This chapter is much shorter than the others. But, it's the second update within an hour, so I'm sure you'll forgive me. It's what I needed it to be and nothing more. We want to get year three moving anyway. :)
Harry took a bite of his toast, his eyes lingering on Remus. The werewolf looked agitated and his hands were trembling slightly. Harry had been patiently waiting for Remus to speak, but so far he'd not said a word aside from a stiff good morning.
Remus wasn't exactly a morning person, but he was generally much more cheerful with Harry. His obvious anxiety was making Harry extremely nervous. Dobby, who was now happily working for them, kept eyeing Remus worriedly as he poured cups of tea.
Just as Harry opened his mouth to speak, Minnie stepped through the floo. Her face was tense and worried. She walked into the dining room and seated herself in one of the chairs.
"Well?" Remus prompted, clenching his hands together to stop their shaking.
"The rumors are true," she said gravely. "Remus-"
"I need a moment," Remus said abruptly, cutting her off. He got up and left the room in a rush, his expression anguished.
"What's happened?" Harry asked anxiously.
"Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban," Minerva responded, looking back at Harry. "There's some concern that he'll come looking for you... To finish the job," she added quietly. "But you're well protected Harry."
Harry nodded, swallowing around the lump in his throat. "Is Moony alright?" he asked.
"Remus is taking this very hard," Minerva admitted. "He's worried about you. But he was also very close to Black. This is incredibly painful for him."
"At least he won't be alone this year," Harry noted. He'd been delighted when he was told that Remus had been asked to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. Remus was a wonderful teacher and it would be great to have him so close.
"I agree," Minerva nodded. "Though, being at the school may bring back a lot of memories. We'll just have to be loving and supportive."
Harry was glad to do that. He'd been raised by Moony and shown what unconditional love was like. He'd do anything to make Moony happy.
The thought of Sirius Black managing to escape Azkaban was terrifying. Would he really try to kill Harry? And what could have made him betray his friends? Harry wasn't only concerned for his own well being. Remus could be in danger as well. Sirius had already viciously murdered Peter Pettigrew. Why wouldn't he finally off the last Marauder?
Harry's stomach was unsettled and he was full of nervous energy. He'd completed his summer homework already, so he kept himself busy with baking. Minerva gave him a worried look when she caught him at it, but let him carry on. Dobby was more than glad to help in the endeavor. The result was six dozen biscuits and a chocolate cake with a ridiculous amount of chocolate icing.
Remus didn't show his face until much later in the day. He looked haggard and tired. His eyes were red-rimmed and glossy. Minerva instantly went to hug him tightly. "We'll get through this," she told him.
"It'll be alright Moony," Harry murmured, hugging Remus as soon as Minerva released him.
"I know Pup," Remus agreed softly.
The days that followed were filled with tension and increased Auror presence all over wizarding Britain. The wards were strengthened around Minerva's house and owls seemed to be constantly flying in and out of the windows to deliver updates.
The Weasleys returned from their vacation in Egypt and supplied a much needed distraction for Harry and Remus. They'd brought home a great number of pictures and Ron had a newspaper clipping that had a photo of the Weasley family, waving merrily in front of one of the ancient pyramids. Ron could be seen grinning at the camera and clutching his rat, Scabbers.
"Nobody has ever escaped from Azkaban before," Ron said, as he and Harry peered down at a chessboard. "I wonder how he managed it."
Harry shrugged, watching one of Ron's bishops wrestle Harry's pawn to the ground. Ron's chess set was rather aggressive.
"Oh, did you know that Lockhart's trial was yesterday?" Ron asked eagerly.
"I sort of forgot about it," Harry admitted. "What happened?"
"The Wizengamot sentenced him to ten years in Azkaban," Ron said, looking pleased. "Serves him right, the stupid git."
"Would you boys like some biscuits?" Molly said poking her head into the living room.
Harry uttered a "Yes, please" while Ron jumped to his feet and hurried to the kitchen to grab some biscuits. Fred and George took that moment to sit down by Harry.
"George and I have been talking," Fred began.
"You seem to always be getting into a tight spot," George went on. "But, we think we can help."
Fred handed Harry a carefully folded parchment. Harry looked down at it with a frown. "What's this?" Harry asked.
Fred grinned. "George?" he prompted.
George raised his wand and said "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." He tapped the parchment with his wand and words began to appear.
Harry's eyes widened in shock as he read the words aloud. "Messers Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs are pleased to present the Marauders Map."
"Those names sounds familiar?" Fred asked, his time teasing.
"How did you get this?" Harry asked, awestruck. He opened the map and looked it over, seeing each part of the castle displayed on the map. He could see little footprints pacing back and forth in the space marked as the Headmaster's office. The footprints were labeled with the name Albus Dumbledore.
"Nicked it from Filches office," Fred said.
"First year," George added smugly. "This map shows everyone in Hogwarts. Everyone."
"Every minute of every day," Fred smirked.
"It shows secret passageways too."
"Brilliant!" Harry cried excitedly.
"Well, we decided that your needs are greater than ours," Fred said with a smile. "Just don't forget- When you're done, give it a tap and say 'Mischief Managed'," he said, tapping themap with his want again. "Otherwise anyone could read it."
Fred and George left with a parting wink, leaving Harry to stare at the now blank parchment in wonder. He got up and hurried into the dining room where Remus was having a cup of tea.
"Look," Harry said, holding the parchment out.
Remus stared at parchment in shock. "Is this-"
"The Marauders map," Harry said, cheerfully. "The twins had it."
"I haven't seen it in so long," Remus muttered softly. He hesitated and then handed it back to Harry. "I'm trusting you with this. You're better behaved than your father was at your age at least. But, it may keep you safe in the castle. Invisibility cloaks and charms don't fool the map."
Harry nodded and hastily tucked the map into the back pocket of his jeans. He was grateful for Remus' trust and he was going to do his best not to betray that trust. Harry was just excited to have a piece of his father's past. The Marauders were terribly clever to create such a map, and Harry was eager to look it over thoroughly.
Harry stepped into a little cafe in Diagon Alley and smiled widely at the sight of his friends. They were gathered around a table with mugs of butterbeer. They waved Harry over eagerly.
"You go on and have lunch with your friends," Remus said lightly. "I'll sit over here." He gestured to a small table near the entrance.
"You could sit with us," Harry offered.
"It's alright," Remus declined with a smile. "I've got the whole day with you and we'll be together at school. You'll get tired of me soon enough." He chuckled at Harry's eyeroll and moved to the counter to order food for himself.
Harry walked over to the table and sank into the seat that Draco had kept open for him. "Where are your parents?" Harry asked everyone.
"Mum and Dad are having lunch with Hermione's parents," Ron explained.
"I convinced Mother to stop hovering so I could visit with you," Draco said with a smile. "Father said hello by the way," he added with an eyeroll.
Harry gave Draco a sympathetic smile and patted his arm.
"My mother is off shopping," Blaise said, waving one hand dismissively. "Theirs as well," he added, nodding toward Vince and Greg.
"Alright Harry?" Greg asked with a little frown.
"I'm alright," Harry said, looking down at his hands. "Obviously I'm worried, but..."
"Hogwarts will be safe," Hermione said bracingly. "And the Aurors will catch Black soon enough."
Harry nodded, hoping that he looked more reassured than he felt. Draco wasn't convinced though.
"I ordered a club sandwich with chips for you," Draco told Harry with a soft smile. "How does that sound?"
"I told the bossy prat that you could pick out your own lunch," Ron piped up.
Draco wrinkled his nose at Ron but otherwise didn't comment.
Harry grinned. "It actually sounds great," Harry admitted. "Thank you."
Ron rolled his eyes and Draco looked very pleased with himself. Strangely, Blaise appeared to be trying very hard not to laugh. "What's up with you?" Harry asked him.
"Nothing at all," Blaise responded, smirking at Draco before taking a sip of his butterbeer. Draco scowled at him.
They settled into comfortable conversation about the upcoming school year. They'd be able to visit Hogsmeade village now. There were also more classes available to them. Draco and Hermione were both excited about Arithmancy and Ancient Runes.
"Sounds so boring," Ron groaned just before shoving a warm chip into his mouth.
"They are important classes for certain careers," Hermione retorted. "And I think they'll be fascinating." Ron still looked exceptionally unimpressed.
Once they'd finished lunch, they parted ways. Draco seemed the most reluctant to leave though. Once the others had gone off to find their families, Draco turned to Remus hopefully.
"Maybe I could walk with you for a while?" he requested. "Father is at the Ministry today and Mother was going to meet me at the bookshop after lunch."
"I think that would be fine," Remus nodded, sighing fondly when Draco shot Harry a delighted smile.
Remus trailed after the two boys, watching as they talked animatedly. More than once, he saw Draco tug lightly at Harry's sleeve or touch him in some way. The blond appeared to be flirting, albeit shyly. It was really the only thing that was shy about the boy. Harry seemed oblivious to the inept flirtation, but Draco didn't seem to mind.
They stepped into the bookstore and instantly found Narcissa peering down into a large enclosure that held... books? Large hairy books that seemed to be growling?
"What are these?" Harry asked, eyeing the books uneasily.
"The Monster Book of Monsters," Narcissa responded with a little sigh. "You need a copy of it this year. And hello Harry dear," she added, smiling warmly at him.
"Why don't we get this one last?" Draco suggested. "Harry, we can go grab our other books," he said sweetly, his fingers ghosting lightly over Harry's wrist as he nodded to the bookshelves further in.
"Alright," Harry agreed, allowing Draco to lead him further into the store.
Narcissa watched them go, surprise flitting across her face. She looked at Remus. "Did Draco appear to be-"
"Flirting?" Remus suggested quietly. "I thought so too."
"Did I miss something? When did that start?" Narcissa asked.
"A recent development, I think," Remus said with a little shrug. "They're still very young and they've been close for years. I suppose it just turned into a crush."
Narcissa sighed. "I must admit that..." She paused and looked around before leaning closer to Remus conspiratorially. "They look adorable together," she admitted. "But, Lucius expects Draco to marry a pureblood. And a female one at that." She peered through the crowd to see her son laughing happily at something Harry said.
Remus frowned, giving her a questioning look. "What about Draco's happiness?" he asked.
"Not everyone can have that sort of bliss," Narcissa commented lightly. "I was lucky with Lucius, but many pureblood marriages have little to do with love or happiness. Draco knows that."
"It must be really hard for him," Remus said quietly.
Narcissa said nothing more as she watched her beloved son. There was a lightness to him when he was with Harry. His gaze held a certain tenderness that went beyond their seven year friendship. There was a hopefulness that made Narcissa fear that her own heart would break at the sight of it.
