Chapter 18

Harry led the now silent Remus to the entrance to the Headmaster's office, but when he turned to face the young man, he was quite surprised to notice his lingering friends. "Well, gentlemen, you'll have to wait for Mr. Lupin. This meeting is only for him." Turning to the paling male, "The password is Sugar Cane."

With that, amber eyes watched the mysterious Professor silently vanish into the shadows surrounding the hallway. "Remy?"

"I-I'll be back." Swallowing, "Sugar Cane."

"We'll still be here." He nodded, just before the spiral stairs caused him to disappear from their view.

Knock, knock! "Come in, Mr. Lupin."

"Uh, Sir?" How does he do that?

Twinkling blue eyes peered up from an open book. "Sit, my boy, sit. Lemon drop? No? How about a Cheery Twizzler? Or a Vanilla Sugar Cane?"

"No, sir. Uh, you wished to see me?"

Pale, long fingers pulled a strange white object from a smiling mouth. "Sugar Cane. Amazing candy these Muggles create. Quite the rush of sugar, even flavored. An unusual present from a...friend." Albus willingly forgot to mention it was Shadow that gave it to him when he had returned from his sudden errand to Diagon Alley earlier that day.

"Sir?" Remus was really starting to worry. Maybe I have to leave. Maybe everyone knew it was me, not Professor Shadow's pets.

"Ah, yes. Here."

Remus blinked when he was handed three thick volumes. "What?"

"Seems our resident Defense Professor thought these might come in handy."

"How?"

"I do believe it's almost time for lunch. Run along, young Remus. Try eating outside, lovely day it is." Remus nodded, stunned at the sudden dismissal. But how did he know what I was?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Remy?"

Amber eyes blinked, not even remembering walking down the steps. "Um..."

"Whoa! Where'd you get these!" Sirius yanked one of the books out of his friend's trembling hands. "A Guide to Lycanthropy: Journal of Romulus and Remus in Olden Times."

"Wha?"

James read the next title, "Dark Creatures Are Merely Misunderstood: The Truth Behind Us All."

"Why would I be given these?" Remus could only stare as his three best friends yanked away his books, reading the titles in shock. "What's that one?"

"Myths and Facts of Mating, Biting, and Scenting of Werewolves." All four boys could only stare at the books, each wondering where they came from. As far as they knew, no one knew anything about Werewolves, except that they were dangerous creatures a couple of nights each month. "Maybe the Professor knows."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"You know something, don't you, Professor?"

Harry blinked at the sudden question, glancing up to see his mother staring at him, "Miss Evans?" He had not realized she had could have followed him to his private office or had been in hiding around a corner. Either way she had entered the room just as he finished grading a couple essays.

"You do." She tossed several sheets of parchment on top of his few graded essays. "And don't lie to me!"

"I will deal with this later, Miss Evans. Never assume someone will immediately tell you anything simply because you demand it. Good day, Miss Evans."

Never had she been so abruptly treated nor shoved out the door without a physical touch. Lily's temper flared. I will be back! I will get those answers! I will!

Inside the office, Harry sat back, musing upon the words his mother had said. It seemed Lily was as a determined witch as Hermione was. He remembered his second year at Hogwarts quite clearly. Despite the fact that something was travelling around the school petryfing students, Hermione had braved the halls for the library, determined to find answers. She not only found answers, but the cause of all the choas.

And now it seemed his mother was determined to prove that she was not afraid of him, even if her scent reeked of uneasiness and fear. The redheaded witch would seemingly brave anything to gain answers to the few questions and comments written upon the sheets she deliberately left behind. He wondered just how far her fearful bravery would take her. Would she be like Hermione? Would she willingly brave the halls for answers, knowing something dangerous just might be waiting around the corner? He didn't need to answer himself, he knew. She would.