Chapter 26 - Gatto, Ratto e Cane dalla vista di Licantropo*
(A/N -This chapter is a departure for me because, well, I had to do SOMETHING different with this whole section! I was thinking about posting a note that said "Read chapters 17-22 of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban; nothing of significance changes in this timeline." But, since that's not all that interesting for either you or me, I came up with this angle. *I also thought that the chapter title in Italian would be appropriate. If you can't guess why I chose Italian, I'll explain and translate it for you at the end. This chapter will cover more than five (actually, almost six) canon chapters, so hang on to your hats!)
"Begin Letter!"
-10 June -
Dear Headmaster Dumbledore,
With this letter I formally tender my resignation as Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. After our recently concluded discussion, you know my feelings on why I have to take this action based on what nearly happened last night. I ask you; please don't invest any more time or effort trying to convince me otherwise. You and I know what will happen as a result of Snape's little "slip" to the students at breakfast this morning, and I do not want to put you or Hogwarts through such a scandal. I know I've said this many times in the past year, but I don't know how I'll ever be able to repay you for the trust you have shown in me this past year, even more so considering this last incident. Oh, that I felt more worthy of such trust! But, seeing as how I could have killed the only son of two of my best friends, not to mention his two friends, my newly rediscovered friend, and anyone else that may have been out for a walk last night, I know it will be a long time before I trust myself on that one horrible night each month.
Albus, while I know that anything I write here will not be considered of any worth by certain members of the Ministry, I felt it was my duty as a former teacher and as your long-time friend to report what happened last night from my unique viewpoint. Consider this a confessional if you must, but I do want to set the record straight and I think it might help me to begin to forgive myself for what nearly turned tragic.
Here, then, are my recollections and thoughts about the events of the evening of the 9th of June:
As you are probably aware, I was keeping a close eye on the old map that I had confiscated from Harry earlier in the term when it was in danger of falling into Professor Snape's hands. As I'm sure Harmony has explained to you in your meetings, the map that James, Sirius, and …strange how hard it is to say his name, especially now…Peter made with me allows its reader to keep track of ALL of the goings-on in the castle and in the areas surrounding it. Harmony had already explained to me the critical nature of the events that HAD to happen last night, and I must admit it took all of my resolve to not go down and take care of the "Scabbers" problem myself the very hour I heard the whole story. She also described to me my critical role in the whole affair, and tried to assure me that no real harm would come to anyone last night because of my actions as long as I acted precisely as I did in her timeline. However, she repeatedly refused to tell me any details about what will happen to us beyond last night, so I assume there are things that are best left unknown at this time.
I, as you know, have developed quite a personal interest in time-travel, ever since I seriously considered stealing a time-turner so I could go back and prevent my bite from ever occurring. As you so clearly explained to me at that time, (how DID you ever get wind of my plans, by the way?) the unpredictable nature of the consequences of any timeline-changing act, no matter how "good" it may seem, are seldom if ever worth the risks. I assume, by the way, that Tom Riddle never heard the same lecture? Or, did he choose to ignore it, considering that you were the one who probably taught it to him? Well, no matter. I am quite aware of the whole time-traveling paradox, so I steeled myself to wait and act according to her instructions. From what I understand, Harmony decided to deal with her internal struggle by giving herself a twelve-hour sleeping draught yesterday evening so she wouldn't be able to give in to her base instincts and interfere, for the fear that it might somehow harm Harry. She really does love him, doesn't she?
As soon as I saw our three intrepid students huddling together closely, I knew that they were under James's cloak and were heading towards the grounds. I saw them go to Hagrid's hut, and when they left, I saw that they had found …Wormtail, and Ron had taken him with them. I saw Sirius attack them, and drag Ron and Wormtail into my old passageway under the Whomping Willow. Then, I knew it was time for me to do my duty. I'm not sure even you can imagine the conflict inside me as I walked from the castle towards the tree, each step taking me closer to that traitor whom I honestly considered to be a friend at one time. Even after the fact, I nearly cannot bear the anger that I am feeling right now when I think of him! But, I was a trouper, and hit my marks on time and said my lines as well as I could. I admit it was strange, at first, to see Sirius there, after having hated him for oh so many years now. But, when I hugged him there in the Shrieking Shack, I…well, I KNEW that he was innocent, as Harmony had said all along.
Unfortunately, it will be a long time before I forget the look of betrayal that was on Miss Granger's face as she saw me embrace him. I admit it was very difficult to keep up the masquerade when Hermione reacted to my apparent double-cross of her Harry so powerfully. I am sure that if I hadn't disarmed her previously, my part in this whole affair would have ended on the spot! She is not only the cleverest witch of her age, as I told her then, but I wouldn't be surprised if she doesn't become one of the more powerful ones, too. Her courage and strength are truly astounding! Mr. Weasley also impressed me with his support for Harry last night. Both of his friends were willing to die for him yesterday evening, and as you know that fact alone is very powerful. I'm sure you, in your own due time, will help Harry become aware of the loyalty and love he has to support him. What a powerful team the three of them will make as they continue to draw closer together!
Back to my story, then…Sirius and I were explaining what was happening to the trio, and I assume we must have made somewhat of an impression on them. When Severus tried to interfere, all three of them performed a disarming spell on him at exactly the same time, as if they had been practicing combined spells together for years. I could hardly withstand the force from that combined blast, and I only felt it as it passed. Severus should be sore for a week, I'd wager…not that he didn't deserve it, the interfering prat! (Sorry, but now that I no longer have to be civil to him as a professional courtesy, I choose not to!) Finally, Sirius and I were able to convince Ron to give up his rat so we could reverse his transformation. Again, Ron showed quite the trust in me when he handed what he honestly believed to be his pet rat over to us. I admit I was quite relieved when Peter stood before us. Even though I thought I believed Harmony, it was a great relief to have such concrete confirmation of her story.
Well, Peter, being the despicable …creature that he is, tried his hardest to make Harry doubt our version of events, but, with Hermione's logical questions and analysis, combined with Sirius's heart-felt testimony, I saw the very moment in Harry's eyes when he believed us. Peter must have seen it too, because he went to pieces under the weight of the evidence and tried begging for mercy, first from Ron, then Hermione, and then, in the most repugnant act of all, from Harry himself! I don't know who was more incensed, Sirius or myself, over his audacity at even being able to LOOK at the boy after what he had done to James and Lilly! We threw the filthy traitor on the floor and listened as he continued to make the most pathetic excuses about his cowardly actions. We could only listen to him defending his treachery for so long until we could not take it any more. We were about ready to dispose of him as you would any vermin that foul, when I noticed Hermione cover her face with her hands and turn towards the wall so she wouldn't have to witness our vengeance. I don't know if seeing his…well, let's say very close friend so horrified at the prospect of witnessing an execution was a factor, but as soon as she did this, Harry immediately intervened and stopped us. I must admit, even though I already was aware of what his choice would be, it was shocking to hear it from his own lips! I admit that his stated reason for preventing us from carrying the execution out, that of not having his dad's friends reputations besmirched by murdering such a worthless piece of filth, was both honorable and precisely what James would have done, now that I think about it.
I had a glimmer of hope, even then, when the traitor almost committed suicide with his next action. He actually had the nerve, after all that had happened, to TOUCH Harry again and thank him for his kindness. I saw the look in Harry's eyes as he pushed the slimy rat's hands away from him, and I'm sure Harry was seriously reconsidering his decision. He did, at least, make sure Peter knew that if he attempted to transform, he would be dead before his miserable body stopped shrinking.
Sirius floated Snape's unconscious body through the tunnel, while the …prisoner and I carried the injured Mr. Weasley. By the way, if Severus complains about unexplained headaches or scrapes and bruises in strange places over the next few days, well, let's just say Sirius wasn't all that fussed about steering too carefully, if you catch my meaning! The three of us were in the front of the group, but I still heard Sirius offer to take Harry in as soon as he was able to. I've never seen two people happier! Harry was ready to move in at that very moment and Sirius was smiling the first smile I'm sure he's shown for over 12 years now! I hope that Harry will have the opportunity to take him up on that offer. It would be good for both of them, I think.
And then…it happened, just as I knew it would. I transformed and Sirius barely kept me from killing the lot of them. I assume that Peter must have transformed in the confusion and escaped. Of course, for the rest of the story you'll have to ask others; as I didn't have the inclination to remember details after that point as you know! Perhaps you will be able to fill in the blanks after you talk to Harry, Hermione, and Sirius. (That is, of course, assuming that you know what happened to him? I am rather curious about that part of the story. Perhaps another time you'll care to explain?) Also, even though I'd recommend you take his word with a grain of salt, Severus can probably fill in some details, too, after he recovers from his disappointment.
If only Harmony had not insisted, I can't say that I would have had the courage earlier that evening to pour the Wolfsbane potion down the drain instead of drinking it. I just had a curious thought - I can't imagine ever forgetting to drink it in her timeline, no matter how distracted I was, since it is such a routine part of my life. Another time-paradox, I suppose, for if I had taken the potion in Harmony's reality, we wouldn't be where we are, now would we?
Be that as it may, all I can think of now is the bitter memory I will have the rest of my life…to know I could have stopped the whole series of events, while also knowing that I must not! I can only imagine how much more pain Harmony feels for having told us about it in the first place. I have had the opportunity to spend some time with the older Miss Granger over this past year, especially after I discovered her identity. While I have come to know that she is as human and fallible as the rest of us, I am still awed at the courage and strength that young woman has! I must admit, that if I didn't know how deep her love was for the Harry she knows, I'd be quite smitten by her! She reminds me so much of another young woman in Gryffindor that we knew while I was at school…but as you know, sometimes pleasant memories are best left alone, even now.
Again, I apologize profusely for any harm I have done to Harry, his friends, you, or the school. I would have never been able to forgive myself if Sirius hadn't been able to prevent me from acting according to my baser instincts, and the risk of that happening again is too great. However, I also want to thank you for the opportunity you have given me to get to know our young Mr. Potter so well this past year. The praise I was heaping on Miss Granger previously goes double for him. I am honestly amazed that he is growing into such a fine young man, considering the character of those he is forced to spend so much time with. Without even considering his remarkable magical abilities, I'd say that the character and fine qualities he has shown me in class, on the Quidditch pitch, and in the Shrieking Shack last night are those of a true Gryffindor. But, the Sorting Hat has never been wrong before, so I'll just consider that to be another mystery.
Albus, (I suppose I'll have to start calling you by your first name again!), if Harry ever needs a bodyguard with a fair knowledge of how to defend against the Dark Arts, please call me!
Respectfully yours,
(s) Remus J. Lupin
"End Letter!" Remus said to the Dictation Quill he had been using. Then, with a sigh, he addressed the parchment, attached it to the school owl's leg, and began packing the extensive contents of his office.
****
"Remus, my old friend…how I hate to see you go under these circumstances. Sadly, though, I understand why you are resigning. I just wish you weren't correct in your assumptions!"
Harmony noticed, once again, how tired Professor Dumbledore sounded when he finished his silent reading of the letter. They, too, had been reviewing the events of the previous evening when an owl had delivered a parchment to the Headmaster in his office.
"So, he's gone ahead with it?" she said, sadly. "In case you are wondering, sir, I said nothing to him about his resigning when I told him about what was to happen. I felt that if he knew in advance that his actions would cause him to step down from his teaching post, it would put too much pressure on him. Besides, knowing his character, I was certain he would make the same decision facing the same circumstances. I just hope he doesn't hate me too much for my role in this affair."
"Oh, after reading this letter, I don't think you have anything to fear along those lines. Our friend Remus seems to be enamored of you, Miss Puckle! In fact, I'll read you this one section…let me see… ah, here it is… '…if I didn't know how deep her love was for the Harry she knows, I'd be quite smitten by her!'
"Oh…well, that was very sweet of him…" she said, blushing quite red, as much for his mention of her love for Harry as anything. "I must admit…after getting to know him so well this time, I think he is quite an amazing wizard himself. If I didn't know what I know about him, I'd be surprised that he hadn't settled down with someone yet. Although, I'm sure his condition puts a damper on establishing permanent relationships, doesn't it? If things were different, I'm sure I'd be interested in getting to know him better, that's for sure. But, he's right…my heart is already spoken for. My Harry is still the only one for me! I just wish I could see him again…" she finished sadly.
"Thank you, Hermione. The kind words you said about Remus just goes to prove his point - you are quite the young woman, you know, in any timeline. As to your wish, let me say this. You have taken on a great burden with this task, and I continue to be amazed at how well you are performing it. Remember, you're over halfway to your goal! I am also quite sure that the good you have already accomplished here in keeping Harry and your younger self both alive and mainly unaffected by Tom's influences has already disrupted the plans of his supporters. Who knows, you may have already done enough to restore your timeline back to normal! Unfortunately, we can't tell, now can we? Please don't lose hope, Hermione. As long as you keep your hopes and desires in your mind, and perform the actions that are necessary to accomplish them, you won't be thwarted. Remember what my future counterpart said to you about this before you came here?"
Hermione pondered his question for a moment. "If I remember the gist of it, he said that Tom had overestimated Bellatrix's abilities while failing to account for all of his opponent's resources."
"Exactly, my dear. And, overlooking a powerful witch like you, I feel, will end up being his biggest mistake. I'm sure the thought of a Muggle-born witch being able to do anything to interfere with his plans would never cross his mind."
"Thanks, Albus…I really needed that," she said, dabbing her misty eyes on a handkerchief that magically appeared next to her. "Sometimes, it just gets so hard to keep going on…I get so lonely, you know. I haven't seen my parents or 'my' Harry for years, now. I have to keep reminding myself that I'm doing the right thing, but it is good to hear you say it, too!" She smiled gratefully as she noticed he seemed to be quite interested in a most fascinating spider web on the wall behind him, and she lost herself in some very pleasant thoughts for a moment. Finally, she blew her nose quietly and said with fresh resolve, "Enough daydreaming, sir. I would really like to know more about what happened last night. I wish I could have been there, but…well, I thought it would be best if I didn't have the ability to interfere. You understand, I hope?"
"Of course I do, my dear. I'm sure you are tired of hearing this, but your strength of character never ceases to amaze me. I'm not sure I would have the fortitude to act as you did, faced with a similar situation. I hope I never have to find out! But, on to business. While you were in your self-induced sleep, and from the information I have gathered, things went precisely according to your recollection. Buckbeak was rescued first, then after Sirius was revealed Harry was able to drive off the dementors by the lake, thus saving all three of your lives. After a thrilling flight on the back of a hippogriff," he said, eyes twinkling, "Harry and your younger self were able to free Sirius before the dementors could administer the kiss, and Severus is quite beside himself, of course. As I admonished the two time travelers before I sent them off on their little time-loop, they were able to save more than one innocent life last night. Oh, and while we're on that subject, I'm sure you are aware of the symbolism associated with that flight you took?"
Harmony was blushing quite freely once again. "Yes…of course, sir. In fact, that is one of the things that made me start thinking, well, that way about Harry back in my timeline. Up until that point, I thought of him mainly as a very good friend, but…well, something happened that night to broaden my perspective, as it were."
"Well, do you have any further questions? If not, I think you probably need to go check on your younger self. I'm sure she'd love to share additional details with you. I'm sure that she's not too interested in visiting Hogsmeade today, under the circumstances. I wouldn't be surprised if Harry's not having a chat with Remus by now, if he's heard the news, so I'm sure she'll welcome the company. Ron's probably alone with her, you know…" and with that, Miss Puckle left his office to hurry down towards the lake.
Dumbledore soon followed her on a more serious mission, as he found himself at Lupin's nearly empty office, and knocked on the door. As it opened he saw Harry there, just as he suspected, but he said nothing.
"Your carriage is at the gates, Remus," he said.
"Thank you, Headmaster."
Lupin picked up his effects and said a final goodbye to Harry and the Headmaster, leaving them alone in the office.
"Why so miserable, Harry?" he said quietly. "You should be very proud of yourself after last night."
"It didn't make any difference," said Harry bitterly. "Pettigrew got away."
"Didn't make any difference?" said Dumbledore quietly. "It made all the difference in the world, Harry. You helped uncover the truth. You saved an innocent man from a terrible fate."
Terrible. Something stirred in Harry's memory. Greater and more terrible than ever before… Professor Trelawney's prediction!
"Professor Dumbledore - yesterday, when I was having my Divination exam, Professor Trelawney went very - very strange."
*****
Before Dumbledore left the office after explaining about the Patronus Harry had seen the night before, Harry asked one more question.
"Before you go, sir there was one more thing Professor Trelawney said in her prophecy. It didn't seem to make any sense at all. I heard what you said just now about Pettigrew, but she also said…let me see if I can remember it…something about 'other servants whose plans are being interfered with rejoining their master in time'. What does that mean, sir?"
"Interesting, Harry. Well, I'll have to think about that one and let you know if I come up with something. Yes…very interesting…! Now, off you go! Please feel free to come by and talk to me again before you leave for the summer, if you would like. I may have an answer by then."
(A/N - Well, there you have it. Hope you liked the letter! It was a bit long, I know, but I thought Remus would want to be as thorough as he could. The only canon excerpt was Dumbledore explaining the "Wormtail" part of the prophecy to Harry. Just one more chapter to go for this year! I'm warning you right now, there's some serious H/Hr "interaction" coming up, along with an interesting revelation. Oh, and if you haven't figured it out by now, the chapter title translates to "Cat, Rat, and Dog as seen by the Werewolf". I used Italian, because, well, with a name like Remus, he has to have some Italian in him, don't you think?)