Disclaimer: I unfortunately do not own Harry Potter
Remus Lupin ran his fingers through his hair, trying to compose himself. And failing. Harry's words ran through his head once again. Reminding him of all of his shortcomings. Mocking him.
"He's got a point." Remus whispered. It had been 16 years since James and Lily had died. Just looking at Harry reminded him of the his best friends. Harry looked like James but had Lily's eyes and kind-hearted nature. Remus had always made a point of trying to be a substitute father to Harry but Sirius was always who Harry trusted most. It was hard for Remus, knowing that he was always second best. But he still tried.
As he replayed the conversation at Grimmauld Place in his head, it was easier to understand Harry's point of view. He had never had parents. Sure, he had Molly and Arthur, Sirius, and Remus himself, but never a mum and dad. Although Harry had experienced so much pain and loss, he had never blamed any of it on his friends and adopted "family." He never played that card. Until now...
Without meaning to, Remus's feet had carried him to the nearest apparition point down the street from Grimmauld Place. It was raining lightly when he stormed out of the house and turned to pouring rain within a matter of minutes. Seemingly matching his emotions. The sky turned to a dark an stormy gray, the light from the flickering street lamps reflected on the low mist hanging over the street. Remus pulled his thin coat tighter around him, trying to keep in the heat.
Taking a deep breath, Remus turned on the spot, concentrating on somewhere. Where that somewhere was was somewhat of a mystery of even the traveler. He knew that he just needed to get off of the street and in front of a warm fire to unthaw.
Remus felt his feet return to the ground after a few seconds of suffocating pressure. When he looked up, it was clear where the somewhere was meant to be.
"No, no, no" he sighed, "This is a bad idea." But once again, just as they had since he left Grimmauld Place, Harry's words were on repeat in his head. Sighing again, Remus lifted his fisted hand up to the door.
He was saved the trouble of actually knocking though because at that precise moment, none other than Andromeda Tonks opened the door, purse in hand, with a determined look on her face. She saw him standing in the doorway with his hand raised to knock. Their eyes met and her stare was ice.
'Oh. If looks could kill.' Remus thought.