Carry On

By: Teenlaunch

Disclaimer: I would not be writing this if I were JK Rowling. Can we move on?

a/n: I am so SORRY (again)! School caught up to me and I had no time to type. I will have the next chapter out on time, otherwise I might a few reviewers, not to mention my beta (that's right you will! – jellyhead), out for my blood. So, TWO WEEKS for the next one! crosses fingers I promise this will never happen again. Thank you for being so patient. Read and review!

"Harry!"

Harry looked up from his essay in surprise and turned toward the door. James was leading the Marauders toward him, all looking rather cocky, each in their own way. "Hello!" The Marauders sat down at the lunch table with evil grins on their faces. Harry frowned. "What's up now?"

"Oh, nothing," Sirius snorted, hiding a smirk. "So, Harry, I've been thinking-"

"Woah! That's a first!" James laughed, his mood having improved since he and the others had decided to approach Harry about his flying.

Sirius shoved him playfully. "Git. Anyway, I was just thinking about that nightmare you had about a week ago. You remember, don't you?" Harry didn't answer. A sudden weight had settled on his stomach at the mention of the nightmare. He had hoped the Marauders wouldn't bring it up again as it had obviously upset him, but it seemed luck wasn't on his side lately. Sirius took Harry's silence as incentive to continue. "It wouldn't happen to have been about…I don't know, say, falling off a broom to a gruesome death?"

Harry didn't even blink in response. He merely lifted his fork to his mouth and proceeded to chew his food painfully slow as he tried to figure out how to answer. He sighed inwardly and looked up at them with a strangely blank face. "I don't see where my dreams are any of your business, but as you asked, no."

Sirius frowned. "But we heard you and-"

Remus quickly interrupted. "What Sirius is trying to say is that we-" He stopped, looking awkwardly at the others, knowing nothing could fix their little blunder.

"Are snoops who just can't keep their noses out of other people's business," Harry finished.

"Not how I would've put it," James mumbled, glancing at the others.

"At least someone has the backbone to say it." Harry growled. He stood and stalked out of the hall, his anger calming slightly as he reached the grounds. Unfortunately, the Marauders had followed him outside. He pretended not to notice them even though they were walking beside him.

"Are you saying we're cowards?" James asked.

Harry didn't answer. He just continued walking. "Are you trying to get us annoyed?" Sirius snapped, irritated by the silence.

"No," Harry murmured.

"What is it with you? We just want to-"

"Go talk to Dumbledore if you want to know so badly. Maybe he'll exile me so you can get on with your life. Lord knows it wouldn't kill me."

"The dream was just a bad ruse to get you to talk, Harry. We didn't mean anything by it. All we want to know is why you didn't tell us you're such a good flier," Remus protested.

"Yeah, I mean, you could even beat James!" Sirius exclaimed, stopping Harry in his tracks.

"No, he couldn't!" James argued, offended that Sirius was jumping to such wild conclusions.

Sirius grinned. "But he is! You saw that dive! He pulled out of it with less than a foot to spare."

"That doesn't mean he's better!" James snapped.

"But you have to admit, he's a wicked flier!"

"Alright, so he can fly. Big deal."

"You're just in denial. You don't want to think about the possibility that he's better than you."

"What if he is? It wouldn't make any difference!"

Sirius shrugged. "Maybe not. But don't you want to know?" James hesitated. "See? You want some competition!"

"I do not!"

Sirius jumped in front of Harry. "What do you say we test your skills right now, eh?" Harry wasn't even able to answer. His godfather had already raced off to the broom shed. Sirius turned and, running backwards, shouted back to the stunned group. "Meet you at the pitch!" Harry and James looked at each other. James rolled his eyes and shrugged, leading the way to the pitch. Sirius ran out to meet them beneath the goalposts, a broom in each hand. He tossed one to Harry and James, who caught them reflexively. Sirius was bouncing on the balls of his feet, a goofy grin on his face. "I say Harry's faster. You say he isn't. To figure out who's right, you two are going to race. You two can agree on the terms, but no weaseling out of it!"

Harry scowled. He turned to James and was surprised to find a scowl identical to his own on his young father's face. James seemed not to notice and grunted, "Well, what do you think?"

Harry was silent a moment, but a smirk quickly made its way to his face. "I think we should string Sirius up by his ankles, tar and feather him, then leave him for the thestrals." Sirius paled at his suggestion.

"Nah, that's too nice. Why don't we strand him on the roof? Going without food for a little while would do him some good."

"No. He'd just gorge himself once he got down. We need something more permanent. We could get Hagrid to find us a manticore to feed him to."

James shook his head. "How about throwing him to the Giant Squid or the centaurs?"

"Lock him up with some blast-ended skrewts?"

"Some what?"

"Never mind. Feed him to the acromantulas?"

"Lock him in a room with Snape?"

"That wouldn't be punishment. He'd torture Snape, not the other way around. Tie him up and chuck him to the Slytherins?"

"Make him listen to Frank sing?"

"No. I say torture…by tickling."

Sirius screamed. "NO! Not that! Anything but that!" He hid behind Remus whose shoulders were shaking he was laughing so hard.

"That's a bit much, isn't it?" James asked, trying to sound worried, but failing miserably.

"He'll get over it."

Sirius clutched Remus's shoulders as he peeked around his back. "No! I'm too young! You can't! You love me! Remy, don't let them!" Remus pried Sirius off his shoulders and moved away quickly. Sirius sniffed indignantly, crossing his arms. "I see I'm loved."

James and Harry rolled their eyes. Remus stopped laughing and stared. "That was weird."

"What?" They both asked, eyes wide in wonder.

"That," Remus said, pointing. "It's like you both can predict what the other's going to do."

Harry shrugged, trying to stray from the subject. "So, this race. Say I agree to do it. If I win, I want no questions asked."

"And if I win," James crowed, "which I will, we get to ask whatever we want."

"James…" Remus looked uneasy. "How about this? If Harry wins, we get to ask him three questions each, and he gets to choose if he answers them."

"But then he could get out of them," Sirius whined, still staying well away from Harry and James's reach in fear that they might carry out their threat.

"No, he can't. He has to answer at least three from each of us. We keep asking him things until we've used up our three questions."

"Oh…alright. And if James wins?" James growled at this.

"If James wins," Remus said, ignoring James, "we get to ask him whatever we want, but Harry gets to choose two he doesn't want to answer from each of us."

James nodded and turned to Harry. "Deal?"

Harry hesitated. "Deal." He and James shook hands.

"What's the course?" James asked, sighing.

"Across the lake and back?" Sirius suggested, bouncing once again.

"Use the snitch!" Peter exclaimed, his eyes shining.

"Brilliant idea, Pete! Whoever catches the snitch first wins." Sirius yelled and he and James shared a smile.

Harry fought to keep the smirk from his face even as the others started to snigger. "Sounds good to me." Remus retrieved the snitch and let it go. Harry watched it until it disappeared.

Sirius, still grinning like an idiot, raised his wand. "On your mark!" They mounted their brooms. "Go!" Sirius yelled and sparks shot from the end of his wand.

The two shot into the air, knocking Remus over by the gust of wind thrown at him. He picked himself up and asked, "Whatever happened to 'get set'?" The three on the ground turned to watch their friends as they circled the pitch.

Harry felt his heart soar at the new freedom he had now that he was airborne. There was no other seeker. He didn't have to worry about the Marauders and their bothersome questions. He didn't care that he was trapped in the past amid a million tragedies ready to happen. Nothing was there to hold him down now. It didn't matter what that stiff, no nonsense Defense teacher said. He was going to have his fun.

Harry's face lit up when he thought of the Wronski Feint, a trick he had learned in his fourth year from Victor Krum. He longed to try it, and now seemed like a good time. What better way to try it out than on James? Harry shot suddenly toward the ground. He felt a gust of wind hit him from above and knew James was right on his tail. Good. Now if he could just get the timing right.

Harry pulled up only inches from the ground and soared around the pitch. He looked down and smirked. James was spread-eagled on the ground, the others clustered around him worriedly. He got shakily to his feet and mounted his broom, but Harry didn't give him time to leave the ground.

The Marauders gasped and pointed up. James froze and gaped opened mouthed at Harry. Harry, however, had no idea what was going on below him. He had stood up on his broom. He crouched low to the handle and soared around the goalposts, letting his fingers brush against the cool metal. He laughed aloud and used his heel to guide his broom into a vertical position, shooting straight up. He flung his arms out and allowed himself to fall back, his feet leaving the broom.

He heard the Marauders yell in horror as he plummeted down, his robes flapping madly about him. Harry's hand clasped around a small ball of metal. He smiled and let out a whistle. He heard the Marauders' awe filled gasps as the ragged school broom sped to him. Harry caught it with his free hand and flung himself onto it. He lay down on the broom handle, his hands behind his head. He floated slowly down to them, eventually lying with the broom handle digging into his back on the cold ground.

"Showoff," Sirius grumbled.

Harry held his fist out to them, and the boys backed off, slightly wary. Remus gasped when he heard the snitch's tiny wings fluttering feebly. "No way."

Between his thumb and forefinger, Harry held the snitch. "That's impossible," Sirius choked.

James's mouth was hanging open. Harry sniggered and stood up. He held it out to James, but the stunned seeker just blinked furiously. "H-how'd you do that?"

Harry grinned. "That's my secret." He pressed the snitch into James's hand and walked away. What must Lupin want to do to him right now?

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Harry groaned and hit his head against his bedpost. "Stupid! Idiotic! Dim-witted! Daft! Brainless! Stupid! Moron!"

"You said stupid twice. Not that I disagree with you or anything."

Harry whipped out his wand and pointed it at the intruder. It was Lupin. He was leaning casually against the doorframe. "Oh…it's you."

"Yes, it's me." He paused. "Would you mind explaining why you acted the part of a fool today on the Quidditch pitch? Or would you like me to flay you first and ask questions later? Honestly I wouldn't object to doing it because I am under extreme stress, and you are not helping!" Lupin slumped down onto James's bed, cradling his head in one hand. "You are the most fool headed person I believe I've ever had the misfortune to meet, Sirius and James included."

"Gee, I feel wanted." Harry huffed, leaning against his bedpost.

"I don't mean to be harsh, Harry. I just can't get you to understand how dangerous this is. Why, I have no idea."

"You honestly think I don't know that? Now I have to answer questions about who knows what!"

"You agreed to it!" Lupin snapped.

"You were the one that suggested it!"

"You could've backed out and avoided this entire mess!"

Harry felt his anger snap. "Oh, sure. Let's all blame Harry because he has so much control over everything! It's not like everyone dumps their problems on him or anything! He can take some more stress in his life! He won't mind! After all, it's not like he gets blamed for every bloody thing that happens around this place! Nothing's ever his fault!" Harry kicked his trunk open in a blind fury. Lupin jumped up as Harry started throwing things into a rucksack.

"Harry-"

"Don't talk to me." Harry drew out his money and invisibility cloak. "And don't even think about following me." He threw his cloak around his shoulders.

"Where are you going?"

"Out."

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Harry sighed as he exited Honeydukes. He hoped Lupin would cover for him. He just had to get away for the weekend, that was all. He shuddered as the wind threatened to rip his invisibility cloak from his shoulders. But he didn't remove it until he had reached the Hog's Head Inn. Stuffing it into his pack, he took one look at the sign before striding inside, hoping no teachers would be there to recognize him. Harry walked up to the bar, eying all the other customers suspiciously, knowing full well that they were doing the same to him. The bartender scowled down at him when Harry reached the bar. He didn't look much different than he did in the future. At least Harry didn't think so. "One butterbeer," Harry murmured, "And two days lodging."

The bartender's scowl deepened but he pushed a dusty bottle to Harry and threw a key on the counter. "Room 13, Mr…."

"Never mind the name." Harry pushed his money to him and started toward the darkest corner of the room. He was surprised to find a heavily shawled, bespectacled woman sitting there. He thought immediately of the irony of his situation but sat down across from her anyway. "Afternoon," Harry murmured, reluctant to draw her attention.

She looked up at him with moist eyes. "Oh. H-hello."

Harry was momentarily stunned by the tears but quickly recovered. "I didn't mean to disturb you. Er, is something wrong?"

"It's nothing. It's…I just-" She broke down in tears. "They hate me! All the students hate me!"

Harry was startled. He'd never imagined it was this bad. "What do you teach?"

"D-divination. A-at Hogwarts. I am the great-granddaughter of a great seer, Cassandra Trelawney, but I am nothing but a fake! They all know it, they all do!"

"You're not a fake, Sibyll. You just can't control your gift. Maybe you should apply for the Divination position in a few years. By then you'll have more…control." Harry winced at the blatant lie but smiled never-the-less.

Trelawney looked up, blinking away tears. "H-how do you know my name? Are you a seer as well?"

"Uh…no. I just have luck with names." Harry took a large gulp of butterbeer, skirting the subject.

She brightened immediately. "Are you sure? You have such an air about you. So mysterious, charming, powerful, brave, heroic-"

"Idiotic more like," Harry interjected bluntly.

"But you seem so-"

"Yes, seem. But under the skin flaws mar the person." Harry hissed. He stood to leave but Trelawney grasped his elbow firmly and pulled him back down. She took his hand in hers and turned it over, palm up, and started tracing patterns nimbly.

She mumbled to herself, a frown forming on her face. She pursed her lips and froze. "Your destiny is twisted, my boy, and very dismal. I see many tragedies have formed you and more are still to come. You are becoming a guarded person, veiled from everyone around you. It is hard to read you, but I can see you have already distanced yourself from the world. What has made you this way?"

Harry yanked his hand from hers. "Excuse me. I'm turning in."

Harry found the dark staircase to the second floor and started up. It was dark and cramped but he continued forward despite the sense of dread it gave him. He jumped when the wall gave way. It was a small alcove. Harry breathed a sigh of relief and traced his fingers over the brass numbers on the doors until he found number 13. He opened the door, wincing as it squeaked, and walked inside.

Harry, already frustrated by Trelawney, stomped his foot in irritation when he realized there were no lamps and a fire came to life in the grate. Harry started and whirled around, looking for an intruder. When he found none, he turned to look at the fire again. It suddenly occurred to him what had happened. He had created the fire. Harry watched it for a few minutes, shocked at what he had done.

Harry looked at the window, then down at his hand and flung his arm out to the side. The window flew open, letting in a gust of cold air, and he gasped. Harry bit his lip and glanced at the thin wafer of a mattress in the corner, then around to the sink. It was dripping sickly black ooze and the basin was caked with grime. Harry pointed a hand to the sink and the mattress and said, "Scourgify."

He felt the magic leave him in a rush. Harry sank to the floor, shaking. A dull ache filled Harry's arms and lungs. He struggled to his feet as his energy returned, swaying slightly as he walked. He glanced at the mattress and did a double-take. A full, completely white mattress lay on the decomposing bed frame. Harry whipped around to look at the sink and gaped. The stone basin gleamed at him and pure water trickled from the silver tap. Harry sank down on the mattress and willingly let sleep overtake him.

-------------------------

Harry spent his next day at the Hogs' Head Inn by walking around town, disguised by a few glamour charms. He ended up buying a large slab of chocolate from Honeydukes, eating it whole to cover the taste of the horrible slop called food at the Hogs' Head. As he ventured further into town, he found stores he never knew existed. It occurred to him that many of these shops likely didn't exist in the future.

After a close run-in with a Professor outside a small arms-dealer's store, Harry decided to stay in the Hogs' Head for the rest of the weekend, no matter how dismal it was. The next day found Harry stuffed into a forgotten corner mulling over his purchases, waiting for whatever would be thrown his way, and it came in the form of his future Professor, Trelawney.

A bottle of sherry in her hand, she slumped into the chair across from him. "Ah, you are keeping busy," she said, noticing the small stack of books Harry had picked up for light reading (as well as a knife identical to the one his godfather had given him). She examined one book. "A Study of Ancient Magic." She glanced at the other titles. "If you're interested in the study of the old magic, I have a book that might interest you."

Harry sat down his butterbeer, mildly interested. "Really?"

"Yes, I bought it to study the stories of ancient seers, but alas, only witches and wizards with…abnormalities, you could call them, fill those pages. Such nonsense stories about centaurs and wandless magic and-"

Harry interrupted her, excitement and disbelief coursing through him. His experience two nights ago had set him wondering and the only conclusion he had made was that he had performed wandless magic. "You have this book here, with you?"

"Yes. It's in my room. I don't know why you'd want it though. The author is somewhat of a nutcase, name of Jonathan Lovegood, although his son is much worse. He's in one of my divination classes. Strange fellow."

"May I see it?"

"What?"

"The book!"

"Oh! Of course, follow me." Trelawney led him up the stairs and to the very end of the dismal hall. Harry followed her through the door and was surprised to see a fairly clean and well-lit room beyond it. A crystal ball and numerous tea sets cluttered the corners. A bookcase along the wall towered to the ceiling. Trelawney was on her tiptoes, easing a book out by its spine. It fell to the floor with a clatter, spinning wildly until it rested by Harry's feet.

Harry picked it up. The title, Stories of the Paranormal, glared up at him. "Ah…Interesting…"

"As I said, I don't want it. Take it. I have enough books as it is." She sat down in a large armchair and sighed. "It doesn't matter how much I study. I'll never be a good seer."

"Yes, you will. Just give it time – what's wrong?" Harry quickly sat down in front of her. Trelawney had gone rigid and her eyes were wide. She began to speak in a loud, hoarse voice which made Harry suppress a shiver. "The Lightning Child must prevail! The Dark Lord is on the move. His darkness reaches through all time. Friends will be divided. The Shadows will ease the pains of loss drowned in a sea of tears. He shall brave heartache. Betrayal, mockery, forgiveness." Trelawney paused, her eyes rolling madly in her head. "A plot to kill is on the rise. Silver Hand still stands. Pain, disbelief, anguish. The Lightning Child must prevail!"

She shuddered. Her eyes slid out of focus and she went limp. Harry stared, at a complete loss. He had heard her give a prophecy before, but never one so dark. It was meant for him, he knew that much. The Lightning Child part was kind of a dead give-away. Trelawney suddenly sat up. "Wha-what happened?"

"You don't remember?" Harry asked, knowing that would be the case.

Trelawney shook her head. "Did I say something wrong?"

"Not exactly. You just gave your first…real prophecy." Harry watched as her mouth dropped open in awe.

"I-I…what?"

"Uh, yeah. Look, I need to go get something. Just wait here." Harry tucked the book under his arm and left the room. He pounded down the hall and into his own room. Throwing his things haphazardly into his rucksack, he tugged on his invisibility cloak, took one glance at the window, and jumped out of it. He ran down the streets at breakneck speed and threw the door to Honydukes open, almost bowling over most of the customers.

A shelf caught Harry's cloak in his hurry and it toppled behind him, scattering merchandise on the floor. A few shouts later and he was running through the dark underground passage beneath the cellar. He was so deep in thought that he didn't pay attention to where he was going. He suddenly ran into something solid and fell to the ground with a loud thump. Harry scrambled to his feet, ripping the invisibility cloak over his head in exasperation. He stuffed it in his pack and was about to start walking again when a groan sounded somewhere to his right. Harry had automatically assumed he had simply been going so fast that he had clipped the wall, but somehow, the groan did nothing to reassure him.

"Who's there?" Harry growled. He gasped when the tip of a wand lit only inches from his face. It took a few seconds for his eyes to adjust to the sudden brightness but when his vision cleared he found himself staring at a very shocked Remus Lupin. They stared at each other for a split second before Harry took off running. He couldn't tell if Remus was following him. All he could hear was the pounding of his feet and the unsteady pulse of his heart.

Harry heaved himself out of the tunnel and ran a ways down the corridor before sagging against the wall to catch his breath. He sighed in relief. "Harry?"

Harry sprang away from the wall and stared at Remus's accusing face. He was slightly out of breath owing to the fact that he must have sprinted after Harry. His stamina had made it easy to keep up. Harry, however, was too panicky to marvel at Remus's superb abilities. Remus reached for Harry's shoulder, not fully convinced that he was really there, but Harry stumbled back a few paces to evade him. Remus's eyes widened and he choked, "Watch out!" But it was too late.

Harry's stomach sank as his foot plummeted through the air. He fell backward, and his back connected with the stairs. Harry braced as best he could as he rolled down the stairs, every inch of his body colliding violently with the stones. Harry hit a landing and flew into the corner. A suit of armor clanked loudly as it tried to move out of his way.

Harry slammed into it with a loud crash and it went tumbling down piece by piece onto his head. Remus grimaced as the helmet clanged down onto Harry's head. The visor clapped wildly as Harry staggered to his feet, confused by his sudden blindness. Remus gasped when he realized what was about to happen. "Stop! Don't-" But Harry stepped forward and his foot sliced through thin air as he missed a stair.

Remus flinched as Harry hit each stair, falling head over heels, the helmet hitting each one with a resounding gong that made him flinch as the sound crashed over his own sensitive ears. Finally, the noise stopped and a groan rose from the floor below. Remus ran down the stairs, tripping over the armor but managing to not face-fault after Harry. He paused on the last few steps, his hand on the banister. Harry was lying spread-eagled at the bottom of the staircase. "Harry?" Remus called gently.

"I'm okay," Harry managed to groan, the words slurring together. He staggered to his feet and raised the visor helmet to look around. He let it clang shut and started down the hall with the helmet still on his head.

"Wait! I wanted to talk with you!" Remus called as Harry disappeared around a corner. Remus ran after him. He turned the corner and stopped. Harry was gone.

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Harry ambled into the Defense classroom and sat his backpack on a desk. He flipped the visor up and held it open. Lupin was leaning low over his papers, oblivious to Harry's presence. How that was possible, Harry wasn't sure. Harry rapped his knuckles against the nearest desk to get his attention. Lupin looked up curiously and stared at him.

"Get – it – off." Harry pointed to the helmet. Lupin's face contorted slightly. With a suppressed laugh, he stood up. "You think this is funny?"

Lupin laughed uproariously at the indignant look on Harry's face. "I-I'm sorry! I-It's just so f-funny!" Lupin clutched his sides, tears of laughter rolling down his face. "I can't s-stop!" Harry crossed his arms and waited for him to stop laughing. With a final sigh, Lupin straightened up, wiped the tears from his eyes, and came over to him. "Well, I'd say the manual way is the only thing. You might want to take off your glasses," he said gently, a smile on his lips. Harry pocketed them and braced himself against a desk as Lupin took hold of the helmet.

Lupin heaved and Harry's feet slid across the flagstones. Harry grabbed the desk and dug his heels into a crevice. With a loud 'pop', the helmet slipped from Harry's head. Harry stumbled backwards, carried by his own momentum and Lupin's arms snapped back. The helmet connected with his head. He dropped the helmet on the floor with a clatter. Harry shoved his glasses back on and looked over at him. Lupin sat on a desk, his head in his hands. "Ow…ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, OW!"

Harry chocked back a snigger. Lupin was likely not hurt badly, but hearing him react in such a childish way was funny. "You o-okay?" Harry chuckled.

Lupin looked up. His nose was bleeding. "No, I am not. And it's not funny!" Harry burst out laughing.

"Y-yes…it…is! You should have heard yourself! I-it was hilarious!"

Lupin seemed to recover rather quickly after this. "Hilarious, eh? I'll show you hilarious." He picked up the helmet, weighed it in his hands and, with one deft movement, lobbed it at Harry, who was doubled over laughing. Harry looked up at the last moment. He yelled and ducked but the edge of the helmet caught his temple. He put his hand to the throbbing spot. It came away with a drop of blood on it.

"Oh, it's on now." Harry grabbed the helmet and chucked it at Lupin who ducked. Books began flying, followed by inkwells, quills, and even small devices sitting around the room. Harry swore he saw a sneakoscope fly past his head. Lupin and Harry, who couldn't remember the last time he had really laughed and meant it, were both laughing raucously, all the while throwing harmless insults and slightly lethal objects at the other's head or any other body part they could catch. Occasionally, the helmet would enter the fray, only causing the combatants to laugh harder.

"Pompous goody two-shoes!" Harry yelled.

"Mischievous runt!" Lupin jibed, chuckling.

"Ouch! You hit my hand, you overgrown windbag!" Harry shook his hand to get rid of the stinging.

"Windbag! How dare you, you insolent brat!"

"Mangy wolf!"

"Egocentric Quidditch star with your one loss record!"

"What about you and your 'furry little problem'?"

"Just like your father, you are!"

"What's it to you, Mr. Chocoholic?"

"I am not a chocoholic! I may like chocolate, and for good reason, but I think about plenty else! AUGH! These were my good robes!"

"You've never had good robes! Besides, you ruined mine a while ago. I thought I'd return the favor! You're such a grouch!"

"I am not a grouch, Four Eyes!"

"Overachiever!"

"Attention hog!"

"Pansy!"

"Watch what you're doing with that, Marauder Spawn! You're going to behead me!"

"I'm the one being careful! You be careful!"

"Oh, yes," Lupin sighed, sarcasm evident in his voice. "We wouldn't want our Golden Boy getting hurt and ruining his appearance for the papers now would we? Or is it the tabloids?"

"Hey, I can't help it that I have dashingly good looks." Harry peeked around his desk fort and gave a comical impression of Lockhart's best smile and puffed out his chest, placing his hands on his hips. The grin was quickly wiped off when Hogwarts, A History smacked him in the face.

Harry dodged another book, unable to get behind his shelter again. He was now standing in front of the door, out in the open. "Oh, you missed!"

"Curse you and your super seeker reflexes!" Lupin cried, leaping out from his own fort. He hefted the helmet again and threw it. Harry dodged again.

"YEOWCH!" Harry and Lupin froze. Harry's first thought was that the helmet had rebounded, but the look on Lupin's face told him everything. "I guess we're interrupting?" someone grumbled.

Harry turned around. The Marauders were staring at them in shock. Sirius was gingerly rubbing a bump on his head. Lupin recovered first, sending Harry a warning glance as he cleared his throat. He would take care of this. "Boys, what can I do for-" He stopped and looked over at Remus, whose eyes were riveted on the ground. The helmet was sitting at his feet. Harry growled under his breath. Nothing ever went his way. With measured steps, he walked over to Remus. Remus's eyes bored into Harry as he bent down and picked up the helmet.

"Uh, sorry, this is for my…project, yeah…" Harry felt like disappearing. He couldn't stand people staring at him anyway, but Remus's gaze was so calculating that it made Harry squirm. There was only one thing he could do that would solve this, and that was to evaporate from the face of the earth and do it fast. In an almost horribly foolish attempt to disappear, Harry lifted the helmet and placed it over his head. With as much control as he could muster, Harry strode from the room, feeling quickly for the door handle.

"Sorry we intruded, Professor. We were just wondering about the noise." James smiled, casting an approving look around at the shambles the room was now in. "Um, Professor, you have a-" James pointed to his hair. Lupin reached up and felt the end of a quill. He tugged it painfully from his tangled hair and threw it into the mess behind him.

"Thank you. I was looking for that. Harry and I were just-"

There was a loud bang outside. Lupin beat the Marauders out the door. He stopped so quickly that the others ran into him, almost sending him sprawling. Harry was lying on his back, flat on the floor. He lifted the visor on the helmet and gazed at Lupin with a dazed look. "I am not okay."

Then he told me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near. -Revelation 22:10