Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and Co. J.K. Rowling does.
Summary: After one very eventful night ten years ago, Voldemort was destroyed and Harry disappeared. Where did he go? What happened that night? Only one man knows the answer: a teacher named James, aka Harry. The ironic part: Ron and Hermione are in the same city. Will they ever come face to face?
Author's note: No, I did not die or become deathly sick; my computer did. That's why this chapter took so long. Don't worry, I didn't forget you guys!
Chapter 7: Love Stories and Scars
----------------
Remus Lupin sat at his desk waiting for the first years to come in for their DADA class.
Hermione ("Professor Granger," she kept her maiden name for teaching, because in her opinion it sounded better) was going on her trip to Canada and needed a substitute for the week that was two weeks before exams. She nominated Lupin, saying it was easier and less costly, and, after much debate, the school finally let him substitute the younger classes.
Lupin was nervous. He knew it sounded stupid, to be afraid of young kids, after all, he did teach the older ones, but he didn't really feel like he knew how to handle younger kids. Would they like him? Would they be scared of him? How would they act?
Lupin wanted to do a good job. He wanted to show the school how trustworthy he was, and show the parents that he was harmless. But to do that, the students needed to like him. And there was his dilemma.
Lupin was teaching the Gryffindors and Slytherins today, and he desperately hoped that there would be no major rivalry. It was only first years, after all.
Students started to filter in.
"Where is Professor Granger?"
"Who is going to teach us?"
"Probably that man over there!"
"He teaches the older years, right?"
"Yeah, but my brother said that he was pretty cool, though."
"Really?"
"I heard that he taught here before. Harry Potter was actually one of his pupils, so my uncle says. But they fired the professor because parents didn't like their kids being taught by a were--"
Lupin cleared his throat. "Can everybody please sit down now, so I may begin class?"
The students quietly went to their seats. Lupin's soft voice had a certain effect on them.
"Now, I am Professor Lupin, and I will be substituting this week." Lupin saw that the students wanted to ask questions, so he hurriedly went on, "Professor Granger is in Canada visiting family. Um, she informed me that you had just finished studying some basic defense spells, and that she wanted me to review those with you and teach you the 'Enervate' spell. So, um, I think we should start now." Lupin paused. The students did not look very enthralled.
"Why don't we go around and say what spell we most need work in, and, um, your names and house," Lupin offered. The students made no movement. Lupin checked the time. It had been ten minutes already.
"Here, I'll go first," he said. "My name is Remus Lupin, that's Professor Lupin to you, I was in the Gryffindor house when I went to school here, and the spell I most need work on is the spell to get more students to participate in my class." A few students smiled at his attempt to use a little humor.
A girl hesitatingly raised her hand.
Lupin breathed a sigh of relief.
"Yes?" he called on the girl.
She stood up. "Um, okay, my name is Patricia Abbot and I am part of the Gryffindor house, and I need help with the 'Expelliarmus' spell." The girl sat down and looked relieved.
Lupin looked around.
A boy held up his hand to introduce himself.
"Yes?"
"I am Nathan Weasley, I am part of the Gryffindor house, and I also need help with the 'Expelliarmus' spell."
Lupin held his breath, waiting to hear a sarcastic comment from the Slytherins, like "that's because you can't catch the wand, Weasley!" or "Help? he can't even do that spell!". But the sarcastic comment never came. A few of them just rolled their eyes.
Either the Slytherins were just tired, or this must be the generation born after the war, without the fierce hatred against their fellow Gryffindors like Lupin's older classes.
More students introduced themselves, and soon the whole class was done. They seemed to all need help with the same spell, "Expelliarmus," and so Lupin decided to demonstrate and re-teach them how to perform it.
"Now, I need a volunteer who feels that he or she is pretty good at that spell." A Slytherin in the back raised his hand.
"Okay, and you should come up to the front and stand right about there." Lupin directed the student to about ten feet in front of him.
"Now, Stuart, right? yes, Stuart here is going to try to disarm me."
The boy gripped his want and concentrated, pointing his wand at Lupin's wand and saying the spell. The wand flew from Remus's grasp into Stuart's hand. The class applauded politely.
"Now, Stuart will explain how he did it."
The kid blanched.
"Um, professor? I am supposed to explain?"
"Yes, because no matter how many times I tell everyone how to do it, students will never understand a concept half as well as they will if another student explains it to them. Go ahead."
"Um, okay, you sort of point your wand and the object you want to come to you, so I guess the other wand, and you think about catching the wand when it comes to you. I try to picture myself holding it," the boy gained confidence as he saw that the class was not laughing and were actually taking his advice seriously, "and then I say the spell in my head, and then I speak it clearly, with a slight accent on the second syllable, and then another accent on the '-ar-' part. But you can't drop your concentration just then, you need to keep thinking about the spell and catching the wand until you have the other wand in your hand."
The class nodded in understanding and realization.
"Thank you Stuart," said Lupin. "You can sit back down now. This is one of the most useful spells used in defense, for what harm can a wizard really do to you with out his wand? Many people have used this spell as a way to end war and battles."
"Like Harry Potter?" asked a student.
"Maybe, but you'll learn more about him next year. Now--"
"What do we learn next year?" asked another student.
"I think the history of Defense Against the Dark Arts. Like about the dark wizards and how and why they were defeated."
"Will Professor Granger teach us about Draco Malfoy?" asked a Gryffindor girl.
Remus shook his head and sighed to himself.
While Harry was still acknowledged as the "hero" of the Great War, Draco's history took a turn that he would probably be slightly annoyed about.
There were many war heroes, such as Dumbledore and Snape and Hagrid, and while Hermione and Ron were still "war heroes" that were asked to speak at conferences and could be read about in books of the Great War, it was really Draco and Harry that were considered the big heroes. Harry was a household name, and was even part of a few expressions, such as "think about Harry" as something to say when someone wanted to give up, and "Harry would be proud" would be said to someone who had just done something brave. Malfoy was one of the more frequent stories that parents told their children at night.
He was known as the "Great General" who led the war that eradicated many dark creatures, people, and death eaters. He was captured - unfairly, as the legend says, of course, - and taken hostage by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. He and Ginny's marriage and relationship had become a sort of "Romeo and Juliet" story, as Malfoy had been a part of only a handful of Slytherins to join against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, and he fell in love with a Gryffindor. When he was taken hostage, he was said to have been the first person killed - it was either death or join the dark side - and he died bravely for his county and world, with his last thought of Ginny Weasley. He had also been known as Harry's "number one man" through out the war. They were always side-by-side in battle, and Draco helped and saved Harry until the very end.
Malfoy was the classic "tragic hero" and he and Ginny were the most popular love story. The pair made for the type of story that girls everywhere loved. The stories were built up and exaggerated, of course, with Draco rescuing Ginny several times and speaking bravely of her at his last moment, but much of the story that was told was true.
Yes, thought Lupin, Malfoy would definitely not have wished to be remembered as the classic lover.
"Yeah," shouted another girl, "I hope we get to hear all about him and Ginny."
"No way," said a boy from Slytherin, "We should hear about the final battle between Harry Potter and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."
"Nu-uh, said a Gryffindor girl, "Malfoy."
"Potter," said a Slytherin boy.
Lupin sighed and gave up.
There was a full-fledged war between the boys and the girls.
"MALFOY!"
"POTTER!"
"MALFOY!"
"POTTER!"
It went back and forth. Remus did not know what to do. He found it terribly funny that the Slytherin boys were rooting for Harry Potter, and the Gryffindor girls were rooting for Draco Malfoy. That would have never happened when Lupin had taught here so long ago. (Well, the girls probably were secretly rooting for Malfoy, but that was a different story...)
"Alright! Enough!" shouted Professor Lupin. "I'll talk to Professor Granger and see what I can do to make sure that you all get to hear about Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy." Remus smiled sweetly. "I'll tell her to give you all lots and lots of homework and papers on the two subjects."
The class groaned and laughed.
"Now," said Lupin, still smiling from humor of the whole situation, "Let's keep working on those spells."
----------------
Parent night was a success.
The parents all seemed to like their kid's projects and enjoy meeting "Mr. Potterson".
Nothing had gone wrong, which was definitely a relief to James.
He drove up to his apartment whistling to himself. He opened his door and walked in, giving Luis a pet.
James pressed the play button on his answering machine to see if anyone called.
Beep. "Hello Mr. Potterson, this is Calgary Veterinarian and we are reminding you that your cat needs a check-up in two weeks. Please call to make an appointment."
Beep. "Hi James, it's me, Peter. Um, I'm going to be in the neighborhood, so I was thinking of dropping by around nine. See you then!"
Beep. Click.
James looked at his watch. It was almost 9:00.
There was a knock on James's door, which he went to open.
"Hi, James," said Peter.
"Hey."
"So," said Peter walking in, "How was Parent Night?"
"Fine," answered James. He felt rather awkward around Peter right then, because James kept thinking about the night before and his near murder of Peter.
"You know," went on Peter, "I was just dropping by to ask you if you would help me on Thursday, for the wedding. That's when I have to start working on the éclairs, and I know that Friday is the last day of school for you, so you shouldn't have too much work to do."
"I see you've done your research," said James dryly.
"Oh, come on James. Emma and Jacob are, well... hopeless when it comes to cooking, I mean, they can mix stuff and measure stuff, but they cannot put it all together. I need you."
"I did help you on Sunday, though," teased James.
"Okay, okay. If you promise to help me, I'll make you the pumpkin pie you're always asking for."
"It's a deal," said James.
"Stupid..." mumbled Peter, "Pumpkins aren't even in season now..."
James laughed good-naturedly.
"You don't really have to make me pumpkin pie now, Peter," he said, smiling, "I'll help you because you're my friend, and because this way you'll have to make me an extra pumpkin pie in the fall."
"Thanks James," Peter said wryly, "That's real sweet of you."
"Is that all you wanted to talk about?"
"Um, no. My family is going to spend next Christmas in England, and we were wondering if you would like to come with us. You are really considered part of the family, you know."
James blanked.
He had spent every Christmas with the Hardings, and he loved being with them. James looked at Peter and could tell that he wanted James to go. They really were like family. Almost every other Sunday all the Hardings and James got together to have a huge dinner. They would always have so much fun. James loved every Harding family member, Peter, Ryan, Olivia, Mr. and Mrs. Harding, even the scores of Harding relatives he met.
So when Peter asked if James could spend Christmas with them in England, James should have had no problem with the answer: yes, of course. But James knew what was in England. His old school, friends, teachers, even his family, of which there was only Petunia, Dudley and Dudley's wife. His whole life, as it used to be, was there. There would be a good chance of being seen.
"Where in England?" asked James.
"Um, near London, probably. That's where our family was hoping to go. We could rent an apartment, or something. We would go for about two weeks." Peter ended his phrase as if it were a question. He was supplying more information to help persuade James.
James sighed. He was being pulled in two different directions. He wanted to go with the Hardings, but he did not want to go to England.
James looked at his best friend.
It's only two weeks, he thought. I can dye my hair right before I go, and take my pills on the hour. I'll stay only with the Hardings. Go were they go, do what they do. It's not like they're going to walk right down Diagon Alley. And besides, it will be Christmas, and everyone will be with their family, not searching for some great person.
"Um--" But what if? asked an annoying voice in James' head. "Um--" Only two weeks... said another voice.
Peter looked at James quizzically.
"Um, Peter, I think I'll..." Must make decision... "I'll come." Phew.
"Great!" said Peter. "Trust me, it will be fun."
"Thank you so much for inviting me."
"Hey, you're like part of the family."
"Why don't you stay for dinner?" offered James. "I know for a fact that Sarah is at her book club meeting, so you'll be all alone."
"Now who has done their research?" joked Peter. "Sure, I'm always open to a free dinner. As long as it isn't a problem, of course."
"None at all. I've just got to heat up the tomato sauce and cook the pasta. Should take about ten minutes." James went over to the stove and started boiling some water.
He walked back and continued, "I've just got to get changed out of this suit and tie. Here," James turned on the television in front of where Peter was now sitting, "fill me in on what's going on in the world."
"More than happy to," said Peter smiling.
James walked into his bedroom, which was across from the TV room, and changed into some sweatpants.
He still had no shirt on when Peter leaned back on his chair to tell James something, when Peter caught a glimpse of James through the slightly open door.
Slam! Peter fell out of his chair.
"Jesus, James!" he yelled, hurriedly standing up. "What the hell happened?"
James had quickly yanked a shirt over him and walked out of the room.
"Excuse me?" he asked.
"Your back. The back of you. What happened?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," mumbled James, turning slightly red.
"Heck! You must know what I'm talking about. You've got scars all over your back."
"I think I should start the pasta now."
"Don't change the subject. You do this all the time. I've known you for almost ten years now, but there are some major things that I still don't know about you. I thought it was fine that you always wore a shirt when you went swimming, or a tee-shirt to bed. What are you hiding?"
The television was still blaring. Luis ran under the couch.
"Nothing," said James, gritting his teeth, "Absolutely nothing."
James was not expecting what would happen next.
Peter grabbed James's shirt and pulled it off him, tearing the shirt and hurting James.
"You call that nothing?" asked Peter, quite upset for his usual calm self.
James' back was lined with tan scars, slightly raised, all across his back. It was a mess of lines and crosses.
James turned bright red.
"Why are you doing this? Why are you asking these questions?" James said.
"Because you are my best friend and I don't know anything about you!" yelled Peter.
"You don't need to know this about me."
"And why not? My friendship wouldn't change towards you whether you were some escaped convict from France, or some druggie rock star from America. What will make my friendship change towards you is whether you trust me or not."
"Look," said James angrily, "My past should not concern you at all. It's over. It's done. It's gone. I've changed, and have worked extremely hard to forget what happened. But I do not need you bringing the bad memories back for me!"
James hadn't felt this angry in a long time.
"All I'm saying," said Peter, still enraged, "Is that a lot of really strange things happen now and then, and you do not trust anyone enough to tell them. What was so bad that happened, anyway? And why are you so crazy about those pills you take? Whatever it was, it could not have been that bad!"
"You have no idea what you are talking about. No idea." James could barely see, he was so angry.
Calm down, he told himself sharply, Anger is not a good thing...remember what will happen...
James knew he couldn't control himself for very much longer.
"Peter, I think you should go," he said, quietly, trying to retain control over himself.
"Yes, I should," answered Peter curtly.
Peter swiftly picked up his things and walked straight out of James' apartment.
As soon as the door slammed, the TV burst, with sparks and smoke. James' anger and power had gotten the best of him.
James stood there, stock still. Then he reached into his pockets for his pills, and swallowed several.
He wearily sat down on the couch.
Luis crawled out from underneath and jumped up beside James.
What have I done? James asked of himself.
He looked at the pill jar, automatically petting Luis who was purring next to him.
And from deep within James poured forth the memories that he had tried so hard to bury. Memories of one of his best friends, now gone.
Which friend will it be? Ooh, and like I promised, origin of the pills are revealed in the NEXT chapter...yay.
Big hug to the wonderful people who reviewed! (Please keep telling me what you think!)
Venus4280
Anastacy
Sparkleygem
Chochang913
TheRedFeatheryPlug
Hyper Princess
Claudia
Thank you so much for reviewing!
Love you all,
Adah