Chapter 4

Remus walked silently out of his room, making as few noises as possible. He had shrunk the item, placed it deep within his shabby robes. He made his way out, passing the headmasters room, as Dumbledore had requested that he should be somewhere where he could monitor everything that went on in the house. The headmaster had literally turned headquarters to a place suited for his needs. Thus, no one could leave the building secretly, by magic. All coming and going had to be done by the front door.

Quite cautious, he made his way pass the room. He didn't want to have Dumbledore step in on him now. However, his wolfish senses told him to linger. His keen hearing, as time went on, had enabled him to listen to a magically silenced conversation, without being caught.

"…….him yet?" That was Dumbledore's voice.

There was silence, before the headmaster continued.

"I see." There was disappointment in the headmasters voice. "You do understand the importance of finding Harry, and setting him straight don't you?"

"Of course Professor. Yet I don't see what can be done. I've tried contacting him, and …"

Dumbledore interrupted.

"If you truly understand Cho, then you'll know that Harry is potentially the most dangerous man out there. He must be stopped before anything else happens. He is bidding his time now, which means the revenge he is going to inflict will be twice as damaging. This cannot be afforded! We must capture him and if its too late, I'll send him to his parents, and godfather."

It was obvious that after these years, the anger from the incident was still hot on the headmaster's mind.

Remus didn't need to hear anymore. Hastily, he went back to his room, and took his owl with him. He needed to find Harry fast, before anyone else did, that is if he hadn't been found yet. He was nearly out the door, when someone called him.

"Lupin?"

He spun around quickly to see Snape standing on the steps. The Potion Master made his way to the man, stopping when they were inches away from each other.

"Where are you going?"

Snape butted in as usual.

"Unless you're going to help me, then stay out of my business…." Remus snapped, turning to leave.

Snape rolled his eyes. He knew the other's intentions, but didn't bother to stop Remus. There was no point in that. However, before Remus disappeared with a pop, he spoke softly.

"Neither the Dark Lord, nor Albus Dumbledore can find him. What makes you think that you can?"

Snape didn't receive a reply, either because Remus did not hear him, or because he chose not to answer.

He clasped onto the fluttering bird and drew it to his nose, as if to sniff to distinguish it. It was an owl, and it hooted relentlessly in his tight grasps. Bringing it to eye level, he noted that it wasn't the usual owl, which could only mean that it wasn't from the expected sender.

Curious, he took the letter out of its talons, and opened it.

Harry,

You know you can't run and hide forever. Everyone is out looking, searching for you, both Albus and You-Know-Who. What you did two years ago, I have to admit is pretty shocking, and hard to believe. However, knowing you this long, I know you would have certain intentions. I know your Godfather died that night, and I'm dreadfully sorry about it, but you have to understand, you can't take out your frustration like that. Whatever your problem is, it must be solved. Please, don't hurt anyone else. You just haven't given yourself time to heal.

Speaking of which, I've just graduated and found myself a nice and decent place. Maybe you can hide out with me for a while. I swear, I won't mention it to Dumbledore. Just you and me, like the old times? I still love you just as much, if not more. I don't want you hurting like this, because it hurts me as well. Ok, I admit, maybe we had a rough relationship before, but I'm willing to start over. Give it a chance?

Please, against your better judgment. You know that the choices are limited. You can't live the life that you have now, wherever you are. Think about it ok? I'll be waiting for you in the Leaky Caldron in about a week. Meet me there at around lunch? Don't worry, I promise not to sell you out.

Love,

Cho Chang

Harry ripped up the letter immediately. It was completely bullshit and uncanny for him to do what she asked. It had to be a trap, must be. There was no other answer for it. Just imagine, Harry Potter, who was classified in league with Voldemort, walk into a pub full of wizards, just to have lunch with a so call girlfriend? That was absurd, and the funniest thing that could happen thus far. Even if it was not a trap and Dumbledore had nothing to do with it, everyone present sure wouldn't let him walk out alive.

Plus it was from Cho, someone whom hadn't bothered with him since he disappeared the night of his Godfather's death. Why would she suddenly take keen interest in him? Beside, Harry didn't believe in Love. Yet Harry knew that if it had been Remus, he might have considered it, would have considered visiting his guardian, and possibly find shelter there. After all, two long years of daily contact, hadn't gotten him caught. That could only mean Remus wasn't tracking him, and that he actually did care. Even the decision then would be heavily weighed. The 17-year-old man had learned not to trust anyone. 'Trust', no such word existed, so how could there be 'love' when there could be no trust?

Harry shook himself to be rid of the thoughts of love and trust. He didn't believe in any of it, and thus despised it, rid himself of it. The more he thought, the angrier he became. His hatred toward Dumbledore, his so called friends, to Cho, to Voldemort, to the entire world, rose so that it became unbearable. He wished them all dead, no worst then that, just non-existence.

By now, from experience, he knew that memories lived on forever, and in turn haunted him, both day and night. Sometimes he could imagine his parents, the night before they died, other times his Godfather, and sometimes, just how things might have turned out if all had been different, since the very beginning. Even worst, there were times when he had asked himself 'what if he had not existed?' That had once led to suicidal thoughts, but he always managed to keep it mustered, as he thought of revenge. If he really wanted to end his hell-life, he would take as many people as he could with him, and both Dumbeldore and Voldemort would be part of them.

Revenge, it al boiled down to that one word. He felt as though his very existence depended on it.

A soft hoot from the owl he had been clutching once again broke his thoughts. He stared numbly at it, until a smile crossed his lips. Yes, he was going to pay them all a visit. A final visit, and he'll make it unforgettable.

"Go on, take me to Harry."

He asked his owl kindly. He had never bothered to trace Harry. However, this was important, he had to give him the present, and warn him about the scheme that Dumbledore had in mind.

"Harry….Harry Potter…." Remus spoke slowly.

The owl hooted and then took flight, with the man following closely behind it. After two days of following his owl, Remus finally managed to find himself inside a dark shadowy cave.

His instincts immediately picked up, letting his darker nature take over. Something told him that danger lay ahead, but he shook that thought away. His senses told him that the person he was searching for resided within the place. His heart thumped loudly, and he was sure that it could be heard around the area.

Somehow he was nervous, and sweat mounted onto him. He didn't know why, but he suddenly thought of backing away from his plan. Perhaps, it wasn't a good idea after all. Perhaps this was all a bad idea.

It had been two whole days and the Order hadn't been out chasing him, minding him for that matter. Perhaps, and fear glowed within him at the thought of this, perhaps, he had been used? Perhaps he had been followed. What if he had unintentionally led the entire world to where Harry was? How in the world then would he be able to save Harry, when he had accidentally, unintentionally betrayed him?

He didn't want to think about it, but he knew that it was a possibility. Could he afford to continue further? Or should he just abandon the whole thought. He weight the possibilities heavily, one against the other. The decision was clear. No, he could not stop now. He would not abandon Harry, especially not now, at a time like this.

Having this decision made, he cautiously entered the dwelling.

"Pass me the spinach Ron" Fred said.

Ron leaned towards the table and did as he was told.

"Thanks." his brother said, passing it back.

Ron placed it down.

"Me too…" Ginny added.

Ron growled slightly, but didn't say a thing. Ginny took her share and gave the plate back to his brother.

"Since you're at it, I'll take some too…" Snape said.

Irritated slightly, Ron spoke out loud.

"Does anyone else want spinach?"

No one replied, so Ron just dumped the vegetable onto Snape's plate.

As usual, the Order, and their children were at headquarters eating dinner after another failed Meeting.

Hermione looked darkly at Ron, as she disapproved him treating a Professor like that, but managed to not mention anything. She knew it wouldn't help, for only a few hours before, she and Ron had another row, something to do with their relationship. Since then, neither had spoken to the other. So, as it was, the adults were annoyed at a failed Order meeting, while the young ones were having their own problems.

Dinner went around quietly. No one said much. Silence took over.

"Hedwig!!" Cho cried out surprised, suddenly, as something feathery landed on her soup, splashing it all over her.

All heads looked up at that. They were sure of what they heard, but was incredulous of the fact.

Sure enough, the magnificent snowy owl was in front of Cho. Her wings were widespread, and were causing a mess. Cho didn't care. She quickly took something that was clutched in the owl's talons. Her face darkened, and her heart nearly collapsed.

"Cho?" McGonagall asked, concerned.

Cho didn't seem to have heard, as silent tears rolled down her cheeks. She clutched a clump of something in her hands.

"Cho?" McGonagall asked gently.

Slowly, Cho opened her hands, and shrieks of horror were evidently suppressed.

It was Cho's owl, or what could be made out as her owl. The once beautiful brown barn owl was completely destroyed. It was disassembled, flesh and bone brutally ripped apart. Dry blood was everywhere. Clumps of ruffled feathers covered parts that weren't suppose to be covered. The wings and talons stuck out at odd ends. Still, the most horrifying thing was its head, which was squeezed and twisted out of shape.

"Go to Albus at once child" Was all that came out of McGonagall. "and take Hedwig with you…." She continued, seeing that Harry's owl was still there.

Cho nodded numbly, excusing herself from dinner.

They watched her back disappear. That night, no one ate again. All appetite disappeared into thin air.

He didn't know if he felt relived or disappointed. The entire place was bare. The dwelling had no one and nothing in it.

He frowned. He had absolutely no idea where the teen could be. It made no sense. His owl had brought him here, and his werewolf sense confirmed that Harry had once been here, but he wasn't now, so where could he have gone?

He let the countless questions run through him again. Over and over again he tried to picture himself as Harry, tried to figure what he'll do if he was in the others place. That never helped.

"Harry where are you? Why do you keep running from me? I won't hurt you, and you know it. Please I'm only trying to help."

He spoke to the emptiness, his voice echoing softly.

Deciding that there was no point in dwelling here, he concentrated again, and tried to sniff out Harry's trail.

After long hours, he was quite unsuccessful. He had scooped through every crack and there were no signs. It was getting late, and with a disappointed sigh, he decided to cease his search. Now he knew exactly where he could find clues, which meant he could come back any time and try again later.

It was time that he headed back to Padfoot's place before anyone else was sent out to trace him. He didn't need a noisy Dumbledore on his tail, not now when he knew that he had everything to crack Harry's disappearance.

"What do you think it means?" Cho asked, trying to conceal her sobs for her lost. The headmaster frowned slightly peering down onto the dimly lit, barely recognizable owl.

"Firstly it seems he has turn you down. There's no need for re…"

There was a knock on the door, and then Remus admitted himself without waiting for a reply.

"What is it Remus?" Dumbledore asked quietly.

It was rare to have the werewolf seen anywhere outside of his friend's private room, let alone visit the headmaster, whom he avoided the most.

Remus opened his mouth, but didn't speak. He suddenly seemed distracted. He was sure that there was a shadowy figure standing on the headmaster's windowsill. Worst of all, he felt more then saw the outstretched wand. He trembled from within, though he had composure on the outside. He knew he was the only one who saw it for both Dumbledore and Cho's back was facing the window

A flutter of wings, overlapped the brief silence. Hedwig suddenly took flight, and left through the open window. Remus watched, witness the owl land on the shadowy figure's shoulder. The figure then hushed the owl, as the figure petted his pet. For a brief moment Lupin and the figure's eyes met. Intense hatred filled him as he stared into the bitter cold eyes. A mischievous insane grin could faintly been seen playing on the corners of the figure's lip.

Without drawing too much attention, Lupin strode over to the other side, placing himself between Dumbledore and the figure.

"I…I…uh…" he thought quickly. "I heard Hedwig appeared…." He lied quickly, putting up his mind defenses. "and I thought….Harry…uh…."

Dumbledore's face relaxed and smiled slightly. He knew the werewolf was worried, and any news relating to Harry was good enough to investigate.

"I'm afraid to say there isn't good news." Dumbledore spoke, showing the owl to Lupin.

Lupin stared thunderstruck. He didn't know what to think. He wondered briefly why it hadn't happened to his own owl.

Harry. How could you do this? The owl's just an innocent living, vulnerable creature. It's defensively against you.

"I can't believe he could do this to a poor creature, so inhumane. Even Voldemort has some degree of mercy." Lupin managed to choke out. "Not to mention hurting Cho like this. He knew just how much the owl meant to her."

Lupin gave Cho's shoulder a squeeze.

"I'm sorry. On both my behalf and his. I shouldn't have…"

"You've blamed yourself too much already." Dumbledore cut him off.

"Sometimes its best not to carry the burden alone. It is clearly to much for you. Perhaps its time you let him go…" The headmaster said bitterly, making it clear that he himself had completely given up on the teen.

Lupin snorted silently.

Then whom can I share it with. Everybody has already turned his or her back on him, including you. I will not give up on Harry. He's the only person I've got. I will not subside without giving a fight.

On the outside, he had a grim face.

"I will not give up without a fight. I'll be dead before that crosses my mind."

Then he spoke louder.

"Harry's going through the toughest time in his life. What he needs the most is a friend. If I don't reach out to him then no one will. If I don't save him, then no one can. I trust Harry, I believe in him.

I'll welcome him with my heart and soul. I'll be the light within him. I'll teach him everything he needs to learn. He may be a Potter to the world, yet deep within he's my son. No father would let his child be consumed within darkness."

For a fleeting moment Lupin thought he heard a sound from behind. It sounded like anger, mixed with gratitude. However, he dared not look.

Silence reigned until Dumbledore spoke again.

"Cho…would you please excuses us?"

She nodded, and headed for the door. She wasn't out when Lupin spoke again.

"I'm going to go too. It's getting late." He murmured.

Dumbledore looked disappointed, he wanted to speak to the werewolf. However, he didn't speak up.

"I'll close the window. It's cold tonight."

Lupin slowly turned and walked to the window. The figure had left, just as he had predicted. He stared outside for a while, searching the sky before shutting it the Muggle way. As he did so, a sheet of paper fell. He grasp onto it, before the headmaster who was watching him keenly, saw it.

"Goodnight Albus." Lupin said simply before leaving.

When Lupin got back into Sirius' room, he peered down onto the words that were hastily scribbled. There was no sender or addresser on it.

He was lucky. He'll live another day. They will all pay. You can never be there to protect them all. I swear, if you get in between me and my target, you will die.

That was all that was written. Or that was what he thought until he turned it over. He stared at it with awe, not knowing what to feel, what to say or how to react. The last part especially had captured his curiosity. Somehow he had to prove the teen wrong. Somehow he will complete the final line, as it looks as though it was intentionally made for that purpose.

Brave souls and courageous hearts will ride forever. Prongs have longed been forgotten. Only innocence lives. Padfoot lies restless in his grave. Traitors and betrayals roam freely from place to place. Wormtail is as good as dead. He who seek to become a replacement never succeeds. He who dare shed light to a creature clothed in darkness would utterly and miserably fail. Moony…