Appleson surveyed Harry for a moment, which made Harry an equal mix of annoyed and uncomfortable. Appleson's eyes found his scar, lingering on it longer than people usually did. "State your name for us, please." Appleson finally said.

"Harry James Potter."

"Born July 31st, 1980... attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry between the years of 1991 and 1998 where you were a Gryffindor, is that correct?"

"Uh, no, I did not attend my final year." Harry said.

"Ah, yes, my mistake." Appleson said. "It is an honour to be able to speak with the savior of the Wizarding World today, Mr Potter."

Harry wasn't sure he liked Appleson so far. Not only for his work, but the way he spoke. Appleson was holding a file, but Harry had a feeling it was more for show. "I was hoping to get a statement from you before the trial, but you are a hard man to track down." Appleson said. "Everything I have here is from Mr Lupin's recollection. I will need you to ensure you are giving me the complete truth. You first met Remus Lupin when you were thirteen, when he took over the role of Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, is that right?"

"No." Harry said. "That is the first time I remember, but I would have met him earlier. He was friends with my parents."

"The first time you remember, then." Appleson said. "Yes, right. He never contacted you before?"

"No."

"He was on the train when you boarded, is that correct?"

"Yes."

"And was his condition ever disclosed to the students?"

"Not voluntarily."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Most of us had no idea until the end of the year, when another teacher said something."

"This other teacher being...?"

"Severus Snape."

"So Professor Snape knew."

"All of the teachers did."

"But not the students."

"Only the ones who figured it out themselves." Harry said. "And when the rest of us found out, a lot of us didn't care-"

"Students don't learn a lot about werewolves, though, do they?"

"Not a lot, no-"

"The true nature of werewolves is generally not something taught unless it is relevant to a witch or wizards career." Appleson said to the Wizengamot. "Like an Auror, for example. They must know. Students, however, do not. This makes it extremely dangerous for werewolves to have such easy access to children. Did Mr Lupin ever interact privately with students?"

Appleson's tone was starting to get on Harry's nerves. "Uh- I mean, yes, but usually to help with lessons we didn't understand or help with essays, he taught me how to produce a patronus because of the dementors-"

"Was it common for him to meet with students alone?"

"He was the best teacher we ever got, always ready to help us with anything-"

"The best... even compared to the retired Auror-"

"The Death Eater." Harry corrected. Appleson's constant interrupting was starting to irritate him.

"After he left his post, did he keep in contact with you?"

"Not consistently."

"Did he ever discuss his condition with you?"

Harry shook his head. "No."

"In November of 1995, there was a rise in werewolf attacks. Do you know where Mr Lupin was during that time?"

"I was at Hogwarts, I did not know what any of the Order was doing, except for Auror Lupin, because she was in Hogsmeade and I saw her a few times." Harry said. "I rarely heard from anyone else."

"When did you hear from him? Was it during the summers only?"

"Not that year, but he was at the Weasleys' house for Christmas. I saw him briefly." Harry said. "He told me he had been with the werewolves."

"Did he say which werewolves?"

"No, and I didn't ask."

"Was this common? To not know what other Order members were doing?"

"Very." Harry said. "I never knew what any of them were doing day to day."

"What do you know about the werewolf packs?"

"Nothing, really." Harry said. "Only what the Daily Prophet wrote."

"And Mr Lupin never approached you with anything relating to his condition?"

"I imagine it was never relevant to the overall mission I was on, so no."

"But he did approach you, didn't he? He admitted that you had told him as much."

"The only time he approached me was when he came to offer his help, nothing to do with his lycanthropy." Harry said. "He said that we knew what he was capable of, that he could protect us."

"Protection he could only really provide on full moons when you three were exposed to his transformed state."

"Well, no, I didn't consider that to be his only meaning. He's been in both wars. He'd have been capable of protecting us even when the moon wasn't full."

"Is that what he said?"

"I don't remember his exact words, but he wanted to help us."

"And what did you say?"

"Uh, nothing at first." Harry said. "Then he admitted that To- Auror Lupin was pregnant, and that was when we started arguing. I called him a coward, and he left."

"And then he left." Appleson repeated. "Do you know where he went after?"

Harry shook his head. "No, no idea."

"You've been visiting him recently. Or, you were, until your relocation." Appleson said. "What kind of things did he discuss with you?"

"My training and things he didn't remember, usually." Harry said. "Sometimes my parents."

Appleson nodded slowly. "Things he told you he didn't remember."

"He didn't tell me what he forgot, or else he wouldn't have forgotten them."

"What types of things did he claim to remember?"

"I think Albus Dumbledore's death was the most recent thing he ever mentioned to me."

"So, his involvement with the werewolf pack that year, he should have remembered it?"

Harry shrugged. "I never asked." He said.

"During all of these visits, were you aware of the alleged threats by a Petra Goldstein?"

"Yes."

"And have you ever heard of Ms Goldstein before?"

"No, but I did attend school with her brother, apparently. Auror Lupin would know more about her, the threats were directed at her and they attended school together."

"Yes, I am aware of Auror Tonks's opinion on Ms Goldstein." Appleson said. "My point is this, no one else- aside from Mr Lupin and Auror Tonks- seem to know this woman. Mr Lupin has admitted to being involved with werewolf packs on and off for a large portion of his life. There are daily attacks happening, with a pack taking credit and claiming to be following the orders of Mr Lupin. People are rushing to defend Mr Lupin, yet no one else has apparently met or heard of this woman he is blaming. Why do you think that is, Mr Potter?"

"I think your department believes it would be easier to blame the first person you found, rather than finding the one who is actually to blame." Harry said.

Appleson turned to the Wizengamot. "I would like to use this statement and Auror Tonks' final statement as a good example of how werewolves operate. They find people who they believe will fall for the lies and the deception, using that to their advantage to have doubt cast over every single accusation people may throw their way. I am certain if Mr Lupin hadn't created a personal relationship with these two, we would get different answers. This makes my department's job quite hard, and Mr Lupin must be well aware of this, to choose an Auror and the savior of the Wizarding World to be his accomplices."

"Mr Appleson, I'm sorry to interrupt, but a lot of what we've been hearing today has not shown much in the way of proof for your claims." Kingsley said. "As for who else would speak in Mr Lupin's favour if Auror Lupin and Mr Potter were not in his life, I think you would find yourself greatly disappointed to learn that there are still a lot of Hogwarts students and Order of the Phoenix members who would take that role."

Appleson nodded. "Yes, the Order of the Phoenix, excellent point, Minister." He said. "However, a lot of the Order may have similar answers to my questions. No one seems to know where he went, what he did or what actually happened whenever he was working with the werewolves."

"As I always understood, Mr Lupin was working to bring werewolves to our side of the cause. We did not know a lot about each other's missions, it was deemed safest that way." Kingsley said. "I was under the impression that his job was to weaken the pack that followed Lord Voldemort, which would strengthen our numbers. Unfortunately, many did not trust that they would gain anything from our victory."

"Minister, if I may ask you, you were an Auror for decades. Did you ever hear of this Petra Goldstein?"

"I have, yes, and not just from Mr Lupin or Auror Lupin." Kingsley said. "In 1992, it was reported to the Magical Patrol Offices that Petra Goldstein had disappeared. Nothing was ever found, there was no dark magic involved so the Auror offices did not get involved. "

"What was the outcome of the case?"

"I do not know, it wasn't my department's case." Kingsley said. "Please, Mr Appleson, we need some proper evidence of the charges you're pursuing. Mr Lupin's past with some- admittedly- questionable decisions is not enough to put him in Azkaban, which is your requested sentencing. If you can not provide solid evidence that this is an appropriate sentence, this trial will be over."

"Of course, Minister. Mr Potter, I don't believe there is any more information you can provide us with today." Appleson said, gesturing to the witness stands. "I'd like to speak with Healer Davis now."

Harry stood, walking back over to the witness stand and sitting next to Tonks. "Do you think any of it is making a difference?" He whispered.

"Well, the fact neither of us have cried and declared Remus some kind of predator has to be putting some doubt in their minds, I imagine. They look bored, though, clearly expecting something more dramatic."

"Is that bad?"

She looked at him. "The Wizengamot will stop listening if they're bored enough. It's why the accused has not been called forward yet, which is usually how trials are run. The accused is usually called forward first. Appleson doesn't want them to listen to Remus. He also doesn't want us saying too much, that's why he's not actually asking anything of substance, and why he's sent us away as soon as we tried."

"Is it because he knows he doesn't have a case?"

"I think he's afraid of what Remus might say." Tonks said. Harry looked at Remus, who didn't appear to be paying much attention to any of the trial in front of him. Instead, he seemed deep in thought, a slight frown on his face. "He's been thinking about something this entire time, I'm not sure he's paid attention at all. He's planning something."

"What do you think it is?" Harry asked.

"I wish I had the slightest idea. He's a man who thinks he has nothing left to lose, it's not going to be good."

Appleson had finally finished the more basic questions with Healer Davis, asking about Remus' arrival in the fall, his condition, details that seemed unimportant considering he was trying to make Remus out to be a monster and detailing how weak and ill he was when he first arrived at the hospital just wasn't going to paint the picture Appleson seemed to want, Harry figured.

"You are the Healer primarily in charge of caring for werewolves in St Mungo's, is that correct?"

"Yes."

"How many years have you worked that position?"

"I've been Head of this floor for thirty four years, but a Healer for forty. I have worked other positions when required too, as werewolves do not often seek medical care."

"When did you first meet Mr Lupin as a patient?"

"I actually met him when he was five, but I do not think he'd remember. I was the Healer who treated his initial bite. More recently, we met again when he was brought in this past September."

"And between those times, did you ever cross paths?"

"No."

"He never came to ask you about anything? Perhaps, about offspring?"

"No, never." Healer Davis said.

"Have you ever assisted werewolves in that regard?"

"Not by answering questions, but I have helped pregnant werewolves."

"Have you ever seen a born-werewolf?"

"I have met born werewolves, but only witnessed one being born once. The baby did not survive."

"And the mother?"

"Gave birth while transformed, she recovered."

"What about humans?"

"What do you mean? Humans giving birth to werewolves?"

"Yes, have you ever seen it?"

"No, I've heard rumours only. I do not believe it to be possible, if the mother is not infected, but genetics can be unpredictable. I don't know for sure, there are a lot of factors to consider."

"Have you studied genetics extensively?" Appleson asked.

Healer Davis shook his head. "Not at all, but I've seen enough magical children born to see how unpredictable things can be."

"When you've spoken to Mr Lupin, during his recovery, has he ever asked about it?"

"No. Once he knew about his son, he did ask what possible effects he could have." Healer Davis said. "I told him it would likely be a partial infection, like victims who are attacked when the moon isn't full, but I wasn't sure. I don't see many half werewolf children, they usually do not need care from my floor."

"And how did he react?"

"He seemed... relieved, I suppose. He said he didn't want his son to suffer and didn't want to be responsible for an accidental infection-"

"Accidental." Appleson said. "As opposed to, intentional."

"That would be the opposite of accidental, yes." Healer Davis said. "He has never given any indication that he would want to infect anyone on purpose, either."

"You're certain of that?"

"Very. I have met many werewolves. Dangerous ones, scared ones, they're not as hard to read as people think. If this man wanted to hurt someone- or if he was continuously hurting people- the signs would show."

"How so?"

"There are drastic differences between some werewolves." Healer Davis explained. "Either they control the lycanthropy, or it controls them. It's very easy to tell which way they go."

"Care to elaborate?" Appleson asked.

"Comparing him to Fenrir Greyback for a moment, you can see the differences in both. Physically and mentally. I never treated Fenrir Greyback, he never came to the hospital, but I have seen reports on him." Healer Davis explained. "One lets the lycanthropy control them, the other controls it. Mr Greyback looked less human than Mr Lupin does, as he was taking on characteristics of his wolf. That only happens when they start to allow the wolf to take control. When they start giving in to the urges of cannabilism, murder, or any other behaviour that those of us who are not werewolves would not partake in- it becomes obvious. Werewolves are beasts, if they let themselves become so. Anyone who looked at Mr Lupin at first glance may not immediately recognise him as a werewolf, not unless they've been trained to do so."

"And that is your professional opinion?" Appleson asked. "Because he looks like a proper human, he must not be dangerous?"

"That is not what I said." Healer Davis said. "He is dangerous, at the wrong time, when proper precautions are not taken."

"Precautions that a werewolf pack likely does not take."

"I can't speak for how they function, or what precautions they take during full moons." Healer Davis said. "It does seem unlikely that Wolfsbane would be something a pack could access, but they may have other methods of controlling themselves, depending on the pack."

Appleson nodded and then turned to Kingsley. "Before we speak to the accused, I would like the Wizengamot to discuss what has been said so far. I believe it will be beneficial for them to sort out this information first."

Kingsley did a poor job of hiding his annoyance. "Madam Marchbanks, as Chief Warlock, that is your call. Would you like to continue, or take a moment to discuss?"

An elderly witch that Harry recognised from their fifth year exams surveyed the courtroom for a moment, her eyes lingering on Remus. "I believe there is nothing to discuss." She said. "We would like to hear from the accused."

Kingsley nodded, and the mediwitch next to Remus helped him to the chair. Appleson looked annoyed. "Appleson, you may proceed." Kingsley said.

Appleson gave a curt nod and then approached Remus. "State your name for us, please." Appleson said.

"Remus John Lupin."

"Remus John Lupin." Appleson repeated slowly. "Born March 10th, 1960. Attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as a Gryffindor between the years of 1971 and 1978. Is that all correct?"

"Yes."

"How old were you when you were infected with Lycanthropy?"

"I was almost five."

"And you were still able to attend school, how was that?"

"There were precautions taken, I would leave lessons early on the day of full moon and continue my lessons a day or two after, depending."

"And that is how you met Albus Dumbledore, correct?"

"Yes."

"How old were you when you were asked to join the Order of the Phoenix?"

"Seventeen, it was shortly before I finished Hogwarts." Remus said. "He said I would be a valuable asset."

"When did you join Fenrir Greyback?"

"It wasn't- that is not exactly how he worked his pack." Remus said. "Generally, werewolf packs are a loose term. Werewolves don't have many places to go, so they join together in communes. Generally, there is an involuntary bond to the werewolf that infected you. Greyback used that to control his victims. No one joined him voluntarily, if you were infected by him, you were always connected to his pack. He expected allegiance, but some werewolves would come and go all the time."

"Not everyone he's infected has lived in his pack, but you have."

"Multiple times, yes. I did live among them originally to try and bring werewolves to the Order's cause, when I was nineteen. I left temporarily and returned when I was twenty one, right as the war ended."

"You were aware of the war ending in 1981, then."

"Of course I was, my best friends were murdered."

"When did you first meet Mr Potter?"

"The day he was born, I saw him a lot in the first few weeks, until his parents had to tighten security." Remus said. "And then I visited shortly after he turned one. After that, it was when I began teaching at Hogwarts."

"The visits when he was an infant, was this between your residency in the werewolf pack?"

"Yes, I met up with the pack when Harry was a few months old, the next time I saw him, I had left the pack temporarily to deliver a report to Albus Dumbledore."

"There is proof of you remaining among the werewolf pack after the war ended, when the Order would have already disbanded. Why is that?"

"I had nowhere to go. I planned and attended the funerals of Lily and James Potter, and returned to the pack because I did not know where else to go."

"No Order members, no friends, no family?"

"I was... offered... but I did not wish to burden anyone. I was not on speaking terms with my father and my mother had already died."

"So you returned to the pack."

"Temporarily, yes."

"How temporary was your involvement at that time?" Appleson asked.

"About two weeks." Remus said. "I was there until your department arrested the entire pack and put us all in Brutum."