A/N: This chapter isn't what I wanted it to be. But, for some reason, this was the best draft I got. Oh well.

Chapter 3

"Zachary?" Lelia asked, concerned. "What's wrong?"

"You alright, mate?" added Lex.

Harry pulled his hands under the table to hide their shaking. "No-nothing. I'm fine."

Dumbledore took no notice of the drama at the Slytherin table. "Before we feast, it is my great honor and pleasure, I might add, to introduce Mr. Remus Lupin."

A slightly younger Remus stood up from his seat and made his ways to front of the room. He took the podium. "Today is October 31st. 5 years ago, an era ended in more ways than one. The Dark Lord was finally defeated, but with blood on his hands. In that war, I lost everyone close to me. I know that, wherever they are, they're smiling right now. This is our chance to make sure that future generations have a better life than we did. So, on the anniversary of the end, we start anew. Thank you for listening."

Harry unconsciously clapped along with the rest of the audience, staring at the brown-haired man.

"Sad story, that one," sighed Lelia.

"Why? What happened?" Becker questioned. "I've never heard about him."

Lex leaned forward. "Remus Lupin was best friends with James Potter, Peter Pettigrew, and Sirius Black."

"Wait, THE James Potter? Harry Potter's father?"

"The very same."

"The other two names sound familiar, but ... I can't place them."

"The day after You-Know-Who was defeated, Sirius Black killed 13 people, including Peter Pettigrew."

"My God." She glanced up to where Remus had resumed sitting. "Poor guy."

"I couldn't believe it when I heard," said Lelia. "I remember Black. He was always here at school, working in the Resistance. It was such a shock to all of us. It must have been terrible for Mr. Lupin. Are you sure you're okay, Zach?"

Harry started at the abrupt inquiry. "I'm fine. Just thinking about something. It's ... very different to be in a boarding school than it is to be at home."

The five Slytherins seemed to except that excuse, though Jabez gave him suspicious look.

None of them noticed a pair of amber eyes watching them.

Dumbledore stood once more after dessert disappeared. "Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention for one final time before we retire to bed?" When the Hall quieted, he continued. "Thank you." He waved his hand and a curtain on the back wall that Harry hadn't previously noticed fell.

A gleaming black wall was hidden behind it. Harry was entranced by the way the lights glimmered on its surface.

"A tribute. A memorial to the fallen. On the wall, each and every name of the Dark Lord's victims is carved. Please, keep them in your hearts and in your thoughts during this week." And with that, the corrugation was dismissed.

"Come on, Becker, Jabez, Zach. We'll show you the way to the Common," Lex offered, as he rose from the table.

"No, you guys go ahead." Harry's eyes were still on the wall. "I'll catch up."

"If you're sure ... I guess we'll see you later."

Slowly, the room emptied, leaving Harry alone. He quietly walked up to the wall, running his fingers over the names. The smooth, dark marble felt cold under his touch.

Cold as death, he thought sardonically.

He scanned the list, some jumping out at him.

Marlene McKinnon

Frank Longbottom

Alice Longbottom

Benjy Fenwick

Edgar Bones

Caradoc Dearborn

Gideon Prewett

Fabian Prewett

Dorcas Meadowes

There. There they were.

James Potter

Lily Potter

"Hi, Mum," he whispered. "Hey, Dad." He wiped a tear from his eye and pressed it to their names. Then his breath came out in a short gasp.

Peter Pettigrew

HIS name was right there. Right below Harry's parents. Teeth clenched, he imagined scratching out each letter. Oh how he wished he could do that to the rat himself ...

"Heartbreaking, isn't it?" spoke up a voice behind him. Harry jumped ...

... and came face to face with Remus Lupin.

"Oh! Hi! I thought – well, I thought – that I was the only one here."

Remus gave him a strained smile. "Did you know someone who is – "He motioned to the wall.

"Yeah. It really is terrible to read this. It makes it more permanent somehow. Their deaths being carved in stone."

"It's almost as if they are just names now. The people themselves aren't here."

"That kind of makes it better."

They stood, side by side in silence.

"I really should be getting down to me Common Room," Harry finally said. "My friends will be worried." He turned away.

"How is it possible that you are here, Harry?"