Author's Note: I really did try to update last week, but I had so many papers due that I just couldn't write. Here's the next installment. I hope that you all enjoy this. As to your guesses about Sensei, some of you really hit the mark! I'm so proud. Lots of Remus in this chapter!

Remus thanked the cabbie and left the cab as it stopped at the main doors of St. Jude's Academy. Harry had written to him, explaining where he was and why he was there with all the surliness of a teenager, and the hopefulness of a child missing a favored friend. Remus knew the tone Harry had used and had, in fact, seen the same kind of tone in letters Sirius had shared with him. Harry wanted to see him, but was afraid of being a burden to Remus. The werewolf smiled to himself as he opened the doors. As though Harry could be a burden! Technically, Remus was now employed by both the Black and Potter estates and as such, was to be at Harry's side the instant Harry needed him. Harry did not know that yet, but he would soon.

He opened the doors and looked around the entrance hall. It looked rather comfortable and welcoming, not at all intimidating, but he had to suppose that it was planned for just that effect. From what Harry had said, this was a Muggle mental hospital with classes offered. In other words, it was a Muggle boarding school with a few perks for those who needed them. Large windows to his left pulled him in that direction. It was the dining hall, and it was obviously lunch time for the residents. Remus searched the sea of faces for Harry's and found him sitting at a table with other boys near his age. They were listening intently to a boy near the middle of the table who was wearing a strange sort of hat. The entire table broke into laughter at something said, at which the boy stood, bowed, and resumed his seat to continue eating.

Harry looked relaxed, more than Remus had ever seen before. Harry was happy. A girl approached the table and stopped to speak to Harry. Remus hid his smile behind his hand as Harry froze in terror before relaxing into a smile for the girl's benefit. He answered her and she smiled and bounced away from the table to land at her own table to descend into giggling with her friends. Remus noticed that every boy at Harry's table, including Harry, had followed her movement across the room. Typical of teenage boys, really, but Harry was finally acting like one! Once the girl had taken her seat, the boys at Harry's table turned and immediately started teasing Harry, which Harry had played off with a sheepish grin and an apparently witty comment that induced more laughter among his friends.

"Sir?" Remus turned to find a young woman approaching him. "May I help you, sir?" Remus gave her a warm smile.

"Yes, please. My name is Remus Lupin and I am here to see Evan James." Remus used the name Harry had given him in his letter.

"Oh, yes. He's been asking about you all morning!" She said with a good-natured grin. "Politely, but insistent. I told him I would let him know when you arrived, but he would still hover about my desk with those big eyes of his. If you would please wait in here," She gestured to a door, "Dr. Lauter will meet with you and then you can see Evan." Remus thanked her with a smile and set his case on a table and took a seat near it. Harry had explained the need for the alias, but it was going to be strange to call him by a different name when he had been Harry for so long.

He did not wait long. A man near his own age entered carrying a manila folder under his arm. "Mr. Lupin?" Remus stood and extended his hand. "My name is Paul Lauter; I'm Harry's doctor."

"You call him Harry?" Remus asked in confusion. Harry had told him he used an alias.

"Only in private. If we're outside or in the halls, he's 'buddy' or 'kiddo'." Paul explained to him. "Now, he asked me if you know how to shut maps. He said that would make sense to you." Remus smiled and nodded.

"Of course. 'Mischief managed.'" Paul smiled and nodded, as though coming to some kind of decision. He motioned Remus to a chair and took his own near him. The manila folder opened and Paul examined the page in front of him before raising his eyes to Remus.

"Harry mentioned that you are a werewolf?" Remus nodded affirmation. "That must be hard."

"You adapt after a while, I'm afraid. It only happens once a month, so it's nothing I can't live with." Remus explained. Paul nodded and marked something down.

"When did you meet Harry?" Paul asked. Remus smiled as the question took him back to the first time he had seen Harry as a baby. He had been a happy, burbling baby, full of mischief to keep Lily on her toes as she chased Harry through the living room. She had been livid when she had discovered James had bought a child's broomstick and had removed all of the safety charms.

"I met him the day he was born. I was there." Paul nodded. "I met him again when I became his Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher in his third year at Hogwarts." Remus explained to Paul. Harry had seemed so young then. Old, but young.

"How are you connected to him now? You're his mentor, obviously, but how does that work?" Remus smiled. This Paul was intensely protective of Harry.

"I am literally Harry's employee, but he doesn't know that quite yet. I'm to look after his affairs, whether they are financial, legal, or personal. I can be his spokesperson at meeting he can't or doesn't want to attend or vote in elections he is unable to attend." Paul stopped Remus by waving his hands.

"Wait, wait, wait. Are you telling me that Harry has a say in government in the magical world?"

Remus chuckled a little bit and shook his head. "Oh, no. Not yet, anyway. Not unless he runs for office. I don't know how much Harry has told you beyond the fact that magic exists. I'm just listing all possible responsibilities I could have. I imagine that Harry will not have anything more complicated for me to do than making sure his bills are paid and helping him pick out suitable clothing when he's of age." Remus paused, as though searching for something to clarify the situation. "I am here to assist Harry in the best way I can. Try to think of me as a personal assistant with all kinds of extra privileges." Remus explained to Paul. Paul nodded and closed his file, his face growing dark as he did so.

"Will you reveal Harry's location or remove him from my care before I deem him ready?" Paul demanded of the werewolf across from him.

"No. If Harry wants to leave, I'll help him. If he wants to tell anyone about anything, I'll help him. It is up to Harry. I won't interfere unless I find out that Voldemort himself is on his way here." Remus said calmly.

Paul sat back in wonder. "You said his name. You said 'Voldemort'." Paul received a rather blinding smile in return.

"You'll find very few wizards willing to do that." Paul's eyes met Remus' own for a second until they shifted to a view behind the werewolf.

"I think Harry is tired of waiting." Harry was standing outside the door and dancing from one foot to the other. Paul stood and motioned for Harry to enter the room. Harry smiled and pulled the door open, but his smile faded as he saw Remus. He grew tense and Remus wondered why the change in demeanor. Harry stopped and looked at Paul. Paul nodded and smiled. Harry seemed to take this as some sort of signal. He approached Remus and stopped in front of the werewolf.

"I'm sorry." He whispered. Remus could not figure out what that meant exactly. What in the world could the boy be sorry for? "I'm sorry…Sirius…I tried." Remus understood then. He reached out and pulled Harry into his arms.

"You have nothing to be sorry for. Nothing at all. It wasn't your fault." Harry relaxed into the hug and took several deep breaths. "It wasn't your fault." Remus repeated to him.

Paul watched the scene with mixed feelings. He had thought that they had covered this topic well and had established that his godfather's death was not his fault. Now, he wasn't sure what to think. Perhaps Harry had just needed Remus' approval or reassurance before the matter could be laid to rest. Paul saw Harry peeking out of Remus' arms and smiled at the boy. He would be fine now. Paul gave Harry a smile and retreated to his office. He could catch up on his paperwork now that Harry was occupied for most of the afternoon. Paul grimaced at the thought of paperwork. He would rather be with Harry.

"This is the theater. I'm in the play and get to play Edmund from King Lear. You'll have to come to that. I'll get Paul to send you a ticket." Harry told him excitedly as he led Remus around the school. "Down this hallway here is the gymnasium. There's someone there I want you to meet." Remus smiled at the animated teenager and followed the boy down the hallway to the gym. Harry peeked into the room before opening the door and leading Remus in. Unfamiliar smells hit Remus' nose, but Harry seemed quite at home here. What was that scent? Blood?

"What happened, Rick?" Harry asked as he approached an older boy and man. The boy was seated on a bench with the elder bandaging his hand. The boy scowled and sighed.

"Live blades, Evan." Rick explained as Sensei grunted. "I lost my concentration, that's all." Sensei grunted again, tied off the bandage and gave Rick a firm cuff to the head. Rick rolled his eyes as Sensei stalked away to put the first aid kit back in its place. "He's worried." Rick told Harry with a shrug. Harry knew that Sensei always grew very quiet when upset. "Who's this?" He asked as he shifted to look at Remus.

"Oh, sorry!" Harry said. "This is Remus, an old friend of mine, and my parents before me. Remus, this is Rick. He and I train together every Saturday." Rick snorted and mumbled something that sounded like 'we get tortured every Saturday', but Remus couldn't be too sure. Rick held out his uninjured hand and stood to greet Remus.

"Nice to meet you. Evan's been talking about your visit for the last two days." Rick told the werewolf.

"It's nice to meet you, too. What, exactly, do you learn here?" Remus gestured to the gym around him.

"What I wish to teach." Came Sensei's voice from right behind Remus. Remus whirled, startled at not having heard Sensei approach him from behind. He always heard others coming up behind him. That was a small part of what he actually liked about being a werewolf. How had this strange man managed to sneak up on him?

"This is Sensei Leonard. He's my teacher. Sensei, this is Remus Lupin. He's an old friend of my parents' and now my friend as well." Remus eyed the teacher and extended his hand. Sensei studied the man and Harry grinned as Sensei started to circle him, much like Sensei had done when Harry had first met him. Sensei paused and looked Remus over again. There was something about this man. He shook his head to himself and offered his hand to the other, realizing that the other didn't exactly trust him either. Sensei only raised an eyebrow and shook Remus' hand once before releasing it.

"Deshi." He turned, fully expecting that Harry would follow him. He was not disappointed. Harry told Remus that he would be right back and followed Sensei to the far side of the gym. Rick smiled at Remus and asked what Remus thought of the school so far. Harry was glad that Rick was there to distract Remus. He had a feeling that Sensei did not quite approve of Remus. "Who is he?"

"My mentor and advisor. Remus was friends with my parents and has taken care of me since he became a teacher at my school three years ago." Harry explained.

"Wrong. There is something wrong." Sensei said, unable to find the words he needed in his distress. "With him."

"Well, he's sick a lot." Harry told him. "I trust Remus with my life and have done so before." Harry watched as Sensei looked between Remus and Harry, clearly upset, but unable to articulate what was wrong.

"He's…" He shook his head and mumbled something in a foreign language Harry couldn't identify. "Different. Like you. Not like you." Sensei shrugged.

"Yes, he's like me, in a way." Harry agreed. "He won't hurt me, if that's what you're worried about." Harry said. Sensei grunted and turned back to his office. Harry grinned at Sensei's reaction. That had been precisely the problem. Sensei had been worried that Remus would hurt Harry in some way. Harry went back to Remus and told Rick to take care of his hands. Rick watched them go and smiled. This was a new side to Evan. He felt his father staring at him.

"You know that creeps me out." Rick complained to the man in the doorway.

"It worked." Sensei told him. "Tomorrow. We start training him tomorrow. Your hand?" Rick shrugged.

"It'll heal. It won't really scar. I'll just use my right hand tomorrow." Rick paused and glanced at his stoic father. "You think he is ready for this?"

"If he isn't, he will become so quickly. He has need of it, and soon." Sensei stared at the door through which Harry had left.

"How do you know?" Rick asked. Sensei didn't answer, only turned back to his office to open a long box.

"I just do." He told his son as he lifted out several items wrapped in black cloth. "I wish I didn't." Sensei unrolled the cloth and laid each item down, almost reverent with caution towards each one. "Time will tell." Rick stared at the articles and held his breath. This could be bad.

"Harry, there are a few things we need to discuss before I leave." Remus told the boy once they had arrived back to the visitors' room. Harry gave him a questioning glance as he sat down. "I need to know how close you want this relationship between us, this mentor thing, to become." Remus saw that Harry did not quite understand. "I work for you now, Harry." Harry's eyes grew wide.

"I…I've always thought of you like an uncle. I would be honored if you thought of me like family as well." Harry said quietly. "If it's too painful or awkward…" Harry couldn't finish his sentence as Remus hugged him. "Guess not." He said with a smile.

"Always wanted a nephew." Remus told him as he messed up Harry's neat hairstyle. The boy batted away his hands and smoothed it.

"I just managed to figure out this hair thing!" Harry complained. "So, what else did you need to talk to me about?" Harry asked. Remus smiled and pulled out several papers from his briefcase.

"Sirius left a number of things to you, and your parents' estate was never really settled at all. There are several properties that need looking after and various shares in companies, including the one you took out yourself last year with the Weasley twins." Remus explained.

"I don't have shares in their company!" Harry protested.

"Well, it seems that they gave you some." Remus said with a smile. "Now, the shares can look after themselves for the time being, but the bank has said that the houses are in various states of disrepair, especially the one at Godric's Hollow and your grandfather's house." Harry looked up. "The bank has requested you at least do some kind of repairs to those that need it."

"Exactly how many houses do I own?" Harry asked. Remus looked down at the list. "Four, it appears. Sirius', your parents' house, your grandfather Potter's house, and a little cottage that belonged to your mother that she inherited from an aunt of hers." Harry sat back. He had once felt that he had no home except Hogwarts. Now he had at least four, Hogwarts excluded, and he had a nagging feeling that his Aunt Petunia considered Harry a resident of her own home. Five homes, then.

"I'm rich, aren't I?" Harry asked as though he already knew the answer and it displeased him greatly.

"I'm afraid so. One could use the term 'filthy rich' in this case." Harry groaned and buried his face in his hands. Remus laughed and patted the boy's shoulder. "It's not that bad."

"Don't tell Ron, whatever you do." Harry told him. Remus nodded and knew why Harry had asked that of him. Ron had been intensely jealous of Harry's wealth on more than one occasion. "Can you look after the house repairs?"

"That's my job, especially since you are in school at the moment. Anything special you want done?" Remus asked.

"Not really. Just make sure they're habitable. I would like to visit some of them after this," Harry waved his hands about him. Remus took that to mean the war and Voldemort included. "is over." Ah, good. He had hope for a future.

"Certainly. No Quidditch pitch?" He asked. Harry looked up with hope in his eyes.

"We can do that?" he asked.

"At every property, if you would like it." Harry shook his head.

"No, just at one. You can decide where. After all, I can afford to change it later, if I want." Remus smiled as Harry seemed to accept his wealth.

"That you can." Remus told him. "Harry, the goblins want to meet with you and Sirius' lawyer as soon as possible." Harry frowned. "It will be a private meeting, meaning that only those invited are allowed in, no matter what their rank is." Harry knew what that meant. Not even Fudge could get into the meeting. That meant Dumbledore wouldn't be able to do so either.

"I really can't put it off, can I?" He asked. Remus shook his head with a regretful look. "Alright. If you could set it up with them and let me know the date and time."

"It is at your convenience." Remus told him. "They are asking you for specifics." Harry sighed and rubbed his face, carefully avoiding his hair.

"Can I call you at your house?" Remus smiled and nodded.

"I'll give you my number. Don't hesitate to use it, even if it's at three in the morning." Harry smiled.

"I'll be sure to try it sometime." Harry took the slip of paper from Remus and slid it into his pocket. "Could…" Remus waited patiently for Harry to collect himself. "Could my Aunt Petunia come, too?" Remus was surprised at the question.

"Why?" Remus asked.

"She's different." Harry told Remus. "I think she does really care about me, in some weird way."

"You and your Muggle expressions. 'Weird.'" Remus teased the boy. "Your Aunt Petunia could come if she wanted. Anyone you wanted to invite, really." Harry nodded. "I'm glad to see you doing so well, Harry." Harry smiled.

"Paul says I'm not quite there yet, but I'll get there soon, wherever there is." Remus chuckled at Harry's joke. "I'm going to be okay, if I survive Sensei, that is."

"What exactly is he training you in?" Remus asked.

"Who knows? Martial arts, but I don't really hear any specific type. I know how to fight my way out of a bad situation, but I learned how to talk my way out first." Harry explained. "He's teaching me survival skills, opposed to the ordinary lessons he usually teaches his students. Rick, his son, told me that Sensei is training me for something specific, but neither of us can figure out what it is." Remus looked over Harry for a second.

"If he is training you to catch a girl's eye, he's doing it correctly. The girls seem quite taken with you." He watched as Harry colored a deep red. "Just like your father."

"Not quite. He was more popular than me." Remus raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. "Remus? What do you know about wandless magic?"

"A bit. It depends on what you want to know about it." Remus replied. Harry didn't answer. "Harry?" The boy looked like he was coming to some sort of decision.

"Watch." Harry told him. Harry's hand twitched and the table hopped to one side, pushing the chairs a little. Remus stared at the table and then at Harry. Harry grinned and he twitched a finger, setting the table back to its spot. The finger moved again and Remus' briefcase fell over.

"Did you do that?" He asked Harry. Harry did not answer. Instead, the briefcase sat up and snapped closed. "I'm so proud of you! I knew you could do it!" Harry found himself in a hug again. "When did this happen?"

"Sensei scared me and I thought I had killed him. He just kind of flew across the room. Now, he thinks I have some sort of ancient power and demands that I use it. It gets easier every day." Harry smiled at Remus. " 'power the Dark Lord knows not'." Harry mumbled, more to himself than Remus.

"What was that, Harry?" Harry shrugged.

"Nothing. So, can you help me with the wandless magic?" Harry asked.

"I think we can work out something." Remus said with a warm smile as he fell into teaching mode. Harry smiled and listened as Remus gave him a few pointers he had learned when he had researched it in school.

Harry pulled out his Mini-Messenger later that night and said the password. He tapped the page with his pen before writing.

Hermione? I need a distraction on October 15th.

What kind of distraction? And why?

I need to go to the wizarding world, but I need all of the teachers at Hogwarts too busy to step outside the gates.

I think I could come up with something, but you've only left me two weeks. I may need to contact Gred and Forge for this.

Tell them I sent you. They'll be thrilled to cause a little mischief at their old school.

Why do you need to go to the wizarding world?

It's about Sirius' will. The goblins want to meet with me. I can finance any pranks you need.

I'll let you know. Are you okay?

I'm fine. So, any ideas yet?

Not yet, but I'll pass the goal by the PPs and see what they say.

PPs?

Potter's Protectors, of course. Ones that are loyal to you. Neville, Luna, myself, both Creevy brothers, and Ernie MacMillian.

I don't want something like that, Mi.

Talk to Neville, Skywalker. He organized it. I think I'm only in it because I'm the only one who can talk to you.

That and you're brilliant, but scary.

True. Anyway, there's nothing you can do about it short of showing up at Hogwarts. They're on your side and hate what Dumbledore is doing.

What is Dumbledore doing?

He's stopped the Daily Prophet from coming here so that nothing incites mass panic. A couple of other little things, like telling the first years rather frightening stories about how dangerous the world is and then telling them that their only key to survival is by "staying on the light". We, the PPs and I, are working on some methods to undermine Dumbledore's actions with the first years.

You, Hermione Granger, are working on something that can go against Dumbledore's actions?

It won't be the first time, will it? (Evil grin)

No, it won't be the first time. See what you can do about the distraction.

I will. Would you like to know the name of the student newspaper we're starting?

A student newspaper? Sure.

"The Students' Voice"

Nice. Send me a copy. Without moving pictures.

I'll see what I can do. Everyone would like a personal statement from you, later on, about the paper.

I'll think about it. See you in November for the play?

I'll be there. Is Remus coming?

Yes, he'll be here. Aunt Petunia too. Just try not to laugh too hard at my acting.

Never. I'll laugh quietly.

Thanks, Mi.

You're welcome.

Harry shut the book and turned towards his bed. He had another meeting with Voldemort coming tonight. If only the Dark Lord hadn't…Harry pushed those thoughts from his mind. He needed to do this, for the best. He closed his eyes and focused on other things. He couldn't let Voldemort carry out his threats. It wasn't fair to everyone else.

Author's Note: Okay, here's another question. What kind of relationship do Draco and Snape have? Here's a hint: It's not slash.