The evening before had passed uneventfully. Everyone was walking on eggshells around Jane. They all knew whatever it was she had remembered it must have been horrible. Penelope was sure it had been the memory of what Ginny had been involved in when she had been Petrified. She went out of her way to reassure Jane that she had never blamed her for that.
Jane was grateful for that. She and Harry had decided not to tell anyone about the memories that included Tom Riddle. They would worry too much, and they didn't want to frighten the family. Harry told her about writing to Professor Snape. He had received a reply that afternoon. The professor would see them day after tomorrow. For some reason, Harry wasn't too happy about that. She asked him why. Reluctantly, Harry told her about Snape.
She didn't relish the thought of meeting the Potions master. He sounded completely awful. But if he could help, then they had better see him. Harry announced to the family that he would be taking Jane to Hogwarts for a few days.
"Do you think that's wise, Harry?" Molly asked. "No offence, Ginny dear. But what if she remembers something and has another episode? I won't be there for her."
Jane really liked Molly.
"Madam Pomfrey will be there. The whole staff will. I think you don't have to worry, Mrs. Weasley." So it was settled. The rest of the evening was spent enjoying the antics of the children, discussing pregnancies (among the women) and recounting how the married couples met.
Harry invited Fleur and Bill back to his place. They had accepted. He bid everyone good night and the three of them went to Grimmauld Place.
"When are you taking Ginny to 'ogwarts?" Fleur asked as she served Harry crepes slathered in a fruit compote for breakfast.
"This afternoon. She had a pretty rough day, yesterday. She needs the rest."
"I take it Remus is at the shack?" Bill asked.
"Yes."
"Is that wise? I mean, taking her so close to Hogsmeade? Are you staying in the village?"
"No, Professor McGonagall arranged some rooms for us at school. We won't be leaving the grounds, if I can help it. She won't find out about Remus."
"Harry, are you okay? After what you told Fleur and me last night, I mean, we know how she feels about him, now. But are you okay with this?" They had talked late into the night about Jane. Fleur had wanted to know if Ginny and Harry had rekindled anything. Harry couldn't lie to them.
"No, I'm not okay. I hurt." Ginny was there somewhere. Did he want to get her back at the cost of Jane and Remus? He didn't know. "But I think things may work out in the end. If we never get Ginny back, then if she's happy with Remus, I'll not stand in their way."
"Zis ees all so 'orribly romantic," Fleur sighed. Bill flashed her a look. "Well, eet ees! If zis were a book, zen Jane would be a long lost relateev, and Ginny would be reunited with 'arry! 'Appy ending!" Harry didn't know why, but he just began to laugh. A deep belly laugh. A laugh that would cure the most depressed. He laughed so hard he was crying, and Bill and Fleur laughed too.
"Fleur, if you weren't married to Bill, I'd be sorely tempted."
"Ah well," she sighed. "Zere is always Gabrielle." That set off more laughter. Harry felt considerably better when he left to get Jane.
Such was Harry's influence in the Wizarding world that a special train had been arranged. Harry hadn't been to King's Cross since he left Hogwarts. The memories had been too painful. When Ginny had to go back for her final year he had said good-bye at the Burrow. He hadn't been there when she came back as he was in training to be an Auror.
"There's the barrier, Jane," he said pointing out the grating between platforms 9 and 10. "Nervous?"
"Yes, it is still a little unbelievable. But you say I've done this before."
"It's easy. We'll just lean against this wall. Chat casually and..." Suddenly, they were facing the scarlet steam engine. Jane's eyes widened.
"Did I just do real magic?"
"Sort of," Harry smiled at her. "We'll have to get you a wand as soon as possible. If it helps, I felt the same way the first time I did this too."
There was only one car attached to the engine. They made their way over to it. The porter took their bags, and the conductor showed them to their compartment.
"The next compartment is prepared for your meals, Mr. Potter. Whenever you're ready. Good to see you again, sir. If you need anything, I'll be up front." Harry let Jane into the compartment first. He looked around, and then grinned.
"Nice touch, Professor."
"Harry?"
"This car. It's the first I ever rode to Hogwarts in."
"How do you know? It's been a few years."
"See that stain?" He pointed to a dark spot on the seat. "Bertie Botts' Every Flavor Beans. Ron and I shared this compartment. We were gorging ourselves on sweets. Every time we came across a bean we couldn't possibly eat, we took it out of our mouths and laid it there. We had quite an impressive pile. Not even Mrs. Skower's Powder ever got the stain completely out." Harry chuckled and ushered Jane to the seat.
"I'm impressed, Harry." He raised one eyebrow. "You must be rather important, a private train?"
"I'm not the Boy-Who-Lived for nothing." This time Jane laughed. "There are times when being who I am has come in handy."
"Do tell," she said. And he did. As the train took them to Hogwarts, Harry talked. He told her about things that had happened on the train. Things that had happened at school, summers at the Weasley's. He avoided dark happenings, those would come later. Right now was a time for light adventures.
"Tell me about Quidditch," Jane said as they settled down to dinner. Ron tried to, but he started to get rather technical and I lost him. He told me I used to play. Was I any good?"
"Yes, actually. You were quite good. Nearly gave me a run for my money as Seeker. But you were a much better Chaser."
"Wait a minute, Harry. Don't you get technical on me -start from the beginning." The conversation was light and filled with laughter. They had finished dinner as the train pulled into Hogsmeade station. Harry looked around the platform as the porter unloaded their bags and took them to the waiting carriage outside the station.
"What is it, Harry, was someone supposed to meet us?"
"No, no, it's just that I expected to see Hagrid."
"It's not the same without him calling the First Years, is it?" she said. Harry looked at her.
"Jane, do you remember Hagrid?"
"Yes," she said her eyes wide. "I do! He's...he's large. And all that hair! He looked scary but he was really quite gentle, wasn't he?" Harry nodded. "Oh, Harry, he's not..." she couldn't bear to say it.
"No, no, Hagrid's fine. He's living in France now. Finally convinced Olympe to marry him. They're quite happy."
"Thank goodness. He was such a sweet boy." Harry's brow furrowed.
"Jane, we never knew him as a boy. He was gamekeeper here when we were in school."
"We better get up there then," she said, fear lacing her voice. Harry led her out of the station. Jane's shocked gasp stopped them. She pointed to the carriage.
"What is that - that thing?"
"What, Jane?"
"That thing pulling the carriage. It's horrible, some awful parody of a horse."
"It's a thestral. You can see it?"
"Yes."
"I didn't know if Ginny could see them. You have to have witnessed death to see them. We all saw death in the war...but I was never sure if Ginny did. I couldn't ask." Harry's face was shadowed, his voice soft, his head bowed. Jane could tell the memories this provoked were ones that Harry would have preferred not to remember. She laid a hand on his arm. Harry shook his head as if he could shake the memories away. "Come on."
Harry peered out the window to catch a glimpse of the castle. There were lights ahead.
"Jane, look." The castle at Christmas was a sight to behold. The towers and turrets, snowcapped, thousands of fairy lights flickering on the grounds illuminating the windows. It was like something out of a storybook. Harry glanced a look at Jane. There were tears glistening in her eyes.
"What is it, Jane?"
"Professor Dumbledore. He's not here anymore is he, Harry? He loved this place, especially at Christmas." She looked up at him. "I can remember him. But I keep seeing two images. A white haired and bearded man, but one younger one too. The same man, but with auburn hair and beard. What could this mean?"
"We'll know soon, Jane. I'm sure of it."
Harry had expected Professor McGonagall to be waiting for them. Harry wasn't prepared for the reception he received. McGonagall was there but so were a number of his other old teachers and staff. Professors Flitwick, Sprout and Madam Hooch were there, as well as Madam Pomfrey and to his amazement, Argus Filch. They were all smiling, except for Filch, of course. Harry's face broke out into a wide smile.
"It's good to see you again, Potter, Miss Weasley," Professor McGonagall said. She turned to Filch. "Argus, if you would be so good as to take their bags?" Filch grumbled something unintelligible and took their bags up the staircase.
"It's good to be back, Professor," Harry said. No one quite knew what to do. It was Flitwick who broke the tension.
"Minerva, don't you think we should go to your office and have a wee tipple, to welcome them back, I mean."
"Of course, of course." Then they were all chatting and walking to the headmistress' office. They were soon in her office gathered around her desk sharing some port wine. The various portraits had greeted them also. Prominent among them, Albus Dumbledore, the twinkle still in his painted eye. Harry raised his glass to the portrait and Dumbledore winked at him. There was a small silence as everyone honored Harry's tribute to the former headmaster.
There was genial talk after that and once they all had finished their wine, the others had left, leaving Harry, Jane and McGonagall alone.
"How is Professor Snape?" Harry asked.
"As irascible as ever, Potter."
"I still can't believe he agreed to help. But I had to try. We need to help Jane."
"Granted your history with Severus has not been a happy one. But you did save his life. He felt he owed it to you. Once he has, though, I think that he will not acknowledge your existence, I'm afraid."
"He still blames me, then?"
"I'm afraid so."
"I tried, you know. I just wasn't quick enough."
"He knows that, Harry," she said gently. "He will just never admit it."
"They still haven't found a way to get him out of the chair?"
"I'm afraid that's an impossibility. His spine was too severely damaged. He's grown even more bitter. I thought perhaps by giving him the job he's so longed for, it might help, but it didn't."
"So he's finally teaching defense?"
"Yes. He's quite good too. I always wondered why Albus never gave him the job." She leaned toward Harry and Jane and whispered, "Even his portrait won't reveal that to me."
"Perhaps I was waiting for the right moment, Minerva."
"Your hearing was always too good, Albus," she said.
"Thank you, Minerva," the portrait said and he settled back into his chair.
"Well," the headmistress said. "Is now a good time?"
"Actually, yes. You see Severus would never have taught Harry what he needed to know."
"It can't be that simple, Professor," Harry said.
"But it is," the portrait replied.
"Albus?" Professor McGonagall said.
"Really, Minerva, it is the truth. Severus always knew how powerful Harry was. His hatred of James, his need to avenge his hurts would have made him keep vital information from Harry."
"But, Professor, what about Lockhart and Umbridge?"
"Yes, well, Lockhart did teach you something, Harry."
Harry chuckled. "About the only thing he taught me was not to get full of myself."
"Exactly!"
Harry raised an eyebrow. "And Umbridge?"
"You needed the motivation to find your strengths on your own, Harry. That was the year you developed self-confidence and began to see how truly powerful you are."
That was a memorable year for other reasons too, Harry thought.
"It is getting late," Minerva said. "Severus would like to see you before you retire. Are you ready for that, Harry, Miss Weasley?" Harry looked to Jane; grateful the Professor had broken his train of thought. Jane had been sitting quietly through all of this. Was she all right? She nodded to Harry. She looked a little pale.
"Is everything okay?"
"Yes, really. It's fine."
"Any memories?"
"A few, mostly lessons. Nothing significant."
Ten minutes later found them in front of Snape's office door. The headmistress raped lightly on the portal.
"Severus? They are here," she said as she led them inside. Harry had expected to head for the old office, forgetting that he wasn't located in the dungeons anymore. Harry had been in this office before under every Defense teacher he had. He thought that he would see jars lining shelves filled with all sorts of noxious things. He was surprised. There wasn't a jar in sight. There were shelves and shelves of books. Snape was there, behind his desk, bent over rolls of parchment, grading them.
"Severus?" McGonagall said again.
"One moment, Minerva." He finished writing a note and looked up. Jane was taken aback by the intensity of hate in the man's eyes as he looked at Harry. Professor McGonagall left the office.
"Potter," he spat Harry's name out. To Harry's credit, he did not return the intense dislike.
"Professor."
Snape turned to Jane. "Miss Weasley." She didn't expect to see welcome in his eyes and wasn't disappointed.
"Forgive me for not making small talk. Pleasantries are not my strong point. I have decided to help you. I will be able to give Miss Weasley some of my precious time. If you will present yourselves in this office at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon we will attempt to solve this mystery. You may go now." And he went back to grading his papers. They had been dismissed. Harry turned to leave.
"Thank you, Professor," Jane said. Snape's quill paused.
"There is no need to thank me, Miss Weasley," he said without looking up, his greasy gray streaked black hair hid his face. "I have not done anything yet. Now if you will excuse me." Jane sighed and followed Harry out.
Professor McGonagall was waiting for them. She led them to Gryffindor Tower.
"I would have liked to arrange for you to stay in your old dormitories. I thought it might be helpful for Miss Weasley. but there are students occupying them. However, I have made arrangements in the tower." They entered a door one floor below their old common room.
"Professor," Harry said with a smile, "this is wonderful. Looks just like the commons." Indeed, it was remarkably so, but on a smaller scale. McGonagall walked over to a door on one side of the fireplace. She beckoned to Jane.
"You will find I've arranged your sleeping quarters the same. I thought familiar surroundings would facilitate your efforts. You will find you dorm the same, Harry." They both thanked the Professor and she departed. They were left standing before the fire.
"Can you remember any of this?"
Jane looked around her. "I'm flashing on things, but nothing solid. The images are pleasant. Comforting actually. Harry, do they all know why I'm here? Who I've been? They are all calling me Miss Weasley."
"They know the reason, yes. I think that they are trying to help. Do you mind?"
"No, they are probably right. It may help trigger something."
"Do you want me to call you Ginny?"
She thought about this carefully. "No, I think you had better stick with Jane. At least until we find Ginny."
Harry fixed her with a stare. "Will we find her? Do you think you will be Ginny again?"
"I don't know. I want so much to remember."
"Do you want to remember me, us?"
"Yes, but..."
"But what?"
"I'm not sure. I know that's not an answer. I don't think I can think that far ahead right now. Let's just wait and see what happens." Jane turned to the fire. "I'm sorry." The tears started to flow. Harry came over to her. He wanted to hold her but she was confused enough, so was he.
"Go to bed, Jane. You're tired. You need to rest for tomorrow."
She nodded and without looking at Harry went into her bedroom. Harry sat in front of the fire waiting for the sounds from her room to stop. It didn't take long. She must be exhausted.
Harry had one more stop to make tonight. He caught himself going to his room for his Invisibility Cloak and stopped. A smile curled the corner of his mouth. Old habits die-hard, he thought. I'm not a student anymore. It doesn't matter if Filch catches me. Harry left the common room with his cloak over one arm.
There was no moon tonight. The sky was overcast; a light snow had begun to fall. Harry slung his cloak over his shoulders and started across the grounds. The Whomping Willow had grown taller in the six years since he left. He searched about, shifting snow for just the right branch. He'd almost gotten too close twice. The lower branches swung menacingly. At last he found what he was looking for. He pressed the knot on the trunk with the long branch and the Willow froze. Harry quickly made for the passage. Remus should be in his human form. The snow would see to that, plus the potion.
He reached the trap door and rapped on it loudly calling Remus' name. He heard scrambling on the other side of the door. He pushed the door open and climbed into the room. It was dark, Harry pulled out his wand.
"Lumos," the room was lit dimly. Harry could see Remus crouched in a corner, barely covered, his pants were torn, he had no shirt or shoes. The room was cold. Harry could see both of their breaths, steaming the air. "Remus!"
"Harry," Remus' voice was hoarse, a mere whisper. "What are you doing here?"
"Apparently, keeping you from freezing to death." Harry waved his wand at the fireplace. Warm blue flames erupted. The magical fire instantly warmed the room.
"They'll see."
"No they won't. I've taken care of that. Why didn't you use the bluebell fire?"
Remus crawled to the fire.
"I didn't think. I thought I would transform. My pelt is quite warm." Harry came over and sat on the floor next to him.
"No moon tonight, Remus. No chance of it."
"Why are you here? It's not Jane, is she all right?"
"She's fine. We came to Hogwarts."
Remus stared into the fire. "Has she remembered then?"
"Not much, I'm afraid." The tension eased in Remus' shoulders. Harry looked at him. There were bruises purpling his back, a fresh cut across his stomach.
"Remus, did you take the potion?"
"Yes, Harry. I did." He noticed the direction of Harry's stare. "Despite the potion, I am still a wolf, you know. It is difficult being shut up in here. It was worse before the potion. This is nothing."
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize..."
"I never wanted you to know. I never wanted anyone to see me like this."
"Dad and Sirius did."
"They - they cared."
"So do I!" Harry ran his hand through his hair. "I wish you'd let me try."
"And have you risk your life? Not for me. We don't know what your Animagus form would be Harry. James and Sirius were lucky to have transformed as they did. We were too young. Too young and foolish." They sat side by side, letting the fire warm them.
"Why have you come to Hogwarts?"
"Jane's had some unusual memories."
"Unusual?"
Harry told Remus everything.
"And Severus has agreed to help?" Harry could hear the incredulity in Remus' voice.
"We'll see him tomorrow. I thought you ought to know."
"Thank you, Harry." There was a long pause. "I'll have to tell her then," he said finally.
"I'm afraid so. She will probably remember."
"How long will you be here?"
"Two or three days. Depends upon Snape."
"Keep her away from here, Harry."
"I know that," he snapped.
"Sorry."
"Do you need anything?"
"Jane," he said a wry smile on his face. "But I don't think I'll have her much longer."
"Remus, have faith. Trust her. She loves you, very much."
"Look at me, Harry! Look at me!" Harry had never heard Remus this angry. "Look at what I've become! I'm old, an animal. Bitter. Horrible! What woman would want this?" He clawed at his scars. His nails drew blood. Harry didn't know what to do. Remus jumped into a crouch.
"Remus, you're transforming!"
"No, Harry, I'm not. But right now, I'm not totally human either." He pushed back the hair from his ears. They were pointed. He finally looked directly into Harry's eyes. Gone were the gentle hazel eyes. These were the deep brown eyes of a predator. He bared his teeth to show fangs.
"How could she love this!"
"The same way I do!" Remus slumped to the floor. Harry saw a blanket in the corner. He got up, retrieved it and covered Remus with it.
"No one's ever said that to me before." Remus was sitting up now. "Not even James and Sirius. I wouldn't let them."
"That's just it, Remus." Remus looked up at Harry. "It took me such a long time to let someone tell me they loved me. I wanted it for so long, but I didn't know how to let them. I never felt worthy of it. It was Ginny who taught me how. She taught me how to accept it and how to give it and how to say it.
"Jane can do the same for you. Trust her feelings. She'll look beyond your appearance. It's your soul, your self that she loves. I'll go now. I'll get word to you about what happens tomorrow." Harry grabbed his cloak and opened the trap door. Before he shut it, he turned to Remus.
"I love you, Remus. You've become my father, my brother. I'll never give up on you."