Impossibilities

Chapter 4 - Unexpected and Expected Reunions

OK, now for the usual rituals:

Disclaimer: NOT MINE, NEVER WAS MINE, I DON'T OWN IT, I DON'T GET ANYTHING FROM IT, DON'T BUG ME.

A/N: Hello again all. Did you miss me? Probably not, so this will be brief. Smile, eat lots of sugar, sleep in, and life will go on. Enjoy the story. WHEN IS BOOK 5 COMING OUT?

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Night was quickly falling and although the air remained warm with the memory of the passing summer day, Remus trudged along with his coat collar turned up and his hands thrust deep into his pockets.

His head was bent and his eyes were on the ground before his feet. People tend to ignore other people when they walk as such, and Remus felt like being ignored.

Memories of the past were hitting him hard. Thoughts flew through his head; of James as he had known him in school, of Lily when she and James had dated, of the wedding, and of that terrible night. Remus was powerless to stop their flow.

He glanced up momentarily and located his destination. A small pub called 'The Unicorn' stood across the street from him. It looked warm and inviting. A soft golden glow beckoned him through the stain glass window of a rearing unicorn.

He crossed the street hurriedly as dusk continued to fall. Upon opening the door he was rewarded with a pleasant blanket of chatter and laughter washing over him.

Yes, this was exactly what he needed. Happy company and good drink would scare away all the memories he wished to forget.

Remus walked in, his distractions already melting away. He sat down in a semi-quiet corner and sipped contently on a drink as he surveyed the activity around him.

A few hours, one good meal, and perhaps a few too many drinks later, Remus decided to head home. He paid for his food and stood up. After picking up his coat he walked out the door in search of a good place to apparate from.

It was getting late and Remus was tired. He ambled along slowly feeling much more content than he had a few hours before. He turned off the main road into a small alley and reached into his pocket to pull out his wand, covering a yawn with his other hand.

He was about to disapparate when he heard a footstep behind him. Not wanting to disappear in front of a muggle, Remus casually slid his wand back into his pocket trying to look natural.

Knowing he would arise suspicion by just standing there, Remus pulled out a handkerchief and engaged himself by pretending to blow his nose as he listened to the footsteps approach. He hoped whoever it was would just pass him by, but as he listened to the sound growing closer he was surprised and annoyed to hear the footsteps come to a complete stop.

Whoever had been following him couldn't be more than a few feet away from now. Remus felt even more irritated, it had been a long day and he wanted to go home. He did not want to have to go searching for another place to disapparate.

With a small sigh Remus moved to put away his handkerchief, but stopped dead when a voice addressed him.

"Remus? - Remus, is that you?"

Completely perplexed Remus remained frozen. That voice was strangely familiar, but who did he know that lived in this part of the world? It definitely wasn't Mundungus, he was sure of that.

"Remus?"

Remus whirled around and was rewarded with the sight of last person he expected to see. A slight figure with messy black hair stood in front of him. The light from a distant street lamp caught on a pair of glasses. The person stood uncomfortably as Remus gawked at him.

"Harry?!" Remus asked with total surprise, "What on earth are you doing here?"

The figure didn't seem to hear the question, instead he responded by taking a few shaky steps forward and saying a voice so low it was almost a whisper, "Remus, is that really you?"

"Yes, yes of course it's me;" Remus retorted distractedly, "what are you doing here? Are you all right?" The last question was spoken in a voice full of sudden concern.

Once again instead of answering the figure took several unsteady steps forward, he suddenly lost his balance and stumbled. Remus was at his side in an instant, catching him by the upper arm.

"Harry, what's the matter? Are you hurt?" Remus was growing more and more confused. He was tired and wanted to go home, but his immediate concern was Harry.

Once he was steady, the man pulled away saying, "I'm not Harry, Remus."

Remus narrowed his eyes perplexed and unsure what to say. Slowly and deliberately he asked, "What do you mean, you're not Harry?"

"Just that, I'm not Harry," came the reply. The man reached up to brush his hair out of his eyes.

Remus gasped when he saw the unmarked forehead, "You're scar... Harry what's going on?"

"What scar? Oh never mind. Look Remus, I'm not Harry. I- don't you recognize me?" the man could almost have sounded offended, the color rapidly left Remus' face, "It's me," the man continued.

Remus just shook his head disbelief and wariness clear on his face. The man sighed with exasperation. "Remus, it's me..." Remus remained silent, "me..." the man continued softly, "me- James."

Remus felt suddenly light-headed. He teetered uncertainly on his heels for a moment, then mastered himself and asked in a dangerously casual voice, "Is that suppose to be funny?"

The man was completely taken aback. He looked uncertainly at Remus while replying evenly, "I'm telling the truth. My name is James Potter." He spoke with careful clarity.

Remus whipped out his wand with lightning speed and pointed it directly at the person before him, his voice was horse and angry, "James is dead," he said anger mounting. He backed away from James his wand arm outstretched, "How dare you impersonate him. I ought-" Remus' voice broke but he recovered quickly, "I ought to hex you! Right here, right now." Remus' wand hand shook with rage as he spoke.

James started to speak, "Remus- it's me..." he stopped looking desperate, "You don't believe me, do you?"

"Why in Merlin's name should I?" Remus ground out, his wand still pointed strait over the man's heart, "How dare you do this, how dare you-" He had backed himself to the brick wall of one side of the alley.

"Ok, ok, take it easy, old lad," James lifted his hands up by his head, palms facing Remus in an act of peace. "Look- I'm not armed. Please, just calm down."

Remus didn't move, he continued to stare the man down spitting out, "Oh... calm down is it? Who do you think you are? How dare you! James is dead!"

James stood awkwardly before him, "Remus... you have to believe me..."

Remus wasn't paying attention he continued to speak, "James is dead... he's not coming back," Remus' voice broke, "Why won't you let me be," his voice was barely above a whisper.

"Remus- Moony," Remus flinched at the second name, "Please... it's ok. It is me." James felt like sobbing himself... why oh why didn't Remus believe him... this wasn't how he had planned this reunion at all. "How can I prove it to you, Remus... why don't you believe me?"

Remus had a wild look in his eye as he said, "Fine... go on then. Prove it."

James blinked at him in surprise at the aggression in the retort. "Prove it? What, prove I'm James?" he asked with a wary expression.

Remus nodded curtly as he continued to glare at the man, "Exactly."

James continued to hesitate, I think Remus has finally cracked...

"Ha!" Remus gloated interrupting James' thoughts, "Scared are you. Go on then, prove you're James Potter. Better hurry though, I just dying to try out some new curses I've learned."

James gave in and his eyes looked upward as he thought briefly. He then stated, "Umm... something I alone know... uhh... ok how's this: You, Remus Jeremy Lupin are a werewolf."

Remus didn't falter, "A lot of people know I'm a werewolf, you could have found out in dozens of places. Better think of something else fast, I'm loosing my patience."

"Really, when'd you tell people, you always kept it so quiet," James asked in surprise, Remus glared daggers at him, so James tried again, "Very well, uhhh... fifth year, Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew," Remus flinched ever so slightly at this name, but James didn't notice, "and I became unregistered Animagi. No one else should know that."

Remus' eyes grew clouded and his voice quavered ever so slightly as he replied, "What did you transform into?"

James answered without a thought, "Sirius- dog, Peter- rat, myself- stag. Really Remus, it IS me. I could go on and on," he held up a hand and ticked off facts on his fingers, "You're nickname is Moony, there was also Padfoot, Wormtail, and Prongs," he grinned at the last name, "You have a scar on your left thigh where you bit yourself exceptional hard one full moon our sixth year. Erm... My favorite color is blue, although I'm rather partial to orange. You bleached Sirius' hair blonde our fourth year because he kept saying he wanted to be a surfer, he thought it was me and by the time he fulfilled his revenge I was in the hospital wing for 2 days... Do you want me to continue?"

Remus slowly shook his head, his face was white as a sheet but he managed to rasp out, "That's impossible." His wand fell from his fingers and clattered on the pavement, but he made no move to pick it up. "James?" he whispered faintly.

James nodded solemnly. "Hey Moony," he replied softly, "long time, no see."

Remus goggled at him, this was just too much, not after today... this wasn't real, he was hallucinating...

"You're a ghost... you're not real. Leave me alone!" Remus was becoming slightly hysterical. James was getting worried. "You can't be. He's dead... dead," Remus' voice was fading out.

He felt his legs give out and he slumped down towards the ground. James caught him before he could fall all the way and Remus looked groggily into his friend's face. It looked just like Harry's... but the eyes... they were James' alone... and Remus fainted completely.

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James had seen his friend stumble and start to fall, then it had been his turn to catch someone. Which he did with a slight groan, his muscles protested any overly-quick movements. Remus was out cold.

Well, that was certainly some welcome, James-y lad. Going to give all you're friends heart attacks? James laughed grimly to himself as he lay Remus down on the ground. He quickly undid the fastening on the cloak he was wearing. Unfortunately as soon as he pulled in off it stated to fray and disintegrate.

Great, a preserving charm, he thought with annoyance. Preserving charms have their uses, such as making sure the dead's burial clothing never disintegrates, but as soon as the person removes the garment the spell ends.

At least I'm not so hot anymore, James thought, glancing at the light shirt he now wore, I guess Remus will have to do without a pillow. What do I do with him now?

James cast his eyes about him haphazardly. His gaze caught something long and skinny laying forlornly on the ground partly hidden in the shadows...

Something, long skinny, and precisely what James needed. He swiftly scooped up Remus' wand and rested it gently across his palms. It had been ages, over a decade actually, since he had held a wand. Even though this one wasn't his he could feel the faint magic spark inside it.

Hoping he remembered properly how to do what he was about to, James pointed the wand at Remus' head and muttered, "Ennervate."

Remus immediately groaned and his eyelids fluttered. I still got it, James thought triumphantly. He leaned over Remus and looked at him with concern, "Are you OK, mate?"

Remus kept his eye's closed, but he whispered his voice calm now, "I hope so... 'cause if I'm not, its means I'm still hallucinating." He stopped, then opened one eye. He stared at James for a minute, closed his eye, quietly counted to ten, then opened both eyes. "Are you really here?"

James had watched the whole proceedings with amusement. "I'm really here, Moony," he whispered quietly, rocking back on his heels so that he was sitting down next to Remus.

Slowly Remus inched his way up into a sitting position never letting his eyes leave James' face. Remus voice was choked as he asked, "Are you a ghost?"

"No," James grinned, "I hurt too much to be a ghost."

Tenitively Remus reached out with one hand touched James' forehead. "You are here," he breathed pulling back his hand and gazing at his fingertips for a moment.

James watched him quietly. He was still slightly worried that Remus would pass out again, it was so unlike his friend to not react with perfect calmness. Then again, for someone whose dead best friend is sitting beside them, Remus was taking things rather well.

Before James could muse things over anymore, Remus reached up and hugged him like a brother. Squeezing him like he thought he would disappear in an instant. Remus didn't want any explanation yet, his friend was here, and that was all that mattered.

James was startled for a minute then he hugged back ever bit as fiercely. It was amazing to be able to touch someone after so long as a shade. When they finally pulled away and sat staring dumb struck at each other James was appalled to see tears glistening on Remus' cheeks. He reached up hesitantly to his own face and found wetness there as well.

Remus finally broke the silence. "It sure is good to see you Prongs," he said brokenly, "You've no idea how much I missed you."

James smiled and said, "I missed you too, old boy." They sat there another few moments until James continued, "So... uh er... how long has it been? 'Cause no offense, but you look different." He nodded towards Remus' graying hair.

Remus laughed weakly, "How long? Merlin's beard James, you've been, well, dead for nearly 14 years!"

James eyes flew wide open as he exclaimed, "14 years?!" he gave a low whistle, "Cor, I've missed a lot."

Remus nodded. "Yeah," he muttered quietly, "you sure have." His eyes acquired a distant look but he quickly seemed to remember James was there. He rounded on him and said, "All right... I want to know now, what did you do?" James looked at him questioningly and Remus continued, "You were dead! Dead people don't just wake up. They just don't!!" Remus crossed his arms across his chest and waited.

"I'm... not sure," James said uncertainly.

That wasn't good enough for Remus though, he pointed at James accusingly and said, "You're not sure? You're not sure? Good lord James... tell me something, anything- I don't know what to think," he glared at James, "you were dead. Completely dead. This-" he gestured around, "is all impossible." He looked expectantly at James.

James took a deep breath, "Alright, where do you want me to start?"

Remus rolled his eyes and held his hand up in defeat, "Now that's a good question... shall we say start with, oh I don't know, where in the world you've been?"

James smiled guiltily, "I've been dead,"

Remus raised his eyebrows, James defended himself, "No really, I have been. I was trapped inside a wand. I- I don't know why or how, but I was freed," James shook his head trying to remember the details, "I didn't know what was going on, still don't," he added wryly. "I've wander around as a shade for a few months now." He glanced at Remus who was listening intently his face impassive.

"I saw you," James said and Remus' expression became confused, James continued, "You were in a cemetery," James shuddered, "at m-my grave," he barely whispered. "I was pulled inside, and suddenly I had my body back. I was so scared, I have no clue what happened. I just- blasted my way out of there." James stopped, his face was ashen form the memory of the inside of his tomb.

Remus just stared at him. James watched him nervously, half-thinking Remus was about to faint again. Finally Remus spoke, "I think I'm even more confused now than I was before." James laughed, but Remus kept talking, "Nothing can awaken the dead. Shades cannot inhabit the bodies of the dead. Its- impossible."

James smiled faintly and began to speak but stopped as he heard a faint noise behind him. He spun around. It was nothing but a scrawny old alley cat, but it was enough to bring James and Remus to their senses.

"We can't talk here, it's not safe," Remus stated decidedly, "And before you try to explain again I need someone else to confirm I'm not hallucinating."

James chuckled at this remark and nodded in agreement, "Yeah, I suppose we should get out of here," he gazed around the alleyway and then asked, "where do we go?"

Before Remus could respond, James whipped his attention back on him saying, "Wait a minute, who were you thinking of introducing me to?" He scowled at Remus, "I don't want anyone else fainting on me. Or trying to hex me into oblivion."

Remus blushed and said, "Sorry about that..."

James just smiled and replied, "It's all right. I suppose I would have done the same in your position... or worse actually."

Remus stood up with a groan. "We'll go back to my place, Sirius is there," he said. He dusted himself off and offered a hand to James.

"Sirius?!" James exclaimed happily, then he frowned, "You sure he won't react even worse than you did?" James excepted Remus' hand and allowed him to pull him to his feet. He stood leaning heavily on the wall as Remus responded.

"Oh I'm quite sure he will react rather badly, but I don't see what choice we have," he glanced at James and asked with concern, "are you all right?"

James laughed shortly, "I feel like I've been run over by a rampaging hippogriff. Either that or I've been dead for a while." He turned towards Remus and winced. "I ache all over, but to answer your question, I think I am OK. All things considered."

"Hmph. Well you're in no condition to apparate. You'd probably splich yourself even if you had a wand..." he paused looking thoughtful, "Never mind, we'll take the Knight Bus. It will be easiest." Remus motioned towards the main road. "Come on," he said softly, "let's go home."

James started walking with him, but he teetered unsteadily on his feet, and grimaced with each step. "This won't do," Remus muttered under his breath, "Come here, you." He pulled one of James' arms around his shoulders, letting James lean against him as they continued to walk.

"Remus-" James murmured after a few moments.

"Mm- hmm?"

"I've just remembered... you... you thought I was Harry. Did you mean my son?" he paused midstep, stopping Remus with him he continued to speak tenitively, "Is he, alive? I think I remember seeing him, a few months ago," he rambled on, "but I can't remember correctly: is he- no," he said shaking his head, "no, that's impossible... never mind."

"Yes, he is alive," Remus said, sounding a surprised, "It didn't even occur to me that you wouldn't know. How could you? You couldn't know any of it."

James looked at him questioningly a sense of foreboding in his voice, "Know any of what?"

Remus looked away and continued walking pulling a reluctant James with him. "Never mind, but Harry is alive."

"That's impossible," James said looking shocked.

Remus raised his eyebrows. "Oh, and why is that?"

"The curse-," James said uncertainly, "You-Know-Who..."

Remus interrupted him, "This coming from a guy who's been dead 14 years. You should have more faith," he finished with a grin.

James opened his mouth to retort then closed it. He frowned and looked at Remus for a moment. He opened his mouth to say something else then shut it once more. "Good point," he finally consented.

Remus grinned.

James just scowled. "I hate it when you do that."

They walked in silence, then James spoke again.

"Then he's alive," he said amazed, "Where is he? With Sirius," he asked uncertainly.

Remus avoid James' eyes, "No, he's not with Sirius."

James looked at Remus' hidden face, "What aren't you telling me. I want to know."

Remus sighed, "I promise I'll tell you everything you want to know when you tell me everything I want to know. And that will be as soon as we get home." They arrived at the lamp-lit main street and they both stopped at the edge of the curb. James pulled away from Remus to rest on a bench. Remus pulled out his wand, but instead of holding it out to flag down the bus, he pointed it at James.

James looked at him questioningly, resisting the urge to edge away. He did not like having Remus pointing his wand at him. It was very unnerving.

"No offense, but I think we'd better alter your appearance a bit so you don't go terrifying the bus driver or passengers," Remus said.

James laughed and said, "Oh come on, it'd be fun." Remus glared at him and James sobered. "Fine, fine, alter away." Remus quickly changed James' signature glasses into a pair of rectangular lensed spectacles. He used a very powerful charm to make James' wild hair lay flat, and then lightened the color of it several shades.

"There, nothing too drastic, but you look different enough to get you to my house in one piece."

Then something dawned on Remus. "You- you said you blasted out of the tomb?" he asked hesitantly.

James nodded silently, he DID NOT want to think about that.

Remus continued, "Did you leave directly after that?"

Another mute nod.

"I think we'd better go back there before we head home."

James eyes became huge, "You want to go back there? Merlin's beard Moony, why?"

Remus pocketed his wand and moved to sling one of James arms over his shoulder again, James didn't bother to protest. "I just realized what will happen if people see the cemetery like that. Especially with you gone from it," James winced, but Remus persisted, "It will cause mayhem. We have to go back and tidy up."

James knew Remus was probably right. But he still was very unhappy with the idea of going back. Which is quite understandable. He proceeded to tell Remus this repeatedly the entire short, but tiring, walk to the Silmont Private Cemetery.

Remus helped James to a small bench near the cemetery entrance. Remus then surveyed the wreckage with the faint glow of his wand. He glanced around quickly, not taking in details. Little was damaged, except James and Lily's tomb. He muttered a few spells and the stones magically flew back together.

Only then did Remus advance closer for a better inspection. The dark cemetery unnerved him. He wanted to finish this as quickly as possible. Had he examined the area more carefully before he repaired it he would have discovered the oddness concerning Lily Potter's body. But, like James, he didn't look; and he didn't find out.

The cemetery now appeared as it had before. No one would notice the absence of one body, because honestly, who would look?

Remus returned to James and assisted him to the curb. He then stuck his wand arm into the street. Almost immediately a huge purple bus thundered into view, and the two friends slowly climbed on board.

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~Earlier that same day~

Harry watched the hands of the kitchen clock slowly make their way around their circle. The day seemed to be dragging on and on. This afternoon the Weasley's would be arriving to take him to the Burrow, and Harry was very excited.

Unfortunately Aunt Petunia had been taking advantage of the last few days he was home to make him do even more chores than usual.

She had been very put out when she and Uncle Vernon had learned that the Weasley's were coming. Not that she minded the thought of getting rid of Harry sooner than usual, but she couldn't stand the fact that he would be enjoying himself. Not to mention she would have to do more housework with him not helping.

But even the Dursley's seemed to know better than to argue with the wizarding world. They'd bit back their rude remarks, and settled for working Harry harder than ever while they still could. Today was no exception.

Harry could have protested more, perhaps under different circumstanced he would have, but Harry did not complain. The busy schedule meant little time for thinking and a tired body promised a heavy sleep at night. He was grateful for both of these things. If he was idle he had time to think about the Third Task and if he wasn't exhausted nightmares were becoming regular parts of his dreams.

Yes, being busy was a much better plan than dwelling on Cedric's death and Voldemort's return.

Currently Harry was pealing vegetables for the lunch that afternoon. He stood by the counter, a cutting board before him littered with odd pieces of vegetable skin.

Life at the Dursley's was becoming unbearable for young Mister Potter. He longed to talk to any of his friends at Hogwarts. Heck, he'd even settle for a nice conversation with Malfoy- he could definitely use something to hit. Meals were few and far between, he ate whatever was given to him and sneaked extras during the times he was in the kitchen: like now.

Who ever thought carrots could taste this good? Harry thought as he crunched on one.

Yep, life at the Dursley's was almost level with the summer before second year when they'd locked him in his room. Luckily Harry only had to stick it out a little longer.

He finished with the vegetables, and was immediately sent off to mow the lawn, followed by several loads of laundry. Aunt Petunia kept him hopping until midafternoon.

The Weasleys were to be expected at 5 o'clock. At 4:30 Aunt Petunia allowed Harry to return to his room to pack his belongings.

Harry sat boredly on his small bed. He'd finished packing yesterday because he was so excited, and now he had nothing to do. Hedwig sat quietly in her cage, and Harry went over to stroke her. He had been paying extra attention to Hedwig these last few days after having gone so long without her company.

He had been glad when Sirius had asked for her services because that meant the Dursley's couldn't complain about her hooting. But no friendly company, even that of an owl, was becoming very depressing very fast.

Harry shivered suddenly. He had been having the oddest sensations lately that someone was watching him. Of course it could just be the fact that Uncle Vernon was constantly breathing down his neck in hopes he would do some illegal magic, but Harry didn't think that was it.

Cautiously, he stole an inconspicuous glance out his window. The yard seemed perfectly normal. Neat rows of petunias, (no lilies!) grew next to the fence, and the freshly mowed lawn rippled in the breeze.

Harry sighed telling himself he was worrying about nothing. Looking at the clock he saw it was a quarter to 5. He decided to take his things downstairs and wait for the Weasley's in the living room.

It took him two trips to get all his things downstairs. First he lugged down his heavy trunk. None of the Dursely's made any move to help him, but that was to be expected. When he finally had everything downstairs, he impatiently began to wait, ignoring Aunt Petunia's death glares at him for sitting on one of her fancy armchairs.

At 5:06 exactly the doorbell rang. Harry jumped up and ran to answer it, he could hear Uncle Vernon lumbering behind him.

Harry pulled the door open revealing four of the nine Weasley's. The twins apparently had decided to come along with Ron and Mr. Weasley to collect Harry.

"Hi you guys," Harry said happily, "Thanks for picking me up Mr. Weasley."

Arthur waved him away saying, "My pleasure Harry, my pleasure."

As the boys enthusiastically greeted each other, Arthur Weasley thrust a hand towards Uncle Vernon who stood watching in the shadow of the doorway.

"It's nice to meet you again, Mr. Dursley," Arthur said rather tightly, a forced smile on his face. Uncle Vernon nodded curtly and very reluctantly shook Arthur's out stretched hand. He let go quickly, and appeared to be resisting the urge to wipe his hand off on his pants.

Harry watched this apprehensively. He had been worried about his uncle doing something atrocious, but the Dursley's appeared to be able to contain themselves for once. Harry cleared his throat and said, "Uh... perhaps I should go collect my stuff..."

"Yeah, we'll help," George said, Ron and Fred nodded in agreement. Mr. Dursley swiftly moved against one wall of the hallway as the three Weasleys and one Potter entered his house.

"The living room's that way," Harry said indicating a room to the left, "it's all in there." The four of them trooped in and gathered up Harry's things.

Dudley had disappeared several hours ago when he'd gotten wind that wizards would be coming to his home. He was still hidden away somewhere in the house much to the Fred and George's disappointment.

Aunt Petunia sat stiffly in one corner of the living room and Harry felt almost sorry for her... almost. "Err... see you," he said shortly. Aunt Petunia looked at him disdainfully but nodded back.

The twins cast hateful glares at Aunt Petunia on their way out of the room. How could anyone be so mean to someone like Harry? I mean the guy had given them a thousand galleons- how much nicer can you get?

Silently they returned to the entryway. Neither Uncle Vernon nor Arthur Weasley appeared to have moved. Upon seeing them Mr. Weasley sprang to life. He smiled and asked, "Do you have everything?"

They all nodded Harry looked awkwardly at Uncle Vernon. He remembered what had happened last time they had said good bye. Apparently Uncle Vernon remembered as well because he simply glared at Harry and said evenly, "See you next summer."

Harry felt relieved and replied, "Yeah, bye then."

Without another word the five of them turned and walked down the pathway to the waiting car. Mr. Weasley's Ford Anglia looked a lot like it had when Harry had first seen it. He felt a pang of guilt as he remembered his infamous entrance to second year.

As they piled into the car Harry silently remarked upon the painless ease of that departure. He nearly spoke too soon.

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Across the street from number four Pivot Drive there is a sidewalk. In the curb of this sidewalk there is a gutter. Inside this gutter, peering out on the happenings across from it, is a rat. Well, actually it's not really a rat. Any guesses as to what it really it? Well, you've probably guessed right.

This is by no means an ordinary rat. This is an animagus. Not just any animagus either, this is an unregistered animagus, a wanted murderer by those who know the truth, and a pitied hero by those who don't, a one time trusted friend, a now betraying enemy. This rat has a silver paw in place of one of its forearms. This is Peter Pettigrew- let's call him Wormtail, shall we?

Yes, this is Wormtail. The one. The only.

Wormtail had been bored. He was as close as he could get to the Dursley's home without setting off any of the protection spells that had always been around Harry. He'd been there for several weeks. Spying, watching, waiting. Waiting for his chance, and it had finally presented itself.

Wormtail was no longer bored, he was ready. He was about to become the most high-held of all Death Eaters. He was about to give his master Harry Potter.

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A/N: bit of a cliffie for ya. Please review.

CrazieBabieMeg: WOW! WOW! WOW! you just made me feel like a million dollars! THANK YOU SOOOOOOO much for the review. And just so you know, I don't think you're crazy. If you want crazy come to California and meet me and my friends. THAT is crazy. and weird. and strange. To be politically correct we are "normality challenged". *grin*

mahna mahna: nice name thanks for reviewing!

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Usako3000: you may just get your wish... *wink*

I hope the Remus meets James scene was alright. I tried to make it realistic. Remus is a pretty calm and reasonable fellow. And all things considered I think he responded pretty calmly and reasonably for a guy meeting someone who has been dead for 14 years. My reasoning is as follows: since Remus isn't at all expecting to see James he thinks he's Harry, that's understandable right? When the guy says he's not Harry Remus is put on his guard. When the guy says he's James, Remus gets angry (wouldn't you be) And when James proves it he thinks he's a ghost finally its too much for poor Moony and he passes out. I hope you approved.

How in the world am I going to do the James meets Sirius scene... I've written it, but it just doesn't work right. I can't get my idea out of my head and on to paper. Maybe I need a pensive or something. :)

The Harry and Weasley scene was hard to write too... i've no clue why...maybe I'm loosing my touch *gasp* the horror the horror. Oh well when you hit rock bottom the only direction you can go is up. *wink*