Chapter 3: Awakenings

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oOo

When Harry woke up, the first thing he noticed was that his muscles hurt…

But at the same time, he felt warm, and some incredible, overpowering sense of security was pervading his being. He was surrounded in whatever it was, or whoever it was…

Someone was rubbing soothing, circular motions on his back. Harry was curious, but at the same time, he just felt so perfectly safe where he was and how he was situated, that he didn't want to open his eyes, to wake up from this dream…

His mind was sluggish. He was obviously somewhere soft, and warm…but that itself threw one wrench into his awareness. For the cupboard under the stairs he had been made to sleep in since he could remember was many things…but not many of them good. And certainly not soft or warm.

And how had he gotten here, wherever here was? He tried to think back, to remember what had happened. There had been the blow-up at the Dursleys, and they'd kicked him out (despite himself, he flinched a little at that). As if swooping in to rub away the unsteadying memories, the rubbing on his back instantly picked up, putting more gentle pressure on his back. It made Harry feel inordinately reassured.

But then, what had happened next? He'd been wandering through the woods…and he'd felt that weird tug, and had looked up at the moon…and then…and then…

Harry's eyes snapped open, his breathing instantly becoming irregular, and he shot up, suddenly panicked. He wasn't sure what had happened afterwards, but he could definitely remember the pain before he'd blacked out, as if his muscles were ripping and stretching…and how his eyesight had suddenly dimmed, but his sense of smell had taken over…and how his nose had grown and had been hairy and how his hands had been…paws?

It had to be a dream. It HAD to have been a dream…but the lingering aches all over his body seemed to mock him, informing him that no, maybe he was going crazy, but something had happened for sure.

Harry began to hyperventilate, but then found himself pressed into something warm, and then there was the unfamiliar sensation of strong arms wrapping around him, and a voice frantically calling in his ear-

"Harry? Harry! Are you okay?"

But he couldn't focus on the words. The voice and the tone were overwhelming enough. The sound was unfamiliar and the…concern? Directed at him? …was something he couldn't remember ever having experienced. It was mind boggling, and it scared him…but the man's touch-for he sounded like a man-was so warm and comforting.

Harry clenched his eyes shut tightly, and pressed into the firm chest before him, and the images which had been haunting him in his dreams flashed by his mind's eye.

The ground whooshed by under him as he ran. The delicious scent was so close, he could almost taste it. There. The look of fear in its eyes only thrilled him more. It turned to run, to escape, but was no match. It was between his teeth in an instant. The hot, delicious meat, flushed from the chase satisfied him like-

Harry cried out, and began to shake violently, but the arms around him tightened and the soothing motions increased. And then, calming him completely when he didn't think anything could, was a gentle but sharp pressure on his neck.

Harry sniffled a little bit, nuzzling his head in his protector's chest, but then, like waking from a dream, he realized he had no idea who it could be. For a fleeting, insane instant, he dreamed that maybe his parents weren't dead. That maybe it was his father who was holding him this way, comforting him as he'd never been comforted, speaking in such low, soothing tones as he'd never heard directed his way before.

"Talk to me, cub. It's okay now. I won't let anything hurt you. You're okay," the voice said, softly, into his ear, and Harry felt himself relax another level. The words and voice were just so incredibly calming.

"Dad?" Harry asked, though he hadn't meant to say it aloud. The man froze and stiffened, and Harry felt his heart drop. Stupid, stupid Harry. Why did you have to go and say that? You've ruined everything! But an instant later, the arms around him tightened almost roughly, and the hand rubbing up and down his back sped up. The voice that answered was strained, clearly pained. Almost choking.

"No, cub. I'm not your father. I'm sorry, Harry."

Harry's heart dropped again, though he had known his momentary hope was ridiculous. He had simply been voicing a secret fantasy he'd been harboring for years, that his dad would miraculously appear one day and steal him away from the Dursleys…he was too used to the impossibility of this notion to be too disappointed, he thought, but nevertheless, he felt a twinge of loss at this reconfirmation.

Maybe it was because this man, whoever he was, was acting so differently towards him than others he'd been around. This kind of gentle regard and concern was so unfamiliar to him that it opened up new ground and other impossibilities.

But then Harry realized with a jolt that the man had called him by his name. Blinking, he looked up at his face for the first time. The man was clearly still quite young, but it was obvious he'd been through a great deal in his life. His dark hair was streaked with gray, and worry-lines trekked over his face. But his amber eyes were so kind, and brilliant-looking, and the way he was looking at him, with a mixture of concern, affection, worry and …what else? Something deep.

For an instant it occurred to Harry it wasn't far from the look he'd seen his aunt and uncle give Dudley, but it was different, and sadder, somehow…and rather than make him sick the way that lovey-dovey expression did at the Dursleys', this made his heart ache suddenly, and violently.

Then the man smiled at him, and Harry felt as if his worries were blown away just like that. The man's face was illuminated instantly, and he looked years younger. Harry felt captivated by those eyes, and stunned by the level of affection he felt directed at him suddenly.

Harry didn't feel capable of speech at the moment. He was still too confused, but this man continued to smile at him reassuringly, and continued to hold him close, though the grip had loosened significantly to the point that Harry knew he could move if he wanted to.

But he didn't want to, really. Even though part of him thought it was babyish, and that it showed the kind of weakness he'd trained himself against revealing to deal with life at the Dursleys'. But the fact was, as far as he could remember, he had never had any kind of physical contact, really. Excepting, of course, the occasional beating he would receive at the hands of his uncle…

But all things considered, this was a rare and incredible moment for the boy, and he wanted to hold onto it as long as he could, regardless of whether it was a dream or not.

"Harry," the man spoke again, that soft smile never wavering, though there was a wistful longing in it even more clear than before. "You are…Harry, aren't you?" His voice softened further and some slight hesitation tinted his words at this.

Harry nodded numbly, and the man returned the nod, smiling reassuringly. For a second, Harry thought he saw some pain flash through his expression, but then the gentle smile was back in full force. "I'm Remus. Remus Lupin. It's so good to see you again, Harry."

Harry balked, and finally found his voice. "H-how do you know my name?"

Remus narrowed his eyes slightly, considering him, but then smiled. "Why, of course I know your name! I'm an old friend of your parents! I was there the day you were born."

Harry again found speaking to be extremely difficult, and simply stared dumbly up at him. "You…were? And you..you knew my parents?" He managed.

Remus smiled sadly. "That's right, Harry," and he gently brushed a wisp of hair away from Harry's eye. "They were the best of friends…I miss them so much."

Remus' eyes then widened in concern and embarrassment, and he said, quickly, "I'm sorry, Harry! I didn't mean to be inconsiderate, talking about them that way…"

But Harry was ecstatic, and shook his head quickly, piercing Remus with an intense and frantically excited stare. "No, tell me! Please-about my parents! What were they like? You knew them well, then? When did you meet?"

Remus regarded him in silence for a minute before laughing lightly. The sound made Harry's chest feel light. Finally. Finally, someone who really knew his parents! The Dursleys had never told him much of anything-just the usual vague answers about their deaths and professions…and, of course, those tidbits of information had never been very positive. Harry had naively believed his aunt and uncle when he was younger, but after so many years of being a front-row witness and the receiver of their unbalanced treatment of himself and his cousin, he was sure their explanations had had more than a few holes…if not outright lies.

It seemed like he might finally get some answers.

oOo

Harry smiled more widely at him, and hope and light were suddenly flashing from his green eyes. Now that Remus could see him clearly, it was so obvious…he was so clearly James and Lily's son…and his innocence, and good, pure spirit were so remarkably obvious. A fierce pang coursed through Remus as it hit him, once again, that Harry may no longer be seen fairly and clearly by most wizards. The prejudice against werewolves just ran so incredibly deep in the fabric of wizarding society that even someone as well known and idolized as this boy in his arms would no doubt have to deal with the brunt of a lot of ugliness.

But those eyes, so expectant, were focused on him again, and Remus said the first thing that came to mind. "You are so like them."

Harry squirmed in excitement, and his eyes widened. "Really? How so?"

Remus cocked his head slightly, and wondered at the boy's question. Surely he knew his parents' features as well as anyone…? But rather than voice this question, Remus smiled back and said, softly, while gently running a hand up his cheek, "I almost thought you were James at first, Harry. You look so much like him. Almost identical to how he looked when we met on the Hogwart's Express."

Harry's heart was pounding in his head, questions buzzing through. Before he could say anything, though, Remus continued.

"But your eyes. They are so clearly Lily's. Bright and brilliant green. I can almost feel her looking at me, all intelligence and the kindest empathy, when I look at you."

Harry let out the breath he had been holding. He was almost shaking, the information meant so much to him. Because no, he had never even seen a picture of his parents. He had asked the Dursleys, for years, but the skipped meals and time locked in his cupboard those requests had rewarded him with finally convinced him to stop asking.

Harry fought the urge to cry in disbelief and risk tangling himself in the quagmire of his emotions threatening to overflow. He was too determined now that he was finally getting questions answered, and though he still felt somewhat nervous asking so freely, he pushed through and said, softly-trying not to sound as urgent as he felt, but failing to hide his interest- "What's the Hogwart's Express?"

Remus grinned. "Why, that's the old train that takes you to Hogwarts, of course! It's great, Harry. The first chance you have to meet some of the best friends you'll ever make…" Remus broke their gaze at this, looking up dreamily.

Harry drank in Remus's words, feeling as if they were some drug, pulling him along, and only leading him to desire to hear more, making him more urgent and frantic to hear everything and anything he could tell him.

"Um…what's Hogwarts, Remus?" Harry asked excitedly.

All of a sudden, the man froze, and his face snapped back to regard Harry in shock.

Scared suddenly, misreading Remus's expression and sudden response as anger at his prying too much, Harry scooted backwards and looked down ashamedly. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "I shouldn't ask so many questions…I-I…"

Remus felt as if he were on the verge of choking up. The suddenly downtrodden, beaten down look in the boy's eyes, and in his posture, yanked roughly at something within him. Why did the child feel bad for asking questions? Why did he think he should apologize? And why…why didn't he know about Hogwarts? Eyes widening further, something else hit Remus like a sledgehammer... Why doesn't he seem to know anything about his parents?

Suppressing a shudder, Remus leaned forward and pulled Harry close. The boy struggled for a minute, but then relaxed in his grip. For a time, Remus didn't say anything, but simply held him as his mind went over possible explanations for Harry's behavior. He knew he'd been sent to live with his aunt and uncle, on Dumbledore's orders…not that he'd been privy to that information for a time, but after…Sirius's (Remus flinched and growled slightly as his old friend's name bled through him)… betrayal had become public, Dumbledore had seen fit to share some information with him about his near-Godson...though the headmaster had not been very informative. Not only had he never disclosed the Dursley residence's location to him, but any attempt Remus had made to see his friends' child had been shot down quickly in the name of secrecy...

I know they're Muggles…the Dursleys. So they must not know much about magic, but…could they have not told him? Why? What else did they neglect to tell him? They couldn't have been…abusive, could they have?

As the thought crossed his mind, not only Remus, but Moony took the highest offense, and he growled somewhat louder and more ferociously, and possessively bit down on Harry's neck. The boy flinched for an instant, making a questioning sound, but then he quickly melted, baring his neck to provide Moony easier access. The older werewolf accepted the invitation, and began to nuzzle him comfortingly along his neck.

Then Remus snapped back, and it hit him how confusing things must be to his little cub. How much did he know? To what extent had he been kept in the dark? When had the werewolf transformation happened, and had he been dealing with it alone for a time? Did he even know about it?

Remus knew he had, as much as possible, to give Harry the information he should know gently…but the boy was clearly intelligent, and Remus wasn't sure how easy it would be to hide much from him.

But then he remembered the discussion they'd just been having. Softly, he began to say into Harry's ear, perhaps a little too roughly, "Don't you EVER apologize for asking questions, Harry. How else are you to learn? Especially about something like this, which is so personal. It is your right to know-you should know! So please…don't be scared. Ask away-anything you want."

He leaned back and smiled, and Harry hesitantly nodded, his eyes wide in almost pitiful gratitude.

Remus gritted his teeth at that, and had to suppress his wolf's desire to give him another bite, for instruction and reassurance…but then Remus said softly, smiling and stroking Harry's cheek gently. "Hogwarts is our school, of course. Where you father and mother and I lived for seven wonderful years, and where we learned much of what we know about magic."

Harry's eyes popped suddenly, but then a flash of reluctant doubt passed over his eyes. The horrible thought that maybe this was all an elaborate prank by the Dursleys even occurred to him like a lead iron twisting and coursing through his heart. No. It can't be. He looks so sincere! It can't be a joke, but… "Magic?" He almost whispered the word as he looked up at Remus, eyes guarded.

Remus stared at him, and waited several seconds for the punch line he hoped was coming…but had a strong suspicion wasn't… When Harry's unsure, but inquisitive gaze continued to meet his, Remus gulped, nodded once and said, hoarsely, "Your aunt and uncle never…said anything?"

Harry frowned and said, "Um…anything? We don't talk that often…I mean, they don't really like me to talk to them that often, so we don't really…and, uh, what do you mean by magic? You mean, like you guys were magicians?"

This time Remus truly choked, and lost his voice for almost a full minute. Harry looked at him in concern, and hesitantly tried to rub his back to make sure he was okay. When Remus finally recovered somewhat, he looked at Harry incredulously. "Harry," he panted. "You don't…you don't know? You really don't know what…you are?"

Harry opened his mouth to protest, but then the horrible images that had come back to haunt him from the night previous, and the unaccounted block of time he couldn't remember rammed into him, and his eyes widened in sudden horror and fear.

Remus was concerned. Why did Harry look so terrified? Had the Dursleys taught him to fear wizard-kind that much? Well, that was going to stop right here, if he had anything to say about it.

"Harry," he tried, "There's nothing wrong with it. Nothing at all to be ashamed of! Sure, it might take some getting used to, and we live differently, but there are so many wonderful men and women just like us! You should be proud to be a wizard, not scared of it!"

Harry gasped. "A wizard?"

Remus stared at him, feeling somewhat stumped. "Yes. What did you think?"

"Uh, nothing," Harry said quickly, and then his eyes widened again. "A WIZARD? But…that's impossible…I mean, that would mean…I've never met a wizard before, and I don't know any...any magic. How could I be one? I mean, magic doesn't exist, does it?"

Remus looked at him sadly. Instead of responding, he reached to his side and picked up his wand. He smiled faintly at the way Harry's eyes widened in astonishment at it, and Remus quietly said, "Accio chocolate."

Harry gasped, and watched in amazement and fascination as a bar of chocolate FLEW from the next room, through the open door, and soared up to land neatly in Remus's hand.

Grinning at Harry's jaw-dropped expression, Remus held out the chocolate bar to him and said, somewhat cheekily, "What were you saying about there being no such thing as magic?"

Harry was speechless, and for the next minute, made several failed attempts at speech, ending in him making strikingly fish-like motions with his mouth. "W-wow…" he finally let out. "But Mr. Lupin-"

"Remus, Harry. Please."

"Oh, okay," Harry said, blushing. "Er, Remus…you mean…I can do that?"

Remus chuckled and flattened a particularly stubborn poof of Harry's hair. "You'll have to be trained up, of course. That's what Hogwarts is for. But you will, Harry. Absolutely…if you want proof…has anything ever happened, when you were scared or angry, that you couldn't quite explain? Odd occurrences?"

When Harry didn't deny it, Remus's eyes twinkled, and then he pushed the bar of chocolate he'd summoned into the boy's hands. "Oh, and you should have a bit of this, Harry. It should help. I promise it is one hundred percent safe, honest-to-goodness dark chocolate."

Eyes still looking like small green full moons, Harry hesitantly took the chocolate, jumping slightly as he felt the very solid weight in his hands. He looked at Remus in shock. "This is just…wow."

Remus chuckled and ruffled Harry's hair. "And there's a good deal more where that came from, little one. But eat a piece of that before we continue."

Harry nodded obediently and bit into a piece of the chocolate. It was delicious-somehow it tasted better than any chocolate he'd tasted before, though, honestly, that shouldn't have surprised him, he realized. After all, the Dursleys had certainly never given him chocolate. He'd only ever been able to swipe some that Dudley had misplaced somewhere or forgotten to throw away-rare occurrences indeed, needless to say. Dudley loved little more than sweets.

But he was certain Dudley wouldn't have been overly fond of this somewhat bitter, but so incredibly delicious dark chocolate. He felt energy and optimism flood his system, and he grinned at Remus. "Thank you. Thank you so much, Remus, I-"

Remus waved one hand lightly in a modest motion. "No need to thank me, cub. I haven't done much of anything, and I really am glad to see you. More than you know. I must say, though…I'm a little concerned about why you don't know any of this, Harry. What have your aunt and uncle… and I'm sorry if this is a painful subject, but…they've clearly been keeping things from you. And, I get the feeling they've been mistreating you for years, Harry. And if that's the case, I'd like you to tell me, if you can. That just…can't be allowed to continue."

Harry's throat suddenly felt incredibly dry. "I-I…I mean…they…"

But it was clear enough already. Remus took a deep, steadying sigh, and pulled Harry into him. "I'm never going to let them hurt you that way again, cub. And next year you'll get to go away to Hogwarts and will only see them occasionally. I'm so sorry, Harry…I wish I'd been there for you."

Harry didn't know what to say. What exactly did he mean? From the way he was speaking, it was almost as if he wanted him. And wanted him away from the Dursleys…or wanted to protect him. But that was too much to hope for. Wasn't it? How could someone want to do that for him? It was just so…

"R-Remus? Why would you…do that for me?"

Remus leaned down and ran his thumbs over Harry's cheeks. "Because, Harry, I love you. James and Lily were the closest I had to family, and I knew you when you were so incredibly tiny. You're my family, now, cub."

Harry's heart was clenching constantly, and he felt as if a floodgate of happy tears was on the verge of breaking. It was all too unbelievable. Someone loved him? Him? Harry? How many nights had he wished for this? To meet someone who could be for him the kind of family he'd always dreamed he could have. He was so used to the way Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon looked at Dudley, and it no longer hurt him as much as it used to the way they would never look at him that way. But that didn't make it any less a deep-seeded dream. A family! And Remus just sounded so...sincere! Could he really dare to hope?

These thoughts continued to spin through Harry's head, and he found himself unable to suppress a smile, but then something niggled at his brain which brought back his earlier unspoken fears in full.

"Remus?" He asked softly. "W-why do you call me cub?"

At this, Remus felt his heart run cold. He swallowed, and began to nervously stroke his hand through Harry's hair. He could lie about it, try to protect him from it, but what good would it do? No matter how Remus wanted it, the transformations would continue to happen each month…for the rest of their lives. There would be no period of relief, or postponement. It was better to get it over with-the knowledge, at least.

Gulping at the penetrating look Harry was giving him with his bright eyes, flecks of gold dotting brilliant green, Remus steeled himself and said, gently, "Harry, this isn't going to be…easy to hear, but I promise you, no matter what…you are not alone. Do you understand me? You'll never be alone again," he ended this in a whisper.

Harry's eyes widened, and a spasm of slight fear passed his eyes as he registered Remus's nervousness. With an encouraging smile, Remus gathered Harry more fully onto his lap, but let him face away in case he didn't feel like making eye contact during this explanation.

"Harry," he began. "I know last night must have been incredibly confusing, but I'm sure you have some idea of what…happened. I'm sure you have ideas, and guesses, that might scare you. Am I right?"

Slowly, Harry nodded, and shivered a little. Remus wound his arms around Harry's chest from behind. "How about leading up to last night? Have things been different? And…uh, you remember an…attack, right?"

At this, Harry let out an involuntary whimper, and Remus buried his head in the crook of the boy's neck. "Shh, cub, it's okay. I'm here."

Even though the implication of the word bothered him intellectually, in a deeper sort of way, it made him feel incredibly comforted to be called that. It felt like acceptance, pure and simple. Affection and security and understanding. "I-It was," Harry took a deep breath and pushed on. "I was…walking home with my, uh, cousin. And…we heard a…a howl. It…it was a…a…"

"A wolf," Remus supplied, and Harry nodded.

"The wolf was after Dudley and his friend, and I tried to get the wolf's attention, and eventually…he decided to go after me, and…" He gulped, and the squeeze of understanding Remus gave his shoulder let him know he needn't go over the details.

"It was a weird wound, too. It was really bad but it healed over almost instantly. Not totally, though. It still hurts sometimes, when you touch it…the scar, that is, and…"

Suddenly, Remus widened his eyes and lifted Harry's shirt up to get a good look at the sizable bite scar still quite clear and red, standing out on his back. "Oh, cub," he muttered. "I'll fix it."

Something wet brushed him, and Harry shivered at the feeling, but it didn't make him feel bad exactly…it felt comforting, and safe. Part of him knew, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, what Remus was doing for him, and then, suddenly, the tingling wetness left his back, and the dull pain of the wound stopped…and then he felt an odd, but not uncomfortable moving of his skin over and around it. Then, it was gone, and he felt much more whole than he had…

"R-Remus? What did you-?"

"Werewolf saliva contains healing properties," Remus said softly. The venom is only in the teeth, though that venom is only active in the transformed state, and only against non-werewolves."

"W-werewolves?" Harry almost whispered it, his chest heaving…though part of him already knew the answer.

"Werewolves, cub," he confirmed. "I am one, Harry. I have been since I was a little boy…your father and our…other friends…figured it out early on, when we were at school together. They were incredible. To help me, they became animagi-that is, they taught themselves to be able to transform into animals-so that they could keep me company on the full moon."

"I-I see," Harry said softly. "My dad did…?"

"Yes, little one. It makes the hugest difference, having someone with you. You see…werewolves aren't really meant to be solitary creatures. As long as we have someone to…play with, so to speak…to be with…we really aren't so dangerous. Do you…understand?" He asked tentatively.

Harry took a gulping breath, and shook a little. When he spoke, his voice was soft, though he somehow managed to keep some of the shakiness out. "I…so I am too…right, Remus?"

Remus almost felt as if his heart would break all over again at the hopelessly broken, yet remarkably brave tone in Harry's voice. "Yes, dear cub. But that's okay, because I will never let you be alone for this. Do you understand me? I'll take care of you. You'll hardly notice the difference most of the time, and we'll make that one night a month more than bearable. I mean it, Harry. Please try to trust me."

With a shuddering sob, Harry turned around and threw his arms around Remus's neck. Then, finally, he really let it out. Truly cried for the first time in a good, long time, and for the first time he could remember actually doing so in front of someone. "I-I trust you, Remi," he managed through his sobs, and Remus gripped him closer, again running a hand up and down his back before lightly kissing his messy mop of hair.

"There's nothing to be scared of, Harry."

"But," Harry began. "But I can…remember…I-I took a rabbit and I…" he shuddered again, and Remus pulled him even closer.

"It's okay, cub. Don't worry. It isn't your fault. I know how to deal with this, you know. I have a good deal more experience than you do. Just remember. You are still you, no matter what, okay? You're a precious person, do you hear me? Don't ever doubt that."

"R-Remus," he said again, as if the name would fight off bad karma, or the impossible truth he had just told him…or both.

"Shh, cub. Shush, Harry. It's okay, now. You're safe. I'm with you now, as long as you want me to be."

Harry nodded weakly, his tears still running down his cheeks, though his sobs had quieted. He suddenly felt exhausted, and Remus, seemingly perfectly in tune with what he needed, gently and expertly tucked him back in under the sheets, settling him with his head on the pillow.

Lounging down beside him, Remus began to stroke Harry's cheek, smiling at him.

"Remus," Harry said softly. "Is it…bad to be a werewolf?" He felt somewhat absurd asking it, but he needed to know. In the short time he'd known Remus, he had begun to value his opinion over that of anyone he could remember meeting before now.

Remus looked at him seriously for a long while. Then he began, slowly and carefully, "I'm not going to lie to you, Harry. To do so wouldn't benefit you, and I think you need to hear the truth. Honestly, a good deal of the wizarding world doesn't look on us too kindly. And from the way you've been reacting to this news, I can guess the muggle world isn't so fond of us, either."

Harry grimaced slightly at this, but managed to shove it back down and looked back at Remus, pleading with him to continue. Remus nodded. "It isn't particularly common, either. Werewolf attacks are rare…and most of us take precautions to make sure we stay safely away from people during the full moon." He sighed again. "There is one wolf, however, who is particularly vicious, and who gives all of us a bad name. He's the one who turned me," he added softly, and Harry gripped Remus' hand in his own. The older werewolf smiled at him warmly.

"But among those who are not blinded by prejudice…no, there is nothing wrong with us. Sure, we have to grit our teeth and bear the injustices and shoulder the unfair prejudice, but there are still plenty, and more every day, of wizards who see us for who we are-people."

Harry nodded in understanding, though his face was quite clearly full of apprehension. But then Remus leaned closer, and gently stroked Harry's face and hair and said, after a brief pause, "And to me, cub…" He sighed. "I'm not happy this happened to you. I was horrified, and pained when I saw this had happened to you…you've suffered enough, and it's about time things started getting easier for you…and being a werewolf comes with a lot of inconveniences, and I wish, more than almost anything, that you didn't have to face them."

Harry stared back at him, eyes wide and unblinking, and Remus said softly, "But cub, you won't face them alone. And to be honest, selfishly, I am…" He gritted his teeth, and felt almost sick, admitting it to himself, and to Harry this way, "I'm not alone anymore, Harry. To me, you are so precious, and…not only on a human level…but Moony…my wolf side, I mean…" Remus blushed despite himself, a little, at referring to his alter ego this way,

"He's kind of adopted you, cub… Selfishly, neither of us would have you any other way than as you are right now…of course, that isn't to say I don't wish you hadn't had this happen, but…" He knew he was babbling, but needed to finish off what he'd begun, "But now that you are, I hope you understand that I love you, not just the human side of you, but the wolf in you too. There isn't anything to be ashamed of. Don't be so scared of him-the wolf in you, that is. He's part of you, and he isn't always wrong, either. Sometimes, he knows what to do more than our more rational human sides do…"

Harry considered this for a minute, and then, with a slight smile, said softly, "Well, I definitely didn't mind the look he helped me put on Aunt Petunia's face…or the meal I got from it," he added.

Remus raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? I think I'd like to hear more about that! But for now…I think someone needs a little more sleep. I'll make sure to get us something good for lunch when you feel up for it, okay?"

Harry smiled at him. "That sounds…great. Thank you, Remus, I…I can't even begin to…"

"Stop it, Harry. You can tell, can't you? I love having you around, cub. There's nothing else for it. You don't need to constantly thank me for enjoying your company. That's something any reasonable person should feel gratified to do. Not the other way around…so please…go to sleep, now…"

And leaning down, he gently kissed Harry's cheek. When he heard a little purr-like growl pick up from the boy, however, Moony had to make an appearance, and, growling right back, gave him a little reassuring love-bite on the collarbone before licking him. A hesitant, but endlessly sweet feeling indicated that Harry, or his wolf, had decided to respond with a return lick of his own.

Pulling back, Remus looked at Harry somewhat sheepishly. "Sorry about that cub. I'll…try to reign that in if it bothers you, but Moony, well…he likes you. Almost as much as I like you," he added.

In response, however, Harry laughed. And the sound was so carefree and light, Remus thought he had to be mishearing him. "Tell Uncle Moony I like him too."

"Uncle Moony?" Remus blinked, looking quite bemused, and Harry laughed again.

"Does that bother him?"

"Uh, no. It…thrills him, actually…he kind of wants to nibble on you again."

Harry smiled widely. "Maybe…maybe you're right, Remus. Maybe this won't be so bad if we're…well…"

"We'll be together, cub. I swear it," Remus said seriously, and bent down to swiftly place another swift kiss on Harry's forehead before moving gently off the bed.

"Oh, Remus?"

"Mm?"

"What are muggles?"

Remus blinked and him, and then laughed. "Muggles? Aw, yes, you still have a lot to learn, don't you, cub?"

He smiled at the pout this put on Harry's face, and he gently ruffled his hair. "Muggles are non-magic people. The residents of the world that knows nothing about us. Your aunt and uncle just seem to be a rather, er…extreme example."

Harry chuckled lightly at this, and Remus smiled. "Now go to sleep, cub. I'll be passing in and out, but I won't be far. Don't hesitate at all if you need me. I'm going to go see about our lunch, okay?"

Harry yawned and nodded sleepily. "Okay, Remi."

Remus's light chuckle was the last thing Harry could consciously register before he shut off to the outside world, and slammed back into his secure world of thoughts and fantasies.

Harry was surprised by how comfortable he felt around Remus. And he knew that, while a good deal of it had to do with the fact that Remus was just so…good to him (and the fact that he knew his parents certainly helped), that there was the added element of their werewolf condition.

While it terrified him in theory, knowing that someone as wonderful as Remus was one too just made it so much more bearable. And in light of the incredible discovery about him being a wizard, soon to leave the closed and restrictive world of the Dursleys, and gaining a friend like Remus who, though not his dad, felt to him like the next best thing…the whole werewolf thing just didn't seem as life destroying as he was sure it would have seemed otherwise.

But he'd have to sleep on it. Maybe he'd feel differently later, but he'd deal with that when it came.

Thanks for reading! I really hope you're enjoying it so far! Please remember to review!

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tess4aria