Chapter 9

He looked at the people gathered around him. He had a sinister smile plastered on his face. The men and women that now stood before him had sworn loyalty towards him after the public announcement. These were also the people who Voldemort had trusted the most among his Death Eaters, the selected ones that were part of the inner circle. These were the people who were part of the successful raids that he had inflicted since the public announcement to places outside of Britain, two of them who he had given the honor to be the 'leader' of the group when he was not present, or in simpler words, his left and right hand. These were the same people who only a month ago were still devoted to destroying him for their Dark Lord.

Harry took in each their faces, as it was mandatory to be unmasked in the presence of the Master, so that Harry could actually see who it was and their facial expressions to the situation. Looking from left to right, he let his eyes travel through the semi-half circle. The only person who was absent and Harry knew for sure was not dead was Snape. Even Karkaroff had managed to regain his place among the other faithful comrades.

"My faithful Death Eaters…." Harry began, bringing his hands up and then spreading them to show a friendly, welcoming gesture. "Today you are here for the preparations of what will be the most devastating attack in the history of man kind." He let the statement linger, his eyes traveling through the group again to pick up any emotions, but found that there was none.

"Together, under my lead, we will destroy Hogwarts, kill Dumbledore and squash out all other Goodness in this world." There was a loud cheer. "The world shall crumble and wither away beneath my power…." Harry let out a deafening laugh. "They were all foolish to stand against me." This was followed by a unison cry of victory. "Soon, very soon the world shall be mines and you, my faithful servants shall pave the way to this new and glorious future…."

Having made his little speech, Harry proceeded to explain each person's task and the importance of their role. He also assured them of their victory and how they will each be rewarded beyond their wildest imagination.

The classic graduation theme song was playing in the background. The graduating class seated, in a non-unified dress code, smiling at their completion of Hogwarts. For the first time they were not seated according to their Houses, but as a whole unified group of young men and woman. They were presented before their families and friends, professors, Headmistress and a few special guests.

Dumbledore, whom attended had felt the need to be present at this special moment in time. It wasn't because this was his favorite class that was forever reserved for the class of the Marauder's but because these were a special group of people, ranging from prominent Gryffindors to prominent Slytherins. This class was special and unique as each person was. This was the class which the infamous Prince belonged to, the man whom he could see was undoubtedly absent.

The Minister of Magic was another guest. Arthur Weasley had taken the day off to join his family, everyone aside from Percy, to celebrate their youngest son graduate.

Some of the Order Members were also present, as they too had grown to know some of the Gryfindor's. The two that should have been there that wasn't was Harry and Remus. Graduation only caused the werewolf to mope about what could have been and how it should have turned out. How everything had turned out for the worst.

"Didn't Remus come?" Dumbledore asked leaning over towards Molly, waiting for the ceremony to start. She shook her head. "He claims there is no reason. HE isn't going to be present."

The theme song died down, as McGonagall stood up. "Welcome to another closure at Hogwarts…" The noise stopped as she began the opening ceremony.

Remus fumbled with the photos in his hand. These were the ones that were taken when he had graduated. When everything had been perfect. When they were all still innocent.

He stared at them, each person, who was waving frantically at him. It was a group photo, with Wormtail missing, replaced by Lily. Remus frowned, as he recalled that point in time. Wormtail had been the one taking the photograph. Back then the rat was happy and smiling, quite like Neville. Lupin shook his head, he wasn't going to think about that man now.

He placed the photo down and rummaged through the old belongings of his friend, until he found something. It was sealed and looked like a letter. What had caught his eye was his name written hastily on it. Ripping it slowly, he opened it, finding Sirius' messy print.

Mr. Moony,

If you are not Moony, then leave. You have no business here. You here me? Snivellus if it's you then buzz off. Let the old man rest in peace. Kindly hand it over to Remus.

Lupin reread the line, wide-eyed. Let the old man, rest in peace.

How could Sirius know that he'll die? How could he know before hand?

He turned back to the letter.

Yes, that's right. Moony, if you are reading this, it means that I've finally got myself killed! I've finally done something stupid enough to make me visit James and Lily and actually stay. Now it isn't that bad. Stop mopping and get back on to your feet. Whatever I've did to get myself here, I don't regret it. So don't blame yourself, and don't let Harry blame himself either. It is not either of your faults!!

Yes…about Harry. Since I'm gone now, probably because I've saved his life, or at least that is what I hope is the reason, for other then that, I have no excuses to leave the either of you, I want you guys to be there for each other. You here me? I want you to be somewhat like a fatherly-figure to him. Prove to Molly that a Marauder can do something right.

Harry's all that you got now. He's family, and you know it. The only family that you have left. So I wouldn't say it's that much of a burden for you to just raise him as your own cub. Do you understand? I hope you do.

So anyways, time flies doesn't it? The last time I examined myself, we were still in our last year at Hogwarts. Can't believe so much has happened since then, with Prongs and Lily's death and Wormtai's betrayal. Can't believe he sold us out! That Rat will pay, and you will make sure of it won't you Moony?

I mean if it wasn't for Wormtial, we would all be alive!! We would all be there during Harry's graduation, causing pranks, and just reliving the olden years. Ah, what a life that would have been.

Well, still hope you'll make that day enjoyable, Marauder's style. Be there for Harry. That's the ending of a stage in life and the beginning of another. Heck, I wish I could be there. We all wish we could be there. Yet things happen and it's ruined. So Moony, I'm counting on you to make it perfect.

I'm counting on you for a lot of things. Make sure Harry follows the right path. Make sure he kills Voldmort and not the other way around. Just raise him like your own? Ok? Good.

Thanks a lot Moony. I really owe you. Take care of yourself. Please try to not get yourself killed.

Your friend,

Padfoot

Lupin folded the letter, which brought fresh emotions.

Sirius, If only you were here. So much has happened since your death. Harry isn't who he use to be, who I thought he was. However, you are right. One way or another, I will find a way to save Harry.

"And last of all, Weasley, Ronald." Ron stood up from his chair as he was called to the front of the room by McGonagall to receive his diploma. His face was burning red from nervousness, and even more when Hermione gave him a reassuring smile. He took the diploma and let the school cheer for him before returning to his seat.

"And now a few words from Professor Dumbledore…" McGongall took her seat as Dumbledore rose to speak.

From the shadows he watched his 'friends' graduated. He was bitter, as throughout the whole ceremony no one had even mentioned him, not a word, not a hint.

He listened mindlessly to the ex-headmaster rant on about a day of celebrations, a day to remember.

Yes, this was indeed going to be a day to remember, just not a good way. It was definitely a day to remember, he would make it that way.

"Thank you Professor Dumbledore" McGongall stood up as Dumbledore sat down. "Now if any other guests wish to speak, please do so now." No one moved.

He was about to announce himself when someone entered the hallway through a side passage, unnoticed by the others until he was standing in front of everyone.

"I would like a few words Professor…." Remus said.

"Certainly…" McGongall nodded, glad that the werewolf wasn't locked up too long all day.

"As most of you may remember, I am Remus Lupin, former Hogwarts graduate. I was also the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor…" There was wide applause from those who remembered.

"Today is a special day for these fine students." Remus gestured behind him at the students. "A day where after 7 long years these fair people will join us among the real world…." Remus paused, as there were many nods. "Hogwarts has prepared these youngsters for the most evilest time in history. It has paved the path that will help enlighten the world, destroy evil and darkness that has consumed us all." They was a couple of 'yes.'

Remus turned to the graduating class.

"I congratulate you all for making this far." He could see the puzzled faces, but ignored them. "The years that you have witnessed here have been joyful and sorrowful. Many people have come and gone. Many have died within these very walls." He paused. "You all have survived…. so therefore it is good news…."

"However…" the werewolf turned his attention back to the audience, eyes sweeping menacingly. "There is one person who should have been with us, but could not be…."

The room stilled immediately. The observer from the sidelines smiled. So, indeed this was unavoidable. He had been wondering when his name would come up, and it looked like it would now.

"No, I do not speak of Cedric Diggory or all those others who have innocently died before his or her completion of Hogwarts." The room stilled even more. There was an uneasiness that swept through.

"I assure you that he is alive, and probably mocking my foolishness at this very moment." Remus forced a laugh. "I do not care. Too much happened for me to care."

"He was a wonderful person. He had the best of friends and the support of his peers and Professors. I do not know what went wrong. I do not know how it happened. I do not care what it was that drove him insane. I do not know his motives, I do not know his whereabouts. I believe I don't even know him anymore.

Maybe that is for the better. Better to keep that smiling innocent face in my memory. In all our memories. That's right. We cannot forget him. We will not forget his deeds to this world.

Do not forget the young messy haired boy who we had once adored, who had captured our hearts. The one who had broken school rules as well as the laws of fame. Do not forget the boy who played pranks behind your backs, who made you laugh and cry. The boy who outshone everyone else by being just who he was and not who he tried to be. Do not forget the boy who was given a life that he had not wanted. Do not forget the boy who at once sacrificed himself in hopes that everyone else may survive. Do not forget the one who should be seated here and graduating among his friends.

Remember Harry James Potter. Not who he is today, but who he was. The son of James and Lily Potter, the Godson of Sirius Black. The man whom I am proud to call family, my only family." Remus swallowed hard. "Remember Harry Potter"

For the first time the entire hall was silent. Nobody knew what to say, or how to react. They sat in stunned silence, looking from one to the other.

Finally, there was a faint solo clapping from the person in the shadows. It wasn't loud, but it caught everyone's attention.

"My, my Moony, you really know how to lighten up the atmosphere. I was dying here waiting to be mentioned. Superb speech. Well done, well done. Couldn't have expected anything less from family, could we now?"