Author's Note: Sorry about the delay in posting. School has been terrible this semester. I wouldn't expect too many updates until after Christmastime. Thanks for hanging in there.

Snape stood in the darkened Hospital Wing and thought. This little adventure with the centaurs was over for Potter, but the rest of the Hogwarts staff seemed less than amicable to moving on with life. Dumbledore and McGonagall had both returned to the Forest many times in the last three days to talk to the centaurs. They couldn't be found. Even Hagrid couldn't find them. There was only one explanation for this strange disappearance - the centaurs were hiding.

Snape moved over to Potter's bed and stared down at the boy. Potter wasn't being much of a help in their quests to locate the centaurs. In fact, avoidance could be used to describe what Potter was doing, if Pomfrey hadn't supplied the information that Potter was suffering from exhaustion. She stated that Potter was in much the same condition as he had been at the start of the Christmas holiday. Snape decided that Potter was not avoiding them simply based on the evidence Madame Pomfrey had given. This was the second night watching the boy while Pomfrey went for her customary tea. The boy would wake, look around, readjust his position, and go back to sleep. Quite maddening, especially when all of the professors were looking for information that only Potter possessed.

Six days passed without any input needed from Harry. He slept, ate what was given him, and slept again. He didn't really mind the sleeping part, as it kept him unaware of the hovering of various people in Hogwarts and those visiting. Madame Pomfrey was a certainty and Mrs. Malfoy visited almost everyday. Harry had caught Snape in the Hospital Wing with absolutely no excuse, so Harry could only surmise that Snape had stopped to see him. Draco had practically moved into the Hospital Wing with him before Madame Pomfrey had put her foot down. Professor Flitwick spent some time with him, while he was conscious, that is. Mr. Malfoy had even made an appearance. (Harry was happy to hear that it had been while he was asleep.) He didn't know if Dumbledore had come by, but he was glad he hadn't needed to speak to the man. Harry's Occlumency was still strong, but he didn't want to tempt fate around the headmaster. Hermione stopped by, more often than not with Ron Weasley in tow.

There was something off about Ron Weasley. Harry couldn't figure out what was wrong in the odd ten minutes here and there he spent with his old friend. Ron looked tired in a way, as though something was bothering him. Harry couldn't be sure what it was. After all, he spent most of the recent days oblivious to the world around him as he slept off whatever had happened to him in the Forbidden Forest. Hermione never came alone, so Harry couldn't question her about Ron's odd behavior. Of course, that could just be the Ron now, instead of what Harry remembered. Nevertheless, Harry decided to start keeping a closer eye on Ron once he was released from the Hospital Wing. Well, if he could get away from Draco Malfoy.

Madame Pomfrey seemed as happy as a cat to have Harry in her clutches for more than a few days. She pushed food on him every moment he was awake and hummed a little as she watched him eat trays of food he normally never would have touched. Professor Snape's threat of a lowered Potions' grade really didn't bother him, but he had seen the man stopping by the infirmary. Harry figured the man was checking up on him, and that would include his eating habits.

Harry sighed a little to himself, and he pulled out his journal. Professor Flitwick had brought a few things up to the Hospital Wing for his student, and the journal Snape had given him was one of them. Of course, it had been tucked in with his other schoolbooks. Flitwick probably had no idea what it was.

Harry gave a quick look around for anyone watching. It was early evening. Everyone else was at dinner and Madame Pomfrey had just "popped out" and would be back in a little while. No one could see what he was about to do. He fished his wand out of the nightstand and performed the spell that would keep his secrets safe from the rest of the world.

I'm not sure what they did to me. I don't feel any different, but I feel as though I should feel different. I'm not making any sense at all. I do feel more relaxed…less jumpy. I would say less alert, but I'm just as alert as always. Less wound, less tense, perhaps. Definitely less exhausted, but I'd consider that normal since I'm sleeping most of the time these last few days. All the same, I need to know what they did. I don't think I can just let this go. I need to know what they did to me and my mind. I'll go tonight.

Harry listened for Madame Pomfrey shutting down the Hospital Wing for the night. He waited until he heard her close the door to her office before moving. He left his bed and crept down to the Ravenclaw dorm. It was midnight now; he had until six o'clock until she checked on him again. He changed into dark clothing and said a quick spell to cover his exposed skin. A level three restricted spell caused an irritating burn in his eyes, but the irritation was worth it. He wouldn't need his glasses for the next four hours.

Leaving Hogwarts was ridiculously easy. He had a feeling that the professors were having a meeting; absolutely no one was patrolling the halls, not even Filch and Mrs. Norris. He had to wonder what they were meeting about. An idea popped into his head. It could be about the centaurs. He could almost hear the debate about allowing such "violent" creatures to remain so close to a school of defenseless children.

The grounds were moonlit and Harry's breath wreathed about his head as he crept towards the Forbidden Forest. He heard Hermione's voice chastising him in his head as he entered the trees' shadows: "Breaking about a million school rules." He didn't care. He wouldn't get caught.

The Forbidden Forest hid his body well as he crept through the brush. Nothing was about, and the forest was silent as he started his hunt for the centaurs. He would get answers…whether they wanted to tell him or not. He looked for the signs of centaurs and frowned. Were none of them around? Had they moved after they messed with his mind? If they migrated before I could get answers… He plotted various and vague acts of revenge in his head as he glided through the forest.

"Hello, Harry Potter," Harry whirled to his right and brought up his wand as Jeachen appeared from the trees. "I hear you are looking for me."

"You could say that," Harry said, wand still pointed at Jeachen. "I want to know what you did to me. You explained, yes, but it makes no sense. What did you actually do to me?"

"Did to you?" Jeachen asked in shock. "What a strange way to put it," he said as he motioned Harry to a log. "Sit down, Harry Potter, and we will discuss the situation."

A peaceful feeling spread over Harry, and he shook his head. "You're doing it again." Harry said as he backed away. This was a bad idea, and he was ready to run back to the safety of the castle. His teacher would die of shame if he knew Harry was willing to run away from a confrontation.

"I am doing nothing," the centaur said. "I know who is, and I will call him for you."

Harry put his back against a tree and tried to fight the strange feeling in his head. Jeachen raised his arm and said a word Harry didn't recognize. A flash of flame surprised Harry, and his eyes widened as Fawkes appeared.

"Hello, little friend," Jeachen told Fawkes. He reached out and scratched under Fawkes' beak. "Harry Potter is here and would like answers."

Fawkes trilled as he left Jeachen's arm and flew to Harry. Harry raised an arm for Fawkes out of reflex and the phoenix landed there and proceeded to stare at Harry. "I don't understand," Harry said as Fawkes climbed up to his shoulder and proceeded to preen Harry's hair.

"Fawkes organized everything, Harry Potter." Jeachen said with a something close to a smile. "He knows what you are fighting, what haunts the forest at night, drinking the unicorn blood. He called for the magical creatures to protect you from that."

Harry couldn't help petting Fawkes as he moved to the log and sat down. He suddenly felt tired.

"You are still recovering," Jeachen said as he moved to stand next to Harry.

"I needed answers." Harry was not going to allow the centaur to make him feel bad for leaving the Hospital Wing. Besides, Madame Pomfrey said she was going to release him tomorrow, so long as he promised to rest. "What did you do to my mind, then?"

Fawkes trilled and head butted Harry. Jeachen only smiled. "We, or should I say Aiden, put a delay on your panic impulse."

"You what?"

"Your panic impulse in your mind has been over stimulated and reset to a higher degree. In other words, your mind now panics at things it should not. Being touched, for instance. We only delayed it. You will still be able to fight, should you need to do so, but you will not overly panic. It's a little complicated to explain. We didn't want to wait until you were older, for young minds are more flexible and recover far easier."

"So, you slowed down my flight or fight response?" Harry asked.

"Is that what you call it?" Jeachen asked. "Yes, I suppose. By two or three seconds. Just long enough for your brain to process if a perceived threat is a real threat or not."

Harry considered the information while Fawkes continued preening his hair. He thought about how nice it would be not to startle at hearing loud noises, or leaping away from friendly touches from his dorm mates. "Will I sleep more? Aiden said 'No more screaming nightmares'. That would be nice."

"Yes," Jeachen said. "No more screaming nightmares. You'll be able to separate past from present with a few seconds, not a few minutes. Much calmer, less driven. More normal."

Harry reached up and scratched Fawkes as he thought. It was a good idea. Somewhat. Fawkes continued to preen his hair and Harry sighed. It was just easier to accept it. "What's done is done," he said with an air of finality. "I don't like how it was done, but I…appreciate the effort." A yawn split his face, and he could only grin sheepishly.

"We should get you back to the school." Jeachen said. His face said it all: You should be in bed. "Should you need a place away from wizards, the centaurs will hide you." Jeachen said as Harry stood. "We know your secrets."

"Oh." The offer surprised Harry. Centaurs were usually insular with only necessary interaction when a situation merited outside contact. Well, I guess they want to ensure that I survive, and who knows how long I'll have before I start wanting to draw my wand on every annoying person there is out there. "Thank you."

"You are welcome."

Harry was released from the Hospital Wing the next day. His classmates were all happy to see him, and many offered notes and study help. He had only needed to say Hermione Granger's name and then he was left alone. He met up with Terry Boot and walked into the Great Hall for breakfast. Hermione nearly bowled him over with her happiness at seeing Harry out and about for well over a week.

Harry fought off his friends' well-wishes by claiming he was hungry. Most of them were shocked and allowed him to make his way to Ravenclaw table so that he could get breakfast without any more delay. He smiled as his plate appeared, and he saw that Serry was on duty. He couldn't blame the house elves for the events in the Forbidden Forest, as they were always so happy to please anyone willing to give them orders. That's what made them special.

"Mail's here!" Terry Boot said excitedly. "I wonder if Mum sent me some of her biscuits!" Harry looked up, only mildly curious, when he saw Hedwig coming his way. Probably a letter from Mrs. Malfoy, he thought, as Hedwig landed on his arm.

"Hi, Hedwig," he said as he offered her some bacon from his plate. "What do you have for me?" He accepted the letter from her and sent her back to the Owlery after a scratch and another slice of bacon.

He turned the parchment envelope over and over in his hands, studying the vaguely familiar writing on one side and the blue wax seal. He shrugged to himself, not sensing anything magical about it. He broke the seal and slid out the sheet of folded parchment from within.

Dear Mr. Potter,

I'm afraid that you do not know me (or do you?), but I do know you. I was very good friends with your parents, James and Lily. We were in the same House together at Hogwarts and they were both dear friends. Forgive me; I really should introduce myself, shouldn't I? My name is Remus Lupin.

You must be wondering why I am contacting you now and not some time before this. There are two reasons; I've been abroad and without your primary address, and I believe that you're recently spent some time in the Forbidden Forest.

I would like to meet with you, if you can spare the time. Just owl me with days and times convenient for you. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Remus Lupin

Dear Mr. Lupin,

I will meet you this Saturday, 2:00 pm, in the Three Broomsticks, Room 8.

Sincerely,

Harry Potter

Remus folded the letter and placed it in his robe pocket. He found it strange that Harry had taken the initiative to arrange their meeting place. Remus had thought about several different locations within Hogwarts, but the lad seemed determined to meet away from Hogwarts. He wasn't sure how Harry was going to accomplish leaving school grounds when he was just a first year, but decided he wasn't going to question it. Harry seemed to be a very determined child…if he's a child at all.

Remus nodded to Rosmerta as he passed through the common area and went to room eight. He rapped on the door and waited for it to be opened.

The latch clicked, and he nudged the door open a bit. "Mr. Potter?" he said in a low tone. The door flew open and a small but strong hand latched onto his wrist. He was pulled into the room and the door snapped shut. A few silent spells hit the door in rapid succession as Remus stepped away from threshold.

"What do you say to close a map?" A tense voice questioned from thin air.

"Mischief managed," Remus said tightly, aware of where Harry was, and saddened that Harry seemed to trust no one on the surface.

"All right," Harry's voice came from directly behind and Remus whirled. "I apologize for the deception, Mr. Lupin. I had to be sure you are you."

"Quite alright, Mr. Potter. Those spells on the door?"

"Level 2 restricted spells," Harry answered as he removed his invisibility cloak, "to ensure our privacy."

"I see," Remus smiled. "Where in he world did you learn those?"

"Before I was taken by Voldemort," Harry said as he folded the cloak and motioned to the table and chairs. "Please sit down. I've arranged for some refreshments." Harry said as they appeared. "Thank you, Serry." Harry said to the air.

"Serry?" Remus asked.

Harry gave a little smile. "The house elves at Hogwarts are in a conspiracy over me. I have five assigned to me, to ensure that I have everything I need at a moment's notice."

"A conspiracy?" Remus asked as he poured out tea for them.

"Yes. One oversees my food, another takes care of my clothing, another helps me in the library, another my things. I literally don't have to do a thing. At least they are straightforward about it. The other magical creatures, however, are a bit more underhanded." Harry gave Remus a significant look.

"Yes, I suppose we are," Remus agreed. "Yet, you have to admit, we had a reason."

"I know," Harry said, resigned. "The centaurs explained. I'm still not happy about it, but I understand it now."

"Mr. Potter, may I ask-"

Harry held up a hand. "Please, Mr. Lupin. Call me Harry. I knew you before and 'Mr. Potter' makes me feel as though I've done something wrong."

"All right, Harry. What did you call me before?"

"You asked me to call you 'Remus'."

"Please continue to do so…Mr. Lupin is my father's name," Remus smiled at the snort Harry gave. "I take it we were close?"

"As close as Dumbledore would let us," Harry answered.

"I'm afraid I don't understand that," Remus said.

"It's a long story," Harry said.

"And I think I'd better hear all of it," Remus said firmly.

Harry looked up from his muffin and saw the look Remus was giving him. "I don't know if I can," he admitted.

"Try," Remus urged.

Harry stared at him for a few seconds. Remus was giving him such a look of openness and understanding. Just like he had before. This was the same Remus, he was almost sure of it. This was his Remus Lupin, his mentor. His confidant after Sirius had died. Slowly, Harry took a deep breath and released it. "After the death of my parents, I was sent to live with my relatives in the Muggle world, Vernon and Petunia Dursley. I was unwanted there, but protected from the Dark Lord and his followers. I didn't exactly flourish there, but I didn't die, either. I stayed until I was eleven, when a rather large and hairy man by the name of Hagrid cane to introduce me to the magical world." Once Harry started talking about his life, he couldn't seem to stop. He had to pause a few times to control his emotions, to keep from crying. He finished with the decision he made to come back.

"He broke me, Remus, Harry said tightly. "I was little better than an amusing pet to him…a lapdog to the Dark Lord. That's the only reason I can think that he kept me alive so long." Harry clenched his hands into fists and struggled to control his anger.

Remus stood slowly and went over to Harry. He pulled the chair away from the table, turned it towards him, placed his hands on the arm rests, and knelt in front of Harry. "Please look at me, Harry." Remus asked.

Harry lifted his eyes slowly to meet Remus' eyes. "Voldemort. Did. Not. Break. You." He said slowly. He held up a hand for silence when Harry was ready to protest. "Had he broken you, you would not have been able to make the decision you did when given your choices."

Harry stared at him and he felt something break inside of him he didn't know he had. "I-" He could only shake his head as all of his self-incrimination started to melt away.

"He didn't break you, Harry. Far from it." Remus studied him for a few seconds before his face changed. "I know you are averse to touch, but if you need…" Remus only opened his arms and knelt there, waiting for Harry to make the first move.

Harry left his chair slowly, as though unsure of the floor beneath his feet. Remus waited and watched as Harry stood in front of him. The boy took a small step forward and wrapped his arms around Remus.

"Welcome home, Harry." Remus said as he tightened his own arms around Harry. Harry didn't say anything. He didn't need to. His hug, hungry and strong, said it all to the werewolf. Harry knew he was no longer completely alone.