DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Chapter 3
Old Friends
Harry heard a sharp pop and spun about quickly. His eyes settled on the worn, prematurely graying figure of Remus Lupin. "Oh, it's you..."
Remus stared down at the son of one of his best friends and paled. His heart broke at the shattered boy before him. Although almost 16 years old, the boy looked closer to 13 and his profile held not a glimpse of the man he was soon to be. That was except for the eyes, the boy's startling green eyes held the revelation that this boy was indeed soon to be a man.
Remus startled out of his revelry. "Harry... Harry, are you ... never mind, we are leaving."
"But, what about the owls?"
Remus gazed at the boy, confused. "The owls?"
The ministry owls, you know, er, for all this," as Harry gestured about the room.
Bewildered, Remus shook his head at the boy. He gave his wand a quick wave and whispered under his breath. The room rapidly took on its previous appearance, giving no evidence of the explosion earlier. He placed memory charms on all those present in the office and sent Aunt Petunia home. Finally, he turned towards the boy who was still sitting on the floor the confused thoughts written all over his expressions. "Come on Harry. We need to get out of here for a while."
Remus pointed to a small paperweight that looked like a little tawny cat and muttered, "Portus."
Remus helped Harry to his feet and held out the portkey. "Hold on."
Harry glanced about the room at the boarded up windows, broken furniture, torn curtains and disturbed dust. He looked to Remus questioningly, "Remus?"
"We're at the shrieking shack, Harry. I couldn't think of anyplace else safe to go. I'd ...I'd like to talk, Harry."
"I can't say I know what you're going through, Harry, but you are not the only one hurting. Siri ... he meant a lot to me too."
"Yeah. But you didn't kill him did you?" Harry took in a great heaving breath and clenched his hands.
"He's gone, Sirius died, died, and he's gone forever, and it's all my fault! Cedric too he died, and it's all my fault! And you ... you'll die, and everyone's going to die and I can't stop it and it's my fault and I can't do this I just can't. The Boy Who Lived – savior of the wizarding world – too bad he kills everyone around him!"
Harry collapsed in a great heap of tears and curled into a ball. Remus held him close and cried with him silently. The catharsis lifting the burden of both souls a little. Harry gradually fell asleep his head resting in Remus' lap much like a small child seeking comfort in a parent's arms.
When Harry awoke, it was dark and drizzling. He watched the drip, drip, drip from the roof fall into a puddle not far away. "Harry?" Remus asked.
Harry blinked and sat up. "Yes?"
Remus smiled softly. "You okay?"
"Better."
Remus seemed to be contemplating something. He hesitantly spoke, "Harry, what happened this afternoon?"
Harry sighed and took a deep breath. "I don't know. I ... My aunt insisted on taking me to a counselor and ... well, er, I started talking ... and then well ya know..."
Remus looked him directly in the eye. "No, actually I don't know. How did you bring me there?"
"WHAT?"
"I asked how you brought me there?"
Harry stared at Remus like he had two heads. "What do you mean brought you there?"
"Well, I was sitting in Grim – the house, and the next thing I knew I was here."
"Er, you didn't apparate?"
He gave Harry a serious look. "No, Harry, I did not."
"Um, I don't know. I was angry, so angry. I ... Er, I felt like I didn't have anything. The next thing I knew everything exploded and you were there."
Remus seemed to be musing over something. His eyes burned bright as he addressed Harry. "I am here for you, you know. I'm not the best people person but I do care Harry and I'd like to help, to understand. I'd like us to help each other... I know I've failed you, more then once, but I hope you'll give me the chance to try again."
Harry mumbled, "Heard that before."
Dejected, Remus stared at the floor and spoke softly. "I understand Harry. I'll take you back."
"NO! I'm not going!"
Remus blinked.
"It's not you, Prof... er.. Remus. It just everything going on around me. Sirius death, my friends hurt, the prophecy..."
Remus heaved heavily. "Harry, Sirius died doing what he wanted. He loved you he could have never sat around while you were in danger. Your friends chose to go with you. They are going to be fine. Finally, the loss of the prophecy wasn't your fault. It is Voldemort's fault. Harry, not yours."
Harry barely spoke, "It wasn't lost."
Remus looked excited for the first time that day. "Harry, you heard it, why didn't you say anything. We need to contact Dumbledore ..."
"NO!" Harry shouted. Somewhat softer he supplied, "He knows anyway, he told me."
"WHAT!" Remus howled.
"He told me." Harry repeated.
"You mean to tell me that he knew what it said, yet he had us all guarding it? Putting us in danger, Arthur in hospital, and Sturgis ...." Remus wailed.
Remus sat beside Harry and looked at him intensely. "Harry, I know this is hard, but I need you to tell me. Its important. I need to know what type of game Dumbledore thinks he's playing."
