Chapter 7

Reunion of Friends

From that day, everything had seemed to change at Hogwarts. All of Harry's instructors went out of their way to put some fun into the lessons. Their intentions were in the right place but Harry could only feel like they were trying to overcompensate for the bombshell Professor Dumbledore had given him. True, Harry had been down for a few days but his obsession with Sirius Black wouldn't allow his thoughts to remain on the disappointment for long.

After being released from the hospital wing, Harry had been moved to Dumbledore's guest quarters for a few days. Apparently Professor Lupin had fallen ill but when Harry tried to find out more, all anyone would say was that it 'wasn't serious'. During that time, Professor Dumbledore had attempted on numerous occasions to get Harry to open up about this entire mess but Harry would only say that he was fine and needed to get back to studying.

After learning that there had been no woman, Harry started to wonder why he had heard screaming. According to Professor Lupin, Dementors forced people to relive their worst memories but Harry couldn't remember ever hearing a woman scream like that. Afraid that he was losing his mind, Harry didn't press the subject, hoping that it was a one time occurrence.

Harry was indeed under house—er—castle arrest for the remainder of the holidays. His supplies for the upcoming school year had been delivered by owl post, Madam Malkin had come to measure Harry for new robes herself, and his once enjoyable runs were now dreaded mazes through the castle halls. It was amazing how much something as simple as not being allowed outdoors could change one's mentality. There had been times when teachers had found Harry sitting on a windowsill somewhere in the castle just staring out with a longing look on his face. It broke nearly everyone's heart (Snape was the exception) to see Harry so withdrawn and they could only hope everything would be fine once the students returned.

Since Harry had signed up for Care of Magical Creatures which was held outdoors, measures had been taken to keep classes away from the Forbidden Forest and in the courtyard. This hadn't settled well with Hagrid, who had been recently promoted to teacher status, since he had planned on introducing several creatures that felt uncomfortable leaving the forest. The thought of ruining Hagrid's class made Harry feel incredibly guilty and didn't help his mood at all. He was starting to feel like a burden again despite what everyone else was saying.

Once September 1st arrived, Harry was so eager for fresh air that even taking the Hogwarts Express to Hogwarts felt like a vacation. In order to keep up with the charade that every thing was fine and dandy at the Dursleys, Harry needed to arrive to Hogwarts with everyone else. However, that didn't prevent Professor Dumbledore from insisting on at least two adults riding on the train for protection. Professor Lupin was to ride in the train car with Harry while Professor Flitwick rode in the teacher's compartment.

They had arrived an hour before the train would be leaving by a strange way of traveling called a portkey. Harry really didn't like that way of travel but it was the quickest and the most discrete. They had left all of his belongings at Hogwarts except for the book on defensive charms that he was currently reading. With plenty of time to spare, Harry started to wonder what would happen when he saw Ron and Hermione. He had kept in touch with them but had left his letters extremely vague. He never told them anything about his abduction by giving the excuse 'I'll tell you when I see you'. Harry also had kept them in the dark concerning everything he had been doing and knew he would probably end up paying for it.

Although he hadn't grown much, he had grown due to eating the decent meals he had been given. His training was evident with his more defined muscles if anyone was to see him without his clothes but of course Harry had no intention of allowing that to happen. Already dressed in his robes, Harry's new physical statue was hidden well even though anyone could see he had put on a little weight.

Another change was his glasses. Professor McGonagall had spent nearly a week helping Harry learn how to transfigure objects into a pair of eyeglasses in case his were lost or damaged beyond repair. A part of those lessons involved changing the appearance of them (that was the fun part according to the Transfiguration teacher). Harry now wore a pair of glasses that were wire framed and complemented his face better; at least that was what Professor McGonagall told him.

Staring out the window at the still empty platform, Harry started to wonder if this had been a good idea. Yes, he missed his friends more than anything but was he really ready to be completely honest with them? No, definitely not. This wasn't about his training. Harry knew he couldn't tell them about that because they would probably be jealous. That and Dumbledore told you not to.

Harry had no intention on announcing to the world what happened at Privet Drive this summer but could he really keep it from Ron and Hermione? What if they noticed how close Harry now was with the majority of the teaching staff? Besides Professor Snape, the entire teaching staff was on a first name basis with Harry. They were also extremely overprotective. It seemed that in a matter of weeks Harry had gone from having no parents to a strange version of a family. Professor Lupin was acting like a surrogate father, Madam Hooch and Professor Sprout acted like the fun aunts, Professor Flitwick acted like the fun uncle, Hagrid was of course the protective big brother, Professor McGonagall acted like a strict grandmother, and Professor Dumbledore was the patient and understanding grandfather. Mrs. Weasley had already taken the position of overbearing mother.

It was enough to make anyone's head spin.

"Harry?" Professor Lupin asked curiously. "Is something wrong?"

Snapping out of thoughts, Harry quickly looked over at Professor Lupin and shook his head. He really didn't trust himself to talk right now. What could he say? I'm fine. I'm just worried what my best friends will think when they learn that I let my uncle beat me and the man who betrayed my parents take me from my home. Nothing out of the ordinary.

"I'm sure your friends are just worried about you, Harry," Lupin said gently. "You don't have to tell them anything if you're not ready to. If they are true friends they will respect your decision."

Harry's gaze fell. "But what if they find out about the Dursleys?" he asked softly. "I know I'm not ready to tell them but you don't know Ron and Hermione. If they think I'm hiding something they won't stop until they figure out what it is. What if I have another flashback?"

Lupin frowned. Apparently Harry hadn't progressed as much as they had thought. "You haven't had one in the past two weeks, Harry," Lupin said. "We talked about this. You know that if something happens or if you need to talk my office is always open. Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall have told you the same. Just because school is starting doesn't mean we're going to turn our back on you."

Harry's shoulders slumped. He knew it sounded childish but he just couldn't help himself. "I know," he said softly. "I'm sorry—"

"—you have nothing to apologize for," Lupin interrupted. "You've had a difficult and lonely summer. It may take some time to adjust to the noise and commotion of having a castle full of people." Noticing that Harry was still extremely nervous, Lupin decided to change the topic. "How would you like to hear how your father managed to propose to your mother?"

Harry looked up at Professor Lupin and nodded, his dread instantly forgotten. Lupin had already told Harry several stories about the Marauders' school days. They always seemed to have a calming affect better than any potion. Relaxing, Harry listened as Lupin told his story. He could even picture it happening in his mind. Harry liked these stories about his parents. It was like his parents were actual people now.

Before Harry knew it people were arriving on the platform but he was too engrossed in Professor Lupin's story to worry about it. In fact, it wasn't until the compartment door opened that Harry realized how much time had passed. Both Harry and Lupin turned to see a tall, freckled face, red haired boy and a tan, bushy haired girl with a strange looking orange cat in her arms standing in the doorway. There was an uncomfortable silence while the two teenagers stared at Harry in shock.

Finally, the girl moved first by putting the cat down then rushing to Harry and hugging him as hard as she could. "We were so worried!" she exclaimed. "I know you said you were fine but we just couldn't believe it. How could you be fine after being kidnapped by someone like Sirius Black? Both Ron and I tried to convince Dumbledore to let us visit but he wouldn't. He wouldn't tell us anything except that you were safe!"

Harry glanced over at Lupin who was desperately trying not to laugh. "Er—Hermione?" Harry asked uncomfortably. "I'm fine, really. But I would appreciate it if you would let me breathe."

Hermione instantly let go of Harry and sat down beside him. It was then that she finally noticed someone else was in the car. She looked at the unfamiliar face uncertainly. "Oh, pardon me," she said politely. "Are you a friend of Harry's? I'm Hermione Granger and this—" she pointed at Ron "—is Ronald Weasley."

Lupin bowed his head slightly and smiled. "Please to meet you," he said kindly. "I'm Remus Lupin, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Harry and I were just discussing the interesting tutelage you've had in that area in the past few years. One dead and another without a memory. Not exactly a positive track record."

Ron entered and sat down across from Hermione. "Er—well people say the position is cursed," he said sounding slightly nervous. "You don't have You-Know-Who attached to the back of your head or steal other people's accomplishments, do you?"

"Ron!" Hermione shouted. "Don't be rude! He's a teacher!"

The door opened again revealing a red haired girl whose eyes went wide at the sight of Harry. Ginny Weasley, Ron's sister and the youngest of the Weasley children, immediately blushed and avoided his eyes. "I'm glad to see you're okay, Harry," she said shyly. "We've all been worried about you."

Two more red heads that looked identical to each other poked their heads in. Harry could hear Hermione and Ron groan in annoyance. Fred and George Weasley, pranksters extraordinaire had arrived and planned on making their presence known. "Hey Harry!" said a cheerful Fred. "How've you been?"

"We missed you this summer," added George.

"Yes, we could have used another test subject," Fred said with an evil grin. "Tormenting Ickle Ronniekins lost its fun after awhile and Ginny was certainly off limits."

"Too true, my dear Forge," said George. "Plus, we can always count on Harry to keep life interesting."

"I agree, Gred," said Fred.

Hermione rolled her eyes and let out a frustrated sigh, Ron's face was red with embarrassment, Ginny and Professor Lupin were trying hard not to laugh, and Harry was just taking it all in. Leave it to the Weasley twins to be the ones who acted normal. "Is this a private conversation or can anyone join in?" Harry asked with a smile.

Both Fred and George looked shocked. "Harry, as honorary member of the Weasley family," Fred began. "You should know by now—"

"—that there is no such thing as privacy," George added. "So brother, we heard you had been moved to a safer location after the whole incident. Please, oh please tell us there was at least some delinquent behavior on your part."

"Is this a conversation I want to be present for?" Professor Lupin asked curiously however it was obvious he was enjoying the banter between the twins. "Merlin forbid I hear of a plot to prank the school from the legendary Weasley twins."

Fred and George smiled proudly. "Did you hear that?" asked Fred. "Legendary! And Mum thought we'd never amount to anything. HA!"

"Actually, my dear brother, that was Bighead Percy who said that," George corrected shaking his head slowly. "The shame of our older brother being Head Boy is something we shall never live down."

"I agree," Fred added. He seemed deep in thought for a moment before turning to George with an eager look on his face. "Perhaps we should start deflating his big head."

"An excellent idea!" George exclaimed. "Well farewell our dear siblings, honorary siblings and esteemed professor. We have plenty of work to do. It may take months to instill enough damage to bring Percy back to a place we mere humans call earth."

"True, true," said Fred then followed his brother out of the compartment.

Once the compartment door closed, Harry looked over at Hermione who was petting the orange cat she had been holding earlier. Desperate to start some conversation that wasn't centered on him, Harry figured to start with the obvious. "So Hermione, you got a new pet?" Harry asked.

Hermione beamed. "A birthday present from my parents," she said happily. "I was going to get an owl but when I saw Crookshanks I just couldn't say no. He's gorgeous, isn't he?"

Harry glanced over at Ron with a raised eyebrow. In his opinion the cat was anything but gorgeous. Its fur was thick and fluffy and its face looked strange; a bit grumpy and strangely squashed. Harry had to wonder if it had run face first into a brick wall. However the animal seemed to be content and was purring while Hermione stroked the creature.

"It's a bloody monster, that's what it is," Ron said in annoyance. "Just keep that—that—thing away from Scabbers!"

There was a loud whistle distracting everyone. Harry looked out the window as the train started to move. He glanced over at Professor Lupin then returned to staring out the window. He really wasn't looking forward to returning back to all of the restrictions Professor Dumbledore had put on him. He really wasn't looking forward to returning to a Dementor guarded castle.

"So, Professor," Hermione said breaking the silence. "If you don't mind my asking, why are you on the train? I mean, we've never had a teacher ride with us before and I was just curious…" She finally noticed that everyone was staring at her. "I'll be quiet now."

Professor Lupin looked at Harry who just shrugged before returning his eyes to Hermione. "Due to recent events Professor Dumbledore wanted a few teachers to be on the train as a precaution," he said casually. "I'm sure you're aware that Sirius Black hasn't been caught. Although it is unlikely that he would board the train, we would rather be safe than sorry."

Harry let out a huff. "In other words Professor Lupin is my bodyguard until we get back to Hogwarts," he summarized; his annoyance coming to the surface. "I'm not allowed to do anything this year, including going to Hogsmeade."

Ron and Hermione stared at Harry in shock. "B—but surely Black would never try to attack an entire village of people in broad daylight!" Hermione exclaimed. "No one is that thick!" She looked over at Ron for help but only received a shrug. "Honestly! That is so unfair! You have your permission slip signed, right?"

Harry winced. "Er—no," he said nervously. How in the world was he supposed to get out of this?

"Hermione, I must advise for you to calm down," Professor Lupin said in his ever present casual tone. "If you remember, the school letters containing the permission slip were sent out after the whole mess with Black had happened. Also, Professor Dumbledore does have the final word on those who can or can not go to Hogsmeade. He has his reasons and we just have to accept that."

Hermione looked away, ashamed of her outburst. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "I didn't mean to be disrespectful it's just this was supposed to be so much fun and now we can't go."

Harry had to think about what she said for a moment, certain that he had heard wrong. "What do you mean 'we'?" he asked. "I'm the only one who can't go. You two shouldn't have to stay behind because of me."

"But you'll be stuck in the castle all alone," Ron objected. "We could never do that to you."

"He won't be alone," Lupin said with a smile. "Professor Dumbledore thought it would be wise to give Harry some advanced lessons in defense which is a good idea considering his history."

Hermione's eyes grew wide in shock. "E—extra lessons?" she stuttered then turned to Harry. "You're getting extra lessons? Oh! Can we join! We could really use the practice especially after the last two years. Please, oh please! The chance to learn how to defend ourselves properly is just too good to pass up!"

Harry and Ron groaned. They both knew Hermione would now stop at nothing to be a part of these classes. "You really shouldn't have said that, Professor," Harry said softly. "Hermione's favorite place is the library. She signed up for every elective there is."

Professor Lupin winced. "Sorry," he said sincerely.

It seemed that Hermione was in heaven as she and Professor Lupin discussed his plans for the upcoming year. Knowing better than to interrupt Hermione when she was in her element, Harry and Ron settled on the floor and played a game of chess while Ginny silently watched. In retrospect, Professor Lupin had done Harry a favor. Hermione was now so engrossed in school to question Harry about the summer. It was clear that Ron didn't know what to say and Ginny was too shy to ask.

Rain had started to fall around mid-afternoon. Hermione had finally given up her pestering and was now reading one of her many books, Ron and Ginny were telling Harry about their trip to Egypt, and Professor Lupin was going over his class notes. Harry had to laugh when he heard of Fred and George trying to trap Percy in a pyramid. He had nothing against the newly declared Head boy. Percy was just a little too strict. Of course with Fred and George as brothers Harry had to assume that someone needed to be their opposite.

The compartment door slid open quickly making Ginny and Hermione jump. Three boys stood in the doorway. The one standing in the middle and the leader was Draco Malfoy. He was flanked by his cronies, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle who always seemed to share a brain. How the boys could pass their classes was still a mystery. All three were in Slytherin so naturally were rivals to the four Gryffindors in the compartment.

"Well, well," drawled Malfoy in his usual lazy voice. "If it isn't Potty, two Weasels and a Mudblood. What's the matter, Potter? So scared that you need a babysitter now?"

Harry rolled his eyes and bit back the urge to curse his rival. "Of you, Malfoy?" he asked in annoyance. "Not likely."

"Malfoy?" Lupin asked curiously then comprehension flooded his face. "Ah yes, Draco Malfoy, Lucius Malfoy's son. I see that your father has passed his ideals down to you. However, I suggest you refrain from using such language and respect people's privacy by returning to your own compartment."

Malfoy sneered at the man. "And who are you to give me orders?" he asked.

Ron smiled. "Professor Lupin," he said proudly. "He's the new Defense teacher. Congratulations Malfoy. You've managed to set a bad impression even before the Welcoming Feast. Fred and George haven't even accomplished that yet."

Malfoy's cheeks turned pink with embarrassment. Unable to think of a comeback, the only thing he could do was leave which he did followed by Crabbe and Goyle. As soon as the compartment door closed, Ron, Hermione and Ginny burst out laughing. Harry couldn't join them. He returned to staring out the window again. He had made up his mind. He wasn't going to tell anyone anything about this summer. He couldn't chance Malfoy finding out somehow and ridiculing him for it. Professor Snape was bad enough.

The travel north continued but it was now a rather quiet journey. The rain fell stronger and the now dark skies made the entire atmosphere feel a bit on the creepy side. The wind picked up causing a strong howling that made everyone jumpy. It was clear that everyone was thinking the same thing: the sooner they got to Hogwarts the better.

However their eagerness died as the train started to slow and eventually stopped. Everyone turned to Professor Lupin who was slowly standing up and pulling his wand out. "You four stay put," he said softly then looked directly at Harry. "Don't let anyone or anything in here."

Harry was about to nod when a familiar feeling of intense cold filled his entire body. He struggled to breathe as he grabbed his chest. No, oh please no! They can't be here! His body started to shake as Professor Lupin hurried to his side. Ron, Hermione and Ginny were staring in shock. They had never seen Harry act like this before.

Thinking quickly, Lupin pulled out a chocolate bar and put a piece in Harry's mouth. "Just let it melt, Harry," he said calmly. "Don't focus on the cold." Remembering that they weren't alone, Professor Lupin quickly handed out chocolate to the other three Gryffindors. "Eat it, you may need it."

The compartment door slowly slid open to reveal a tall cloaked figure. Its face was completely hidden beneath its hood. Professor Lupin quickly stood up and pointed his wand at the creature. All of the warmth the chocolate had given Harry was now gone. He couldn't breathe again. A familiar voice filled his ears but this time it was saying something.

"Not Harry, please no, take me, kill me instead —"

A warm hand touched his forehead as another piece of chocolate was put in his mouth, pulling Harry out of the cold. Opening his eyes, Harry looked up to see Professor Lupin, Ron, Hermione and Ginny looking at him worriedly. A tear escaped his right eye as he looked away. He knew who the voice belonged to now. "Mum," he said softly.

Lupin gripped Harry's left shoulder. "What did you say?" he asked.

Harry looked up at the friend of his parents with unshed tears in his eyes. "I heard Mum," he said in a shaky voice. "She was begging for Voldemort to kill her instead of me."

The whistle blew and the train started to move. Ron, Hermione and Ginny sat down across from Harry while Professor Lupin sat down beside the teenager and put an arm around his shoulders. Harry tensed at first like he always did before relaxing. His worst memory. He now knew that it was that Halloween night that Voldemort had murdered his parents.

The compartment door opened again followed by Professor Flitwick poking his head in. "Is everything all right?" he asked then noticed Harry and let out a sigh. "How close were they this time?"

Ron, Hermione and Ginny looked at Harry with their eyes wide but remained silent. Harry didn't even notice them. He was still shaking but not as badly as before. He could feel his body slowly warming up but his mind was still on hearing his mother's voice. She now had a voice.

"It was right where you're standing," Professor Lupin answered. "Have you talked to the conductor yet?"

Flitwick nodded. "I've also been checking on the compartments," he said. "Several students are a bit shaken up but seem to be fine otherwise." He approached Harry and put a gentle hand on the boy's arm. "Don't focus on the memory, Harry. Try and think of something happy, something in the present."

"Well, we're almost there," Professor Lupin said to the three onlookers. "You should probably change into your robes."

Hermione was the first to stand but was hesitant to move any more than that. It was clear that she had questions but was afraid to ask them. "Professors, what was that thing?" she asked nervously.

"That was a Dementor," said Professor Flitwick. "They guard Azkaban prison and were searching the train for Sirius Black."

Harry had finally stopped shaking but still felt weak. He noticed Professor Lupin offering another piece of chocolate and gratefully took it. The affects were instant the moment Harry put the piece in his mouth. He almost felt normal. Well, as close to normal as one could be after hearing your mother beg for your life.

Ron, Hermione and Ginny left to change followed by Professor Flitwick who needed to check the rest of the compartments. Both Harry and Professor Lupin sat in silence for the remainder of the trip. Neither knew what to say if there really was anything to say. How do you comfort someone in a situation like this? You can't. All you can do is be there for them when they need you.

The moment they arrived at the station Harry noticed that there were wizards stationed all over the place. Harry had been told about this ahead of time and that it was just a safety precaution but it still was a little nerve-wracking to see. Professor Lupin remained by Harry's side as they departed the train with Ron, Hermione and Ginny following. Whispers broke out as the students finally got a look at the-boy-who-lived. It made Harry feel extremely self conscious to have so many people watching him despite how much he tried to ignore it.

Professor Flitwick caught up with the group as they reached at least one hundred horseless carriages. Now feeling extremely uncomfortable with the attention he was receiving, Harry let Professor Lupin direct him to the first carriage. He got in followed by Professors Lupin and Flitwick. Ron, Hermione and Ginny got in the next one, leaving Harry with the two teachers.

The distinct odor of mold and straw hit Harry's nose but he didn't pay much attention to it as the carriage started moving towards the school. As they reached the gates, Harry was hit with another wave of cold and slowly moved back and into Professor Lupin. He closed his eyes as he grabbed his chest never noticing Professor Lupin gently rubbing his back in a comforting manner. They moved on to the castle, the carriage picking up speed until it came to an abrupt halt.

Professor Flitwick was the first to get out. Professor Lupin moved to follow but noticed that Harry was still in the same position. It was almost like the boy was petrified. "Harry, it's okay," Lupin said gently. "You're safe, back at Hogwarts."

Slowly Harry looked over at Lupin and nodded in understanding. He was really starting to hate the affect the Dementors had on him. He didn't want to be hearing his mother beg Voldemort. The fear in her voice sent chills down his spine. Following Professor Lupin and Professor Flitwick, Harry tried to focus on the present like he had been told but was finding it difficult. He mindlessly walked up the steps and through the large oak front doors to the Entrance Hall.

"Potter! Granger!" a familiar voice yelled though the chatter of the students getting out of the carriages. When Harry finally looked up he noticed Professor McGonagall approaching. She quickly stole a glance from Professor Lupin then looked at Harry sympathetically. "Madam Pomfrey is waiting for you, Potter," she said quietly then turned to Hermione. "Miss Granger, come with me please."

Harry was about to object and insist he was fine but Professor Lupin silenced him with a look. Frustrated, Harry let out a scoff as he reluctantly followed Lupin to the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey had been ready for him. She quickly checked him over, not even listening to Harry's protests. Several potions were ingested and before Harry knew it darkness consumed him.