Chapter 4

Fred's funeral was like none other. The only tears that were shed were those of joy. George knew that his twin wouldn't want people to be sad rather to have a great time and remember the good times. Even pranks were played by his own brother during the service much to the amusement of Harry.

The young wizard though didn't miss the sadness in Molly's eyes, but knew she would be fine with her family around her. Family meant a lot to her and Arthur that is why they had such a big family not caring about the money.

It was standing room only for the funeral. Even though Fred's wasn't the only funeral that day. Hundreds turned up at the Burrow to celebrate their friend's life. Tomorrow was Remus' funeral and only those close to him were going to come. Harry wished people got to know the werewolf for who he was and not what he was. He was the kindest gentlest man, Harry had the pleasure of knowing and looked to him for advice on everything. Out of everyone he would be the one he missed the most. Harry pressed his godson closer to his chest thankful he had something of the man he had come to think of as another father figure.

"We need to leave soon." Poppy said kindly.

"I'll just go change and say my goodbyes." Harry said handing over Teddy.

Poppy took the youngster in her arms and began to coo gently at him. Harry sort out his two best friends and hugged them both. Harry was going to go to Collin Creevy's funeral which was going to be held in Doncaster where his muggle parents lived. Hermione offered to go with him, but Harry knew as much as she wanted to she needed to be here for Ron and his family. With promises of seeing them tomorrow he went to hugged the rest of the family with assurances that he would be fine staying at Hogwarts.

Severus walked out of the Burrow seeking Harry. Already changed into his muggle suit the headmaster didn't feel as comfortable as he liked but knew he couldn't very well turn up at Collin's service in his normal robes. Even though his parents knew about the wizarding world none of the muggles attending did. Charlie gave his friend a wolf whistle and a wink, the suit he wore was old fashioned but still fitted the man to perfection showing of his tall lean body. He had tied his normally lose hair back in a short ponytail showing his high cheekbones. Charlie didn't understand why the man hid his natural look so much.

Tugging on his cuffs Severus fiddled with his tie. As Headmaster he was going to represent the school. Poppy was going to stay in the background with Teddy so that Harry nor the headmaster needed to worry if he began to fuss.

"Do hurry, Potter." Severus sighed as Harry came tripping down the stairs his shirt untucked and his hair it's usual disarray style.

Like a mother hen, Molly started fussing over the young wizard and pulled him into another hug having given up on his hair. Not even the most powerful spell could do anything with the mop of black hair.

"Now remember we will see you tomorrow." Arthur said patting the young wizard on the shoulder.

Harry nodded and went to take his godson off Poppy who had joined them. It would be the first time that Teddy would be doing a sidelong apparition. Something that they would normally avoid however they were going to be too far from any floo system to be able to do it. Severus would be holding Teddy as he was the most powerful wizard between the three. Harry had his license but hated doing it.

The trio walked out of the Burrow wards before Harry handed over Teddy to Severus. Agreeing on a meeting point Harry and Poppy watched as the headmaster disappeared. Seconds later the pair to disappeared from sight. Arriving in a dirty barren alleyway Poppy took the young child and conjured up a pram before placing the sleeping baby into it. It would seem Teddy had no problems with apparating, but it was still something Harry wouldn't trust himself to do with his godson yet.

Severus pulled out two reeves from his suit pocket and enlarged them handing one to Harry and holding the larger one for himself. They set out to the church where the funeral was being held. It was an open coffin since Collin had died by way of an unforgivable showing no bodily signs of injury. The headmaster stood and spoke of a lively intelligent young man he had gotten to know over the five years and considered him one of his more talented students.

After his rather brief but kind speech Severus went to the coffin and slipped in something that nobody else would see. Collin's wand that had been found next to his body. Being muggle born meant that it couldn't be seen by anyone other than witches or wizards. When the headmaster resumed his seat he gently took Harry's hand in his and patted it leaving it there for the rest of the service. Giving the young wizard strength to get through the rest of the service without once again losing it. Not staying for the wake the trio left by foot heading to a small pub to celebrate their fallen friends.

"What you said about Collin was kind." Harry said taking a sip of his beer.

"All true. He had a bright future ahead of him if he so wished to go on with potions I would have sort him out an apprenticeship. Even if he was a gryffindor." Snape sighed. "Have you thought of your future Potter?"

"Not yet. I wasn't expecting to live this long to be honest. Now I have Teddy I guess I need to think more about it. Sadly money doesn't grow on trees and without my NEWTS I doubt even I will be able to get a job in the wizarding world."

"Why do you think you need a job Harry? With being the heir of two pureblood families your vaults must be overflowing." Poppy said sipping her orange juice.

"My vault at Gringotts is all but empty it was enough for my schooling."

"Perhaps we need to go speak to the goblins." Severus said looking at his pocket watch. "If we go now we will make it back to Hogwarts for dinner."

"Madam Pomfrey can you take Teddy back. I don't want him there."

"Of course Harry." Poppy quickly finished her drink while Severus went to wait outside for the Knight Bus to save the medi-witch to apparate back.

While the headmaster was out of earshot Harry spoke. "Is everything ready?"

"Yes child."

Severus returned before Harry could reply. Right now he was going to hopefully secure his and Teddy's future.

Harry stared at the large files put in front of him. He was to come into his full inheritance when he turned twenty which was almost unheard of in the wizarding world as seventeen was when you were considered an adult. However he was to be given an allowance until he then which was more than enough to support him and Teddy comfortably. The day he turned twenty however he was going to be an extremely rich man. The gold alone was worth 4.6 billion pounds. Poppy wasn't joking when she said his vaults must be over flowing.

Signing the required paperwork Harry felt lighter than he had since the end of the war. Walking out the office he bumped into Draco Malfoy who looked as though he hadn't slept in weeks. Perhaps he hadn't. His parents were both arrested for siding with Voldemort and were awaiting their trials. Neither man said a word but politely nodded to one another as they passed. Harry had put in a good world for Narcissa whom had all but saved his life giving him the chance to defeat the evil monster that had everyone fearing for their lives.

Having secured a muggle credit card and enough cash to get himself set up in the muggle world he went to seek Severus. Harry searched the main area looking for the headmaster. Spotting him leaning against a pillar looking totally bored he made his way over. Severus quickly looked up and nodded to Harry without a word and walked out the bank. Suddenly they were surrounded by wizards and witches all wanting to talk to the young hero.

"Get me out of here." Harry whispered grabbing hold of Snape's arm.

Suddenly a powerful shield surrounded them and they were easily able to get through the crowds. Severus mumbling profanities under his breath. Getting out of Diagon Alley they made their way onto the streets of London. No sooner were they free did Snape apparated Harry still clutching onto the headmaster.

Harry packed his few belongings in his backpack. Poppy had assured him that everything that Teddy needed would be waiting for him at his new lodgings. The medi-witch promised to keep in contact but for the first month thought it wise that Harry had no contact with anyone magical in case people were following her. She wasn't going to the funeral for Remus and other than the Weasley's including Hermione and a few of the werewolf packs that survived the war no one else was going today. Harry hugged the medi-witch while placing a kiss on her soft wrinkled cheek.

It was planned after the funeral friends would toast Remus at the local in Godric's Hollow before going their separate ways. The Weasley's and Snape believed that Harry for the meantime was going to stay in the little village for a few days before heading back to the Burrow to stay until he figured out what he was going to do. Molly still had high hopes that Harry would go back and finish his education leaving young Teddy in her care.

Teddy was dressed in his best baby robes his tuft of hair its natural mousey brown like Remus'. His little button nose and his eyes were that of his mother. Harry couldn't help but smile at his adorable godson. Laying in his cot his arms up above his head looking like he had been shot. He hated being swaddled unless he was pressed against someone's body namely Severus'. During the previous night no matter how much he tried Harry couldn't get the young boy to sleep after his feed and nappy change. Twenty minutes later it was the headmaster coming from his own rooms his hair ruffled from his sleep his eyes half closed took the youngster in his arms and rocked him before he finally drifted back to sleep pressed against his chest.

Without a word Snape placed the child in his cot once more and went back to bed waving his hands to snuff out the few candles that had been lit.

"Potter?" Harry snapped out of his musing and turned to the headmaster as he came out of his rooms himself dressed in his formal robes.

"Sir. Would you like some tea? We have time before we need to leave."

Nodding the headmaster called one of the many house elves to bring them tea and cake. They sat in silence for a few minutes until Harry broke the comfortable silence.

"How long do you think it would take to get Hogwarts open again sir?"

"With the ministry's held we'll be up and running for the most part by the beginning of the school year. The goblins have assured us they are willing to help with the actual build that we can't do ourselves. Charlie and Bill are going to be helping Professor Flitwick with reestablishing the wards around the school."

"That's great." Harry said thinking of all his friends that would never return having lost their lives during the war. The usual lump in his throat was swallowed down by the sweet tea he was sipping.

"I noted your name is not on the books. I take it you won't be returning to finish your education."

"No. Hogwarts will always be my home, but I won't be returning."

Severus put his cup down and stood going to the crib and brushing his fingers through Teddy's hair. "Hogwart's doors are always open to you Harry."

Harry's eyes widened. It was the first time the headmaster had ever called him by his first name. Something deep inside his stomach curled in delight. He hadn't noticed that Snape had returned to his side. In his hand was a sealed letter which he handed to Harry.

"If you ever need me open it. Come we will be late."

Harry stared at the letter for a few minutes only placing in his robe pocket when Severus gave a small cough by the fire. They were going to floo to Godric's Hollow which was magical giving them access to a floo at the local tavan much like the Leaky Cauldron.

Everyone stood at the grave Remus' coffin levitating slightly off the ground. Harry was shocked and honored when he saw Kingsley stand to the side ready to preside over the service. He had promised the young wizard that he would help the werewolves that were given equal rights as any other wizard. Even though Remus wouldn't get to see the changes personally he knew he would be proud of his friends.

Harry was hugged by all the friends and shook a few hands of those that he didn't know personally, but were on the light side thanks to Remus. The gathering was no more than twenty mostly consisting of the Weasley's all of whom knew the great man that Remus had been and weren't there to just support Harry.

As the coffin was being lowered to the ground the werewolves howled in mourning for the friend. Harry was handed a vile and he opened it up and poured the wolfbane on top of the coffin before Arthur magicked the dirt in the hole. Everyone talked while they slowly made their way towards the pub. Only Kingsley, Severus and Harry remained.

"He will be truly missed." Kingsley sighed. "I must be going I'm afraid as I have another three funerals to attend today. Take care Harry and come see me soon." Kingsley apparated away.

A tombstone appeared blank. "Would you like to do the honor?"

Harry actually chuckled and shook his head. "You have seen my writing professor. Would you mind doing it?" Severus chuckled lightly and waved his wand.

Remus John (Mooney) Lupin

10 March 1960 - 2 May 1998

Much loved husband, father

and hero

Rest In Peace

A beautiful moving wolf floated around before settling at the base of the grave as though protecting Remus. His patronus was a wolf. Severus nodded happy with his work.

"Come your family and friends will be waiting."

"You go ahead I will meet you there. I just need a few minutes to say my own goodbye." Harry said kneeling on the ground Teddy, asleep in his arms.

As the man moved away Harry turned and watched his retreating figure. His normal billowing robes seemed subdued as though they to were saddened by the loss of a great man. Harry didn't know when or if he would ever see the man he had secretly been in love with for the last two years. At first it was a silly boys school crush. Or so he had thought. Even if the man was mean towards him. He always had a look in his eyes as though it pained him. Sighing he turned back to the grave.

"I promise to take good care of Teddy for you and Tonks, Remus." Harry sniffed. "I miss you so much." The wolf on the gravestone looked up at him and he nodded slightly acknowledging it would seem Harry's words. "I promise when it's time Teddy will go to Hogwarts. I'll never let him forget you or Tonks."

The first drops of rain began to fall. Getting up off his knees Harry made his way towards the gates only briefly looking towards his own parents graves. All the marauders were together again. Gently placing Teddy under his robes to keep him dry Harry headed down the road away from his awaiting friends.

Hiding in the shadows a man watched from afar, letting the tears fall silently. "Stay safe my love."

TBC