Harry had just completed the first phase of the transformation potion, utilizing four of the six cauldrons in his potions lab, when a sharp whip-crack echoed through the hall outside. A moment later, Remus Lupin, threadbare and worn looking, entranced by his surroundings, turned the corner. Dobby trembled with enthusiasm.

"Dobby has found Mister Remus Lupin, sir! Dobby is presenting him to Master Potter right away!" He bobbed with enthusiasm,

"Harry!" Remus' face lit with warm affection as he gathered his former student into a friendly embrace. "I must confess, I wasn't expecting to find you here. I haven't walked the halls of Ravenswood in decades! But aren't you meant to be with your Aunt and Uncle?"

Harry's features brightened at the unexpected visit. He returned the embrace, grinning broadly, pleased to share the company of a dear friend after days of isolation. "I am sir. I can explain, but it may take a while. Are you hungry?"

They sat over generous servings of roast and mashed potatoes, catching up over pints of butterbeer. Remus had just relayed the results of the latest in a series of disappointing job interviews, laughing away the cultural prejudice against werewolves and dismissing Harry's exclamations of injustice.

"We must press on, Harry, Of course. I can hardly complain before a feast of such proportions, enjoying the company of an old friend. Yet I've so many questions that you haven't answered, Harry."

Harry gathered himself, preparing for the volley.

"You're here, at Ravenswood Hall, and not in Little Whinging. That's one. And you're alone. That's two. And you've apparently secured the employment of at least a few house elves. That's three. Where shall we begin?"

Harry laughed, nodding patiently.

It took three hours to give the barest explanation. It had been, he realized, only a few months since Remus had last seen him. He began there, detailing the events of the summer that led to the revelation of the Triwizard Tournament. Remus was outraged when he learned of his selection as Champion, and hung on every word as Harry explained the sequence of tasks leading to the Maze. Sheer devastation overtook his features as Harry, in tears, relayed the events of the graveyard, Cedric's death, the ritual, Voldemort's resurrection, and Harry's narrow escape.

"You saw them?" Remus, too, was fighting tears. "James and Lilly?"

Harry nodded, and for a moment they were both silent.

"I've missed them so much. I'm so sorry, Harry. It's all just so horrible."

Harry pressed on, briefly explaining his isolation.

Remus shook his head. "Dumbledore, rushing to conclusions, as ever. I'm ashamed of my part in it. Although, considering the present conversation, my absence was likely orchestrated?"

Harry shrugged, considering the potential, rushed through the Dementor attack and subsequent trial, and began to explain his growing friendship with Luna. He left out many of the more intimate details, alluding distantly to the strength and draw of Nexus while blushing a deep crimson. He explained the blood ward protecting Luna, the looming threat of violence against those he loved, and his pursuit of her protection at any cost. Finally, he explained the time turner, his letter to himself, and the explicit instructions to seek Lupin's presence immediately.

For a moment they sat there, Harry literally exhausted from relaying some of the most difficult moments of the past year, Remus overwhelmed with the sequence of events which had led to Voldemort's return.

"Harry, my boy, I cannot begin to express the sorrow I feel upon reflecting on so much pain. I'm sorry. And I'm here. We have, clearly, a lot of time to prepare for the inevitable rise of our greatest enemy. I want to do everything I can."

Harry's brow furrowed. "That's the thing, Professor. I'm at a loss as to how we can prepare. What can be done? Of course everything that has happened, will happen."

"Indeed, Harry. And please, call me Lupin." A friendly smile cast over his features, dismissing formality. A moment later, his brow furrowed. "Yet the advantage we hold over our enemies, with this much foresight, can hardly be overestimated. The real question, the best question I think we can ask right now, is where to start."

Harry began to understand. "I suspected that may be why I was so keen on finding you quickly. We need a strategy, lest I waste this time."

Remus nodded. "The victory over darkness often hinges on preparation, and and have time to prepare. I'm grateful you've reached out to me, and suddenly grateful I haven't been granted employment." His hopeful disposition stirred Harry to renewed confidence.

"Okay. Where to start..." Harry took a deep breath, gathering himself.

Remus' features lit suddenly. "Harry, you mentioned death eaters. Were they masked? Did Voldemort mention their names?"

Harry nodded, darkening. "Malfoy. Crabbe. Goyle. Avery. Nott. Macnair." He paused. "Oh, and Wormtail, of course."

"Indeed? Nothing terribly surprising, yet a concrete foundation. Perhaps we might begin by assessing the means to undermine Voldemort's support network. Beyond that, there's always the mundane preparations of martial supplies. Potions, defensive cloaks, and of course a network of allies. I suspect The Order, apparently unaware of your presence and our collusions, are off the table. Ultimately we must priorities research. Our understanding of the nature of a Horcrux will be fundamental, if Hermione's suspicions are correct. Finally, as base as it might seem, we must secure funding. War costs money, lots of it."

Harry blushed a bit at this. "I'm not sure that will be a problem, Prof- I mean, Remus. Dobby has accounted for the present value of the Potter fortune. Our daily earnings on investments are around 80,000 galleons..."

Remus Lupin nearly passed out at this, laughing incredulously. "Well, that's perhaps the only good news I've heard this evening. Excellent. Okay."

He gathered his thoughts for a moment.

"So there's subterfuge, supplies, allies, and research." He paused. "Harry, I'm afraid we're going to need help."

Harry, overwhelmed with the task ahead, nodded slowly.

"Harry, have you ever met a young witch called Nymphadora Tonks?"

A mischievous smirk brightened Harry's features.