Disclaimer: This is a waste of space. If you really want to see my disclaimer, look at the previous ones. From now on, I'm not going to write any more. I think I've already said it enough.

(A/N: To all my nice reviewers, here you go! A nice long chapter from a happy author. To all my readers, please review. As I said before, the more reviews, the merrier the author becomes, and the sooner she updates.)

Chapter 6: Conversations, Revelations, and Confrontations

After the letter was returned, the Order gave up. If Harry didn't want to be found, and even Fawkes couldn't find him, then he wouldn't be found unless he decided otherwise. Moody, although slightly worried about Harry, was telling everybody that the kid had guts, and would survive on his own.

Snape wasn't worried at all: if the Potter brat were killed, it would mean no more horrendous mistakes in Potions. Besides, the Professor rather thought that if the kid could defend himself against twenty Death Eaters at once, without getting harmed, he wouldn't be in serious danger without his wand.

Dumbledore had his head down on his arms when he thought of something. There was a stir of interest when his head lifted. "Arthur, what time and date is Harry's trial?"

Others were actually beginning to look slightly awake at that. The elder Weasley frowned and thought. "I believe it was on the 23rd of June. I can't remember the time, though…"

Everyone in the meeting room watched as Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, his thumbs under his chin, entwined fingers, and index fingers on either side of his nose. This was the Headmaster's classic thinking pose. They wondered what was going through his head, for the Order could almost hear the gears turning, clicking, and whirring in his head.

"I do not think Harry would remember that date. If he does not show up, the Ministry will track him down. They have far more advanced ways than we to find missing persons. I don't believe they would fail. If perchance Harry does remember the date, he will come. After the trial, we can lead him back here."

Remus squirmed in his seat. They were treating Harry like a common criminal. That idea bounced around in his mind, until he grew slightly angry. "Professor, I think you're forgetting something."

Dumbledore looked at the werewolf, as did everyone else. All could hear the slightest tinge of anger in his voice. "What is that?"

Remus smiled, not friendly. "Harry managed to disappear under all of our noses, cover his tracks if he even made any, and find a spot so secure that no owl could find him, or your Phoenix. May I also remind you that Harry took on twenty Death Eaters, and pretty much single-handedly captured them? I'd say that Harry's earned the right to some privacy. He's also done us a great favor by capturing those Death Eaters. So why are we treating him like a stupid little boy, or a common criminal?"

Stunned silence fell. None of them had ever heard the normally serene werewolf speak his mind like he just did. In fact, it was rare that Remus even spoke at all during the meetings. Today seemed like a day for weird events to happen: first of all, the Headmaster became irritated, for what seemed the first time in history. Second, Snape was actually smiling, a scary occurrence. Of course, everyone thought that he was overjoyed that Harry was in danger, but in fact, the Potions Professor was so happy to see the Headmaster annoyed that he forgot to be angry, as well as being amused by Harry's note, which was currently in his pocket. And last, Remus Lupin just told them all off.

"We just want Harry to be safe, Remus!" That came from Mrs. Weasley.

The werewolf fixed her with a glare. "There is a difference between trying to keep him safe, and imprisoning him. All of you tried that with Sirius… I believe we all know what happened there. I deeply care for Harry, but I will not stoop so low as to take him against his will. If this is what the Order calls protection, I'm afraid I'll have to withdraw my support."

The Order members exchanged nervous glances. Remus could be let out, and then obliviated, but that would mean no help from the werewolf community. The former Professor had recently reached out, and convinced the werewolves to ally themselves with the Order. If anything happened to Remus, the werewolves promised that, although they would not join Voldemort, they wouldn't ally with the Order either. And right now, the Order needed all the help they could get in the war.

Remus stood up, and placed both hands on the table. His warning glare sent shivers into everyone who met his gaze. "Harry's trial is in two weeks. If in those two weeks Harry shows up and decides of his own free will to stay under your 'protection'," here the werewolf snorted at the very thought of the Order's definition of the term, "Then so be it. If Harry is forced to come here of his own free will, then I will withdraw support from the werewolf community. I'm sure that the elders of the packs will agree with me when I say that Harry is no longer a cub, and does not need to be locked up against his will. Today, he has proven himself to be capable of defending his self and those he cares about, as well as going to a place where no one can find him. If he can disappear and not be found under our watch, I'm sure You-Know-Who will have an even harder time searching for him."

The werewolf seemed to want to say more, but couldn't find the words. Sending one last glare around the table, Remus walked out.

Once he was alone in his rooms, the werewolf started to cry. He had held it back when he mentioned Sirius, and more so when he wanted to cry tears of rage. Now, when he was alone, he could cry. Eventually, he cried himself to sleep.

The next day, Harry was reading an advanced Charms text. "Hedwig, tell me something," Harry looked up from his book, unable to withhold the question any longer. "Why haven't any owls come?"

The Snowy Owl looked pleased. "Ra and Numa spread the word amongst the Hogwarts Owls, who then spread the word to all the others. You are not to be disturbed. All owls know that you are a chosen of the Council, and choose not to be found. We honor your request."

Harry grinned. "Ah. That would explain it. Could you tell them my thanks?" He watched, fascinated, as Hedwig closed her eyes, and cocked her head to one side. In a minute, she opened her eyes again.

"Numa and Ra told me to tell you you're welcome. Your thanks are also being sent to all owls." Hedwig adjusted her wings more comfortably, and hoped that Harry was smart enough to figure it out. Fawkes had authorized dropping clues, but not too many.

The wizard froze, his book forgotten. "How… how could you tell them when you never even left?" Harry's mouth dropped. Then, his mind started to work.

He absently placed a bookmark in his place, and stood up to pace. Whenever he needed to work something out, Harry seemed to figure them out better when he walked back and forth.

His mind raced. How could Hedwig talk to Numa and Ra, and they to the other owls, without leaving the room? Well, she had closed her eyes, as if in concentration. And her head…

Hedwig watched with a bit of amusement as Harry jumped as if he'd been struck with a lightning bolt. Apparently, he had figured it out.

"It's… it's impossible! For owls to do that, they would have to… but then how could they communicate with… and the other animals…" Harry muttered as he worked this new idea out. His glance turned to Hedwig. "Will you tell me if I'm right or not?"

Snow-white wings flapped, working out a bit of stiffness. "Maybe."

Harry then knew he was right. "You… you and the other animals, you're telepathic!"

Remus woke up with the sun shining in his face. He turned away, and wiped at his eyes, which felt gritty. 'Oh yeah,' Remus remembered. He had told off the Order, and threatened to withdraw the tenuous alliance between the werewolves and the Order. And had then cried him self to sleep, the emotions overwhelming him. 'It's been a long time since I did that,' Remus sighed.

Wow, Moony, I never expected you to do that! Great job! I agree with you, by the way. Remus jumped, and spun around. He was sure he had heard someone, but there was no one else in the room.

Aww, don't worry, Moony! You're safe, and sane! Well, as sane as any marauder can be! Here, let me show you…

The last living Marauder turned, and stared in disbelief as a white form began to shape. "Padfoot? But… How…"

The figure pushed his hair out of the way, and grinned that familiar grin at Moony. I was authorized to make a visit. I figured I'd stop and see you on my way to see Harry. So, how's he doing?

Remus shook, and had to sit down. "But you died! I saw you fall through the veil!" His mind was still in denial over the sudden appearance of Sirius Black.

Sirius shrugged. Yeah, I know I did. Funny thing, that, I always thought I would go from a bad prank. Oh well. And you haven't answered my question. How's Harry?

"I have no idea, Padfoot. See, Harry ran away from his relatives' house." Remus ran his hand through his graying hair, wondering if he was going insane.

Padfoot smiled. Good for him. Listen, Moony old pal, I have a few things to say to you. First of all, don't get all broody about my death. It's not that much fun, I'll admit, but it's better than being cooped up at my old house. Speaking of which, you're in it, you know. Second, Lily and Prongs say "hi." They do wish, however, that you'd show a little more of the backbone you showed yesterday.

Moony blinked. "Lily… and Prongs? You've seen them?"

Sirius nodded, smiling. Oh yeah, and they were furious to see me. Prongs in particular wanted to beat me up for being so stupid as to die. Sounds just like him, eh?

A weak chuckle sprung from Remus' lips. "Oh yes, it does."

The white figure smiled. They also tell you to watch out for Harry, as you are the last Marauder. But you can fix that. That brings up another point, Moony old friend. Prongs and I want you to teach Harry how to be a Marauder. A full marauder. Get my drift?

Remus' eyes blinked. "But I don't know how to teach him! I was always the quiet one, and I didn't become an illegal Animagi, like the two of you did!"

Yeah, but you were our brains. And I know you have some Marauder spirit in you. Just think, he'll be the best Marauder yet! Oh, almost forgot. Moony, a Marauder's Oath has been broken. That person should be stricken from the record of the Marauders, and have suitable punishment inflicted on him. Once you get the little bugger, you know what to do, right?

A slow smile grew on Moony's face. Oh yes, he knew what to do. "It shall be done, Padfoot. Anything else?"

Sirius nodded. Just three more things before I go. One, please give Harry the birthday present I was planning on giving him. Two, make sure my will is read. And once it's read, please, for crying out loud, get some new robes! Last, give Snape my Marauder farewell. It's only fitting. On second thought, share the wealth! And don't forget to give Snape the note.

Remus smiled. "I'd be pleased to do everything, Padfoot. And give my regards to Lily and James. Tell them their son is a great wizard, and that James owes me money. I did win the bet on the Quidditch thing."

The form of Sirius smiled, remembering. That you did, Moony that you did. I'm off to Harry now. And I'll be sure to tell James that. How did you know he was going to be a Seeker when he grew up?

Remus winked at Sirius. "That is something you'll have to guess at, Padfoot. Tell Harry when you find him that he has my full support, and to beware of the Order."

The form of Sirius nodded, and disappeared as quickly as he had come. Left alone once again, Remus felt a smile playing on his mouth as he went for his trunk. Sirius's wishes would be fulfilled. And the Betrayer would wish he were never born. A vindictive smirk grew on the werewolf's face as he surveyed the box he held.

"Congratulations, Harry, you figured it out." Hedwig said into the silence that had fallen after Harry's statement. "Tell me though, how did you come to that conclusion?" She was curious as to how he figured it out.

Harry smiled, triumphant. "Well, the final clue was you sending a telepathic message to Numa and Ra. That was pretty obvious. There was also the fact that all owls know where to deliver their letters, unless a charm is placed on the person. I was just looking at that charm, and the structure of it weaves together to block owls from coming. I don't think anyone else has realized this, but the certain components of a spell mess up the telepathic means that owls use to find someone."

Harry paused as he tried to sound his idea out. "Also, I know that each animal speaks a different language. You hoot, Horses neigh, etc. But each animal has a bit of telepathic communication inside itself, which allows for one animal to transmit it's meaning into the other as it speaks, making the other's mind translate for understanding. I noticed when I was meeting with the Council members that I sometimes saw an animal moving its lips, and hearing it speak a second later. That also tipped me off."

Harry whirled around when Fawkes chirped. "Excellent, Harry. You are absolutely right, of course. Brilliant deductions."

"But if I'm right… that must mean I have some telepathy as well, or else I wouldn't understand either of you." Harry tested.

Fawkes and Hedwig shared an amused look. "Right again, Harry. Now, I'll leave you to your contemplations. By the way, the Order has given up looking for you right now. At your trial however, if you show up, you will probably be forced against your will to go to Order HQ. If you don't, the Ministry will track you down."

The firebird watched a bright smile appear on Harry's face. "They won't, believe me." Harry replied, sounding very convicted. Fawkes looked at Hedwig, who shook her head. Neither of them had any idea what he was planning.

"If you say so, Harry. Hedwig, remind him. I think it's time for him to remember." With that cryptic message, Fawkes disappeared.

"Hedwig, what was he talking about?" Harry looked at his owl, confused.

The Snowy Owl sighed, and shuffled her feet. Trust Fawkes to bow out when the tough stuff came. "Harry, one of the reasons the Council acted right after your fifth year was because I was reporting to them. We needed you sane, Harry, because everyone would be destroyed if you were kept in that state. Your magic was getting out of control, and we couldn't allow that. So, we… we made you forget why you were depressed."

Harry frowned. "Why was I depressed, then? I don't remember anything before the fight with the Death Eaters."

Hedwig exhaled. Oh boy, the Council had done its job too well. "I guess that's because the Council wanted you to discover and explore your new powers. One gift they gave you though, was the power to forget. When the transfer was complete, that power activated immediately. And you forgot… you forgot Sirius."

That name stopped Harry, bouncing in his head. He remembered now. He remembered. Merlin, help him, he remembered. "I forgot... Sirius… How could I?" Harry cried out, memories flooding him.

"Because you were too unstable to receive your powers as you were. Once you forgot, and had other things to focus on, the powers could come without killing you."

Tears poured down the teenager's face. "But… I should've remembered. After all, I was the one to kill him!"

Sorry Harry, but I believe that dubious honor belongs to Voldemort and Bellatrix. Whatever in the world made you think that you killed me?

The familiar voice sent electric shocks through Harry's body. He turned, and saw a white form appearing. "S-sirius? But… but you're dead! I saw you die!"

The Marauder shrugged. Yeah, ain't that crazy? Don't worry; it didn't hurt at all. Now listen, Harry, I've only got so much time left. I was given permission to visit, although I don't know how I got it. First of all, I'm not a ghost, in a matter of speaking. I'm not staying. Second, will you stop kicking yourself in the arse and move on?

Harry blinked, and wiped away his tears with the back of his hand. "But I might as well have killed you! I was the one who was to stupid to…" He trailed off as Sirius held up a hand.

You're nuts, you know that kid? It wasn't your fault. Voldemort has tricked wizards far older and wiser than you. What makes you any different? Oh, and don't even think of mentioning that prophecy.

"You know about that? I thought only Dumbledore and I knew…"

Sirius snorted. Harry, I'm dead. Oh, don't flinch when I say that. It's not that bad. We dead people know more than you live people. Besides, your parents told me about it.

"My parents? You saw my parents?" Harry seized on the offered subject change. It was enough that Sirius had forgiven him, and he wanted to get off the rather depressing subject.

It worked; Sirius was distracted. Of course, Harry. And they send their love. Prongs also says, and I quote, "Way to go, son! Seekers kick arse! Of course, I'd probably be better, but…" That was when Lily hit him upside the head. Both he and Harry snickered at that.

"Well… tell them that I love them… and that I wish I had gotten to know them. And tell my dad that I could whoop him any day!" Harry said, his eyes glinting.

Sirius laughed. I'll do that, Harry, I'll do that. Then he looked at his wrist. Oops, almost time to go. First, Moony told me to tell you that you have his full support. I'll let him tell you how he told off the entire Order. Second, Moony's going to make sure my will is read. Once it is, force him to buy new robes. It's high time he had them. Third, you're going to be made a full Marauder. You have the Marauder's Map, right? Good. Once you get to Hogwarts, tap the map with your wand and say, "I wish to take the Marauder's Quest." Follow the directions from there.

Harry nodded, committing the words to memory. "O-Okay. Sirius, will I ever see you again?"

I'm working on it, kid. Oh, one last thing. Give Voldemort and his little minions hell for me, will you?

Harry grinned, and saluted Sirius. "Of course. On Prongs' honor!"

The figure laughed, and all of a sudden, he disappeared. Harry shook his head, and wiped at his eyes.

Right now, he was at a kind of peace. The guilt that had lain on his chest was gone. Harry had carried it around, even when he forgot. Somehow, Sirius had made everything right again. And Harry realized who the real culprit was behind his godfather's death.

"I could almost feel sorry for Voldemort. Almost being the key word." Hedwig remarked as Harry got out his cauldron, and started a very advanced potion.

Harry grinned innocently at her. "What? I'm just going to fulfill Sirius' request!"

Hedwig rolled her eyes. Suddenly she knew that Voldemort and his Death Eaters were going to be very, very sorry indeed.

Well, that's it for now! Before I respond to my wonderful, lovely, awesome (etc, etc.) reviewers, I want to give you some questions to ponder. If you can answer them correctly... I'll give you a lollipop! See, like this!o-- o.O

Or you could just answer them for fun, and if you see that signal in my response to your review, you can have the knowledge that you figured it out!

Questions:
1. Where is Harry currently at?
2. Where did Harry get the gift of telpathy? (I know, kinda broad, but guess. Give name, or species... or whatever you want to put)
3. What is Harry's Animagus form going to be?

That's it for the questions now, but if I see people participating, I might make it a House competition! That's only if I see people reviewing and asking for it...

Now to my reviewers:

bandgsecurtiyaw: Thanks!

Matt101: Thank you! And I gave you one... do you like?

shdurrani: Yeah, Harry does. Oh, did I forget to say which species are in the council? Silly me. D Thanks for reviewing.

PsychicLunar: Lol, I couldn't resist your puppy dog eyes... 0.0... ;-) Thanks for being a regular. I don't know what an SRI is, but good job? Hope you get a goodscore on your math thingie... well, until later!

Bloodless Ace: Thanks!

deathsith: Thank you! I love little comments like that... make me so happy...

HellsMaji: Thanks. And I'm getting there. I'm experimenting on how much I have to type to get a nice-sized chappie. I also don't want to reveal too much in one chapter... kind of boring, don't you think? The chapters are getting longer, though.

Well, that's all for now! For all my readers, please review. I really want to hear from you! Besides, it'll make me happy, and happy authors mean sooner updates. Until the next chappie, so long!