After the dreaded first day Harry had been relieved to find that everything had somewhat returned to normal. People were still whispering about him from time to time but it was nothing like before. Harry had retrieved the book Professor Lupin suggested from the library and was reading about the Patronus Charm whenever he could. True to his word, Harry hadn't told anyone about his new defense lessons. No one had even seen the advanced charms book since Harry only read it in the confines of his four poster bed.

Sitting down with Ron and Hermione hadn't been easy. They had wanted to know everything and didn't take it well when Harry had been evasive. He told them the truth about being unconscious throughout his kidnapping but other than that he revealed barely anything else. Eventually Harry had to resort to using a card he really didn't want to use: the trust card. He had to tell his best friends that Professor Dumbledore had wanted to keep the details of what happened a secret.

            “Well, yes. Friends do not take easily to one keeping secrets,” Remus mumbled.

            “You would know,” Peter stated and James shot him a warning look.

            “Why?” Lily asked.

            “Because Moony likes to study in secret. Yeah! He doesn’t like us calling him a bookworm,” was Sirius attempt at a lame excuse. Lily did not seem convinced.

To say Ron and Hermione had been hurt would be an understatement but Harry knew it was for the best. Perhaps he would tell them the truth someday. Today, however, the fewer people that knew the less likely of a chance of someone revealing it.

Harry's next encounter with Draco Malfoy wasn't until Thursday morning in Potions. Malfoy was still in a bad mood from being scolded in Care of Magical Creatures and made no effort in being discrete about his dislike for the newly appointed teacher. Harry's determination to make his Shrinking Solution correctly was the only thing preventing him from lashing out and from the looks of it, several other Gryffindors wanted to do the same thing.

Seeing that his taunting was going nowhere, Malfoy decided to take another approach. "What's the matter, Potter?" he drawled. "Too busy hearing your dead mother?"

            “That’s, that’s, Mean,” Lily said horrified.

            “Well, what would you expect from Malfoy?” James pointed out.

Caught off guard, Harry dropped his knife and grabbed the table as his breathing quickened. He had done everything in his power not to think about her voice which was now coming back in full force. "Not Harry, please no, take me, kill me instead —" Closing his eyes, Harry shook his head, trying to clear it. Not now. I'm sorry Mum but not now.

            “That’s ok. I understand. You have to go kick Malfoy in-“

            “Lily! I’m impressed! Usually you’re such a pacifist,” Sirius exclaimed proudly.

Harry hadn't been the only one who heard. Ron was about to attack when Professor Snape grabbed the charging student by his shirt collar. "Five points from Gryffindor, Mr. Weasley," hissed Professor Snape. "Mr. Malfoy, my office, now!"

            “Oh, yes! Please tell me Snivellus is going to give Malfoy a gruesome detention,” Sirius said happily clapping his hands.

            “I highly doubt that,” Remus said grimacing, “Snape has always been pals with Lucius Malfoy even though he was older then us. He won’t be doing anything much with his kid.”

Malfoy's face drained of color. The entire classroom was silent as Malfoy followed the teacher into his office. The moment the door closed, Ron and Hermione were at Harry's side. Hermione helped Harry sit down then knelt down so she could see his face. Regaining control, Harry opened his eyes to see nearly the entire class watching him.

"Are you okay Harry?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded. "I'm fine," he said as he stood up. "Malfoy just startled me, that's all. Thanks guys."

The door to Snape's office opened and everyone hurried back to work. No one looked up to see a furious Malfoy storming back to his cauldron. Surprisingly, Professor Snape refrained from tormenting anyone more than usual for the remainder of the class. Everyone took it as a blessing and hurried out of the classroom the moment class was over.

            “You know.  I don’t approve of how you treat him but I do have to agree that when a praise to him is saying that he did not tormenting people more than usual, that says a lot about his character,” Lily said glumly.

            “Snivellus was born in a bad mood,” James stated.

Lunch was a quite affair for the third year Gryffindors at least until Seamus Finnigan came running in with the 'Daily Prophet' in his hands. "He's been sighted!" Seamus shouted. "Sirius Black's been sighted!"

All of the conversation in the Great Hall ceased. Seamus rushed to Harry and handed the paper over. Briefly looking over the article, Harry let out a sigh as his shoulders slumped. According to the article Sirius Black wasn't far from Hogwarts. Was he coming to finish what Voldemort failed to do all those years ago?

            “No, I’m coming to explain to all of you that I AM INNOCENT!”

            “Ok, Padfoot, Ok, calm down. Good boy,“ Remus said patting Sirius who was huffing.

"What does it say, Harry?" Ron asked eagerly.

Harry looked up at Ron, his face void of any emotion. "He was spotted by muggles not far from here," he said evenly then handed over the paper. "Of course by the time the Ministry had been notified he was long gone so no one can actually confirm it was him."

Ron and Hermione looked over the article then looked at Harry worriedly. Harry knew they were expecting some sort of outburst but he wasn't about to do that especially in the Great Hall. "Er—well at least he's not here," Hermione said, breaking the silence. "Don't worry, Harry. With the Dementors on the grounds I'm sure you have nothing to worry about."

            “I beg to differ,” James stated dryly, “the Dementors are the cause of the worry.”

---

Defense Against the Dark Arts was their first class of the afternoon.

            Sirius and James clapped in anticipation.

Harry had been partially looking forward to this class and partially dreading it. After a month of one on one classes, Harry wasn't sure how to act with Professor Lupin. Yes, he had one on one classes with the other teachers but they had maintained a teacher-student structure. Professor Lupin's lessons had been more personal since both of them somewhat understood what the other was going through.

Another problem was Professor Lupin's temporary guardian role. None of the teachers had a problem with Lupin teaching Harry but Harry knew several students (the Slytherins) would. They would most likely accuse the young teacher of favoritism even if he treated everyone equally. The thought made Harry extremely nervous. Professor Lupin had already done so much for him and all he was doing was causing problems.

            “No, you’re not. Stop worrying about me. I can handle any stupid student that thinks I am playing favorites with you.”

Harry knew he was probably overacting but to him everything had just seemed to get so out of control. Everything had been simple before school started. He didn't have to worry about what other people thought or knew since all of the teachers already knew the truth. Now he was trapped in a web of lies for his own protection.

The students entered an empty classroom and were about to sit down when Professor Lupin came in. He placed his worn briefcase on his desk then turned and faced the class. "Today is a practical lesson so you'll need your wands," he said. "Now, if you'll all follow me."

            “Oh, what are you going to do Moony?” James asked in eager anticipation.

            “Keep reading, I wanna see Moony’s first class,” Sirius urged Lily.

Whispers broke out as the class followed Professor Lupin out of the classroom and down a deserted hallway. They continued around the corner, down another hallway and stopped right outside the staffroom door. Professor Lupin opened the door and motioned for the class to enter. Harry was following Ron and Hermione passed Lupin when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Looking at the teacher, Harry saw a look that was all too familiar. It was the 'I have to tell you something' look.

            “What?” James asked.

            “If you let me read you’ll know,” Lily growled.

            “Touchy,” James mouthed.

As soon as the last person entered, Professor Lupin pulled Harry out of everyone's line of sight. "Listen Harry, today we will be confronting a Boggart," he said softly. "Boggarts change into what we fear the most and with your—er—history I don't think it would be wise for you to participate. Is that all right with you?"

            “Why?” Peter asked.

            “Because his Boggart probably would turn into Voldemort,” Remus answered and Peter flinched.

            “And that’s why,” Sirius said pointing at Peter.

Harry nodded. "I understand, sir," he said. "I'll just stay in the back."

Professor Lupin gave Harry a reassuring smile then entered the room with Harry following him. As he entered, Harry noticed Professor Snape was packing up his things. "I'd rather not witness whatever adventure you have planned, Lupin," Snape said coolly. "With Longbottom and Potter in the same class, chances are the room will be destroyed in no time."

            “How can someone be so nasty all the time,” Lily said disgusted.

            “It’s not enough he picks on Harry in his class now he’s ruining Moony’s class too,” James grunted.

            “And why is he picking on Neville? LEAVE NEVILLE ALONE SNIVELLUS!” Sirius yelled.

Neville's face turned bright red while Harry's shoulders slumped forward, his eyes staring at the floor. He knew Snape was only being Snape but he didn't think his wizarding skills were that bad. For a moment Harry's mind traveled back to his Uncle yelling at how worthless he was. It was scary at how alike the two men who loathed him were.

Professor Lupin seemed to notice the reaction of both students and smiled at the potions teacher in the innocent way that made Professor Snape look at his coworker skeptically.

            “Uh, oh, Moony’s up to something,” James said eagerly.

            “He’s just smiling,” Lily said

            “When Moony gives you an innocent smile: BEWARE,” Sirius alerted her. Lily looked skeptically at him and Remus just smiled.

 "Now, now, Severus," he said. "We both know that a student's performance is a refection of the teacher. I have confidence that all of my students will perform remarkably in this task."

            They all laughed hard.

            “Yes, I knew Moony wouldn’t disappoint us,” James said through his laughter.

Fuming with anger, Professor Snape stormed out of the room, shutting the door forcefully behind him.

Free of distractions, Professor Lupin started lecturing about Boggarts, shape-shifters that like dark, enclosed spaces. He beckoned the class to an old wardrobe that suddenly gave a wobble and banged against the wall. Many students in the class appeared to be nervous but Lupin paid them no mind. He explained how laughter was needed to finish a Boggart and the incantation of 'Riddikulus'

Professor Lupin then started calling people to demonstrate and Neville was first. Neville was shaking nearly more than the wardrobe as he stepped forward. All of the color was now gone from the frightened boy's face. He looked like he was about to pass out from fright.

            “Moony, you shouldn’t have put Neville on the spot like that,” Peter complained.

            “I am sure he has a plan. He’s not Snape, he doesn’t want to embarrass Neville. He probably wants to make him look good. The kid clearly looks like he needs a confidence bust,” Lily explained.

Professor Lupin picked up on Neville's distress and was immediately at the boy's side. "Neville, there's no reason to be afraid" he said gently. "Giving into your fear means the Boggart has already won. Now, what frightens you the most? What shape will your Boggart take?"

Neville looked nervously at Professor Lupin and muttered, "Professor Snape."

            “Frightens all doesn’t he?” Remus said.

            “Poor Neville,” Lily said sadly, “that’s exactly what Snape wants,” she finished shaking her head.

Professor Lupin smiled while the class laughed. "Professor Snape…let's see…how do we make him appear less frightening?" he asked thoughtfully as he tapped his chin. After a moment of silence, Professor Lupin turned to Neville and whispered so quietly that only Neville could hear.

Neville still appeared to be nervous but everyone could see a small smile appear on his face.

            “Oh, Moony. What did you do?” Sirius asked, his hand on his hips and a cheeky grin on his face. Remus just smiled back.

Whatever Professor Lupin was saying seemed to help in erasing the boy's fears. Still standing in the back, Harry started to wonder what scared him the most. Uncle Vernon? No, Uncle Vernon was in jail. Voldemort? Possibly but he had stood up to Voldemort.

Then it hit him. The slithering, floating black cloak…the never ending cold that brought the terror filled voice of his mother before she died…the helplessness of being able to do nothing but listen…the Dementors.

            Everyone shivered.

Professor Lupin's voice broke into Harry's troubled thoughts. "Right, are you ready Neville?" he asked as he approached the still shaking wardrobe. After Neville nodded reluctantly, Lupin continued. "When the Boggart comes out, it will no doubt take the form of Professor Snape. Raise your wand, Neville and recite the incantation which is what?"

"Riddikulus," Neville answered.

"Very good," Professor Lupin said encouragingly. "Then concentrate on what we talked about Neville. That's very important. I'm sure your classmates would love to see it.

            “See what? What Moony?” Sirius asked eagerly.

            “You’re gonna have to wait and see,” Remus teased.

Once Neville succeeds, the Boggart will most likely move on to someone else. Please take a moment to think of how to transform your worst fear into something comical."

Harry subconsciously took a step backwards. How can you make a Dementor comical? They feed on happiness!

"All right," Professor Lupin said. "Neville, on the count of three." Lupin pointed his wand at the wardrobe handle and counted off before sparks shot out from his wand and hit the doorknob making the wardrobe burst open.

            Remus and Sirius were on the edge of the bed and Peter and James were knealling on the floor holding their breaths.

Neville took a step back as Professor Snape emerged, looking as intimidating as always. Quickly, Neville pulled out his wand and pointed it at Snape. "R—riddikulus," he stuttered.

A sound like that of a whip cracking filled the air as Snape stopped and stumbled. Now he was wearing a long dress trimmed with lace and a hat with a vulture on the top.

            All of them roared with laughter. James and Sirius jumped on Remus hugging him and patting him on the back in congratulations. Yells of “Brilliant” and “Well done” were heard for at least five minutes.

The class roared in laughter as the Boggart paused for a moment then changed course. It approached Parvati Patil then Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, and Ron before it changed course again to Professor Lupin.

Instead of a scary creature there was a silvery-white orb just hanging in the air in front of Lupin. Professor Lupin wasn't fazed by the object and said the incantation lazily.

            “Are you scared of crystal balls Remus?” Lily asked suspiciously. Remus looked at his friend and answered:

            “Er- I guess. You know. Scared of what the future brings and all.” Lily did not look satisfied with the answer.

 The Boggart approached Neville again who transformed Professor Snape's black clothes into the dress again without hesitation. There was another crack and the Boggart exploded into countless wisps of smoke. It was gone.

Professor Lupin awarded points to all of those who faced the Boggart, assigned the homework then dismissed the class. Once again Harry stayed behind, insisting to his friends he would catch up with them later. Having already seen the interaction between Professor Lupin and Harry on the train, Ron and Hermione didn't argue and left.

"What's on your mind, Harry?" Professor Lupin asked as he approached.

Harry looked at Professor Lupin and smiled softly. "Thank you for warning me," he said. "I couldn't really think of a way to make a Dementor less frightening." His smile vanished though as he stole a look at the now still wardrobe. "Professor Snape isn't going to like this. He'll probably think it's my fault."

            “Why?” Lily asked indignantly.

            “Because he’s Snivellus. He doesn’t need an excuse to be nasty and mean but he will gladly use any excuse he can find,” James explained grimly.

"Why would he do that, Harry?" Professor Lupin asked curiously. "The entire class saw that I orchestrated it."

Harry shrugged. "He blames me for everything," he said offhandedly then looked back at Professor Lupin. "Do you know why he hates me so much?" Harry immediately berated himself for sounding like such a child. "I'm not complaining," he added quickly. "It's just that he seemed to hate me from the moment he saw me."

Professor Lupin looked uncomfortable. "Er—well, remember what I told you about the Marauders?" he asked. Harry nodded in response. "Well, the majority of the pranks your father pulled were generated towards Severus and the Slytherin House. Some of the pranks were taken a little too far but the majority of them were all in good fun. The problem was Severus never really had a sense of humor and I think he was jealous of your father."

            “That’s understating it,” Sirius said, “Snape wouldn’t recognize a joke if it hit him on the face.”

            “And you made sure many did,” Lily remarked disapprovingly.

Harry stared at Professor Lupin biting back the anger rising in him. "So because my dad was a bully that gives Snape the right to take it out on me?"

            “Sorry,” James winced.

he asked. "I'm not my dad! I can't remember a thing about my dad so how could I be like him!"

Professor Lupin let out a sigh and pulled Harry into an embrace. "I know that," he said sincerely. "Severus shouldn't be taking his bitterness out on you, you're right. Your father wasn't perfect, no one is. His relationship with Severus was similar to yours with Draco Malfoy. Like you, your father was popular and a very good Quidditch player. I know you're not James, Harry. Sooner or later Severus will realize it too."

            “Not very likely,” Peter said and the others grimly agreed.

For some reason Harry doubted that Professor Snape ever would.

---

A/N: Thanks everyone so much for the reviews!

            “Don’t worry, we will review,” Sirius said patting the paper. Lily swatted his hand away and he went back to the bed.

 

One of the lines wasn’t mine. It was from the “ Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban” movie which of course does not belong to me.