Note: Takes place after The Order of the Phoenix, and is alternate universe. I don't own the characters.

I'm Back

Chapter One

On a very blustery, miserable day in London, standing on a dark deserted street, between numbers eleven and thirteen, there are two people. One is a relatively young boy about 15 or 16, with brown hair that no matter what is done with it, it just won't lay flat. The man standing next to him is rather ragged looking with mousy brown hair that has hints of grey in it. He seems to be about 37 years old. The looks on both of their faces show defeat and loss. The thought going through both their minds is "Number 12 Grimmauld Place." Slowly numbers eleven and thirteen push apart to reveal number 12, which is hidden by a Fidelius charm.

When it is completely showing the older man turns to the younger and simply says, "We better get inside."

Just as they enter the wind kicks up causing the door to slam shut with a loud bang. The curtains covering one of the portraits flies open and the resident of it wakes up and begins yelling. "SCUM! FILTH OF THE EARTH! BLOOD-TRAITORS! BEGONE FROM THE NOBLE HOUSE OF BLACK!" With identical movements Harry Potter and Remus Lupin close the curtains successfully hushing the occupant, Walburga Black.

Walking into the kitchen, the older man asks Harry, "Should I put some tea on?" And without waiting for a reply he says, "Too bad I'm making some anyway," causing Harry to smile despite the circumstances. Remus waved his wand making a fire in the fire place, cups to place themselves on the table and a tin full of different flavor teas to appear on the counter next to him. Harry walked over and grabbed his favorite; vanilla mint.

Without looking Remus asked, "Can you grab me a mint?"

"I don't know can I?"

"Would you?"

"I guess."

"Thank you. Would you watch this for me and pour some when it's ready? That way I can go check on Buckbeak. He will be leaving tomorrow evening so you don't have to worry about him

"Alright."

Sitting down at the table Harry watches his father's and godfather's friend leave the room. Starting to stare into space he is startled when Kreacher, the house elf, comes in. As he always does, Kreacher ignores Harry and mutters pretty much what the portrait of his former and beloved mistress said upon their entrance, "Son of blood-traitors, and beasts befouling the Noble House of Black. What would my dear mistress do if she were here? …"

"Kreacher I'm right here and as your new master you may not refer to Remus as a beast just because he is a werewolf. Or call anyone names like that. Got it?"

Bowing and replying before going to his 'room' under the boiler, he said, "Of course, Master."

Seeing the water starting to boil Harry goes to it and takes it off the flame. Turning around he is scared out of his wits when he almost runs into Remus, and drops the kettle in surprise.

Remus quickly casts a hovering charm catching the kettle before it falls to the floor. Laughing at the dirty look the younger man is shooting at him he floats the kettle to the table where the cups are waiting. Together they sit down to discuss the future.