DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter, that's JK Rowling's creation.

Author's Note: Thanks to everybody who's reviewed so far. I'm sorry it took me so long to post this - my muse had me writing chapters six and seven at the time I'd typed this up, but something happened and I ended up going back on a reading stint. sigh Chapter six IS written and I hope to have it typed up and posted within the next several weeks.

Re-Awakening - Chapter 5

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Remus Lupin frowned. He knew Harry had been sneaking down to the nightclubs. The whole order knew. As soon as Albus had discovered this, he announced it an the next meeting. It had taken them a while to figure out how he was getting there, but several weeks worth of observation revealed that the boy knew how to apparate already. He didn't have his license yet, but that didn't seem to stop him. He had been acting without care of consequences lately. Last night, however, the boy had managed to elude his observers and disappeared until they'd discovered him at home this morning. Other than his recent apathy, nothing was reported being out of the ordinary these last few days.

The biggest concern the werewolf had at the moment was not visiting the boy -- he knew Harry would be very happy to see him. The two had become close since Sirius' death. No, Remus' main worry was that the full moon was in two nights. How was he supposed to tail the boy when he needed to be locked up for a night? If he were able to procure some wolfsbane, he might be able to do it in his wolf form, but even then there was a great risk. The potion would only just keep the wolf in him in check. Any excitement at all and the would could still emerge.

Remus would not be able to live with himself if he passed this curse on to Harry. He sighed as he pulled on his overcoat and apparated to Arabella Fig's house.

The second bedroom in Arabella's house was done up quite nicely. There were portraits of past family members on the bureau and even larger photos of her cats on the walls. She had a pull-out day bed against one wall and a wooden chair opposite. The curtains were done up with frills and a lace valance framed the top. Of course, the blinds in the window kept anyone from seeing whoever happened to be coming or going, and a final touch consisting of a silencing charm made this room the perfect place to apparate.

'Now if only she wouldn't keep rearranging the furniture,' Remus thought as he stepped down off the day bed.

"Good morning, 'Bella!" Remus called as he made his way to the living room. The sound of a full cat dish shattering as it hit the floor was followed by an undignified shriek.

"Oh Remus!" She gasped. "You startled me! Now be a good lad and repair my broken dish." She added the latter with a mock glare, feigning irritation. She was always happy to see Remus. Over the last two years, they too had developed quite a friendship, what with he and the other order members over to help watch Harry.

"How are you this morning? Is everything all right?" She asked.

Remus sighed before answering. "Well, it was untill albus mentioned that Harry had gotten himself into more trouble than usual."

"Is he okay?"

"I'm not sure," he answered. "That's what I'm here to find out. Albus wants me to pay him a visit and perhaps follow him for a few days."

The old squib was very definitely shocked. She asked, "So close to the full moon?"

Remus shrugged. "We shall see what happens," he said as he walked out the front door.

It was a short walk down the street and around the corner to number 4 Privet Drive. The neighboorhood was nice and tidy, the lawns green and well-manicured, and the flowerbeds weeded and in full bloom. The tidiness of the houses made everthing seem so... plastic, so unreal. It was almost as if he were in one giant model. The only difference here was that instead of plastic toys and dolls, the town was populated with cars and people.

The front walk to number 4 Privet Drive was, at first appearances, just as neat and tidy as the rest of the houses on the block. However, Remus' keen gaze showed that the yard and the flowerbeds weren't getting the kind of attention they were long accustomed to. This was one of the effects of Harry's freedom from being the Dursley's "human house elf." It was amazing that Petunia had even spent that much time working on it. Remus knew for certain that she'd never order her precious Dudders to help out in the yard. The fat whale of a boy was far too spoiled to attempt any yard work anymore. Maybe if he were still eight years old and not so badly spoiled...

Remus knocked firmly on the door and prepared for a bit of a wait and a lot of yelling.

He was rather surprised when Vernon himself answered the door.

"He's in his room," said the wide man. "He hasn't left all morning."

Remus marveled as Vernon stepped aside and invited him in. He sniffed the air around him. There was a faint trace of someone familiar about the man, but he couldn't remember who. It had been a LONG time since he'd last smelled that scent and he was unable to place when or where. He nodded his thanks to the man and made his way upstairs.

He was just about to knock on Harry's door when the boy invited him in.

"Come on in, Remus," Harry invited. "Please close the door behind you."

The older wizard took another sniff as he closed the door behind him. He noticed that strangely familiar scent again and he could smell that the boy's uncle had been in here. The boy's scent was there, but it was different, it had changed since he last saw him. It was as if he wasn't entirely human anymore. Remus stole a glance at the boy and he saw that he wasn't wearing his glasses either. Harry was sitting on his bed, a potions text was closed in his hands, a finger between the pages to hold his place. He motioned for Remus to take a chair by the desk.

"How are you today, Remus?" the boy asked. He did not seem surprised to see him.

"I'm fine, Harry." he answered. Deciding not to dance around the subject, he asked, "Is everything all right with you? I hear you're in some sort of trouble."

"Albus sent you," said Harry. It was not a question. Remus nodded and Harry laughed. Remus noted there was no joy in that laugh.

The boy turned serious before continuing, "And I supposed he's asked you to follow me around for several days, regardless of the fact that the full moon is only two nights away?"

Again the werewolf nodded.

"The headmaster is using you Remus. He wants you to use ALL of your senses and tell him who you've sniffed around me."

Remus was shocked. Was the boy listening in on the firecall?

"What makes you think that, Harry? The headmaster has his reasons, I'm sure." Remus countered.

"First of all, he's asked the lone adult I trust to get information out of me without telling you the truth. I haven't gotten into any trouble, Remus," said Harry, "I've simply learned the truth."

Remus frowned. "What truth is that, Harry?"

A cruel smile worked its way across the boy's lips.

"I told you that already, Remus." He answered. "Albus is using you, just as he's been using me since he had my parents killed."

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"HARRY!" The werewolf was livid. Harry could see the denial that suddenly flashed across his face, he could smell the anger radiating from him, and he could feel the hope that he'd been lied to. "How DARE you say such a thing! Your parents died at the hands of VOLDEMORT. They were betrayed by PETER! Albus has only been working to protect you, to make sure you survive. I guarantee he hasn't been using you at all."

The wolf in Remus was trying his hardest to escape. Harry watched his amber eyes grow brighter, more yellow. If he couldn't verbally convince him the truth, he would have to show him. Unfortunately, werewolves had better mental shields than humans. He would have to transform, but only as a last resort. Werewolves did not react well to vampires, but they were enthralled by Regals. Regals could control them easily, but Harry didn't want Remus as a subject. He wanted him as a friend, advisor, and loyal ally.

He knew the real reason Remus was loyal to his father. Sure, they had been friends, but shortly before the other two Marauders found out, James had cornered Remus in an abandoned part of the castle and revealed his true form. The reason he never interfered with James' and Sirius' mental torture of Snape was because he was forbidden to. After the night in that corridor, Remus was not only James' friend, but his subject. Harry did not want that. He gazed on the elder wizard with sad eyes.

"Remus," he began, "last night, I learned my true heritage."

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Remus felt his blood run cold. 'No! It CAN'T be true!' It explained the change in Harry's scent though. He would not be drawn into the servitude of another Regal. He realized he'd been staring at Harry with his mouth open and shut it before schooling his features into an expressionless mask.

"I'm truly sorry, Harry, but I'll quite frank with you. Your father --"

"Don't say it, Remus." The boy interrupted. "I know all about it."

Remus stood up before replying, "Then you know why I must leave now." He turned and walked to the door. It was locked. "Alohamora!"

The door would not open.

"Open the door, Harry," he said without turning around.

"No."

"Dammit, Harry! OPEN THE DOOR!" He was getting worried now. He closed his eyes and kept his hand on the handle.

"Harry, please," he pleaded.

"No, Remus." The boy responded. "Look at me."

Tears began to fall as Remus spoke, "I can't do that, Harry. I will not be drawn into a life of slavery for the entire potter live. I loved your father dearly. He was my best friend, but I hated being his servant. I do not want that to happen with you."

Remus sniffed, wiping the hears away with his free hand. The scent that assaulted him now was definitely that of a transformed Regal Vampire. He felt a clawed hand come to rest on his shoulder and flinched, squeezing his eyes shut harder.

"Neither do I," came the rich, gruff, and slightly raspy voice on the vampire behind him. The true voice of a Regal was like heaven to his ears. It never failed to arouse him whenever James had used it on him, and it was having the same effect on him now.

"Remus, please turn around and look at me."

That voice was so compelling. He could feel the truth in Harry's words, but he was still afraid. He made a silent prayer as he turned around and opened his eyes. If the sound of a Regal's voice was like heaven to a werewolf, it was nothing compared to the sight of one. Harry was even more beautiful to Remus than James was. He had a gray leathery skin, strong muscles, and an air of confidence to him. His eyes were the brightest and most vivid he had ever seen them. His ears came to a sharp point an inch or so above where they normaly would have. He had no hair, his teeth were sharp and straight, emphasized by the strong fangs he had. Protruding from his back were a pair of strong-looking wings that were similar to those or a Norwegian Ridgeback. Broad, strong, and powerful. Both his hands and his feet were clawed with sharp talons that could grip any surface, or tear a man easily limb from limb. To a human, the whole look would frighten even the strongest of men, but Remus could feel the peace, love, and calm that radiated from the majestic creature.

"My lord," he said as he bowed down and knelt in front of Harry. He looked into his eyes and saw happiness and joy.

"Remus J. Lupin," the Regal began, "you are as of this moment my servant. Let it be known to you than on the next full moon, I will release you from your bonds of servitude. You have my word on this, as my magic is my witness, let this promise be made."

Remus smiled as Harry leaned over and kissed his forehead. He felt a shock run through his and knew Harry would fulfill his promise. He watched as Harry transformed back to his human form, a smile showing on his face.

"Thank you, Remus." He said. "I was horrified when I learned the truth about your relationship with my father. You've served your time and I will not have you as my slave for the rest of your life. I have only one task for you before the full moon. I want you to report back to Albus and tell him that you've found nothing out of the ordinary with me. Do not tell him of the situation between us. Let him know that you have procured some wolfsbane and will have no problem following me on the full moon. Meet me back here that afternoon."

Remus nodded as he stood up.

"It will be done, Harry," he said as he left.

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Harry watched his friend wave to him as he walked away from the house. Remus was in for more freedom than he bargained for.

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Author's Follow-up Note: Thanks again to everybody who reviewed. You make me happy! :) If you haven't done so for this chapter, please hit the Go button and let me know what you thought!