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Chapter 7. Occlumency

Somewhere deep in London, in an unplottable house lay the silent figure of Harry Potter. He lay as if motionless on the bed, his hair illuminated by the orange coloured rays of the setting sun, flowing through the only window in the room. On closer inspection it was hard not to note the untidy hair ruffling now and then as his head shook lightly.

"What -- live with you?" Harry said, accidentally cracking his head on a bit of rock protruding from the ceiling. "Leave the Dursleys?"

"Of course, I thought you wouldn't want to," said Black quickly. "I understand, I just thought I'd --"

"Are you insane?" said Harry, his voice easily as croaky as Black's.

"Of course I want to leave the Dursleys! Have you got a house? When can I move in?"

Black turned right around to look at him Snape's head was scraping the ceiling but Black didn't seem to care.

Harry tried to suppress his smile.

He saw a familiar scene where his father was toying with a Snitch, in the open ground beside the school lake. Sirius was looking around boredly after a while he glanced James. Peter Pettigrew was gasping and applauding every time James made a difficult catch. Sirius commented, "Put that away, will you? before Wormtail wets himself with excitement".

Harry couldn't constrain a smirk.

As the image of the Firebolt seared through his thoughts, all his worries left him and he felt contented. Hanging from the Firebolt's tail was a letter, the letter which had thrown open the gates to Hogsmeade. Harry felt light-headed and worry-free.

Lucius Malfoy's slit like eyes swam into view even as Sirius, Lupin, Tonks, Kingsley and Moody entered the Department of Mysteries. The resulting fight between Sirius and Bellatrix had begun and was now peaking. Harry's smile began to fade out as Sirius was hit by a Stunner. Even as Sirius fell slowly into the veil. Harry watched in utter despair and helplessness as Sirius's handsome frame slowly and steadily descended into the veil…

"Sirius", he breathed waking up jerkily. His chest seemed to be fine considering the fact that he had not shouted. As his eyes adjusted to the bright lighting in the room, he saw two gray eyes focussed upon him.

Lupin had a nervous wreck of an expression spread across his face.

He didn't question Harry anything. He simply looked into Harry's eyes and the lost look in those green eyes troubled him. That look reminded him of another person he had known too well. Suppressing all his thoughts Lupin returned a calm and mollifying look.

After a few silent moments He got up, patted Harry on the shoulder and walked out of the room. A part of Harry thanked Remus. The other part couldn't help but wonder at how he could get his thoughts across to Remus, just as easily as his best friends. They seemed to understand each other. Words weren't needed.

It was only then he realized that one of his hand was rubbing his scar fiercely, which was no longer hurting.

Overpowering the desire to lie down again, Harry supported his back against the bed and lay back, welcoming the hollow silence in the room. Even as he did so, many thoughts deluged him …

* * *

A floor below, Mrs. Weasley was sitting in the living room muttering incoherently. The house was unusually quiet, Perhaps, it was the fact that with the exception of Lupin, Harry and Mrs. Weasley, there were no other people in the house.

"Remus, has Harry woken up?" asked Mrs. Weasley who looked fretful for some reason. "Yes Molly, he has".

Just as she made an attempt to get up, he motioned her to sit down "Better leave him alone for a couple of minutes".

"Does he remembers him?" her voice quivered with anxiety.

The statement though not properly constructed was well understood as Lupin nodded and added, "He wants to be alone and is not feeling fine".

"I remember giving Sirius a telling off last year, right in front of him. Hope he doesn't …", she babbled on, lost in her thought. Only last year Harry had witnessed a disagreement between Mrs. Weasley and Sirius. Most ironically, the subject had been Harry himself. She was hoping that he wouldn't get angry.

"Don't mention Sirius if Harry doesn't", said Lupin in a steely voice though every word he spoke was utilizing a great deal of strength. He had understood this reason. All the last year she and Sirius had been not on very good terms on issues related to Harry and now she feared its effects. All Mrs. Weasley could manage was to mutter something. Her eyes widened as she remembered Harry hadn't eaten anything.

"Is he hungry?" she asked him affectionately.

"Yes he is. I'll bring him down after a couple of minutes. Meanwhile, I'll inform Dumbledore that Harry has awakened". In Lupin's opinion Mrs. Weasley would break down on seeing the boy. He knew Harry wouldn't cry but it would certainly be distressing, besides Sirius was just too difficult a memory to be recollected now. Worse, he knew Harry considered himself the reason for Sirius's death.

He sighed softly and walked over to the dining table. It was laden with foodstuff. Mrs. Weasley was sitting at a corner of the table, not interesting in speaking but her affection for Harry Potter was just too obvious. Maybe, her eyes which were still looking into some point in space or it could be her constant murmuring interspersed with audible Harry 's. Shrugging off his own thoughts Lupin walked over to the table and sat beside her.

At that point of time three people emerged from the door. Alastor Moody walked in his magical eye swivelling in all directions, followed by Albus Dumbledore, alongwith Severus Snape who looked smug. Lupin forced himself to look at Moody. In his school days he wasn't exactly against Snape. He had had his doubts since Snape was a former Death Eater, close to Voldemort. Once Snape had come over to Dumbledore, he hadn't believed it but once Dumbledore had put his trust on that thin, sallow faced snake. Lupin had given in, he trusted Dumbledore.

Once that person had stopped teaching Occlumency, Harry had suffered badly, and now for some reason, the feeling of distrust intensified rather epidemically.

His musings were ended as Dumbledore's soothing voice reached his ears. "Ah Molly get us a glass of tea can you? Severus?" Snape shook his head. "Remus?"

He nodded his head.

Lupin looked up into the blue eyes of the headmaster, expecting something. "Molly, I am hungry but I had better check the food", growled Moody and disappeared into the kitchen, tailing Molly Weasley.

It was Lupin who spoke up next. "He awoke and the first thing he said was -". "- Sirius", completed Dumbledore.

Lupin understood this interjection to be an indication of some important topic the Headmaster would discuss and he fell silent, avoiding Snape's eyes lest his own betray his feelings. Not that he was a bad Occlumens but he knew only too well that his own thoughts were quite difficult to harness at the moment. He didn't have much of a ego left, once having been bitten. It was perhaps this fact that helped him keep his temper well within control as Snape's lower lip curled malevolently.

Dumbledore continued soberly, "This is just the start of the year. Both of you know what happened last time". To this both Snape and Lupin turned to him not at all interested in even acknowledging each other's presence. "In case my memory doesn't fail me, he saw some visions last year." Snape's vindictive smile irked Lupin, still he left it unnoticed. The former broke in using an ironic oily tone, "Resulting in the death of his own … friend".

It came as no surprise that Lupin had a sudden thought of biting that greasy idiot on a full moon night. He sat silently, willing himself to look at Dumbledore.

However, when Dumbledore spoke again, the twinkling in his eyes seemed to have died. "He has had two visions already. He may have to witness more of them this year. Still I hope I may be mistaken. What happens now is just an indication and it is essential that the boy learns Occlumency", the Headmaster looked lost in thought. "There are three good Occlumens we have here. Myself, Severus and Remus".

"The ministry work and the order in addition to the school take away a great deal of my time, leaving me with no other option but to use both of your skills".

It was Snape who broke the short pause, "So, he will teach Potter Occlumency".

"Remus here also knows that you are a very good Occlumens and it was last year that he wished that you teach Harry. I do say he wants the same this year too", replied Dumbledore expectantly. He added in a slightly faltering voice, "If you are finding it too tedious to teach the boy then I may have to use him".

The Potions Master may have been in deep thought but his expressions did not betray them. He continued delicately, "Potter finds it very difficult to adjust to my style of teaching, Professor".

Lupin looked at his own feet. It was his desire to teach Harry, do something worthwhile. His reason refused to accept his desire. It was better that Snape taught him. Still the fact that Snape had once ended Harry's classes abruptly which caused Sirius's death still continued to bother him.

Snape turned away to look at the Headmaster and replied, "Professor, It could be very difficult to convince Potter." Motioning towards Lupin he stated, "Potter may respond to him quickly".

Meanwhile, Moody and Molly Weasley had entered the dining room. The cup of tea for Albus Dumbledore was kept beside him. Snape had politely declined to accept anything. Dinner was laid out on the table. Moody looked still suspicious about the treacle tart.

"I didn't poison it, Alastor", she seemed to be venting all her frustration on Moody. Grumbling, he took a seat on the other side of the table. She gave him a warning glare and stomped off into the kitchen.

Dumbledore's soft voice permeated Lupin's thoughts, "Ah yes, Remus, will you try to convince Harry or teach him Occlumency?".

Lupin's eyes flickered momentarily with triumph but reason cajoled him into saying,"I will convince him".

Through his mild disappointment of not being able to teach, Lupin couldn't help but smile slightly as he glanced the fleeting look that Snape was giving him. He could very well picturise James and Sirius gifting him their wands just to get a glance of Snape.

"Remus, Albus and you too Severus", growled Moody. "Its time for a snack. The food seems genuine". Looking towards the kitchen, adapting a low disapproving tone he said, "Molly insists that I need not check the treacle tart".

"Yes Alastor. Severus, you will be very busy this term and I haven't managed to find any other person for Defense against the Dark Arts", replied Dumbledore thoughtfully. By the way now that you have mentioned him, Remus will you teach DADA at Hogwarts".

"Professor I wouldn't mind. I must call Harry too, he will be hungry", replied Lupin. He glanced at Snape. Lupin concluded that the two blows had knocked out the air from him, as Snape sat frozen to his spot with both eyes drilling holes on the headmaster's robes.

"Well, then that settles it. Ah –Molly the tea is very good. The steak looks really inviting, Severus", so saying Dumbledore took another sip from his cup.

At that moment Moody rough voice shook up everybody, "Potter seems to be a little lost. Remus, why don't you get him?"

The new DADA professor made for Potter, even as Snape got up, spoke to Dumbledore and walked out of the house.

* * *

A shower of thoughts had encompassed Harry so that he was lost for a moment.

He tried breathing slowly, to relax and amazingly his thoughts cleared. The first thing he recollected was the recent attack, Dementors, a white light … complete darkness. Pondering further, he remembered the last confrontation with the Dementors. Remembering Hermione's otter he smiled but another part of him wished that Ron should have done it too, the various silvery Patronuses, more Aurors getting up and someone shouting "Get up, think good thoughts" He wasn't sure of it though but he did have a vague memory of himself shouting the second part of the sentence.

Further he also remembered Mr. Weasley, Ginny, Mrs. Weasley, the dead Aurors and Hagrid.

His breathing halted to a standstill. He choked even as the dim outline of Hagrid's figure flashed across his eyes. "Hagrid couldn't be …. Ron and the others must be fine, they'll tell me. Hermione had a Patronus of course. Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley weren't around but I did see Mr. Weasley", more and more thoughts started to flow.

Even as he tried to stop the rush of crazy thoughts, he knew that Hagrid couldn't be dead, he just couldn't be, there were so many Aurors around. They would have stopped any thing going awry.

His stomach gave a gigantic rumble. It was then that he realized that he was hungry. Absently, he looked at his nonexistent watch on his hand. His thoughts proved to be more stronger and very soon his hunger lay forgotten.

"Why the hell were we stuck there? What could they be coordinating for? … an attack, no our safety … but they were for my safety only … still there seemed to be just too many people around after the Dementor attack".

He thought furiously, "It could imply that all that was pre-planned. Many Aurors are dead, rather worse than dead. But then he had spent a full day in Diagon Alley … anyone could have attacked him. Worse, Hermione and the entire Weasley family. The twins had said that the Aurors were for his protection". His stomach seemed to crumple up painfully.

Whatever he said, couldn't still shake off the fact that only because they had taken a small trip to Diagon Alley, many Aurors were now gone forever, all those lives wasted. The Dementors had attacked and he hated to think about the innocent people who would have perished. "Dumbledore would have surely thought ..".

The thought circulated around his head and he tried to sort it out. That was as far as he got. To add further misery, the previous vision flashed across his eyes and Harry cringed physically. He thought painfully, "For all those things, Voldemort was the most worthy candidate for death". The thought itself refused to let hold of him. He caught the edge of the bed and crushed it in his frustration, hoping all that was untrue.

Looking around he noticed Grimmauld Place as old as ever, with the solitary sun in the distant horizon beaming at him. There was no one around. This had the better result of purging out other memories, albeit temporarily.

"Ron must be dining below", Harry told himself though he knew Ron at least would be seated beside him. "Lupin was here though, He would have told them". For some reason, a sudden fear threatened to grip him. Trying to shake it off, he tried to argue. Since, it was a day or likely to be more, the others could have gone to Hogwarts. However, feeling uneasy he began pacing the length of the room, in the process checking whether his chest hurt. It didn't.

His stomach gave another rumble and an image of a phoenix came into his view. "Wonder whose it was? Could it have been Dumbledore's?"

"Hungry are you?"

Looking up Harry found Lupin looking at him. "Yes, where are Ron and Hermione".

"School. Molly saw to it that they didn't get an excuse to stay back. Don't worry, everybody's fine".

"What about Hagrid?" Harry hoped his thumping heart wouldn't damage his ribs further.

"He's alright now but to have survived an attack by five Death Eaters –".

Harry gasped. He hadn't seen any Death Eaters around. Yes, he hadn't.

"Of course, they were present". Lupin looked grim, "We better discuss over dinner"

"As we walk".

"Nope, first we get down quickly 'cause I'm hungry too and Molly is waiting for you. She has Moody for company and I guarantee that he is checking the food right now".

Harry returned a weak smile. He was sure that his questions would now remain unanswered. He expected Lupin to answer but Sirius flashed across his eyes again. In a way didn't he deserve it? With that both of them descended to the dining room below, where Moody going one step further was trying to ascertain whether the bowl containing the stew he was looking at was a Portkey as Mrs. Weasley looked on furiously.

"Harry dear … treacle tart for you here", she called out when the two entered the dining room. "Remus, why don't you sit with him?" Moody was waiting in a chair, one eye fixed on Mrs. Weasley and the other on Harry. Molly Weasley was looking at Harry fondly, "Albus will be coming back after some time".

After some time, all the four were busy eating food (Lupin and Harry had persuaded Mrs. Weasley to eat along with them.)

Moody was making short work of the steak. Thus it was he who spoke up first.

"Nice steak Molly".

"Thanks Alastor, do take some more. Harry dear, Is your chest paining yet?".

"No, Mrs. Weasley".

"All the others and Hermione are at Hogwarts now. Arthur told me that you sent a Patronus after the Dementors", Mrs. Weasley's voice was quivering.

Harry stopped eating and looked up into her eyes, he could see them alight with pride but a small indication of fear was visible too. Lupin and Moody were exchanging flabbergasted looks. Mrs. Weasley had in the morning shooed out all the other children for trying to eavesdrop. The former was the first to recover, "Yes he did and a real good one. Mind you there weren't many Aurors who were able to sustain their Patronuses. Besides, Hermione managed a Patronus too".

It was Harry's turn to be surprised. "How do you know that?"

Lupin was grinning, "Everybody was there, me too. Did you think we'd leave you alone with all the action? You did seem to twitch too much though at Fortescue".

Moody growled, "It was Tonks. She was looking at you for a long time". Lupin chuckled, "A small intervention by Molly put an end to it".

Harry noticed that Mrs. Weasley was eyeing the two but she was still eating her food silently.

"What happened? How did I get here?"

"Your chest was paining too much. You had both fists in your mouth and twitching from side to side", said a very shaken Molly Weasley.

"Yeah, my scar was hurting badly. If I had shouted -".

"- then you would have ripped your chest open", asserted Moody.

"You haven't healed fully and oh those foul Dementors", Mrs. Weasley would have cried if not for the fact that Lupin was looking at her.

He took the seat beside her and continued with the conversation, "Dumbledore sent his Patronus but it wasn't needed, your Patronus had done its job. But your idea of running it through the Aurors was smart enough. How did you find that out?".

Harry grinned sheepishly, "When my stag formed, it went to attack the Dementors at the back, in the process running through me". Seeing three impressed pairs of eyes he quickly changed the topic, "So was the phoenix Dumbledore's?".

Moody was the next, "Yes and if it weren't for the Granger girl, two more Aurors would have been in trouble. She told me your Patronus ran through her and it was then that we and Arthur got that idea. Of course, the other Aurors near you found it long back, you did astound them". Turning to Lupin he asked curiously, "How did the Granger girl conjure a Patronus?"

Harry replied proudly, "I've been teaching them to conjure a Patronus. Only two students were able to conjure them up properly, Cho Chang & Hermione".

Seeing Mrs. Weasley he said, "Ron will do it, I'm sure". She returned a smile, "Dumbledore's Army". He turned red.

"Remus, When did Death Eaters come into the picture?"

He noticed Lupin and Mrs. Weasley exchange fleeting glances after which Lupin continued, "Immediately after the Dementors were portkeyed into Diagon Alley".

"How many of them were killed?"

"Ten".

"Who were they?"

"New recruits, Harry", replied Lupin.

Harry's heart sank as he asked the next question, "What exactly happened to Hagrid?"

It was Molly Weasley who spoke up, "He was stunned but the dementors left their touch".

"What do you mean?" His hands had begun to sweat.

"He relieved all his worst moments. He is fine otherwise. One spell glanced across his body and hit another Death Eater".

The next question came out of his mouth before he could attempt, "Why did we have to go to Diagon Alley?" Just then Harry heard someone enter the room.

It was Moody who remarked first, "Hello Albus".

Harry spun around. He saw the Headmaster walking towards him, that familiar twinkle in his eyes. "Hello Professor Dumbledore".

The headmaster gave a smile and sat down beside Moody.

"Ah Molly I could do with some stew and …" Dumbledore turned towards Harry "… looks like the DA has worked out beautifully", he said warmly. Harry blushed. "The students of your class have exceeded our expectations in Defense against the Dark Arts eh?". Harry turned a deeper shade of red.

"Most unfortunately, Professor Umbridge decided against returning".

Harry couldn't help sporting a huge grin. It was well reciprocated by the others.

"Who will be teaching us this Defense Against the Dark Arts year, Professor?" he asked hoping it was someone he knew.

Lupin spoke up seriously, "I think the person sitting on my chair and wearing my clothes" and to Harry's amusement, Mrs. Weasley rolled her eyes.

Dumbledore spoke up cheerfully, "The students seem all the happier".

By then all the food was eaten, Harry was full. He excused himself and went to wash his hands. Coming back he noticed Mrs. Weasley in the kitchen, directing the water to clean the cutlery and plates.

Seating himself beside Lupin he looked at the headmaster.

"Go on".

"Why did we have to go to Diagon Alley? Remus told me that it was a trap for the Death Eaters. He told me that twelve Aurors are dead".

The headmaster replied heavily, "Yes, and you all were the bait. It took a well furnished plan to carry out but we did catch many Death Eaters".

Seeing Harry's quietness Lupin continued, "A battle is never one sided, people kill and are killed".

"Why didn't you use me only? Voldemort does not want Hermione or Ron or anybody else".

This time it was Lupin who spoke up, "That would be suspicious".

Dumbledore continued, "Voldemort is another symbol of cunning, Harry. By now you would got an idea".

He continued in a weary voice, "Of course, Molly, Arthur, your relatives, Mr. and Mrs. Granger had been informed. They all had agreed".

Last year, Harry had found out that Ron and Hermione had stayed in Grimmauld Place over the holidays. He had been furious with them as they hadn't give him any news. Now, he found that he didn't get angry. Now, he knew very well why they hadn't told him. The scar connected him to Voldemort and it meant Voldemort could see through his eyes. The converse was true too. Blinking his eyes, he nodded silently and stared at his plate as the candlelight reflected the writing BLACK on the fork.

Voldemort had killed Sirius, using Harry as a tool, the weapon. He hated himself. Just then he caught sight of Moody's magical eye looking at him.

He straightened up and looked at the Headmaster. It was then that Lupin placed his hand on his shoulder.

Dumbledore spoke up, almost pleadingly, "Harry, this year I want you to learn Occlumency. You must learn under Professor Snape".

Harry looked back at the headmaster "Not Snape". The hatred that had been coursing through him since last year now reared its head.

"Not Snape, never", he hissed back. "Professor, Why don't you teach me?"

This time it was Lupin who spoke up, "Harry, Professor Dumbledore has a lot of work in and out of the school, at the ministry and -".

"Can't someone else teach me? I don't want Snape to teach me OCCLUMENCY", Harry yelled back and turned away.

A spasm of pain though much less intense now shot through his chest and he began massaging his chest forcefully. "I shouldn't have shouted".

"Is your chest hurting again Harry dear?" Harry looked to his side to see Mrs. Weasley emerging from the doorway. As she came nearer he could see that she looked worried, thin lines of concern were etched all across her forehead. He felt slightly uneasy.

Lupin who had been sitting quietly, folded his hands together, the reddish light of the sun from the far window reflected in his gray eyes. Dumbledore looked more weary. Moody stood up spoke something to the Headmaster and walked towards the window. Harry heard a hoot. Turning around he saw Moody analyse the OWL from a distance after which he took the letter tied to its leg. He and the headmaster were engaged in some conversation for some time. Dumbledore walked towards Harry and spoke in a low pained voice, "You must do your Occlumency, this time, Harry". Lupin stood up returned a curt nod and the headmaster and Moody disapparated right in front of their eyes.

Harry turned towards Lupin and asked, "Remus, will you teach me?"

Lupin looked at him for a while and replied, "I cannot teach you, Harry".

Harry stared at him. Slowly, his anger began to resurface, "Why Snape always?". Mrs. Weasley interrupted, "But why -" and stopped when Lupin raised his hand.

"Why can't you teach me?"

"Because you seem to have forgotten something important that happened in the fireplace last year".

Harry's anger kept increasing. As he saw Lupin's fixed look, slowly a feeling of dread gradually began to replace his anger. "What had he forgotten? Well if Lupin was reminding hi--"

Lupin's words cut across his thoughts. "Last year when you met me and Sirius in the fireplace, did you see Sirius's reaction when you told him that Snape had stopped taking Occlumency?"

Harry only too nicely remembered it. That day he and Hermione had used Umbridge's fireplace to talk to Sirius.

''He told me he'd never teach me Occlumency again,' said Harry indifferently, 'like that's a big disappoint—

'He WHAT?' shouted Sirius, causing Harry to jump and inhale a mouthful of ashes. 'Are you serious, Harry?' said Lupin quickly. 'He's stopped giving you lessons?'

'Yeah,' said Harry, surprised at what he considered a great over-reaction. 'But it's OK, I don't care, it's a bit of a relief to tell you the — '

'I'm coming up there to have a word with Snape!' said Sirius forcefully, and he actually made to stand up, but Lupin wrenched him back down again.

"So?" asked Harry, now dreading what more he would have to face.

"Sirius had said that he would come to Hogwarts to have a word with Snape", replied Lupin calmly.

"Yes so?" Harry was confused. "He didn't mean it". Another part of him thought, "or did he"

"Didn't you notice how he stood up instantly? He was even ready to talk to Snape, risking the trip to Hogwarts. What makes you think he agreed to Snape teaching you Occlumency, though both of us knew that I know Occlumency too?"

Harry remained silent for a while but his eyes gave away his efforts. After a few seconds as Dumbledore's words came to him, he replied with great difficulty, "He – he loved me". He turned to look at the ground realizing what he had said.

Lupin looked to be debating something internally, it seemed to be with the greatest difficulty that he managed to speak, "To be precise, Sirius loved you more than himself, than anybody else. Though I know Occlumency too, Snape is an extremely skilled Occlumens and Sirius knew that. If you would learn from him, he and myself could rest assured you could be in the best position to protect yourself".

Harry looked at him absorbing every word, "but – but he - Snape stopped my Occlumency classes". The image of Sirius falling through the veil came back to him.

Lupin asked softly, "Whose loss was it in the end?"

Absolute silence prevailed as Harry withdrew into a silent shell. Mrs. Weasley was looking at Lupin, pleading him to stop.

The candlelight on the table flickered again and again with every whiff of air that hit it. Harry sat in his chair, he had to choose.

After a few more moments he made his choice, he hated Snape, the every bit, every hair, even the looks. He couldn't lose anybody else.

"I'll do Occlumency with Snape, Remus", he replied heavily.

"Professor Snape, Harry", corrected Lupin now smiling. Harry just barely noticed the flicker of pride in his eyes.

"All right it is time, both of you can go off to sleep. Harry dear, you can use the adjacent living room", fussed Mrs. Weasley, looking positively relieved.

"I'll sleep after a while, I wanted to talk to Harry-", said Lupin. He looked towards Harry, "- but not if he prefers to sleep".

"I'll stay with Remus, Mrs. Weasley".

Mrs. Weasley looked at them but didn't make any effort to stop them. She hugged Harry and wished them a 'GoodNight'.

"Goodnight Mrs. Weasley"

"You had better catch up on sleep, Molly. Tomorrow's hectic".

She returned a half nod and walked away, leaving the two alone. They sat looking at each other, when Lupin chuckled.

"She was all gooey eyed when she learnt that it was your Patronus that ran through her".

"er-I learnt it from you after all".

Lupin raised an eyebrow. "Well, I suppose some Aurors asked Tonks about how you were. She asked me to tell you".

"Is she gone on work for the Order?"

Lupin replied quietly, "Ministry. Seems Fudge is bent on winning back the support of the population. Kingsley and she are keeping us updated".

"But what about the elections going on? Surely, Fudge cant participate".

"Exactly and that is why he is trying to get the support of the people so that the elections get cancelled. I hope Arthur wins, Molly's been really tense".

"Why?"

"Voldemort's back and-". He gave a sigh.

"Percy?"

"Yes".

Harry got a sudden odd creepy feeling all over him. He blurted out, "He is fine, isn't he? He hasn't come back is it".

Lupin replied, "Percy had Molly owled once but it didn't turn out quite right. The letter wished his father luck and nothing else. The fact that Voldemort has come back probably crushed his faith in Fudge. You see it is difficult for him to get back to Arthur after what he said last time".

"So he is afraid of apologizing", replied Harry. He always knew Percy to be a little pompous type more concerned about looks and status.

"Not exactly. He probably is afraid of what his father, brothers and sister would say. So he doesn't want to come here".

"But they are his own family".

Lupin sat silently for a while and spoke, "All of us are hoping this sorts out". Sizing up Harry he said grimly, "You better meet Hermione in school as soon as possible". Harry's heart gave a nasty throb, "What's happened to her?"

"She almost drove Tonks and Ron mad, speaking about effects of various curses, jinxes and methods to heal them. For once Alastor avoided her completely", he was grinning. Harry felt lightheaded. All he could manage was an "Oh".

Lupin continued, "Also, I needed to tell you was that you mustn't overwork yourself. Dumbledore has said that one complete night's rest with -" He unearthed a bottle of some transluscent liquid from within his robes, "- this medicine will heal your chest completely".

"Why didn't you give it to me before?"

"Because it was readied yesterday".

"Who made it?" asked Harry though he had an idea of who it could be.

"Healers at St Mungos. They did manage to concoct a good bone reconstruction and toughening potion". Harry's sigh of relief went unnoticed.

"You should have seen Professor Snape some time back".

On seeing Harry look at him, he continued, "Sirius would have run naked in the common room". Harry's lips curled into a smirk.

Having heard Lupin's brief summary, Harry replied still smirking, "Yeah, he would".

The very thought that was nagging him came out of his mouth, "What happened to those Aurors and the Muggles in the previous battle?"

Colour disappeared from Lupin's cheeks and the cheerful look on his face vanished to be replaced by a look of badly suppressed shock mingled with surprise.

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Leave a review. Hermione's starting to rub off me. But this is important.

Nex' chappie Hogwarts.

Both my hands are 'crik'ing having typed this story for a continuous stretch of period (That I like to write it is a different thing altogether).

Adding to the criks is the onslaught of my exams in mid-December. Aaagh!!

On an optimistic note

ALL THE BEST for your exams and preparations (If you have an exam that is).

If you don't have an exam, Try guessing what lies ahead and do not hesitate to add your ideas, suggestions, flamers, doubts (and praises of course) in a review.

Do pass on this story's link to others too.

I can't give u a dollar/review but at least I can enter your name in the Review Responses below.

MOST IMPORTANTLY …… YOU GUESSED IT.

COME ON NOW I AIN'T ASKIN' MUCH, JUST ONE REVIEW.

Last Review Responses I'm going to update this list. 20 reviews and next chappie with you.

Katiekins, Snakey Snape, swordfish-abhi, hermionegreen, john, PadfootAngel1, Achilles4, Slimpun, Silnar, Kay's Shekinah, Darkmoon Fleur, David305, Meamz, Lord Nyax