Timetable's are already handed out, Hermione informed Harry when he stumbled down to breakfast the next morning, having slept late. It's not pretty. Hagrid's not back, so there's no Care of Magical Creatures class indefinitely. We've got Magical Medicine, Muggle Studies, Potions, and Defense Against the Dark Arts all with the Slytherins.

Harry groaned. Two classes would've been bad enough, but now four? And prefect meetings beside. His decision of the night before was going to be more difficult than he thought.

Who's the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, then? Harry asked. There wasn't anyone here last night.

Hermione looked up and smiled. I don't know for sure, but last night was a full moon, and I'm almost positive I heard some howls late last night.

Harry's eyes lit up. Do you really think – ?

Well, we'll find out right after lunch today, Hermione said brightly, but Harry stood.

I'm going to go see now, Harry said, quickly stuffing a couple of pieces of toast in his mouth. Sirius told me some things that I'd like to ask Lupin about.

But Harry... Hermione protested, but Harry was already half out of the hall. He quickened his stride as he ran up the stairs towards where the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor's offices were. He stopped outside the door and knocked lightly.

came a small voice that Harry recognized immediately.

Professor Lupin, he said quietly, smiling as he stepped in and closed the door behind him.

Harry! It's good to see you. I should've known to expect a visit. Lupin looked weak from the previous night's transformation, but was smiling broadly. My boyfriend told me a little bit about your summer, you know.

Harry grinned. How is Padfoot?

Doing fine, Lupin returned the grin. Actually he came by last night for a little midnight fun; he's asleep in my quarters now. He was going to come find you at lunch and surprise you. Tell you what, act surprised for him, please?

Sure thing. The rest of the school is wondering about our new DADA teacher, you know. Hermione figured it out, of course.

Should've figured that she would be the one. By the way, Harry, except for when we're in class, call me Moony or Remus one, would you? You... well, you used to call me Moony.

I... I did?

Moony nodded. You knew, oh, about 10 words or so, I think. Mummy, Daddy, Pafah, Moony...

Pafah? Oh, Padfoot. But not...?

No, not Wormtail. Now, I imagine you have to get to class. If you need to talk about anything, the door's always open.

Thanks... Moony. The pair exchanged grins and Harry headed down the stairs to Potions. He arrived just moments before the start of class.

hissed Hermione. Where have you been?

Talking with Moony, Harry grinned. Got lots to tell you two. Later.

Snape swept into the room then, beginning his lecture at once. Luckily the first week was going to be solely lecture and no concoctions, leaving Harry a chance to let down his guard somewhat. He scribbled notes frantically throughout the period, and then dashed with his classmates up the stairs to Transfiguration, where McGonagall droned on about the dangers of human transfiguration. Charms and History of Magic followed, and then it was finally, blessedly, time for lunch. Harry loaded up his plate and chatted amiably with many of his housemates, idly wondering how many of them would still talk to him if they knew he was gay. Then, near the end of the meal, Harry felt a wet nose on his hand.

Snuffles! Hey, what're you doing here?

Ron and Hermione greeted the large black dog as well, before it motioned for Harry to follow it out of the hall. Harry stood up and followed the dog that was Sirius out of the hall, up the stairs, and into the Gryffindor common room, which was completely empty. The dog shimmered and Sirius stood in its place.

Harry! It's good to see you, Sirius exclaimed as he gathered Harry up into a large hug. Harry relaxed in his godfather's presence as the two talked happily about the rest of Harry's summer since they had seen each other last, and Harry's plan to tell Ron someday' about him being gay.

Do you think I could tell him about you and M – Professor Lupin? Just to kind of, I don't know, break the ice somewhat?

Sirius sat and thought for a moment. I don't see why not. Neither of us are exactly shy about our sexual preferences anyway.

Shortly after that, Harry had to run to get to DADA, and Padfoot loped along beside him.

He skidded up to the door, startled when he realised the rest of the class, Gryffindors and Slytherins, was standing outside as well.

The professor isn't here, Seamus explained. Whoever it is.

Harry grinned. You'll be pleased, trust me. He walked over to the office door and knocked. Oi! Professor Lupin! I found your tame mutt wandering around!

Padfoot growled, and Hermione giggled, the implications hitting her, while Ron merely widened his eyes in confusion. The door swung open to reveal Remus, laughter on his face.

Thank you, Harry. Padfoot, in the office. Now, class, if we can go into the classroom....

whispered Seamus. This is awesome.

Totally cool, echoed Dean. We get a decent DADA teacher again.

The general mood among the Gryffindors was exuberant, and even the Slytherins acknowledged that they would benefit from having Lupin instead of a raving lunatic like Lockhart or an impostor like the Barty Crouch/Mad-Eye Moody person from the year before. The class sat down and quietly waited on Professor Lupin.

Hello again. I must say it's nice to be back here, teaching all of you again. I remember your names, for the most part, so let's just get started, shall we?

Lupin led the class through a review of all the material they were expected to have covered through their fourth year, and assigned essays on the topics that had not been covered. I realise that you are not to blame for the gaps in your education, but I must rectify the situation. You will take your O.W.L.s this year, and beyond that, the situation in the world is such that any knowledge you can gain will be of benefit to you.

Harry scowled at that, knowing the truth of it, and glanced at the Slytherins. Many of them looked shocked, but several wore sneers, and Draco... Draco simply stared straight ahead, hurt and fear etched in his eyes. Am I the only one that see that? Harry wondered. Now, STOP! Stop thinking about Draco Malfoy. Time enough to deal with that some other time... hopefully some other time that's far in the future.