Harry sighed as the scenery passed by, he tried to focus his eyes, but his tired pupils couldn't focus on one thing as the car sped through the English country side. He turned his gaze forward, studying his 'long lost' godfather as he drove on in silence. There was nothing to say that the sixteen year old wasn't grateful to Sirius Black for finally tracking him down and taking him away from the Dursleys', but he still wondered why he hadn't come to get him sooner.
He had asked last night, when they had stopped the other night at some nondescript motel, as they traveled from London to Aberdeen. Sirius had explained to him that he had been imprisoned for a time, something about a misunderstanding that he had betrayed Harry's parents. This of course was mumbled inaudibly, and Harry had to ask Sirius to repeat himself a bit louder. Of course Sirius was surprised when Harry all ready knew of this, for his aunt and uncle liked to gloat about how his parents had been so screwed up that their best friend had betrayed them to their killer. Harry, being the kind soul he was, had anger and vengeance course through his small frame towards Sirius. That is until he was proven innocent. They had caught the actual betrayer, yet the real killer was still on the loose.
No one was really sure who the killer was, he went by an alias of Lord Voldemort, or something equally ridicules. He had been terrorizing England for a while, until he seemingly disappeared the night he attacked Harry. Harry subconsciously rubbed his scar, many people avoided him because of it, thinking it some kind of bad omen or the mark of the devil. Others however worshipped the ground he walked on, and sometimes stalked him. Those times he was rather glad his room, for ten years, had been a cupboard. There at least the stalkers wouldn't be able to find him, or so he hoped.
What had really puzzled Harry was that when his godfather was finally released, why he hadn't come to take him away from his borderline abusive guardians. (He believed it was complete abuse, but they kept with the story that he was still alive and they hadn't laid a hand on him.) Instead his godfather had sent a measly letter, telling the Dursleys that he would be coming for Harry when he had a stable home. Of course he had a stable home within weeks, but something always came up that would cause Sirius to tell Harry one more week.
Finally on his sixteenth birthday, Sirius had finally come to get him, all grins and winks, with a huge package in one hand. When they were alone in the car, Sirius had apologized, but didn't elaborate on what had kept him. Even in the motel room, Harry hadn't gotten a straight answer out of Sirius; though, Harry didn't push it when he noticed that Sirius had started to fidget uncontrollably. He had instantly changed the subject to something lighter, something that they both enjoyed, sports.
Harry hadn't really been allowed to watch, or try out for any teams, but he still loved the thrill of competition. Whenever gym came around, Harry had always been picked last. After all, who would think a short, almost anorexic looking kid was any good at sports. He had surprised them time and again that he was good, no better than most of the bigger kids. When offered a place on a team, Harry would be forced to deny the offer, winning himself even more animosity from his classmates.
Harry was startled out of his musings as Sirius said something. Refocusing his eyes, he turned his piercing emerald eyes upon his new guardian. "Sorry can you repeat that? I wasn't paying attention."
Sirius chuckled a bit. "Sure thing kid. I was just saying that we are here."
Harry turned his gaze out the car window, his eyes widened as an old Victorian style house came into view. It was huge, and magnificent. It had an air about it that spoke to Harry, almost like it had seen things that most mortals wouldn't believe.
As Sirius pulled into the driveway, a man that Harry didn't quite recognize stepped out of the house. Harry couldn't tell a height from here, but he guessed this man was taller than him, most people were. He had light brown, shaggy hair, and a face that looked haggard and worn. His clothes hung loosely on him, and he had a posture that seemed more weary than anything else. Harry got the feeling of an old wolf, he wasn't sure why that thought had come, but it had.
Sirius stepped out of the car and greeted the man on the porch. The man looked over, and a smile bloomed across his face. To Harry, it transformed him completely, making the old wolf seem younger. Sighing, Harry got out of the car, not really wanting to meat anyone new.
Sirius came around the car, and slapped Harry on the back. Harry hadn't been expecting this, and Sirius didn't really know how to real in his strength. "Come on Harry, let's have you meet an old friend of mine who will be staying with us." Sirius kept his voice down, almost like they were sharing an inside joke or something. Harry only nodded, allowing Sirius to guide him to where the newcomer was standing.
"Hey Remus! Look who I have finally brought home!" Sirius shouted, making Harry wince at such a loud voice. Sirius' long, midnight black hair twitched a bit as a breeze passed through the grounds, helping Sirius' shout go a bit farther.
Remus winced in sympathy towards Harry, knowing all too well what it was like having Sirius that close and shouting in your ear. "It's nice to see you again Harry. I must admit that I am sorry I hadn't visited you before now." He shrugged, "But I cannot change the past, so I might as well enjoy the present." Remus smiled kindly, making Harry's heart warm. He didn't realize he was smiling back, after all not many adults talked to him this way, as an equal.
Sirius laughed, "Remus, you are too eloquent for your own good. You should try to speak like the rest of us!"
Remus just glared at Sirius, turning to Harry Remus asked, "Are you hungry Harry? I made some dinner if you want any."
Harry didn't have to answer, since his stomach answered for him. Blushing in embarrassment, Harry only nodded. Remus smiled yet again, and walked inside, motioning with his hand for Harry and Sirius to follow. Harry was amazed by the inside of the house. It was a mix of modern and oldies that complimented each other splendidly. He could feel the warmth and happiness that seemed to radiate from the house. Harry smiled to himself, he could see himself being happy here.
Dinner was a pleasant experience. Harry finally relaxed, and was able to throw in a couple jokes here and there amongst the conversation. Soon he was grinning, and laughing uproariously with his new family. Coming unbidden, a yawn interrupted the jubilant activities. Harry asked where his room was, feeling his eyes drooping from staying open all day. Sirius had smiled indulgently, and led him to his own bedroom. Harry wasn't interested in studying his room just yet; all he was interested in was trying out that bed.
The next day, Harry woke up to smells of a delectable breakfast. Throwing back the covers, Harry shivered; feeling the chill of the morning hit his warm skin. Quickly, he jumped out of bed and rifled through his trunk. Finding a robe, Harry wrapped it around himself hoping to fend off the cold.
Walking quietly through the house, Harry made his way to the kitchen. Not really having a feel for the house yet, he decided to follow his nose. He was rather surprised to find Remus there cooking. Clearing his throat, Harry said, "Good morning Remus."
Remus looked over his shoulder at the noise and grinned. "Good morning Harry. Why don't you sit down and I'll get you some breakfast." Harry nodded, still a bit sleepy from just waking up. Sitting down, he huddled into his robe, he looked down at the plate Remus placed in front of him. The food looked absolutely delicious, what with steaming eggs, bacon and toast. Harry's stomach gave a lurch in appreciation.
Taking a bite, Harry was delighted to find that it was as delectable as it looked. Humming in appreciation, he quickly finished off his plate. Looking over at Remus he asked, "So when are we getting my school supplies? I know Sirius told me that he had enrolled me in Hogwarts High School, so we need to get them pretty soon." Harry gazed at Remus expectantly.
Remus chuckled, "I already got most of your stuff, the only thing I didn't get was your uniform. I needed you here after all." He ruffled Harry's hair, "Are you excited to start in about a month?"
Harry shrugged, "A little, though I am also wondering what kind of people are there. After all, Hogwarts is one of the most prestigious high schools out there." Harry lapsed into silence. He was a bit scared, but quickly squished it. Looking back over at Remus, who had started on his own breakfast he asked, "Is Hogwarts really a boarding school?"
Remus nodded, not wanting to show Harry his undigested food. Harry sighed, "I was kind of hoping that I would have more time to stay and settle in. You know, it's a bit disconcerting to be yanked and moved every which way." Remus nodded again, and was about to answer when Sirius bounded into the room. A bit to perky for someone this early in the morning, Harry just groaned and laid his head on the table.
That month passed quickly, a bit too quickly for Harry. He had been really enjoying himself at his new home, making friends with the hired help that Sirius had there, and even making a couple friends. Now however, he was navigating with his godfather, the packed station that would take him to Hogwarts. A bright red engine whistled warningly to students, telling them it was almost time to leave.
Heaving Harry's trunk, Sirius flung it into a compartment. Hugging Harry quickly, he reminded him, "Don't forget to write, and we'll be waiting for you on the holidays." Sirius grinned down at Harry, and ruffled his hair, "Above all, have a great time."
Harry hugged Sirius one final time before jumping aboard the train. Seating himself next to the window, he waved goodbye to Sirius. Wondering what the year had in store for him.
Welcome all, and thank you for reading at least the first chapter of my story. This idea has been swimming around in my head for a while. I had actually started writing it a couple years back, but stopped for some time. Thankfully I came back to it and completely revamped the whole thing. I know this starting is a little dry, but its mostly the background information and all that shiz nat.
Also, for all those who are sticklers for this, I do not own anything relating to Harry Potter, only my own characters. There will also be some swearing and the rating may go up if I feel that it is to racy for even teen.
I would also like to add, that I enjoy constructive criticism, so if you flame because of some random fault of mine or my story. Get ready to be smoted.
That will be all, and I am going to work on the second chapter tomorrow.