The weeks passed by quickly, and soon, Harry was feeling better. He still occasionally had dizzy spells and fevers, he was much healthier than a few weeks ago. While he was recovering, many students and teachers had visited him, bringing cards and get-well gifts. Now, he couldn't wait to go back to sleeping in the dorms. Unfortunately, Madam Pomfrey had refused to let him leave, claiming that his health was still weak. Harry had solved the problem by sneaking out one night. He had been avoiding the over-protective nurse for the last few days.

The one thing he was worried about, however, was his upcoming meeting with Remus. Although the professor had come to visit him a great many times, the man had always insisted that they wait until Harry was out of the Hospital Wing before they had their "talk" about Harry's true identities. Now that the time was almost here, he couldn't help but feel nervous.

His friends had tried to help, all of them ----even Draco--- reassuring him that everything would go fine. Hermione and Eliza encouraged him to talk to Severus about it, but so far, he hadn't said anything. He didn't want to bother the Potions Master with such a small matter as this. He knew Severus was a busy man, and that the Slytherin hadn't been very pleased at the fact that Remus now knew Harry's secret.

A good thing, however, was that Severus had restarted their Potions Apprenticeship. Harry smiled widely as he stepped into the Potions Lab, books and notes in his hands. It was good to be back.

"What do you want me to do?" He asked Severus, grinning at the sight of the older man.

"You can start on the Pepper-Up Potions for the Hospital Wing," Severus replied distractedly, his mind focused on the potion he was brewing.

Harry nodded before grabbing a cauldron and getting the necessary ingrediants. Then, he got started, chopping, mixing, and occasionally stirring.

As he waited for the potion to heat, his thoughts once again drifted to his meeting with Remus. He was scheduled to meet him right after this session with Severus, and this had Harry feeling particularly anxious. How would Remus react now that the werewolf knew about his disguise? Would the man be disgusted that he had pretended to be someone else? Harry wasn't sure. Remus hadn't seemed angry when he had come to visit in the Hospital Wing, but Harry couldn't help but worry. So lost was he in his thoughts that when he reached forward to turn off the heat, he accidentally knocked over the cauldron with his other arm. He gasped in pain as the scalding potion touched his bare skin. His eyes filled with tears, and he bit back a cry. Merlin, that hurt!

Severus looked up quickly as he heard a gasp of pain behind him. Quickly turning off the fire for his cauldron, he turned to see Seb---Harry holding his arm in anguish, an overturned cauldron in front of him. He quickly accioed a healing salve before gently spreading some onto the boy's red-hot skin. He heard Sebas----no, his name is Harry, he reminded himself---- sigh in relief as the salve took effect.

"Are you alright?" He asked quietly, concern coloring his voice. The other nodded, sighing with relief.

Severus looked worriedly at the boy in front of him. He knew that the child had been distracted by something when he had walked in the room, but had decided to talk to him about it later. Now, however, Severus was hesitant. It was obvious that the reason for Harry's carelessness was due to the boy's earlier distraction, and he didn't want to the boy to continue getting hurt. Maybe it as better to have that talk now.

"Harry," he asked softly. "Is something bothering you?"

Harry looked up in surprise at the question: Had he been that obvious? For a moment, he hesitated, before shaking his head resolutely. "No, nothing's wrong." He forced a small smile. "Everything's just fine."

He sighed as the other raised an eyebrow, looking at him skeptically. Knowing he hadn't fooled the man, he admitted quietly, "I guess I'm just... worried." Seeing the Potions Master's confused expression, he clarified. "About Remus. I'm supposed to see him later for a talk." He looked down at his feet, suddenly feeling silly. His cheeks flushed with embarrassment. What did he think he was doing, bother Severus for such a foolish thing? He stood there and waited for the scolding and laughter to come.

Finally, after about a minute, he looked up almost fearly... But all he saw was the Potions Master standing in front of him, a strange expression on the man's face.

"Severus?" Harry asked uncertainly. "Did I... do something wrong?" He couldn't help but feel as if he had done something bad. This had happened all to often at the Dursleys... the Dursleys... Harry pushed the thought of his repulsive relatives away. They were in the past. All that mattered was now. Now. He looked up. "Sev? I-- I- I'm sorry for bothering you with such a silly question. I'll go back to work now." He turned back to his ruined potion.

Without warning, the Potions Master suddenly leaned forward and pulled Harry into his arms.

"Severus?"

The Potions Master sighed. "Oh, you foolish child." He ran his fingers through the raven black hair.

Harry looked up, surprised by the affection in the man's voice. "Sir?"

"It that what has been bothering you all day?" Severus asked quietly. Seeing the boy nod nervously, a small smile graced his lips. "You should have come to me earlier, silly child. Don't worry about Lupin. As idiotic and thoughtless that werewolf may be, I doubt that even he can be foolish enough to be angry at you." Severus' voice softened. "If anything, he should be blaming me."

Harry shook his head. "I've told you, Severus. None of this is your fault. It was the one being stupid." He looked don at his feet miserably, avoiding the other's gaze.

Severus sighed before lifitng the boy's chin. "Harry, look at me."

Uncertain green eyes met black ones.

Knowing that he had the other's attention, Severus continued. "I want you to answer me honestly, Harry. Would you have done something that... drastic if I hadn't been so harsh with you that day?"

Harry hesitated before slowly shaking hsi head. "Probably not, I guess..."

"Percisely." Severus nodded. "Basically, it is because of me that you tried what you did, therefore, I am at fault. Not you."

He saw Harry open his mouth to argue, and sighed. Again. It seemed that he wouldn't be able to win this discussion this easily. Finally, he held up a hand. "Alright, let's make a deal. You will stop blaming yourself for this, and I will do the same."

The boy looked at him disbelievingly for a few minute before finally nodding. "Alright," he agreed quietly.

Severus gave him a small smile. "Now that you've creased your unnecessary worries," he said humorously, "we can get back to these potions."

Harry just smiled.

An hour later, Harry left the Potions lab, heading in the direction of Rems' office. Although he was much calmer due to Severus' reassurances, he stil couldn't help but feel worried. His heart pounded loudly as he stood there in front of Remus' quarters, his stomach feeling slightly nauseas. He swallowed before raising his hand and knocking hesitantly.

He heart footsteps approaching, and he suddenly had an urge to hide. But it was too late. The door clicked open.

Remus Lupin stepped out of his quarters, a smile breaking out on his face. "Harry! Come on in!"

Harry looked up anxiously as he took a seat on a nearby chair. He fidgeted slightly, and his hands didn't seem to know hat to do. He was sweating slightly, and the room suddenly seemed very small.

"Calm down, Harry. There's no need to be so nervous."

Remus looked down with concern at the young man in front of him. The boy looked particularly pale, and he seemed to be sweating immensely. "Harry, are you feeling alright?"

Harry nodded. "I'm fine." He forced a small smile, but Remus wasn't convinced. His werewolf senses could tell that Harry wasn't up to his full health.... But then, why would Madam Pomfrey let Harry go before the boy was ready? He knew how... strict the nurse could be.

He suddenly had a thought. "Harry," he asked quickly. "Please answer this honestly. Did Madam Pomfrey give you permission to leave the Hospital Wing?"

Harry's heartbeat quickened at the question. True, he had been feeling lousy that morning, but had he really been that obvious? "I..." He stopped, not knowing what to say.

His hesitance apparently answered Remus' question. "You left before she let you, didn't you?"

Harry slowly nodded, his cheeks burning.

Remus frowned, worry clouding his expression. With a suddenly flick of his wand, he transfigured a wooden chair into a couch, and before Harry knew what was going on, he found himself pushed into the couch and a blanket tucked around him. As tired as he was, he had to ask. "Remus?" His confusion was evident in his voice. "What are you doing?"

"We'll talk when you're feeling batter," Remus said quietly. "You need some rest."

"Okay."

Harry's immediate acceptance showed Remus how tired the child truly was. He knew that the boy hated to show weakness, and the fact that Harry had obeyed instantly just proved the boy's condition.

To Harry, everything seeemd hazy, and the world was spinning aroun dhim. But he did know that he needed to say something. "I'm sorry, Remus," he murmured.

Remus looked up in surprise. "What are you apologizing for?"

"'m sorry for not telling you who I was earlier."

Remus smiled. "All is forgotten, Harry." He leaned down and pulled the youth into a hug.

Harry looked up drowsily. "Thanks, Remus," he mumbled. The man's arms felt warm and safe around him, and he suddenly felt extremely sleepy.

"You're welcome, Harry."

Remus held onto the boy for a long time after that. By the time he put Harry down again, the child was long asleep.