get to the Remus inside the wolf, I talked to you and I thought I saw recognition in the wolf's eyes but… well in the end, well…' Harry turned so Remus could see the missing chunk out of his arm.

Remus, for his part, turned over and emptied his stomach over the side of the bed. A yelp caught Harry off guard as he looked down to see a great scruffy black dog jump out of sleep from underneath the hospital bed.

'Sirius!' Harry yelled. 'What the fuck are you doing here?'

'You know I was always rather proud that you didn't inherit my foul mouth but ever since last night you've really let loose.'

Ignoring the voice, for now, Harry leaned down and wrapped his arms around the still half asleep Padfoot. As his surroundings came into focus and understanding, Padfoot turned a little to lick the side of Harry's face.

'You shouldn't be here! You should have gotten as far away from Britain as possible!'

'Harry?'

Harry looked up to see a pale-faced Remus Lupin with tears rolling down his face.

'Professor, really, it isn't your fault.' Harry knew his voice sounded like pleading but he really needed to get the message across.

'But it is my fault!' Wailed Remus. 'I can't believe this! I've completely ruined your life! I've taken everything away from you!'

Anger that was definitely not coming from Harry erupted from within himself.

'Alright Moony, listen.' The use of his Marauders name caught both Padfoot and Remus off guard. Harry had never referred to either of them as such. 'I'm not gonna put up with your furry little problem-guilt bullshit. We're in the same shit situation now and I need you more than ever. Feel guilty? Well, you can help me figure all this out. I need you. Not the self-hating moping git you're about to become. Show me, and yourself, that you can have a normal life. Just please for the love of God be yourself and help me!' Harry all but yelled.

Padfoot shifted into Sirius and waved his wand as the doors to the hospital wing slammed shut. Then he turned to Harry and gave him a real smile. It lit up his entire face and you'd be hard-pressed to know this man was in Azkaban for 12 years. 'I knew you had a bit of Lily-Love in there.'

Harry tried not to show the fact that his mother was in fact living in his head and simply smiled at his godfather. Turning back to face Remus he saw shock and shame spread across his features.

'Moony, please. It could be fun! I mean, me, you, and Padfoot could go out on full moons and explore the grounds. As long as we both take the Wolfsbane potion we keep our minds, so we might as well just stick together.' Claiming this situation was fun was grasping at straws that Harry knew weren't there. The situation Harry was in was truly awful. He hated himself. He felt dirty and ashamed. But he needed to help his father's friend, and he needed to help himself. This was his last chance.

Suddenly, Remus's entire face changed and he looked positively curious.

'Harry, who do you hear in your head?' Remus asked. Sirius looked confused but Harry paid him no mind.

'Mum.' said Harry.

Remus tried to smile, but it came off as a grimace. 'Well, at least one good thing comes out of this. You get to hear your mum, and not the screaming variety.'

Sirius couldn't hold back anymore. 'What are you two on about? What voice?'

'The voice of your werewolf takes the form of whoever you draw the most comfort from. It becomes a copy of that person's soul which lives within your mind. It's an imprint, like a ghost. Harry now lives with the constant presence of Lily.' said Remus, smiling once again. Harry couldn't help but smile back.

Sirius looked at Harry shocked. 'How did you never tell this to me and Prongs? Who lives in your mind?'

Colour was starting to flush back into Remus's cheeks. 'I hear my mum too. The imprint is left in your mind on the day you're bitten. So whoever you consider to be your greatest source of comfort at the time of the bite is what is left with you. At the time that source was my mother as I had only recently turned five. I've learned to block her out with Occlumency because all she would do was berate me for being a monster. I haven't heard the voice of my mother in my mind for years now.'

'That's horrible,' said Harry sadly. 'I don't want to get rid of mum though. What if I learn Occlumency and I can't hear her again?'

'I've already built shields around your mind, Harry. Don't worry. It's surrounding both of us.'

'Oh okay. Brilliant. Thanks.' Harry said aloud. Remus and Sirius looked at him questioningly. 'Right, sorry. She said she's already built shields around my mind. She says they're surrounding both of us.' Then, mentally, 'Mum, what the hell is occlumency? And the other one for that matter?'

'Occlumency is the ability to shield your mind. Your thoughts, memories, and emotions remain buried within your defenses so that a Legilimens, who uses the power of legilimency, cannot access the contents of your mind. They are both extremely useful talents to master.'

'Huh.' Was all Harry could come up with. He really knew nothing of the Wizarding world.

Sirius smiled at Harry. 'Lily was… or I guess, is… weird- anyway, Lily is a fantastic occlumens. She was the only one of us Order members who could block out Dumbledore.' Sirius smiled fondly at the memory of Lily blocking Albus so strongly that he fell out of his chair.

Harry smiled and looked back at Remus expectantly. He sighed. 'You're right, of course. I'll help you, and I'm sure Sirius will too. And you're right, I need to be able to prove that I can lead a normal life. For you, I can do it. Knowing that Lily is living behind your eyes also gives me a valid reason to fear what would happen to me if I didn't help you.'

'Thank you Moony I'll make it worth your while. Really.' said Harry excited despite himself. This was hope. Hope for the future.

'We should tell Dumbledore of course, and I'll have to hand in my resignation.'

'WHAT?' Harry exploded. 'You will do no such thing Remus Lupin. I just argued with Snape and made it so he wouldn't leak your condition. I did not get close to nearly apologizing to the greasy git just for you to throw my work out the window. You're staying. You're going to keep teaching or I swear to god Moony I will let mum out to hurt you.'

Remus looked acceptably chastised. Then shook himself. 'But Harry, I need to resign. Can't you see?' Something in Remus's eyes wasn't right.

'No…' Harry said, slowly. 'You can just remain like any other teacher Remus.' The fog that was dancing around Remus's eyes faded slightly but came back in full force. His eyes looked nearly white. Harry was extremely concerned.

'Compulsion charm. Raise your wand and say "finis coactionis" it wont hurt him.'

Harry raised his wand to Lupin's blank stare. 'finis coactionis'. A yellow jet of magic shot from the end of Harry's wand and struck Remus in between the eyes. The fog cleared and Remus shook his head. 'Better?' Harry asked.

'Erm… Yes?' said Remus.

'Professor, do you wish to quit your job?' Harry said.

Lupin looked at Harry incredulously. 'No why the hell would I want to quit? Like you said, as long as I take my potions and leave to a safe location everything is alright. I thought you said I was a good teacher? Has Lily changed your opinion of me?' Remus teased.

Harry laughed. 'No, no she didn't. You had a compulsion charm put on you and I reckon that would be a backup on whatever curse stands on this teaching post.'

'The DADA curse is a compulsion charm?' Sirius asked.

'Doubt it. Like Harry said, I'd wager it's a backup in case the professor doesn't die or lose all their memories or avoid some other horrible fate.' said Remus. 'We still need to talk to Dumbledore, however. So let's get to it. Sirius, let Padfoot out for a bit.'

Sirius smiled and shrunk down to his dog form. Harry helped his professor out of his bed and the trio made their way through the castle. Harry reveled in the fact that for once in his life he felt at peace. Even with this horrible new affliction, he had his parents' best friends back, and in a way, his mum back with him. He could not pinpoint exactly why his mind somehow felt lighter, or why he felt truly himself for the first time. It felt like there had been a constant press on his forehead and temples, which was now mercifully removed. Harry hadn't even noticed the presence until it was gone. It was an extraordinary feeling. The stone gargoyle leapt aside for Remus. Harry and Padfoot followed him up the spiral staircase. Remus gently knocked on the headmaster's door and it swung open to reveal Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Flitwick, and Sprout sitting around Dumbeldore's private common room.

'Sorry for this interruption, Headmaster, but we have a serious problem on our hands.'

Harry couldn't suppress the snicker as the shaggy black dog prodded Remus's leg. Remus shot Harry a look that shut him up.

'No worries Remus, none at all. You've recovered well, I take it?' Dumbledore asked kindly.

'Yes, sir I've had a full recovery. It is my fault that I missed my potion so really I am to blame, not Severus.' Remus said gently.

Harry glanced at Snape to see the potions master was not glaring at Remus. Maybe there's hope for the greasy git.

'Harry, don't call him that.'

'He's the one who keeps bullying me in class just because I look like dad.'

'Can't argue with that I suppose.'

Harry was brought out of his internal conversation by the Head Staff making gasping noises and looking at Harry with worried faces full of pity and shock. Harry, being pulled out of his reverie, looked startled.

'Oh, Harry I'm so sorry.' Said, Professor Sprout. Understanding swept over Harry's mind as he realized Remus just told them what happened while he was having his internal debate.

'It's alright professor.' Harry said, looking down and scuffing his shoes. Again he was hit with a wave of anxiety and sadness at his situation and he felt tears coming out the corners of his eyes.

'Wait a minute, I haven't cried in years. What the fuck is happening to me?'

'Right, werewolf probably fucked everything up.'

'Seriously Harry. Language.'

Harry's reaction did not go unnoticed by the staff. He glanced up at Remus with wet eyes and saw regret and despair in the prematurely lined face. Quickly Harry turned to the staff and said 'But professors, please, you need to let Professor Lupin stay and teach. He's such a fantastic teacher and if anything I'll need him more than ever now. I need him here. I think everyone does…' Harry looked pleadingly at the headmaster.

'I agree, Headmaster. Many members of my house have shared a positive opinion on Professor Lupin, and their grades have skyrocketed.'

Harry's mouth dropped to the floor at Snape's statement. Harry's shock was mirrored on every face in the room. Even some of the portraits shared the sentiment.

Harry, realizing that this was a good time to push his point, said 'The thing is Professor, a lot of things are happening to me, and I don't understand it all, and it's… well it's overwhelming. All of a sudden I can smell and hear and taste and see everything to a mind-splitting level and everything is so confusing. I need him here, professor. And frankly, a competent teacher is difficult to find these days.'

Professor Dumbledore smiled at the declarations. 'I had no intention of letting Mr. Lupin go, Harry. He has, in fact, been one of our best Defense instructors to date. I would never throw such a wonderful teacher away because of one bad night. Together, the school can provide protection for you both and a safe space to transform. Of course, Professor Snape here will be able to provide the Wolfsbane potion for the two of you.' Dumbeldore finished as Snape nodded.

'I know how to brew it.' splurted Harry.

'Potter, your performance in my class has been pitiful at best. The wolfsbane potion is incredibly complex and I highly doubt-'

'Mum helped invent it. I know how to brew it.' said Harry. Trying to fight back a more aggressive retort.

'Tell me, Potter, how do you brew the Wolfsbane potion?' Sneered Snape.

And so, with the instruction of his mother through his subconscious Harry recited every step. It was beyond a textbook definition. It was spoken from the mind of the creator and included details only Lily Potter could know. Details that the instructions in Advanced Potion Making did not care to mention. Precise time measurements, why each ingredient affected the potion at the specific time that it did, how the wand is incorporated into the creation of the potion, and why the fumes must have an orange tint. Harry explained the Brewing of the Wolfsbane potion in such precise detail that everyone in the room was staring at Harry in open shock.

Snape looked at Harry with an expression he could not place. He could have sworn he was… impressed?

'5 points to Gryffindor.' Snape said with a straight face. He turned back to the Headmaster and muttered something about the Whomping Willow before exiting the headmaster's office.

'That was a truly fantastic display of potions mastery Mr. Potter. Take another 5 points.' said Professor Sprout with a wink.

'Well, Harry I am sure the school can provide the same accommodations that were, and still are, granted to Professor Lupin here. I expect your friends will be excited with the news of your non-expulsion so you are free to go.' Dumbledore smiled. His eyes twinkled.

'Oh… Actually, I haven't told them and I was wondering if we could make sure this doesn't get out to anyone, please. If people are going to know, I would like it to come from me.'

Dumbledore looked a little surprised by this information but nodded in kind.

'Harry, check the Defense contract for me please.'

'Er, professor, before I go, could I see the contract used for the Defense teacher?'

'Certainly, may I ask why?' Dumbledore replied.

'What do I tell him?'

'The truth, you want to see if the curse is on the contract.'

'You really think they haven't ever changed the contract?'

'I know that compulsion charm didn't come from nowhere, Harry.'

'I want to check it for the curse professor.'

If Dumbledore was surprised by this, he didn't show it. Reaching behind his desk he grabbed a stack of papers and retrieved an ancient scroll.

'Has this same document been used since the school opened?'

'The very same.' Replied Dumbledore.

The second Harry touched the document he felt something evil coursing through it. He gasped and dropped it to the floor.

'Harry are you quite alright?"

Harry looked up to the Headmaster and shook his head. 'It feels… Dark. It's brimming with magic.'

'Well, it is a magical contract. Binding until renewed. When you say it feels dark, what do you mean?'

Harry reached down and picked the scroll up off the ground again. He couldn't place the feeling, but it almost felt like…

'It feels like what I remember the Diary feeling like.' Harry said. Even though at the time he hadn't yet acquired his heightened senses, the senses were now incorporating themselves into his memories.

'The diary?'

'Tom Riddle's Diary sir, the one that possessed Ginny Weasley last year.' replied Harry.

For the first time in Harry's life, Dumbledore looked concerned. Truly, unashamedly worried. As Harry continued to hold the document he focused harder on the magic he was feeling through his wolf senses.

'It isn't the same kind of magic though. It's like… like the same... signature.'

'You're brilliant Harry I hope you know that.'

Harry smiled briefly before frowning at the scroll.

'Professor, do you know if Voldemort ever had access to this document?' asked Harry.

Dumbledore stared intently at Harry before replying.

'Yes, he did. Many years ago he came to the school and asked for a position to teach. I knew of his actions and refused him the post. Ever since then I have not been able to hold on to a defense teacher for longer than a year.'

'Right, let's destroy it then.' said Harry simply.

'That is an ancient magical contract that dates back to the creation of the school. It cannot simply be destroyed!' said Professor McGonagall.

Harry ignored his second favourite professor and turned to Remus and Padfoot. 'Do you know any powerful blasting hexes? I reckon this parchment is reinforced. It'll take a powerful blast.'

'I wasn't much good at destructive hexes.' At Harry's unconvinced look Remus pressed 'I'm not bad at them, but not nearly as good as Sirius was.'

'Sirius, come up and let's blast it.' said Harry.

Before he even realized what he had asked Sirius to do, Padfoot transformed to the shock and outrage of the professors.

'PROTEGO!' Remus roared at the onslaught of spells coming towards Sirius.

'SHIT!' Harry yelled as he dived to get Sirius down. 'STOP FIRING' Harry screamed towards the teachers. To his astonishment, they complied. Looking up, he pulled Sirius to his feet.

'Sirius is innocent. If you want the full story ask him yourself. Snape knows but he's refusing to testify with us. That doesn't matter right now. You need to trust us for a minute.' Harry waited for a response but when none came he accepted that this was the best he was going to get. Handing Sirius his wand (to the groans of the other professors) Harry sat back and let Sirius work. Instead of blasting the life out of the parchment, Sirius began to draw runes over the contract.

'Mum, what's he doing?'

'Oh. Right, you took Divination. He's using Runes to break down the enchantments on the contract. It's what runes are used for. They can build enchantments and wards around buildings or objects, and can be used to dismantle them as well.'

'Wicked. I should have taken runes then.'

'I could lend you my knowledge in the subject so you could take it next term? You'd have to study yourself over the summer though. I don't want a cheat for a son'

Harry scoffed.

'Work smarter not harder. I have a fully trained and powerful witch in my mind. I think I'm allowed to take advantage of the situation.'

'You are definitely your father's son.'

Harry grinned.

With a final triangular rune, and sweat visible on Sirius' brow, he got to his feet with the contract in his hand.

'I agree with Minnie,' Professor McGonagall glared at Sirius. 'We can't destroy a priceless magical artifact. But I think I've removed the curse on the parchment. It worked similarly to Felix Felicis, only in reverse. Essentially it was doused in unlucky enchantments and compulsion charms. They're all gone now. Harry, tell me how it feels now.' Sirius reached out and handed the parchment to Harry.

Harry took it and could not sense Riddle's magic on the parchment. 'Feels safe to me.' He said. Harry strode forward to hand the parchment back to Dumbledore when he ran into an invisible shield. Remus laughed and Harry turned to glare at him before he felt the shield fall. Harry walked towards Dumbledore and handed it back to him. Dumbledore stared at Harry with a warm smile.

'Well Harry, I do hope this has solved my vacancy issues. Professor Lupin there is still a night still left of term so do be careful.' He smirked. 'Now, heads of houses, please remain while we speak with Mr. Black and Professor Lupin here. I'd say it's time Sirius comes clean. Wouldn't you say Sirius?'

'Definitely Professor,' said Sirius, smiling. 'I'll even take Veritaserum. I just want my life back.'

'Good. Harry, I shall respect your wishes. Your affliction will remain private and will only be disclosed to those you see fit by yourself and only yourself. Thank you for coming to me. I hope you know you are surrounded by those who care for you and will see to it that you can maintain a relatively regular existence here at Hogwarts.' He smiled genially and gestured for Harry to leave the office.

'Thank you, professor,' said Harry. Once again dripping with anxiety Harry left the Headmaster's office.

How was he supposed to tell his friends about what he had become? He had worked so hard to try and make friends. Throughout his life, he'd always been denied friendship and now that he had it he had already lost it after only three years. Once again his eyes stung with fresh tears. Why was he all of a sudden bursting with emotion? The only time he felt this way before was staring at his dead parents' reflection in the Mirror of erised. Even then he did not feel this hopeless.

'Harry. It is okay to cry. You've held so much in for so long. You need to let it out. You must tell people about the struggles you face, the dreams that ensnare you. Harry please.'

'I don't want to tell people about the Dursleys, or the Chamber. I don't want to tell people about this bloody werewolf crap. I just want to be normal. Just Harry.'

'I don't think you're making the right choice, but I understand that you need time. Do not push your friends away, Harry. Love is the most powerful form of magic. I love you, Harry. Harry gasped. Your friends do too. Don't disrespect them by keeping this from them forever. Take as long as you need, fine, but do not hold this from them until they figure it out themselves. You must be the one to tell them, Harry. Your father was so hurt that Remus never told him. That he had to figure it out himself. He thought Remus didn't trust him enough. That wound remained up until our deaths. We trusted Peter over Remus because James never regained that trust for Remus. James figured he was the spy.

'Oh.' Harry croaked, then mentally said, 'I'll tell them. I promise I will. I just need to give myself enough time to understand it all.'

A/N: Right so that's the first chapter. There's a lot in this story and a lot of neat soul magic and playing with how memories work and the mind and all that. I can't promise that I won't inadvertently steal people's ideas, I've read a lot of fanfics so if there's an idea that's a little too similar I really apologize, and just leave a comment letting me know so I can give proper credit. One thing I really hate (and forgot to mention in the prior author note) is Ginny and Harry getting together at like age 13 and 14 respectively. not gonna happen. I actually really like the relationship plan I have mapped out for all the characters, and I'm excited to share it all.

Please review!