Violet Summer: Prisoner of Azkaban

Chapter 31: Mud Balls

 Harry stood awkwardly at the front of the classroom before Wolfe. The heavy emotions from experiencing Wolfe's memories still weighed on his heart. But what troubled him now were the words Wolfe had to say to him. Harry hadn't had a proper chance to ask Wolfe anything after overhearing the truth about Sirius Black and his parents. Furthermore, he had recently learned about the deep friendship between Wolfe and his father, which went beyond being mere classmates. They were best friends.

Wolfe patiently waited until the last student left the classroom. When they were alone, he raised his hand, and with a delicate motion, the door closed behind them. Lupin took a seat on top of one of the desks and bowed his head, leaving Harry and Wolfe to talk.

"I believe I have some explaining to do, Harry," said Wolfe. Harry said nothing, nervously glancing between them.

"Not much to explain. The memory was pretty self-explanatory," Harry replied calmly, causing Wolfe to frown. "You saw what was going to happen to them. No one believed you, and then... they died."

"I want you to know, Harry, that even though I saw it and knew it would happen, even if anyone did believe me, it does not mean we could have stopped him entirely," Wolfe shared. His tone was sincere yet stern, causing Harry to meet his gaze. "I was young then, foolish to believe that what I dreamt was entirely preventable. But the truth is, You-Know-Who was far too powerful, and his ties with many in the magical world would have led to it, even if he hadn't."

Harry fell silent, grappling with mixed feelings about the matter. He strongly believed that there must have been a way to prevent his parents' death, and he was angry and blameful of those who hadn't believed Wolfe.

"I don't need to tell you how valuable your life is, Harry. But I will tell you that you have many who would fight for you if the time comes," Wolfe said, pausing for a moment. "I cared for your parents deeply. They were good friends of mine. Meeting you, Harry, I see them both in you. If they were here today, they would be proud."

"Why do you believe Sirius Black to be innocent?" Harry's question was abrupt, and he couldn't help but ask it.

Wolfe sighed, rubbing the back of his head carefully. "It doesn't matter what I think, Harry. It-"

"I want to know, Wolfe. I am asking you. Why?" Harry cut him off, his eyes fixed on Wolfe.

Lupin interjected, "Because it's hard to accept the fact that someone you care about could do something as dark as this. Wolfe has never believed Black is responsible for what happened."

"Did you see anything?" Harry pressed. Wolfe shook his head slowly.

"No dream ever came to me of your parents or our friends after I saw their death. It was as if the dreams themselves laid them to rest. Allowed themselves to grieve, as I did," Wolfe replied, his voice heavy with a soft and sweet grace that caused Harry's stomach to drop. "If you ever want to see a happy memory of them, Harry, all you need to do is ask me."

The offer brought a jolt of joy to Harry. He glared at Wolfe for a moment before nodding. With that, Harry turned and left the classroom, making his way through the halls towards the Gryffindor common room. His mind filled with a sense of longing. Wolfe had offered him what he had always wanted – a chance to see his parents and know them as others knew them.

***

By the time Saturday had come round, students were back to their normal states following Wolfe's memory. The entire Friday had been filled with dread, with all students from that class still reeling from what Wolfe had shared. However, as the memories seemed to wear off their effects, many went back to their daily business.