**Chapter 2: The Werewolf's Visit**

Remus Lupin stood in front of Number 4 Privet Drive, his dark brown eyes looking upwards toward the small windown on the second story. Something was wrong, he knew it. He had felt it, and he knew that, with Sirius and James gone, he must come to Harry's rescue. Looking around to make sure that he was not seen in the darkness, he disapparated and appeared in Harry's room.

The loud "pop!" of Remus' apparation echoed in the otherwise silent room. He looked around and found Harry lying on his bed, face up, his eyes bloodshot and his breath coming in short gasps. Remus' eyes widened at the sight and he hurried to Harry's side.

"Harry?? Harry, please, tell me what's wrong!" Remus cried, kneeling next to the bed. Harry attempted to sit up, but fell back exhausted onto the bed; he had been up all night, and as it was now nearing 5 AM, he could no longer move. Weakly, he held out a piece of parchment, his arm shaking. Remus seized the letter and read it swiftly, a look of disbelief in his eyes as his jaw dropped."Harry... this doesn't mean... what you think it means..." he stumbled over his words, trying to explain. Harry looked up at him, a tiny glimmer of hope in his eyes.

"He isn't... he can't be?" With newfound energy, Harry sat up, his eyes open wide.

"Well," started Remus. "Dumbledore is not dead, no, but he is barely alive. There was an attack earlier... But this letter... you think it's authentic? You really think it's from Voldemort?" Harry nodded weakly. "I believe you're right Harry, it looks as though it is real. But, Merlin, why would he send this to you??"

Harry couldn't even answer. His heart seemed to have started pumping again, and his breathing was returning to normal; Dumbledore still was alive. Alive! All he wanted was more information about Dumbledore from Remus. His words began to tumble out. "But professor, what do you mean... barely? Will he make it? He's alive... he's not going to die right?" Remus sighed.

"We really don't know for sure right now, Harry. Professor Dumbledore is at St. Mungo's right now, they are doing all they can. I can only assume that Voldemort sent you this hoping that you would do something extreme to injure yourself. And please," he said, a twinkle in his eye and a hint of a smile on his lips, "call me Remus. I am no longer your professor."

"Of course, prof-Remus." Harry whispered. He wiped his eyes with his sleeve; after all that, he had come to feel foolish. Sure Dumbledore might be injured, but it wasn't as bad as he had thought; with Remus here, everything seemed to be better. "Thank you for coming," he said with a smile. "How did you know about the letter?" Remus frowned.

"I didn't. I just had a feeling something was wrong. Plus, I figured that someone would have to tell you eventually about Dumbledore's condition, and it might as well be me." He gave Harry a sympathetic look. "I'm quite concerned about this letter, however... Any reason why it would be sent in the first place?"

"Well," Harry started. "I sent Dumbledore a letter after my scar hurt early this morning. I knew that Voldemort knew about the prophesy." His voice dropped to a whisper. "He does, doesn't he? Did he really get the Pensieve?" Remus shifted uncomfortably.

"Well, yes, he did get the Pensieve. But the truth is, Harry... besides Dumbledore, you were the only other person to know exactly what the prophesy said. Of course, the Order knows that it exists, but for reasons of security, we were never told exactly what it said.." he trailed off, clearing his throat. "If a member of the Order were to be caught by Death Eaters, we would not want that kind of information to get into the wrong hands." Harry sighed. Even Remus could not understand that the weight of the world was upon his young shoulders. Remus looked at him and shook his head. "Harry, you look awful. Did you sleep at all tonight?"

"Not really," he mumbled. Remus nodded.

"Well, I don't think it will do you any good to stay here any longer this summer. After all, with Voldemort knowing about the prophesy and having Death Eaters intercept your mail, he must not be far away. I believe I shall take you with me tonight and we will leave a note for your aunt and uncle. Is that alright, Harry?" Remus asked with genuine concern in his eyes.

Harry's heart sunk to his feet. Grimmauld Place, he thought to himself. Just more memories of Sirius... I don't know if I can take it... "Would we go to... you know..." he cleared his throat, not making eye contact with Remus.

"Grimmauld Place? No, not at this hour. That bloody portrait will wake up the entire household," he shuddered. "Would you mind if we went to my house instead? It would be much more convenient." Harry's eyes lit up.

"Sure! Just let me get my things together." He turned and began piling clothing, books, and homework into his cauldron.

"All right then, I will write a quick note to your aunt and uncle and we'll be off," said Remus with a smile, leaving the room. Harry couldn't believe it. Remus had a house?!? How come he had never known? iI wonder why he always had to stay at Grimmauld Place last year,/i Harry thought frowning. He hadn't had any type of lodging then. Remus returned to the room. "We're going to use an unauthorized Portkey Harry, I don't know how else to get you out of here without having you do magic." Harry nodded, and laid his index finger on the teacup that Lupin was holding out to him. "Three...two...one..." and once again, Harry felt the sensation of being tugged forward and away from the broom cupboard of Number 4 Privet Drive.