Disclaimer: I do not own.

Dedicated to Garrick Ollivander, who celebrates his birthday today.

Chapter 5

When nobody objected to his reading, Harry picked up the book and began, "Chapter 2."

Nearly ten years had passed … Dudley Dursley was no longer a baby,

Harry snorted. That was definitely an apt description of Dudley.

and now the photographs … lived in the house, too.

"And what," McGonagall began, her lips thinning, "does the book mean by that Mr. Potter?" She couldn't understand why there would be no pictures of him in the house. She had plenty of pictures of her nieces and nephews in her home and here at the school.

"By what Professor?"

"I believe Minerva is referring to the fact that it sounds as if there are no pictures of you in the house."

"Oh. Well, I don't like having my picture taken. I try and avoid cameras as much as possible." It was true. Sort of. He hated when people wanted a picture of Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived. And whenever he saw Colin with his camera he tended to find the nearest exit. Mostly though, it was because Aunt Petunia just didn't want any photographic evidence of him in the house.

Remus found himself disappointed at this. He had hoped that maybe one day he could see pictures of Harry growing up. Perhaps Petunia had some from his younger years, before he began to dislike cameras.

Yet Harry Potter … first noise of the day.

Harry winced and rubbed his ear with the hand that wasn't holding the book open. He hated when she did that. Her voice went right through him.

"Up! Get up! Now!"

… same dream before.

And now he knew why. He was rather fond of that dream. It always made him feel safe.

Remus let out a small smile. Of course Harry would only connect good thoughts to the motorbike. As a baby he loved being in the air. Black took every chance he could to take Harry for a fly with him. He frowned, wondering if Black had already turned on them at that point or if he was still their Padfoot.

His aunt was back … look after the bacon.

A look of surprise crossed McGonagall's face. She was beginning to think that she had in fact judged Petunia too quickly. The woman may have been a tad sharp, but the fact that she seemed to give the boys chores improved her image somewhat. "Mr. Potter, do you and young Mr. Dursley often assist your aunt in the kitchen?"

Harry raised an eyebrow. He couldn't figure out where on earth she got the idea that Dudley did anything other than eat in the kitchen. "No. Only I do. To be honest I'm surprised she even started breakfast. Usually I'm responsible for preparing and cooking it (unless I was being confined to my cupboard). Aunt Petunia is usually busy with other things (like finding out if Mr. So-and-so ever made it home the night before) in the morning."

"Harry, when did you start cooking? You have to be ten, maybe eleven here." Remus asked as evenly as he could. In his opinion that was too young for cooking unsupervised. He had a bad feeling he wouldn't like the answer.

"Er — I'm not really sure. Once I was tall enough to see and reach over the worktop Aunt Petunia had me helping." Harry paused thinking hard for a moment before continuing, "I think I might have been five when I started. She didn't trust me alone with the cooker though until I was about seven."

"Seven?" The three professors asked incredulously. Who on earth trusts such a young child alone with a cooker?

"Yes," Harry replied slowly, unsure why they seemed so shocked. This was obviously the wrong thing to say because Lupin and McGonagall started listing all the reasons why it was wrong to have a child cook and all the possible dangers while Dumbledore just listened and nodded his head every now and then.

While they were preoccupied with that Harry took the opportunity to read ahead. And boy was he glad he did. This chapter was going to involve a lot of fast talking on his part and hoping that certain things got overlooked. If he did this just right, then maybe…

With the beginnings of a plan in mind he cleared his throat to gain the professors attention. "Can I start reading again?"

And don't you dare let it burn, I want everything perfect on Duddy's birthday."

Harry rolled his eyes. He was quite happy that he missed Dudley's last two birthdays.

Harry groaned.

… how could he have forgotten?

He really couldn't figure that out. Especially since Dudley and Aunt Petunia talk of nothing but his birthday the entire month leading up to it.

Harry got slowly out of bed … that was where he slept.

Harry's voice was so nonchalant as he read this that he was well into the next paragraph before what he said even registered.

"I'm sorry Harry, but could you please back up to the bit about the spiders and a cupboard. I'm not entirely sure I heard you correctly." The Defense professor's voice belied the fury evident in his eyes.

Without looking up Harry went back and read, "Harry was used to spiders, because the cupboard under the stairs was full of them." He stopped there hoping that was enough. Apparently it wasn't.

"And is that all it says Harry?" It was his professor's tone that had Harry finally look up and face his professors.

What he saw shocked him. Dumbledore's eyes had lost their twinkle and seemed to have the saddest expression, McGonagall had a hand over her heart and seemed to be taking deep, calming breaths and Lupin looked dangerous, which he didn't think was possible. Deciding not to drag it out any further he sighed, "No, sir."

"Then can you please read the rest."

Sighing once more he read, " …the cupboard under the stairs was full of them, and that was where he slept."

"That's what I thought I heard." Remus, or rather Moony, growled out. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. How dare they put his cub in a cupboard! "And as much as I'd like to discuss this now, I think its best we wait until the chapter is finished," Remus forced out painfully. Merlin, did he really want to talk to Harry now. But Moony was far too close to the surface and he didn't want to scare the poor boy. "If it's starting off with a cupboard as a bedroom who knows how it will end."

McGonagall looked like she wanted to argue, but agreed that it was probably best to wait until they had all the facts. For now she settled for glaring at both the book and Dumbledore.

Harry was relieved to hear that any discussion would be postponed, but was now dreading the end of the chapter. Perhaps if he was really lucky it would be far too late to keep him here for the discussion. He snorted inwardly. Knowing his luck he'd be stuck staying and answering awkward questions for the rest of the night.

Taking the tense silence as his cue he continued to read on from the cupboard revelation.

When he was dressed … and the racing bike.

Remus' eyes widened at that. As he regularly spent time in the Muggle world he knew that one of those things on its own was expensive enough, but to get all three in one go? He suddenly narrowed his eyes as a thought struck him. How were the Dursleys able to afford spoiling their son like that?

Exactly why Dudley … he was very fast.

Harry was momentarily startled from his reading by an increase in growling from the man next to him. Lupin had been growling lowly since the cupboard revelation and Harry couldn't help but wonder how much longer he would keep it up. His throat was bound to start hurting soon.

Perhaps it had … skinny for his age.

The three professors looked at him calculatingly, comparing him to his parents build when they were his age. Both Lily and James were slim and average height. Harry on the other looked slightly underweight and was a couple of inches shorter then he should be.

Feeling the weight of their stares on him Harry looked up and bit back a groan. They were wearing an expression similar to that of Madam Pomfrey whenever she saw him. That was definitely not going to end well for him.

He looked even smaller …and bright green eyes.

Though Harry strongly favored James, his features were softened by Lily. Remus couldn't help but think that it was the perfect combination of them.

He wore round glasses … punched him on the nose.

This caused the growling to start up again. And it was beginning to confuse Harry. He couldn't figure out why Lupin was getting so worked up about these things. They barely knew each other.

The only thing … a bolt of lightning.

That earned Harry a few raised eyebrows. Not one of them ever saw him give even a hint of liking his scar.

He had had it … how he had gotten it.

Remus leaned in closer, curious as to how Petunia told Harry what had happened and how Harry had taken it. From what he's seen so far of her he can't imagine her doing it gently or her comforting Harry afterwards.

"In the car crash when your parents died," she had said.

The bluntness of her statement was expected. The out-and-out lie however was not. He couldn't wait to have a nice friendly chat with Petunia. The loud hiss from the woman across from him told him he was not alone in his thoughts.

"And don't ask questions."

Don't ask questions — that was the first rule for a quiet life with the Dursleys.

McGonagall had a suspicion that this was the reason Harry never seemed prone to asking questions in class. She was about to call him on it, but her former student spoke up first.

"Dare I ask what the other rules for a quiet life with the Dursleys entail? Or what even consists of a quiet life in that household?" Remus grounded out. He did not like the sound of this at all. He mentally added this to his list of things to discuss, which was becoming quite long.

Unsure of how to answer that, Harry just shrugged. When nothing further was said he continued to read.

Uncle Vernon entered … all over the place.

Harry attempted to flatten his hair, an action that brought amused (and short-lived) smiles to his professors.

Harry was frying eggs (he read over the angry muttering this brought on) … like a pig in a wig.

Harry nodded in agreement with his past self. Dudley still looked like that, only larger.

Remus had to choke back a laugh when he saw the serious look on Harry's face as he nodded along with the book.

Harry put the plates … wasn't much room.

After quelling his anger about Harry being used as a servant Remus sighed. This book was going to give him emotional whiplash. One moment he wanted nothing more than to cause great physical harm to the Dursleys, the next he was smiling at something Harry said or did or thought.

Dudley, meanwhile, was counting … less than last year."

Three incredulous looks were sent Harry's way.

"Mr. Potter, please tell me your cousin did not actually receive thirty-six presents." McGonagall couldn't believe someone would spoil a child that much.

"He didn't get thirty-six presents that year." The witch sighed in relief. "He got thirty-nine."

"That's — that's — what on earth does he need that many presents for?" she spluttered.

"He's Dudley. He didn't need them. He wanted them. And what Dudley wants Dudley gets."

"Darling, you haven't … Dudley turned the table over.

"He wouldn't really turn the table over would he?" Remus questioned.

"He has done it before." Harry answered.

Aunt Petunia … Is that all right?"

"I know it's his birthday but that is no way to deal with a child." McGonagall exclaimed.

"I agree Minerva. That treatment does more harm than good. Should they continue to treat young Mr. Dursley in such a way I'm afraid he will never be prepared to live on his own." Dumbledore added sagely.

Dudley thought … said Aunt Petunia.

"Honestly! He will never learn if you just keep handing him the answers." The witch huffed.

"Oh." Dudley sat down … He ruffled Dudley's hair.

"That sort of behavior should not be encouraged."

At that moment the telephone rang … both angry and worried.

"Remus is everything alright?" Dumbledore's question turned Harry's attention to Lupin, who was gaping at the book. He shut his mouth with an audible click and looked from the book to Dumbledore and back again wide-eyed.

Shaking his head he replied, "I'm fine Headmaster, just stunned. Those gifts," he paused for a moment searching for the right words. "They must have cost a small fortune."

The professors stared at their former student in shock. While they were both quite familiar with the Muggle world it had been a while since either one was in it for an extended period of time. So while they kept up with Muggle news and advancements, they didn't find things such as prices to be necessary.

"Bad news, Vernon," she said. "Mrs. Figg's broken her leg. She can't take him."She jerked her head in Harry's direction.

"Figg? As in Arabella Figg?" Remus asked in surprise. Dumbledore had told him he stationed an Order member in the area. He just hadn't thought it would be Arabella. It made sense though. The Ministry didn't keep tabs on Squibs so she would be able to get close to Harry without raising suspicion.

"You know Mrs. Figg? How do you know her?" Harry asked, barely containing his curiosity. He had never thought of Mrs. Figg as interesting before but now that she seemed to have contact with the wizarding world he couldn't help but wonder about her.

Remus smiled briefly at Harry's attempt to hold himself back, before frowning to himself at the fact that Harry thought he had to do so. It was a habit he, with help from his fellow professors, was determined to break.

"Not exactly. We've met a few times, but that's about it. I haven't seen her in at least a decade." As an afterthought he added, "She's a Squib."

"Really? She never said anything. But I haven't seen her much since I started Hogwarts so maybe that's why." The last part was said mostly to himself, but the others still heard him.

Dudley's mouth … or the cinema.

Harry gazed longingly at the book. Out of everything Dudley had that was the one thing he wanted. Not the gifts or the outings, but to be able celebrate his birthday with people who cared for him. He smiled wistfully, remembering his eleventh birthday where he made his first real friend and even got to eat at a hamburger bar. It was, by far, his best birthday.

He was interrupted from his musing by the sound of someone clearing their throat. He fought down a blush as he realized that he had stopped reading and quickly went back to doing so.

Every year … all the cats she'd ever owned.

Harry wrinkled his nose in disgust. He really did hate it there. Though now that he knew she was a Squib it could be better. Maybe he should owl her first before committing himself to spending time with her.

"Now what?" said Aunt Petunia, looking furiously at Harry as though he'd planned this.

"Yes, because I spend my free time planning ways to ruin their day," he muttered.

Harry knew he ought … she hates the boy."

"The feeling's mutual," he stated darkly.

Remus looked at Harry in concern, wondering what she had done to make Harry hate her so strongly.

The Dursleys often spoke … like a slug.

Remus' eye twitched. The only things nasty in that room were the Dursleys.

"What about … a go on Dudley's computer).

Harry rolled his eyes at his past self. He really should have known better than to think that would work.

Aunt Petunia looked as though she'd just swallowed a lemon.

'She always looks like that,' he thought.

"And come back and find the house in ruins?" she snarled.

"I won't blow up the house," said Harry, but they weren't listening.

"I didn't even know how to at the time," he grumbled sulkily.

"I suppose we could take him to the zoo," said Aunt Petunia slowly, "… and leave him in the car…"

"He's not an animal," Remus growled out. Harry resisted the urge to point out that to the Dursley's he was no better than one.

"That car's new, he's not sitting in it alone…"

"Since when is a car more important than a child's welfare?" McGonagall snapped.

Dudley began to cry loudly. …

"Dinky Duddydums,

Dinky Duddydums, Remus mouthed horrified. That had to be the worse nickname he ever heard, and he had heard a fair few.

don't cry … his mother's arms.

"How can his parents not see this?" McGonagall asked in disbelief.

"The Dursleys can be incredibly blind when it comes to Dudley. In their eyes he can do no wrong."

Just then, the doorbell rang … while Dudley hit them.

Remus eyed Harry critically, trying to figure out if he knew this from experience or had merely witnessed it. He sincerely hoped for the latter.

Dudley stopped pretending to cry at once.

Remus scoffed at that. Real friends didn't care about that.

Half an hour later … had taken Harry aside.

"They should have taken you because you are family, not because they couldn't think of anywhere else to leave you," Dumbledore said sadly. This was not how family was supposed to act.

"I'm warning you," … now until Christmas."

"You even think about trying it Dursley and I'll make you regret it for the rest of your life." Remus snarled, glaring at the book. The other professors were nodding their agreement.

Harry didn't understand what the big deal was. This had all happened already. And it's not like Uncle Vernon really locked him up for that long.

"I'm not going to do anything," said Harry, "honestly…"

But Uncle Vernon didn't believe him. No one ever did.

Remus sighed. He really hoped this didn't leave Harry with trust issues. That would just make things so much harder when they have their talk. After all, if Harry didn't trust them enough to open up then how could they help him?

The problem was … make them happen.

Harry scowled at the book. It wasn't his fault he didn't know he was doing it. If he had known he may have been able to stop some of it from happening.

Remus found himself leaning forward again, eager to hear about Harry's accidental magic.

Once, Aunt Petunia … baggy clothes and sellotaped glasses.

Remus looked Harry over. His glasses, though out of style, looked fine, probably fixed with a simple Reparo. His clothes were baggy, extremely so. Probably the ones from Dudley, he thought. Remus was surprised Harry hadn't at least replaced some of them. Then again, the Muggle attire found in Diagon Alley was not only limited but out of date. He would need to see if he could possibly get someone to take Harry into Muggle London for a whole new wardrobe. It wouldn't do for the last Potter to be walking around looking like a street urchin.

Next morning … grown back so quickly.

"But you can't control it!" Remus exclaimed. "Petunia knows this."

Harry snorted. That fact probably just made punishing him more enjoyable for them.

Another time … Harry wasn't punished.

Moony was growling again. His cub shouldn't have to worry about being punished for something that comes naturally to him.

Dumbledore shook his head sadly. The Dursleys were very lucky that Harry's magic didn't lash out at them or turn inwards. He knew from personal experience how dangerous magic could be when the child was afraid to unleash it.

On the other hand … on the chimney.

Despite the circumstances leading to it, the professors found themselves impressed with the magic.

"The only thing I find myself wondering is whether you flew or Apparated?" Dumbledore inquired.

"Er — I'm not sure. One minute I was looking over my shoulder the next I was on the roof. It was all very confusing."

"How old were you?" Remus asked.

"Eight, I think."

The Dursleys had … door of his cupboard)

This seemed to be the cue for the room to start muttering angrily again.

was jump … mid-jump.

To the amusement of the adults, Harry interrupted himself. "Wow that was horrible. I don't believe myself and I was there when it happened."

But today, nothing was going to go wrong.

That was wishful thinking, Harry thought.

It was even … cabbage-smelling living room.

It was because of this that Harry planned to travel once he had the freedom to do so. He loved seeing and trying new things. It's why he's so enamored with the wizarding world. He always got to experience something new in it.

While he drove … his favorite subjects.

"Why am I not surprised?" Remus muttered.

This morning … "It was flying."

Harry winced internally. "I shouldn't have said that." The excitement of a day out made him temporally forget who he was with.

Uncle Vernon nearly … "MOTORBIKES DON'T FLY!"

"He was also sure cars didn't fly either before last summer," Harry said to no one in particular as he remembered the day Ron and the twins 'kidnapped' him.

Dudley and Piers sniggered.

"I know they don't," said Harry. "It was only a dream."

And now I know it wasn't, he thought.

But he wished … get dangerous ideas.

McGonagall was well aware of the fact that cartoons weren't needed to come up with dangerous ideas. Her experiences with the Marauders and now the Weasley twins have taught her that all it takes is a bit of imagination. A small smile formed at that, before quickly turning into a frown. This man was actively trying to stifle Harry's imagination.

It was a very sunny Saturday … it wasn't blond.

Harry let the various sounds of amusement wash over him. He remembered perfectly well how this day ended and figured he'd let them enjoy it while they could.

Harry had the best morning … hobby of hitting him.

"Surely they wouldn't do that in front of your aunt and uncle?" McGonagall cried out.

"It wouldn't have been the first time," came his bland reply.

"And what do your aunt and uncle say when they see this happen?" she questioned further.

"Nothing. They just go back to whatever it was they were doing," he said matter-of-factly.

They ate … finish the first.

"You should have gotten your own." Harry could have sworn he also heard Lupin mutter 'bloody bastards' under his breath.

Harry felt, afterward, that he should have known it was all too good to last.

"It was," he mumbled.

After lunch … man-crushing pythons.

He may be a lion, but there was just something about snakes that drew him in. Maybe it had something to do with being a Parselmouth. He'd have to look into that more and see what he could find.

Dudley quickly found … glistening brown coils.

Harry snickered to himself. Dudley looked even more like a pig when he did that.

"Make it move," … the snake just snoozed on.

"That boy! Ordering his parents about like that. Nothing good will come of it," fumed McGonagall.

"This is boring," Dudley moaned. He shuffled away.

Harry disagreed. Even with the animals sleeping he would have had a brilliant time.

Harry moved … rest of the house.

Remus groaned. Harry should not be comparing his life to an animals and he should not think his life was slightly better.

The snake suddenly opened its beady eyes. …

It winked.

Harry smiled. He liked that snake and everything that happened after their talk was worth the consequences.

Remus raised an eyebrow. He wasn't even aware that snakes could wink.

Harry stared. … and winked, too.

Dumbledore chuckled to himself. Only Harry could find himself in such a situation and act as though it were an everyday occurrence.

The snake jerked its head …

"I get that all the time."

By this point Remus had his brow furrowed in concentration. He had no idea what was going on. Harry seemed to be communicating with the snake, but that would only be possible if Harry was a —

He shook his head. What was he thinking? That couldn't be it. The trait was inherited and no one in Harry's family possessed it.

"I know," … nodded vigorously.

Not only was Harry talking to it, but it was responding as well. The evidence was all pointing to one thing, one impossible thing. But there was also a slight chance that Harry was just interpreting the snake's action to fit the situation. He would need definitive proof before he jumped to any conclusions.

"Where do you come from … WHAT IT'S DOING!"

Everyone jumped as Harry shouted the last line. He smiled to himself as McGonagall scolded him. The chapter was nearly over and if he could drag it out long enough he may get to leave without being spoken too.

Dudley came waddling toward them as fast as he could.

"Which wasn't very fast," he commented offhandedly.

"Out of the way, you," he said, punching Harry in the ribs. Caught by surprise, Harry fell hard on the concrete floor.

Harry unconsciously rubbed his ribs. That had hurt.

Remus narrowed his eyes at the action. He'd make sure Dudley was around when he had that chat with the elder Dursleys. Perhaps instilling a bit of fear into the boy would do him some good.

What came next … tank had vanished.

"Vanishment can be difficult, which is why Vanishing spells aren't taught until fifth year." McGonagall interrupted. "As a rule, inanimate objects are easier to Vanish then living things and smaller objects are easier than larger ones."

Harry nodded in understanding. That at least explained why Dudley never Vanished. As a large living thing it would take too much effort.

The great snake … Thanksss, amigo."

Remus blinked. Then blinked again. "Did that snake just speak?"

"Er — yes," he said uncomfortably. It was already common knowledge throughout the school that he could speak to snakes, but that didn't mean everyone accepted it. Lupin was still an unknown factor so he had no way of knowing how he'd react.

Remus just nodded. That settled it. Harry was definitely a Parselmouth. It didn't explain how though. He'd have to ask Dumbledore what his theory was.

The keeper of the reptile house was in shock.

"But the glass," he kept saying, "where did the glass go?"

Harry looked up. "Where did it go?"

"Into non-being, which is to say, everything." McGonagall answered.

That made no sense to Harry, so he just nodded and continued to read.

The zoo director … weren't you, Harry?"

Harry could feel the levity in the room evaporate. Things had been going relatively well too since the zoo trip started.

Uncle Vernon waited … a large brandy.

Moony was pissed off. He wanted nothing better than to go down to Privet Drive and tear the man apart. Remus, for once in his life, was in full agreement with his wolf. This man was drinking while his cub was being shoved into a small dark cupboard and starved.

Dumbledore's ever present eye twinkle was gone. He doubted anything would bring it back tonight. This was family. They were supposed to love and care for one another. He knew Harry wouldn't be happiest there, but he never expected this.

McGonagall's eyes flashed. She knew these people were horrid, she saw it for herself all those years ago. She also knew Harry was small. She had thought it was because of the cramped living space she just found out about. But now she knew it was because his food was withheld. Speaking of which, "Harry, how long was it before you were given food again?"

Harry was staring at the book as if it held all the answers. Why did this have to be in here? He mumbled an indistinct reply to her in hopes that they would just drop it and let him finish. He was nearly there.

"What do you mean three days!" Remus shouted.

Harry didn't answer; he just continued to stare at the book. He didn't want to talk about this. Not to people who wouldn't understand. This was just the way things were at the Dursley's. There was no changing it. After a moment of silence he continued to read.

Harry lay … for some food.

"You shouldn't have to sneak food in your own home," Dumbledore said sadly. This wasn't working. He couldn't, in good conscience, allow Harry to go back to that house. More like prison, he thought bitterly.

He'd lived with the Dursleys almost ten years, ten miserable years,

Remus buried his face in his hands; attempting to stave off the tears he could feel forming. He had failed James and Lily, failed Harry, so badly. He didn't think it was possible to make it up to them. But he would spend the rest of his life trying.

as long as … parents had died.

"Because there was no car crash," McGonagall murmured.

Sometimes … pain on his forehead.

Remus flinched as if struck. Of all the things he could remember why did it have to be that?

This, he supposed … them in the house.

Remus' eyes widened. Hagrid had sent him a letter requesting photos for Harry. He had thought Harry only had a few and wanted more, not that he didn't have any at all. Did Harry really spend his entire first year not knowing what his parents looked like?

When he had … his only family.

Remus felt his heart break as a few tears escaped, hidden only because he had yet to remove his face from his hands. He had wanted to see Harry so badly. But he had always told himself that it was better if he didn't. Harry had no reason to want a broken werewolf in his life. And even if he did now he would probably resent the fact that Remus never showed up once before.

Yet sometimes … strangers they were, too.

Dumbledore raised a bushy eyebrow. He wasn't aware that others had actually made contact with the boy. He knew there were sightings of him over the years, but he didn't think anyone went up to him.

A tiny man in a violet top hat had bowed to him once while out shopping with Aunt Petunia and Dudley.

Diggle, Harry thought fondly. He had met the man a few more times since that day and found him to be likeable, even if he was a tad excitable.

After asking Harry … get a closer look.

"Which was annoying," he said moodily.

At school, … Dudley's gang.

He closed the book and placed it on the table, waiting for someone to say something.

Remus couldn't believe it. Not only did the Dursleys make him miserable at home, but they had their son ruin his only respite from them. He would definitely be making sure the three of them paid. It was just a shame he couldn't do anything about Dudley's gang of bullies.

He scrubbed his face before removing it from his hands. It was time for them all to talk. The first conversation however, would not involve Harry. Harry didn't need to see him take his frustration out on the Headmaster.

"Harry, can you please go wait in the other room," his voice came out gruffly. "There are several things we need to discuss that you are better off not hearing." That being mostly him swearing at Dumbledore. Seeing Harry about to argue he added, "I will relay anything to you that I think you should know about."

Harry searched Lupin's face for any signs of deceit, finding none he nodded once and stood up. He was making his way towards the office when his Defense professor spoke again.

"Not that room Harry, the other one," he nodded to room across from them. He watched as Harry's gaze drifted from him to the door and back again in confusion. "It doesn't take a mind reader to see that you don't want to have this conversation. If I let you wait in the office there's a good chance we won't see you again until classes start on Monday. So if you will."

Harry swallowed thickly. That thought had crossed his mind. With his head hung in defeat he made his way to the door. He paused when he reached it. He didn't want to go in. But he was a Gryffindor. With that thought in mind he squared his shoulders and went into the room.