WHEN TIME STANDS STILL
Musicstarlover: Thanks! Keep reading.
deb-sampson: Wow, three reviews! Thanks, I'll try to live up to them.
Karthik S: Thanks for reviewing. I'll check your story out ASAP.
Kees: Is this soon enough for you? The next one may take longer though.
fishkisser: For once I've not taken too long. Enjoy!
Romm: Yeah, I know; Remus is nearly always the first one to catch on. I don't know why, but it seems right.
star estrella: That is a compliment! ;)
burgerdufromage: Thanks, you actually liked the last chapter? I hope you like this.
Hawk: Wow, my first flame! ;) Thanks for reviewing.
SilverKnight7: Yeah, someone knows now – and secrets are practically impossible to keep. Wait and see.
J.E.A.R.K.Potter: Thanks for the review; I hope you like this chapter too.
Brooklyn: If you like this despite not liking Time Travel fics, that really is a compliment!
Epiphanys-Curse: That's the way I pictured it; not a great melodramatic confrontation – just an argument, heated words, and – whoops!
David M. Potter: Thanks, I will.
Pandora: Here you go.
missprongs: Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
PrincessSkywalkerOrgana: I know, especially since Harry seems to have a lot less control of late. Thanks for reviewing!
EvilHermione1824: Thanks for the review – and no, there is nothing going on between Harry and Lily.
Nynphadora Tonks: Wait and see.
Amandinka: Wow, thanks. This chapter's longer.
Stefanie2: Thanks; it's nice to know there's something in it worth remembering.
Indiangurl: Thanks for the review – and no suggestions? That is odd.
Patricia Black: That should be a lesson to him from now on.
Jeanne2: Thanks for reviewing. As for what happens...
supernova8610: Here it is!
Fezria: Thanks a lot! There are a lot of good Time Travel stories; most of them are in the HP/JP section.
Dadaiiro: Wait and see...
Author's note: I really got a lot of reviews for this chapter; I'm glad you all liked it. I'm posting a longer (slightly) chapter this time because I may not be able to update for a few weeks. But don't give up hope on me – I promise to complete this story. Happy Valentine's Day!
CHAPTER 10: CONVERSATIONS
Sirius, James and Peter were waiting for Remus in the library.
"Well?" Sirius demanded eagerly. "Did he tell you anything?"
"Kind of," Remus said. "He said he'd talk to me after dinner."
"Good. And you will tell us what he says, right?"
"Erm... well, if it will do no harm... and..."
Sirius scowled.
"Moony, this is not the time to discover a mistaken sense of honour."
"And Thomson," James said grimly, "is not the person to waste it on..." He sighed. "I won't be there to see it."
"Why not?"
"Quidditch practice. We're playing Slytherin next week, or had you forgotten? Williamson told me McGonagall'd be back tomorrow and I want her to see we've been training."
"McGonagall going to let you play? I thought she said after you nicked that Snitch and bewitched it to float around Snape's head that you were banned from the next match."
"Nah, she didn't mean it. She wants Gryffindor to win, and there isn't another Seeker."
"God forbid that anyone be as good as James Potter," Remus said darkly. "I would die of shock."
Sirius and James exchanged a glance, hoping that this wasn't the beginning of a lecture from Professor Moony. Peter, sensing tension, looked determinedly out the window at the lake.
*~
Lily caught up with Harry outside the Great Hall as they went in to dinner.
"Harry – remember that other thing we were looking for? Why that little girl, Esmeralda Hargreaves, escaped the Basilisk attack in 1376, when her entire family was killed. Here – in this book –"
She pulled a massive, leather-bound volume out of her bag. Harry smiled. Definitely like Hermione.
"You see..."
She opened it and showed Harry a page of print so small he almost couldn't read it.
'It is believed, from what our reconstruction determined, that Clarissa Hargreaves threw herself before the child as the Basilisk advanced. She was killed instantly, but the power of her sacrifice acted as a shield, protecting Esmeralda from harm.'
Harry's throat was suddenly dry.
"So that – that's how she was saved?"
"Yes, it's fascinating, isn't it?"
"Yeah – fascinating."
He looked into her eyes for a moment – eyes that, he had been told countless times, were identical to his own. The past was turning out to be decidedly difficult to live in.
Lily went off to join her friends. Harry was suddenly aware that Remus had been standing right behind her – and had been watching him.
*~
Harry and Remus were sitting in armchairs in front of the fire. Remus seemed unsure of where to start, and Harry was wishing heartily that he hadn't let his temper get the better of him again.
"So," Remus said finally, "I guess I should call you Harry Potter now."
"Not where people can hear."
"No... I suppose not. But I need answers."
"I can't tell you about the future. You know that. And I'd rather you didn't tell my dad or Sirius anything."
Remus nodded. "I can keep your secret if you want. But you have to tell me everything."
"I can't!"
"Then no deal. I'm sorry, Harry, but I need answers."
Harry sighed. "Fine. Ask the questions."
"You can start by telling me how you got here."
"I snuck off to see Hagrid a few nights ago, and Mrs. Norris caught me on the way back. I ran for it before she could bring Filch – and I found myself here."
Remus grinned. "So you make a habit of roaming around at night? Why am I not surprised? What were you doing last night?"
"Looking for a way back. Professor Dumbledore said he'd find a way to send me back, but I don't like doing nothing."
"Mm-hmm. Who gave you that scar?"
"Voldemort."
"How?"
"He tried to kill me. His curse backfired."
"Because your mother died for you, isn't that it? Lily?"
Harry swallowed.
"Yeah. Was I that obvious?"
"Only because I was watching you. Is Voldemort dead now?"
"He was gone, but he came back."
"What's James doing?"
"I can't –"
"Harry," Remus said firmly, "perfect honesty, or no deal."
"He's dead," Harry said softly, firelight glinting in his eyes. "They both died when I was one."
"Oh – so whom do you live with? Sirius?"
Harry felt tears come, and blinked them away angrily.
"Sirius died a few months ago. And before you ask me about Peter, I don't live with him. When I get my hands on him he'll wish that I would just kill him."
"Voldemort's never tried to kill you after the first time?"
Harry smiled bitterly.
"Oh, I'm the lucky one. I've escaped Voldemort four times. I've been attacked by Devil's Snare, bitten by a Basilisk, hunted by Dementors, chased by Acromantulas and tortured by Voldemort. Guess who's still hanging around."
Remus bit his lip and looked at Harry intently. He'd asked for answers, but he didn't like them. There was a very awkward pause.
"Harry," Remus said at last, "I'd like to apologize for James and Sirius. They haven't been treating you very well."
"It's not your fault."
"But you must know – it's only because they're unsure of you. You – do you know what I am?"
Harry nodded.
"They know, and they're my friends despite it. They think you might be on Voldemort's side – anyone would think that. I'm sure Sirius – your Sirius – was nicer to you than this."
"Sirius?" Harry said. As always, saying the name made him feel miserable. "He was always there when I needed him. He – he died for it."
"Er..." Remus said, obviously casting around for a change of subject. "You said you played Quidditch."
"Yeah," Harry said, with a little more enthusiasm. "I've been Gryffindor Seeker since first year."
"Wow! Are you as good as James?"
"I don't know. I always meant to ask Sirius."
Remus shook his head.
"I suppose you'll tell me next that you're a Parselmouth."
"If I told you that you weren't too far off in saying that?"
Remus blinked.
"I'm a werewolf. I can hardly complain." He looked at his watch. "We have Potions first thing tomorrow. It's bed for me. We can talk later."
Musicstarlover: Thanks! Keep reading.
deb-sampson: Wow, three reviews! Thanks, I'll try to live up to them.
Karthik S: Thanks for reviewing. I'll check your story out ASAP.
Kees: Is this soon enough for you? The next one may take longer though.
fishkisser: For once I've not taken too long. Enjoy!
Romm: Yeah, I know; Remus is nearly always the first one to catch on. I don't know why, but it seems right.
star estrella: That is a compliment! ;)
burgerdufromage: Thanks, you actually liked the last chapter? I hope you like this.
Hawk: Wow, my first flame! ;) Thanks for reviewing.
SilverKnight7: Yeah, someone knows now – and secrets are practically impossible to keep. Wait and see.
J.E.A.R.K.Potter: Thanks for the review; I hope you like this chapter too.
Brooklyn: If you like this despite not liking Time Travel fics, that really is a compliment!
Epiphanys-Curse: That's the way I pictured it; not a great melodramatic confrontation – just an argument, heated words, and – whoops!
David M. Potter: Thanks, I will.
Pandora: Here you go.
missprongs: Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
PrincessSkywalkerOrgana: I know, especially since Harry seems to have a lot less control of late. Thanks for reviewing!
EvilHermione1824: Thanks for the review – and no, there is nothing going on between Harry and Lily.
Nynphadora Tonks: Wait and see.
Amandinka: Wow, thanks. This chapter's longer.
Stefanie2: Thanks; it's nice to know there's something in it worth remembering.
Indiangurl: Thanks for the review – and no suggestions? That is odd.
Patricia Black: That should be a lesson to him from now on.
Jeanne2: Thanks for reviewing. As for what happens...
supernova8610: Here it is!
Fezria: Thanks a lot! There are a lot of good Time Travel stories; most of them are in the HP/JP section.
Dadaiiro: Wait and see...
Author's note: I really got a lot of reviews for this chapter; I'm glad you all liked it. I'm posting a longer (slightly) chapter this time because I may not be able to update for a few weeks. But don't give up hope on me – I promise to complete this story. Happy Valentine's Day!
CHAPTER 10: CONVERSATIONS
Sirius, James and Peter were waiting for Remus in the library.
"Well?" Sirius demanded eagerly. "Did he tell you anything?"
"Kind of," Remus said. "He said he'd talk to me after dinner."
"Good. And you will tell us what he says, right?"
"Erm... well, if it will do no harm... and..."
Sirius scowled.
"Moony, this is not the time to discover a mistaken sense of honour."
"And Thomson," James said grimly, "is not the person to waste it on..." He sighed. "I won't be there to see it."
"Why not?"
"Quidditch practice. We're playing Slytherin next week, or had you forgotten? Williamson told me McGonagall'd be back tomorrow and I want her to see we've been training."
"McGonagall going to let you play? I thought she said after you nicked that Snitch and bewitched it to float around Snape's head that you were banned from the next match."
"Nah, she didn't mean it. She wants Gryffindor to win, and there isn't another Seeker."
"God forbid that anyone be as good as James Potter," Remus said darkly. "I would die of shock."
Sirius and James exchanged a glance, hoping that this wasn't the beginning of a lecture from Professor Moony. Peter, sensing tension, looked determinedly out the window at the lake.
*~
Lily caught up with Harry outside the Great Hall as they went in to dinner.
"Harry – remember that other thing we were looking for? Why that little girl, Esmeralda Hargreaves, escaped the Basilisk attack in 1376, when her entire family was killed. Here – in this book –"
She pulled a massive, leather-bound volume out of her bag. Harry smiled. Definitely like Hermione.
"You see..."
She opened it and showed Harry a page of print so small he almost couldn't read it.
'It is believed, from what our reconstruction determined, that Clarissa Hargreaves threw herself before the child as the Basilisk advanced. She was killed instantly, but the power of her sacrifice acted as a shield, protecting Esmeralda from harm.'
Harry's throat was suddenly dry.
"So that – that's how she was saved?"
"Yes, it's fascinating, isn't it?"
"Yeah – fascinating."
He looked into her eyes for a moment – eyes that, he had been told countless times, were identical to his own. The past was turning out to be decidedly difficult to live in.
Lily went off to join her friends. Harry was suddenly aware that Remus had been standing right behind her – and had been watching him.
*~
Harry and Remus were sitting in armchairs in front of the fire. Remus seemed unsure of where to start, and Harry was wishing heartily that he hadn't let his temper get the better of him again.
"So," Remus said finally, "I guess I should call you Harry Potter now."
"Not where people can hear."
"No... I suppose not. But I need answers."
"I can't tell you about the future. You know that. And I'd rather you didn't tell my dad or Sirius anything."
Remus nodded. "I can keep your secret if you want. But you have to tell me everything."
"I can't!"
"Then no deal. I'm sorry, Harry, but I need answers."
Harry sighed. "Fine. Ask the questions."
"You can start by telling me how you got here."
"I snuck off to see Hagrid a few nights ago, and Mrs. Norris caught me on the way back. I ran for it before she could bring Filch – and I found myself here."
Remus grinned. "So you make a habit of roaming around at night? Why am I not surprised? What were you doing last night?"
"Looking for a way back. Professor Dumbledore said he'd find a way to send me back, but I don't like doing nothing."
"Mm-hmm. Who gave you that scar?"
"Voldemort."
"How?"
"He tried to kill me. His curse backfired."
"Because your mother died for you, isn't that it? Lily?"
Harry swallowed.
"Yeah. Was I that obvious?"
"Only because I was watching you. Is Voldemort dead now?"
"He was gone, but he came back."
"What's James doing?"
"I can't –"
"Harry," Remus said firmly, "perfect honesty, or no deal."
"He's dead," Harry said softly, firelight glinting in his eyes. "They both died when I was one."
"Oh – so whom do you live with? Sirius?"
Harry felt tears come, and blinked them away angrily.
"Sirius died a few months ago. And before you ask me about Peter, I don't live with him. When I get my hands on him he'll wish that I would just kill him."
"Voldemort's never tried to kill you after the first time?"
Harry smiled bitterly.
"Oh, I'm the lucky one. I've escaped Voldemort four times. I've been attacked by Devil's Snare, bitten by a Basilisk, hunted by Dementors, chased by Acromantulas and tortured by Voldemort. Guess who's still hanging around."
Remus bit his lip and looked at Harry intently. He'd asked for answers, but he didn't like them. There was a very awkward pause.
"Harry," Remus said at last, "I'd like to apologize for James and Sirius. They haven't been treating you very well."
"It's not your fault."
"But you must know – it's only because they're unsure of you. You – do you know what I am?"
Harry nodded.
"They know, and they're my friends despite it. They think you might be on Voldemort's side – anyone would think that. I'm sure Sirius – your Sirius – was nicer to you than this."
"Sirius?" Harry said. As always, saying the name made him feel miserable. "He was always there when I needed him. He – he died for it."
"Er..." Remus said, obviously casting around for a change of subject. "You said you played Quidditch."
"Yeah," Harry said, with a little more enthusiasm. "I've been Gryffindor Seeker since first year."
"Wow! Are you as good as James?"
"I don't know. I always meant to ask Sirius."
Remus shook his head.
"I suppose you'll tell me next that you're a Parselmouth."
"If I told you that you weren't too far off in saying that?"
Remus blinked.
"I'm a werewolf. I can hardly complain." He looked at his watch. "We have Potions first thing tomorrow. It's bed for me. We can talk later."