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 17

Decisions

Mikhail had gone into Diagon Alley to pick up a set of books for Harry, as well as a few extra advanced defense books. He also needed to see about a few personal items as well as a source for the Wolfsbane potion, with he and Remus both needing it, this month would use up the last two full doses Remus had. Given the situation, neither felt comfortable depending on Snape. Although, Mikhail was a significantly better potion brewer then Remus, very few had the skills to brew an effective dose. Luckily, the apothecary had several names of potion master that could see to their needs.

Remus decided to take advantage of the time alone with Harry to discuss a few things. He found him practicing his Occlumency down by the lake. He waited a while. It was not often Harry seemed so serene, at peace with the world, and more importantly himself.

"Cub?"

"Er, ah, yeah, Moony." Harry replied, his eyes still closed.

"You know we need to make some decisions here ..."

"Yeah, I know," Harry replied slowly forcing his eyes open.

"Given any thought to what we talked about earlier?" Remus asked.

"Yeah."

Remus hid his smile as he realized Harry's intentional delaying tactic. "And?"

Harry said nothing.

Remus grew apprehensive as the minutes ticked by. "You know, Cub, it doesn't have to be me for your guardianship, we can ask for emancipation or find someone else. I just wanted to keep the people involved to a minimum. I won't be upset or hold it against you. I know I've failed you in the past ..."

"It's not that Moony. It's just, well, I'm comfortable here. I don't want to leave. I know I have too, but I don't want to give this up ... I appreciate everything you've done for me Moony. I do. I just ... I can't take the chance of anyone else being hurt because of me, the Weasley's, Hermione ... he will go after them to find me ... and I miss them too. I want to see them. I miss quidditch, I ... If I live my life in a cage, is it really a life?"

Remus smiled ruefully remembering how often he had heard that same sentiment the year before. "I understand Harry. You are still a prisoner where ever you go it seems, but at least you have a nicer cage here and some company this time."

"I am only want to help you Harry, especially now that I know what you're facing ... You just need to let me know what you need ... You know, Mad Eye offered to help with your training, perhaps you should take him up on it even if you go back to Hogwarts."

Remus looked a bit apprehensive. "Cub, I have something I need to show you." He slowly handed Harry a copy of the letter he had sent to Dumbledore. "I, well I sent this after we talked about your past. I felt you had a right to see it. I doubt Albus will hold it against you ... I also wanted you to see my train of thought."

Harry read and then stared at the letter. When he finally looked up the he asked, "You've sent this?"

Remus nodded.

Harry chuckled softly. "Well, I guess we know you were sorted correctly."

Remus laughed astonished at Harry's reaction. That he had sent a telling off to Dumbledore was the only thing that surprised him? Remus eyed Harry closely trying to read his expression. He could see the anger and hurt though when Harry looked up again he only looked serious. "Merlin, it's all true. "

Remus nodded somberly. "Yes, Harry. It is."

"What the hell does he think we all are pawns on a chess board?"

Remus looked sadly at Harry. "I wish I knew, Cub. I wish I knew. However, I do want to remind you these are only my perceptions of the events, I could be wrong."

"I doubt it."

Harry was quiet for a while digesting what Remus had written. "He's never going to change is he? How could I not see his domination? His manipulation?"

Remus could see the Harry resign himself to Albus' disposition.

"Moony, why is it we need to fight the ones that are supposed to be helping us too? Doesn't the enemy provide enough conflict?"

Remus sighed not having an answer for him.

Harry shook his head and appeared resolute. "Well this knight is buggering off, Moony. Sign the papers. I'm not going back to Privet Drive ever again. I am not playing this game anymore. I do still think I need to return to Hogwarts, but because I want too."

Remus nodded slightly to indicate he understood. "Okay Harry, if that is what you want. But I want you to remember what I told you, the fact that Dumbledore believes the prophecy to be about you gives us some leverage. You hold the power. I want it to be put to some use. For starters, I think we need to reinforce that you will be given a private tutor for Potions, obviously not Snape, no matter what your grade. Sorry about that by the way, but I couldn't figure out how to get your OWL scores without the possibility of being tracked. I'm sure you did well though. We could use ..." Remus smiled mischievously. "You know, I think we need to draft another letter ..."