Remus was shocked by Harry's declaration. To his knowledge no one who was light would express such an opinion. That Harry placed both men in the same category was far from reassuring as to what had happened to Bambi while he was growing up. He continued, " As a werewolf I am not well accepted by magical society as a whole, in fact most magical society regards me as a pariah. Sometimes I look at myself that way too."
"So despite the fact that my parents found you acceptable company, you paint me with the same bigoted brush as the rest of the wizarding world . Thank you so much for your lofty opinion of me! I see how much you value a relationship with me. Was it really too hard to send a Christmas card or a letter?"
Remus winced at the sarcasm that dripped from Harry's voice. "Sirius and I have really messed up where you're concerned haven't we?"
"Well, at least you don't seem to hold my house against me."
Remus winced again. Part of him wanted to reach out and hug the upset pre-teen. It was what his wolf wanted him to do, but he was more aware than ever that this was not the same boy as he had dandled on his knees all those years ago. "I'm sorry. I realize those words probably are completely inadequate but they are the only ones I have. I will do better. I promise. I would have spoken to you before, but it has taken me this long to work up the courage, so much for my supposed Gryffindor bravery."
"Bravery is overrated. I'd choose survival over it every time."
It wasn't much of an opening from Remus' perspective but beggars couldn't be choosers and he sensed it was the only one he'd get. "Know a lot about survival?"
"A fair amount, my sensei has taught me quite a bit."
"Sensei?"
"Yes, sorry, sensei means teacher. It is a term of respect. Sensei taught me how to defend myself physically, he taught me about astronomy, code breaking, strategy and survival skills. Most importantly he taught me that I don't necessarily have to be what Aunt Petunia wants me to be, that I can choose my own path."
To Remus that last statement made clear the source of the acrimony between the Headmaster and Harry. Since his conversation with Severus, Remus had found himself analyzing the Headmaster over the years, and it had become obvious that the man had a manipulative streak. There were too many instances where he had guilt tripped, or told an incomplete truth so that he could get his own way. Remus couldn't classify those actions as dark, after all, they were generally for the public good, and it wasn't like Albus was forcing other people to do his will. But obviously despite all his years and wisdom, Albus didn't know everything and his machinations had turned Harry away from him.
"He sounds like a very wise person. I'm glad he is there for you. I hope in time I can earn your respect. I'm sorry I failed you so badly. Is there something I can do to make it up to you?"
Harry heard that and decided he would give the man a chance, he wouldn't trust him but maybe the older man could serve as a means of spying on the Headmaster. But if he were to do that, he'd have to be very careful. Especially if he eventually wanted the man's loyalty to him to be greater than that to Dumbledore. As far as the man being a werewolf that didn't bother Harry. He didn't know enough to be bothered; just that werewolves were brought out by the full moon and that meant the man before him was only dangerous in the sense of being a werewolf once a month. He resolved to look it up as soon as possible. "Maybe." He said. "Did my solicitors finally get you the bequest my parents left you?"
"Yes, it took me by surprise."
"I imagine it did. I was very unhappy when I returned to the magical world and discovered their last wishes hadn't been carried out. Professor Lupin, if we're going to make this work, I want it understood that praise of Headmaster Dumbledore is abhorrent to me. That man did things to me that hurt me and he left me feeling like I was the one to blame. I was a child and making a child feel the way I did is wrong. You can respect him, even though I don't, but don't ever praise him around me. Are we clear on that?"
"I suppose." Remus was left wondering what the heck Albus had done to Harry, that he so adamantly despised the Headmaster.
....
Cassandra was perplexed. Most all the dossiers she had been asked to compile were proving to be straightforward, if you knew where to look and were willing to be patient and methodical but two were proving to be less so. One she had expected, that of Albus Dumbledore, the other was for Tom Marvolo Riddle. The man was easily traced right up until he vanished off the records around nineteen forty-eight. His file gave her the heebee-jeebees.
She glanced at the clock. She was supposed to have tea with Bathilda Bagshot in an hour. The ancient witch had been a neighbor to Albus Dumbledore as a child. Hopefully she would have some tales of Dumbledore as a child that would give Cassandra new lines of inquiry.
....
Harry frowned at his opponent across the chess board, as he said, "Checkmate."
Ron grimaced and said, "Sorry, my attention is elsewhere."
"On your sister perhaps?"
"Yeah."
"What's going on?"
"Well the healers are sure it is possession but they can't figure out how. Ginny's gonna have to stay in the secure ward at St. Mungo's until they figure it out. Dunno how Mum and Dad will afford that and school for us all next year."
"Hmm."
"Most of Gryffindor is… well, they aren't exactly feeling very understanding towards me and my brothers right now. Despite being a prefect Percy might as well not exist, and if Fred and George weren't on the quidditch team no one would be talking to them either.
"I don't know why I'm talking to you. You're in Slytherin and probably don't even care."
....
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