“Yes!” four cries were heard.

The remainder of the weekend had been a long one. Once Madam Pomfrey had healed Harry completely, she had insisted that he remain in the hospital wing until Monday morning. Harry didn't resist or complain. He really didn't say much of anything. He was too distraught over the loss of his broom and the memory of his mother's terrified voice again. He hadn't told anyone about hearing her or Voldemort but he knew they suspected something. After all, you can only sit on a windowsill and stare out at the courtyard for so long until people start to worry.

There had been visitors nonstop but Harry only gave one word answers to their questions if he answered at all. The teachers even tried to lift Harry's spirits with no success. Many thought Harry had fallen into some sort of depression but those who knew Harry knew the pained look in his eyes that wasn't the case. Ron, Hermione and Ginny had seen that look on the train to Hogwarts after the Dementor.

The problem was, unlike last time, Harry had no one to talk to. He didn't want to burden Ron and Hermione with this or any of the teachers. What could they do about it anyways? Professor Lupin had known what to say but Harry was still feeling to hurt to even think about approaching him.

            “You can. Approach me Harry! Please!” Remus pleaded.

            “I don’t think he feels like he can,” James said wincing, “Harry doesn’t seem to trust easily, but I think that when he trusts he expects trust in return and you didn’t. So, now he feels like he can’t trusty you anymore”

            “But he can!” Remus cried. Sirius patted his friend trying to soothe him.

Harry had grown to trust the man again after finding out Lupin had known Midnight was actually Sirius Black only to find that the trust only went one way. Professor Lupin never trusted him so why should he trust Professor Lupin? Why should he trust anyone?

            Remus winced.

            “Well, hum, it’s understandable why Harry would fell betrayed. But not trusting anyone is taking it a little too far,” Lily said.

            “Yeah, but would you when you keep finding out that people are lying to you all the time. I mean,” and while saying this Sirius looked apologetically at Remus, “he had already forgiven Moony for not coming clean with him once. Now he finds out another lie. Sorry,” he winced but Remus nodded grimly his agreement. He would be hurt too.

            “Yeah, and Harry grew up with muggles. He doesn’t know about the prejudices in our world,” James continued, “When we found out, we knew why Remus would have lied. I mean we are all from Wizarding families. Even if we don’t have that prejudice, we knew about it. But Harry doesn’t. So, for him it’s just a lie with no reason.”

Sleeping at night was impossible. Every time Harry closed his eyes he was pulled back to his mother's pleads, Voldemort's insane laughter and the intense cold of the Dementors. Madam Pomfrey had noticed Harry's reluctance to sleep and ended up resorting to using Dreamless Sleeping Potion. Harry was grateful but knew this was only a temporary fix. He knew this was troubling him so much because he couldn't do anything but listen. He was helpless once again.

The return of classes on Monday brought at least some distraction and a change of scenery. Since Gryffindor won the game Malfoy had to resort to taunting Harry about the Dementors and falling off his broom.

            “Git” Sirius grumbled.

The only problem was not many were laughing with him. Harry appeared to be exhausted and still looked dejected. With everyone knowing the affects of the Dementors, they gathered this time had been worse than the last.

Ron and Hermione had given up trying to pry information out of Harry and had resorted to staying by his side at all times in case he wanted to talk. Harry knew it was wrong to pull away from everyone like he was but he couldn't help it. It just seemed like something he needed to do. Everyone lied to him. Midnight—er—Sirius Black had lied about being a dog. Professor Dumbledore had lied about how his parents had been murdered. Professor Lupin had lied…well, more like refrained from telling the truth but it was the same thing.

At least to Harry it was.

            “See,” Sirius said sadly, “that’s what I mean. He feels betrayed by all the people he trusted. I am sorry for lying Harry!”

            “Me too!” Remus cried.

Reaching the Defense classroom, Harry was about to enter when he was pulled back by Ron. "I don't think I can handle Snape teaching another class," said Ron. "Don't you agree, Harry?"

Harry only shrugged in reply then entered the classroom to see that Professor Snape wasn't the teacher. Professor Lupin was back. Harry didn't exactly know how he felt about that. Yes, Snape was a bitter and biased git but seeing Lupin only served as a reminder of the hurt Harry was so desperately trying to keep inside.

Professor Lupin still looked ill and apparently had lost some weight. There were now too many coincidences to ignore. Professor Snape had introduced the topic of werewolves for one reason and one reason only: to make the students aware of Professor Lupin's condition.

            “Yeah, because he is a bitter git that can’t let go of school grudges,” James mumbled annoyed.

The class, however were too busy in complaining about what they had to endure under Professor Snape's tutelage. Professor Lupin smiled at the outrage until he glanced at Harry and noticed that his charge was avoiding eye contact. This is not good.

            “You think?” Remus asked his older self exasperated.

After another round of complaints, Professor Lupin regained control of the class and ensured that the assignment wouldn't have to be completed. The entire class was relieved except for Hermione who looked disappointed since she had already finished it.

            “Oh, bugger,” Remus sighed, “she figured it out too.” The others nodded grimly.

They covered Hinkypunks, Gryffindor earning back all of the points they had lost from Defense with Snape. When the bell rang, everyone headed for the door. Harry knew he had to get out of here before he exploded but unfortunately Professor Lupin wouldn't let him off so easily.

"Harry, could I have a word?" Professor Lupin called.

Harry let out a sigh and remained where he was while everyone else left. He slowly turned around and finally met Lupin's tired gaze. He really didn't want to do this right now. He didn't want to talk about this weekend. He just wanted to be left alone.

"I'm sorry about your broomstick, Harry," Professor Lupin said as he piled books into his briefcase. "Professor Dumbledore told me about the Dementors. I trust you had the same reaction as you did on the train?"

Harry looked away. "I don't want to talk about it, Professor," he said tensely.

Professor Lupin was taken aback by Harry's tone. "Harry, is something wrong?" he asked as he slowly approached. "You know you can tell me anything, anything at all."

            “He doesn’t think so,” Lily pointed out.

            “Come clean Moony. Explain everything. He’ll understand and forgive you,” James pleaded.

Harry slowly shook his head. He wanted to scream but held back the urge. He wanted to understand why everyone always lied to him. "Not anymore," Harry muttered then looked up at Lupin. "It's been a long weekend, Professor, so if there isn't anything else…"

Professor Lupin reached out to touch Harry's shoulder but Harry quickly took a step back and remained out of reach. "Have I done something wrong, Harry?" he asked cautiously. "I'm sorry if I couldn't visit you this weekend but I was rather ill."

            “Oh, no! You didn’t understand me, I said; come clean. Lying will only upset him more,” James finished biting his lips.

Lies! Unable to hold it in anymore, Harry reached into his school bag and pulled out his werewolf essay. He then slammed the two rolls of parchment down on the desk to his right. "My essay, Professor," Harry said heatedly. "Please be sure Professor Snape gets it. I know he would hate to find out that no one figured out the real reason he brought up the topic of werewolves."

            Everyone winced.

Lupin's eyes widened in surprise as his face paled. "Harry…I…"

Harry didn't give him a chance. "You lied to me!" he cried, unaware of the objects in the room starting to shake. "I trusted you with everything and you lied! Everyone lies to me! I thought you were different!"

Several glass pieces exploded. Lupin instinctively covered his head to shield it from the glass.

            “Ok, now. Harry dear, I know you are upset but you have to calm down. You area doing way too much accidental magic,” Lily pleaded.

 Feeling nothing hit, he looked up and saw tears running down Harry's face. "Harry, listen to me," he said carefully. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I was afraid. I thought that if you knew you would be afraid of me. I didn't want to lose you. You are all I have."

            “See! It’s the same reason I didn’t tell you guys. I wasn’t lying for lying,” Remus pleaded.

            “We know Moony, but Harry doesn’t,” James tried to comfort his friend.

Harry fell to his knees and buried his face in his hands. It was all too much. Everything was so out of control: Sirius Black, the Dementors, the Dursleys, his mother's screams, Voldemort's high pitched voice…that inhuman voice, and finding out the truth about Professor Lupin. Why did everything have to be so difficult? It just wasn't fair!

Professor Lupin hurried to his side and pulled the teenager to his chest. "Its okay, Harry," he said softly. "It will be okay. Just let it out."

It was only when Harry had passed out due to exhaustion that Professor Lupin moved. He had to admit that he was angry, no furious.

            “And you do not want a furious Remus Lupin in your hands,” Sirius said knowingly.

Severus Snape had no right to do what he did. The question now was how to fix this mess and how to make Harry trust him again.

            “That’s going to take a lot of explaining,” Lily said grimly, “But Harry already forgave you once, and he’s a good boy. He’ll understand.”

Knowing Harry needed rest more than anything else, Lupin took Harry back to his quarters and put the boy to bed. He removed Harry's glasses and shoes before tucking him in. Once he was certain Harry was comfortable, Remus went to send two fire calls: one to Albus Dumbledore and one to Severus Snape.

            “I am almost feeling Sorry for Snape,” James said, “Almost.”

---

"YOU HAD NO RIGHT!"

            “Oh, boy! Moony’s shouting,” Sirius said fearfully.

            “So? I would too,” Lily said.

            James looked at her and said with wide eyes, “Moony never shouts. When he does, run for your life.”

            Lily looked skeptically at Remus who was calmly sitting on the bead waiting for what was coming next.

            “Nooooo! He’s too sweet,” she said.

            “You wait and see,” James said.

The loud voice quickly pulled Harry out of his slumber. He didn't need to open his eyes to know where he was. The soft bed and scent of the room was all Harry needed to know he was in Professor Lupin's guest quarters; the room Harry had slept in for nearly a month in during the summer. The last thing Harry wanted to do was get up. His head was pounding and he was exhausted still. Why was he so tired?

            “Because you did very serious accidental magic,” Lily explained, “so go back to sleep.”

"It wasn't my fault you were incapacitated," Snape said coldly. "You class was behind. Any other teacher would have done the same."

            “No! They wouldn’t!” Everyone cried at once.

It didn't take a genius to figure out that it was Professor Lupin and Professor Snape arguing in the next room considering what had happened in the Defense classroom. Harry wanted to get up and tell the two teachers to shut up but the thought of moving was too much for Harry's increasing headache. Why did his head hurt so much? It didn't make any sense.

"No, they wouldn't!" Professor Lupin said loudly. "Don't you dare try to get out of this! You brought up werewolves for the sole purpose of someone figuring it out! Harry figured it out!"

"Harry knows?" asked Professor Dumbledore.

            “Yes! Dumbledore’s there and he’ll put Snivellus in his place,” James said triumphantly.

"Severus, I thought I made myself clear. Harry is in a fragile state right now. He needs someone to trust. It was up for Remus to decide when to tell Harry about his condition."

Harry groaned in pain as he forced himself to sit up. He ignored the insistent pounding and kept his eyes closed as he staggered towards the door. He needed them to stop. He needed this headache to stop.

"Oh yes, let's all coddle Potter as much as possible," Snape sneered.

            “Oh, shut up Snivellus!” Lily said annoyed. The boys looked at her with wide eyes.

            “Lily!” James breathed.

            “What? He’s starting to get even on my nerves,” she said defensively.

"That's enough, Severus,” Dumbledore warned. "Go to my office. I'll deal with you shortly.

            “Yes!” Sirius cried, “Can teachers get detention?”

            “I surely hope so,” Remus said.

There was silence. Harry could only assume Snape had left through the fireplace because if he had left through the door it would have slammed so loud to startle everyone in the castle. Reaching the wall, Harry felt for the doorknob then hesitated as a wave of dizziness hit him.

"How is Harry?" Professor Dumbledore asked in a concerned tone.

            “Well, let’s see: Furious, feeling betrayed, annoyed that you woke him up and with an enormous headache,” Sirius ticked off the items from his fingers.

"Angry," Lupin answered bluntly. "He doesn't trust me anymore. I knew this was a bad idea. I never should have agreed to this position. I can't take Harry hating me, Dumbledore. His trust is so hard to earn. I have no idea how I'm going to repair this."

"Be honest with him," Dumbledore advised. "Harry was raised by Muggles so he doesn't understand what you've had to face for so many years.

            “See, that’s what I said,” James nodded his agreement, “Great minds think alike.”

            “Are you comparing yourself with the greatest wizard of our time?” Lily said with a raised eyebrow. James just beamed.

Is there anyone else who may have figured it out?"

            “Hermione!” all five said at once.

"Possibly Hermione," Lupin said. "She was the only other one to complete the assignment Severus gave them."

Unable to focus anymore, Harry collapsed with a thud. He heard the door open followed by two people helping him back to bed. Harry could only assume that it was Lupin and Dumbledore. After opening his eyes partially and looking at the blurry figures, Harry saw that it was indeed so.

"I'll send for Poppy," Dumbledore said softly. "Keep him calm, Remus."

Lupin kept his attention on Harry as the Headmaster left the room. He could see the teenager fighting to stay awake with a look on pain on is face. Tentatively, Professor Lupin touched Harry's forehead but felt no sign of a fever. "I can't tell you how sorry I am, Harry," he said softly. "I never meant for you to find out like this. I was only trying to protect you. I thought if you found out about my darkness you would be afraid."

            “No he wouldn’t. Didn’t he tell you about being a Parselmouth? He doesn’t think like those bigoted jerks you’re obviously used too,” Lily said.

Harry couldn't gather the strength to answer. He slowly blinked, continuing to stare at the blur that was Professor Lupin. Why should the man be afraid? It didn't make any sense. He knew werewolves were considered dark creatures but parseltounge was considered a dark ability. If Lupin didn't believe Harry was dark then why should Harry believe Lupin was dark?

            “See, told you,” Lily said. Remus smiled.

There was a knock on the door. Professor Lupin looked over his shoulder to see Madam Pomfrey hurry in followed by Dumbledore. He moved out of the way as Pomfrey waved her wand over Harry and gasped in alarm. "Good heavens, Potter!" she exclaimed. "How in the world are you still conscious?"

            “What why? What’s wrong?” James asked worried.

"What's wrong?" Professor Lupin asked urgently.

Madam Pomfrey reached in her supply bag and pulled out a potion vial. "A headache, Professor," she said as she uncorked the vial. "A severe one, but nothing life threatening." She gently moved his head so Harry was looking at the ceiling and tilted it back. "Open your mouth, Potter."

Harry did as he was told and cringed as a horrible tasting potion went down his throat. The pain started to decrease as Harry succumbed to darkness.

---

The next time Harry came to Professor Lupin had been at his bedside. Once Harry had eaten, Lupin had explained everything about how werewolves were treated in the wizarding world. After hearing about the discrimination and old fashioned beliefs, Harry wasn't surprised that Professor Lupin had hid the truth.

            “See, I told you, all you had to do was explain everything to him,” James said smiling. Remus looked very relieved.

As it ended up, both Harry and Professor Lupin discovered that they were more alike than either of them originally believed. They were both seen and judged for something they had no control over (Harry being the boy-who-lived and Lupin being a werewolf). No one bothered to know who they were beyond their title. And both of them were alone.

            “It’s a very sad and true thing,” Lily sighed, “Everyone just jumps to conclusion.”

            “Including you?” James asked.

            “What do you mean?” she narrowed her eyes at him.

            “Well, because you just see me as a bully and a show off. And I admit I am a little,” at her snort, “ok, a lot of those two things. But if I was just that, Moony wouldn’t be my friend. He doesn’t like when I pick on others and makes me feel like the dirt under Snape’s shoes when I do.”

            Lily looked approvingly at Remus, “Maybe you’re right. I mean, I never understood why Remus is your friend. There must be a reason!” James smiled widely.

Once Harry had heard everything from Professor Lupin's point of view he had apologized repeatedly for his outburst. Lupin waved it off, not blaming Harry in the slightest. They talked into the early morning hours before calling it a night. Harry had told Professor Lupin about hearing his mother and Voldemort during the Quidditch game and Lupin had revealed how he had been bitten when he was a child. Things weren't back to where they were but they were quickly on the mend.

The weekend arrived quickly. Using the excuse that Professor Lupin and Harry would be discussing his parents was enough for Ron and Hermione to let Harry leave with Professor Lupin once lunch was over. Professor Dumbledore arrived a short time later and for three hours they worked on the Patronus Charm until Harry once again overcharged the spell, although not as much as before. Harry was making progress. The silver mist coming out of his wand was more defined but it hadn't taken shape yet. Professor Lupin was right. Mastering the Patronus Charm was hard work.

The end of November brought about the next Quidditch match in which Ravenclaw slaughtered Hufflepuff putting Ravenclaw in the lead for the Quidditch Cup. This pushed Oliver into creating a whole new strategy to ensure the Quidditch Cup would be Gryffindor's. Practices were exhausting and hard in the freezing rain that seemed to never end even into December. The entire team had followed Harry's example and made a habit of using heating charms to prevent themselves from freezing to death.

Harry had indeed done all of his Christmas shopping via catalog with Professor Lupin's help. His list had certainly been longer this year with his new family. It was hard to find something but Harry felt that he needed to find some way to thank those who had done so much for him. He had to do this part of his Christmas shopping in secret since none of the students would understand.

As the holidays drew near, Harry discovered that both Ron and Hermione were staying but nearly everyone else in the entire castle was going home. He tried to convince his friends that he would be fine but they insisted. Ron claimed he couldn't stand Percy at the Burrow for two weeks while Hermione said she was a little behind in her homework and needed to catch up. Relieved that he would be spending the holidays with people his own age, Harry didn't question their reasoning. He just accepted it.

            “I like Ron and Hermione!” James beamed.

There was another Hogsmeade trip on the very last weekend of the term that happened to coincide with another Patronus lesson so Harry wasn't too upset. His Patronus was slowly becoming more defined although no one could make out a distinct shape yet. His overcharging was now few and far between which was a relief for everyone in the room.

            “What shape do you think his Patronus will take?” Lily asked eagerly.

            “Don’t know. A Patronus comes from something positive in your life. The shape usually represents something you feel like a protection,” Remus explained.

On the morning of the Hogsmeade trip, Harry bid farewell to his friends as he looked through Which Broomstick that he had borrowed from Oliver in an attempt to find a replacement broom. He had been using a school broom which was old and slow. He couldn't possibly use one of those in the next game or they would lose for sure.

It was still early so it was a surprise when the Weasley twins sat down across the table from him, dressed and ready for the journey to Hogsmeade. "Hey Harry," said Fred. "We've decided to give you an early Christmas present."

            “What are they up to? I hope they don’t get Harry in trouble,” Lily huffed. The boys didn’t listen to her and had hungry looks.

           

Harry looked at them skeptically. "Er—I don't know," he said. "I remember the last present you gave Ron clearly."

Fred and George smiled proudly. "A bit amateurish but we were on a time crunch," George said. "This is nothing like that. Believe me, you'll love it." He pulled out a very large and worn piece of parchment from his cloak and handed it over to Harry.

            “NO!” Remus cried delighted.

            “YES!” Sirius said equally delighted.

            “What are you on about?” Lily asked.

            “How do you think they got it?” Peter asked.

            “Well if someone would, that would be the twins,” James said approvingly.

Harry stared at it for a minute before looking up at them. "I'm afraid I don't get it," he said.

            “Me neither,” Lily mumbled.

"That, Harry, is the secret to our success," Fred said. "We've used it proudly for many years—"

"—but we've agreed that your need is much greater than ours," George continued for his brother. "You see, back in our first year when we were so innocent and naïve—"

            Lily snorted.

"—shocking, we know," added Fred. "We were in quite a spot with Filch and found this little object in the filing cabinet marked Confiscated and Highly Dangerous. Well, you can guess what we did."

            “It’s so nice to know that Filch appreciates that we are dangerous,” Sirius said proudly. The other boys beamed at him. Lily was starting to consider calling St. Mungo’s mental ward.

"Now, here's the most important lesson you will ever have at Hogwarts," George said with a grin then he took out his wand and touched the parchment lightly. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

Thin lines of ink spread from where George's wand had touched. They joined together and crisscrossed. Words formed across the top, proclaiming:

Messrs. Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs

Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief-Makers are proud to present

THE MARAUDER'S MAP

            “YES!” the four boys cried.

Harry's breath caught in his throat. The Marauders? His father had made this? But who were Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs?

            “The best friends in the whole world!” James announced. The other boys blushed.

 They had to be nicknames so who was who? Harry instantly thought of asking Professor Lupin but quickly discarded that idea. How could he explain knowing the names of the Marauders?

Taking a closer look at the parchment, Harry realized that it was a detailed map of Hogwarts. There were tiny dots moving around, labeled with a name. He could see that Professor Dumbledore was pacing in his study and that Professor Lupin was entering his office.

            “You made a map of Hogwarts?” Lily asked impressed.

            “Yes,” James beamed.

            “I still don’t know why Moony’s name had to come first,” Sirius pouted.

            “Because he was the one that found out all the charms and spells we had to use,” James explained and from the tone Lily had the impression that wasn’t the first time.    

“Still,” Sirius pouted.

"Now, there are seven passages to Hogsmeade," Fred said as he started tracing them with his finger. "These four Filch knows about—" he pointed the passageways out— "but we're the only ones who know about these. Don't use this one because the Whomping Willow's planted right over the entrance and don't use the one behind the mirror of the fourth floor. It's caved in. This one leades into the cellar of Honeydukes. We recommend that one. The entrance is right outside this room, through that one-eyed old crone's hump."

            “You will do no such thing Harry James Potter!” Lily said sternly.

            “Aw, Lily,” James whined.

"Right," George said as he glanced around to make sure no one could hear them. "Don't forget to clear it after you're done using it—"

"—or it can be read by anyone," Fred added as he pulled out his wand and touched the map. "Just tap it again and say—"

"—Mischief managed!" they said together.

Harry watched as the map reverted to a blank piece of parchment once again. Countless thoughts ran through his head. This map could be instrumental in finding Sirius Black. Should he turn it in to Professor Lupin?

            “Yes!” Lily cried at the same time that the boys cried “No!”

            James and Lily glared at each other.

Should he use it himself? Harry just didn't know.

"See you there," said George, winking then left with his brother.

Harry was stuck with a dilemma: to turn it in or not to turn it in. He knew if he did he would never see it again.

            “Exactly!” James said, “And that map is for students. Students!”

Professor Lupin had been one of the Marauders so he must have played a part in creating the map and therefore would know how it worked.

            “The most crucial one. Without him there would be no map,” Sirius exclaimed and Remus blushed.

 Lupin would take it away and give it to Professor Dumbledore to find out if Sirius Black. But this map had been his father's like the invisibility cloak. There was so little Harry had that belonged to his parents that he wasn't too keen on giving it up.

            Lily and James shared a sad look.

Early that afternoon, Harry met up with Professor Lupin and Professor Dumbledore for another Patronus lesson, the Marauder's map safely his in his trunk. In the end his heart overruled his head. He couldn't give up the map his father had helped create. He wouldn't use it in the way Fred and George intended for him to use it though. He was too afraid to.

Professor Lupin had found a Boggart for practice, making the lesson extremely difficult. Harry was so focused on shutting out the voices he was hearing to even attempt to overcharge the charm. He managed to cast the charm a few times before passing out during each attempt but what came out of his wand was nowhere near what he had accomplished before today.

Both Professor Lupin and Professor Dumbledore tried to reassure Harry that he was still accomplishing more than what they had expected but it was still frustrating. He was doing everything he was being told so why wasn't it working? He knew it was supposed to be hard but this was ridiculous.

            “No, Harry, it takes time. I know you feel frustrated because you are doing everything you were told to. But this things take practice. I know I got frustrated with the Animagus transformation,” James explained.

            “You haven’t told me your form yet,” Lily said.

            “What are you willing to do to know?” James asked cheekily. She smacked the top of his head.

More drained from the lesson than he would ever admit, Harry retreated to his four poster bed before Ron and Hermione returned from Hogsmeade. He didn't know how long he had laid there, lost in thought. Ron and Hermione had come back and checked on him repeatedly, asking softly if he was awake but Harry remained completely still, pretending to sleep. He had no idea what to say to them anyways. He hated keeping so much from them. It was like he didn't even know them anymore.

I'll set things right with them. Just as soon as I figure out how.

            “Don’t worry. They are your friends, they’ll understand. Just like you understood me,” Remus said confidently.