Hermione, Ron, and Neville stood in the middle of Hogsmeade, waiting.

Ron was pacing some. "Do you think he'll remember? Do you think he'll come?"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Ron, really! This is Professor Lupin we're talking about-he'll be here."

Neville wore a worried frown. "What if Harry doesn't want to see us?"

"Well if he hadn't," a voice said behind them, "he wouldn't have allowed me to make arrangements at all."

The three jumped in surprise and fright. "Professor Lupin," Hermione scolded. "You shouldn't sneak up on people like that."

Remus laughed. "I shouldn't but it's fun. And call me Remus, all of you-I haven't been your professor for a few years now."

Ron was almost literally bouncing. "Are we going to see him?" he half-asked, half-demanded.

Before Hermione could start scolding again, Remus nodded and started walking, waving a hand. "Follow me, and we'll get going."

Two minutes and a Portkey trip later found the four standing in front of a small house in the woods. "Is this where you live?" asked Neville politely.

Remus nodded. "Harry should be around here somewhere...I bet I know where!" He lad the three around to the back of the house. There they found Harry sitting on a sun-warmed rock, eyes closed and oblivious to the rest of the world.

"Harry!" Hermione was the first to run over, followed closely by the two boys. "We're so happy to see you again!"

Harry's eyes opened, and he nodded in their direction. "It's good to see you as well, guys."

Ron's eyes narrowed. "You're not smiling."

"No, I'm not." Harry shrugged. "It's a long story, but suffice it to say that I really don't feel like smiling much."

"You just don't want to see us!" Ron's tone was accusing.

Harry rolled his eyes. "I haven't really smiled at Professor Lupin," he pointed out. "Besides, you just got here-that could still change."

Neville nodded, trying to keep the peace. "So...where's Draco?"

Harry waved a hand towards the house. "Inside. He didn't want to risk any...conflicts, so he decided to make himself scarce for today."

"He didn't have to do that," Hermione said, but she still sounded kind of relieved.

"Do you mind if I go in and say hello?" Neville asked.

"Not at all."

**********

Neville let himself in the back door, wondering where to look for Draco. He didn't have to look very far-the blonde figure was seated at a window right by the door. "Neville," Draco acknowledged.

"Draco. How are you doing?"

"Fine, I suppose." Draco looked at the visitor. "I know what you came in here to ask-how is *Harry* doing?"

Neville blushed. "Well...you know he wouldn't tell us the whole truth himself. And I really am concerned about you, Draco."

Draco gave him a faint smile. "I know, I was just teasing you. As for Harry...." His voice trailed off as he looked back through the window. "I won't lie-it's been rough. But I really think that he's on the mend now."

"Really?"

"Well, look for yourself." Draco gestured out the window, where harry was having an animated conversation. "He hasn't once zoned out or tried to run away. Believe me, that's an improvement." The two silently watched the scene outside for a minute before Draco spoke again. "So, what's been going on out there in the real world?"

Neville's face fell some. "Well...we weren't planning on telling Harry," he hedged.

"And I won't either, not if I think it will harm him," Draco assured. "What's going on?"

"Well, someone from the school leaked the information about Harry's...attempt to the press. We're pretty sure it was a student-there's actual bets as to which House the student was from."

"Really. Which house has the best odds?"

"Ummm...Hufflepuff, actually. They seem to carry the most intense and real dislike of Harry." Neville sighed. "But I'm letting myself be sidetracked. The point is, there have been reporters swarming all over the place, looking for information...and Harry himself, of course. The faculty hasn't been talking, so Harry's location is safe, but the student body...well, fifteen minutes of fame, and all that. It's been kind of rough."

Draco frowned. "You're right-Harry doesn't need to know about this at all."

"We didn't think so. Remus does, but I'm not sure if he'll bring it up or not. I'll let him and you decide about that-you know what's been going on here, and we don't."

"You have impeccable judgement, Neville."

"Why thank you. That's nothing short of the highest compliment, coming from you, Draco."

They watched harry in silence for a few more minutes. Again, Draco broke the silence. "You should probably get back out there, Neville. I'm sure that they're wondering what's keeping you-Weasley probably thinks I've killed you or something-and besides, it's Harry you came to see, not me."

Neville smiled. "Actually, it was both. But you're right-I better go before Ron decides to search, because then he'll find you, and who knows what will happen then?"

Draco laughed. "Thank you for coming in here, Neville."

"It's like I said-I had planned to. To get the truth, if nothing else." He sighed. "You really believe he's getting better?"

"I do," Draco said softly. "What's more, I *have* to believe it. I...I don't think I could stand losing him, not now."

Neville placed a hand on Draco's shoulder. "I don't think any of us could." He smiled. "If I don't see you again, goodbye and good luck, Draco."

"Same to you. And...can I ask you a favor?"

"Sure. What is it?"

"Well...reporters have been trying to interview you, right?"

Neville rolled his eyes. "Yes. And they don't like taking 'no' for an answer, either. Persistent devils."

"Well." Draco's eyes glimmered with mischief. "Next time you're asked...punch them for me?"

Neville burst out laughing. "It'll be a pleasure-for both you and me." With a final smile, he headed back out to Harry and his friends.

**********