Harry, Ron and Hermione hadn’t said a word about the interview from the moment they stepped on Hogwarts soil. Sirius and Remus had insisted that the matter be kept quiet since they had no idea whether Rita Skeeter would keep her word or not. No one other than the five who had been present for the interview knew anything about it. Harry didn’t know if it was smart keeping something like this from Professor Dumbledore but he trusted Sirius and Remus enough not to question the decision.

“AHHHHHHHH!”

“Lily, are you feeling well?” Mrs. Potter asked.

“AHHHHHHH!” Lily kept screaming. James shook her and she finally stopped.

“Care to explain?” he asked.

“The world as we know it is ending!” she cried.

“What?” Remus asked bewildered.

“Sirius’ decisions are not being questioned,” she squeaked.

“AHHHHHHHH!” the one adult and other two teenagers joined her.

“Honestly,” Sirius sniffed disdainfully. “No trust in me whatsoever.”

“AHHHHHHHH!”

Surprisingly Rita had kept her word by sending a copy of the article to Sirius on Tuesday along with a letter from the editor of the ‘Daily Prophet’ asking for verification of the authenticity of the story.

Remus waggled his eyebrows at Sirius.

“What?”

“Rita sent the article to you,” Remus said.

“Ohhh,” James coeed.

“Argh, ahhhhhhh! Help!” Sirius gagged and ran around the room in circles hysterically.

 Still feeling uneasy about the situation, Remus took the liberty of visiting the editor personally to deliver the article with a few minor changes Sirius and Remus had made so Harry wasn’t portrayed as the defenseless child that Rita Skeeter tried to make him out to be.

Harry really didn’t have time to think about what Sirius and Remus were doing with the Quidditch game against Hufflepuff taking place on Saturday. Angelina had insisted on practice every night which left Harry with quite the predicament with Occlumency lessons. Professor Snape hadn’t been pleased in the slightest to hear that Harry needed to postpone Occlumency for Quidditch, claiming that Harry wasn’t taking the lessons seriously. Harry could only let the man rant. He had thought he was improving since he hadn’t really had any scar headaches since the Azkaban breakout and the dreams of the Departments of Mysteries had stopped. He still had a problem pushing Snape out of his mind once his defenses failed but he was improving.

Remus had taken over teaching the Council members the material they would need for the Saturday meeting in Harry’s absence. Harry had to admit that he felt like he was letting everyone down. Even with Remus’ presence, Harry still felt like the supervisor of the Council and therefore it was his responsibility. Yes, Quidditch was also a responsibility but he couldn’t deny the feeling that the D.A. and Occlumency should be more important than a game.

“Harry,” James said shocked. “Don’t say that! The Quidditch gods may hear you and punish you!”

“Quidditch gods?” Lily asked raising an eyebrow.

“Yes,” James said desperately and the others had to roll their eyes at him.

It hadn’t been the first time Harry doubted his placement on the Quidditch team. He loved playing Quidditch. It offered a sort of release that nothing else could match. All of his worries seemed to fall so far away in the air only to return full force the moment he landed. Harry had to admit that out of all of his responsibilities, Quidditch seemed to be the last on his mind making him wonder if he was doing the team justice. Everyone else was so dedicated while he was trying to find a feasible way to split his time wisely.

“That’s not true. You don’t know their schedules. Ron’s a prefect and has his OWLs, Angelina, Alicia and the twins have their NEWTs and they are all in the DA. I bet they are swamped too!” Remus reasoned.

“Harry never thinks what he is doing may be normal,” Sirius pointed out and Remus scribbled again on his trusty  list.

The ‘Daily Prophet’s’ decision was revealed Friday morning when an overabundance of owls entered the Great Hall while everyone was eating. Harry was desperately trying to finish the schoolwork he hadn’t completed the night before so he wasn’t aware of what was happening until several people nearby suddenly spit out their pumpkin juice. Looking up, Harry saw Hermione unrolling her own issue of the paper with a grin on her face. She turned the paper around to reveal the headline:

DAILY PROPHET EXCLUSIVE!
HARRY POTTER REVEALS THE TRUTH!
YOU-KNOW-WHO HAS RETURNED
AND MINISTER FUDGE KNEW!

Harry grabbed the paper from Hermione had quickly scanned through the article to make sure everything was like he had told Rita. Several gasps echoed through the hall followed by the abrupt ceasing of conversation seemed as everyone crowded around those who had an issue. Line by line Harry looked over the article trying to find any sign that Rita hadn’t kept her word. She had though. There was no fabrication whatsoever. Everything had been written exactly as he had told including the names of the Death Eaters present.

“I think someone won’t like that!” Sirius said in a singsong voice.

“You think?” Mrs. Potter asked sarcastically.

Handing back the paper, Harry returned to his school work as whispers started to breakout throughout the Great Hall. He didn’t dare over at the Slytherin table or up at the Head Table. He knew what the reactions would be. Professor Snape was going to be furious, Professor Dumbledore would simply look at him with a smile and those twinkling eyes, Professor McGonagall would be pleased by keep it to herself since she didn’t want to appear biased, Sirius and Remus had already made their opinions clear, and the remainder of the teachers would follow Professor Dumbledore.

“This is wonderful Harry!” Hermione said excitedly. “Not only was the truth printed but the ‘Daily Prophet’ is behind you!”

Harry looked up at Hermione in surprise. Where had she gotten that idea? “What are you talking about?” he asked. “They printed the article but that doesn’t mean they—”

“—you didn’t read the editor’s note, did you?” Hermione interrupted then looked back down at the paper. “This story has been confirmed accurate by outside sources. The ‘Daily Prophet’ stands by Harry Potter and apologizes for any ill reports that had been published regarding Headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the previous months. Due to recent events the ‘Daily Prophet’ has come to believe the Minister of Magic has not had the concerns of the wizarding world in mind and will work to report the entire truth to the public.”

“Translation; the Daily Prophet noticed Fudge is going down and is trying to do some serious ass kissing so they don’t look bad,” Mrs. Potter snorted

James looked shocked, “Mum! You said ass!”

“So.”

“Mum! You’re a mum. Mums don’t say things like that!”

The other three teenagers were nodding vigorously.

Mrs. Potter leaned forward and looked straight at James, “I’m going to tell you a secret James. Mums are human beings too.”

James started sobbing and Sirius went hysterical, “Take that back Mrs. P! Take that back!”

Mrs. Potter couldn’t help but laugh.

Harry could only blink as his mind tried to grasp what Hermione had just read to him. The ‘Daily Prophet’ actually turned against Fudge? He had never thought that would happen. “Well, that’s a surprise,” he said evenly. “I guess we can only hope that Fudge is voted out of office now.”

“Er—don’t look now but there are quite a few Slytherins who look ready to hex you, Harry,” Ron warned. “Maybe we should leave before something happens.”

“And make myself an even bigger target?” Harry countered. “Remember the times when Malfoy’s cornered me? I was alone. He will only approach me when he can overpower me, whether he needs his minions to do it for him or not.”

“Showing the coward he is,” Lily sniffed disdainfully.

Ron and Hermione glanced at each other before shifting their gaze back to Harry. “I suppose that’s one way of looking at it,” Hermione said carefully. “You have to admit that Malfoy’s been really quiet lately…well, ever since the Quidditch match. Maybe he finally learned his lesson.”

Sirius burst out laughing, “Oh Hermione. You’re a riot!”

Harry and Ron snorted at the comment. That certainly wasn’t going to happen any time soon. It was true that Malfoy hadn’t been causing as much ruckus as he normally would but hadn’t exactly been a model student either. He didn’t hesitate to take advantage of every opportunity he had to jinx an unsuspecting Gryffindor but managed to do so in a discrete manner that no one could actually prove he had indeed cast the spell except for checking his wand which Malfoy would never willingly give up.

“At least we don’t have Potions today,” Ron said gratefully. “Can you imagine how bad Snape would be?”

Harry had to wince at the comment. He hadn’t thought of that. Professor Snape had a role to play, Harry accepted that. The problem was that Snape’s hatred for the Potter family only made that role more convincing. There had been what could only be described as a silent agreement between them ever since Harry had been removed from the care of his relatives. Professor Snape accepted Harry’s life hadn’t been a walk in the park and Harry accepted that Snape would always be Snape. It was that understanding that allowed Harry to keep a level head during Occlumency lessons.

“I think will be is more like it,” Harry said truthfully. “This isn’t going to go away after one day. Remember last year when my name was in the paper all the time? The only difference is this time I’m guilty of what he usually accuses me of: using my fame for my own gain.” Ron and Hermione moved to object. “I’m not going to deny it. Rita wanted a story and I took advantage of the situation to get the word out.”

With the time for classes drawing near, students started leaving allowing Harry, Ron and Hermione to somewhat blend in the crowd. Students from Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw couldn’t hide their amazement and their sympathy. The article had been rather blunt in the horrors that Harry had faced that night. Students now knew what Cedric had faced before he died leaving the Hufflepuff house feeling extremely proud. Students in the Slytherin house seemed to be torn. There were quite a few clearly outraged since their parents had been mentioned in the article but there others especially in the younger years who seemed to not know which way to turn.

“Of course there are,” Mrs. Potter said. “Slytherins aren’t all bad.”

“Yeah, but that is the general consensus,” Remus pointed out grimly.

The day passed agonizingly slowly for Harry who tried to avoid Slytherins and the entire staff. It seemed that everywhere Harry turned there was a teacher who had tried to get his attention which could only mean one thing and his guardians confirmed it when they caught up with him just before dinner. Professor Dumbledore wanted to speak to him. Harry didn’t even know why he was so reluctant to talk to the Headmaster. Probably because he knew what was going to be said.

“Harry, my boy, although I’m appreciative for what you’ve done I must insist that you refrain from any more interviews without speaking to me first. It is not your responsibility to be the spokesperson for the Order. I believe we already discussed that it is up for the Order to protect you, not the other way around.”

After muttering the password Sirius had given him, Harry walked up to Professor Dumbledore’s office and knocked on the door which opened a moment later to reveal a smiling Dumbledore. The Headmaster moved aside and motioned for Harry to enter. With Quidditch practice starting soon, Harry figured he didn’t have time to waste and took his usual spot in front of Professor Dumbledore’s desk.

“You have been avoiding me, Harry,” Professor Dumbledore said pleasantly

“Nooooooo,” Sirius said sarcastically. “You noticed?”

 as he closed the door then moved to his desk and sat down. “I was hoping you could tell me why.”

Harry stared at Dumbledore with a raised eyebrow. That was an abnormally blunt statement especially from the Headmaster who lived to talk in riddles. “I wasn’t aware you wanted to see me until just a few moments ago,” he said honestly. “I’m sure you're aware of how busy I’ve been lately, sir. “

Professor Dumbledore’s smile faltered a bit. “Yes, Professor Snape mentioned something about you being stretched too thin,” he said in a concerned tone. “He also mentioned his doubts on whether you had your priorities straight.” Harry moved to protest. “Relax, my dear boy. I understand there are commitments you have made before Occlumency lessons began. I believe Professor Snape is still a little sore over the topic of Quidditch. The Slytherin team has been having difficulties with their two replacements.”

“Next time teach your students to be better behaved, Snivellus,” Sirius snorted.

“Snape isn’t there Sirius,” Lily pointed out.

“Because if he was he would have heard me?” Sirius asked raising his eyebrow and Lily huffed.

Sitting back in his chair, Professor Dumbledore looked at Harry for a moment before letting out a sigh. “I spoke with your guardians,” he said at last. “They explained everything in regards to the article, Harry. However, I must advise you from taking such actions in the future without speaking to an adult first. If I understand everything correctly, Remus had spent quite a bit of time at the ‘Daily Prophet’ to ensure Rita didn’t break her promise.”

“Oi, don’t use me to guilt trip Harry!” Remus cried.

Harry nodded, his gaze falling to the floor. He had only heard about one visit Remus had made to the editor’s office but the revelation didn’t surprise him. Remus had been reluctant to entrust Rita Skeeter with such an article from the start. “Yes, sir,” Harry said softly. What else was there really to say?

“This is not a reprimand, Harry,” Professor Dumbledore

“Sure sounded like one,” James huffed crossing his arms and scowling.

said gently and waited for Harry to look up. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of you. I know talking about what happened with Rita Skeeter couldn’t have been easy. Remus and Sirius mentioned that they had discussed the importance of keeping your outbursts a secret with you. I understand that the outbursts have declined significantly but we still need to be cautious. I trust Occlumency has been working for you?”

Harry nodded. “My scar still hurts from time to time but nothing like it had been,” he said. “It’s almost like Voldemort has just forgotten about me for some reason.”

“Yeah, I don’t like that,” Remus grimaced.

“Me neither,” Mrs. Potter agreed. “It’s just too good to be true.”

Dumbledore appeared to frown at the comment. “I doubt that is the case, Harry,” he said. “From what my sources tell me Voldemort is more obsessed with you ever since you managed to override his possession of Nagini. It is possible he may be aware of what your guardians had told you over the holidays. For now, just be cautious, Harry. If you see or feel anything that could come from Voldemort, please let us know.” When Harry nodded again Professor Dumbledore smiled. “Very well then, off you go.”

“Excuse me!” James said astonished. “How can he just say that and smile. Oh, Voldemort knows your secret and wants to off you more then ever, off to bed!”

“Well, it’s not like he had more information to offer,” Sirius said.

“A little comfort wouldn’t hurt,” James whined.

“Don’t worry. Padfoot and Moony give him enough comfort,” Lily said rubbing James’ back.

Harry bid farewell and hurried to dinner. He couldn’t help but feel confused to why Professor Dumbledore had been so insistent to talk to him. Did the man really believe that Harry would start giving interviews now? No! It had been a spur of the moment decision to help get the word out, nothing more. Entering the Great Hall, Harry couldn’t help but think that the entire conversation had been a fishing expedition on Professor Dumbledore’s part. It made Harry wonder if Sirius and Remus were telling Dumbledore anything anymore. He knew his guardians didn’t completely trust Dumbledore with everything that had happened. That was the entire reason they both were here. They didn’t trust Dumbledore to keep their charge safe.

“Yeah, well,” Sirius nodded with a scowl. “He doesn’t exactly have a great track record.”

---

The following morning Harry pulled himself out of bed early along with the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. They needed a win today to stay in the lead for the Quidditch cup. Since Slytherin had lost two players they weren’t considered to be much of a threat. It was strange for Slytherin not to be among the contenders since they had been for so long. Instead, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw were the teams to beat. Hufflepuff had a new Seeker, a third year student that no one really knew anything about but everyone admitted that he was no Cedric Diggory. No one could be.

Before Harry knew it he was in the locker room changing into his Quidditch robes. He was really starting to feel the strain of his extra curricular activities and quickly concentrated on clearing his mind of all excess thoughts. Hopefully he would catch the Snitch as soon as possible so he could have time to prepare for the D.A. meeting tonight before tackling his schoolwork along with his Occlumency. Clear your mind! Don’t think about that now!

“Yes Harry. Now you have to have only one thought in mind. The snitch! The snitch is all there is. Nothing else matters repeat after me-“

“Hum, James! I think Harry has it covered,” Remus said patting James’ hand.

Stepping onto the field, Harry was nearly blown back by the roar of the crowd in the cool late February morning breeze. He looked out at the faceless bodies that were eagerly waiting for the game to begin. His last match seemed like a lifetime ago. Mounting his broom, Harry waited for the whistle to sound then took off, immediately searching for the Snitch. It was only a matter of minutes before the Hufflepuff Seeker joined him. The boy was rather small for a third year with brown hair that surrounded his face and hid his eyes. Harry nodded politely to the boy before returning to his task.

It didn’t take long before Bludgers came from the left and the right forcing Harry to dive sharply while the Hufflepuff Seeker pulled upwards, one Bludger following each of them. Avoiding the Gryffindor Chasers who were flying by, Harry was saved by Fred who hit the Bludger to George allowing him to pull back up and settle by the Hufflepuff goal. He caught a glance at the score and saw that it was already fifty to ten in favor of Gryffindor. Hopefully Ron’s not taking missing the one goal too hard.

Scanning the air and field, Harry tried to locate any sign of the golden Snitch. He noticed that the Hufflepuff Seeker mimicked him by moving over to the Gryffindor goal posts. It wasn’t long until he was once again in the path of an oncoming Bludger forcing him pull to the right and take off towards the twins. As he was about to dive Harry was a flash of gold and quickly changed direction and take off as fast as he could. It was now in front of the Slytherin stands. Reaching out, Harry nearly grabbed the Snitch when it flew upwards forcing Harry to follow. He was aware of the Bludger behind him, gaining on him. Pushing his Firebolt to its limit, Harry tried to reach the Snitch and put as much distance between himself and the Bludger as possible.

The Snitch veered to the left and Harry followed along with the Bludger. Becoming frustrated with the persistent ball, Harry decided to take a chance. He brought his legs up so that he was basically in a crouched position on his broom. Once his balance was secured, Harry abruptly slowed down before jumping upwards, flipping in a tucked position and the Bludger flew by underneath him.

Silence rang throughout the crowd as Harry landed on his broom and once again took off for the Snitch. The Hufflepuff Seeker had taken advantage of Harry’s stunt and was now gaining on the Snitch. In no time Harry had caught up with the opposing Seeker as the Snitch dived. Both Seekers dived, Harry more sharply giving him the edge. His advantage quickly grew. The Hufflepuff’s Cleansweep was no match against a Firebolt.

“Mum, I want a Firebolt!” James begged.

“Good thing you’re sitting down then,” Mrs. Potter said flatly.

“What?” Lily asked.

“So he won’t get tired while waiting forever,” Sirius explained.

Time seemed to still as Harry sped towards the ground, the roar of the air silencing any noise the crowd could be making. He was in his element now, acting on instinct that he had never been able to explain. That was what flying had been for him. Something so natural and freeing that he rarely felt anymore. Fifty feet until he hit the ground…thirty feet…twenty feet…ten…

With his outstretched hand Harry wrapped his fingers around the Snitch as he quickly pulled his Firebolt upwards, barely avoiding the ground. He soared upwards holding the Snitch up for everyone to see. Cheers erupted as the whistle blew, ending the game. Gryffindor had won 240 to 20. Harry couldn’t help but smile as he was nearly tackled by the Weasley twins the moment his feet touched the ground. The rest of the team joined the twins a moment later, all congratulating Harry on a spectacular catch. Gryffindors rushed on to the field to congratulate the team. Gryffindor was in first place for the Quidditch Cup.

For a moment, it was great to feel like an ordinary teenager again.

“James,” Lily waved a hand in front of James dreamy face. “Are you okay?”

“Why can’t we have a seeker like that?” he asked sighing.

“Because he hasn’t been born yet,” Remus offered.

James scowled at him and turned to Lily, “Lily. Sorry about the abruptness but I think we need to get to business. I need Harry on the team.”

“You do realize,” Mrs. Potter said slowly before Lily could get out of her outraged shocked state and bite James’ head off, “That even if Lily got pregnant now Harry wouldn’t play in the same team as you seeing as how he would be a baby.”

“Oh bugger,” James groaned.

---

While the Gryffindor’s celebrated in the Gryffindor Common Room, Harry feverishly worked on preparing for the D.A. meeting with Remus. They were starting the offensive side of dueling which was bound to be dangerous if the proper precautions weren’t taken. Of course danger was a given when the Weasley twins were in the room. It didn’t take Harry long to grasp the material since he would simply be a supervisor tonight along with Remus. It wasn’t incredibly difficult but the spells that would be taught needed a lot of concentration in order to perform them correctly. That was where Harry and Remus would be, helping everyone with their focus.

Harry managed to finish a few of his assignments and run through his Occlumency notes before dinner with Sirius’ help then met up with Remus and the Council in the Room of Requirement for a final preparation before the meeting. Dueling dummies were aligned against the walls for everyone to practice on. Until everyone learned how to control the spells they would be learning it was too dangerous to place student against student.

The D.A. meeting had certainly been a stressful and frustrating one. No one had anticipated such a touchy topic being taught on the evening of a Quidditch game. The majority of the Gryffindors were still ecstatic over their win while the Hufflepuffs were a tad depressed over their loss. The Ravenclaws were the only ones non-pulsed by the day’s events and it showed in their work. Early in the meeting the students had been split into two groups: the Ravenclaws, Hermione and Susan Bones from Hufflepuff in one group with everyone else in the other.

Harry, Remus and Cho took the more advanced group while the rest of the Council split up the other group and worked through the material at a slower pace. Once students grasped everything they were excused allowing the Council to help those who were still having trouble. They finally had to dismiss the remaining students near curfew with the Council members following them shortly. Harry and Remus finished cleaning up then also left, feeling the affects of the extremely long day.

Walking to the Gryffindor Tower in a daze, Harry walked beside Remus until a strange sensation caused him to stop in his tracks. He turned around as he was suddenly filled with feelings of fear and despair.

Remus was about to say something but Sirius put a hand on his arm and shook his head.

“But- feelings-“ Remus mouthed.

“No,” Sirius mouthed back.

During the whole exchange James had been glaring at both of them with narrowed eyes and his little mantra of “Not an empath, not an empath,” going through his head.

Walking to the nearest window, Harry looked out at the forest. He couldn’t explain it but he felt an odd pull, almost like he needed to go there. Something’s wrong. Something’s very wrong.

“Harry?” Remus asked softly. “Harry, what is it?”

Harry slowly looked over his shoulder, his face completely blank. The absence of emotion was so eerie, so unlike Harry. It was almost like he was being controlled by someone or something. “She’s worried,” he said evenly. “There is danger in the forest. I must go. Help is needed. He’s dying.”

“Who’s worried? Who is dying? We need this information?” Mrs. Potter said nervously.

“How the hell does he know that?” Lily shrieked.

Remus grabbed Harry’s arm to prevent him from leaving. “Harry, what’s going on?” he asked instantly. “Please talk to me. Who’s she? Who’s dying?”

Harry pulled his arm free and took off to the staircases with Remus following him. The staircases were ready and waiting allowing Harry to descend to the main level in no time. Harry continued running through the Entrance Hall, down the stairs and through the courtyard to the forest. Remus could barely keep up. They ran past Hagrid’s cabin and into the forest. Harry appeared to be moving from memory, ducking to avoid branches and jumping over objects that lay in his path. For nearly ten minutes they ran until Harry stopped and dropped to his knees. It was so abrupt that Remus nearly ran into Harry as he skidded to a halt.

Remus could hardly hold back the horror at the sight in front of him. On the ground in front of Harry was a badly beaten Centaur who was gasping for breath. This Centaur was young with white-blond hair and a palomino body that was stained with blood. Cuts were bleeding freely alerting Remus that the attack had been recent. It wasn’t hard to determine where such a beating could come from. Centaurs rarely involved themselves in affairs that didn’t concern them.

“You mean the other Centaurs did that?” Lily asked horrified.

“Probably,” Mrs. Potter said.

“Especially if they think one Centaur decided to lower themselves by serving humans and sharing their knowledge with humans,” Remus explained grimly.

Harry gently reached out and touched the Centaur’s face. The creature’s eyes opened to reveal astonishing and pain-filled blue eyes. “Harry Potter,” the Centaur said weakly. “You—you must leave. It isn’t…safe for you…Mars is bright…especially in the…forest tonight…”

Remus grasped Harry’s shoulder. “Harry, we need to get help,” he said urgently. “Come. We can tell Hagrid on our way—”

“I will not leave him,” Harry said firmly, not taking his eyes off of the Centaur. “Go. I will be fine, I promise.” Remus moved to protest. “Do not worry about your cub, Remus Lupin. He is not alone. He will be protected but you must hurry.”

“SOMEONE POSSESSED MY SON!” James yelled.

“UN-POSSES HIM!” Lily yelled.

“I don’t think that’s a word,” Remus said.

“Shush Moony, they’ve gone batty,” Sirius whispered.

Remus stared at Harry in shock for a moment before leaving as fast as his feet could carry him.

“MOONY YOU LEFT HIM!” James cried.

“I went for help!” Remus tried to defend himself.

With the man gone, Harry returned his full attention to the Centaur. “Firenze, you shall not die tonight. You are a noble being in my forest. I will protect you, like I always have.”

Firenze stared at Harry with wide eyes. “You have chosen,” he gasped.

Harry nodded as he moved his hands so they were hovering above Firenze’s injured upper body. “I have,” he said.

“What? What did he chose?” Mrs. Potter asked worried.

“Close your eyes, my friend. I am afraid this will hurt. I apologize but it must be done.” Firenze obeyed as Harry also closed his eyes. The faint breeze started to pick up as a rush of power filled Harry causing him to gasp. His entire body felt like it was on fire as his hands started to shake. He could hear Firenze whimpering, knowing that the Centaur was trying to hold back his screams. Finally it became too much and Firenze started screaming painfully. It only lasted a moment then it was over.

Dropping his arms to his sides, Harry opened his eyes to see Firenze’s wounds were nearly completely healed. He suddenly felt extremely exhausted and empty. Breathing heavily, Harry tried to stand but couldn’t bring himself to move. His legs wouldn’t work and his arms were just too heavy. No, movement was definitely out of the question. That much was clear. Harry sat back on his heals as he fought to stay conscious.

He lost the battle quickly.

“Oh my,” Mrs. Potter whispered putting her hand on her mouth.

“What?” James asked.

“He’s a natural healer,” she whispered.

“Is that bad?” Lily asked.

“No,” James said relieved. “At least I don’t think so.”

---

Sunlight was Harry’s wake-up call. Opening his eyes, Harry was confused to find himself in the overly bright hospital wing. His head was throbbing but it wasn’t because of his scar. Thank Merlin for small favors. Sitting up, Harry rubbed the remaining sleepiness out of his eyes then grabbed his glasses off the bedside table and put them on. He quickly noticed that he wasn’t alone. In the bed to his left lay Remus sleeping on top of the covers while Sirius was in the same position on the bed to Harry’s right. This usually meant that Sirius and Remus fell asleep at his bedside and Madam Pomfrey levitated them onto the beds.

Looking at his bedside table, Harry noticed his watch and glanced at the time to see it was already eight in the morning. He ignored his headache as he pushed back the covers, jumped out of bed and hurried over to Remus. Harry really hated having to wake him but there wasn’t really any time to waste. Carefully, Harry shook Remus’ shoulder and the affects were instantaneous. Remus instantly sat up and looked around before settling his eyes on Harry.

“Moony is so funny when he wakes up startled,” James chuckled.

“Next time I wake you up suddenly I’ll give you a mirror,” Remus grumbled.

Remus quickly turned and seemed to look over the boy for any sign of injury. “Harry, are you okay?” he asked quietly. “Are you in any pain?”

Harry was taken back by the urgency of Remus’ voice. “Er—I just have a headache,” he said truthfully. “Not a scar one, just regular.” He paused for a moment as he looked around the room in confusion. “Why am I here? Did something happen on the way to the Gryffindor Tower?”

Remus’ eyes widened as he cleared his throat nervously. “We’re not sure what really happened, Harry,” he said carefully. “It was almost like an outburst but your eyes weren’t glowing like they normally do. You told me someone was in danger and you ran out of the castle and into the forest. You found Firenze last night. He was beaten by members of his clan. I went for help and when we came back you were unconscious next to Firenze. You were diagnosed with magical exhaustion. You don’t remember any of this?”

Harry tried to think back to last night. It was like vague images in his mind but nothing clear. “I remember feelings,” he said, still deep in thought. “Fear, pain, remorse. They’re vivid. Almost like a dream.” Harry looked at Remus nervously. He really didn’t like not being able to remember things. “What’s happening to me?”

“WE DON’T KNOW!” Lily cried hysterically.

Mrs. Potter held her and patted her hair trying to calm her, “There, there honey. Remus will have an answer.”

Remus pulled Harry into an embrace. “I don’t know, cub,” he said.

Mrs. Potter glared at Remus who shrugged sheepishly.

“I know it wasn’t Voldemort. Dumbledore’s looking into it. Sirius and I will look into it, I promise. You’re not alone, Harry. Remember that.”

“See Mrs. P, we will figure things out,” Sirius said as he tried blocking Remus from Mrs. Potter line of view with his body.

Harry nodded and pulled out of the embrace. “We better get moving,” he said softly. “The Council meeting is in less than an hour.”

Remus silently cursed and jumped off the bed. Harry grabbed his clothes and went to change in the bathroom while Remus woke Sirius. To say that he was scared was an understatement. Something had controlled him last night. No matter how good the intentions had been, Harry didn’t like being controlled. If he had known Firenze had been in danger he would have gone to help. Why did something feel the need to take control of his body for something that he would have done naturally?

“YES! WHY?” James cried.

“I’m sure we will find out,” Remus said nodding almost as if he was trying to convince himself.