The next morning Harry woke up around nine thirty. He got dressed and went into the common room to find Michele sitting in front of the fire with two plates of untouched breakfasts.
“Hey. What you doing down here?” Harry asked.
“I couldn’t sleep. I woke up around six. So I stayed in bed thinking until everyone had gone to class then I went down to get both of us some breakfast then came to sit in here.” Michele answered.
“How long have you been sitting in here?” Harry asked.
“About five minutes.” Michele replied. “I wasn’t sure what breakfast to get you so I got sausage, bacon, eggs. The usual.”
“That’s great, really you didn’t have to get me anything.” Harry said.
“It’s ok.”
“How come you haven’t eaten your breakfast?” Harry asked as he picked up a plate and sat in the chair next to Michele.
“Not hungry. I thought I was then when I got up here I didn’t feel like it.” Michele replied. It seemed like minutes until it was time to go to Defence against the Dark Arts. Harry ran up the dormitory and grabbed his bag.
The classes that day were very boring. In Defence class they were learning about minor curses and how to deflect them. Care of Magical Creatures was ok but only because they were learning about dragons and Malfoy’s plan to lay off Harry for a while had obviously been abandoned.
“What’s wrong Potter? Missing mummy?” He snarled as Harry sat on the grass working quietly on the uses for dragon’s blood.
“Go find someone else to annoy Malfoy.” Ron protested.
“Oh look it’s flame boy, here to protect Potter.” Malfoy hissed. Ron put a hand to his hair and flattened it nervously against his head.
“Malfoy, go bother someone else for a change.” Hermione added to Ron’s protest.
“I don’t think I will be taking orders from a mudblood anytime soon.” Malfoy said.
“Well take orders from me Malfoy. Go away.” Michele yelled.
“God what happened to you Michele?” Malfoy yelled back. “You used to be like us. Now you hang around with muggle lovers, mudbloods and idiotic celebrities.”
“Malfoy the only mudblood around here is you. And it’s because of your dad. He is evil Malfoy and that’s what makes you blood dirty.” Michele snarled.
“What do you know?” Malfoy hissed before walking off towards Crabb and Goyle.
“I was so not up for taking his attitude today.” Michele said.
“Yeah well I could do without him all the time.” Ron added.
“Yeah that would be nice.” Hermione answered. Michele seemed to have perked up a bit from the day before. She had smiled like the smile Harry saw in the picture in Michele’s room. Harry was sure that clearing the house and going to the funeral had helped Michele a lot but she still wasn’t the Michele Harry had met in Diagon Ally.
That night at dinner Harry, Ron, Hermione, Michele and the twins all sat together. The twins were doing their best to make Michele laugh and they were doing a pretty good job.
“So Padfoot, Mooney, Prongs and Wormtail were our saviours during the first four years. They showed us every passage, where the teachers were, where Filch and Mrs. Norris were searching for trouble makers.” Fred was telling Michele.
“And you have no idea who these people are?” Michele asked.
“They were the gods of trouble making.” George jumped in.
“I know who they are.” Harry said proudly.
“Who?” The twins chorused turning to Harry.
“Well you remember the teacher Lupin.” Harry asked the twins.
“Yeah, so.” George said.
“Well he is Mooney, Sirius Black is Padfoot, My father was Prongs and Peter Petigrew is Wormtail.” Harry explained. Hermione almost spat out her pumpkin juice when she heard Harry.
“Harry. Are you sure you should be telling them this?” Hermione hissed after swallowing her juice.
“Look I trust the twins.” Harry said to Hermione.
“Are you telling the truth? Mooney was Professor Lupin.” Fred asked in awe.
“Yeah. You know he got fired for being a Werewolf. Well that is where the name Mooney came from.” Harry told them.
“He’s a werewolf?” Michele asked horrified.
“Oh,” Harry said then swore loudly. “I’m sorry I forgot you didn’t know.” Harry apologized.
“No, it’s ok. At least now I know why my mum thought he was dangerous.” Michele said. “Please carry on about the map.”
Harry paused. He couldn’t tell the twins that Sirius was an animagus. He couldn’t tell them that their old rat scabbers was really Peter Petigrew.
“That’s pretty much all Lupin told me.” Harry then told them about how Lupin found out he had the map. About how the map had insulted Snape.
“He must have been furious.” Michele giggled.
“He was. But Lupin really saved my skin. He told Snape it was a stupid trick that insulted people who tried to read it."
“Wow seems Mooney is an ok guy.” Michele said quietly, winking at Harry.
“He is.” Harry smiled.
Nobody saw Malfoy standing behind them, they only noticed him when he started talking.
“Michele can I have a word?” He asked quietly. Michele accepted and walked over toy near the wall with Malfoy. Harry, Ron, Hermione and the twins watched with interest. They couldn’t hear what was going on but neither Michele or Malfoy looked too happy. Michele looked like she was just about to walk away when Malfoy said something. Michele turned back to Malfoy and slapped him so hard it could be heard at the other end of the hall. Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at Malfoy and Michele. Malfoy was holding his hand to his face.
“How dare you say that?” Michele yelled. Michele then called Malfoy a long list of names Harry had never dared to use on him. He looked like a werewolf was standing in front of him. His face was white except for a red mark where Michele had hit him.
Malfoy then hissed something at Michele and walked out of the Hall at top speed. As soon as Malfoy had left the Hall the Gryffindors erupted in applause. Michele turned around and saw everyone staring at her. It didn’t have the effect Harry thought it would. Michele went white as a sheet and walked out of the Hall.

Chapter 17

Gryffindor Verses Slytherin.

Saturday came way too quickly for Harry. It was his first match in over a year and it was against Slytherin. When Harry got down to the changing rooms he saw that the stadium was filling up fast. Harry’s stomach churned. He walked inside the changing rooms and saw the twins, Angelina, Alicia, Katie and the new keeper.
“Right team. This is Ian. For those of you who don’t know him. He is our new keeper. We have been training him this week.” Angelina explained indicating to Alicia, Katie and herself. “I know we can win this. The Slytherin seeker is Malfoy. I don’t think I need to say anymore about that.”
“Yeah. Don’t worry Harry doesn’t need help winning against Malfoy.” Fred laughed.
“Yes. Anyway. Twins. don’t try and hit Malfoy with the bludgers unless you think he has seen the snitch. Harry don’t get the snitch if we are behind in point. We need a big lead in the beginning to hold the lead for the cup.” Angelina continued.
Harry nodded. He felt better that he was facing Malfoy. He knew Malfoy couldn’t catch the snitch even if he had six arms.
“Ok I think I have said all I need to.” Angelina said “Come on. Lets go.” The team followed Angelina out onto the field. The Slytherins were standing in the middle of the field in their green robes. Harry looked at the crowd who had banners up for the two teams. More than half the crowd had purple and gold banners. Madam Hooch was standing in the middle of the pitch with the Slytherins. When Angelina reached Madam Hooch she started talking to the teams.
Harry looked over towards the Slytherins and saw Malfoy standing quietly behind. Harry could still see the mark where Michele had hit him. Michele and Malfoy hadn’t spoken since that day and Malfoy was now more malicious than ever. What Harry found funny though was that Snape had given Malfoy detention and had started to take points off Slytherin whenever he was cruel in class. Harry assumed that this was because he knew Michele and saw what happened in the Great Hall.
“Right captains shake hands and then we can start.” She called.
Angelina and the Slytherin captain shook hands. Harry noticed that the Slytherins had a new captain. He was big and built. Everyone climbed on their brooms when the two captains let go. Madam Hooch started the countdown.
“Three, two one…” The whistle sounded and Harry kicked off. He soared into the air. He could hear people cheering and he could only just hear Lee Jordan giving the commentary.
“And they’re off. This is the first game in over a year so it better be good. Right, Gryffindor had the ball. Angelina the new captain is streaming along with the quaffle.” There was a loud ooh from the crowd. “And Slytherin beater hits Angelina, that’s got to hurt. Slytherin have the ball, they soar towards the Gryffindor goal posts. Ian Watson the new Gryffindor keeper better be good as the three chasers for Slytherin are all streaming towards him. They shoot, they score. Slytherin score. Ten, zero.” Lee was yelling. The crowd were booing.
Harry flew higher and started circling the pitch like a vulture. Malfoy flew up to Harry.

“Seems you’re on the loosing team Potter.” Malfoy sneered.
“Shut up Malfoy before I give you a matching black eye for the one Michele gave you.” Harry snarled back. Harry seemed to have touched a nerve because Malfoy flew off without a backwards glance.
“Slytherin have the ball and they pass, pass again. And ouch. There’s a bludger from the great Gryffindor beaters.” The crowd cheered and booed. “And Gryffindor have the ball again.” Lee boomed across the stadium. “They shoot, they, they, they score.” Lee yelled. “Gryffindor score. Ten, ten, take that slimy Slytherin.” Lee yelled jumping for joy.
“Lee please commentate in an unbiased way.” Professor McGonagall said sternly.
“Sorry Professor.” Lee called.
The next few minutes were mayhem. Gryffindor scored twice there were three penalties taken by Gryffindor in which the scored each time. Gryffindor was now in the lead sixty to ten. Then Harry saw it. The snitch was fluttering near the ground in the centre of the pitch. Harry looked to see where Malfoy was. He was circling high above Harry watching the chasers. Harry turned back. It was still there. Harry went into a dive and headed for the ground at top speed.
“And has he seen it? Yes Potter has seen the Snitch. Look at that boy go.” Lee boomed. Everything on the pitch stopped as Harry sped towards the snitch.
“Finally the Slytherin seeker figures out what is going on and starts towards the snitch. He’ll never catch our Potter though.” Harry could hear the cheering but he couldn’t pay attention to it. The snitch was now hovering a few inches off the floor. It would take every inch of concentration Harry had not to crash. Harry sped downwards he levelled himself out a bit and changed course ever so slightly so he could turn and catch the snitch without crashing. Harry turned so he was now flying straight at the snitch. Just a few more meters.
“And he is going to get it.” Lee Jordan yelled. Professor McGonagall was jumping up and down with anticipation.
Harry felt the cold snitch hit his fingers and he clenched his hand as tightly as he could. It seemed the whole stadium was cheering. Harry could make out the word ‘Gryffindor’ being chanted throughout the stadium. People were running onto the pitch hugging the team. Ron, Hermione and Michele somehow made their way through the crowd and hugged Harry. Fred and George got over to Harry.
“We got him.” Fred yelled through the cheers. “I hit Malfoy when he was going for the snitch. To keep him from catching up.” Michele laughed and hugged Fred.
“I am glad you got him with the big black ball.” She said. Fred laughed.
“Told you I would.” Fred said back.

Chapter 18

Back to the Shrieking Shack.

When they arrived back at the common room that afternoon a burst of cheering met their ears. Harry got pulled into the thick of the crowd and offered food by everyone. Michele stood talking to Fred and George who were trying to see what would happen it you mixed a filbuster firework with one of their fake wands. The firework whizzed around the room before exploding with a loud squeak of the wand. Sparks flew everywhere and a rubber chicken zoomed around the room still attached to the firework.
Hermione and Ron sat talking in the corner looking wildly around the room though pretty soon Harry couldn’t see them and went looking around the common room. When he couldn’t find them he left the common room and thought about where Hermione and Ron would go. The first place he thought of was the library so he broke into a run towards it. After searching the library and not finding them Harry stopped and thought for a minute. They could be at Hagrid’s. But they would of told him. Wait a minute; they would have told me wherever they went. Harry thought to himself.
Harry searched the castle for another half an hour. The only place he could think of that he hadn’t checked was Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom. Harry sprinted towards Myrtle’s bathroom on the first floor. The out of order sign still hung on the bathroom. Harry ignored it as usual and opened the door quietly, checking nobody was watching him from down the corridor. The door opened soundlessly. Harry could hear voices and immediately knew that it was Ron and Hermione.
“Look we can’t tell him that. It isn’t our business Ron.” Hermione’s voice came from the middle cubicle.
“He needs to know. He has been so swept up by this whole fiasco he hasn’t been paying attention to what’s been going on in the outside world. Sirius would want to know that.” Ron protested. Harry stood next to the door unable to believe what he was hearing. “He hasn’t been himself Hermione, you and I both know that.”
“Look last year Sirius told Harry not to worry about what was going on in the outside world. Why should it be different this year?” Hermione asked, a trace of anger in her voice.
“Because this is innocent lives Hermione. This isn’t us going around playing hero as usual. This is serious. He is back and we need to get Harry to find his senses before this gets out of hand.” Ron argued forcefully. Harry walked soundlessly towards the cubicle Ron and Hermione were hiding in.
“I never remember loosing my senses thank you.” Harry answered. His hands balled into fists. A crash came from inside the cubicle and Ron’s feet slid under the door. Ron scrambled to his feet and opened the cubicle door, his red hair falling over his eyes and his face burning like the sunset.
“Hi Harry.” Ron said nervously. Hermione stood silently behind Ron her face also flushing crimson red.
“So…” Harry started. His hands were stinging from clenching them so tight but the more it hurt the tighter Harry clenched them. “When did I loose my senses?” Ron nervously shuffled his feet and twiddled his thumbs, not saying a word.
“Harry, we were discussing whether or not to tell you about the killings in the outside world.” Hermione explained quietly.
“Why shouldn’t you tell me?” Harry asked, his face burning and his head spinning.
“Because, we were thinking, well we thought we’d keep it from you to stop you running off trying to be the hero.” Ron admitted, his face flushing an even darker shade of red.
Harry stood staring at the two of them standing in the cubicle. His head was spinning so badly that Harry felt like he was on a roundabout. He couldn’t think of what to say. Looking at Ron and Hermione, conspiring against him, not trusting him, he needed to get out.
Looking from Ron to Hermione to the door Harry sprinted out of the toilets, down the hall and up the stairs to the common room.
“Kettle pig” Harry raged as the portrait swung open to let him into the common room. He ran up to the top of the tower and opened the door letting it bang against the wall as it opened. Harry opened his trunk and pulled out the invisibility cloak and the marauder’s map, shut his trunk and ran back down the stairs and out into the brimming common room. He pushed his way back through the common room and opened the portrait. Breaking back into a run he sprinted down the stairs taking three at a time and into the Entrance hall. Harry snuck out of the oak doors and onto the grounds.

It was still quite light so he wouldn’t be given detention if he was found outside. He checked the map. No teachers were anywhere near him so he slipped the cloak over himself and walked as fast as he could towards the forbidden forest.
Reaching the side of the forest Harry found the longest branch he could and went over towards the whomping willow. He lay on the ground and leaned forwards as far as he could. Eventually he pressed the knot in the tree and it froze. Every branch and leaf stood still as Harry made his way into the gap under the roots. Pulling himself down into the passage Harry pulled out his wand.
“Lumos” He muttered as he pulled off the cloak and draped it over his shoulder. Harry set off down the passage, the dust rose with every step he took until he reached an upward slope in the tunnel. Harry climbed upwards until his head hit a small trapdoor. Opening the trapdoor he saw that he was not the only person who had decided to go into the shrieking shack that night. Sat in armchairs were Remus Lupin and his Godfather Sirius.
“Hello Harry.”

Chapter 19

Every Dog has its day.

Harry froze on the spot. His feet glued to the floor and his bones turned to steel. Standing, his top half showing to the room, his legs hidden in the shadow of the passage.
“Well aren’t you going to say hello to your godfather then? Sirius asked sarcastically. Harry stayed stock-still. He stared disbelievingly at Sirius and Lupin, who were now grinning widely at Harry.
“I err, I err, I mean yes I am. Hello.” Harry said, stumbling to get into the room. “What are you doing here?”
“I am staying here so I could come to see you in the morning…” Sirius paused, he suddenly realised the oddness of the situation. “What are you doing here?” Harry climbed into the room and walked over to where Sirius and Lupin sat facing each other, though both their eyes glued to Harry. Harry found a small wooden stool and sat down slowly. Sirius’ eyes widened for a second, as if to ask Harry again why he was there.
“I got in a row with Ron and Hermione so I grabbed the cloak and ended up here.” He explained.
“What was the row about?” Lupin asked. For the first time Harry took a good look at Lupin. His hair seemed to have regained a lot of the light brown colour, the lines from his face had gone and it now looked a lot fuller.
“They were saying that I’ve lost my senses and that I shouldn’t be worrying about what is going on in the outside world. It seemed like they knew something but they didn’t want to tell me.” Harry told them as he looked from face to face. Sirius also looked a lot younger than he had the last time Harry had seen him. His once long matter hair was now short but it still stuck up in places. His face had regained it old features and colour. He still looked awfully thin but he didn’t look waxy like he had before.
“Well they kind of do know something you don’t.” Sirius said quietly. “That’s why I was coming to see you. I suppose they were wondering if that was a good idea.” Harry froze. Why were people keeping him in the dark?
“Well you can tell me now can’t you.” Harry mentioned to Sirius. “Now I know there is something to tell me it would be better that I know.” Sirius dug under his chair and pulled out a copy of the daily prophet.
“I asked them not to tell you about it because I wanted to tell you myself.” Sirius explained as he handed Harry the paper. The headline blazed out of the yellowy paper. Peter Petigrew presumed dead. Harry looked from the paper to Sirius. Sirius was smiling from ear to ear obviously bursting to tell Harry what the article contained. Harry read the article. Parts of the article jumped out from the page. ‘Presumed dead, Petigrew was found by ministry wizard and brought in for questioning.’ ‘Under influence of veritaserum Petigrew confessed to the murders of James and Lily Potter, Bertha Jorkins and twelve muggles that all presumed were killed by Sirius Black.’ ‘Sirius Black given Order of Merlin Second Class for wrongfulness of his imprisonment.’
“It’s been a good day hasn’t it?” Lupin asked Harry.
“Yeah. When did this come out?” Harry asked while reading the last sentence of the article.
“Wednesday.” Sirius answered still beaming.
“What? Why didn’t you send an owl? How come Ron and Hermione knew before me?” Harry asked bewildered at the article.
“Well I wanted to come and surprise you.” Sirius smiled. Harry smiled back at him.
“So what did the ministry say?” Harry asked moving in his seat, desperate to hear everything.
“Well they called Remus and asked if I was there.” Sirius started.
“Of course I said no.” Lupin butted in. “But then they said that they’d caught Petigrew, they knew Sirius was innocent and that they wanted to see him. Well I still wasn’t sure so I told them to tell me what they wanted to tell him and I would see that he got the message. So they told me everything and I told Padfoot here.”
“Yes.” Sirius interrupted Lupin, staring at him evilly to show he wanted to tell the story.
“Sorry.” Lupin said quietly.
“Well anyway, I went to London and met with Fudge, he was still a bit nervous to see me but happy all the same. So he told me everything. He also let us see Petigrew to tell him what a scum he was before they through him straight to Azkaban.” A sick smile spread across Sirius’ face. Harry cringed. He could still feel what it was like when the dementors got too near to him. Sirius obviously saw Harry cringe because he suddenly leaned in towards Harry, his face sombre.
“Harry, Peter was dirt. He worked for Voldemort and helped him back to his body. He killed your parents, our best friends. Remus knows that I hate the dementors and I don’t think the kiss should be used on anyone, except him. He is the only person I would wish that on.” Harry nodded, he knew how Sirius felt.
“So what are you planning to do now?” Harry asked after a couple of minutes silence. Sirius shrugged and looked around the room.
“Dunno, maybe join Dumbledore’s fight against Voldemort?” I really have no idea. Being a free man still hasn’t sunk in.” Sirius smiled at the words free man.
Harry sat staring at the floor for a moment then a thought came into his head.
“Snape.” He blurted. Sirius and Lupin looked up suddenly as Harry mentioned his name.
“What about him?” Lupin asked quickly.
“Well at the end of last year Dumbledore asked Snape if he was ready to do something. What was it?” Harry probed.
“Well umm.” Sirius started. His face now sunk to its former look.
“Err,” Lupin stammered. “Severus has rejoined Voldemort.” He answered quietly.
“HE WHAT?” Harry yelled.
“Harry quiet. If anyone hears us in here.” Sirius warned.
“He went back to Voldemort? But he’s still working at Hogwarts.” Harry whispered.
“He is a spy for Dumbledore.” Lupin assured Harry. “He has gone back to what he was doing for a year before Voldemort’s fall. He has told the death eaters he wants to be a spy for them. Dumbledore is feeding him false information so that he can find out what Voldemort’s plans are so that we can prevent them.”
“Won’t Voldemort know he is lying?” Harry asked.

“Well that is a risk Snape is taking. He has been in contact with the Death eaters for five months now and they haven’t done anything. They aren’t smart enough to suspect anything they just think he was like the others who pretended to be on our side while they were biding their time.” Sirius said, still pretending there was something very interesting about his knees.
“I suppose. But won’t they find out when they realise all the information he is giving them is false?” Harry asked. He didn’t understand how Snape could pull this off.
“He is giving them as little information as possible. Only telling them things when they really want it. Other times he is saying Dumbledore is being very secretive.” Lupin answered.
“What about the ministry?” Harry asked quickly. A question was coming into his head every few seconds. “Have the accepted that Voldmort is back?”
“Some have. The ministry has split apart. It’s in disarray. Fudge is still refusing point blank that there is something wrong. Arthur Weasley and a group of people in the ministry have joined Dumbledore in his fight against Voldemort and then there are some people in the ministry just going about business as usual.” Sirius explained. “However much Voldmort dangles himself in front of the ministry, Fudge will still refuse to believe he is back. He won’t believe that the world we have rebuilt will be torn to shreds.” Harry sat taking all he was told in. “Henley.” He said after a minute.
“Who?” Lupin asked. Harry stopped for a minute. Did Lupin know what happened?
“Michele’s step father.” Harry said quietly.
“Oh.” Lupin answered.
“Remus remember I told you what happened, that night we went back to Helen’s place.” Sirius said looking at Lupin.
“Yeah, I remember.” He paused. “Sorry Harry I know nothing about Henley. Never met the guy. He went to Durmstrang so I’m told.”
“Yeah. He hated Hogwarts and Dumbledore. Never understood why until what happened with Michele happened. Why he married Helen though I’ll never know. I suppose nobody will.” Sirius told Harry. Lupin suddenly looked very tired and sombre.
“Are you ok?” Harry asked.
“I’m fine.” Lupin answered quickly, looking up. “I’m fine. Look, I’m going to go and try to sleep. I’ll see you in the morning Sirius, and I’ll see you soon Harry.” He got up and walked up the stairs.
“Harry I think you’d better go. It’s late.” Sirius said after a minute.
“Yeah.” Harry answered, standing up and picking up the invisibility cloak. “Well see you Sirius.” Harry said starting to climb down into the tunnel. He was just about to slip his head out of sight when Sirius called after him.
“Harry.” He called.
“Yeah.” Harry said turning to face Sirius.
“Would you still like to live with your Godfather?” Sirius asked shyly. Harry didn’t say anything but he just smiled broadly and ducked out of sight.
Harry ran along the passageway, his head pounding with everything that was said in the last hour and a half. His heart was leaping up and down in his chest. He was going to live with Sirius. He was leaving the Dursleys. He was starting a new life where he wasn’t something the people in the house thought was more disgusting than the filth on their shoes. Slipping the Invisibility cloak over his head, Harry crawled out of the passageway and touched the knot in the Whomping Willow. The tree froze and Harry crept quickly and quietly up to the castle. He opened the great oak doors and snuck through them and up the stairs. Harry sprinted as quietly as he could up through the castle towards the Gryffindor common room. He was just about to turn the corner to where the portrait of the Fat Lady was hanging when he thought he’d better take off the invisibility cloak. He pulled it off his head and turned the corner. Just as he was about to wake up the fat lady a voice came from an invisible person.
“Good evening Mr. Potter, out for a night time stroll?”
Harry spun around to see nobody there. He looked around the corner but he could see nobody. Sure he was imagining it Harry walked back towards the Fat Lady he was about five feet from the portrait when he hit something solid. Harry fell backwards sprawled on the fall. He looked up and saw Dumbledore become visible before his eyes.
“Headmaster?” Harry said stunned.
“Yes.” Dumbledore answered, his eyes twinkling like stars in the dark. “Now Mr. Potter you gave us all a fright. I had a visit from a Miss. Granger and a Mr. Weasley telling me that you ran off.”
“I’m sorry Professor I only needed some time.” Harry stammered, clambering to his feet.
“Yes. Mr. Remus Lupin told me as much.” Dumbledore said, his eyes laughing at Harry’s shocked look.
“He what?”
“Remus came to my office, you know when heads can appear in the fire. Well he appeared in my fire just as I was about to go and send an owl to the ministry to say we’d lost you.” Harry became aware that his mouth was hanging open he shut it quickly. “Remus told me that you had found your way into the shrieking shack and that you had been talking to Sirius and himself for the last hour and a half.”
“Am I in trouble headmaster?” Harry asked quietly once Dumbledore had stopped explaining.
“Not tonight Mr. Potter. Just don’t go off finding your godfather in the shrieking shack next time you have a fight with your friends.” Dumbledore smiled and walked off down the hall, his cloak swishing behind him.
Harry stood for a moment then opened the portrait (kettle pig) and climbed the stairs silently. He opened the door to find Ron sitting at the end of his bed looking worried.
“Where have you been?” Ron hissed when he saw Harry.
“I’ll explain in the morning.” Harry said getting into his pyjamas and climbing into bed. He pulled the curtain around his bed shut. Put his head to the pillow and fell asleep.

Chapter 20.

Marauders and Wolfs Bane.

Harry spent the next few weeks visiting Sirius whenever he could, though he often got told of by both Sirius and Lupin for doing so. Most visits, after they had both yelled at him for putting himself in danger by coming to see them they usually had very good talks. Harry learnt more about his parents and the marauders in those few weeks then he had his entire life. Lupin also had questions to ask Harry. He asked about Michele often but Harry didn’t always have the answer. He hadn’t known Michele that long either.
It was late October when Harry realised that Lupin deserved to see his daughter. They should be able to get to know each other like Harry had been able to get to know Sirius and Lupin those last few weeks. Harry went to the common room after dinner to look for Michele. As always she was sat with Ron and Hermione doing her homework while chatting with Fred who was sitting on the arm of her chair.
“Michele can I talk to you for a moment?” Harry asked.
“Sure.” Michele answered standing up and putting the books on the chair. She followed Harry over to a deserted part of the common room and Harry explained the plan though he didn’t tell her where they were going.
“So tell them you need some help at the library and could I come with you?” Michele made sure she had heard everything right.
“Yes.” Harry replied.
“Ok well let me put my books away.” Michele answered.
“Ok. I need to get the cloak anyway.” Harry answered.
Five minutes later Harry and Michele were making their way down to the entrance hall. When they reached the hall they luckily found it deserted. Harry pulled out the cloak and walked over to the doors. Harry told Michele to come over then he threw the cloak over the both of them.
“Ok we have to stick close together. And be quiet. The cloak doesn’t hide sound.” Harry whispered.
“Harry I know what an invisibility cloak does. I have one in my trunk upstairs.” Michele whispered back.
“Oh. Ok then. Well lets go.”
Harry checked that there was nobody near them then he pulled open the door enough for them to get through and the walked out into the dark night. They made their way down to the Whomping Willow. Once there Harry pulled the invisibility cloak off himself and found his usual branch to poke the knot in the tree.
“I don’t know how you think we will be able to get through there Harry.” Michele said watching Harry lie on the floor and push the branch forward. Eventually it touched the knot and the tree froze.
“Like that.” Harry answered. “Ok you follow me. Keep yourself in the invisibility cloak ok. They know I’m coming but they don’t know you are.” Harry answered pulling himself into the passage.
“Who?” Michele asked after she stood up in the passage.
“You’ll see.” Harry answered. He began to run along the passage it wasn’t long before he was standing at the entrance to the Shrieking Shack.
“Harry where are we? We must be half way to Hogsmead by now.” Michele whispered behind him.
“We’re in Hogsmead.” Harry whispered. “Just stay quiet for a minute.”
Harry climbed into the shack to find Sirius and Lupin sitting in their usual chairs by the fire. They were chatting quietly but both noticed harry entrance into the room.
“Hi Harry.” Sirius said smiling. It was obvious to Harry that both had given up trying to make him stay in the castle.
“Hey Harry. How are you? Anything new today?” Lupin asked. Harry suddenly heard a gasp come from Michele behind him. Sirius and Lupin’s heads both snapped towards the hole in the floor.
“What was that?” Sirius asked getting up and walking towards Harry.
“Nothing.” Harry said quickly.
“No there is someone there." Sirius said now standing in front of Harry peering into the hole.
“It’s Michele.” Harry breathed. Sirius looked at Harry then knelt down next to the hole. He smiled warmly down on the space where Michele stood half in the hole, half out.
“No ones there. Must be hearing things. Sirius said standing up.” He walked back over to the chair and sat back down. “So Harry how’s Michele?” He asked casually.
“She’s fine.” Harry answered.
“Do you think you could get her down here sometime? Just the once, so I could see her?” Lupin asked suddenly.
“Well she’d have to sneak out and walk all the way down here. Lots of work.” Michele said pulling off the cloak and stepping into the room. Harry and Sirius smiled but Lupin was shocked beyond words.
“What, err, what, err, What are you doing here?” He asked finally.
“I came to see my dad.” Michele answered grabbing a chair from the table and sitting down next to Harry. Lupin smiled.
“Do you two want a drink?” Sirius asked to brake the silence.
“Sure.” Harry and Michele both answered.
“Remus, you want anything?” Sirius asked.
“Sure. Whatever we have.” He answered.
“Harry why don’t you help me.” Sirius suggested.
“Oh yeah sure.” Harry said taking the hint that Michele might like some time alone with Lupin. Once in the kitchen harry sat on the table and stared around. He had never been in this room or even known it was there.
“So how come you brought her down here?” Sirius asked, looking through cupboards to find something to drink.
“Well I thought she and Lupin deserved some time to get to know each other. You know, not when someone dies.” Harry answered. He could hear talking coming from the other room though he couldn’t make out what was being said.
"So what did you do today?" Sirius asked Harry, giving him a bottle of butterbeer.
"Thanks." Harry said taking the bottle. "I had Potions this morning. Snape got angry at Malfoy for making his potions wrong. It was really funny. Snape said that Malfoy's Potion was so bad that it would probably kill him if he tried to drink it." Harry laughed. Sirius smiled at him.
"It's so nice to know you find your fathers first best friends son's failure so funny." Sirius smiled. Then he stopped. He looked at Harry who was looking at Sirius like he had told him to wrestle a dragon.
"Lucius Malfoy was my fathers best friend?" Harry spat out his butterbeer.
"Not for long." Sirius assured him.
"How? Why?" Harry asked. Even the thought of his father and Lucius Malfoy not being enemies made his skin crawl but them being best friends. It horrified him.
"Well they met on the train. They got talking. Your father was a pure blood wizard, so was Malfoy, they had a lot in common. Then after the sorting things changed. Malfoy and Potter were still best friends but they hung out in different groups. Because Malfoy was a Slytherin he hung out with the Slytherins. Soon Malfoy became friends with Severus Snape. Snape hated your father and soon enough so did Malfoy. Your father started hanging out with Remus, Peter and me and we soon all became sworn enemies with each other. Rather like You, Ron and Hermione against Draco Malfoy, and the other Slytherins." Sirius explained.
"So it wasn't for long?" Harry asked, if he had to except that his father and Lucius Malfoy were friends he needed to make sure it hadn't been for long.
"I'd say about a week or two."
"Ok."
"Hey does it take you two this long to get drinks every time?" Michele asked. Harry turned to see Michele was standing in the doorway leaning against the doorframe.
"Sorry we were talking." Sirius answered.
"Oh ok." Michele smiled. She walked back in to the living room leaving Sirius and Harry staring after her.
"You like her don't you?" Sirius asked quietly, staring after Michele.
"What? What are you talking about? Of course not." Harry stammered.
"Ok then." Sirius said smiling. Harry could see he didn't believe him.
"I don't like Michele." Harry assured him.
"Fine." Sirius said. "I agreed with you. It's you who has to agree with you now." Sirius smiled. He picked up three butter beers and headed back into the living room. Harry stayed in the kitchen for a moment thinking about what Sirius had said, deciding he couldn't dwell on it now he went back into the living room to see Michele deep in discussion with Sirius and Lupin.
"What are we talking about?" Harry said sitting on his usual stool.
"The Marauders." Michele commented.
"Oh. So what were they telling you?" Harry asked.
"About how they found the secret passages." Michele explained excitedly.
"Hey how come you never told me how you found them?" Harry asked jealously.
"You never asked." Sirius replied. Lupin nodded from his own chair. Looking seriously at Michele.
"So what are you doing now you haven't got wolfs bane Snape was making you?" Harry asked Remus to brake the silence.
"Well I'm not using anything right now. Sirius is enough to keep me feeling like myself." Remus explained.
"We are trying to find something that might help. But nothing has come up yet." Sirius added.
Harry smiled weakly. He knew that finally something was going right for the four of them in the room. Michele had pulled together a part of her family. Remus had found what little family he had. Sirius was a free man and was fulfilling his best friend's wishes to protect his godson. And Harry felt he had one more thing he wanted. He was going to live with his godfather, his legal guardian.
Michele and Harry left the Shack early in the morning. They had talked with Sirius and Remus about everything possible. Childhood's, plans for the future, and everything else that someone happened to bring up during the conversation. Harry and Michele found their way into the castle easily. Nobody seemed to be awake accept Filch. Harry and Michele snuck into the common room when it was nearing three in the morning.
"Well night Harry." Michele smiled.
"Night." Harry returned the smile then walked up to his dorm as quietly as possible. He entered the room to see Ron had tried to stay awake. He lay on his bed, fully clothed with a book open on his lap. Harry laughed quietly to himself and got into bed.

back to Chapters 11-15
Chapters 21-25