A/N: --UPDATED-- A hundred and three reviews! I am very, VERY happy. Which is basically why I've gotten out a chapter ahead of my usual posting schedule as thanks for everyone that has reviewed. Special thanks to Grace Weasley, for the hundredth review, and to Tarawen, for number 99. :P And everyone else receives a nice big chocolate frog ^_^ No idea how much I appreciate those reviews.

- Cellie

Note: It is advised that you read I Never Knew before trying to tackle this piece.

Disclaimer: Evan Rivera, Wendy Figg Rivera, Venna Rivera, Cellie Rivera, James Metz, and Cassie Black Woods (No relation to Mother's Curse) are all mine. The plot, however odd, is mine. Annie (Andromeda) Black is loosely based on a character created by the great and mighty fanfiction writer Kaydi. The Potters, and anyone else I may mention are property to J.K Rowling, and her alone—Aww, poor Remus..—That's nice, Cassie.

Chapter Fourteen
Lupin Joins The Fray

The Present: August 3rd, 1995

It was warm. And comfortable. Certainly not the stone railing Cellie had remembered falling asleep upon. She opened one eye and found herself in a guest suite, inside Remus's house. Harry was lying over in the corner on a mattress. Sitting up slowly, she took in the action of the night prior.

Cellie shuddered. Never in her wildest dreams did she expect to be chased by her penfriend's favorite teacher who could turn into a wolf at will. A werewolf, she corrected herself silently. Professor Lupin was a werewolf. Not that she would think any less of them for being one, but after being chased and nearly bitten, she couldn't help but be a little bit resentful to the professor.

As she rubbed her eyes, Cellie noticed she was still in her clothes, shoes and all. Someone must have dragged her in here, for she didn't remember getting into bed. Cellie yawned softly, and slid off the bed, creeping around Harry so as not to disturb him. She opened the door, cringing as it creaked slightly, and turned to go downstairs. She should probably call her father, at least inform him that she hadn't run away—again.

However, muffled voices from two doors down distracted her from that goal. She walked towards the door, praying that the floorboards wouldn't creak underneath her. You were no good as an eavesdropper if you couldn't slip around properly.

Sirius, get this.. this THING, this memory OUT! If this is some kind of warped joke.. Cellie raised an eyebrow.

Look, Remus, I know it sounds crazy—

No, Sirius, it sounds incredibly preposterously INSANE! I have NOT had a good week, so leave me from your cruel joke! Cellie frowned. Sirius wouldn't pop a joke on his friend after what had happened, would he?

Excuse me, Remus, this isn't a joke—



Professor Lupin's taking it pretty hard, I see. A voice whispered behind her. Cellie practically jumped ten feet into the air. She took a deep breath, and whirled around to see Harry.

That was NOT funny, nor was it worth risking your being alive. She stressed the not as loudly as she could without speaking in her normal tone of voice. Harry smirked.

To see the look on your face? I'll take that risk any day, He said, a sly grin on his face. She rolled her eyes, and pushed past him to get downstairs.

You're as bad as Metz. She called back up to Harry.

I try. He said, following her, as there really was no point in staying upstairs. Cellie went into the kitchen, and instantly began searching the cupboards for something edible. Harry sat down at the kitchen table, shooting a bewildered glance at Cellie.

Isn't that, you know, a bit rude? Shouldn't you ask Professor Lupin? He said, warily. She turned around, shot him a dirty look, and continued rummaging throughout the cabinets.

For your information, Cellie said, her voice coming out hollow since she was half buried in the cupboard, When I am hungry, all manners and etiquette disappear out the window. Harry chuckled.

Remind me never to invite you over to Aunt Petunia's. Cellie seemed to have found what she was looking for—a small box of oatmeal packets. She pulled her pocketknife from her jacket and slit it open, pulling out a couple packets.

You want one? She called over her shoulder to Harry, putting the pocketknife back into her jeans.

He replied. She tossed a packet over her shoulder, which Harry caught. Cellie closed the box and shoved it back on a shelf, closing the cupboard. She went over and sat in the seat across from Harry, ripping the packet open. Harry raised a skeptical eyebrow as she took a spoon from the container on the table and began digging in.

Aren't you going to cook it? Cellie looked over at Harry like he had gone crazy.

Why would I ruin a perfectly good packet of oatmeal by cooking it? She asked, quizzically. Harry began to explain that over in England, you made your oatmeal into a slop, but she cut him off.

Well, obviously people do that. I mean, my mum does that, but that doesn't mean that her version tastes better than mine. Personally, I don't honestly see how you can eat gruel and be happy about it. She said, in-between mouthfuls of the stuff. Harry shrugged, and decided to try the stuff dry. After a few spoonfuls of the stuff, he had to agree with her. It did taste quite good dry.

They ate in silence for awhile, before Cellie broke it. I wonder how your good Professor is taking the news about James? Harry grinned.

All I know is that a stampede of wild Hippogrifflike memories are probably being triggered, and I'm very glad that I'm not in the room right now. Cellie nodded, affirming that thought, and balled up her empty packet.

Bottom of the Fourth Quarter.. Two seconds left.. Celestia Rivera shoots.. She aimed her ball at the trash can. SCORE! The crowd goes wild! Harry dutifully behaved like a roaring crowd, sending Cellie into a laughing fit.

You know.. about basketball? She asked, after she got herself under control. Harry nodded.

Uncle Vernon's a fan of one of the American teams.. Um.. The Bulls, I think. Cellie made a face of disgust.

The Chicago Bulls? Your uncle's a crackpot. LA Lakers, all the way. Harry grinned. Cellie seemed to remind him of a certain red-headed friend of his in her sports frenzies.

So, when does term start for you? She asked, changing the subject. Harry shrugged.

The 1st of September.. Less than a month, now. Though I don't doubt I'll be at Hogwarts sooner than that. Cellie smiled wistfully.

If only I could say the same for me. Knowing my dad, he's probably already Apparated over to the Ministry to demand that they find me. Wait, scratch that. I don't think he can even Apparate anymore.

Evan was always one to surprise us with things. Cellie wrenched her head around to find Remus there, looking very tired.

Hullo, Harry, Celestia.. Haven't seen you since you were a couple months old—you still up to annoying your father as always? Cellie nodded, suppressing a chuckle. It was Harry, though, who brought up James.

Um, Professor Lupin? Sirius and—they aren't, well, dead, are they? Because I couldn't help but overhear, and you sounded pretty angry.. Cellie noticed the change over Harry instantly. His smile closed off, and he became stiff in his seat, instead of the loose position he had been in. Remus, however, gave Harry a tired smile.

To say the least, Harry, I was quite surprised. I think they both took a year off my life, at least... But Remus's face looked anything but spooked. Suddenly, James crept up behind Remus, and signaled to both Harry and Cellie to be quiet.

Eye am the ghoost of Christmas passst.. James whispered into Remus's ear. The man jumped a foot, and gave James a look.

That was really not funny. James nodded enthusiastically.

Oh, yes it was. The look on your face, I swear.. He grinned. Remus rolled his eyes.

You're turning into Sirius.

I try, He said. Cellie burst out laughing, making all three men turn their attention towards her.

You.. James.. Harry.. I can see.. where you get your humor from.. She said, trying to stop laughing. Harry shot the elder Potter a roll of the eyes. James nodded, slightly.

Just then, Sirius bounded in.

Say, private party, or can anyone join? Cellie grinned wryly.

Nope, Uncle Sirius, no more room for you. Sirius mock pouted.

Not even for me? Mister King of Azkaban? He jested. Cellie pretended to consider it.

We-ell.. all right. But no pranks. She said in a voice that Harry swore sounded like McGonagall. Sirius raised his right hand as if testifying.

I solemnly swear I am up to no good, Ms. Rivera. He said, in all seriousness. Now, who's up to a bit of Quidditch, or, He shot a look at Remus, Does Mister Hot Shot Werewolf not have a broom? Remus smiled sheepishly.

Guilty as charged.. Sorry, Sirius. Sirius let out a frustrated sigh.

Okay, there goes my plan for the day. Anyone else, any ideas?

Well, we could always let Dumbledore know that we took Harry, and have Hogwarts for a playground. James suggested.

Uh-uh. No way. What am I supposed to do, be Padfoot,

His dog form, whispered Harry to Cellie.

For the next month? I'd rather not, James. Harry stood up.

Wait a second. All eyes were upon the fifteen year old.

Who is honestly at Hogwarts year round, besides Dumbledore? McGonagall must have something to do, and even if she doesn't, she knows about you, Sirius, Snape's off doing god-knows-what, and that goes for the rest of the teachers. We literally would have Hogwarts.. well, to ourselves.. that is, if Dumbledore would let us. James grinned.

You never told me Harry had more sense than I do, Sirius.

Must've gotten it from Lily. Remus commented. James sent a mock glare his way. Sirius ignored them, and nodded at Harry.

I guess.. Wait, what about the house elves? And Remus, you're supposed to be rounding up Fletcher, and everyone else—

No harm, no foul. I'll let you all in on a bit of a secret—I'll be an assistant Defense Against The Dark Arts professor for most of the year, I'll have plenty of time to catch up with everyone. At James's look, he nodded, reassuringly. Swear on the grave of Grindlewald. I'll be fine. About the house elves, unless you try and kick them, they're cheerful things.. besides, they all remember you as Master Snuffles, remember? Sirius groaned, and Harry perked up.

Master Snuffles? I haven't heard about this story—

As you shouldn't, Sirius interjected quickly. James gave a sinister smile.

Oh, Sirius, you can't possibly not want me to tell them—



About the time you—

James, I'm warning you..

Were turned into a house— Sirius clamped his hands over James's mouth.

Uh, let's be getting to Hogwarts, shall we? Sirius said, while trying to keep his hands over his best friend's mouth. Harry and Cellie looked at each other, and burst out laughing. Cellie had a fleeting thought that even if her father slammed the door open and pulled her away right then and there, it would've been worth it. She finally had a taste of what a real family was like.


A/N: Lots of nice, happy family mush. This story needs some of that, to tell you the truth. After September passes, life will get much, much darker for Harry and co.


WeasleyTwinsLover1112: Thanks! I'll try to read your stories as soon as I have time. ^_^

Jelli Bean: Theatre.. and Sports? How does that work? :p I'm going along with the idea that Animaguses have to find some way to communicate to humans, so I made them able to interchange thoughts.

ra-chan: *grin* For everyone's enjoyment, I'm quite tempted to write a chapter of Drunk Remus.. or make that a silly ficlet within itself. Get your chapter up soon.. ;p

ShortySC22: Eheheh.. Drunk Remus.. :

Tarawen: *hugs* Thanks for being number 99 to review. About James.. I don't know why, but I had an odd flash of some sort, and a stag flying out of a balcony window just seemed to present a very.. O_O mental image, which I liked. I have a really good idea to torment Peter, but unfortunately you won't be seeing that for quite some time. Same with good old Voldie. Dumbledore probably will give the oddest reaction of all, though.. :p

Weasley, Weasley, and Jordan: *presents you with a bushel of chocolate frogs* Thank you very much for being 100. ^_^ I really like the idea of the Animaguses being able to telecommunicate.. makes things a bit snazzier on my side.

Peacockgirl: Well, I put in a couple sentences of his reaction in.. :p