“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” Peter, James and Sirius screamed.

            “What?” Remus asked.

            “We don’t want Dementors. They’re nasty, foul creatures,” Peter shuddered.

            “Well, sorry but that’s the chapter’s title,” Remus said.

            “Why?” James asked desperately.

            “I expect, because there is going to be a Dementor in this chapter,” Remus explained slowly and waited:

            “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

            And there it was.

There is a variety of emotions that come after you realize you have done something incredibly stupid.

            “Yes there is, unfortunately James and Sirius seem to either be immune to those emotions or not feel them at all,” Remus stated plainly. James and Sirius decided to ignore him.

First, there is shock followed closely by denial. Harry had been trapped with those emotions for what felt like an eternity. If Midnight was actually Black then why did the dog try to protect him from Uncle Vernon? Why did the dog seem to care and sympathize when everyone claims this man wants him dead?

            “Because they’re lying!” Sirius shouted.

Once the initial shock had passed, Harry was consumed with guilt. He had known that something wasn't right with Midnight. The proof had been there from the beginning. Midnight had definitely acted more human than canine. Why hadn't he simply opened his eyes to see the truth? How could he have been so stupid? He had told Sirius Black everything!

Anger added to the guilt. Anger at himself, Black and even Professor Dumbledore for keeping this from him. Remembering his conversation with Professor Lupin, Harry figured the man had known the truth about Midnight which instantly destroyed the trust and respect Harry had for the young teacher.

            “No Harry, you can trust me. I couldn’t tell. That was a Marauder secret,” Remus pleaded.

Why did everyone always have to know more about his life than he did?

            “Well, because you lived with your horrible relatives that lied and abused you and apparently you’re famous because of something we don’t know yet and you know how gossip works,” James said, Sirius grimaced relating to the gossip problem.

 Why couldn't anyone ever trust him with the truth? Was that too much to ask?

Apparently it was.

The anger and guilt ended up serving as a battery for Harry. Professor Dumbledore hadn't lied to Fudge when he had mentioned training. To say that everyone was shocked to find Harry's wand in his trunk was an understatement. Why would Black willingly give up a wand when he had none of his own? There was just so much of the entire abduction that didn't make sense.

            “Because I am innocent and would not steal Pronglet’s wand, OK?” Sirius stated angrily.

            “Pronglet?” Remus asked raising his eyebrow.

            “I think it’s fitting,” Sirius said putting his hand on Remus’ face and trying to lower the eyebrow.

            “What are you doing Sirius?” Remus asked swatting Sirius’ hand away.

            “A favor to society. I am trying to get rid of that dammed raised eyebrow of yours. It’s as bad as the look,” Sirius explained, James and Peter nodded their agreement, Remus glared.

Once Harry had been released from the hospital wing he was thrown into a mixture of lessons consisting of both muggle and magical defenses.

            “Excuse me? Lessons? On his holiday? That’s, that’s,” James seemed at a lost of words until he sputtered, “Sacrilege!”

Professor Lupin taught Harry how to physically defend himself while Professors Dumbledore, Flitwick, McGonagall and even Snape tutored him on different aspects of the magical side. Professor Flitwick, of course, instructed charms, Professor McGonagall instructed simple transfigurations that could be beneficial in a life or death situation (creating weapons and such), Professor Snape instructed on plants and herbs that could be helpful to heal basic injuries, and Professor Dumbledore took all of the aspects and brought them together.

Harry progressed quickly, determined not to make the same mistake again. He would never blindly trust anyone or anything because of his selfish desires again. He would never allow his emotions to get the better of him again. He would never be a victim again.

            “No, Harry! You can trust people, just not, you know, the bad ones,” James pleaded.

            “How do you know which are the bad ones?” Peter asked.

            James seemed lost, “How am I supposed to know?”

For two weeks Harry did nothing but train and study. The teachers and Weasleys had wanted to celebrate his birthday which had taken place while he had been recovering but Harry refused.

            “HE WHAT!?” the four boys cried.

            “You never refuse a birthday party!” Peter exclaimed, the others nodded.

He didn't want anything distracting him. He couldn't afford any distractions anymore.

This obsession hadn't gone unnoticed by the professors. Harry was currently staying in Professor Lupin's guest quarters but rarely spent any time there. Lupin had to search for Harry at meal times in order to ensure the boy would eat and had to nearly order him to sleep. Harry had eventually revealed to Professor Lupin that the physical abuse had only started after the phone call and the remaining details of his home life. It had been what everyone wanted to hear and it had gotten them off his back.

Harry hadn't told anyone about Midnight and Sirius Black being one in the same and other than Professor Lupin, no one let on that they knew the little tidbit. Although it probably wasn't the smartest move, Harry decided not to reveal his knowledge to Lupin. If the man wanted Harry to trust him, he would have to return the favor.

            “Harry has a lot of trust issues,” Remus stated grimacing.

            “Yeah, and you lying to him is not helping,” Sirius said in agreement. Remus nodded glumly.

No one knew what had actually forced the boy to grow up overnight and Harry was planning on keeping it that way. Harry didn't need everyone to confirm what was already true: he was a bloody idiot.

            “No you’re not. You will not talk about yourself that way Youngman!” James said angrily, then his eyes went wide and he put his hand on his mouth, “I just sounded like my dad!”

            “Freaky!” Sirius shuddered.

Early one morning in mid-August, Harry awoke before everyone else, like he always did. Part of his muggle training with Professor Lupin required running every morning and evening.

            “Now, that’s just torture! Are you torturing yourself with Harry, Moony?” Sirius asked with narrowed eyes.

            Remus offered a crooked grin, “Ah, the joys of teacherhood.”

            “That’s not even a word Moony!” James laughed.

At first it had been difficult with his weakened state but Harry soon reached the point that he was running two kilometers twice a day without working up a sweat. It was a relaxing exercise that Harry usually did alone and gave him time to think about whatever was running through his head.

Spending the remainder of the holidays at Hogwarts seemed to be both a blessing and a curse for Harry. On the plus side, Harry didn't have to put up with the whispers and stares from his classmates or being called a freak by his relatives. He also received a lot of one on one attention which helped in understanding the theory behind his studies. On the negative side, Harry was in a sense alone and being watched every moment of the day. It always seemed that his instructors were watching and waiting for something to happen during his training sessions. Professor Snape even tried to start up a battle of insults by reminding Harry how arrogant and foolhardy he was.

            “How mature of him,” Peter scoffed.

            “Why does he have to be me mean to Harry?” James whined.

            “Because he is Snivellus,” Sirius exclaimed in “the most obvious thing in the world” tone.

Harry didn't react though. He had given up trying to convince people to see him for who he really was. If they wanted to believe some lie then let them. Professor Snape had made up his mind the moment Harry had entered the Main Hall two years ago and nothing was going to change it. Just like everyone else in the wizarding world.

As quietly as possible, Harry left Professor Lupin's quarters for his run. Although no one said anything, he knew Professor Lupin wasn't feeling well. He seemed to be paler and weaker these past few days

            “Oh, Harry, that’s normal, you don’t have to worry,” Remus said.

            “But he doesn’t know Moony,” Sirius explained.

            “Oh, yeah,” Remus nodded.

            “Why don’t you tell him?” James asked.

            “Well, because I must be afraid of his reaction,” Remus stated.

            “But he won’t care. He told you about being a parselmouth,” James reminded him.

            “Well, yes. But this is different,” Remus started.

            “How so? Everyone thinks parselmouths are dark and Harry clearly isn’t. Everyone thinks werewolves are dark and you obviously aren’t,” James stated in a no nonsense tone.

            “This is different and end of story!” Remus exclaimed annoyed.

            “Said the man with no arguments,” Sirius muttered.

 so Harry felt it was best to allow the man to sleep in especially considering everything Lupin had done for him, being his temporary guardian and all.

            “See, I told you you’d be his guardian,” James said excitedly. Remus eyed the paper curiously and mumbled:

            “Maybe the law changed.”

The cool morning air was refreshing and immediately extinguished any lingering drowsiness. The sun was just starting to rise over the lake, a sight that Harry never got tired of seeing. After stretching, Harry started to run his usual path Professor Lupin had marked out. Reaching the lake, Harry ran down the shoreline towards the front gates. If he kept up at this rate Harry figured he could read chapter in charms before breakfast.

Then it happened.

            “What?” Peter, James and Sirius cried.

            “If you let me read you’ll know,” Remus answered annoyed.

All of a sudden the temperature drastically dropped. His own breath seemed to be caught in his chest. He felt like he was drowning in cold as he fell to his knees. He couldn't move; he couldn't think.

            “He’s dying! Someone help!” James cried desperately.

 His eyes rolled back in his head as a terrified scream filled his ears. It was a woman's scream that seemed to make his heart cry in pain. He needed to help her.

            “Who’s screaming?” Peter asked the other boys looked lost.

Someone help!

"Harry! Harry, wake up!"

Someone was holding him to their chest but Harry didn't have the energy to even bother moving to find out who it was. It was almost like something had drained all of the warmth out of his body. It took Harry a moment to realize he was shaking. He felt nauseous and knew that movement was certainly out of the question now.

The sound of voices brought Harry back to reality. "We can't do anything for him here, Lupin! He needs medical attention!"

            “Yes, Moony came!” James flopped down in relief.

"I know, Severus," Lupin said frantically then repositioned his arms to make Harry more comfortable. Holding the teenager tightly, Lupin stood up then hurried back to the castle with Snape leading the way. Every thing else happening around them was a blur. Lupin could feel Harry's labored breathing and could only pray that they weren't too late.

            “Too late for what? What happened?” Sirius asked shaking Remus.

            “Sirius, for the last time: I DON’T KNOW!” Remus answered prying himself out of Sirius grip.

Entering the hospital wing, Lupin carefully put Harry down on the nearest bed and conjured a mug of hot chocolate while Snape was searching for Madam Pomfrey. Propping the boy up, Lupin slowly poured a little of the steamy liquid down Harry's throat. "Come on, Harry," Lupin muttered. "Please be okay. Please still be here."

            “Hum, you know Moony, I know you like chocolate, but I don’t think the occasion is appropriate for hot chocolate,” Sirius said and Remus eyed him and then he said:

            “Yes!”

            “Moony, are you ok?” James asked worried.

            “Dementors, the title, and the chocolate,” Remus said and the other boys were clearly not following. Remus sighed, “A Dementor attacked, that’s why I am giving him chocolate. That’s why he felt cold.”

            “Ahhhhhh,” the others exclaimed.

Harry let out a groan. He could vaguely feel warmth slowly spreading throughout his body, almost forcing the cold away. Something warm was being poured down his throat. With extreme effort, Harry opened his eyes and looked up to see Professor Lupin come into focus. The man looked so distraught, why?

            “Well, because Dementors will do that to you,” Peter stated.

More hot liquid was poured down Harry's throat but this time Harry was aware and started to gag which startled Lupin out of his thoughts. Lupin quickly put the hot chocolate down and gently helped the boy lay down comfortably. Without a word, Lupin quickly covered Harry up then let out a sigh of relief. "Do you know who I am, Harry?" Lupin asked softly almost fearfully.

            “Of course he knows, are you calling my son stupid Moony?”

            “No, I am assuring myself that he wasn’t kissed,” Remus answered annoyed.

            “Ah, yes, right, sorry,” James smiled apologetically.

Harry nodded weakly. His eyelids were becoming too heavy forcing Harry to slowly drift off to sleep. He could only hope that the woman he had heard was now safe.

---

"WHAT IN MERLIN'S NAME WAS HE DOING OUT THERE ALONE!?!" roared Mrs. Weasley. "HE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SAFE HERE!"

            “And I repeat never, never, anger a mother. Might just be the last thing you do in your life,” James said shaking his head. The other boys grimaced their agreement.

It wasn't the most pleasant way to wake up. He still felt exhausted but knew better than to ignore Mrs. Weasley. Opening his eyes as he felt around for his glasses, Harry slowly sat up and forced his head to wake up. He quickly found them on the bedside table and put them on only to see a group of people congregating by the door. It seemed that all of the teachers and Mr. Weasley were desperately trying to calm Mrs. Weasley down for some reason. Why was she so upset?

            “Well, this is just a guess, but maybe, because you just almost got your soul sucked by a Dementor,” Peter pointed out.

"Harry always runs in the morning, Molly," Dumbledore said calmly but the normal pleasant tone wasn't there. "It is a part of the training I discussed with you. The Minister's arrival was unannounced. If we had known he was bringing Dementors we would have never allowed Harry out of the castle. I assure you Harry is safe here."

            “Why did I know that that mentally challenged Minister had to have something to do with this?” Sirius said in disgust.

            “Mentally challenged?” Remus asked with the raised eyebrow.

            “I am trying to be polite here,” Sirius said exasperated, “and quit with the eyebrow Moony!”

Harry instantly paled. That had been the Dementors? How could Sirius Black handle twelve years of that? How could anyone? The mere thought of experiencing that long term sent chills down Harry's spine. For a brief moment he felt sorry for the prisoners in Azkaban. Nothing in the muggle world was anywhere nearly that cruel.

            “He does have a point,” Remus mused.

            “What do you mean?” James asked.

            “Well, I’m just saying that inflicting Dementors in anyone for any amount of time is quite cruel,” Remus answered.

            “Yes, but some crimes deserve that,” Sirius said.

            “Some do. But not all. In our society if you steal a candy or if you mass murder you’ll get Dementors for both crimes. Not for the same amount of time but you’ll get them. I am just saying that maybe stealing a candy isn’t such a big offence to deserve the reliving of your worst memories over and over,” Remus finished. Sirius and James nodded with pensieve faces. Peter was too busy unwrapping a candy.

"Harry's fine, Molly," Mr. Weasley said gently. "Remember Harry doesn't react well to loud voices. Please try to calm down."

Mrs. Weasley let out a tired sigh. "I'm just so worried about him," she said in a wavering voice. "That poor boy has been through more this summer than anyone should ever have to endure."

It was then that Harry was noticed. "Mr. Potter," Madam Pomfrey said in relief as she hurried over to his bedside. "Lie back down now." Harry did as he was told and allowed Madam Pomfrey to check him over. A cool hand rested on his forehead. Harry looked up to see Mrs. Weasley smiling down at him but it looked like she had been crying.

Slowly, Harry glanced at the crowd around his bed then let out a groan as he closed his eyes. "I'm grounded, aren't I?" he asked in a scratchy voice.

            “Why? He did nothing wrong?” James cried.

            “Because of the Dementors,” Sirius reminded him. James mouth formed a silent ah.

Several chuckles filled the air. "You did nothing wrong, Harry," Dumbledore said pleasantly. "However, considering your reaction to the Dementors I must insist that we alter your training locations. I apologize for what happened this morning. Cornelius seems to believe that it is necessary to protect Hogwarts and the students from Sirius Black by allowing several Dementors to stand guard."

            “WHAT!!!!!!!!” four voices shouted.

            “Dementors at the school? With children?” Sirius asked horrified.

            A distant voice came from outside, “James?”

            “Uh, oh, quick hide the book,” James rushed Remus who put the book under the covers of James’ bed. The door opened and a brown haired woman entered.

            “Is everything ok? I’ve been hearing yells from here all morning,” she asked.

            “Everything is just fine mum. We’re just reading this book dad brought,” And James grabbed one of the Muggle books his dad had bought him.

            “Oh, are you enjoying the read?” she asked with a smile.

            “Oh, yes, Mrs. Potter. This book is quite fascinating. Very enlightening,” Sirius said.

            “Enlightening?” She asked.

            “Yes, you know, on muggles,” Sirius continued.

            “The Lord of the Rings?” she asked clearly confused. James looked at the book seeing the title for the first time. He was at a lost, but Moony came to the rescue.

            “Yes, enlightening on how muggles view magic. They have quite an imagination.”

            Mrs. Potter smiled and the boys sighed in relief.

            “Well, I just came here to tell you that you will be having company shortly,” she said.

            “What?” James asked shocked.

            “Yes. There has been an attack on a muggle neighborhood where a muggleborn in your year lives and your dad decided to bring her here for the time being. He was one of the Aurors in charge,” at the boys horrified looks she elaborated, “None of her family was hurt. They were out at the time. Her parents and sister are having their memories modified and there will be a team of Aurors patrolling the neighborhood.”

            “Then why is she coming?” James asked horrified.

            “Because your father received orders to take any muggleborns witches or wizards away from the area for the time being. She is the only one and I offered for her to stay here and you four are going to treat her very politely and make her feel very welcome. Was I clear James Anthony Potter,” Mrs. Potter ended in what her future grandson would call a Mrs. Weasley pose and tone. The four boys nodded and she left.

            “She’s going to ruin our reading,” James whined.

            “Probably,” Remus agreed, “We better read all we can before she gets here then,” he finished getting the book.

"We don't agree with it, Harry, but the Minister was extremely persistent," Lupin added. "He insists that it's for your safety especially since Black has already taken you once. Do you remember what I told you about the Dementors?"

Harry slowly nodded then looked away from the unnerving eyes that seemed to be waiting for something from him. He hated these looks that seemed to come more frequent than not. "How is something supposed to help me when it leaves me helpless?" Harry asked more to himself than anyone in the room.

            “Exactly, that Dementor almost sucked my poor godson’s soul out. Get rid of them!”

            “Sirius, if you keep interrupting we won’t be able to read enough before the spy gets here,” James said annoyed.

            “The spy?” Remus raised his famous eyebrow.

Professor Dumbledore sat down on the foot of the bed and looked at Harry compassionately. "I can understand your frustration, Harry," he said. "I'm afraid I must apologize for adding to it. Students in their third year and above are allowed to go to Hogsmeade Village on certain weekends throughout the school year as long as they have a permission slip signed by a guardian. Due to your circumstances, I must insist that you not participate."

            “WHAT?” James, Sirius and Peter cried with horrified looks.

            “Sacrilege,” Sirius mumbled.

            “Actually that is quite reasonable,“ Remus pointed out. At the incredulous looks he was getting he elaborated, “They think Sirius is after Harry so they might think that going to Hogsmead is an unnecessary risk.”

            “Going to Hogsmead is never unnecessary,” James pointed out.

Harry slowly turned his head and looked directly at Professor Dumbledore for a moment before looking away again. Once again he had to be different from everyone else because he was the-boy-who-lived. Why couldn't he just be normal for once? "Is it because there's a mass murderer trying to kill me or because I don't actually have a guardian anymore?" Harry asked; his voice breaking.

            “Yes, you have a guardian; Moony!” James said.

            “Temporary, James, temporary,” Remus reminded him.

            “Guardian nonetheless,” Sirius said nodding his head.

No one answered for what felt like a while. Harry could feel his eyes burning with tears but fought to keep them from showing like he had for so many years. Why did he have to always miss out on everything? He understood Professor Dumbledore was just trying to protect him but it still seemed so unfair.

"As much as I hate to admit it, Harry, Hogsmeade just isn't safe enough for you," Dumbledore said gently. "It has already been searched but there are plenty of hiding places that could be overlooked. The Dementors will be patrolling along with several Aurors to ensure the remainder of the student body is safe but as of yet, Sirius Black has only focused on you. He will most likely try to take you again now that you're healthy."

            “No I won’t. Now that he is safe and in Moony’s care I will focus on proving you people WRONG!”

The matter was closed and everyone knew it. Harry had to admit that he was glad that Professor Dumbledore was finally being honest and had every intention on following the request…for now.

            “That’s my junior Marauder,” James beamed proudly.