It was early in the week when Professor McGonagall handed back the Firebolt proclaiming it fit to fly.

            “YES!” James jumped up and down in joy.

The entire Gryffindor House was ecstatic at the appearance of the rumored broom. Ron was boasting that he had been right all along while Hermione was reiterating that it was better to be safe than sorry. Feeling another fight coming on, Harry hastily called it a night and headed up to his dorm room.

            “Smart move,” Peter nodded.

Reaching the door, Harry had to chase away Crookshanks before entering. He knew Hermione had been trying to keep the cat away from Scabbers but it was almost like Crookshanks had an obsession with the old rodent. He had never seen a cat continuously seek out a particular prey like Crookshanks did.

            “Well, cats hunt rats,” Lily stated.

            “Yeah, but he has an obsession with poor Scabbers,” Peter said annoyed.

            “It’s just because he knows Scabbers is there,” she answered in a ‘this is so obvious tone’.

            “I am not all that sure,” Remus mumbled.

Every one of Harry's roommates had done their part to ensure the door to their dorm room door remained closed at all times for Scabbers' safety. Everyone knew that although Ron complained about Scabbers, he did care about the rat, no matter how ill the rodent looked. The once plump rat now was thin and appeared to be losing its fur. It seemed that it was only a matter of time before Ron no longer had a pet.

            “Poor Ron,” Sirius said sadly. James, Lily and Peter nodded but Remus was eyeing Peter once again.

Harry really dreaded that day.

Madam Hooch and Professor McGonagall were still overseeing practices for Harry's safety but tended to spend most of the time talking to each other than paying attention to the practices, not that the team was complaining. They had plenty of surprises in store for the upcoming match and planned on keeping it that way.

            “Not like McGonagall was going to tell anyone. She’s even more obsessed with Quidditch than I am,” James stated.

            “I don’t think that’s possible James,” Sirius chuckled.

Harry had been warned about the Ravenclaw Seeker, Cho Chang, repeatedly but the moment he mounted and kicked off everyone's concerns seemed to cease to exist. The broom obeyed his lightest touch. Its speed was so incredible that Harry couldn't even make out the stadium from one blur to another. Testing the limits, Harry went into a sharp dive and seemed to fall like a meteor before pulling out just before he struck the ground, nearly giving his entire team a heart attack.

            Lily was now holding a handkerchief to James chin. His eyes were glazed over.

When Oliver finally let the Snitch out, Harry caught it easily within ten seconds. He let it go again and after giving it a decent head start, took off after it, catching it moments later. He continued this for nearly an hour while giving the Snitch a longer and longer time frame to—in other words—get lost but always saw it and caught it quickly.

            James clapped happily, “A true Potter!” Lily just couldn’t help herself, she had to roll her eyes.

The rest of the team practiced hard, performing their best moves perfectly. Oliver could hardly hold back his glee as he called practice to an end. He really couldn't find a single complaint with his team. According to Fred and George this was the first time that had happened. This nearly sent the twins into shock but only nearly.

The rest of the practices that week went just the same and by Friday, the entire team felt that they were more than ready to face Ravenclaw. Calling it an early night, Harry followed his teammates and teachers back to the castle with his Firebolt over his shoulder. He was halfway there when he looked to his left and saw a familiar pair of blue eyes staring at him. His breath caught in his throat as he stopped in his tracks.

            “That’s me! I am there to explain my innocence,” Sirius said gripping the edge of the bed.

Out of the darkness a large black dog appeared. Harry could see in his eyes that the dog meant no harm but memories and stories of Sirius Black quickly threw all logic out of the window. Taking a step backwards, Harry quickly looked around to see his team was nearly at the castle, unaware of what was happening. He returned his attention to the dog to see that it was slowly approaching. I can't out-run him, Harry realized. How am I going to get out of this?

            “I am not going to hurt you Harry!”

            “You better not,” James growled.

Taking another step backwards, Harry tried to force his brain to work. He was torn between wanting to welcome the dog who had given him so much and the man who had caused him so much pain. How in the world could they be one in the same? "Midnight?" he asked nervously. "Wh—what are you doing here?"

            “Well, see, I am here to clarify some misunderstandings. People have been telling you lies,” at this Sirius shot a dirty look at Remus who shrugged apologetically, “so I have to explain those lies.”

The dog let out a whine and sat down, staring at Harry with his pleading eyes like he had so many times at Privet Drive. Harry bit his lower lip as he slowly set his broom on the ground, never once taking his eyes off of the dog.

            “Bad idea, bad idea,” Peter mumbled frightened.

 Black didn't know that he knew the truth! He could use that. He just needed to figure out how.

"Harry!"

            “Oh, thank God! Help!” James sighed. Sirius looked outraged.

Harry quickly looked towards the castle to see Professor Lupin hurrying towards him, his wand already out.

            “Oh, no! He’s going to recognize Padfoot,” James fretted.

            “James this is an alleged murderer you are talking about,” Lily said.

            “Exactly, alleged. I don’t want Sirius getting kissed until we know for sure he is guilty,” she nodded.

            “I’m not!” Sirius cried.

Panicking, Harry looked back at the large dog that was already starting to back away slowly. "Hide in the forest," Harry said in a hushed voice. "Prove to me that I can trust you, Midnight. Don't come looking for me. I'll find you."

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

The dog let out another whine before running off. Harry watched him go before picking up his broom and turning to face Professor Lupin. How in the world was he going to explain this?

"Harry," Lupin said urgently as he reached the teenager. "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

Harry shook his head. He really didn't want to lie to Professor Lupin but he couldn't risk Black receiving the kiss just yet. He needed answers. He needed to know why. "No, I—I thought I saw something—"

"—what?" Professor Lupin interrupted as he quickly looked around but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Pulling Harry close to him, Lupin let out the breath he didn't realize he had been holding. "Let's get back to the castle then you can explain why you're out here all by yourself."

Harry was about to protest but Professor Lupin ushered him forward. He didn't know if Lupin was angry, worried or both. Probably both. They were nearly at the castle when Harry couldn't take the silence anymore. "Look, I'm sorry," he said in aggravation. "I know I should have stayed with the team but I thought I saw something and stopped—"

Lupin looked at Harry with a raised eyebrow. "So you weren't out here flying by yourself?" he asked curiously.

            “Jumping to conclusions Moony?” Sirius asked.

            “Probably because he knows Harry’s father,” Lily said. James blew her a kiss.

Harry couldn't help be feel offended. "Professor, you know me better than that," he said. "I have followed every single rule you and Dumbledore have given. I have become a prisoner here and have I complained? No. What was the point of that month of training if I wasn't supposed to use it? It felt like someone was watching me so I looked and you come running accusing me of doing something foolish! I haven't been allowed to be a child for years so stop treating me like one!"

            James growled and Lily started shredding another tissue at the thought of the Dursleys.

Professor Lupin stood there in shock for a brief moment before resting his hands on Harry's shoulders. "Harry, I never meant to accuse you but after everything that has happened can you blame me for being a little overprotective?"

            “Not really, no,” Lily said.

he asked calmly. "It's not every day a thirteen-year-old receives a Firebolt as a gift. I know how you love to fly. It's probably the only time I've seen you truly happy. Anyone would want to sneak away for a little release in the air."

            James sighed dreamily looking at the window and the heavy storm outside.

Well when you put it that way…Harry really couldn't think of anything to say. Once again he had overacted and had taken his anger out on the one person who was doing so much for him.

            “That’s normal. We all take our anger out on the people close to us because they are the ones around. I understand,” Remus said calmly.

            “Yeah, you don’t want to be around your father when he’s in a bad mood, Harry,” Sirius said shivering. James glared at him.

Looking away, Harry tried to ignore the guilt he was feeling because he had talked back to Lupin and was now hiding out a convicted killer (once again). He didn't know what to do. He didn't want to cause Professor Lupin any more pain but that seemed to be all he was managing to do.

            “No that’s not true. I like having you around. Honestly this kid needs a self esteem injection urgently” Remus exclaimed raising his arms.

There was an uncomfortable silence until Professor Lupin ruffled Harry's already messy hair. "It's all right to be angry with me, you know," Lupin said with a grin. "I know this year has been difficult for you. I honestly expected you to rebel in some fashion." Receiving no answer, Professor Lupin once again grabbed Harry's shoulder. "Don't be in such a hurry to grow up, Harry," he said sincerely, "because once you do, there is no turning back."

            “That’s why I nurture my inner child,” Sirius said happily.

            “The problem is Padfoot that you never nurture your inner adult,” Remus said patting Sirius head. Sirius was unfazed.

---

The following morning was the majority of the school's first look at the rumored Firebolt. Students stared in awe while members of the house Quidditch Teams appeared to be flabbergasted. Harry Potter, the youngest Seeker in a century,

           

“Did you hear that: the youngest Seeker in a century. My son!” James beamed proudly.

 

on a Firebolt? It seemed that Hufflepufff and Ravenclaw had chosen a liaison that happened to be an acquaintance of Harry's to examine the broom closely. All of them ended up hurrying back to their designated table to confirm the authenticity of the broom.

Cho Chang and Cedric Diggory (the Hufflepuff Seeker) both ended up slamming their heads on against the table. Both of them were now dreading their matches against Gryffindor.

            The boys had evil looks and smiles on their faces. James was rubbing his hands together.

The day was amazingly clear but a little on the cool side. Perfect Quidditch conditions. Changing into his Quidditch robes, Harry couldn't help but feel a little nervous as he double checked his wand holster still attached to his wrist. Everyone had said that the Dementors would stay far from the Quidditch pitch but it was better to be safe than sorry. Harry couldn't afford to be taken by surprise today.

Stepping onto the field, Harry ignored the thunderous applause. He knew that his team was depending on him and had no intention of letting them down. The approached the middle of the field where the Ravenclaw team was already waiting for them. He glanced at Cho Chang who was the only girl on the team. She noticed his gaze and smiled. Harry ignored the slight twist of his stomach and nodded back at her, causing her smile to widen.

            “Aw, he’s developing a crush,” Lily cooed. The boys rolled their eyes.

"Captains, shake hands," Madam Hooch said and waited for them to do so. "Mount your brooms. Now, three…two…one…"

The moment the whistle sounded Harry kicked off into the air, soaring higher than any other broom. He immediately fell into the game, watching and waiting for any sign of the Snitch. He ignored whatever Lee Jordan, the commentator, was saying. He noticed a flash of gold and took off, Cho Chang following him. As he drew closer he noticed it wasn't the Snitch and stopped abruptly, causing Cho to fly past him.

Looking around again, Harry actually saw the Snitch flying close to the ground, near the barrier in front of the Slytherin students. With a quick turn, he was off in a sharp dive before pulling out, his feet nearly touching the ground. He sped towards it, reaching for it….

            James was on his knees, reaching out to catch an imaginary snitch.

"HARRY LOOK OUT!"

            “What?” James turned to look.

            “James, it’s on the book, not here,” Remus laughed. James scowled.

His instincts taking over, Harry quickly turned and pulled up, barely avoiding a Bludger from hitting him in the back. He let out a disappointed sigh then started looking for the Snitch again. It was only a matter of minutes before he saw it, circling the Gryffindor goal posts. Without another thought Harry took off, catching Cho and everyone else by surprise. He was just about there when the Snitch flew upwards and back over the pitch…towards Cho!

            “Oh, no!” James cried grabbing his face. Remus and Sirius were gripping the edge of the bed and Peter was on his knees on the floor.

Changing direction, Harry pushed his broom, determined to catch the Snitch before Cho. The Snitch changed course again, dropping into a dive. Harry and Cho followed. Cho tried to elbow Harry in the ribs but he blocked the move, his eyes never leaving the Snitch. He knew what she was doing and wasn't going to fall for it.

He reached out just as Cho suddenly stopped and screamed. Looking to his left, Harry saw three Dementors hurrying towards him.

            “NOOOOOOOO!” five voices cried.

 Instinct taking control, Harry flicked his right wrist and felt his wand in his hand. Pointing it at the Dementors, Harry shouted, "Expecto patronum!" Something erupted out of his wand towards the Dementors as Harry reached out and grabbed the Snitch with his left.

            “YES!” James punched the air and flopped relieved on the floor.

Re-holstering his wand, Harry quickly pulled out of the dive just before he crashed into the ground. He heard Madam Hooch's whistle sound signaling the end of the game. Out of nowhere Harry was tackled by six scarlet blurs. When he finally broke free from the team, Harry looked around and could finally hear the roars of the crowd, well the Gryffindor crowd at least.

His Gryffindor classmates arrived on the field first and quickly pulled Harry into large group hug in which Harry was in the middle. Once everyone let Harry go, a gentle hand rested on Harry's shoulder. "That was a remarkable Patronus," Professor Lupin said.

            “Yes, my son produced a corporeal Patronus at thirteen. He’s a genius,” James beamed proudly.

Turning around, Harry looked at his guardian who appeared to be a little shaken but extremely proud. "Did it have a form?" Harry asked instantly. He hadn't paid attention to it at the time to notice. "I didn't feel the Dementors so—"

Lupin smiled and leaned closer to Harry, understanding the boy's excitement and concern. "You didn't overcharge, Harry," he said so only Harry could hear. "You didn't feel the affects because they weren't Dementors. Follow me."

            “What were they then?” Peter asked. The others shrugged.

He led Harry away from the crowd to the edge of the field. "I believe you gave a few of your classmates quite a fright."

Harry couldn't believe it. Lying on top of each other were Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle and the Slyterin team Captain, Marcus Flint.

            “BOOOOOOOO!” James and Sirius shouted.

            “CHEATERS!” were the cries of the other three.

They were all trying to stand as Professor McGonagall arrived. She looked completely outraged. "In all my life I have never seen such a pathetic attempt at sabotage!" she shouted. "Detention! Fifty points from Slytherin! Professor Dumbledore will know of this!"

 

Although it was great to see Malfoy get what was coming to him, Harry couldn't help but be a little disappointed. Compared to the Dementors, Draco Malfoy was a walk in the park. He had wanted to conquer his fear once and for all. He had wanted to prove it to himself and his classmates.

            “Even without the Dementors a corporeal Patronus is quite an achievement,” Remus said, “You should be proud Harry.”

"Harry!" George shouted. "Party in the Gryffindor Common Room!"

Harry wasn't exactly in the partying mood anymore. He had gotten his hopes up only to be disappointed. Looking up at Lupin, Harry could see that the teacher understood. "I meet you there," Harry called back to George then returned his complete attention to Professor Lupin. "Did it have a form?" he asked again.

Professor Lupin smiled. "Let's get away from the crowd," he said softly. They walked out of the Quidditch pitch and towards the lake, far away from anyone who could possibly overhear them. After glancing around, Lupin turned Harry so they were face to face. "Harry, I'm not certain what this means but you didn't have a form," he said carefully.

            “No! But I thought he produced a corporeal Patronus, didn’t you?” James asked around. All the others nodded confused.

Harry's gaze fell to the ground. "Oh," he said softly, unable to hide his disappointment. "I guess I didn't concentrate enough."

Professor Lupin let out a laugh. "That wasn't what I meant, Harry," he said. "There wasn't a form. There were two.

            At this Lily stopped reading and eyed James triumphantly.

            “What?”

            “Nothing, just found out something,” and she kept reading.

I saw a stag and a wolf charge down those—er—students.

            “Prongs and Moony! Those are Harry’s protectors,” Sirius said excitedly.

            Lily nodded happily. James and Remus had the biggest smiles ever. They felt like they could float from how happy they were.

            “I never heard of anyone having two forms,” Peter said, “I thought everyone had just one.”

I've never heard of anyone having two forms before. I don't think anyone has. I have no doubt Dumbledore will be calling you to his office tomorrow to ask you about it. I just wish I knew what it meant."

Harry had to smile. He couldn't believe Professor Lupin hadn't figured at least the wolf part of it out. "Well, the book did say the Patronus is a positive force so they probably represent something positive in my life," he concluded. "The wolf is clearly you." His smile faltered as he thought about the other form. "I'm not sure about the stag though," he said in confusion.

This time Professor Lupin smiled. "Well, this may come as a shock, Harry, but your father was an Animagus," he said. "His form was a stag. He became an Animagus to help me with my transformations. It just surprised me to see Prongs after so many years."

            Lily stopped reading and put her nose very close to James with a knowingly expression.

            “Are you going to kiss me?” he asked cheekily.

            “No you prat, it’s just that now I know what animal you turn into.”

That caught Harry's attention. "Prongs?" he asked curiously.

"It was you're father's nickname," Professor Lupin clarified. He face suddenly changed to a look of worry as he let out a sigh. "I'll explain everything later when there's more time. It's a rather long story and some of the details may be a little unsettling.

            “Yes, like that you’ve known who Midnight is all along,” Lily said.

            “What do you think you are going to say to explain why you didn’t tell him?” Sirius asked.

            “I better have a good explanation. Harry doesn’t take kindly to being lied to,” Remus said worried.

 I believe you are currently missing a party in your Common Room. I'll walk you there."

Harry wanted to protest but Lupin had already started walking towards the castle. Shouldering his broomstick, Harry let out a sigh and followed. Well, he now knew one of the names on the Marauder's Map. Now he just had to figure out the other three. It actually surprised Harry how quickly Professor Lupin wanted to change the topic. What was the big secret?

            “That we are illegal Animagi! That’s huge!” James stated.

They walked to the Gryffindor Tower in silence, neither really knowing what to say. Once Harry said the password, Lupin bid farewell leaving Harry to enter the Tower. The party was already in full swing. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves except for Hermione who amazingly was trying to read. Careful not to bump into anyone, Harry made his way across the room and sat down beside her.

"How can you concentrate with all of this noise?" asked Harry.

Hermione shrugged. "I just really need to get this done," she said. "I have over four hundred pages to read by Monday."

Harry's eyes widened. How in the world was she going to accomplish that? "Er—Hermione?" he asked tentatively. "Maybe you should think about dropping a class or two. You look a little stressed out."

            “A little!” Peter said.

That, of course, was an understatement. Harry couldn't remember ever seeing Hermione looking so exhausted. She actually looked how Harry felt at the end of last term. "I can handle it, Harry," Hermione said but it wasn't as confident as she normally was.

It was extremely late before people started heading up the stairs to their dorm rooms and some even needed to be ordered by Professor McGonagall. Harry had been one of the first to bed but he quickly found that sleep was eluding him. Thinking about it, he figured out that revealing his father was Prongs meant revealing Sirius Black was Midnight. That had to be why Professor Lupin was so evasive. He was still reluctant to tell the truth!

Deep in thought, Harry found another question entering plaguing his mind. If all of the Marauders were an Animagus (except Professor Lupin) then that mean Peter Pettigrew was one also. If James Potter was a stag, Sirius Black was a large dog and Professor Lupin was a wolf, Harry had to wonder what sort of animal Pettigrew had been. He also had to wonder how in the world the Marauders had pulled it off.

            “You know,” Lily said slowly, “I wonder too.” And she looked at the boys who all were whistling or looking the other way. She huffed and kept reading.

Realizing that he wouldn't be falling asleep any time soon, Harry pulled himself out of bed, grabbed his glasses and opened his trunk. It didn't take him long to find the leather-bound photo album he had been given two years ago by Hagrid. Inside this book contained the past of his parents that he had created in his mind before learning who they really were. He had assumed many things about the lives of his parents and their friends. Never in a million years would he have guessed that one of their best friends would betray them. It just goes to show that dreams and reality never really coincide.

            “I DIDN’T”

            “We know Padfoot, we know,” Remus said patting his arm.

            “You, do? ‘Cause in the book you don’t seem to,” Sirius said desperately.

As quietly as possible, Harry left his dorm room (making certain that the door was indeed closed to protect Scabbers from Crookshanks) and ventured down to the Common Room. He sat down in front of the barely burning fire and opened the album, turning the pages until he found pictures containing people in addition to his parents.

He didn't have to look long. It was the picture of his parents' wedding day. His father was waving happily, his mother looked radiant and standing next to James Potter was Sirius Black but not the man that Harry had seen in the papers. This Sirius Black was young, handsome even as he laughed endlessly. It was hard to believe that this Sirius Black and the one who had betrayed his parents were one in the same. It was hard to believe that the happiness he saw on the faces of his parents would only be for a short time.

It's amazing how quickly life can change from one extreme to another.

            Lily was sobbing and James was once again comforting her. He took the book from her and kept reading.

Flipping the page, Harry saw a picture of his mother in a bed, looking exhausted but happy. She was holding a small bundle as she looked up at his father then down at the bundle. Harry watched as his father smiled back at his mother then kissed the top of her head affectionately. Standing aside his father was once again Sirius Black who was smiling happily as he reached out and gently touched the bundle. Next to Black was Professor Lupin who, while still thin, looked happy and a lot younger than he did now. The man looked so relaxed and comfortable with his friends, nothing close to the guarded person he was now. The final member of the group was short and plump young man that Harry had never seen before. He was shifting his weight from left to right, looking like he felt out of place.

            “That’s you Peter,” Remus pointed out. Peter gave a nervous smile.

Harry shook his head slowly as he closed his book. So those were the Marauders before the madness of the war destroyed their lives. Two had died because of one's betrayal leaving the final member alone. Harry couldn't help but fell sorry for Professor Lupin. He didn't know what he would do if he had lost all of his close friends in the frame of twenty-four hours.

            Remus looked terrified at the prospect. He was shaking his head. Sirius was the one comforting him now.

Standing up, Harry figured some sleep was better than no sleep and retreated back to bed. He really didn't know what to think about everything anymore. Why was he giving Black a chance? Why couldn't he just believe what everyone had told him? Harry didn't know why he needed some sort of confirmation from Black or why he was even contemplating on taking the word of a mass murderer. All he knew was that it was something he had to do.

            “Because deep down you know I am innocent!”