Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter & Co.

A/N:

OOPS! In the letter to HP from SB I mentioned Christmas of 1980 & HP as being 3.5 mos old, it s/b 4.5 (that's what I had originally, but when I was proofreading, I miscounted...lesson learned: don't proofread 3 a.m.)

Calendar: HP rec'd his letter from SB on 7/3/96 (Wednesday).

Thanks to all my wonderful Reviewers!!!! I get so happy when I see that I have a new review!!! (won't list them all, 'cause I know you want the story..but answers to questions/comments are below)

Shadowhand: Some things are beyond HP's control...I have plans for that 2nd letter... Anna Taure: Have thought much about V yet, besides, he hasn't managed to kill HP before... Pure Black: Don't you think HP is smarter than Hagrid (shouldn't have said that-Hagrid's often repeated phrase from bk 1)...

I'm actually a bit disappointed that nobody mentioned/noticed something regarding SB's delivery to RL (shadowhand caught part of it)...

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 4 going back

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

It has been 2 days since his world was turned upside down for the 3rd time. His life has never been simple or normal, but still, how much is one person suppose to deal with in a lifetime. Screw lifetime, Harry thought, how much can one person, and a 15 year old at that, be expected to deal with in a month. The death of his godfather, the revelation of a prophesy, and finding out you were adopted. Each one of those is a major life-changing event, but to have all 3 occur at almost the same time? Can you say overwhelming? Well, at least that should be the last of the shocks, Harry thought. They do say things come in threes, right?

On the bright side, he was no longer dwelling on Sirius's death. He was now too busy being consumed with Sirius's letter, or rather the information contained in that letter. Adopted. It wasn't as shocking now as it was when he first found out, but it was still almost unbelievable. The thought that his father might still be alive & out there. Perhaps even wondering about him, filled him with a hope and joy like he's never felt before. Finally, he might have a chance at a real family. There were still lots of questions that needed to be answered. Most likely he will have to wait until school started before he can get the answers he wanted though. There was no way he could go into Diagon Alley to get books relating to charms or adoptions in the wizarding world.

For the 2nd time in as many days, he was brought out of his thoughts when an owl tapped on his window. This time, he noticed that the letter was from Hogwarts. Thinking it was the result of his OWLS, he tore open the envelope, both anticipating and dreading the results, while it would be good to get an OWL in potions so that he can become an auror, failing wouldn't be bad either, since it meant he would no longer have to deal with Snape in the classroom.

He soon realized that this letter wasn't about his owl results. Rather, it was a quick note from the headmaster saying that he will be picked up tomorrow to continue his lessons in occlumency. A feeling of dismay settled over Harry as he finished reading the note.

Where were these lessons to take place? He hoped it wasn't at the Order's Headquarters. He didn't think he could handle being in Sirius's house right now, that place had far too many memories of his godfather. He especially didn't know how he would handle seeing Kreacher again, now that Harry knew the role the house elf played in tricking him into going to the ministry that night.

Who was going to teach him occlumency? Were the lessons going to be continued with Snape? Or would Dumbledore teach him? While Harry might not be as mad at Dumbledore as he previously was, he didn't like the idea of the headmaster getting into his head. That guy knows way too much about what is going on at Hogwarts already, Harry thought. HIS ADOPTION, Harry's mind screamed. Harry didn't know if he would ever want anyone to know about the adoption. He was not sure if he ever would feel comfortable sharing it, but especially not with Dumbledore right now. Well, he would tell people when he was ready, Harry thought, not because somebody saw it in his memories. Hmm, that could be another incentive to learn occlumency. As soon as he knew who was going to teach him, he'll ask for books on guarding your mind or thoughts. Surely there are some books out there that could help explain it.

XXXXXXXXXXX

A few minutes before noon the next day, there was a knock on the door. Harry answered it quickly before Uncle Vernon could start yelling. It was Remus. Harry was so glad that it wasn't Snape or Dumbledore that he impulsively wrapped his arms around his former professor and gave him a hug. After realizing what he did, Harry released Moony and stepped back, keeping his gaze on the floor, not looking at the man in front of him.

The awkward silence that followed was broken a few minutes later when Remus spoke.

"Hey Harry, it's good to see you." Remus's voice was warm & welcoming, lessening both Harry's fears that Moony blamed him for Sirius's death, and his embarrassment of hugging the werewolf.

"Good to see you too, Moony. I'm all packed, just need to go upstairs to get my stuff, I'll be back down in a minute.

Within a few minutes the 2 wizards were out the door, Harry's shrunken belongings in his pocket. After being informed that they were going to Arabella Figgs to connect with the floo network and releasing Hedwig so that she could fly and meet them there, Harry asked one of the questions that had been on his mind since he received Dumbledore's note. "So, Moony, where are we going?"

"Back to Hogwarts"

Harry gave a quick sigh of relief before replying "I thought they didn't allow students to stay there over the summer?"

"With all that happened last year, the ministry is pretty much leaving all matters that concern Hogwarts to the Headmaster & his staff. Plus, I've been staying there this summer, so I can act as your temporary and unofficial guardian. This will allow the teachers to continue with their summer plans and preparations for the upcoming school year."

Harry thought about what Remus said, he was glad that he wouldn't be a bother to the teachers over the summer. He hoped Remus didn't mind watching over him. Harry then asked the next question that plagued his mind, "So, do you know who will be teaching me occlumency this summer?"

Remus was silent. Uh-oh, Harry thought, if he wasn't answering, then it's probably Snape. Harry still wasn't sure how he felt about that. He didn't want Snape to teach him, especially after the events of last year, but he also didn't want Dumbledore to teach him. He honestly didn't know which was worse. Snape would be cruel and insulting as usual, but he was in some ways trustworthy as well. As far as Harry knew, Snape never mentioned what he saw of Harry's memories to Dumbledore or anyone else. He also never used those memories to embarrass Harry in front of his schoolmates. Dumbledore however, probably wouldn't hesitate in asking Harry about the memories or how they made him feel which is the last thing Harry wanted to talk about since the memories that he has trouble occluding are the one's of Cedric's death, Sirius's death, and the prophecy. Harry felt that he had a hard enough time trying to keep Dumbledore from finding out what he was really thinking and feeling in the past, but to have him see what happened in my life, no way did he want that to happen.

Plus, Harry thought, there were the memories of his life with the Dursleys. Harry didn't want the headmaster to know how he grew up. He didn't think he could hand those twinkling eyes filled with pity. Harry was pretty confident that Snape's eyes would never fill with pity for him, disgust and loathing, more than likely, but never pity.

Harry was brought back to realty as Remus answered. "I'm not really sure. Albus and Severus were discussing it as I left."

--RL Flashback--

Remus was on his way up the staircase to the headmaster's office. He wanted to make sure that all the arrangements for Harry had been made. As Remus got closer to the door, he could hear the voices within the office talking.

"You can't be serious," snarled Snape. "The boy and I hate each other. You know what a disaster it was last year when I tried to teach him. He didn't learn anything. He didn't want to learn, especially not from me."

"Yes, well," Dumbledore replied, "I think he might have an incentive to learn now, as well as an understanding of why it is so important."

"He should have been told why it was so important last year! Maybe then things would have gone better and that whole ministry fiasco would have been avoided, and I wouldn't have wasted my time trying teaching him something he didn't want to learn."

"Perhaps. I did what I thought was right. It is too late to change things now. It is best not to dwell on the past, but to learn from it and try not to make the same mistakes again." Albus commented honestly.

Snape looked at him for a moment, as if in agreement with that last statement before continuing, "Albus, I wouldn't be surprised if he blames me for Sirius's death. There is no way he'll trust me, not with all that has happened."

"I don't believe he trusts me either. In fact, I suspect that he believes that he has more reason not to trust me at the moment. I wouldn't be surprised if he trusts you more than he trusts me after what I've done. Albus said softly with a sorrowful note in his voice. If he saw the look of shock, followed by a look of disbelief on Severus's face, he ignored it. "Why don't you go get him and we'll see how it goes from there."

"Oh no. It's bad enough that he'll be here to ruin my summer, I will not be the one that makes it happen!" Hearing Snape's voice again, Remus assumed that Albus suggested that Severus brings Harry from his relatives to the school. For Albus's previous reply were spoken so softly that Remus couldn't hear them, even with his wolf-like senses.

Remus decided that this would be a good time to interrupt the two men and let them know that he was there. "Albus" Remus said as he first knocked, then opened the door and walked into the office. "I just want to make sure that the arrangements for Harry were all set."

"Glad to see you, Remus. We were just discussing that. I told Harry that he would be picked up today. I was just suggesting to Severus that he should go retrieve Harry. I believe it will be an opportune time to see how Harry reacts to Severus. That would be a big clue as to how we should proceed with his lessons and who should instruct him." As Albus spoke, his eyes once more had that twinkling quality they get when he either knows something you don't, is about to meddle in someone's life, or when he is up to more mischief than even the Marauders could handle.

"If what you said is true, about Harry possibly trusting me more than you at the moment, I would say there is just as much reason, if not more, for you to fetch the boy instead of me. Only to see his reaction to you, of course," the last sentence Snape spoke was dripping with sarcasm.

At his words, a look of hurt and sadness filtered across his face so quickly that one might have thought that they had imagined it. Remus looked between the two in shock. Harry didn't trust Dumbledore? When did this happen? What occurred that would make that a possibility? Could this have something to do with Sirius's letter to Harry? No, Remus instantly dismissed that last thought from his mind. Why after 5 years of harsh words, did Dumbledore believe that Harry trusted Snape more? Remus was even more alarmed for Harry than he was the previous day. He would definitely have to find out from Harry what this was all about.

"Well," said Dumbledore, "since neither one of us has the courage to face Harry right now," ignoring the look on Severus' face & eyes that clearly said 'it's not lack of courage, it's lack of desire to have anything to do with the boy', and continued, "Perhaps it is a good thing that Remus came to my office when he did. I think we should send a Gryffindor to face the lion." Turning to Remus, Albus asked, "Would you mind bringing Harry and his belongings back to Hogwarts?"

Remus shook his head, saying that he wouldn't mind picking up Harry at all. As he left the office and on his way to get Harry, Remus was shaking his head, as if trying to get puzzle pieces to fall into place and make sense of all that he just saw and heard.

--END RL Flashback --

"Moony,"

"Moony, we're here" said Harry, trying to get Remus's attention.

After talking briefly with Arabella and using her floo, the 2 found themselves at their destination, the headmaster's office in Hogwarts, where Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape were standing, looking at each other, well, more accurately, Albus was looking and Severus was glaring. Based on their body language, Remus suspected that the two had not come to an agreement on who should instruct Harry in occlumency this summer.

"Harry, Harry," Albus cried, pulling his gaze from Serverus's. "I trust everything went well while you were at your aunts."

"Yes sir, everything was fine" Harry replied.

"Good, Good. Your room is all ready for you. Thought you might be more comfortable in one of the guest rooms rather than in Gryffindor tower by yourself."

"That's fine, sir."

"I'll have Remus show you your rooms in a minute. First, we have some business to discuss. You will have access to the library, except the restricted section, of course."

"Of course" Harry repeated softly, glad that he'll be able to look up some information on Adoptions and charms, at least.

"You'll have access to the grounds, just be careful not to leave the wards. You'll find that your broom has already been placed in your room." At this Harry's heart leaped, he was glad that the broom that Sirius gave him over 2 years ago was being returned to him. With everything that had occurred these past few weeks he had almost forgotten about the Quidditch ban and his broom still in Filch's possession. Harry only half listened as Albus went on to explain about curfews and the meal schedule. His head snapped up as he heard the headmaster mention Occlumency. "You'll have Occlumency every morning after breakfast until lunch, except weekends. Now, Remus, why don't you show Harry where his rooms are located."

"Excuse me, sir," Harry interpolated, "but who will be instructing me?"

Albus and Severus looked at each other again, resembling how they were when Harry and Remus first entered the room, before Albus spoke. "That matter has not been decided yet," Albus started, only to be interrupted by Snape, "Perhaps it would be best if we leave that decision up to you, if you think you are capable of making it, that is." His tone clearly indicating that he had some doubts on that issue. "You'll just have to make the decision by tomorrow at dinner and let us know, so that your instructor will have time to plan." And with a triumphant smirk on his face and catching Albus's eye, Severus left the room. For the words he just spoke where not even close to what Albus was going to finish with. Remus was correct in his suspicions that the two had not been able to come to an agreement regarding Harry's lessons. Both Albus and Severus felt that Harry would be better off with the other, thinking that Harry would not trust them with to instruct him in Occlumency. Snape especially did not think that there was anything on this earth, or in the skies above, or the seas below that would make Harry choose him as his Occlumency instructor this summer. Yes, he was feeling very confident indeed that Harry would choose Albus over him, after all, Harry had mentioned last year that that was what he had wanted.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

End Chapter 4

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

This is my first fanfic, so any feedback is appreciated.

Interpolated...my sister gave me this word as she was studying for her GRE exams, she challenged me to use it & since I was writing this chapter, I thought it would fit in well. (HA! So there Lizz, challenge met)

HELP! How do you think Harry (as well as Ron & Hermione, or other characters) should do on their O.W.L.S.?

9/27/2004