"It's good to see that Harry has made it back. I should call him in and start right..."

"Ahhh Professor Dumbledore sir. I'm sorry I just don't think that is wise. We haven't seen him all summer so we have no idea what happened."

I nodded my head. "Yes he was rather vague in his letters. I suppose we should find out who his guests was first. Ginny dear can you handle that?"

Ginny smiled. "Gladly Professor."

"Professor Lupin I would like you and Professor Snape to put Mr. Malfoy and Harry together..."

"Draco had already requested I do that. Something about having worked with Potter in the past and all." Snape interrupted.

Lupin frowned. "I don't believe Harry will be happy about it, but I guess I shall do that."

I smiled widely. "Then we shall investigate what happened during Harry's summer. I shall call the boy into my office in the fourth week. I would like some answers by then. Dismissed."

The three left my office quickly. 'Ahhh Yes. This is going to be the year that decided the outcome of the war. Harry will die by the hand of Voldemort and in effect Voldemort will be defeated.' I smiled as I thought about how flawless my plan was. Yes everyone was part of my very own chess game. Pieces to sacrifice when and where I needed them to be removed.

*~*~*~*~*

Change to Remus POV

*~*~*~*~*

That manipulative old fool. I know in good standing that Ginny won't get anything out of Harry. The best shot of finding out the truth would be to ask Miss Granger. However, she won't do what that man wants.

'Put Harry and Draco together?' I think I might just do that. Harry needs more people he can count on. Not that I trust a Malfoy much, but the young heir doesn't seem to be like his father at all. Maybe such a play could save them both.

"Professor Lupin!"

I turned around. "Miss Granger. How may I help you?"

She frowned. "It's Harry sir. He's been acting rather strange. Maybe I'm just overthinking it, but he says things that are rather odd."

"Why don't you ask him directly about it?" I asked.

"Oh no I can't do that. He's my best friend. I'm just worried. He's dissapeared twice this week already." She said. "I just thought maybe you could talk to him."

"I'll see what I can do." I smiled.

"Thank you Professor. See you in class." She left.

Well I don't know if he told her about our conversation at the end of last year. I'm assuming he didn't otherwise she might have brought it up. I suppose the boy has a lot to deal with at the moment. I walked to my classroom. I couldn't believe it had only been one week so far. Three weeks from now Dumbledore will call Harry to his office.

*~*~*~*~*

Change to Severus POV

*~*~*~*~*

"Draco! Come here now."

"Yes Uncle Sev. Is there something you need." Draco asked.

"My office." I said and walked off.

We walked in silence until we got to my office. I hadn't had a chance to address this matter with him until now. So I wasn't going to let it slide.

"Where were you?" I snarled as I closed the door.

"I don't understand Uncle Sev." Draco shrugged.

"Don't play coy Draco. You think your father would just let you run away without hunting you down." I saw Draco tense. "Oh yes I know. It's not very pleasant being woken up by Lucius on a rampage."

"Ammm s... sorry Uncle Sev." Draco fidgeted.

"Explain immediately." I growled.

I wasn't in the mood for some half-assed excuse and I was pretty sure Draco could see that. Thankfully he didn't try to lie to me. He explained that he didn't want the mark and the only way to avoid it was to run away. He didn't tell me where he went and I didn't bother to push for the truth. He was safe and that's what mattered.

I know I don't seem like someone who cares much, but Draco is my godson. His safety matters to me. Secretly I'm happy he wasn't given the dark mark. I'm also hoping no other student is dragged into this war. Even Mr. Potter, believe it or not.

"Leave." I sighed.

"Uncle Sev..."

"It's fine Draco. Leave, I just wanted the truth which you have given me. So you may leave. I won't tell anyone about it." I waved him off.

"Thank you Uncle Sev." Draco said and left.

This year was going to be torture. I had no doubt about it. 'What a pain!'

*~*~*~*~*

Change to Remus POV

*~*~*~*~*

It has been another long week. I've been watching Harry closely since Hermione mentioned something was going on with him. I couldn't see what she saw though. He seemed normal. Maybe a little friendlier towards Malfoy, but that was about it.

"Harry if you would stay behind please." I said after dismissing the class.

I thought I saw Mr. Malfoy shaking his head at Harry. I frowned and waited for Harry to come to the front. He didn't, instead he offered me a small smile and shrugged.

"Sorry Professor I have to go because I have a previous engagement. Maybe some other time." Harry smiled and rushed out.

Yes Miss Granger was right he was acting weird. Or perhaps there was something else to consider. I needed to warn him about Dumbledore though. With a sigh I sat down and waited for my next class.

*~*

"Professor Lupin. I found out something odd about Harry."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh is that so Miss Weasley?"

She nodded. "Apparently he doesn't like me the way he should. I think he was hexed."

I tried not to laugh. 'Was she serious? That's not even remotely odd.' I just nodded my head as she continued to complain. Then she said something that piqued my interest.

"Harry lost Hedwig apparently during the summer. So he's been going off on his own and ducking all of us. It seems that Fred and George know more than what they are saying."

"You may go now Miss Weasley. You have said nothing I don't already know." I sighed.

She frowned and left my class. Now I had to either convince the twins to talk to me. Or get Harry to explain some things. Both options would definitely prove to be hard. Either way I needed to know what I could before Dumbledore got hold of the information.

*~*~*~*~*

Change to Dumbledore POV

*~*~*~*~*

"Fawkes take this to Harry will you. Thank you." I smiled.

As Fawkes left the door to my office opened. I looked up to see Professor Lupin, Professor Mcgonagall and Professor Snape. Snape looked annoyed as always.

"Is something the matter Severus?" I asked.

"No." He grumbled. "What is it you wanted?"

"Ahh yes. Mr. Malfoy has sent me an owl asking about young Draco. Apparently the boy was not at home during the summer. Can any of you provide an answer?" I smiled.

Apparently none of them knew anything which was disappointing. I could never tell with Professor Snape, but I was certain with Mcgonagall and Lupin. Obviously Snape had known this little piece of information being the boys godfather.

"May I leave?" Snape asked, bored.

I nodded my head. I made a mental note to keep a closer eye on him. After he left I continued talking with Lupin and Mcgonagall. I was fishing honestly, for any information that could be useful to me. Nothing popped unfortunately.

After dismissing them I sent a short owl to Lucius Malfoy informing him that Draco was indeed attending school. 'Yes this year was definitely going to be a good one for me.' I smiled as I sat back in my chair.

(1290 words)