Snape was covering for Remus due to the full moon. Only thing was, he changed the subject they were studying from red caps and hinkypunks to werewolves with a hint of animagus's. Harry knew what he was playing at and spent the class glaring at him for it. He knew, with this, Hermione would definitely figure out Remus's furry little problem. When class ended, the trio decided, much due to Harry's persuasion, to walk the silent grounds. He'd decided to tell them about Remus, perhaps they could help keep the secret. "I don't see why you wanted to wander around out here Harry." Ron grumbled, shivering in the cold air as they walked.
"He wants to tell us a secret." Hermione hissed at the red head who immediately shut up, keen on learning a secret, even if it was at the expense of hypothermia. Of course it wasn't that cold but Ron quickly forgot his misery and desire for warmth.
"What did you think about today's Defense lesson?" Harry asked casually.
"Werewolves?" Ron asked incredulously. "The things are animals but I suppose they're alright when they're not tryinta kill people. Unless it was Malfoy." He whispered the last bit conspiratorially.
"I really don't think, for the most part, they're all that bad. They just get a bad reputation because of the few bad ones." Hermione said shrugging. "They're people just like us, just not all the time. And it's not like they can control their actions when they're not…themselves." She said reasonably.
"So I suppose you've figured it out Hermione." Harry smiled at her and she nodded solemnly. "Then you must keep it secret, it's very important you tell no one." Harry said gravely.
"What?" Ron asked slowly. Hermione whispered in his ear and his eyes widened. "Wait-" Hermione cut him off by slapping her hand over his mouth quickly before he could say anything. At last, she let go.
"You can't tell." Harry said, looking severe.
"Promise." Ron said drawing a cross over his heart with his finger. "Sorry about what I said." He added.
"You guys have to help me keep everyone else from figuring out and you have to keep me from saying anything…defensive in class. It could end badly." Harry said, not saying anything to Ron's apology.
"I'll sit next to you." Hermione said giving Ron an almost distrustful look like she knew he'd let Harry spill the beans just because he was that dull. They nodded and set off back to the warmth of the castle, and to Remus's office. He was inside, slumped at his desk but when the door opened, his pained expression was quickly covered by a smile at Harry and his friends. They shut the door behind them and approached Remus's desk.
"I told them." Harry said softly. Remus's smile softened to a disappointed, almost hollow expression.
"Actually I figured out and then told Ron." Hermione corrected. Harry wished Remus would yell at him, be angry, say something, instead of giving him that cold, dead, hollow, disappointed stare. "Snape set an essay about were-" She stopped when Remus turned his eyes on her.
"May I speak to Harry alone?" He asked at last. Hermione and Ron looked at each other and then at Harry who nodded before warily stepping out of the room. "Harry, I must admit, I am rather disappointed." Remus sighed as he sat back at his desk. "I am, as you well know, in a considerable amount of pain right now." He continued. Harry knew how much full moons hurt his afflicted uncle. He took a potion to prevent the turn but it left him in excruciating pain. Sirius had begged him countless times not to take it but he still did.
"I'm sorry uncle." Harry squeaked. Remus looked suddenly very tired.
"I'm sorry Harry. I should not have expected or asked you to keep this from your friends. They-"
"They said they'd help me keep it a secret." Harry cut in. Remus seemed to soften at Harry's resolute words.
"I cannot ask that of them." Remus replied seeming both bemused and tired.
"I can." Said Harry quickly. Just then the door opened and Hermione and Ron tumbled in.
"We want to help." Ron said urgently.
"They weren't supposed to know we were listening." Hermione hissed at the red head.
"Please don't be mad at Harry." Ron spoke over Hermione.
"I was never mad at Harry." Remus laughed quietly at the two. "But while I have you here Harry, I'd like to meet this Oliver."
"What?" Harry asked as his entire face blushed bright red. Ron and Hermione were looking around glad to have the attention off them.
"Sirius lets me read all the letters you send him." Remus smiled at his nephew. "You know how well he keeps a secret Harry. I'm surprised at you for not telling me about him." Remus seemed both miffed and tickled.
"I just-" Harry tried to explain but Remus held up a hand.
"That should be all for tonight. I'm very tired and a bit sore." Remus said as he rose from his desk wincing. "Give me a hug and then off to bed with the lot of you." Remus added, reaching out for his nephew who he quickly enveloped in a hug. "I love you." Remus whispered to Harry before releasing him to join his friends.
He knew it wasn't cool for Harry to say I love you back, hence the secret whisper. But to Remus's surprise and delight, Harry stopped at the door, looked over his shoulder at his uncle with a smile and said, "I love you too Uncle." The other two chorused goodnight professors before they were off.