The Traveler

Written by: HoshiHikari

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. All characters belong to J.K. Rowling.

Summary: Having spent a decade of his life living in multiple alternate universes, Harry finally returns Home only to discover that Home isn't at all how he remembers it to be. Did he make the right decision to return to his friends who desperately needs him to end the war? Did he make the right decision to sacrifice the perfect life he had built with his family of another world? Harry ponders the answer to both these questions as he continues to search for a place call Home and people to call family.

Warning: This is slash! Set after HBP and will contain spoilers from all seven books.

Pairing: Harry/Remus Slash!

Chapter 3

Time flew by quickly. After Remus had been revived, he immediately led the Order to the broken portal. Hermione and Bill set to work deciphering the ancient ruins encrypted on the portal in hopes of finding a way to fix it. The others began making plans to distract the Dark Order from their discovery. Seeing that Neville had become the overseer of both projects, Remus had retreated into the shadows. No one seemed to mind at first and respected the werewolf's distance for they could not possibly phantom the extent that Remus had been hit with by the recent revelations, but soon grew extremely worried when Lupin was just as unresponsive to his surroundings as he had been 2 months prior when Harry had first returned and given his birth world hope.

"How's the project progressing?" Remus asked the moment he sat down for dinner. It was his daily customary question to keep himself updated even though progress was being made at a snails pace. This was also one of the few occasions members of the Order saw their leader.

"No progress further then what we have been given." Bill replied miserably. "and that is one broken portal and 2 bracelets. I know it's not much, but considering that we now have the compactly to travel beyond our own world and into another, I believe that that is progress already."

"What about the ruins?" Remus pressed on. "Surely they must help."

Hermione shook her head sideways, indicating a no. Remus gave a frustrated sigh, raising his hands and then slapping them down in frustration.

"Perhaps if you offered some of your knowledge, progress might be made." Charlie interrupted coldly. He hadn't been pleased when Remus had retreated into his little corner after making everyone else do the work. "May I remind you that the Order is doing you a favor. We could care less about what happens to Potter. He's done too much damage even if the Potter you claim to be searching for isn't the Potter that has become the Dark Lord."

"I know and I am grateful for your support. It's just that this is so frustrating." Remus wisely choose to ignore Charlie's remarks, biting back a retort that he knew would not help the situation.

"We know that." Luna replied gently. "It would be wonderful to have Harry back. On the off chance that we are unable to bring him back, Harry has already given us hope and again has sparked life within us. I mean when was the last time the Order had devoted ourselves so deeply to a task. He has already given us more then we can ask for."

"I have to bring him back." Remus sighed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just have to."

The Order glanced at each other, sharing the same thought voiced by the werewolf. It was heart wrenching to watch Remus so distraught and fragile, and therefore they truly hoped to succeed not just for the benefit of the world but for the sake of the gentle and kind hearted werewolf.

It was in this way that a year flew by, quickly followed by a second one. After Charlie's initial objection to Remus' laziness, the werewolf had pulled himself together and offered his assistance to the projects. He still distant himself from the others, but since he was helping, no one could complain. It was in this manner that late afternoon on a sunny day in mid-May of the third year, that the Order found themselves standing around the portal to bid farewell and good luck to their leader.

"Are you sure about this?" Neville asked again, eying his ex-Defense professor wearily.

"Of course." Remus replied, determination shining through his voice. He reached out and patted Neville on his shoulder. "However in the event that I am unable to return due to unforeseen circumstances," here Remus caught Neville's eyes. "I am naming you, Neville Longbottom, as the new leader to the Order of the Phoenix." From the murmurs from the rest of those who were gathered, he could tell that they were all in agreement with his new appointment. Satisfied, Remus left Neville so that he could bid farewell to the others.

"Professor, do you realize what tonight is?" Luna asked when he had come over to say his goodbyes. She watched as his eyes darkened and she knew at once that he had not forgotten. "Then perhaps would it not be best to leave tomorrow instead?" She suggested softly.

"It is because of tonight that I must leave now. I will not let my cub suffer alone." He unconsciously let out a growl which caused the witch to step back and stare at him. It wasn't the first time that the others had heard him refer to Matthew as his own despite never meeting him.

"Very well," Luna replied. "If you think that is the best then that is the best."

"Thank you Luna," Remus answered before turning once more the thank everyone else.

"Oh come on Remus," Ron interrupted. "It's not like you won't ever see us again." He then flashed a smile to the older man who returned it with a smile of his own.

"Hush Ron!" Hermione playfully smacked her husband. "He has just as much rights as you do to say goodbye for however long he wants. Besides he's not like you who says goodbye to me whenever I walk into another room!"

Remus watched as Ron turned into a tomato as laughter broke out all around him. They all knew that because of the war there was a high chance that someone would die at any time, but Ron had taken his concern too far in a way that it annoyed Hermione and amused everyone else. Remus took one last look at his happy companions before turning and stepping through the portal leaving the laugher behind.

May 17 was a big day for Matthew Ryan Potter-Lupin. He woke up early and dressed as fast as his little arms and legs would allow him to before bouncing off for breakfast. When he entered, he saw his Daddy reading the Prophet while drinking a cup of coffee. In front of him was a plate of pancakes , eggs and bacon in which his Daddy poked his fork into. Next to that plate was another but only in a smaller portion.

"My favorite!" Matthew squealed happily as he clambered onto the seat next to her daddy.

"I know." Harry replied, placing down his paper before reaching out to ruffle his son's hair. "Happy Birthday."

"Thanks," Matt replied, taking his fork and digging it into his eggs. "Where's Daddy?" he asked a moment later when he realized his other dad was not here.

"Remus went off to collect your present at Diagon Alley. He said he'll be back in the afternoon."

"Oh? Did he forget again Daddy?"

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Of course not, when has he ever forgotten? I'm sure he's just making sure dad and Sirius don't give you anything inappropriate. The meteor rain 527 from last year was highly inappropriate for a 6 year old child"

"That was only a broomstick and broomsticks can't cause harm. Besides I'm 7 now and you said I can start riding when I turn 7."

"and so I did." Harry rubbed his chin. "but that doesn't make it an appropriate gift. No, you cannot ride it today."

Matthew pouted at that and so Harry responded by ruffling his son's hair again.

Remus Lupin took a cautious step forward and then another and another until he was finally standing on dirt and not the portal's platform. He stood still as he looked around, sniffing and listening intently to his surroundings. Although he knew where he was, he had to remind himself that this was not really the place that he knew, but a place that was all too similar. Not knowing where Harry was and merely having a vague idea, Remus quickly headed towards his destination in hopes that the sooner he find Harry, the sooner that they could return. When he arrived at his cabin that was on the outskirts of the forest, his nose confirmed that Harry was indeed here. Gathering his courage as he was sure he would need it now, Remus stepped up to the door and knocked. He waited about a second before the door flew open and he found himself hugged around his legs.

"Daddy!" The voice of the child in his arms exclaimed happily. Remus' heart ached at the word, even though he wasn't sure if the child was calling him daddy or if he was calling for someone else. "Daddy!" The child cried again, and this time Remus was sure that the first daddy was directed to him and the second one was directed to someone else. A pair of footsteps and then the appearance of Harry at the entry way to another room, confirmed his suspicion. The two adults stared at each other for a long time, Remus noting the calculating look upon Harry's face and he frowned in confusion as to what might cause that.

"Where's my present?" Matthew asked eagerly, his voice cutting into the tense silence that had formed between the adults. He seemed oblivious of the situation even as he pulled away from Remus and then stomped his foot impatiently. It was only then in the midst of his foot stomping that he realized something. He covered his mouth and cried out in horror. The man before him was literally covered in scars and looked much older then the daddy who had tucked him in last night.

"So many scars!" the young boy exclaimed, unable to hide his terror. Remus clearly filched at those words. The werewolf tore his gaze from Harry, but not before seeing something flash in Harry's eyes before it again softened.

"Daddy what happened? Why are you hurt? Are you okay?" Matthew asked again, seemingly able to quench his own terror in hopes of finding the problem. This time Remus gaze questioningly at Harry, confused as to why the child would ask such a thing. There was no way that Matt could not know he was a werewolf, when he was sure the other Remus would have pass on the genes when he decided to bear children.

"Matthew," Harry said at last, drawing attention to himself. "Why don't you go upstairs and pack for the weekend. Since today is Friday, I'll allow you to sleep over at Grandpa's place. I'll pick you up on Monday."

"Why? What about my birthday party?" Matthew whined, completely bewildered as to the change of plans. He ran up to Harry and tugged at his pants.

"You may have it either at Godric Hollow or at Grimmuald Place. However neither of us will attend." Harry kneeled down on his knees so that he was eye level with his son. "I'm very sorry Matthew. We are very sorry and we promise to make it up to you."

"but for now, I hope this will do." Remus added. He took out a small box from his pocket before enlarging it with his wand. Matthew went up to the werewolf and happily took his present. Remus noted from the corner of his eyes that Harry was staring at him, surprised. When he turned fully to look at the younger man, Harry gave him a grateful smile.

"Now away with you." Remus continued, again addressing Matt. Matt gave a 'fine' before running up the stairs to his bedroom.

"I'll go inform Dad of the changes." Harry said to Remus once he was sure Matt was out of hearing distance. He watched with amusement as Remus' eyes widened.

"James?" Remus gasped, clearly thinking that he had misheard. Harry only gave him a small smile before turning away.

"I'll be right back. Please make yourself at home Professor."

Remus stared at Harry's retreating back, his mind trying to process all the information that he had just received. Finally deciding that he was unable to do so alone, he decided to walk around the room where there were many photos of Harry, Matt and the Remus of this world. He studied each of them, noting how happy they all were. Now as he saw more and more photos of the other Remus, Lupin couldn't help but realize that the man in the photo was younger and lacked scars.

"Why are you here Professor?" Harry's voice laced with ice and to Remus' surprise, anger startled him from his thoughts. Quickly he turned around to face the other man. The façade of a loving father had been dropped immediately to be replace by the face of the man whom Remus had seen the moment he entered the cabin but had been quenched down.

"To bring you home. I'm sorry Harry for never believing in you. I'm sorry for all those horrible things I've said. I'm sorry for everything. Just please come home with me."

"I'm not going anywhere, this is my home." Harry snapped back, his temper flaring. Remus watched wearily, knowing better then to upset the other even more. He also knew that he had to keep his own temper in check because of tonight.

"Where's Matt? You don't want to upset him on his birthday by seeing his parents fighting."

"He is none of your concern. Besides, what he doesn't know about won't kill him. Sirius is already babying him since James doesn't seem to be at home."

"Sirius and James? Padfoot and Prongs are alive?" Remus asked weakly, collapsing onto the ground as the last of his strength left him. Harry seemed to have noticed and had calmed down dramatically. When he spoke again, he didn't sound angry.

"There are others who are alive." Harry added. "but I think that that is the most you should know right now considering that I doubt you can take any more shock from any additional information." Harry then continued when Remus didn't reply. "I don't want to leave because I have everything here. People who have ceased to exist are here, a war that rages on in another world isn't raging on here. If you really cared then you wouldn't have come because you would have realized I would have wanted to have my son grow up here then there. I want the best that I can offer to Matt and the best is here. Besides if you really cared about Matt as you seem to since you remembered it was his birthday, despite having mentioned in three years prior, then you wouldn't have come because you would have known that to exist here you must first replaced his father. Do you understand now why I destroyed the portal before I left? Do you understand now why I will not return? Have you any idea what you've done?"

Remus stared at Harry finally beginning to understand his anger. "Oh Merlin! What have I done? You must really hate me."

"I'm furious at you Professor for destroying what I've painstakingly built, but I don't hate you. I can never hate you. I understand where you come from and I respect you trying, but please understand why I cannot accept your request. I'm sorry."

Slowly Remus rose to his feet and headed for the door. He understood Harry's reluctance and knew that if he was Harry, he too would not want to leave. There was no way he would try to convince Harry otherwise and so the only thing for him to do was to leave. He had a war to fight for, he had a war to win. He had friends and family he needed to return to. If Harry wanted to abandon that life, he was all the more welcome to, but Remus knew it was best for himself to return to it. He had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Besides if he stayed here and met the so called dead, he knew he too might be tempted to stay. He was needed in his own world and it was best for everyone if he did not abandon it. Besides he had done enough damage by taking away Matt's father and knowing that he would never be able to replace him, even if he tried.

A hand snaked out and grabbed his wrist, holding him with a firm grip. Remus turned to look back at Harry.

"Stay tonight."

Remus shook his head. "I can't Harry because tonight is…"

"full moon. Yes, I know." Harry let out a mischievous smile.

"I'm dangerous. You shouldn't even been here right now." Remus said, trying to loosen himself form the other's grip but was unable to do so. He growled and bared his teeth threatening the other to let go. Harry stared at him once before lowering his gaze and tilted his head sideways in a form of submission. Even as he did this he did not release his grip and instead tightened it.

"Professor, I know you better then that. Your display of dominance isn't necessary although I do warn you not to display it in front of the others. As far as I know no one here is accustomed to dealing with..."

Remus growled again at the younger man. "You should be with Matt. It is his birthday." He ground out, choosing to ignore Harry's statement. He pulled his arm again, and this time Harry released him. "Go back to him."

"I will see him on Monday. We have much to discuss until then." Harry paused to think thoughtfully. "Even if there is nothing to discuss and you really wish to leave then leave tomorrow. You will spend tonight with me." Having said that, Harry transformed into his secret which was a dark gray wolf. This too seemed to have taken Remus by surprise and he turned fully around to stare at the magnificent green eyed creature. Cautiously he reached out his hand and the gray wolf stepped up to lick it. Remus pulled his hand away and then began petting the wolf. The wolf gave a sigh of contentment before changing back to Harry.

"Please" Harry asked again. "Professor"

"Harry, I'm sorry. You have no idea what this means to me but I cannot allow you. If I let Moony be acquainted with you then he'll be shattered next full moon when he's alone again. Moony's accustomed to being alone now, he has been for years."

"Then don't leave. Stay with me please." Harry sounded as if he was pleading. He then leaned forward, stood on his tiptoes and gave the taller man a kiss. He was disappointed when Remus turned his head to break off the kiss. Harry took a step back and looked worriedly at the werewolf. He was relieved to find that Remus didn't look disgusted and was surprised when something akin to desire and curiosity was seen flashing through the taller man's eyes.

"I will stay for tonight but I cannot promise anything more."