Disclaimer: Harry Potter doesn't belong to me, capisce?

A/N: Introduction for the Marauder's Map was taken straight from Chapter 10 of POA.

Once they had gotten to Lupin's office, Harry really got to see how ill the professor looked. His cheeks had a slight hollowness, and his eyes were irritated and sunken. Lupin also seemed thinner than when Harry had last seen him. He knew that Lupin had been out sick, but he hadn't realized how serious it was.

He took a sip from a goblet on his desk. "I heard about the dementors at the match. Is there any chance of fixing your Nimbus?" Lupin inquired with genuine concern.

"No," he admitted quietly. "I have to get a new broom before our next match. I don't understand why this is happening to me and not anyone else," Harry pronounced with frustration.

Lupin settled back and surveyed Harry with a warm eye. "Harry, what do you relive when they come near you? Any images or sounds?"

Vividly, he remembered the screaming that assaulted him each time before passing out. "Yes, I hear a woman screaming and see a flash of green light. I think it is a memory of Voldemort killing my mother." Harry had to work to clear the lump that formed in his throat.

"Harry, don't for a moment think you are weaker than anyone else, because the Dementors affect you this way. Most other people have never experienced a true horror like witnessing Voldemort killing their parents. That is why you are affected more than others," he explained.

That reason had never occurred to Harry. Other people just felt cold and hopeless around Dementors. They didn't relive things or experience a sensation of insanity. Lupin's theory made complete sense. "Well, what can I do to stop it? There has to be something other than erasing my memory," Harry reasoned. His need for a solution almost bordered on desperation.

Lupin seemed to debate with himself for a moment. Once he had considered both sides of the argument, he began to speak with a hint of hesitancy, "There is a spell designed to ward off Dementors. Do you recall that silvery mist I shot at the Dementors on the train?"

Though Harry had been losing consciousness at the time, he had a vague memory of a fine, silver mist coming from Lupin's wand. "Yes. What is that spell called?" In his two and half years at Hogwarts, Harry had never learned of a spell that seemed similar.

"That, Harry, is called the Patronus Charm. Typically, a true Patronus assumes the form of a particular animal. Every person has one that is specific to them," Lupin said, switching into teaching mode momentarily. "This piece of magic is exceptionally difficult. Many adult wizards cannot produce a true Patronus."

Harry paused to consider the possibilities. Lupin didn't even conjure a full Patronus that one time, so Harry wasn't sure he could either. "Professor, do you think you could teach me the charm?" he asked after a few moments. He knew that he at least wanted to try. Anything that could keep that screaming away was worth a shot.

Lupin surprised Harry by smiling a little. "I will do my best, Harry," he promised. "Can I ask one small favor in return?"

Harry was so happy, he probably would have given his first born if Lupin had asked. "Sure, Professor. Anything you want," he agreed eagerly. He could barely contain his excitement.

Lupin chuckled. "Could we start after the holidays? I have quite a bit of work to do before break," he requested courteously. "I fell ill at a really inconvenient time."

"No problem, Professor," Harry assented. He stood up, about to leave, when he remembered another question. "Would you mind teaching Ron and Hermione as well?"

"It would be my pleasure, Harry. Now run along before Mr. Filch tries to give you a detention." Harry took his leave and rushed back to Gryffindor Tower. Ron and Hermione were waiting for him by the fireplace.

"What did you want to talk to Lupin for?" Ron asked as Harry plopped down on the couch next to Hermione. Their homework was spread on the table in front of them, but only Hermione's looked like it had been worked on. She put it aside as soon as Harry sat down to give him her full attention.

"I asked him about that charm to ward off Dementors. The Patronus charm," Harry responded.

Hermione perked up instantly. "What did he say, Harry?" she inquired excitedly. Her body shifted toward him, and she dropped her quill on the top paper. Harry saw an inkblot form on the previously dried paragraph she had written earlier. Hermione didn't notice.

"He said he would start training us after Christmas," Harry announced with a huge grin on his face. He waited for Hermione to realize what he said.

It took a few seconds. "Wait, you said 'us'. What do you mean?" Her and Ron quickly came to the same conclusion. "He has agreed to teach all three of us?"

Harry laughed at the amazed look on her face. "Yes. Lupin is going to teach all three of us," Harry reiterated slowly. Hermione squealed and gave Harry a big hug. Ron just sat on the other end of the couch with an amused expression on his face. "I take it you're excited then."

She nodded her head furiously. "I've read that it is an extremely difficult spell, but I'm sure we will all get it," Hermione assured the two boys and herself. "I can't wait for our lessons to start!" she exclaimed.

"I can," Ron volunteered. "We have enough homework as it is." His remark caused all three teens to laugh. Soon after, each of them drifted off to bed. Harry fell asleep with thoughts of Hermione running through his mind.

The next couple weeks passed by rather quickly up until the last weekend before the holidays. Hogwarts filled with a festive mood, and it affected all professors with the exception of Snape. Having less homework, students regularly went outside for massive snow fights or stayed by the fireplaces and played wizarding chess. Hermione seemed to be in better spirits since she took Harry's suggestion and got more sleep. She dropped Divination, so her homework load decreased slightly. Things between Harry and Hermione hadn't been awkward, but there was a strange energy between them. Ron didn't seem to notice, and Harry wasn't sure how to deal with it.

Both Ron and Hermione decided to stay at Hogwarts for Christmas, and they were ready for the Hogsmeade visit. Reminder of that trip dampened Harry's cheer mildly, but he didn't want to ruin it for his friends. The day arrived, and Harry prepared by borrowing a broomstick catalogue from Wood. He needed to order a new broomstick before the season started back up. During practices, he used one of the school's Comet Two-Sixties, and he felt the broom should be converted to firewood. Harry saw them off and headed back to Gryffindor Tower before Fred and George ambushed him.

"Aren't you guys going to Hogsmeade? It's the last weekend before next term," Harry asked them. He wondered what they could be planning. The twins had matching smirks on their faces that Harry didn't trust.

"That's what this is about," they intoned together. "Harry, we want to show you the secret of our success." They pulled him into an empty classroom. George pulled a yellowed piece of parchment from the folds of his cloak.

Harry eyed the parchment skeptically. "An old piece of parchment? That's the secret of your success?" he asked. His tone betrayed his disbelief.

"Just an old piece of parchment?" Fred scoffed. He touched his wand to the parchment and said, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." A message appeared, surprising Harry. It read:

"Messrs. Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs

Purveyors of aid to Magical Mischief-Makers

Are proud to present

The Marauders' Map"

The message was then replaced by a map depicting every detail of the Hogwarts castle and grounds. Dots covered the map, and each was labeled with the name of a student or teacher. Harry noted a couple routes leading off the map in the direction of Hogsmeade.

He made a point to ask about them. "Do these really lead to Hogsmeade?" His fingers traced the paths to the edge of the parchment.

"Yep. There are seven in all," Fred began.

"But Filch knows about these four," George continued.

"And this one caved in," Fred picked up.

"And this one is right underneath the Whomping Willow," George said.

"So you are left with this one which leads you straight into Honeydukes' cellar," they finished together.

They graciously shoved it into Harry's hands. "Where did you get this?" he asked as he marveled at the wonderful creation in his fingers.

"We nicked it from Filch's office a few years ago. We know it by heart, so we want to give it to you," Fred informed him.

"Why are you giving it to me and not Ron?" Harry felt this was more of a brotherly thing. They should hand it down to Ron rather than him.

"We feel you will have more use for it," George said in a suggesting tone. "Here's a tip: just say 'mischief managed' to wipe it clean. Always wipe it clean after you use it."

"See you in Hogsmeade, Harry," and the twins left.

Harry just stared at the aged parchment in his hands. He watched at dots labeled Fred and George ran down the Grand Staircase and out the front entrance. They disappeared as they ran off the map into Hogsmeade. Immediately, Harry looked for the secret passageway and saw that the entrance was directly outside the classroom he was currently in. He checked to make sure no one was around before going out to the one-eyed witch statue. Harry tapped the statue and muttered the password that appeared on the map. The hump opened to reveal a ramp descending into darkness. Harry hoisted himself in, and the hump closed, encasing him in darkness.

Though he couldn't see anything, he felt his descent as the ramp moved beneath his bum. The air grew dry and dusty, and Harry could almost taste the dirt on his tongue. He hit bottom and coughed as the dust rose. "Lumos," he aid and peered around at the low, dark tunnel. Harry wiped the map clean and tucked it into his cloak.

Harry took the tunnel at a brisk pace though he had to hunch a little to fit. He kept the light low to avoid tripping over anything. He could feel the tunnel take a gradual upward angel. It ended, and Harry noticed a trapdoor directly above his head. Pushing it open revealed the sight of a typical shop basement. He saw boxes of Jelly Slugs, Sugar Quills, and Ice Mice.

Carefully, he replaced the trapdoor and marveled at how seamlessly it fit into the floor. The only sign that Harry had come through was a little displaced dust. Footsteps creaked down the stairs, and Harry hid behind a stack of crates. While the man fumbled around in a box of Jelly slugs, Harry crept up the stairs and out into the crowded store. He knew he would be safe in a sea of black Hogwarts cloaks.

Muggle candy stores had nothing on this store. The walls were filled with nothing but boxes and boxes of wizarding specialties. One wall did have Muggle candies, but most students weren't interested in those plain old candy bars. Another wall was devoted to special effects candies, and yet another contained candies for special tastes. Harry scanned the crowd and quickly located his two best friends. Ron's red hair stood out vividly in the crowd.

Harry quickly pushed his way over to them. They stood by the Special Tastes wall. Ron was examining a jar of cockroach clusters while Hermione wasn't expressing interest in anything. Her thoughts were with Harry back in the castle. Ron was too excited to notice, but Harry saw that Hermione's mind was elsewhere.

Ron held up a box of Blood Pops. "Do you think Harry would like these?" Ron jokingly asked Hermione.

"Sorry, I haven't acquired a taste for blood yet," Harry responded. Both Ron and Hermione jumped and looked at him as though they had seen a ghost.

"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed. "How did you get here?"

Harry smiled and began to explain. He described how Fred and George gave him the Marauders' Map. Honeydukes was too crowded to show them the map, but he told them all about it. Ron seemed upset. "They should've given it to me. I'm their brother!" he fumed to no one in particular.

Hermione felt anxious, and her was speeding as fast as it had when Harry surprised them. "Are you sure it isn't dangerous?" she asked with concern.

"Fred and George have used it for years, and nothing bad had happened to them. Besides, think of all the uses it has! I can sneak into Hogsmeade," Harry pointed out.

"We can sneak around Hogwarts without getting caught," Ron continued.

Hermione interrupted with a serious thought, "And we can see Sirius Black if he comes into the school."

"I hadn't thought of that," Harry conceded.

Ron continued to babble, "We can sneak into the kitchens, off to Hagrid's…" He completely missed the last part of the conversation as he day-dreamed of all the mischief they could get into.

Harry mused over Hermione's suggestion. Sirius Black wouldn't be able to enter the school without showing up on the map. Hermione always had the smart ideas in their group. She was smart, but she was also pretty. Harry was finally getting used to that idea. It was easy when Hermione's chocolate brown eyes were staring back at him.

Ron chose that moment to break out of his reverie. He noticed Harry and Hermione stare at each other before glancing at him. "What?" he asked curiously.

Hermione smiled and shook her head. "Come on. Let's go to the Three Broomsticks and introduce Harry to Butterbeer." She hooked her arms through theirs, and they set off into the blizzard roaring outside. Luckily, Harry had been wearing his cloak when Fred and George ambushed him. It was bitterly cold, so he wished he had remembered to grab his scarf and gloves.

They trudged through the icy road down to the pub. Inside, it was warm and crowded with even more Hogwarts students. Hermione spotted an empty table in the corner next to the tree, and her and Harry went to claim it while Ron went to the counter for drinks. The table wasn't close to the fireplace, but the mass of students kept the air warm Their shivering subsided, and they sat just staring at each other in awkward silence.

Harry cleared his throat. "Hermione, thanks for not asking me to turn it in," he said to break the unsettling quiet.

She smiled. "Well, I trust you not to do anything foolish or really dangerous. On the other hand, I understand why the twins didn't give it to Ron," she explained. They laughed appreciatively, and Harry checked to make sure Ron was still at the counter.

"Hermione," Harry began, but he found himself unable to go on. He wanted to her about what had been going on between them lately, but the words weren't coming.

Hermione seemed eager for Harry to continue. "Yes, Harry?" She watched him as though trying to guess what he was thinking. Unfortunately, Ron came back then with three tankards full of Butterbeer.

"Never mind," Harry muttered as he accepted his tankard. He was poised to take a sip when the bell on the door jingled. Suddenly, two pairs of hands shoved him under the table causing him to spill half his Butterbeer down the front of his robes. Hermione charmed the Christmas tree to in front of their table. Harry watched through the lower branches as four pairs of legs sat down at the table next to them.

He took a sip and wondered why they wanted him out of sight when Cornelius Fudge's voice drifted over from the next table. Harry tensed and began to listen as Fudge said, "Rosmerta, my dear. Why don't you join us for a bit?"

"Don't mind if I do," came a voice that Harry assumed belonged to the barmaid. "Business has taken a hit since these Dementors came to town. How much longer will we have to put up with them, Minister?"

"Until we catch Sirius Black, I'm afraid. He's proving quite elusive," Fudge responded in a low voice.

"I remember when he attended Hogwarts," Professor Flitwick reminisced. "He was highly intelligent, but he never applied himself."

McGonagall started reminiscing as well. "His two best friends, Remus Lupin and James Potter, were just as smart. They even let little Peter Pettigrew hang around with them." Her voice had a note of sorrow.

Ron and Hermione gasped audibly. Harry felt his heart drop into his stomach. He slumped against Hermione's leg, and he felt her put her hand on his head. All of them couldn't help but continue listening intently.

"Nothing shocked me more than hearing that Black betrayed the Potters and killed Pettigrew. I never could figure out what went wrong," McGonagall admitted. Harry gasped loudly, and Hermione put a finger to his lips.

"He became a Death Eater. His friends made a mistake by trusting him," Fudge pronounced with an air of knowing.

"he was the Potters' Secret Keeper, so he was the only one who knew where they lived. Dumbledore volunteered, but James wanted it to be his best friend," McGonagall explained.

"When I want ta go rescue Harry, I found Black there. He tried at get me ter give Harry ta him, but I refused. So he lent me his motorbike knowing he wasn't going ta need it in Azkaban! I wished I would'a known, then we wouldn't be talking about him now!" Hagrid growled. Harry heard shushing noises.

Silence ensued for a moment at that table. Madame Rosmerta broke it by asking, "Why did he want you to give Harry to him?"

"Another little know fact: Sirius Black is Harry Potter's godfather," McGonagall half whispered.

After a little more conversation, the four adults departed from the pub, and Madame Rosmerta went back to the counter. Harry came out from under the table and sat down with his half-empty tankard. His face was pained, and he was completely quiet. Hermione reached out to take Harry's hand, but he didn't react.

"Harry?" Hermione ventured weakly. She felt terrible for him, and she wanted him to respond. Hermione hated Sirius Black for causing Harry all this pain.

Harry got up without meeting anyone's eyes. "We should go. It's getting late," he said numbly. He walked out of the pub without a backward glance to see if Ron and Hermione were following.

"Ron, go up to the castle. I'll go with Harry to make sure he's okay. We'll meet back in the Common Room," Hermione ordered.

"But…" Ron began to protest.

"No, someone will notice if neither of us go through the gates. Harry needs at least one of us, so please go!" she pleaded with him before running off after Harry. She caught up with him just as he got to Honeydukes. "Harry, wait," she called out and grabbed his arm. He spun around to face her, and she saw he was ready to cry.

"Why aren't you going back with Ron?" he asked quietly.

"Because you need me," she pointed out defiantly. There was no way she was going to let him go off by himself.

Harry tried to convince her to leave. "Won't anyone be suspicious if you don't come in through the front gates?"

Hermione shook her head. "I'm usually lost in the crowd. Ron would be missed, because he's too noticeable."

"Okay. Let's slip down to the cellar," Harry gave up. He knew there was no use arguing with Hermione once she set her mind to something.

Harry and Hermione worked their way through the still-crowded candy store. They crept down the stairs to the trapdoor. Harry indicated for Hermione to go first, but she politely declined. "I don't want to give you the opportunity to stare at my backside," she explained jokingly. Her answer brought a grin to Harry's face. He crawled in, and Hermione climbed in behind him. They illuminated the tips of their wands, and Hermione shut the door behind them.

They moved along the tunnel until it leveled out. Hermione stopped Harry by calling his name out. "Yes, Hermione?" he asked after turning around. He waited as she worked out what she wanted to say.

"Can we talk for a while?" she finally asked. "It's easier if Ron isn't here." Harry nodded, and they both sat down. "Harry, how are you feeling? I want the truth."

"I'm angry enough to go after him myself! He was their friend, and he betrayed them!" Harry growled. He began to angrily knead his fist, and Hermione could see the fury in his eyes.

She put her hands on his to stop them. "Harry, what would that solve? You would playing right into his hands. That will just give him the opportunity to kill you," she reasoned. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she tried to blink them away, but a few escaped in trails down her cheeks.

Harry's anger vanished, and he had a need to wrap his arms around her. "Oh, Hermione, I'm sorry. Please don't cry," he apologized. He absolutely hated making her cry.

"No, I'm sorry. It isn't you. I just can't bear the thought of him hurting you," she tried to say calmly. Her tears wet the left shoulder of his robes, but he didn't really care.

"You have nothing to be sorry fort. I know how you feel, and I promise I'll try to stay safe," Harry assured her. "C'mon, Ron will be wondering what happened to us." He held out his hand and helped her up. She stumbled a little and ended up in Harry's arms. Their faces were so close, and Harry had a sudden desire to touch her lips. All he could think about was how much he actually liked her as he reached down to brush his lips against hers.

It only lasted a short moment, and Hermione was too shocked to respond. She looked up at Harry with a confused expression on her face. Harry blushed and began to start apologizing. Hermione put a finger to his lips again to quiet him. She smiled and kissed him sweetly. He kissed her back, and they spent a few minutes figuring out how to enjoy it.

They broke apart and sported a matching set of grins. "I hate to ruin the moment, but we really should get back to the Common Room. Ron will start to wonder," Hermione reminded Harry.

"What will we tell Ron?" Harry wondered out loud.

/

The Common Room was empty when they got back, because everyone was at dinner. Strangely, neither of the teens felt hungry, and they couldn't stop looking at each other and smiling. Harry and Hermione sat down on the couch closest to the fireplace. Harry still held Hermione's hand, but he didn't know how close to sit to her. Hermione settled the issue by sitting as close to Harry as she could get. He wanted to talk about the kiss, but he couldn't seem to get his throat to work. Again, Hermione fixed the problem by bringing it up first. "Harry, we need to talk about what just happened," she said hesitantly.

"Oh," Harry managed as his ears turned red. "Er… Did you not like it then?" he asked while looking down at the carpet. He couldn't look her in the eyes if she was going to tell him he was a bad kisser.

Hermione turned his face up to look at her. "No, I liked it very much. I'm just wondering why you kissed me." Her eyes searched his as though she could pull the answer directly from his brain. "Do you like me?"

Harry cleared his throat and licked his dry lips. "I do like you, Hermione," he said hoarsely. Mustering all of the Gryffindor courage he could, Harry asked, "Hermione, will you be my girlfriend?"

Hermione grinned as wide as her face would allow and threw her arms around Harry's neck. "Yes!" she answered enthusiastically. Harry gladly wrapped her in a hug. She turned her face to meet his in another kiss. Harry was blown away. He never thought Hermione would actually agree to be his girlfriend.

Ron chose that moment to walk into the Common Room. He saw Harry and Hermione and immediately pulled a piece of paper out of his robes. Harry opened his eyes after the kiss was over and noticed Ron studying the rather large parchment in his hand. Hermione turned around when she saw the shocked look on Harry's face. They moved apart quickly. "Ron, how long have you been standing there?" Hermione asked in a somewhat steady voice while she attempted to smooth the wrinkles out of her skirt.

"Long enough," he answered shortly. His eyes were still focused on the paper.

Harry stood up to try and get a better look at the paper. "What are you looking at?" Harry inquired with lots of curiosity. Ron didn't usually focus on anything this much except Quidditch.

"Man!" Ron exclaimed and threw his hands up. "Professor Lupin won!"

"Won what?" Harry and Hermione said in unison.

Ron explained, "There was a running bet on when you guys would go out." He had the sense to look ashamed when met with their looks of shock. "The bets started last year, and Professor Lupin placed his the most recently. He won by betting on this Christmas."

"Are you kidding me?" Hermione asked incredulously.

"Hermione, you're better at Arithmancy. How much did he win?" Ron inquired and flung the paper at her before flopping on the couch.

She took it eagerly and began studying. Harry looked over her shoulder at the list of names and dates. "Wow, there are quite a few teachers on here," Harry noted. "How many people are on the list?"

"Over 150 at last count. Many of them placed multiple bets. My bet was at the end of this year," Ron said. His ears were still a little red. "So how much did he win, Hermione?"

Hermione dropped her hands in disbelief. "The total comes out to 10,764 galleons," she announced. She looked to Harry with a look of bewilderment on her face. Harry imagined it matched the expression on his face.

"Bloody hell. I guess I will let everyone know who to pay," Ron said and pocketed the list once more. He looked at Hermione, who seemed frozen in her shock. "Oy, Hermione. What's wrong?"

She blinked as though waking from a trance. "How did everyone see something we didn't?" she asked Harry. "How is that possible?" Her voice went up several decibels. Harry put steadying hands on her shoulders which seemed to calm her down some.

"You're just mad that for once, everyone else knew something you didn't," Ron responded with his usual finesse. Hermione began to fume even more visibly and started shooting daggers at Ron with her eyes. Harry gave Ron a look of warning, and he took the hint by muttering "good night" and running up to the dormitory. The argument had been narrowly avoided.

Hermione relaxed after a few minutes. "Are you okay now?" Harry asked with extreme caution. He didn't want Hermione to round on him this time.

She nodded and wrapped her hand in his. "Yeah. Ron was right though. I was jealous that everyone else knew something before me, especially about something so apparently obvious," she admitted.

"I guess you owe Ron an apology then. That was a lot to take in, and he was his usual insensitive self, but he wasn't trying to be mean," Harry counseled wisely. "Besides, he now has to put up with his two best friends being a couple now."

"True," Hermione considered. "I'll apologize in the morning. It will make out Christmas Break more enjoyable if we're all on good terms."

"Definitely," Harry smiled before kissing her again with enough sweetness to take her breath away.

A/N: Sorry this chapter has taken so long. I just wanted to finish my other one, so I can focus on getting this done before I go to college next year. I hope I shall succeed!