Title: Harry Potter and Kinson's Orb

Author: Kararen

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any of its characters.  I only own the plot of this story.

Author's Note: I've been working on getting this up ASAP, but I've had a lot going on.  You get to meet the new DADA teacher here briefly, and there's an important conversation that Harry has with Remus Lupin.

-Chapter Five-

The Sixth DADA Teacher  

Harry spent the majority of the week at the joke shop along with Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Fred, and George. Occasionally Ginny or Ron would have to be working, but the rest of the group stayed there to keep them company. Fred and George seemed to be doing quite well with the shop. There wasn't a single moment when there weren't customers lined up at the cash register with their arms filled. Even though they were busy, Fred and George still found time to join the others for an ice cream almost everyday at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour.

Harry's hair remained red for three days. It just sort of went away on its own, or perhaps it went away from eating a banana split...but Harry didn't care to try it a second time. Although Harry had sort of enjoyed it. He didn't get the stares that he usually got while in Diagon Alley. Everyone just seemed to think he was one of the Weasley's, and Harry had no objection to letting them think it. One evening Tonks had stopped by the Burrow and gotten quite the kick out of it. She, being able to change her appearance, had then sported wildly red hair as well, saying that she just wanted to fit in.

At the end of the week, Hermione left the Burrow. She was going on vacation with her parents to France for two weeks, but promised she would owl them often.

Ginny also left for a couple days to visit her friend Blythe Williams, a Gryffindor in her year. While she was gone, Ron had to work every day.

One day, Ron had to leave earlier than usual, so Harry told him to go and that he'd meat him there later. Ron left a little disappointed to be going alone, but he'd be able to get more work done by himself. George was making him do inventory, and with Harry around, they'd just end up sitting around and talking. Fred told him if he didn't start doing more work he'd cut back his pay, and Ron had almost enough to get a dragon skin jacket. In order to have money left over to get new robes and the rest of his school supplies, he needed to work as much as possible.

Harry knew this, and knew that he distracted Ron from the work, so that's why he let Ron go himself, saying that he was kind of tired and wanted to sleep in a little.

After Ron got up, Harry dressed, gave Pig and Hedwig a few owl treats each, and made his way downstairs. This was certainly the quietest he'd ever the Burrow be since his arrival. The house wasn't very big, and having nine Weasley's, Harry and Hermione, and the occasional visitor (generally someone from the Order) made it so that there was never a quiet moment. Harry hadn't had a chance the entire first week to even look at his birthday present from Sirius and Lupin. He was anxious to read what it contained, but was also a tad frightened. He couldn't help remembering what he'd seen of his father in Snape's pensieve the previous year. As much as he longed for truth, he didn't want to see something he didn't like.

When Harry reached the kitchen, he heard voices on the other side of the door. Not wanting to eavesdrop, and not to mention being rather hungry, Harry opened the door.

"Good morning Harry," said a familiar voice.

It was Remus Lupin. He was sitting at the table with Bill, but Harry was sure he had heard a woman's voice as well, and it hadn't been Mrs. Weasley's.

"Morning," Harry replied, as he made his way to the table.

"Harry," Remus said. "I'd like to introduce you to someone."

Harry looked at Bill a little confusedly.

"I already know Bill Professor!"

"No, no, not him. Over there," Remus said pointing to the other side of the kitchen.

Harry looked and saw a woman's head in the fire. She had light brown hair and soft gray eyes. He knew that this must be who Ginny and Ron had heard Bill talking with about curse breaking, and became very excited to find out whom she was.

"Harry, this is Elizabeth Sage. She's going to be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts."

"Oh, nice to meet you Professor Sage!" said Harry, wanting to make a good first impression. After the horrible Professor Umbridge who had taught Defense Against the Dark Arts the previous year, Harry knew the importance of getting on a teacher's good side right from the get go.

"Lovely to meet you Harry! I've heard wonderful things from Remus here about you!"

"Really?" Harry said a little uncertainly. He glanced at Remus who smiled and said, "Yes Harry, you were my best student after all!"

Harry smiled and took the compliment to heart.

"Well, you are the best teacher we ever had for that class Professor Lupin! And we've had a lot. You must just have brought it out!"

"Oh, nonsense Harry!" Remus said, blushing slightly.

Bill had been silent through the conversation and chose this moment to cut in.

"Well, I'm done eating. Was that all you needed from me Miss Sage? I've got a few things to get done and have to be on my way."

"Oh yes, thanks for everything Bill. You have been most helpful. My knowledge of ancient magic and curses only goes so far."

There was a pause as Bill got up and left the kitchen.

"Well, I actually have to be going as well. Thanks for the advice about Hogwarts."

"It was my pleasure!" Remus answered.

"Don't be a stranger Remus!  We've got a lot of catching up to do."

"Yes, I believe we do!" said Remus with a nod and a smile as she disappeared into the fire. Harry noticed that there was something different in Remus' manner that he'd never seen before, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

"Umm, Professor Lupin," Harry said.

"Call me Remus Harry! I haven't been your professor for two years now. Besides, it sounds too formal. We are friends after all!"

"Of course, Prof, I mean, Remus! Er, so you know her then?"

"Yes Harry, from a long time ago."

Something about the way Remus said this told Harry that he'd rather not talk about it. Harry had never talked alone with Remus since Sirius' death, and had a few things that he wanted to ask him, so he took this moment to change the topic.

"Remus?"

"Yes Harry?"

"Well, I...I know you knew Sirius best out of everyone, and well, you knew my dad and Wormtail too..." Harry seemed to be having some difficulty getting the words out. He still found it difficult to talk about Sirius.

"It's alright Harry, you can ask me anything you want about them.  I'll hold no secrets."

"Well, doesn't it bother you that nobody knows the truth about what happened? That Sirius didn't betray my parents or kill those muggles?"

"Of course it does Harry, but things like this aren't easy to fix. There's nothing we can do," Remus said, hanging his head a little.

"But we can try!  Don't we owe it to him to let everyone know the truth?" Harry exclaimed, letting some of the anger inside him come out.

"Calm down Harry. I know how you feel. I really do! I want Sirius cleared as much as you do, but it's just not possible at this time!"

"But why not?" Harry cried.

"Well Harry, the Ministry has only just begun to believe Voldemort to be back. They won't believe everything that Dumbledore has told them concerning that. Trying to get them to clear Sirius' name on his, mine, and you and your friends' word isn't going to happen. Even if they'd agree to hear us out, we've got no proof."

Harry knew that he was right and sunk into one of the kitchen chairs rather depressed.

"So, you mean that we need Wormtail right?"

"Yes, and I think that he'll be keeping a rather low profile. He wasn't at the Ministry in June, so either Voldemort has already done away with him, or he's doing something very secretive. Or I guess he could just be doing nothing and lying low. But Harry, I want you to promise me that you won't try to find him or anything."

"Don't worry. I won't. I...I'll let the Order take care of it."

Remus looked relieved to hear Harry agree so quickly.

"Just think, in two more years I'll be able to join you guys!"

"Let's hope there won't be any need for the Order in two years' time Harry. There are dark times ahead of us. Voldemort has been lying low, but you can count on it that bad things will be happening soon.  Getting those criminals out of Azkaban was just the start to his plans."

"I wish I could join now!" Harry said bitterly.

"You know that Sirius wouldn't have let you," Remus said authoritatively.

This irked Harry who retorted, "Well, he's not here anymore! I don't have a parent, a godfather, or any kind of guardian to stop me!"

Remus knew he had hit a soft spot and so with a gentler tone said, "Well, we've been talking about that."

"Who? About what?"

"Well, about you and guardianship over you. In two years you will be a wizard of age and can get a job and live on your own. But until then you need someone to look out for you.  The Dursley's aren't exactly fit for anything to do with the wizarding world.  And,"

"And," said Harry anxious to hear the answer.

"Well, we haven't set anything yet, it's just been discussed. Of course we'd consult you about it before taking any kind of action. We've talked to Dumbledore and he agrees that something should be done."

"Who's we?"

"Why, the Order of course!"

"Oh."

"I'd like to take you Harry. I really would do anything for James' boy that I could.  I owe him that.  And for Sirius as well.  But it's not exactly easy for a werewolf to have a family. I couldn't take that risk.  Besides, it's hard to keep work and you need someone who can take proper care of you."  Remus adverted his eyes, a little embarrassed.

"I can take care of myself," Harry answered, determined not to let Remus feel bad about it.

"I'll admit that you are strong willed for your age.  Your situation has demanded it and you've lived up to the challenge.  I'd expect nothing less though from any child of Lily and James'.  But Harry, you need things that you don't even realize.  I know that you have a lot of friends, but you need parental guidance at your disposal.  Someone that can kind of watch over you and help you through life.  Family and friends are very important Harry.  Take it from someone who doesn't have a lot of either.  Friends can fight and lose touch, but family is there forever, no matter what."  Remus paused as if reflecting on something from his own life.  Something in his eyes made Harry feel the pain that Remus had experienced in his past.  But the look was gone as soon as it had appeared and he continued.

"Of course Arthur and Molly have wanted to take you for years, but didn't want to step on Sirius' toes. They knew you were as important to him as he was to you."

"They are really good to me," Harry acknowledged.

"Yes Harry, you are rather lucky to have a family like that to be a part of."

"Umm, Remus...what about your parents and your family?" Harry asked before he could stop himself.

"Well," said Remus, a little reluctantly.  He was prepared to answer anything about James and Sirius, but somehow the subject of himself was a little harder to speak of.

"My parents past away long ago. I don't have any siblings. Taking care of a child that is a werewolf was a lot of work for them and they couldn't put anyone else at risk. I'm lucky that they didn't send me away right when it happened."

"Haven't you ever wanted to have a family though?" he asked since Remus hadn't completely objected to discussing the matter.

"Well, of course I have, but like I said, it's not really plausible being what I am. Werewolves have to give up a few things in life in order to protect others. And I'm fine with that Harry."

"Oh," Harry answered, although he was unconvinced.

"I do wish Sirius was still here though. He was like a brother. What I am never bothered him, not even when we were kids.  In fact I think that that was his favourite part about me."

"I miss him a lot," Harry admitted. "Why did he have to come after me? He should have stayed at Grimmauld place. Now everything is messed up. And he was never cleared.  I think that that's what I feel the worst about. He may have escaped Azkaban, but he wasn't free Remus!"

"I know Harry. We just have to remember to keep him close to our hearts. Memories never have to fade Harry. And coming to save you was the noble and loyal thing to do. Sirius' friends always meant a lot to him. Defeat does not come with death, Harry. Victory comes with having fought for what is right!"

Harry thought these words over. Remus sounded wise beyond his years when he spoke like that, but he was right.

"Yeah, I'd like to think of Sirius that way too," he said, feeling closer to Remus than ever.

"Good then. That's how we will remember him."

"I like talking with you Remus. It's hard to find someone who will tell you the truth.  Can we do this again sometime, when you have a chance?  I know that there are more things I'd like to ask you."

"Of course Harry."

Remus got up, put his hand on Harry's shoulder, smiled, and left the room.  He may not have been able to be an official guardian of Harry, but he did more for Harry in that conversation than he knew.  Sirius could never really be serious, despite his name, but Remus could.  Harry looked up to him in a different way.  He was truthful, kind, honest, and Harry was glad to have him as a friend he could look up to.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Author's Note: I know I said this chapter wouldn't take long to get up, but I had some difficulty with it!  I didn't think that the Harry and Lupin conversation would be long, and I kind of thought of some stuff and added it as I went, so it ended up being the main thing in the chapter.  And since it became the main part, I had to design it a little better than I had it, and add a few more things.  Not to mention I had to come up with a new name for the chapter, which was rather difficult!  I was supposed to have OWL results, Hogwarts letters, as well as shopping in Diagon Alley for new school things, but those will be the next chapter.  Thanks to everyone who has reviewed my story!  I hope to have the next part up before I go camping for a week on Saturday.