Enjoy.

Chapter 4

Remus Lupin was running in haste as he followed Black the yellow-eyed beastly-looking wolf guiding him back to his school. In his panic, he never noticed how the background seemed to slowly blur at the speed in which they were running in nor does he seem to notice the lack of pain from running with bare feet. In fact, Black still had the shoes Lee had given him to give to the Professor clutched with his teeth. In a matter of moments they were a quarter ways near to the edge of the Forbidden Forest and Remus could see the castle from where they were.

At reaching the edge of the Forbidden Forest, Remus and Black came to a stop and Remus could see the glowing sight of the castle as if its stones were shimmering from the rays of the bright sunlight. Remus indicated the time from how high the sun has risen as he had no wand to use to spell out the time. Remus furrowed his brows at that.

He couldn't believe that he had almost forgotten what had transpired just last night. How the truth had come to light about what had occurred on that fateful Halloween Night, how Peter Pettigrew –he spat the name in his mind- had framed Sirius Black –their brother by all but blood- for the killings of both James and Lilly Potter nee Evans –the only girl that ever worried over that rat-, and of course, how he had forgotten, in his hurriedness, to drink the blasted potion and transform into a monstrous beast resulting in the –once again- escape of the amputee ending the hope of Sirius' release from Azkaban –that is, if Snape reports Sirius' whereabouts to the Minister, which he will of course, 'because he hates us… and for good reason too' he thought silently. A tired sigh escaped his lips and he turned to the once again glittering castle and thought, 'I'm having second-thoughts now, about walking in these halls again' and continued to stare at the castle where all of their problems seemed to sprout out. 'I bet this is where He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's idea of how the Wizarding World's emerged.' A humorless laugh leaked out from his lips.

Black the wolf sat quietly by Remus' side still clutching Remus' shoes, when he looked out the school Lee would always want to take a peek –if they were near enough- and would always start to wonder what the halls inside would look like. If it weren't for the fact that it gave Lee something to do –even if he just wonder, he'd bite off his behind. As a wolf, Black does not care what goes on in that large of a castle so long as it doesn't matter his pack and Lee. A wolf of his caliber knows not to dwell on what people with sticks do; it'll only give them trouble, trouble they do not want if it concerns a wand waving idiot the wolf nodded. The movement caught Remus' eye and remembered his black wolf guide, he chuckled and made breathing exercises, which the wolf took as a sign to slightly stay away. Remus ignored him and exhaled one last time to –metaphorically- release all the negative energy he had acquire and start anew. When the wolf saw that the human was done with –whatever it was doing- he moved to the front of Remus and placed the shoes across his feet. Remus smiled and muttered thanks while he knelt and put on the –strangely- perfect fitted pair of loafers which oddly enough seems to match perfectly well with the rest of his garment.

"Lee seems to have a good sense of fashion taste," he commented to the wolf, not caring if Black would understand or not. As he was admiring his clothes he realized something, "he never answered my question! Nor did he even explain to me how he found me last night!" he said. "Damn! I need to see him again!" he said as he looked back at path they had emerged from, "Where do I might find him again?" he asked black only to get a tilt in response, "Arrghh! I don't speak wolf!" He yelled in frustration, "Fine!" he huffed, he put his hands on his knees and bent close –not caring for the fact that the wolf can bite of his head- and said "when you go back to Lee, can you please tell him to come see me again? I'd really like to get the full explanation of what had transpired last night after you found me, it's really important, will you do this for me?" he pleaded to the wolf. After a few minutes of staring, Black huffed out startling Remus onto falling on his rear and ran off from the direction in which they came.

Remus stayed with his back to the ground as he saw the wolf off in an upside down view and only started to get up when he couldn't spot him in the distance anymore. He rubbed his sore arse and dusted his garment off from dirt, huffing a few times as he straightened out his garment and hair –in which case he was sure was in tangled hair. He breathes in and out again then started to walk towards back to the school, slightly dreading on what news he'll hear.

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Hagrid was the first to meet him as he made his way over to the school.

"Remus!" The half-giant shouted in surprised, happy and with a disbelief sort of way. Remus smiled back to his long timed friend and accepted the –bone-crushing- hug he received from him. He was let down after a few minutes and noticed Hagrid letting tears out, he wasn't sure of it was from sadness or happiness he was letting his tears out for. Hagrid has always been a tearful sort-of guy and so just patted the big man's arms as comfort while he waited for Hagrid to start explaining.

After the sobbing tale of Hagrid, Remus now know of what had happened in the last few hours while he stayed with Lee but only the major details that had happened and while curious t to the how's –Remus wasn't inclined to press on further, after all he was/is a Marauder and a prankster never did share their secrets –only magical maps to aid, future pranksters-, and he was ecstatic when he had heard of 'Sirius Black's Miraculous Escape' –he snorted at the title- but delighted to hear that his –true- friend never lost his personality from Azkaban and for that he was thankful.

Hagrid had managed to stop crying, Sirius apparently let slip of their little run in Forest and that was the reason Hagrid got so teary-eyed when he saw Remus. He was afraid for what had happened to Remus and had wanted to search for him at the first sight of dawn but the Headmaster disallowed it, explaining that should they –the staff- move in search for Remus before the minister –and in turn the Dementers- leave, then questions will arise and it would put a more deeper stain to the already stained name of the Headmaster, what with having an accused easily enter the most prominent school in Britain. Remus understood the Headmaster's thinking and reassured Hagrid as best as he could. "You shou' go see Headmaster Dumbledore" Hagrid advised as he wiped the last of his tears away. "He'll wan' 'ta see ya'" he finished, putting away his soiled handkerchief.

"I'll go and do that right now," Remus said as he stood up from the chair across Hagrid's, "You sure you'll be alright with yourself, Hagrid?" he asked as he started to reach the door.

"Remus," Hagrid suddenly called tucking away his handkerchief. "Hmm?" Remus hummed looking back to Hagrid. He then noticed the unusual stare he was receiving form the half-giant as if uncertain of something, "What is it?" he asked in concern.

Hagrid didn't answer at first and continued staring at Remus for a time, making the werewolf uncomfortable. "You forgot something to tell me, Hagrid?" Remus offered startling Hagrid out of his staring and shook his head, "Nah, forget 'bout it, just that you look differ'nt is all" Hagrid reassured, "'yah go on ahead, the 'eadmaster's pro'bly waitin' with worry" he finished, waving off Remus.

Remus gave a small smile and an "okay" to Hagrid before heading out to the castle. As he walked, he thought about the difference that Hagrid might had noticed and shrugged it off 'Well, I do feel different' he thought, not realizing how different he looked.

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Not hearing any noise from inside the halls of Hogwarts meant, to Remus that class was probably in session. A part of him was glad for that; he truly didn't want to see anyone for now, not with everything that had happened but another part of him felt slightly disappointed at the missing of his classes, he scoffed at that. He felt as if he was ditching classes even though it had been years since he was a student of Hogwarts –not to mention he already graduated but alas, he couldn't help getting all nostalgic and sentimental and feeling as though he was a student again attending classes. Clearly, being back at the school he spent his adolescent years will affect him as much yet he didn't care how sappy it made him, merlin knows that he needed some joy in his and what better than what he considers as the best years of his life? With those thoughts and memories in mind, he made his way to the Headmaster's office while he reminisced of the days that they were sent to that particular office on the rare days that they were proven guilty from a prank.

Nearing the Headmaster's office, he stopped in front of its gargoyle guard and murmured the password, hoping that Dumbledore hasn't changed it. To his relief the gargoyle stepped aside to reveal the revolving staircase it had, hidden behind its back and trudged on up to the set of double doors above. Not forgetting his manners, he knocked twice before entering, continuing inside until he was standing in front of the person considered to be the Lord of Light as well as Hogwart's Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore.

"Professor" Remus greeted.

"Remus, my dear boy! I'm glad you're back! I was just about to head out myself to search for you but then I felt you come in through the wards," the old man said smilingly as he stood up and patted both of Remus' shoulders. "Come and have a seat dear boy, you must be tired," Remus came in and sat in of the chairs offered to him in front of Dumbledore's desk while the Headmaster sat on his, "Would you like something to drink, as I'm sure you must be thirsty from your trek in the woods" Dumbledore offered.

"Some tea would be wonderful, thank you" Remus said.

A house elf was called in to bring them their refreshments with some snacks included and Remus gladly took the offered food, he never did realize that he was hungry until now, even taking a lemon drop that Dumbledore offered, noticing that it didn't taste as bad as they –the Marauders- thought it would be he blinked at that. Dumbledore just smiled at him, probably pleased that after all these long years, Remus finally accepted a taste of his favorite candy; he chuckled lightly at the thought.

"So," Dumbledore began, "while I am delighted that you are well and back, I am curious about your state of recovery," his eyes twinkled –Remus has learned long ago not to look directly at the man's eyes, no matter how trustworthy he looked, "do forgive me if I appear to be rude, but I remember that it would take a few days before you would return to working order."

'It is rude' Remus couldn't help think but then replied, "It is a mystery to me as well, you wouldn't happen to know a boy called Lee out there in the woods, living with a pack of large wolves, would you?" he asked, half-hoping that the other would say yes.

Dumbledore paused and thought about it, stroking his beard as he leaned back on his seat, "Hmm… no, I believe I do not," he answered, disappointing Remus, "but" he continued, "I have heard the centaurs talk about having a contract with another besides the contract they share with Hogwarts." He finished.

"Oh." Remus said simply, a small smile gracing his lips. He sipped in his tea to hide it from the Headmaster though then continued, "Well, I don't know about that but this boy, helped me recover from last night's… plight" he finished, sipping more of his tea.

"Ah yes, about that," Dumbledore said, "I had Severus inform me of what had occurred in the Shack-"

"So you know of Sirius innocence? Will you give him a trial to set him free?" interrupted Remus, in an agitated voice. He was unconsciously leaning forward and tightly gripping he tea in his nervous state, almost breaking the cup. Dumbledore only stared at him until Remus finally noticed how panicked he was acting. He blinked embarrassed, then relaxed and leaned back down on his seat, "Sorry" he said, loosening his hold on his cup, then he blinked again, "Wait, I remember harry stunning the man, so he wouldn't know of the full details" he said.

"Yes, Severus did indeed admit as much, so I had asked Harry and his friends," Dumbledore explained to the unaware werewolf, "they told me of what had happened and about last night and on the night after the Dark Lord's demise." Remus widened his eyes but before he could say anything Dumbledore continued, "I'm sorry my boy but without the evidence needed, I simply cannot win Sirius' freedom, no matter what my position would be." He finished with deep regret shining on his eyes then he added, "also, the Minister's trust in me has been rather shaky thus, it will not be wise to bring up an escaped convict's trial, considering that he was last seen on my territory." At this point Remus' head was pointing down. "I'm sorry my dear boy, I can promise you though that if we somehow managed to capture Peter Pettigrew, I will set up a trial as soon as possible" He promised to Remus, lifting up the boy's spirits somewhat.

"I understand, Professor" said Remus with a smile. Inside though he felt anger towards Peter and himself for forgetting to drink his blasted potion, 'if only I hadn't rushed out like I did…' he thought upsettingly, unconsciously clenching his hands. Dumbledore merely smiled at him, not being able to do anything more.

"It is a good thing though, that Mr. Black has performed another of his miraculous escape just before he was sent back to prison." Dumbledore stated with those twinkling eyes of his. Remus let out a laugh at that, "Yes, he did always had a knack for making the impossible, possible."

"I can say that for you as well, Mr. Lupin" Dumbledore replied, confusing Remus. "Professor?" He tilted his head.

"Why, I'm astounded at your ability to regain your youth Mr. Lupin!" was Dumbledore's jolly reply, "I believe, the last I saw you looking so young was in the year Harry was born!" Remus widened his eyes in disbelief, "Professor, I think you're mistaken, that was nearly fourteen years ago and the last I looked in the mirror, I looked twice my age." He said almost laughingly.

"Now, now, my boy, I may be old, but I think my eyes wouldn't lie to me now would it?" Dumbledore mocked, "here" he then conjured up a mirror for Remus to see, "I believe you haven't seen for yourself, yes?" he presumed.

Remus held the face mirror that the Headmaster conjured for him and it reminded him of where his own wand could be, but as he stared at his reflection, the thought vanished from his mind. "Wha-wha-what?" he stammered, not believing his eyes. "This, this could not be possible" he drew one of his hands up to touch his face, his breath hitched when he felt skin. "Ho-How?" he asked, glancing back to Dumbledore, who merely shrugged in response, genuinely not knowing the answer.

"Unless you know of some of the witches' secrets on how to look young and somehow modified it, my only advice is to ask that young Lee person that helped you." He stated.

Remus gave back the mirror but was still in a state of disbelief, he then sighed at Dumbledore's suggestion, "I don't think that's possible Professor," he closed his eyes tiredly, thinking of all the questions he had failed to get an answer to, "Lee looked like a person that wouldn't be found unless he wanted to and even with the point-me spell, I do not know his surname to be accurate nor do I recognize his face" he explained to the disappointment of the Headmaster.

"I see," the headmaster replied, "but do not worry my dear boy, I believe that there will come a time when you will see him again, it is after all, a small world" he stated with a chuckle. Remus smiled at the man's positivity.

"Well then, I shouldn't be keeping you for much longer, you must want to rest after such a long night –and day-, so you are dismissed," Dumbledore stated as he stood up with Remus following, "do not worry about your classes, I've cancelled all of today's classes for the students to relax from the distress the past week have given us and turned it into a Hogs mead day." 'Ah, so that's where the students are' Remus thought then suddenly he remembered his wand.

"Ah, Professor, my wand?" he requested.

"Yes, yes, young Harry had wanted to bring it back to you personally; I assume that he had wanted to come see you to know how you were doing after last night" Dumbledore said as he escorted Remus down to the stairs. "I believe that he is waiting for you in the Hospital wing." He notified the now, young looking teacher.

Remus was both surprised and warmed to hear that. He didn't think that Harry would want to even see him after last night's debacle. He thought that the young thirteen year old would even hate him for ruining his only living family's chance of freedom, he sighed at that last thought.

"Thank you Professor, I'll go there now" He informed the Headmaster who nodded, to which he continued on his way.

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Arriving at the Hospital wing was as easy and quiet as his trek to the Headmaster's office; he supposed that plenty of the students were still at town seeing as it was still early in the day. He could admit that rewarding the students to go into town while still a weekday was a good tactic to erase away all the sheer terror of having a prisoner roaming the school, although he does doubt that not all would be gone in one day, it was still a good idea. As walked, he saw Harry sitting on one of the benches place near the double doors in the hallway and went to him.

He might have disturbed the young one's thoughts when he unintentionally startled the boy. He gave a nervous smile, apologizing for the disruption. "Ah, no, I was just waiting." Harry said, obviously a lie but Remus wasn't going to tell him that and continued on.

"Okay, I heard from Dumbledore that you have my wand?" he said gently, not wanting to frighten the boy, from what he doesn't really know, 'myself, probably'.

"Oh, yeah, here," Harry said giving back the older man's wand, he then stared at his teacher pausing for a moment, "You, look, different." He slowly said, unsure. Remus merely gave a laugh and rubbed his head, he, himself, unsure, "ah, yes, I suppose I'll be getting that a lot now" he said to himself jokingly.

"Uhm, should-shouldn't you be uhh, uhmm…" Remus could tell that Harry was struggling for words to say and felt amused by it, he then rescued him from thinking too hard and said, "Yes, I suppose I should be, but then again strange things happen and I've come to learn to just accept these things," which was a slight lie, he still hasn't accepted but learned to let it be, "must be a Werewolf thing," he added as a joke, though sadly, Harry didn't laugh. Remus then frowned, "I'm sorry for ruining Sirius' chance" he said solemnly which startled the un-expecting Harry.

"O-oh, no, it's fine, we don't blame you, it's like you said, 'these things happen', and Sirius is still free from bars" Harry reassured, although it did little to his conscience, Remus was still thankful for Harry to think of him.

"I'm happy that you're looking to the positive side of things, it was the same with your father, always looking to the bright side. It was your father's arsenal whenever they pulled me in to create large portions of trouble." He chuckled, ruffling Harry's already unruly hair, 'it's as soft as his fathers' he thought nostalgically.

"You mean all the time?" Harry continued, giving a laugh himself, not minding Remus' hand.

Ramus and Harry started to laugh and with just that, it seemed that all was forgiven. It was a very refreshing moment for the two of them and after the laughter died down, it looked as if it marked the start of something new in their relationship.

"Well, then brat," Remus teased, "I'd love to stay and chat but I do need to see Madam Pomfrey, only to reassure her of my living state." He said, messing Harry's hair one more time.

"Alright, then I suppose I'll go disturb Ron and Hermione's 'impromptu' date then" he innocently stated. Remus smirked at that, "tell me how it went, okay?" he asked to which Harry smiled mischievously, "Of course." Harry then headed off to the direction of Hogs mead.

Remus watched Harry leave until he couldn't see the boy anymore then took in a deep breath. He didn't really plan to visit the infirmary's nurse but he supposed that he might as well, considering that the nurse has been his care taker for every time that he turned back after his transformation for all of his school life as well as after. It said to Remus that that was more than enough years for him to assume Madam Pomfrey was his somewhat personal nurse/doctor, with that in his mind, he exhaled and opened the door to the infirmary room.

TBC

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