Disclaimer: again, most of the scenes in this chapter are based off of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. I'm just borrowing them (aka blatantly copying them) and they don't belong to me.

Thank you so much for all the lovely comments! Really, they go a long way to inspire me to continue this story :) I apologize for the delay in the update.. this chapter didn't seem to want to be written, and I'm afraid it turned out kind of off.

The first few days of teaching were a whirlwind of memories and new experiences. Remus quickly lapsed into a routine, and for the first time in longer than he cared to remember, he began feel happy again. At first the happiness was slight, and it was often interrupted by spontaneous memories of his friends which quenched his pleasure. Eventually, though, he could think of his memories with a soft sort of blissful nostalgia, and to his surprise, this happiness didn't go away.

He was even enjoying teaching, more than he had anticipated. There was something about Hogwarts that all of the muggle schools had never had, and it was wonderful to be one of the teachers who was teaching the new wizards and witches the fundamentals of magic. His appetite for reading was even slowly, slowly coming back (although still poetry was out of reach), and he started to remember what it was like to enjoy being around people and to absorb information. But most of all, Remus was eager to teach James's son. So when Thursday arrived, Remus was impatient for the afternoon lesson to come around.

Finally it was time for the lesson, and after checking in the staffroom one last time, to ensure that it was ready for his lesson today about a boggart, he strolled into his classroom, only a little late. He looked around at the third-year students, noting their books and pens, and smiled a little.

"Good afternoon," he said, his natural teacher's speech having returned to him after only a day, "would you please put all your books back in your bags. Today's will be a practical lesson. You will need only your wands."

Remus was a little amused at the confused looks on his student's faces, but they complied readily enough. When everyone had put their things in their bags, he said, "Right then, if you'd follow me."

The class got up, even more confused, and milled after Remus. He led them through a corridor and around a corner and right into peeves. Remus was a little surprised at seeing the poltergeist, but almost – almost – pleasantly so. James had loved messing with Peeves, and had come up with many clever spells to deal with him.

Peeves looked up and noticed Remus, and then let out a cackle, singing, "Loony loopy Lupin, loony loopy Lupin, loony loopy Lupin – "

Remus just continued to smile. Peeves was trying to stuff a wad of gum into a keyhole, and Remus felt a part of his old prefect self surface. "I'd take that gum out of that keyhole if I were you, Peeves. Mr. Filch won't be able to get into his brooms."

Ignoring his words, Peeves just blew a loud, obnoxious raspberry at Remus. Letting out a small sigh, Remus took out his wand and pointed out to the class, "This is a useful little spell, so please watch carefully." He then raised his wand arm to shoulder length and cried, "Waddiwasi!" The gum shot out of the keyhole and into Peeves nose, causing him to fly away, cursing.

"Cool, sir!" shouted out Dean Thomas, and Remus felt a glimmer of amusement. "Thank you, Dean," he replied. "Shall we proceed?"

And so things passed pleasantly until it was Halloween. Remus found that he was enjoying himself, truly, teaching at Hogwarts again. True, hardly a day would pass by without some of his depression returning, but still he managed to keep it mostly at bay.

Part of that was because of Harry Potter. He was so much like James that sometimes it hurt, but he had flashes of Lily, too. Remus found that he was deeply glad he had not killed himself, because he had been able to meet the wonderful Harry Potter. Although Remus had not really had a chance to speak with Harry, and had only observed him in class, he was still becoming very fond of the boy. And his friends, for that matter; Hermione Granger was one of the cleverest witches he had ever met, and it was always nice to see a Weasley.

Remus's chance to speak with Harry came on Halloween morning. Remus had been setting up a grindylow tank in his office when he noticed a student passing out of the corner of his eye. For a wild moment he thought it was James, but then realized of course it was his son. Peering out of his room, Remus saw that it was indeed Harry, and he smiled a little. "What are you doing? Where are Ron and Hermione?" he called out pleasantly, wondering why Harry looked so dejected.

"Hogsmade," answered Harry, trying to keep his voice nonchalant.

"Ah," said Remus. So that was it, then. Wishing to distract Harry from his unhappiness and also wishing to get to know James's son better, he decided to invite Harry in. "Why don't you come in? I've just taken delivery of a grindylow for our next lesson.

"A what?" asked Harry as he followed Remus in, sounding a little more interested.

"Water demon. We shouldn't have much difficulty with him, not after the kappas. The trick is to break his grip. You notice his abnormally large fingers? Strong, but very brittle."

Harry said nothing as the grindylow bared its teeth and busied itself among watery weeds. Sensing Harry's awkwardness, Remus continued talking.

"Cup of tea? I was just thinking of making one."

"All right."

"Sit down," suggested Remus as he found his old kettle and tapped it smartly with his wand, which caused it to bellow steam. "I've only got teabags I'm afraid – but I daresay you've had enough of tea leaves?" he smiled as he said this.

"How did you know about that?" asked Harry, surprised. He accepted his tea, which was contained in an old, abused mug.

"Professor McGonagall told me. You're not worried, are you?"

"No," said Harry. Remus looked carefully at him; something on his face reflected a worry, something more than not being able to go to Hogsmade. Lily had used to get the same sort of look in her eyes when something was bothering her but she hadn't quite decided whether she wanted to talk about it or not.

"Anything worrying you, Harry?" Remus said, hoping he wasn't prying too much.

"No," said Harry, taking a sip of tea. But a few moments later – "Yes. You know that day we fought the boggart?"

"Yes," said Remus, putting down his tea. He knew where this was going.

"Why didn't you let me fight it?"

"I would have thought that was obvious, Harry," said Remus, raising his eyebrows slightly. Perhaps Harry hadn't picked up on it.

"Why?"

"Well, I assumed that if the boggart faced you, it would assume the form of Lord Voldemort." Remus frowned a little. Thinking of Voldemort was always dangerous territory for him. He paused a moment, but Harry just stared at him, looking surprised.

"Clearly I was wrong, but I didn't think it was a good idea for Lord Voldemort to materialize in the staffroom. I imagined that people would panic."

"I didn't think of Voldemort. I – I remembered those dementors." Harry said honestly.

"I see. Well, well.. I'm impressed. That suggests that what you fear most of all is – fear. Very wise Harry." And he smiled a little at the continued look of surprise on Harry's face.

Harry took another sip of tea, and Remus mused over this interesting development. It was just as Dumbledore had said: to Remus's delight, Harry's temperament was turning out to be very much like Lily.

"So you've been thinking that I didn't believe you capable of fighting the boggart?" asked Remus. No one wonder Harry had seemed a little cold in the beginning.

"Well.. yeah," said Harry, a little sheepishly, with a smile. "Professor Lupin, you know the dementors – "

But before Harry could finish, there came a knock on the door. Remus called the person in, and Snape walked in, carrying a goblet that was smoking ominously.

"Ah, Severus," smiled Lupin, determined to be friendly to his former enemy. Snape had already made the Wolfsbane potion once for Remus, and it had been a blessing. "Thanks very much. Could you leave it here on the desk for me?"

Snape set down the goblet, and Remus noticed that he gave Harry a very suspicious, unkind look. "I was just showing Harry my grindylow," pointed out Remus, titling his head sideways towards the tank.

Snape did not turn to look at the water demon. "Fascinating." There was a pause, and then he said, "You should drink that directly, Lupin."

"Yes, yes, I will."

"I made an entire cauldronful, if you need more."

"I should probably take some again tomorrow. Thanks very much, Severus."

"Not at all," said Snape, sneeringly, and he left. Harry looked curiously at the goblet, and Remus smiled faintly.

"Professor Snape has very kindly concocted a potion for me. I have never been much of a potion-brewer and this one is particularly complex. Pity sugar makes it useless," Remus said, taking a small sip of the potion and shuddering.

"Why – ?" began Harry, but Remus quickly answered the unasked question.

"I've been feeling a bit off-color. This potion is the only thing that helps." Remus braced himself and then took another sip, reminding himself that this was far better than becoming a werewolf. Besides, it was the only way he could work at Hogwarts. Most of the teachers had accepted Remus, but there were still some who were wary of a werewolf working with them, and they'd be even more so of a wild werewolf. "I am very lucky to be working alongside Professor Snape; there aren't many wizards who are up to making it."

"Professor Snape's very interested in the Dark Arts," Harry said, quite suddenly. Remus smiled a little to himself, knowing full well where Harry was going with this.

"Really?" he said vaguely, taking another sip.

"Some people reckon – " a pause. Then, "some people reckon he'd do anything to get the Defense Against the Dark Arts job."

Remus forced down the remains of the potion and pulled a face, choosing to ignore Harry's words. "Disgusting. Well, Harry, I'd better get back to work. I'll see you at the feast later."

"Right," Harry said, putting his tea cup down. He got up slowly, surreptitiously shooting looks at the smoking goblet as he left. Remus sighed after Harry was gone, swallowing a mouthful of tea to wash away the remains of the bitter potion. What on earth could Snape have done to earn Harry's thorough suspicion? Harry didn't even know of Remus's and Snape's history, and he was still afraid that Snape was trying to poison him.

Well, Remus mused wryly, like father like son. And it was true. Harry was a lovely person, and Remus felt privileged to have met him. It was hard, though, because his face – and his scar –brought back a tide of memories.

Remus spent the rest of his day planning out his lesson and lapsing deep into thought about the past – and also about Harry Potter and the future. Eventually he looked up from his musings and realized that the day had slipped by, and that it was time for the feast. He hastily stood up and put his papers away before making his way to the Great Hall. It was splendidly decorated, as usual, with impressively carved pumpkins floating in the ceiling surrounded by swarms of live bats and flaming streamers.

The food was divine, and even after a month Remus found it hard to believe that he was back to eating such delicious food on a regular basis. He spent the feast happily arguing about the correct way to perform cheering charms with Professor Flitwick, and by the end of the night Remus felt perfectly content.

The Hogwarts ghosts had just finished their entertainment, mainly consisting of formation gliding and one brilliant piece by Nearly Headless Nick, where he reenacted his own beheading, when Remus decided to retire. He made his goodbyes to Flitwick, and then leisurely walked down the Great Hall. Students were started to trickle out as well, and Remus couldn't help but reflect that it was still odd to be sitting at the Teacher's table, instead of with the Gryffindors. As he passed his old table, he tried to find Harry and his friends, but they had already left.

Remus was just starting back towards his classroom when he heard a great commotion. A few students were running down a corridor, shouting loudly for Dumbledore. One of them stopped, and Remus saw that it was a Gryffindor fifth year, one he didn't know well, but who was a perfect. "Where's – Dumbledore?" he wheezed, and Remus looked about, alarmed. What was going on?

But Dumbledore had already been found by another student, and after a brief conference with her set off towards the Gryffindor tower, robes sweeping behind him grandly. Worried and curious, Remus followed him. McGonagall and Snape were close behind, but neither seemed to have any idea what was wrong. They soon reached the corridor that led to the Fat Lady's portrait. It was swamped by a sea of students, and Remus's alarm increased. They quickly squeezed together to let the Headmaster through, and Remus and his colleagues followed close behind.

He was still looking at the students, trying to figure out what was wrong, when he heard McGonagall give a gasp. He looked up, and his eyes widened in astonishment: the Fat Lady had vanished, and her portrait had been ruined, slashed beyond recognition. Chunks of canvas littered the floor. Who could have done such a thing? Remus wondered angrily. Was it a Halloween prank?

Dumbledore turned to face the teachers, his face grave. "We need to find her," he said. "Professor McGonagall, please go to Mr. Filch at once and tell him to search every painting in the castle for the Fat Lady."

"You'll be lucky!" cackled Peeves, who was swooping over the crowd, looking ecstatic at the worry.

"What do you mean, Peeves?" said Dumbledore quietly. Peeves stopped his bobbing, and adopted an oily tone that was meant to be a little more respectful, but somehow managed to be just as awful as his cackle.

"Ashamed, Your Headship, sir. Doesn't want to be seen. She's a horrible mess. Saw her running through the landscape up on the fourth floor, sir, dodging between the trees. Crying something dreadful," after a pause, he added quite unconvincingly, "Poor thing."

"Did she say who did it?" asked Dumbledore calmly, worry etched into his wrinkles.

"Oh yes, Professorhead. He got very angry when she wouldn't let him in, you see." Peeves let out a happy cackle and flipped in the air. "Nasty temper he's got, that Sirius Black."

Remus felt himself go weak at the knees, and he had to grasp onto the wall to keep his balance. McGonagall shot him a concerned look, and Snape glared at him maliciously, suspicion blazing in his eyes. All of the students had begun to moan and whisper with fear, and Dumbledore had to speak up three times before there was quiet.

"I want all of the Gryffindors to return to the Great Hall immediately. Please follow your Head Girl and Boy there, and stay together. I will be there shortly."

Dismissed, the students hurriedly left the corridor, still whispering anxiously. When they had all left, Dumbledore turned to face the Professors. "Minerva, I need you to wake the other houses and send them to the Great Hall." She nodded once briskly and set off, and Dumbledore turned to Snape. "As for you, Severus, please go to the Great Hall and see that things are not getting out of hand." Snape seemed about to object, but Dumbledore held up a hand pleadingly, and after giving Remus one last glare he turned about and flapped away.

Remus was having trouble breathing, and he could hardly think straight. But he managed to turn to look at Dumbledore, who was studying him intently.

"Remus," said Dumbledore softly, seriously. "Were you aware at all of Sirius's plans tonight?"

Pain flashed through Remus, and he nearly gasped aloud. Did Dumbledore think that he, Remus, had helped Sirius get into the castle? But before he could deny the claim, Dumbledore bowed his head.

"No, no, I see in your eyes that you did not. Forgive me, Remus, for in these dark days it is easy for friend to turn against friend." He gave a great sigh and turned to look at the portrait again. Then he turned back to Remus. "Are you alright?" he asked, concern in his eyes. Remus shook his head, unable to speak, and Dumbledore laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Consider going to Madam Pomfrey, Remus, and getting a sleeping drought. You may not want to be awake tonight."

With that, he gave Remus a squeeze on the shoulder and hurried off towards the Great Hall.

Remus walked back to his room in a daze. Although he would have welcomed the oblivion that a sleeping potion would have brought, he had too many thoughts yelling in his head, demanding his attention, to consider sleep. He sat down on his bed, and for a wild moment he thought that Sirius was going to walk through his door. But the moment passed and nothing happened.

Instead, Remus found himself with his hands pressed sharply up against his skull, palms digging into his eye sockets. For months, now, he hadn't allowed himself to think about Sirius, to remember Sirius, but now it all came rushing back. Sirius, Sirius – how could he do such a thing as what he had done tonight? It was minor compared to the killing of his friends, yes, and the betrayal of his beloved, but somehow this seemed more real, more truthful.

For the first time, Remus found himself losing faith in Sirius.

For years, he had always held onto the slim belief that somehow Sirius was innocent. Perhaps his mind had never been able to allow the thought that Sirius might be guilty, or it had been too painful to bear, but there had always been a small resistance to the truth. Even as he had grieved and raged against Sirius, he had been sure that it wasn't true, somehow.

But this.. it seemed to raw, too real. This was something he could picture Sirius doing, in the passion of the moment. Slashing the Fat Lady's portrait to shreds. Hadn't he joked about it enough times when they were at Hogwarts, when the Fat Lady had refused to let them in after a midnight's meander?

How had Sirius gotten in, though? Did this mean he really was after Harry?

An illogical feeling of jealousy sparked in Remus. Why would Sirius seek out Harry, and not him? Even if his intent was to kill.. was Remus not important enough to Sirius to kill?

Confused, hurt, tired, and a little afraid of the harsh light of tomorrow, Remus collapsed on his bed and tried to escape into the oblivion of sleep. Instead, he dreamed of Sirius.

Time passed, but Remus's emotions did not. It became harder for him to concentrate, and unlike before, when he would not allow himself to think about Sirius, now it was the only thing his restless mind would settle on. Eventually he forced himself to get through each day, leaving nights for his fruitless worries. He no longer gained the easy pleasures that he had before from Hogwarts; teaching became a way to lose himself, and to escape from Sirius's shadow, but he gained only a modicum of happiness from it. Perversely, the only time he really felt at peace was at the full moon, when he could curl up in his harmless wolf form and sleep.

Still, time went on. October faded into November and then December, bringing bad weather and the cold. Remus taught his classes about a plethora of fantastic beasts, and he began to maintain friendships with his colleagues. The first Quidditch match – between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff – went on, but even that did not bring good news. The dementors showed up, and Harry (who was always affected badly by the foul creatures, because of the horrors in his past) fell from the sky, losing both the match and his broom. Not too long after, Harry appealed to Remus for help against the dementors, and Remus found himself promising to give James's son private lessons.

On a Thursday night after Christmas, Remus met Harry at the History of Magic classroom, carrying a large packing case.

"What's that?" asked Harry. Remus took off his cloak and tiredly placed it on Professor Binn's desk.

"Another boggart. I've been combing the castle ever since Tuesday, and very luckily, I found this one lurking inside Mr. Filch's filing cabinet. It's the nearest we'll get to a real dementor. The boggart will turn into a dementor when he sees you, so we'll be able to practice on him. I can store him in my office when we're not using him; there's a cupboard under my desk he'll like."

Harry looked apprehensive, and despite himself Remus smiled a little, beginning to enjoy the easy companionship of Harry and wondering once more at the fact that he was with James and Lily's son.

The lesson progressed, and Remus explained the basics of Expecto Patronum, and what a patronus was supposed to do. Harry seemed eager to try out the spell, so Remus let him have a go at it. As Remus expected, he did not grasp the difficult spell very quickly, and Harry began to get frustrated. Finally though, on his last try, he impressively managed to keep the dementor somewhat at bay, and Remus finished it off with a riddikulus charm before Harry could pass out again.

Pleased with the lesson and for once not dwelling on unpleasant thoughts, Remus let out a genuine smile as he praised Harry.

"Excellent! Excellent, Harry! That was definitely a start."

"Can we have another go? Just one more?" asked Harry eagerly.

"Not now," insisted Remus, instead handing Harry a large bar of Honeydukes' chocolate. "You've had enough for one night. Here, eat the lot, or Madam Pomfrey will be after my blood. Same time next week?"

"Okay," said Harry, taking a bite of the chocolate while Remus went around relighting lamps.

A few moments passed, and then Harry spoke again. "Professor Lupin? If you knew my dad, you must have known Sirius Black as well."

Remus froze, and he turned quickly to face Harry. He wasn't sure why he was suddenly so nervous, but his blood had run cold.

"What gives you that idea?"

"Nothing – I mean, I just knew they were friends at Hogwarts too.."

Or so James had thought, Remus reflected bitterly. He forced himself to relax a little. "Yes, I knew him. Or I thought I did." Eager to change the subject, Remus noted the time. "You'd better be off, Harry, it's getting late."

He watched as Harry left, and then collapsed in a chair, suddenly exhausted. He was feeling shaky from having Sirius's name sprung on him so unexpectedly, and he was feeling melancholy and more than a little afraid – though of what, he couldn't say.

January passed and faded into February, and Harry's dementor lessons continued quietly. Harry was making good progress, and Remus was impressed by Harry's determination, even though he could tell that Harry was disappointed by his little success.

"You're expecting too much of yourself," Remus said once, sternly. And then he had to smile to himself, because he knew he would have done the same in Harry's position. "For a thirteen-year-old wizard, even an indistinct Patronus is a huge achievement. You aren't passing out anymore, are you?"

This didn't seem to encourage Harry, who merely replied dispiritedly, "I thought a Patronus would – charge the dementors down or something. Make them disappear.."

"The true Patronus does do that," promised Remus. "But you've achieved a great deal in a very short space of time. If the dementors put in an appearance at your next Quidditch match, you will be able to keep them at bay long enough to get back to the ground."

"You said it's harder if there are loads of them," said Harry.

"I have complete confidence in you," said Remus, smiling. "Here – you've earned a drink – something from the Three Broomsticks. You won't have tried it before – "

He pulled out two bottles from his briefcase, and Harry's face lifted, his dejected spirits fading. "Butterbeer! Yeah, I like the stuff!"

Remus raised an eyebrow, suppressing another smile. If Harry truly was James's son, then perhaps he had found his own way to Hogsmeade. That thought led to Sirius, though, and wishing to avoid that topic, he was grateful when Harry hurriedly stammered a quick excuse.

"Oh – Ron and Hermione brought me some back from Hogsmeade."

"I see," said Remus, letting it slide. "Well – let's drink to a Gryffindor victory against Ravenclaw! Not that I'm supposed to take sides, as a teacher.." he realized, amending hastily.

They drank in silence for a few moments, until Harry interrupted the quiet. "What's under a dementor's hood?"

Remus frowned thoughtfully, lowering his bottle and drawing on his wealth of information. "Hmmm.. well, the only people who really know are in no condition to tell us."

He went on to explain what the Dementor's Kiss was, almost enjoying the morbid information: it matched his mood for the past few months. Or years, really. He began to regret telling Harry, though, at the shocked expression on his face.

They each sipped more of their butterbeer, and then Remus remembered that this wasn't the first time he'd spoken about the Dementor's Kiss today; he'd read about it in the paper this morning. Sirius had been condemned to it. Remus felt a spark of despair start low in his stomach, and feeling the need to distract himself he quickly spoke again. Unfortunately, the topic he chose was exactly the one he needed to avoid.

"It's the fate that awaits Sirius Black. It was in the Daily Prophet this morning. The Ministry have given the dementors permission to perform it if they find him."

Harry was quiet, and then suddenly he spoke viciously. "He deserves it."

Remus was a little taken aback at Harry's anger. He knew that Sirius deserved this anger, but there was still a small, insistent voice in the back of his head that refused to admit the truth, forcing him to stand up for Sirius.

"You think so?" he said, lightly. "Do you really think anyone deserves that?"

"Yes. For.. for some things.."

Remus sighed, wondering if Harry had somehow found out about what Sirius had done to his parents – and, more importantly, about the betrayal – but wasn't keen on talking about the subject. Harry soon left, and Remus was left once more with his thoughts crowding into his tired mind.

As the year continued to fly by, it seemed as though everywhere Remus went he was reminded of Sirius. There were the dementors stationed at every entrance, the posters spread thickly over the entirety of Hogsmade, and several incidents, the first of which being Sirius attempting to get into Hogwarts again.

Remus once more hadn't been there, but he – like the entire school – had heard about Sirius's supposed attempt to kill Harry Potter. Apparently he had stolen passwords for the Gryffindor tower, had gone into the third year boy's dormitory with a knife, and had ripped apart Ron Weasley's bed. Before he could kill anyone, though, Ron had woken up and had screamed, causing Sirius to flee.

Besides aching with a sudden longing to see Sirius, Remus was confused and angry. He was confused because none of it added up; it didn't seem like Sirius behavior. But, he reflected sadly, did he really know the real Sirius anymore?

Had he ever?

Yes, a part of him insisted. But he wasn't sure of anything anymore.

The other incident was not directly related to Sirius, but it reminded Remus of him nonetheless. He was called into Snape's office one afternoon, whereupon he had the Marauder's Map shoved into his face, bringing with it a tide of memories.

It explained at once how Harry had gotten into Hogsmeade, but Remus was astounded at the fact that it was still around, on top of the fact that it was in Harry's possession. James would have been pleased.

After doing some quick thinking, he managed to get Harry and Ron out of trouble, but he also sternly reprimanded the pair of them. He knew he was being unfair, especially considering all of the trouble he had gotten into as a student, but it was precisely because of that that he was concerned. He didn't want Harry getting hurt, and he knew exactly the dangers of having the secrets to Hogwarts.

Besides, he hadn't been expecting to see the map again. He couldn't bring himself to open it, but as he examined the old parchment he tried unsuccessfully not to think of Sirius.

Other than old memories, another thought was nagging at him; Dumbledore. Dumbledore trusted him, and believed him when he said that he was not helping Sirius get into Hogwarts. But Dumbledore also didn't know that Sirius was an animagus – or about the map. Should he tell him? Remus knew that he should, but that would mean exposing the fact that he had betrayed Dumbledore's trust as a student, and losing Dumbledore's trust was too much for Remus. So he kept quiet.

All of a sudden, it felt like, the year was nearly over. No more incidents with Sirius occurred, and Remus managed to convince himself that Sirius was gone. He tried to be relieved about this, but instead he felt a mixture of regret and longing, sadness and anger.

The Defense Against the Dark Arts exam went by smoothly, and suddenly Remus was faced with a summer alone, away from Hogwarts. He was pretty sure he would come back to Hogwarts – that is, if Dumbledore would let him – but he wasn't sure how he was going to survive the summer after living such a normal life again, and with the shadow of Sirius still haunting him.

He was pondering all of this one night, which of course led to him thinking about Sirius.

Sirius. After all this time, the name still affected Remus. A menagerie of emotions were stirred in him when he thought about Sirius, and he was no longer sure of where he stood with him.

Hurt, angry, betrayed – he still felt all of those things.

But despite himself, despite everything, he still felt as though Sirius was innocent, as though there was a piece of the story missing.

While working though everything in his head and again finding nothing, no loop holes, he let his mind wander. Looking out the window, he was suddenly reminded of Hagrid, whose Hippogriff was to be executed tonight. Pushing aside his stirrings of anger at the injustice, he wondered if Harry and his friends were planning on sneaking out to visit Hagrid. It would be a stupid thing to do, he knew, but something that he thought Harry might do nonetheless.

He toyed with the idea of pulling out he Marauder's Map to find out where Harry was, and then against his better judgment pulled it out. Since confiscating it from Harry he hadn't dared to open it, afraid of finding out something he didn't want to know, but tonight he decided to risk it.

Remus opened it up and looked for the dot labeled "Harry Potter". He found it quickly, in Hagrid's house, surrounded by the names Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley. Displeased with Harry, but knowing it was what James would have done, Remus decided to keep an eye on him. Just in case.

After a few minutes the three of them set off, but this time they were accompanied by another person. Curious, Remus tried to make out the name, turning the map sideways in the hopes of seeing better, and then nearly dropped the map in alarm. No.. surely the map was wrong. Or malfunctioning. Yet he knew better than that; he had helped charm the map himself. It never lied.

How, then, could Peter Pettigrew be walking with Harry and his friends? Remus's blood ran cold, and he stood up, intending to find out what was going on.

Before he could move, though, he saw another name on the map which made a painful collision of emotions arise in his chest. "Sirius Black" was, according to the map, dragging Ron and Peter into the whomping willow.

Even through his shock, Remus realized it made sense; perhaps that's where Sirius had been hiding out the entire time. Remus felt foolish. He should have realized that's where he had been.

Remus felt feverish, and he paced up and down his room. He didn't know what to do; should he go to Dumbledore? But what about the dot labeled Peter Pettigrew – that changed everything. Didn't it?

All of his emotions from the past twelve months were condensing into this moment. All of his hurt, confusion, anger – it was all boiling up into this moment. He could go to Dumbledore, right his minute, and confess everything. Sirius would be captured, and it would be the end.

But his desire for the truth and for Sirius won out. Remus's shoulders sagged and with a feeling of excitement and fear, he ran out of his room into the night.

He made his way down the familiar path to the whomping willow, and used a stick to press the knot on the tree which froze it like ice. With mounting trepidation and hope, he squeezed into the hidden entrance and began to make his way to the Shrieking Shack.

His footsteps seemed too loud in the empty silence, and he wondered what was going on. Then he heard a yell, from what sounded like Hermione. "WE'RE UP HERE! WE'RE UP HERE – SIRUS BLACK – QUICK!"

Remus's heart leapt into his mouth and he thundered up the stairs, shooting a spell at the door and causing it to burst open in a shower of red sparks. He stood at the door for a moment, his face drained of color, taking in the scene.

There was Ron, lying on the floor, and Hermione, cowering next to the door. Harry was standing over a figure – he shifted and then Remus saw him.

Sirius. At the sight of him, anger rushed through Remus, and he almost cursed him, cursed the man who had brought so much pain into his life. But then, just as suddenly, a feeling of love and familiarity overcame the rage. Sirius's face, so familiar despite its gauntness and grime, was one he knew better than his own. And to finally see it, after so many years – it was too much. Remus swayed, almost brought to his knees. He locked eyes with Sirius, and Sirius gazed back, his expression hard to read.

"Expelliarmus!" he shouted, his initial thought to protect Sirius. Harry's and Hermione's wands flew out of their hands and he caught them neatly. He walked over to Sirius, still staring at him, and tried to control his emotions.

Remus remembered Peter, and he finally spoke, his voice tense.

"Where is he, Sirius?" It was odd to pronounce his name after such a long time. His mouth shaped the words carefully, testing out the once-familiar name.

Sirius didn't move for a moment, didn't break eye contact. He seemed to be drinking in Remus's face just as Remus had been. But then he slowly raised a hand and pointed to Ron.

"But then.. why hasn't he shown himself before now? Unless" – Remus's eyes widened, and suddenly it clicked into place, everything suddenly made sense. The world seemed a warmer, brighter place, and Remus shivered. Was it possible? Could it really be that easy, that simple? " – unless, he was the one.. unless you switched.. without telling me?"

Very slowly, with his eyes never leaving Remus's face, he nodded.

Remus let out a beam that encompassed his whole face, and despite the seriousness of the situation he felt like laughing and crying. Sirius – his Sirius, had done nothing wrong, had been innocent the whole time –

It was like a dream. Slowly, Remus lowered his wand and walked to Sirius's side, helping him to his feet. But before he could revel in the feeling of Sirius's hand in his, Sirius pulled him into a hug.

And they embraced like lovers.