Chapter Twenty Seven

It didn't seem like nearly long enough though before Sirius was shaking him awake.

"Come on. You lot best get going." Sirius told them, "I'll walk you to the tunnel entrance."

They climbed out of bed, a flick of Sirius's wand returning the room to how it once had been. Back down the long tunnel Sirius reached a hand out the other end to push in a knot on the tree's bark.

"Hey there boy." he said, sweeping Crookshanks up in his arms, "I've seen you a lot."

"He's Crookshanks, my cat." Hermione said, scratching him behind one ear.

"He's a very special cat Hermione." Sirius smiled, "Take care of him."

Hermione nodded and waved goodbye as they moved away from the tree's branches.

"I'll see you soon." Sirius told them, "Not long till the holidays now." he whispered in the darkness.

Harry nodded and gave him a quick wave before the three of them hid under the invisibility cloak, walking back up to the castle.

Harry said goodbye to the girls not long after they'd entered the building so they could get back to their dorm rooms while he headed up the long corridors and flights of stairs to the hospital wing. He paused outside the door, listening in.

He could still hear voices so hid in a nearby classroom, using the map to be sure that he and Pansy had left the hospital wing before he crept back in.

He pulled off the cloak and patted Draco on the shoulder.

"It's me." he whispered.

Draco pulled the blanket back and climbed out of bed, "That was quick, you've only been gone a few minutes." he looked slightly confused.

"We'll explain later, you'd best be getting back to the dorm before we get caught." Harry told him, holding out the cloak.

Draco had just covered himself over with it.

"Mr Potter!" Madam Pomfrey snapped, "What do you think you are doing?"

Harry jumped and turned round, glancing down to make sure that Draco was completely covered and gesturing for him to leave.

"I was just...going to go see my friends. I'm feeling much better." He told her.

Madam Pomfrey swept over, "I think not. Now get back into that bed this instant and stay there."

Harry nodded and climbed into bed pulling the sheet tightly around his neck.

"Out of bed indeed. Seeing your friends? This late at night?" Madam Pomfrey tutted, "I will be reporting this to your mother you know."

"Sorry." Harry mumbled, like he wasn't in enough trouble anyway, that was something they hadn't been able to help at all.

"Now go to sleep Mr Potter before I give you something that makes you." Madam Pomfrey warned.

Harry nodded and didn't need telling twice. It was morning when he next opened his eyes, light streaming in through the large windows.

Harry looked to the side of his bed to see his mother sitting there, looking rather unimpressed. He sat up and put his glasses on, seeing that Daphne's bed was surrounded by screens.

"Hi Mum..." Harry smiled.

"Don't." Lily said, "You know how much trouble you're in, I know how much trouble you're in. If there is anything you ever need to rely on Harry, don't have it be your Uncle's ability to keep a secret from me."

Harry's heart fell, "You know?"

"Everything." Lily hissed at him. She stood up and went over to Madam Pomfrey, "Sorry Poppy do you mind if I borrow these?" she asked brightly, pointing to a set of screens.

Madam Pomfrey shook her head, "Of course not." she waved her wand and they flew neatly into place around Harry's bed.

Lily walked back over and flicked her wand, making sure that no one else in the room would be able to hear them.

"What were you thinking?!" She demanded, "Apart from running off into the woods, using time travel? And for what?"

"Pettigrew Mum, he was going to escape!" Harry pleaded with her.

"He's where he belongs Harry. Dumbledore didn't get your note or any message until after midnight. He sent the guards to check on him straight away and he was still there." Lily told him.

Harry looked at her confused, "But Professor Trelawney..."

"She's a fraud Harry." Lily shrugged, "You know that."

"No! Mum I swear that this was different!" Harry told her.

"But Pettigrew didn't escape." Lily pointed out.

"But… then it was never him." Harry said.

Lily smiled begrudgingly, "Well done. You've got a good brain in there you know, when you use it."

"Who?" Harry asked.

Lily shook her head, "We don't know. We might never know and prophecies are funny things Harry they never tell you all the truth, it might never have ever meant a real person it could just be finding part of himself or something."

"I feel really stupid." Harry mumbled.

Lily swept his hair, gently off his face, "Don't. It's tough, I know that. You always have wanted to save people. I remember, when you were really little, you heard a child crying in a playground. You didn't think twice just ran off, full speed. Severus couldn't catch you up before you crashed through the bushes to save this boy. He was only being chased by a swan so you chased it off but you didn't look, the ground was all slippery with scum and you skidded and fell straight into the pond. It was a good job you could swim. You didn't care though, didn't care you were soaked or sore or that we missed getting ice cream because we had to go straight home. You only cared you saved the boy."

Harry smiled, "I don't remember."

Lily shrugged, "It was a lot of years ago and you were very young."

"Are you… I want to… I know you said..." Harry wasn't sure how to phrase it.

"I'm not going to take you out of school." Lily said, "I should and I want to and what you did was stupid and dangerous but I know how much you want to stay here and I don't want to risk you doing something even more stupid and getting hurt trying to get back to your friends after the summer."

"I wasn't looking for trouble." Harry mumbled.

"I know but it seems to find you." Lily smiled, "But next year you're going to have to stay out of trouble, other people will be in it for you." She smirked secretively.

"Why? What's happening?" Harry asked.

Lily shook her head, "I'm not going to tell you so don't bother asking."

Harry knew better than to push the issue once his mother had made her mind up, especially under the current circumstances. Didn't stop him from wishing he could read people's thoughts like some wizards and witches could though.

They sat and talked for a while until, with another large chunk of chocolate, Madam Pomfrey said he was allowed to leave.

Harry had just finished putting his clothes on when there was a knock on the screens. Lily went and looked to see who it was and smiled.

She pushed open the screen so Severus could walk though. Harry didn't need to say anything, there was nothing to say he just went over and wrapped his arms around his father. Severus let out a deep breath, trying not to cry.

"I'm so sorry." Harry said.

Severus shook his head, "Don't be. I, I shouldn't have been so defensive about it all. You have to believe me Harry I never wanted to hurt you parents. I always have and always will feel guilty for what happened."

"It's not your fault." Harry mumbled into his chest, wiping his eyes quickly; before anyone could see he'd been crying.

Severus didn't say anything, just held Harry happy in the knowledge that the air between them was clear for the first time in months.

"Come along please Mr Potter." Madam Pomfrey said, "You are free to go, please refrain from cluttering up my ward."

Harry nodded and took the piece of chocolate Madam Pomfrey was giving him.

"Did Hagrid get back yet?" Harry asked as they walked through the corridors.

Lily nodded, "Yes, he actually came back early late last night."

"And… And Remus?" Harry asked quietly.

"He came back early this morning." Lily assured him, "He's resting for now but, apart from a few scratches, he's fine."

Harry let out a sigh of relief, "I'm glad."

Lily looked at the door, "Why don't we go see him? Just quickly?"

Harry grinned and nodded.

Harry lead them through the corridors to Professor Lupin's door and knocked.

"Come on in." They heard.

Harry pushed the door open and gasped. The warm cosy office had been stripped bare, all the cages were empty and Professor Lupin was packing his suitcase.

"Harry, Lily, Severus, are you OK?" Remus asked, leaving the neatly folded clothes to talk to them.

"No worse for wear, you?" Severus asked.

Remus shrugged, "It's never my favourite time of the month and forgetting to take my potion was a first; haven't been full wolf in years. I'm OK though."

"Why are you packing? There's still nearly a week of school." Harry asked.

Remus sighed, "I'm afraid that my little run has caused some issues. Professor… Professor Dumbledore told the other teaches that I was loose and then unfortunately he was over heard. The whole school knows about my condition. I've saved Professor Dumbledore the trouble of having to fire me."

"Oh Remus." Lily went over and gave him a big hug, "I'm so sorry."

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Severus asked.

Remus shook his head, "No. This is for the best. I've enjoyed this year so much but… it's time."

"You were the best teacher we've head for Defence Against the Dark Arts." Harry pleaded.

"Oh Harry, it's all right." Remus gave him a sad smile.

"No it's not." Harry said firmly, "This isn't fair."

"Harry." Lily said warningly, "This isn't the time."

"You're right, Harry, that there is a long way to go for werewolf rights. I imagine the owls have already started to arrive from concerned parents unhappy about someone with my condition being anywhere near their children." Remus shrugged.

Harry went over and gave him a hug. It was completely unfair and there was nothing he could do. In many ways it was his fault.

Remus turned back to his suitcase, "I'll see you in a week or so Harry, during the holidays. I'd best finish packing."

Lily gave Remus a final hug and took Harry's hand, leading him from the room.

"We should leave him to get packed." Lily said kindly.

Harry nodded and tried not to get too upset as they reached the large doors at the entrance of Hogwarts. Lily turned and took both of his hands.

"When did you get so grown up?" She laughed, "Certainly know your own mind."

Harry smirked, "Take after you."

"Hey!" Lily smiled, "We're going to have a long conversation about something called 'grounded until the end of time' when you get home for the holidays."

Harry nodded, "Yeah I thought there might be."

"But, I'm not going to stop you from coming back next year or the year after that. You have enough life experience to know where you want to go to school. Just be careful; you've got a week left, let's end it without another near death experience?"

Harry nodded, "I promise."

Lily gave him a tight hug, "Then go get something to eat and I will see you in a week's time. Love you."

"Love you too Mum." Harry smiled.

He watched Lily and Severus hug quickly before Lily walked out the door and down the long grass lawn towards Hogsmead.

"I can't wait to get home." Harry sighed.

Severus put his arm around Harry's shoulders, "I know. Not long now. Go on, go get something to eat."

Harry smiled and went into the Great Hall to get some lunch. Dumbledore saw Harry come in a quickly went over to him.

"Harry a word?" Professor Dumbledore asked nice.

"I'm actually just about to grab a bite to eat." Harry said coolly. He was annoyed at him for not seeing them last night.

"It'll only be a moment, we can have something to eat in my office." Professor Dumbledore said. It was a polite enough comment, but there was an undertone of insistence that Harry didn't like.

He didn't want to cause a fuss in the middle of the hall though so begrudgingly followed Dumbledore up to his office.

Harry was always fascinated by the odd room but today made a point of not looking around in wonder, instead he headed straight to the large ornate desk and took a seat, staring at the large chair opposite him.

Professor Dumbledore gave a small smile and took his time moving over to the desk and sat opposite Harry. He paused for a moment and placed his long fingers on his chin.

"How are you Harry?" He said after a few minutes of silence.

"I'm fine." Harry said calmly, "Much better now."

Dumbledore smiled, "I'm glad. You'll be pleased to know that the Dementors have been returned to Azkaban; you won't have to worry about them any longer."

Harry smiled, "Well that is good news. I'm glad no one else will get hurt."

"I was quiet worried about you, it was a good job that Severus found you in time." Professor Dumbledore said.

Harry looked at Dumbledore's nose rather than into Dumbledore's eyes. He was fishing for information, Harry could tell and he also knew that Dumbledore was good at mind reading and wasn't about to make it easy for him.

Dumbledore knew there was something else going on in the forest that night, that Severus wouldn't have gotten there in time to save them. He had a suspicion but wanted it confirmed.

"Yes. It was really lucky." Harry said.

Dumbledore gave him a smile but his eyes flashed with frustration; just for a moment. Dumbledore waved his wand and a large treacle tart appeared on the desk with a jug of cream and another of pumpkin juice.

"Would you like a slice Harry? A little birdy told me it's your favourite." Dumbledore smiled, dishing up Harry a large portion.

Harry covered it in cream and took a mouthful, "Thank you."

Dumbledore reached into his desk draw and pulled out a letter, "This came for you last night."

Harry looked at the familiar paper and scribbled ink.

"It's from Pettigrew?" Harry asked.

Dumbledore nodded.

Harry felt himself seethe with anger at the letter, he reached out a shaking hand and took it, tucking it into his robe pocket, "Thank you Professor."

Harry put the plate full of tart back on the desk and stood to leave.

"Are you going Harry? You can finish your treacle tart and read your letter here." He said softly.

Harry shook his head, "No thank you Professor. I'm going to go and see my Dad."

Dumbledore had the same flash of anger in his eyes, "Of course."

Harry quickly left the office and walked down the corridors. He made his way to Professor Snape's office but there was no answer.

Harry waited a few minutes but Severus was clearly else where so he wondered down the hall to the Slytherin common room.

Draco, Pansy and Daphne were all sitting together. Daphne was looking pale, curled up reading a book while Pansy was winning at chess.

"Harry!" Pansy said jumping up, "How are you? We waited for you at lunch."

Harry smiled and walked over, "I'm fine. I got diverted by Professor Dumbledore."

"What did he want?" Pansy asked. She hadn't forgiven him for ignoring them when they were trying to tell him about Pettigrew either.

Harry sat down and held out the letter, "I don't know what to do."

"Have you read it?" Daphne asked, moving forward.

Harry shook his head, "I don't know if I want to."

"You should. Harry otherwise you are going to spend the rest of your life wondering." Pansy told him, Draco nodded in agreement.

Harry took a deep breath and slit open the letter. It was written on the same dirty paper as the last letter.

Dear Harry,

I heard that you were hurt this year. People came to my cell and said they thought I was going to escape. I wouldn't, not ever. Be afraid if The Dark Lord is rising again. He was nearly unstoppable last time and this time he will be worse.

My trail is soon, I hope you will find it in your heart to speak for me. You just have to write a letter. As James was my friend I know he would want you to help me.

I'm glad you now know what a traitorous snake Snape is. I never liked it when he went to move with Lily when James died but now you know the truth. Then when I heard that his daughter had been born, trying to replace you!

You're safer away from them I promise you that Harry.

Peter Pettigrew.

Harry read it out loud before putting the letter on the table.

"Harry?" Draco said softly.

"I'm fine." Harry said, "I feel nothing. It's a lie, I know that now."

"You're not going to help him are you?" Daphne asked.

Harry shook his head, "No. Never. There's nothing I could say anyway."

Pansy moved over and sat next to him, putting a comforting arm around his shoulder, "What are you going to do with the letter?"

Harry smiled, "What I should have done the first time round."

He stood up and strode over to the fireplace and threw in the letter. He watched as the parchment flamed and curled before giving it all a good stir with a poker so there was nothing but fine grey ash left.

"Whatever happened in the past, it's just that, the past. It's over." Harry sighed.

"You're worried it's not though." Draco said.

Harry shrugged, "If Professor Trelawney is right then it's all about to start again. Like we've been in the eye of a storm for the last twelve years and the second side is always worse."

Daphne came over and stood next to him, "Whatever happens, this time we'll finish it. One way or another."

Harry smiled and nodded. He sat down and played chess with them. It wasn't long before Daphne was dragged away by Astoria leaving Harry, Draco and Pansy taking turns playing chess.

Harry had gone to get them a drink and some sweets once he'd lost to Draco and quickly wrote a note letting his Mother know Pettigrew had sent him another letter.

He was angry at Dumbledore, Lily had said that Harry wasn't to get any more letters and yet he still had. Harry didn't understand why Professor Dumbledore had been so determined to go against his Mother's wishes.

He shook his head and wondered back downstairs, "What you two talking about?" he asked, flopping back down in the armchair.

"We're meeting up by the lake later." Pansy smiled.

"Ah OK." Harry smiled back, "Who's turn is it?"