Disclaimer: nothing Harry Potter belongs to me
AN: Does anyone feel surprised? This chapter is out so fast!(well, at least compared to the previous ones) actually, it was only half of the original chapter planned, but as it grew monstrously long, I just have to chop it up in two…. And I want to post it earlier too!
Actually, writing certain parts that are to come up e.g. their new curriculum for year six, the routine things that have to happen (eg Quidditich), etc, is quite difficult for me. I will have to include them if I am to make it into a year Six fanfic, however… there are just so many things that I am afraid I would forget to include something…
Thanks for everyone who reviewed!!
Responses to my reviewers:
kungzoune: Remus will get better soon! You will see by the end of this chapter…
Marguerida : your review is really motivating for me! I am glad that you like Stan, the only original character by me so far! He will keep coming back… and I am glad that someone catch on the part about someone having two salaries too!
Imprisoned : yes, review is always good for the sake of the author. Keep reviewing and I will surely write faster…
Chris Tsuda: glad that you are enjoying my fanfic! I try as much as I can about the grammar, but it's not easy considering it's not my mother language. And i am not so sure about getting a new beta-reader… don't know where to find a reliable one
QueenWeasel: as you have wished! This chapter is out faster than the previous one!
SkyStrike : Sirius' being alive still have a long way from being revealed, unfortunately… but it will
Rheniel : ya, Harry had better learnt his Occulmency soon… Snape will have a slim chance of agreeing to teach Harry on that, however… we will see…
Now enjoy the story!
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Chapter 11 Beginnings
Rain was pouring as the Hogwarts students disembarked the train. The grim weather was almost a foretelling of the darkness to come.
Luckily, certain people and certain things did remain unchanged whatever the situation, which served as an anchor to the reality when people were lost in the chaos of the world.
"First year students! Over here!" Hagrid's faint outline could be seen over the mounting rain. As usual, he was vainly holding onto his lantern, hoping against hope to gather the lost first year students and shepherd them towards the traditional boat voyage across the giant lake, which would certainly become one of the unforgettably terrifying experience for those first year students for the rest of their lives.
"Hagrid!" Harry yelled, trying to greet his giant friend, but his head was too high up for his voice to reach in the windy situation. Soon Harry stopped trying to catch Hagrid's attention, who was busy going here and there to gather the young students.
"Harry, we have got to go!" Hermione yelled next to Harry's ear, getting his attention. "The carriages are going!"
As Harry got near to the carriage driven by the black winged thestrals, Harry got a sinking suspicion that their pale oval eyes were glued to the invisible black dog treading at his heels.
Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny got into the same carriage. It was with some difficulty that Sirius was also fished into the carriage without touching the other people inside.
Harry was fidgeting in his seat as Hermione and Ginny murmured with each other and as Ron was dozing off next to him.
/Hey, sit still. Or else they are really going to get suspicious of you. /
/As if I can sit still. I can't help feeling nervous with you and other people in a small enclosed area like this. I know they can't see you, but it's just... and I'm just afraid that they would somehow accidentally touch you… and…/
Sirius shook his gigantic big head.
/Calm down. You're just nervous because you are getting back school. /
/I will try… /
As they stepped off the carriage and hurried their way to the front door amid the heavy downpour, Sirius slowed Harry down a bit.
/I will not get into the Great Hall, Harry. Better not test this Concealment Charm against Dumbledore's eyes, yet. /
/where will you go then?/
/I will just…get re-acquaintanced with my old home. /
"Come on, Harry! What are you doing? Get inside quick!" Ron yelled and Harry could barely catch him over the heavy rain splashing against the ground.
"I'm coming!" He replied and refrained himself from looking at the direction at which Sirius was rapidly disappearing into the curtains of icy raindrops. He sped up to a jog until he was under the safe dry haven behind the immense oak front doors.
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At the hallway immediately inside the doors, students were shaking and shivering as most of them were soaked in the icy rainwater. Teachers were offering to dry them up with spells before the students were to be let in the great hall.
Harry's discomfort of wearing wet clothes that stuck uncomfortably at his skin was lifted the instant Flitwick dried him up with a simple flick of his wand.
"Let's get in quick!" Ron hit Harry's shoulder as he rushed pass him to get into the hall. Harry couldn't help but share an exasperated glance with Hermione. Both knew exactly what was occupying their red hair-ed friend's mind – food.
Before Harry could get into the Great Hall, a familiar voice stopped his tract.
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, please come to my office after the welcoming feast ended." The stern voice was none other than that of Professor McGonagall's.
"What?" Harry asked with incredulity.
"Why?" Ron asked at the same time with dread in his voice.
"Don't worry, I just have some matter related to our house to discuss with you two." And the two of them just gaped in anxiety in her wake as she left.
"What do you reckon is wrong this time? I think her face is quite grave. I bet there's no good news waiting for us." Ron said as they made their way towards the Gryffindor table.
"Don't be stupid, Ron. You can't have done anything to upset her yet." Hermione said, pulling a chair and sitting down.
"Who know what she would be thinking… I really hope it is nothing bad …" Harry started to lose his attention on Ron's and Hermione's conversation as he sat down. He closed his eyes and tried to shut the outside world out. He reached within himself… stretched his conscious to reach the part that linked him to his godfather. There in the corner of his mind, he could feel a surge of wildness… of excitement in running wild in his old home once again. He could feel that Sirius was probably running wild in the Forbidden Forrest… no doubt having fun.
"Harry? Harry? Are you still here?" the concerned voice of Hermione retrieved Harry's conscious back to the world around him.
And it just felt empty without the constant sight of his godfather around him. He had grown so accustomed to his presence over the holiday.
Harry really felt that he should get a grip on himself and stopping doubting. Sometimes, especially when Sirius was out of his sight, a sudden fear would creep into him and seize his heart… that Sirius's return had just been his mere hallucination out of his fervent wish of having Sirius back, that it had just been a dream, and Harry would suddenly wake up to find him gone…
But the bond always served to remind him of the solidity of Sirius's presence. Its presence could chase away any shadow of doubt eventually.
"I'm ok, Hermione. Just thinking." He gave her and Ron what he hoped a reassuring smile.
Harry discovered soon after the Concealment Charm had been performed that there were certain limitations to what they could do. They could only converse with their telepathic link if they were within a few meters' distance from each other. However, no matter how far they were apart, Harry could constantly feel the presence of Sirius at the corner of his mind.
As the students around them settled down into their seats, Harry started to survey the people around. The usual excitement that would fill the great hall at the start of term was lacking. Most of the students seemed subdued and were conversing in low murmurs, probably exchanging their experiences during the summer vacation… and inevitably, the upcoming war.
Every now and then, Harry could see people stealing swift glances towards the table furthest away from the Gryffindor table… the Slytherin table. The usually lousy Slytherin were also unusually quiet. Harry couldn't help but also wonder if any… any of those Slytherins had already kneeled before Voldemort? A chill went down his spine at such a depressing thought…
Harry's attention next roamed to the head table. The first thing Harry noticed was that Dumbledore had not arrived yet. Although rationally Harry knew that it had not been Dumbledore's fault that Sirius had nearly died, yet emotionally Harry still found himself unable to forgive what the old man had done last year.
Besides Dumbledore, McGonagall and Hagrid were also not there, probably leading and preparing the newcomers for the sorting. Except that, Harry noticed that there was no new faces on the head table. Snape was wearing his usual scowl, his hair as oily as ever. Harry fervently hoped that the new DADA teacher would not be that particular teacher…
"Hey," Ron said, his gaze also turned to the head table, "you don't think that there'd be any chance that Snape will be the DADA teacher this year? If so, I won't be taking it… "
"Who knows…" Seamus, who was sitting across them with Dean at his side, said. "Maybe Dumbledore himself will be teaching as they couldn't find anyone decent on for the job."
"Yea. The only good DADA professor we've ever got was Professor Lupin. A pity that he is a werewolf… " Dean said.
"Anyone but professor Snape will be fine to me… " Neville said, looking worried.
They waited with impatience for the newcomers that no doubts were struggling their way through the stormy lake.
"Hey, have you guys decided what subjects you will take this year?" Neville asked his fellow Gryffindor classmates.
Along with the letter announcing the O.W.Ls results, there was also a letter stating the minimal OWLs result requirement in order for them be qualified to take those subjects in NEWTs level.
"I will definitely not take Portion this year. I am not qualified anyway." Ron said, the rambling sound from his stomach betraying how hungry he felt. "I hope the first year will be here soon… anyway, I think I am taking five subjects… "
"Me too. Five will already be too many…speaking of which, Hermione, how many are you planning to take? " Seamus asked.
"Me? I am still contemplating…I really like Arithmancy, so I will definitely be taking it. I am also inclined to take Ancient Runes… but I don't want to give up herbology... "
Harry reckoned Hermione must have given a lot of thoughts to this issue. He, on the other hand, hadn't really contemplated it deeply. They were given a week to decide exactly what subjects they were going to take this year.
"So, how many exactly are you going to take?" Harry asked, though he didn't really want to know how crazy Hermione was going to get in choosing too much for herself.
"At least six." The Six year Gryffindors around her gave a collective groan of exasperation.
"Hermi, at least six? You are not planning to take seven, are you? That would not be humanly possible. Even you would have to admit how difficult these exams are going to be. You will barely survive five, let alone six, so forget about getting more, seriously. " Ron said, his eyebrow twitching slightly showing his incredulity.
"But I really don't want to give up studying those subjects. I know what I can handle." Hermione said, folding her arms in annoyance of being lectured, by Ron of all people.
"I'm just being - "
The conversation that had been about to turn into an argument was interrupted when the front door leading to the great hall was opened.
All the gaze of the inhabitants inside the hall was drawn towards the door as it slowly open to reveal the headmaster of the school, Albus Dumbledore.
The enigmatic old man was in his usual scarlet long robes. With sure long strides, he made his way across the great hall, his piercing blue gaze surveying the students solemnly as he walked pass.
Harry's attention, however, was quickly drawn to the person who entered following Dumbledore. He could feel Hermione's tab on his robe and her sharp gasp.
"Professor Lupin?" Ron muttered under his breath. Many of the students who are of higher year also were conversing in low tone with adjacent people as their eyes followed the progress of the two men onto the head table.
The noise died down as soon as Dumbledore took his rightful place at the centre of the head table and stood to address the whole school.
"Good evening to you all. I am most delighted to see so many familiar faces. Now let's first welcome the newcomers to this school and let the sorting begins. "
The oak door to the great hall opened once again, this time revealing the newcomers to Hogwarts. They followed Professor McGonagall's lead in a single file into the great hall towards the stage. Some of them looked thrilled, some looked absolutely frightened, but all were staring in wide-eyed wonder at the grandness and the magic of the great hall – the floating candles, the ever changing ceiling that mirrored the stormy sky outside, the four long house tables, and the pearly ghosts that floated leisurely across everyone's head.
Harry wondered had he looked as small and as uncertain of himself and as awe-stricken when he first stepped into the hall. Probably he had.
And so afterwards the usual rituals followed. The first years were up the stage, watching in trepidation as McGonagall took out the scroll with their names on, the small wooden stool and the battered looking sorting hat.
Harry noticed that Hagrid slipped to his usual seat at the end of the head table as the sorting hat began to sing its song.
This year's song was unsurprisingly full of warning of the upcoming storm and harshness, and of the importance of standing strong and steady together against the tide to come.
The sorting was uneventful. Harry clapped half-heartedly with his housemates as new Gryffindors joined their house. His gaze wandered away from the sorting and found the man that was quietly conversing with professor Flitwick – Remus. Harry felt a surge of delight at the prospect of having Remus back, no doubt as the DADA teacher. No wonder he had told Harry that he was being paid double salaries by Dumbledore – one for his work with the Order, the other his teaching job at Hogwarts.
However, Harry also felt slightly worried for the man. It was of course more than fine for Harry that he was returning to take up the DADA position again, but there were bound to be prejudiced parents who would not be happy to know that a werewolf would teach their children, no matter how talented that werewolf was at the job. Harry wondered how Dumbledore could manage to appoint Remus as a teacher… there must be opposition from the Ministry as Remus's werewolf condition had been public knowledge …
"Welcome and congratulate all of you first years." Dumbledore stood up as the sorting was finished. "Now enjoy the fabulous feast, everyone!"
Food at Hogwarts was at their usual supreme quality. Harry didn't realize how hungry he had been until he saw the delicious food appearing on the plates.
"I'm really glad that professor Lupin is back." Hermione said to Ron and Harry over the dinner.
All the three of them automatically directed their gaze to the man sitting next to Flitwick. Remus looked exhausted. He was poking his food half-heartedly with his fork as he chatted with the short professor besides him. Instead of the usual pumpkin juice served, every now and then he would pick up a little rectangular bottle and drank from it. Harry frowned as he squinted to discern what the little bottle contained.
"Yea, of course. We are finally having someone decent enough for the job. " Ron said while getting himself the second helping of food already.
"Of course it's good in that aspect… but I mean, it's also good for the man. He needs to be around people more often so that he can… heal. " Hermione quickly lowered her eyes to avoid meeting Harry's gaze as if suddenly realizing she have said something inappropriate.
Ron tried drawing the topic of conversation back on what subjects to choose, but without great success. Harry had to make it a point to remind himself to look sullen and quiet as so to act like someone who was still in the midst of 'healing' from a great personal loss.
Ron's growing frustration at breaking the awkwardness was resolved as the feast drew to its end. Dumbledore stood from his seat and soon the great hall fell into silence.
"I hope everyone have enjoyed the feast," he said, tilting his head slightly down and sweeping his gaze across the whole hall, "I am glad that most of the students have returned. Indeed, now more then ever, you need your education. I am not going to lie to you to make you feel better. A war is waging out there, outside the wall of this castle."
Dumbledore paused, regarding his students in silence.
In Harry's memory, the great hall had never been so silent.
"As long as you are in the sanctuary of Hogwarts, the least I can guarantee is a safe environment to learn and to mature in. However, it does not mean that what is happening outside would not concern you. In fact, in the end, it will affect every one of us, every part of the world, be it Britain, or the rest of the world; be it the magical world or the muggle world. Therefore, we must now stand together. And for all you young souls here, you need your education and your training to prepare yourselves, now more than ever.
"No matter how, do not let the war deter us. We will continue our teaching. We will not shut down; this is what we will promise you and your parents."
Dumbledore let the students contemplate and digest his words before going on. The soft smile on his face seemed so… sad.
"Now, before I send you off to your warm dormitories, I still have got several announcements to deliver. Firstly, I am most pleased to inform you of the return of our old DADA professor. For the younger students, let me introduced to you the DADA professor this year – and hopefully for many years to come – Remus Lupin."
Remus stood and bowed as the younger students applauded in politeness, some of the older students applauded with enthusiasm, while the rest of them stared at him with uneasiness, uncertainty, fear, and even hatred…
"How can Dumbledore do this? Is he nuts?"
"How can he hire a -"
"What if he stumbles upon us when he is -"
"I don't care how good this guy can teach, but he -"
Harry could catch bits and pieces of conversation over the hustle and bustle that broke out in the hall. He couldn't help but feel angered at how those people prejudiced against Remus simply because of a situation that he couldn't control… it's so unfair…
Dumbledore held up his hands and patiently waited for the hustle to die down.
"For those who are not aware of Professor Lupin's unique condition, or for those who are in doubt due to all those rumors years ago, I will tell you this, with Professor Lupin's consent – he is indeed a werewolf."
There was a collective gasp from the younger students. The students from year four and onwards simply stared at Dumbledore with rapt attention.
"It was most unfortunate that he was beaten by a werewolf when he was a kid, when there had not been any solution for this condition. It could have happened to anybody. Being a werewolf does not make Professor Lupin much different from the rest of you. I will not allow prejudice of any forms in our school. In fact, I have confidence in all of you, that you have the ability to see through the surface and look at what is underneath, and judge for yourselves whether something is genuine or not."
Even those who had been loudly protesting the return of Remus looked ashamed of themselves.
"Now, I will make my second announcement concerning changes in the teaching staff. Deal to some unfortunate circumstances, Professor Sibyl Trelawney will not be teaching Divination for the time being. Firenze has kindly agreed to substitute the teaching post until Professor Trelawney's return. "
"Lastly, for the benefits of the newcomers, you will all better keep in mind that the Forbidden Forrest is strictly forbidden to students. And if anyone would care to check it out, the list of substances forbidden within the castle is posted outside Mr. Flich's office. Now, off you go to bed and have a good night's rest before tomorrow's lessons start."
Soon, most of the students were on their feet, eager to head back to their warm dormitory. Prefects started issuing instructions and directions for the first years.
"See you two back in our dormitory," Hermione said as she turned to usher a group of first year student out of the great hall.
Harry and Ron had no choice but to head towards Professor McGonagall's office.
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"Sit, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley." Harry and Ron exchanged a somewhat queasy look with each other, puzzled expression mirrored on the other's face – what have they done wrong this time?
"Please, both of you. Take a seat." The irritated edge to Professor's voice urged both teenagers to take their seat, albeit a little reluctantly.
"Er, Professor, the term barely, no, haven't started yet. We have done . . . nothing?"
"No need to explain yourself, Mr. Weasley." Professor McGonallol fixed both nervous teenagers with her infamous stare, and pushed her square glasses up her nose ridge. "Well, I still am not sure whether it is a correct decision, but," she muttered to softly as if speaking to herself, but she hardened her gaze on both Harry and Ron. She sat straight up and leaned forward.
"What I'm going to discuss with you concern our house. So I want you two to put serious thought into it. Harry, Ron, you both are on the Gryffindor team. Harry, you have been on the team since your first year, right?"
Harry nodded.
"On the other hand, Ron, you are only on your second year on the team."
Ron nodded uncertainly.
"As you two are on the team the longest, one of you is going to be the team captain this year." Harry and Ron stared at McGonagall at a loss of word. However, they restrained from stealing a glance at each other. "So, what do you two think?"
Come to think of it, Harry realized that he would have given this matter a lot of thought during the summer, as it was only natural that the responsibility of team captain would fall on the shoulder of the Sixth Years, if only he was not much too preoccupied with Sirius's return. Before Harry could give the matter any coherent thought, Ron blurted out. "Professor, it should be Harry. He is in his sixth year on the team now. Not to mention that he is a . . . well, more competent player than I am. He should be the captain."
"No, Ron." For a moment, Harry was really tempted to agree to Ron. But there lay no doubt on who was the more suitable candidate as captain. "Being a captain is a great responsibility. Being a good flier is not enough. You have been obsessed with Quidditch and excelled in its strategies and theories even before I knew such a thing existed. And you have always been the one who is good at strategy. I have never beat you at chess, Ron. You are the perfect choice for captain!"
"No, I'm not! Harry, I can't! I am a prefect already; I don't have time to be a captain! And my flying skills often fluctuate. . . "
"Ron, what you lacks now is only confidence. The confidence to take the Slytherins' insult in their face and to disregard it likes a worthless joke."
Ron's mouth was opening and closing so rapidly that he looked like a gold fish out of water. Harry really wanted to laugh at that hilarious look and sign at the same time for Ron's thick-headedness. Stealing a glance at McGonagall, Harry could tell that the professor was harboring similar thought from the slight twit of her month.
After a considerable length of time, Ron snapped his month close and looked downwards at his lap. He clutched and unclenched his fist. "I . . . I. . ." a light seemed to radiate from the depth of his blue eyes. It was a light of determination.
"OK. Professor, I'll do it. "
"Great for you, mate!" Harry clapped Ron on his shoulder, really felt overjoyed for his best friend this time. Harry stopped clapping when Ron didn't smile in return, or even look at Harry for the matter. With a sudden movement of his hand, Ron took his hand from his pocket and placed a golden red badge with a letter "P" on the table. His gaze remained determined. Harry hardly saw a Ron so sure of himself.
"Professor, I have been thinking of this ever since last year. You have made a mistake by appointing me as prefect. I'm hardly the material for it."
"What?" Harry half yelled. McGonagall stopped his further interruption with a raise of her hand.
"So, what do you suggest I do, Mr. Weasley?" There was a strange gleam in McGonagall's eyes.
"I suggest that Harry take the badge."
Harry snapped his month close when he realized that he had left it open for too long. He opened his month again to reject it, but the expectant look on the other two's faces stopped him.
"Ok. I'll take it."
Afterwards, the three of them just sat there, giving themselves time for the new situation to sink in.
"I'm relieved. "McGonagall let out a long breath and sank back into her armchair. "You two finally show signs of growing up."
"I'm so relieved."
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On the way back to the Gryffindor Tower, Harry and Ron did not exchange much word. They were still a bit in shock at what happened back in McGonagall's office. Each was a bit taken aback by what the other had said about him.
Yet, they understood why the other made the choice. They hadn't been best friend for five long years without knowing each other inside out.
Soon, both had finished washing up and were ready for bed. When they entered their bedroom, the other boys were already fast asleep.
"Harry, we'll both work hard on the Quidditch team this year! I'm sure we'll win!" Ron said as he hopped onto his own bed.
"Of course, Captain! With you and I on the team, we are unbeatable! "
"You're right! Let's get some sleep now and discuss about it tomorrow! I can't wait till we do the recruitment this year!"
"Me neither! Good night, Ron."
"Night, Harry."
Harry tucked himself onto the comfortable four-poster bed. His tired mind faintly registered the fact that his godfather was still currently running wild outside the grounds as he drifted to the world of unconsciousness within seconds.
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Remus watched the headmaster sigh the last documents and put down his quills.
"Sorry for summoning you here so late. Would you like a cup of tea?"
"Sure. Thanks." Remus said.
With a wave of Dumbledore's hand, tea pots and china cups floated above the table and steaming tea was poured into china cups. Dumbledore reached absent-mindedly for the slumbering scarlet-golden phoenix perching just next to his table, and stroke the soft feather lightly.
"Do you know why I have summoned you here?"
Remus could think of many reasons (including not so pleasant ones) why the headmaster would like to see him before the lessons started. He didn't want to make a guess and simply shook his head.
"I am planning to give this speech to every teaching staff of the school. However, I think the task really is best suited for you."
Remus raised his eyebrow.
"Do you, by any chance, know what the minimal age for initiation into Death Eater's rank is?"
Remus raked his brain for the answer even though he was not sure of where it was leading to. He tried to search Dumbledore's face for clues, but all he was displaying was a sense of tiredness ever since Voldemort's return.
"Sixteen? Or Seventeen, considering it would be the mark for coming-of-age for a wizard."
"Well, it is sixteen." Dumbledore rested his elbows on the table and placed his chin upon his crossed fingers, his eyes gleaming behind those half-moon spectacles.
Suddenly it hit Remus.
"So you are afraid that some of the students might already have been initiated?" Remus knew very well that it had been inevitable. What Voldemort now needed most was manpower. He would have to gather a greater force before making a bold strike. There were bound to be students who had already fallen into the grasp of the demon of a man. If he could still be regarded as a man.
"I'm afraid that that has already happened. We cannot change this fact. Of course we are not going to give those students up to the darkness, but getting them back under the light will be difficult. And it will be the task of another, " Dumbledore leaned forward in his seat, his voice solemn, " however, what I'm asking you to do is to try to stop those who are not yet tainted by the mark but are venturing down that path.
"Prevention is the best cure, but it will be difficult, especially for those whose parentage are of… well, a darker nature. But I still believe in goodness in human nature. Will you help me in saving those children, Remus? "
"Of course, Professor Dumbledore. I will try, though I might not be able to, but you have my word that I will keep my eyes open and look out for lost young souls. "
"Thank you, Remus. I appreciate you willingness to help."
"You're welcome, sir. This is just the responsibility of being a teacher… "
"Thanks all the same. As now my first request is out of the way, there is still a second request from the old man. "
"Which is?"
"Except for looking out for those young souls, I want you to look out for yourself, Remus."
Remus couldn't help but averted his gaze from the sincere and inquiring gaze of Dumbledore, his hand unconsciously and guiltily clutched the bottle of liquor in the pocket of his robes.
"I know how hard it is for you… to deal with another loss. I know what you have been doing, trying to drown yourself in work and in alcohol so that you numb yourself of the pain. I am not scolding you or anything. I understand why you are doing this to yourself. But it will not do. I will not stand by to see you torture yourself in this manner."
The sorrow that Remus had tried so hard to bury within himself, the sorrow that he had neither the time nor the courage to examine, was threatening to break out. Shakily, Remus raised his hand to cover his eyes.
"I am sorry, Professor. I'm sorry."
Someone touched Remus' shoulder gently. Remus removed his hand and found Dumbledore leaning across the table to put a soothing hand on his shoulder.
"There is no need to be, Remus. You are just human, you are not forbidden to show weakness. "
"But – but I need to be strong."
"Yes, I need you, Remus, as do Harry, and all the other students. We need you to be strong. But that does not require you to suppress your emotion. You know where you can turn to if you need to… well, if you want to lend somebody's ear to listen to you."
"I know, Professor Dumbledore. Thanks…"
"You are welcome. And please, do call me Albus, as I have asked you to so many times before. I am your teacher no more, Remus. I'm just your friend."
"Ok… Albus."
Dumbledore leaned back to his chair and smiled, his blue eyes twinkling.
"Thank you for your time. Now go get some rest or you won't have the energy to deal with those kids tomorrow!"
"Good night, Albus." Remus stood to leave.
"Good night, Remus."
Remus turned and walked to the door of Dumbledore's office.
"Remus, " Remus turned at Dumbledore's voice, "you do know that…"
You do know that I am counting on you, don't you?
Remus could read the unspoken question from Dumbledore's expression – an expression of complete trust.
"I do." Remus whispered before turning the door knob to leave the office.
When Remus reached his own resting chamber, he took out the bottle in his robe pocket, poured all the alcohol inside down the sink in the washroom, and tossed the bottle into the trash bin.
Tomorrow would be a new beginning for him.
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AN: well, you have my word that things will start to heat up in the next chapter!
Please review to tell me what you think of this chapter!