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.

A/N: Wow time really got away from me, Sorry :-

Special Thanks to RossWrock who included this story in his Ultimate Harry Potter Fanfiction Guide ! ( I feel so special:-) ) If you haven't seen this, check it out!

Chapter 38

Friendly? Inquisitions

Remus and Mikhail looked at each other and then at the boy. Not knowing what to say. No one it seemed had any answers. Finally, Remus faltered, detracted for the moment. "Um, Cub... Why is your hand bright red?"

Harry ducked his head feeling somewhat embarrassed and turned as red as the hand Remus was referring too. "Er, it's nothing," he replied sheepishly.

The echoing silence continued a moment longer until Mikhail decided to take charge of the situation. He cleared his throat and informed Harry that they would be speaking to Professor Dumbledore and they would see him shortly.

Harry begrudgingly ended the conversation. Although he was quite curious as to the vanishing act that had just occurred, he had bigger bushy haired problems on his mind. In just a little while he was supposed to meet his friends and inform them of his summer escapades. Hermione had been so intent on finding out what happened, Harry swore he saw her writing out a question list during lunch.

Remus and Mikhail stared at each other for several moments, trying to take in the situation, then they blurted out simultaneously, "What in Merlin's name …"

Remus sighed and motioned for Mikhail to continue. "Remus, I take it you were also not aware that Harry has the ability to Astral Project?"

"Er, ah, um … No. Is that what you think it was?"

Mikhail took a moment to compose his thoughts. "It seems the logical explanation, though it would suggest far more talent in Legilimency then he has shown previously. Although, it has been known to happen, even to those with no latent abilities, in times of stress. However, given what Harry has suffered in his short life, I would think that the ability would have shown itself previously should it be purely stress related."

Remus nodded, not really sure what else to say. It seemed to Remus that every time he thought he had an understanding of what was going on in Harry's life, things went topsy-turvy. Moreover, he knew that he could not put off any longer his confrontation with Albus. He had hoped that he would have at least a few days to piece together his approach.

In the room of requirement, Harry fidgeted while sitting on a small couch trying in vein to get at least somewhat comfortable. He was sitting across from his friends. He couldn't help but be reminded of facing the questioning in front of the Wizengamot last year. Ron, Hermione, Neville, Luna and Ginny were all seated across from him.

Harry gave a half-smile. "Er, so, what did you want to know?"

Everyone chuckled softly at his feeble attempt at humor and then they looked to Hermione. She did indeed have a written list of questions she wanted answered. "Number 1 … "

It was several hours later before an exhausted Harry, and an almost equally pale Neville and friends left the room of requirement. Harry tried to give them as much detail as possible about his summer. He truly wanted them to understand what had happened and why he had done the things he had. He knew that some of these changes helped to bring about fundamental changes in his personality, especially his attitude towards authority figures. He felt he could no longer afford to give respect to someone because of a title, he felt it had to be earned.

He also wanted them to know what danger they would face should they continue to associate with him. They had known he was a target of Voldemort, but they had never known why or to what extent. Harry was just beginning to cope with the guilt he felt about the deaths he had experienced in his short life. This explanation was what had effected Neville the most. The fact that Harry's misfortune's could have so easily been his own had shaken Neville to his core.

All in all, however, Harry was surprised at the supportiveness, his friends had shown. Even Neville broke out of the stupor he had entered to assure Harry that he was with him no matter what. This was their fight too. He smiled softly to himself, he was touched by their backing and care. Maybe, just maybe, he would make it out of this in one piece.

Remus stood staring at the stone gargoyle. He was dreading this conversation or rather the confrontation he knew was coming. Albus was a force to be reckoned with when he chose to be and Remus was sure that he was going to choose to be now. He reminded himself that Harry had already faced Albus. Remus called upon the Marauders to give him strength and to stand with him. He knew he needed all the help he could get and he could have no better company then Sirius and James, even if it was only in spirit. He took one last deep breath to steady himself and announced himself. "Remus Lupin to see Headmaster Dumbledore."

Albus Dumbledore was surprised at very little before this summer started. Nevertheless, the dynamic duo, as he had begun referring to them in his own mind had served yet another blow. Remus was here to see him. Albus had rather expected to be avoided for as long as possible, much the same as it seemed Harry was attempting to do. Albus gathered his thoughts, and placed an amiable expression on his face and waited. And waited. It seemed that perhaps Remus was as loathe to converse as Harry. This only served to arouse Albus' curiosity further. If he did not want to be here, what brought Remus to the school.

The gargoyle slid aside and Remus started up the stairs. He entered the room noiselessly. "Hello Albus."

Dumbledore smiled good-naturedly. He motioned for him to take a seat. "Hello Remus, what brings you here today?"

"I need to see Harry."

"And may I ask why?"

"Certainly. I need to discuss some training issues with him."

Albus raised a brow. "Oh? Is there a problem I should be aware of?"

Remus smiled, but it did not reach his eyes. "No, not at all."

"You know, Remus, I really am regretful that things have gotten into such a state. Surely there is some amicable agreement we could work out, we are on the same side after all."

Remus looked blankly at the man. "I'm not sure what you mean, Albus."

"We are both working for the downfall of Voldemort, and we wish to assist Harry in doing so."

Remus glared. "No, Albus. I am working towards having Harry survive to adulthood, and I don't mean just physically either."

Albus bristled at the rebuke but ignored it. "Surely, these training issues can wait until he sees Alastor then? After all, I doubt Alastor has shared his curriculum with anyone."

Remus gritted his teeth and checked his temper. He knew first hand that attacking Albus Dumbledore head-on was not the best way to control the situation. "I suppose, but considering the hassles he seems to be having as of late," Remus looked pointedly at Albus, "I would have liked to speak to him this evening."

Albus smiled. "But alas, you see now that would be quite impossible. He has already made use of the room of requirement today, surely he would not be training further this evening. I agree that certain allowances need to be made to ensure that he is prepared for his destiny, but we do wish to give him some semblance of normalcy."

"Unless, of course, we need to summon him to confront the Minister of Magic, then of course normalcy flies out the window." Remus grumbled loudly.

Albus pointedly ignored the comment and prompted, "Perhaps, if the was some reason to see him?"

Remus shook his head.

"Then we shall see you Thursday," Albus replied.

Remus arched a brow. "We?"

"Why certainly. I would like to see the benefit of all this out of class training Harry is to experience. Surely you didn't think I would miss such an occasion?"

"WHAT?" Remus growled.

Albus gave an affable grin. "Is there some reason I should not be present?"

Remus could barely contain his anger. "Other then your constant harassment of the boy in the two days since he has returned to school?" "No, certainly continue to hound the boy," Remus continued his voiced laced with sarcasm.

"I am merely taking an interest in what young Harry is learning. After all, I must have some idea of what is going on during lessons should I be questioned."

Remus snarled. "I'll be here Thursday. Though I warn you Albus, if you continue to interfere, we shall be forced to seek schooling elsewhere. Keep in mind, Harry is under my guardianship legally, at least in the muggle world."

Albus gave a puzzled expression. "I am merely interested in keeping abreast of what is going on in my school. After all, we do not want a repeat performance of Madame Umbridge now do we?"

Remus could not even form an intelligible reply. How dare he throw that in his face! Remus was beginning to think that Padfoot had possessed him yet again and he did not have the luxury of pen and paper to curb his rant. Instead he turned and stormed out of the office. Remus shook his head, muttering to himself as he headed down the hallway and out of the school.