Chapter 4
Harry made his way through the dimly lit corridors of Hogwarts, the air thick with anticipation. He stopped outside Remus Lupin’s office, the faint glow of candlelight flickering beneath the door. Harry took a deep breath and knocked. A soft voice called, “Come in,” and Harry entered to find Remus seated at his desk, surrounded by piles of parchment and an open book.
“Harry,” Remus greeted, setting his quill aside. “What brings you here so late?”
Harry’s eyes darted across the room before taking a seat across from Remus. “Moony, I need your help to do the Ritual of Past Mysteries.”
Remus nodded. “I see. And what event are you trying to revisit?”
“The night Snape found out that you were a werewolf.” Harry replied.
At the mention of the incident, Remus’s expression darkened. He leaned back in his chair, his usually kind eyes shadowed with something unreadable. “Harry, that’s not a subject I take lightly.”
“I know,” Harry said quickly. “And I wouldn’t ask if it weren’t important. But I need to know what really happened that night.”
“If you really want to know, I can tell you what I know and Sirius can tell you the rest. But actually revisiting such a painful moment…” Remus trailed off.
“I talked to Sirius,” Harry explained. “But it didn’t sit right! I also talked to Snape.”
“What do you mean, Harry?” asked Remus, gently.
“I mean no one remembers Sirius inviting him. No one remembers the attack. It’s like those memories are erased. All they remember is my dad yelling at them. Do you really think Sirius would do such a thing?” Harry asked.
Remus considered the question. “I’m not sure, Harry. I remember being so angry asking him why he would do such a thing. He just kept on saying that he didn’t know and that he was sorry.”
“Maybe he actually didn’t know. Maybe he didn’t do anything! I don’t like the idea of Sirius being accused if he’s innocent,” Harry said.
Remus’s expression tightened, but he didn’t interrupt. Harry continued, “What if Snape manipulated his own memories? Or what if there’s something everyone’s missing? I just… I need to know the truth. Sirius deserves that.”
The silence stretched between them as Remus seemed to weigh Harry’s words. Finally, he exhaled deeply and said, “This is dangerous territory, Harry. Some truths are painful to uncover, and they don’t always bring the closure you’re looking for.”
“I’m willing to take that risk. For Sirius,” Harry said firmly. “Please, Remus.”
Remus pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly torn. After a long pause, he nodded slowly. “All right. I’ll help you.”
“Thank you,” Harry said, relief washing over him. “The Ritual of Past Mysteries requires artifacts from those involved in the event,” Harry explained. “I have dad’s cloak. I just need something from you.”
Remus nodded. “I’m assuming you plan on doing this at Grimmauld Place?” Harry nodded in affirmation. ”The map was technically mine. I had it that night as well. I’ll bring it to Grimmauld Place. Sirius likely still has his signet ring, which should work as well. But getting something from Severus…” He trailed off, shaking his head. “That will be up to you.”
“I’ll figure something out for him.” Harry shrugged. “But what about Peter?”
Remus’s expression shifted to something colder. “Peter wasn’t there that night. He was otherwise… occupied. Let’s leave it at that.”
Harry felt a wave of relief. One less asshole to track down. “Thank you, Professor. Really.”
Remus stood and placed a hand on Harry’s shoulder. “Be careful with this, Harry.”
“I will,” Harry promised. “Thank you. For everything.”
“You’re welcome. Now, do you have to rush back or would you like some tea?” Remus asked.
Harry smiled. “I’d love some tea.”