Beware the Wolf
Chapter 2 - The Warning
The Great Hall looked wonderful, even covered in green and silver. The Slytherins had won the house cup this year.
Big Surprise.
It was the last day of term, a Friday coincidentally enough. Harry had only been released from the infirmary this morning, much to his annoyance. He had been magically exhausted before his spat with the Headmaster and 'the accident,' as he called it, had exhausted him even more. Madam Pomfrey had been out of her mind, honestly. She was beyond angry at his so called foolishness and punished Harry by making him stay the rest of the week in the infirmary.
He had paid her back by annoying the daylights out of her.
This morning before leaving he had spilled everything to the group that had went with him to the ministry. Hermione was the only one who didn't approve of his actions. After telling him 'I told you so' about the trap and berating him for questioning the Headmaster she proceeded to let Harry know exactly what she thought of his refusal to participate in the Ministry Ball that was being held in his name. She wouldn't even listen when he told her he hadn't known it was a ball or in his name. He wouldn't have gone anyway, but still.
"The Headmaster was right Harry." She said to him as she sat in a chair next to Ron's infirmary bed. "You shouldn't be so selfish. You're a public figure and sometimes you're going to have to cast aside your wants for the good of the many. The Headmaster knows best and your judgment hasn't been the best lately. You should have done as he wanted. Besides, you didn't honestly know Sirius all that well did you? I mean I spent more time with him this summer than you did. Don't you think your over reacting a little? I've read about the grief process extensively and I just don't think your reaction is completely genuine."
Silence had followed that pronouncement and what followed was a screaming match that would go down forever in the annals of Hogwarts history. Surprisingly enough Harry hadn't had to say a single word. It was Neville who had screamed and raged and reduced Hermione to tears. By the end of his thorough tongue lashing quite a few students and teachers had come to see what all the yelling was about.
Everyone was surprised to see the usually timid Neville Longbottom mercilessly berating Hermione Granger, the Gryffindor bookworm.
Neville finished his harangue with a barb about not being such a know-it-all, and how you couldn't learn everything from a book, especially emotions.
The final straw for the girl seemed to be when Ron, the person she was counting on to back her up, said, "Really, Hermione, that was just cruel. And you said I had the emotional range of a teaspoon."
She had run off to Madam Pomfrey's office after that to wait alone for Professor Flitwick to take her home as her parents had insisted on her returning as soon as she was able to travel.
She did not, however, apologize.
After that wonderful display of loyal friendship talk had continued until Ron had been picked up by his family. Every single one of his brothers had come along with his parents, Percy included, to make sure Ron was all right, praise his efforts at the D.O.M., and take him home.
By the time they were ready to leave Ron was a brilliant shade of red, but he seemed content in the affections of his family. Harry felt happy that Ron seemed to finally appreciate the family he had. Harry promised to write during the summer and was then hugged by a multitude of red heads before they all vanished threw the floo.
Harry had spent the rest of the day in his bed, curtains closed, but Neville had persuaded him to come down to the feast instead of staying in bed alone with his thoughts, as he had been planning on.
Luna joined them at the Gryffindor table and, surprisingly, he felt much better than he had since he had woken up in the hospital wing five days ago. Neville touched his shoulder gently to gain his attention.
"You want to head back up to the Common Room, Harry?" Harry looked around, finally noticing that the feast was over. He shook his head to clear his thoughts. His mind had been wandering too much lately.
"Sure Nev." They quickly bid goodbye to Luna and started to make their way to the staircase.
"Potter!" Harry and Neville both turned to find Professor Snape making his way over to them. Both boys groaned under their breaths but walked toward the man anyway.
He completely ignored Neville and addressed Harry swiftly.
"The Headmaster asked me to speak with you, Potter, before you retired for the night. If you would follow me to my office."
He obediently followed the man a few feet before he realized that Neville was right beside him. Harry looked at him questioningly but Neville only looked back with a stubborn expression on his face. Evidently, his friend wouldn't be leaving him alone and even though he knew the potions master was no threat, he was supremely grateful for the show of support. Neville had seriously been surprising him lately.
They traveled down to the dungeons in silence. When they arrived at the door to the dour man's office, he held it open for both boys. He made no mention of Neville's presence, just rolled his eyes dramatically when he noticed the lanky teen had also followed.
"Sit." He said, as he shut the door. He sat behind his desk with his hands folded on top. He glared at Neville briefly when he chose to stand next to Harry's chair instead of sitting.
"Longbottom, there is no need for you to stand guard over Mr. Potter. I assure you, I mean him no harm. If I did, I have had ample opportunity to do so. You will recall I did not partner him with you this semester during potions. That should be evidence enough I think."
He smirked as a red faced Neville sat down in the seat beside Harry. Harry was trying to decide if he should retaliate or laugh. It was pretty funny. Snape didn't give him a chance though.
"I'll get straight to the point, shall I?" He asked and then immediately continued. "First of all, the Headmaster bid me tell you his beard has recovered nicely and he does not hold your actions a few days ago against you."
Snape smirked at Harry while Neville chuckled under his breath. Harry blushed, yet again, at the reminder of his fit, and mumbled, "He deserved it."
"I dare say he did." Said the potion master, his smirk nearly turning into a smile.
"He would have told you all this himself, but, as you know, the ministry has no minister and is in quite a state and so he is there at the moment trying to push the Wizengomet to elect an Interim Minister."
Harry nodded. He knew the Headmaster had been reinstated to as Chief Warlock and was very busy at the moment. Fudge had been ousted just the day before. Harry's refusal to go to the ball seemed to drive home all the man's screw ups. Harry didn't care one bit.
"Although, it may be difficult to speak of at the moment, you should know your… Godfather left a will leaving most of his possessions to you. Grimmuald place is now yours as is that filthy house elf. It is currently in the Kitchens so that the Headmaster can keep and eye on it." He said it impassively, but Harry knew it was hard for him to leave out the insults him most assuredly wanted to say. Harry was glad he did though; this was all ready hard enough. His eyes were all ready prickling.
"He also left some things for his pet werewolf. Your guardianship the most valuable."
Harry ignored the barb toward Remus, utterly surprised by this turn of events. "The Headmaster isn't going to make me stay with the Dursley's?" He asked, barely daring to hope.
"No. He is not. Lupin will be at the train station waiting for you when you arrived at King's Cross station tomorrow evening."
Harry may have been depressed and mourning, but he couldn't help whooping in joy and throwing himself in Neville's arms. He quickly regained control and pulled away, but not before noticing Neville's pink cheeks and pleased smile. Snape, however, did not look pleased.
As Harry retook his seat, smiling widely for the first time since the ministry, Snape spoke up once again.
"I know how this must please you, Potter," The man began slowly, "but I feel the need to warn you."
"About what?" He asked.
"It was a closely guarded secret, as Lupin was of course a werewolf, but he and Black were together. They were mates, as is the custom of werewolves, and had been since their school days."
"I didn't know that." Harry was thoroughly confused. He had thought Remus and Sirius were just friends. Why hadn't they told him?
"Of course, you didn't, stupid boy. As I said, it was a closely guarded secret. Not even many in the order knew. I tell you this only because you will be staying with Lupin this summer and it is not uncommon for creatures to become… unbalanced or temperamental…after the loss of their mate."
Harry looked at the man incredulously. "What are you trying to say? Are you trying to tell me Remus would hurt me? That would never happen, sir" He stated passionately. What was Snape trying to do? Turn him against Remus?
"I will explain my reasons, you need to trust me, Potter. I may have a grudge against both of those mutts but your safety has always been my main priority. You know this." Harry did, so he listened.
"I am merely going to give you facts, Potter. The Headmaster discouraged me from saying anything but I believe you should know. The wolf was inconsolable after Black was sent to Azkaban. He raged for weeks and at one point had to be admitted to St. Mungo's. He recovered swiftly, and soon left England to travel for many years, but the initial reaction is what concerns me.
"Werewolves are fierce creatures, especially concerning their mates. No." He held up his hand as he saw Harry and Neville both start to protest. "This is a statement of fact. Lupin is more controlled than most but he is what he is. I am just making you aware of what could happen, Potter. I think it is a very bad idea to give you over to him so soon after Blacks passing, especially since you were involved in the incident, as it were."
Harry paled dramatically. Neville shot the man furious look and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder to comfort him. Harry didn't respond but Snape cocked his head a bit to the side and raised an eyebrow at Longbottom.
"That was not an accusation. I have often complained of your brash attitude, but given the situation, even an Adult would have been hard pressed to stay put, instead of run off as you did. You were not given all the facts to begin with, you checked his hiding place, and you were deceived by a creature you would not have believed could lie to you. Your reaction was understandable. It was not your fault and we will leave it at that."
Harry swallowed the lump in his throat and simply nodded his head. Everyone he knew had told him the same thing, but coming from this man, it was different. Snape was always honest, brutally so at times. He hadn't lied to Harry yet and so he let the man's words wash over him. It wasn't his fault. He could almost believe it.
"As I was saying, I think it utterly foolish to give you to the wolf, but I hold the minority opinion it seems and Black's will is air tight. You will be staying with him until you reach your majority."
Harry interrupted. "I appreciate the concern, but I trust Remus. He wouldn't do anything to me Professor."
"Do not interrupt me again, Potter." Harry nodded sheepishly. "You may trust him, but I do not. I have something to give you to ease my mind, and help you if needed."
He pulled out a sheet of paper and handed it to Harry.
The home of Severus Snape is located at 387 Spinners End, Manchester, England.
Harry could hardly believe it. Severus Snape's home was under Fidelius, and he was sharing the secret with him! He quickly memorized it and burned the paper.
"Sir, I…" Harry had no idea what to say. Snape saved him from having to stutter his way through a heartfelt thank you.
"Yes, well, you're welcome Potter. I expect you to use that if you have need. My floo has no password, but I am unsure where you will be staying, there may be a password to leave. There is no password on the floo at headquarters either. If there is trouble, I expect you to use it. Only if there is trouble, mind." He stated firmly, looking Harry straight in the eye.
"Of course, sir. I'm sure I won't need it, but I appreciate the gesture."
"Hmm." Snape looked at Harry and cleared his throat uncomfortably and said something so utterly surprising Harry was speechless.
"As horrible an influence as he indisputably was. The mutt did…love you, Potter. His only redeeming attribute."
Neville's mouth was hanging open and Snape was pink cheeked. It took a long moment for Harry to gather himself but his whispered "Thank you" was acknowledged none the less.
Snape seemed to be trying to find his bearings when he turned his attention to Neville. He looked him over briefly, as if measuring him up. "I suspect Mr. Longbottom would not be averse to your contacting him in the event of a problem. Am I right?"
"Of course sir! If you needed anything Harry, all you have to do is let me know. Gran wouldn't mind at all, I'm sure and…" Neville seemed to be rambling to make up for the awkward silence a moment earlier, but Snape couldn't handle that for long.
"Yes yes. We understand Longbottom. Now get out, the both of you." The boys sat for a moment stunned by the quick dismissal before scurrying toward the door.
"Oh, and gentleman?" Both boys stopped and turned. "I expect this conversation to stay between us, is that clear? I will be extremely …displeased… if I hear you have told anyone of this meeting." Both nodded quickly.
"Good. Out." And out they went.