ANNOUNCEMENT: I am currently looking for a Beta Reader, both to help me proof-reading my story, and to have someone to bounce ideas off of for the future progression of this story and any sequels I may eventually write. If you're interested, please PM me. (This is why the chapter is being posted a little ahead of schedule, as a result, the next chapter will most likely take slightly longer than a month to be published)

Review Answers:

RedBurningDragon: So can Venom in theory use the knowledge from the god brain he ate to learn the language? Unfortunately for Venom, no, the Locust God was already dead when Venom ate its brain, and Venom can't absorb knowledge from dead tissue.

AndyPCJW42: Are the horcruxes still in this story, as I don't think Venom would like to share Harry's head with the horcrux as well somehow? To the first part of the question, yes, the horcruxes will be part of this story. As for the fate of the horcrux in Harry's head, that you're just going to have to wait and see to find out. Venom and Harry have no idea about the Horcrux and what may have happened to it, because the Horcrux is an entirely magical entity and Venom is entirely mundane. He would have no way of detecting it, particularly since it is, or would be, completely dormant. At this point, as in canon, only one person in the entire world knows about Voldemort's horcruxes: Voldemort. Besides, Venom has never bonded to a human before, even if he could detect what may or may-not be in Harry's head, he wouldn't have any way of knowing it was anything out of the ordinary.

Kutsuu Mugen: Where can I get translations of the speech of the Locust God (who I assume is called Ba'al)? To be completely honest, I'm not sure I'll ever give translations for what the Locust God said, none of it was really very important. It wasn't called Ba'al though, although given what I intended that to mean, it would be as good a name as any.

Author's Note: Hello, and welcome to the next chapter of Lethal Injection! I have to say: this chapter is less action-packed than previous ones. It focuses on character development and background instead of Harry kicking the shit out of people as Venom so that, later, Harry can kick the shit out of people, and it can have narrative significance. Seriously though, this stuff is at least as important as the fighting, if not more so. Would you have cried when Dobby died if you had skipped all the parts where his interaction with Harry wasn't action oriented? No! Now, I'm not going to try and claim I'll ever be good enough to get you that emotionally invested in a character, but you will get more out of this story if you read the quiet stuff as well as the action sequences.

Also, anyone who tries to say that they didn't cry when Dobby died? You're a goddamn liar and we all fucking know it, how dare you try to cheapen his sacrifice like that.

Finally, fun fact I learned from a review: Apparently Harry lives in England, not Beirut. No idea what that means, but good to know I suppose. On that note, if you're going to leave a review; I don't mind if it's critical, it's just a lot more helpful if I understand what it's supposed to mean.

Disclaimer: I own neither Venom, nor Harry Potter.

Following Dumbledore's swift departure, there was something of an awkward silence between the two remaining occupants of the well-appointed flat. Both were feeling the awkwardness of being alone with a stranger who was also practically family. Harry attempted to escape the mounting awkwardness by continuing his inspection of Lupin's flat and silently hoping the other man would be the first to break the silence.

The apartment was spacious, with a large sitting room, fully furnished kitchen, and several doors that lead off into other rooms Harry hadn't yet had a chance to explore. The decor was modern, almost industrial, with lots of straight lines and hard angles, and what few paintings decorated the walls were all either cityscapes or people. The sitting room itself contained a single large armchair, set looking out over the city with a small bookcase doubling as a side-table next to it, a comfortable leather sofa facing toward a large brick fireplace, and a glass coffee-table set in front of the sofa.

There were a few magazines scattered across the table, as well as a book that looked to detail an exhibition from the British Museum, but what caught Harry's eye was a small picture in a wooden frame. What made this picture so noteworthy, apart from its frame being the only wooden thing he had yet seen in the apartment, were the occupants. The occupants who were moving.

The picture showed four young men, boys really, laughing together, two with black hair, and two with brown. All four had their arms around each other's shoulders in firm fellowship, although Harry couldn't help but notice that the boy on the far left, one of the brunettes, kept fidgeting and refusing to look at the camera. The fidgeting boy was much shorter than the other three; he had watery-blue eyes and a pointed, almost rat-like, face. Next to him stood what could only be a younger Remus Lupin; his face was less lined, and his amber eyes sparkled with joy, but he had the same brown hair, scars across his face, and thoughtful look as the man Harry currently stood next to.

After the young-Remus came another boy, this one with long wavy black hair that framed an arrogant and aristocratically handsome face. This boy kept winking toward the camera, as if to tell whoever was watching "Yeah, I know I'm good looking, and I know you want me." Despite his obvious arrogance, there was such obvious joy in the boy's features -he so clearly enjoyed standing there laughing with his friends- that Harry couldn't help but like him.

The final boy, however, was the one that really captured Harry's attention: he had untidy raven hair, round glasses, and, if not for the fact that his eyes were a slightly different shape and hazel, he looked exactly like Harry. He also kept glancing to the side, flushing, and then going back to looking toward the camera, almost as if he didn't want to be caught looking. Following his gaze, Harry saw an extremely beautiful redheaded girl, only just visible by the edge of the frame, leaning against a willow tree. She looked back at the boy, occasionally, and her features twisted into an expression of mild-contempt which did nothing to diminish the startling quality of her emerald-green eyes.

"Hagrid took it for us." Lupin said, unexpectedly, making Harry jump. He had been so caught up in his examination of the photograph that he'd almost forgotten the man was there. "At the beginning of our Seventh Year. We wanted something to remind us of our time together in Hogwarts once we had graduated and gone our separate ways." Lupin's hoarse voice carried with it a sadness quite unlike any Harry had ever heard, it made him seem very alone and very tired.

"Who is Hagrid?" Harry asked, still not taking his eyes from the figures in the picture.

"He's the gamekeeper at Hogwarts, and a very nice man. I'm sure he'll want to meet you once you've started school, he was good friends with your parents." The sadness disappeared from Lupin's voice, replaced by the good-natured softness Harry had quickly come to associate with it.

"Who's this, in the corner?" Harry pointed at the redheaded girl in the corner of the picture, "She doesn't seem to think very much of my dad." Lupin chuckled at that.

"That is Lily, Harry, your mother. And no, she didn't think very much of him at first. James, of course, decided he was in love with her the first moment he saw her on the Hogwarts Express, but Lily was less than impressed with certain behaviours he indulged in." The sadness was back in Lupin's voice, but it was tinged now with a hint of nostalgic humour.

"What behaviours?" Harry was eager to learn more about his parents from someone who so obviously knew them well.

"Your father was quite the prankster during his time at Hogwarts, we all were." Remus indicated the laughing boys, "But there was something of a rivalry between us and another boy, particularly your father, and we sometimes went a little farther than was decent." Regret was easily discernible in the man's hoarse voice as he spoke. "Sirius and James could sometimes get carried away in the heat of the moment, and I'm afraid I didn't always do quite as much as I should have to mitigate their impulses."

"So, Mum didn't like Dad because he was a prankster and fought with that other boy?"

"In part, yes, James was also a very talented Quidditch player-" he broke off seeing Harry's perplexed expression and explained: "it's a very popular wizarding sport, think football in the muggle world." Once Harry had nodded his understanding, Lupin picked up where he had left off: "-and that, along with his looks and magical talent, made him quite popular. As can be expected, he developed a rather high opinion of himself as a result." Lupin now had a faint smile and a faraway look in his eyes, clearly lost in the past. "Lily used to say it was a wonder his broom could even get off the ground, given how big his head was. But, eventually, your father matured and toned down the pranking, once he realised it wasn't going to impress your mother like it did the other girls. She agreed to go out with him about two-months after this photo was taken."

"Agreed to go out with him, does that mean he'd asked before?" It felt odd to think that his parents had not initially liked each other, or that his father might've asked his mother out more than once.

Lupin laughed "Oh yes! James asked Lily out more times than I can count, it's a wonder she never hit him with a tongue-tying-jinx he asked so often." By this time, the pair had moved to sit on the leather-sofa, which, Harry was pleased to discover, was as comfortable as it had looked.

"How did you and my dad become friends, Mr. Lupin?" Harry asked.

"Remus, please, Harry. Or Moony, as I said before. In answer to your question, he and Sirius burst, rather loudly, into the corner of the common room where I was sitting and told me I should be having fun rather than hiding my nose in a book. We were friends-for-life." Remus smiled, although it was tinged once more with sadness.

"Who's Sirius?" Harry was surprised to see Remus' face darken at the question, and it took him a long time to answer.

"Sirius Black," he began reluctantly, "was the closest thing your father had to a brother. Fleamont and Euphemia were rather old when they had James, and, although they tried, he never had any siblings. Sirius and James grew up together after meeting on the train, and, after Sirius ran away from home, he even moved in with James. They were inseparable." Remus paused again, looking conflicted: "During the war with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, the man who killed your parents, Sirius… drifted away, from the rest of us."

"What happened to him? Can I meet him?"

"No, Harry." Remus answered sharply, then looked regretful. "I'm afraid that's not possible." Harry couldn't help but notice he failed to answer the question of what had happened to Sirius, but he could tell the older man was uncomfortable with the subject, so he let it drop.

"Which one is he?" He asked instead, indicating the photograph.

"This is Sirius." Remus said, pointing to the handsomely arrogant boy with the wavy black hair.

"And who is this, on the end?" Harry pointed to the small brown-haired boy.

"That," Remus said sadly "is Peter Pettigrew. He idolised Sirius and James but was never quite as gifted. He died, unfortunately, at the end of the war." Seeing the man quickly losing himself in old pain, Harry decided to attempt to distract Lupin with a change of subject.

"Why did you call Voldemort 'He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named,' Remus?" Harry was surprised to see his companion wince at hearing Voldemort's name.

"While he was in power, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named developed the habit of torturing and murdering any who dared to speak his name. It was impossible to know who, among your friends and acquaintances or even passers-by, was in his pocket, and might either report you to their master, or kill you themselves, for saying the name. For years, to speak the name was to doom yourself, and quite possibly your family, to torture and death and, as a result, people quickly came to fear the name almost as much as they feared the man himself. Most are still afraid, even to this day."

Well, that's cheerful. Venom said, making his first foray into the conversation since Dumbledore had left. Harry hadn't quite forgotten his bonded, but the sudden interruption still caused him to jump slightly.

"Is something wrong, Harry?" Remus looked concerned at Harry's odd behaviour.

"No, nothing's wrong. How did you get the nickname 'Moony?' You didn't go around murdering anyone who called you Remus, did you?" Harry was scrambling to try and distract attention from his odd behaviour, but as soon as he said it, he winced at his awful attempt at a joke.

Too soon, Harry, too soon. Venom seemed to take great delight in his host's embarrassing misstep.

Well, if someone hadn't startled me half-out-of-my-wits, I wouldn't be scrambling to try and distract him, would I? Harry thought back accusingly, which only seemed to amuse Venom more.

"Ah, no. I did not." Remus seemed to be torn between trying to smile politely, and just being shocked at Harry's poor taste. "It was your father, actually, who gave me the nickname Moony. We called ourselves the Marauders, Sirius, James, Peter, and I, and we each had a nickname we used when signing our pranks. I was Moony, Sirius was Padfoot, James was Prongs, and Peter was Wormtail." An uncomfortable silence fell after Remus had finished his explanation; the conversation still tainted by Harry's unfortunate improvisation.

Try asking him about your mother, he seems to get lost in the past quite easily. Venom suggested helpfully.

"What about my mother, Moony? What was she like?" Lupin looked extremely pleased that Harry had called him by his nickname, and a happy nostalgia settled easily over his features as he prepared to speak.

"Lily? Lily was amazing. There was no other way to describe her. She was kind, beautiful, devastatingly intelligent, always top in our year, a natural at almost every branch of magic, particularly Charms and Potions, and with a temper fiery enough to burn down a whole forest. She loved you and James more than I would've thought it was possible to love anyone, or anything." Harry couldn't help the moisture that began to collect at the edges of his eyes at finally hearing about the woman who had given birth to him, raised him, and loved him until she died. Venom pretended not to notice.

Once he trusted his voice enough to speak, Harry asked another question that had been bothering him ever since Dumbledore first told him that Lupin had been a friend of his parents: "Why didn't you take me in, after my parents died?" Despite himself, Harry could hear both accusation and vulnerability in his voice.

"I wanted to, Harry." Remus assured him instantly, his eyes shining with passionate sincerity. "But at the time I was out of contact on a mission in the north, by the time I found out anything had happened, it was all already over, and Dumbledore had put you somewhere he refused to tell me." He looked down, somewhat shamefaced, before continuing: "And, truth be told, I wouldn't have been able to take you in, even if I had known where to find you. I was practically destitute, and my condition meant I would've had to find somewhere for you to stay once a month. The end of the war robbed me of the only friends I had, I had no one I could've asked to help me take care of you, and I couldn't have paid to keep you fed, or clothed, or sheltered even if I did."

The raw emotion in his tone was almost painful to hear, his inability to help Harry and the loss of his friends both remained very raw wounds. "That's why I began my career as a bounty hunter, actually." Remus indicated his flat with a wave of his hand: "so I would be able to afford to take care of you if I was ever able to convince Dumbledore to let me take you in. I also managed to make some new friends, eventually, who agreed to look after you during the times when my condition prevents me from doing so."

"What is your condition?" Harry asked, curious to hear what this mysterious affliction was that seemed to hold so much sway over Lupin's life.

"It is a rare magical affliction," Remus answered delicately, as if he wanted to be careful about how he explained it. "It forces me to undergo a very physically and mentally draining episode once a month, during which I am extremely…" He paused, searching for the correct word, "contagious." He finally said. "As a result, you will be staying with my friends, the Greengrasses, during the time when I am unable to take care of you."

Am I the only one who's noticed that he's really uncomfortable about this 'condition' of his? Venom asked, his voice carrying a hint of suspicion.

No, Harry told him, but Dumbledore told us about it, so We know he's not lying. Aloud, he said: "Who're the Greengrasses?"

We know he's not lying about having the condition. Venom corrected. We have no way of knowing if he's being honest about the specifics, not that he's giving us many of those.

Maybe it's something really embarrassing? Harry suggested. Maybe he gets explosive magical diarrhea or something? Despite his words, Harry couldn't imagine the quiet and very composed Lupin having explosive diarrhea, magical or otherwise. He just seemed too dignified.

"The Greengrasses are a very old and distinguished family of wizards, but not one that has allowed themselves to remain mired in the past." Lupin was only beginning his answer to Harry's inquiry, but his odd words compelled Harry to interrupt.

"What do you mean by 'allowed themselves to remain mired in the past?'"

While they were waiting for Lupin's answer, Venom said: I don't think it's embarrassment, look at how he shrinks in on himself and looks away whenever it's mentioned. That's not embarrassment, it's shame.

How would you know that? Harry felt oddly defensive of Lupin.

Oblivious to the silent conversation being held about him, Remus answered Harry's question: "There are, unfortunately, some wizarding families that believe they are superior to others because they happen to have been magical for longer. They call themselves 'Purebloods' and deride anyone of muggle parentage."

I am attached to your brain and body; I can feel exactly what your physiological reactions are to each emotion. Venom explained, as if it were obvious. I'm probably the greatest body-language expert on this planet.

"But the Greengrasses don't do that?" Harry could tell his questions were becoming increasingly less engaged, but it was extremely difficult to focus on two completely separate conversations at once. Ok, fine, so he's ashamed. That doesn't mean that We can't trust him, or that his condition is anything We need to worry about. Maybe it's something that's really looked down on among wizards, like when Aunt Petunia was talking about Mrs. Tate's daughter getting syphilis?

"No, Harry, the Greengrasses are a good family, they treat everyone based on their own qualities and actions, not those of their families. Tiberius and Violet are both kind and generous people, and they have a daughter your age actually, Daphne." Remus gave Harry a meaningful look that the boy completely failed to notice, too occupied with trying to talk to two people at once.

You think he has a magical STD? Venom asked skeptically.

I'm not saying it's necessarily an STD; I'm only pointing out that there could be a perfectly innocent reason why he's ashamed of it. Harry replied calmly. Then, realising that it was his turn to contribute to the conversation with Lupin, he said "Oh? What's she like?"

I suppose that's a possibility. Venom admitted grudgingly. I still say that We should keep an eye on him, just in case.

"She's a lovely girl, just like her parents, always very kind and polite. Although, as I understand it, she can be a little cold towards new people, or people she doesn't particularly like." Lupin gave Harry another meaningful glance as he continued: "She's also very pretty."

Ok, We can keep an eye on him, if you really think it's necessary. Harry was relieved to have finally reached an agreement with Venom so he could turn his full attention back to the conversation with Remus. He had, however, almost completely missed what the man had said about this Daphne girl, something about her being nice? "That's great, I can't wait to meet her." Lupin smiled broadly, even as he rolled his eyes slightly at Harry's answer: so like James.

"I'm sure," he said, grinning, "now how about we pack your stuff away and get you settled in? Where are your bags?"

"Oh, I don't actually have a bag." Harry said, realising this for the first time. His bag was currently buried in a sand-dune outside Luxor, along with the Dursleys' car, not that he could tell Remus that. "The Dursleys took it with them when they dumped me in Egypt."

"THEY WHAT!?" Lupin snarled, his normally pleasant voice transforming into an almost animalistic growl and his amber eyes flashing menacingly.

"It's ok," Harry assured him quickly "I didn't have much in it, just some clothes. And they were all hand-me-downs from Dudley anyway, so I don't really mind losing them"

Uh, Harry? Venom said. I don't think he's angry that they too-

"THEY DUMPED YOU INTO THE DESERT!?" Remus roared, he seemed almost apoplectic with rage, although, unlike Uncle Vernon, there was nothing comical about his fury. "I SWEAR, IF I EVER SEE THOSE PATHETIC EXCUSES FOR HUMAN BEINGS, I'LL STRAND THEM IN THE DESERT AND SEE HOW THEY LIKE IT!"

Way ahead of you there, Mate. Venom muttered, causing Harry to snigger quietly to himself.

Lupin must've misunderstood the snigger, because he immediately calmed down and said: "I'm sorry, Harry. I was just very upset to hear about how they treated you. How about we head out into muggle London and buy you some new clothes to wear? As well as everything else you'll need while you live here."

That's nice of him, the clothes are completely pointless because you have me, but it's still nice. The suspicion in Venom's tone had abated slightly at Lupin's immediate generosity.

So, you're starting to warm up to him, then? Harry asked hopefully.

Don't push it. Venom warned And are you going to answer him, or what?

"Oh! Yes, please, that would be great, Moony." Harry answered, perhaps, a little too enthusiastically to try and cover up his slip, but Remus didn't seem to think there was anything odd about it.

"Alright, Harry." Lupin glanced down at his watch, and his eyes widened slightly. "Great Merlin! I had no idea it was so late; I suppose our shopping trip will have to wait until morning then." Harry was secretly glad that the shopping trip had been postponed, he was exhausted. Between everything that had happened the previous night, the ungodly hour Uncle Vernon had woken him that morning, the journey to Egypt, and the confrontations with the beasts in the underground chambers, he felt as if he might just pass out where he stood at any moment. Perhaps Remus had noticed this, because he was quick to show Harry the door leading off the sitting room which lead into his room.

Looks like he really was looking to have us come live with him then. Harry thought to Venom as he looked around the room appreciatively: it was a nice feeling to know that, here at least, he was wanted. The room was furnished with a small writing-desk, a large -and currently empty- bookcase, a mirrored closet, wardrobe, and chest-of-drawers, all modern and artificial-looking. One wall was almost completely taken up by a long line of windows looking out over London, Harry could just see the point of Big Ben in the distance, and, in the far corner where the windows met the wall, was a reasonably sized bed with sheets the same red and gold as Lupin's tie. A door lead off from one side into what Harry assumed was a bathroom, although it was closed at the moment so he couldn't be sure.

"Do you like it?" Turning, he saw that Lupin was hovering in the doorway with a worried expression. "I didn't want to decorate too much because I wasn't sure what you'd like."

"It's perfect." Harry said honestly "Thank you."

"My pleasure, Harry." Remus looked as if Christmas had come early "If you need anything, I'll be awake for another hour or so."

"Thanks, Remus." with another last smile Lupin shut the door, leaving Harry and Venom alone in their new room. Finally, Harry thought with relief time for some sleep.

As nice as that sounds, have you forgotten that We're still carrying a giant metal book of Ancient Egyptian magic? To be honest, Harry had forgotten, but now that Venom mentioned it he could no longer ignore the weight of the book tucked into the small of his back.

Harry wasn't sure whether Remus would be able to hear him if he spoke aloud, so he decided to reply non-verbally So? What exactly do you suggest We do with it? I think Remus might have more than a few questions if he saw it on the shelves tomorrow morning.

Obviously, I'm not suggesting We put it on the shelves. Venom responded irritably, making Harry wonder if perhaps even the alien had been worn down by the day's events. I was more thinking We could hide it under the bed until We have a more permanent place for it.

Under the bed? Isn't that the most obvious hiding-place in history?

So obvious no one would think to look there. Venom sounded more as if he was trying to convince himself. After a moment he relented Look, I know it's not perfect, but We're practically dead on our feet, We need sleep. We can figure out something better in the morning. That was something Harry could readily agree with; so, placing the strange silver book under his bed, the pair slipped under the sheets and were asleep within moments.

Remus Lupin was not often given to skipping, in fact, he couldn't remember a single instance in his life that he had ever skipped. Apart from the time Sirius had put an enchanted bow -where he got it Remus still didn't know, although he wouldn't be surprised if he and James had made it together- on his werewolf form, causing him to skip all over the Hogwarts grounds until he finally transformed back. That didn't count, however.

Despite this, the normally calm and dignified bounty hunter couldn't stop himself from skipping across his sitting room to the modest brick fireplace he'd gone through so much trouble to get connected to the Floo network -apparently having a Floo connection in a block of muggle flats was a risk to the Statute of Secrecy, although he strongly suspected the woman was just prejudiced against werewolves and had noticed his amber eyes. With his wand, Remus lit the logs on fire, setting them crackling merrily in the quiet of the flat, before taking a pinch of powder from the box he kept on the mantelpiece and throwing it into the flames.

Kneeling, he took a deep breath and stuck his face into the fire "The Greenhouse." he said firmly into the now emerald flames, although he was careful to keep his voice low so as to not disturb Harry. Given how tired the boy had looked, Remus was sure he would be asleep within minutes, if he wasn't already. His thoughts were interrupted by the dizzying spinning sensation that always came with using the Floo, until, finally, he was staring out into a spacious office with a large mahogany desk behind which sat a tall blonde-haired man with eyes the colour of Arctic-glaciers. "Tiberius!" Lupin called causing the man to start and look around the room for a moment, before pinpointing the fire as the source of the sound.

Upon seeing who had spoken, his otherwise somewhat grim face broke into a warm smile "Remus! How good to see you! I'm afraid Violet's putting the girls to bed at the moment."

"I found him!" Lupin almost yelled in excitement, Tiberius, for his part, dropped his quill, blotting ink all over the document he had been writing without even noticing.

"You found him?" he seemed caught between ecstacy and disbelief "How? Where?" Before his guest could answer any of his questions, Tiberius held up a hand "Wait" he said, "let me get Violet, she'll want to hear this." So saying, he rushed from the room stopping only in the doorway to say "Please, Remus, come in properly. I suspect we'll be talking for quite a while and I don't want you to have to stay on your knees the whole time."

"I can't." Lupin said apologetically "Harry's in his room and I want him to be able to find me if he needs me."

Tiberius' eyes widened "You found him and he's living with you?"

"Yes, Dumbledore dropped him off about an hour ago."

"Dumbledore dropped him off?" Remus hadn't thought Tiberius' eyes could get any wider, but apparently he'd been mistaken "Now this is definitely a story worth hearing! Would it be alright if we came to you then?"

"Of course, I'll make some tea while you fetch Vi."

"Tea!?" Tiberius snorted "To quote Minister Bagnold 'I assert our inalienable right to party,' I'm bringing the Firewhiskey!" Remus couldn't help laughing at his friend's words: despite how painful that period had been for him, it had still made him smile when he heard of the former Minister for Magic's defence to the International Confederation of Wizards regarding the Statute of Secrecy breaches following Voldemort's downfall. Pulling his head out of the fire, Remus stood, rubbing his knees to try and knead away the slight stiffness that had built up there during his conversation. That done, he turned and cast a silencing charm on the door to Harry's room: Tiberius, although a great lover of Firewhiskey, was also infamous for his inability to handle the magical alcohol.

In his most well-known -and among his friends most-loved- incident, he had managed to sneak an entire case into the Slytherin dorms during his sixth year completely undetected, only to stagger into Professor McGonagall's office at three-in-the-morning wearing nothing but a small tartan kilt, and singing a very passionate, but exceedingly bad, rendition of "Donald, Where're your Fwoopers?" As far as Remus knew, Tiberius still held the Hogwarts record for longest ever series of detentions, although the Marauders had appreciated the story so much, they'd sent him an ever-full flask of the intoxicating beverage as compensation. They'd been careful to charm it to switch to water if held by another, or if its owner had become more than acceptably drunk.

Chuckling slightly to himself at the memory, Remus seated himself in his comfortable armchair, after turning it to face the rest of the room instead of looking out over London. He was just wondering if he should retrieve his book -a rather fascinating treatise on boggarts his father had recommended- when the fire turned green once more, and Violet and Tiberius Greengrass stepped out. Violet -Vi to her friends- was a beautiful witch of average height, she had the same ice-blue eyes as her husband, and long, wavy black hair that framed her oval face. Her elegantly aristocratic nose was perfectly positioned above her enticingly red lips, and she currently had one ebony eyebrow raised as she waited for him to react to their arrival.

"Well?" she said archly, although her smile belied her tone "are you going to say 'hello,' or not?" Standing, Lupin walked over and hugged first Vi, and then Tiberius, before gesturing his friends to sit on the sofa. Despite Tiberius' earlier words, he noticed his friend did not, in fact, have any Firewhiskey with him, and could only assume that Vi had put her foot down when her husband suggested bringing it. Once they were all seated, Vi turned to Remus "So what's this about you having found Harry? And he's living with you now? Or was that this lightweight sneaking some firewhiskey from that flask of his?"

"I'll have you know that this flask," as he spoke Tiberius pulled out the familiar silver flask emblazoned with the words 'Forever Fiery' from within his dark green cloak "was gifted to me by the Marauders themselves after I pulled off the prank of the century." Remus had to hide his grin, Tiberius never had worked out just who the Marauders were, despite having been friends with one for almost half-a-decade.

"Of course you did, dear." Vi said with a condescending smile, teasing her husband before she turned back to their host "Now, spill."

"Well, in answer to your second question, yes, Harry is here. He's sleeping in his bedroom as we speak. Dumbledore dropped him off a short while ago, apparently the Dursleys -Lily's sister and her family, that's where he'd put Harry apparently- were less than loving to Harry and dumped him in the Egyptian desert earlier today." Remus was immediately thankful he'd thought to silence Harry's door.

"WHAT!?" Violet and Tiberius roared in unison, and Remus was unsurprised to note that Vi's wand had found its way into her hand as she shot to her feet.

Making calming gestures, he signalled for them to return to their seats "I have a few friends in Egypt from back when I was hunting Haselrige, the Scourer who fled the U.S. after he was caught trying to attack the MACUSA while dressed as a Death Eater? I asked them to put out some feelers for me so I could find the bastards and express my displeasure." Here his face morphed into a wolfish grin, although those who knew him well were tactful enough to never compare him to a wolf aloud. "Apparently, someone already decided they weren't very happy with the Dursleys: they were found in the middle of the desert suffering from severe sunburns and dehydration with only the very end of their car visible from where it had been buried in a sand dune."

"Serves the twats right" growled Vi, still fingering her wand, although she had retaken her seat. "Any idea who did it?"

"According to my contacts, the Dursleys just keep gibbering about monsters and Harry, and when the authorities discovered that they had arrived with a young boy who was nowhere to be found they became very interested in investigating what had happened to him." Now Vi had started to grin, even if her husband looked a little lost.

"And I'm guessing you've suggested they should ask the child about what exactly happened to his cousin?" at his wife's words, Tiberius finally understood what was going on and now he was grinning too.

"Anything to assist the proper authorities." Remus replied with mock-solemnity, before becoming more serious. "As lovely as this is, though, this isn't why I needed to speak with you." Seeing that their host wanted to get down to the more serious discussion, the Greengrasses leaned forward intently. "I wanted to make sure that you're still willing to look after Harry during the full moon."

"Of course we are, Remus!" Tiberius seemed shocked that his friend even felt the need to ask. "When will you need us to take him?"

"Tomorrow night, if that's alright? The full moon isn't for another few days, but it's going to be full two nights in a row this month, so it's going to take a lot out of me." It was obvious Lupin was already dreading the ordeal he would soon be forced to endure, although he had become wealthy enough to look after Harry, he was still not rich enough to do so while buying Wolfsbane Potion and lacked the time and skill to make it himself.

"Of course," Violet said immediately, not needing to even look at her husband to know they were in agreement "have you told him yet?" From the way the werewolf refused to meet her eyes, she could tell he hadn't, she sighed "Remus, he deserves to know, and if he's anything like his parents, he won't abandon or reject you just because of your furry little problem."

"I will tell him," Lupin assured them, although from the way he still didn't quite meet their eyes they weren't sure if they believed him "I just want to wait until he's properly settled in first." Despite their doubts, the Greengrasses nodded.

"Alright, we should head home, it is late after all, and I don't think Astoria is ever going to stop waking up at ungodly hours of the morning." With that, the pair departed through the fire, leaving Remus alone but for the sleeping boy he had searched so long to find.

Harry awoke to the delicious scent of frying bacon and eggs, and an insistent rumble from his empty stomach. At first, he was surprised by how light it was in his cupboard, had Aunt Petunia opened the door to yell at him for not waking up fast enough? Sitting up, he realised that he was staring out at the bustling streets of late-morning London from within a reasonably sized and furnished bedroom.

We're in Remus' flat, remember? Venom reminded him before he could start to work himself up about waking up in a strange place.

Wait, so all that really happened? We actually went to Egypt and fought a bunch of monsters, and left the Dursleys? Harry was scarcely willing to believe it, it all still seemed too good to be true. Well, except the monster bit, that had more-or-less sucked.

Yep, yep, and yep. And, be fair, the monster fights were easily the most exhilarating thing We've ever done.

Apart from the third one, you mean.

Yeah, the third one fucking sucked, no arguments here.

At least We got the book though, for whatever that's worth. As he thought this, Harry slipped out of the bed and got down onto his hands and knees, reaching under the bed to retrieve the heavy, metal book. Once he had pulled it out, he took a moment to examine the intricate symbols carved all over it, the symbols on the far left of the cover were larger than all the others and had a line around them.

That's called a cartouche, Venom interrupted his host's examination with the knowledge he had presumably found somewhere in Harry's memory it means that those hieroglyphics are a name.

A name? As in the author? Or the name of the book? Harry asked, even as he eyed the cartouche more closely.

I don't know, no one's ever told you that and none of my previous hosts read or spoke Ancient Egyptian. Harry nodded in acceptance of the news, only to halt mid-movement as he noticed something.

Venom? Why am I naked?

Oh, knew I was forgetting something. An instant later, Harry was wearing the same black t-shirt, dark jeans, and white trainers as the day before.

Why the same clothes? Harry asked, having expected his partner to have clothed them in something new.

Because, as far as Remus knows, these are the only clothes you have, and he'd be suspicious if you came out wearing new clothes that apparently materialised from nowhere. Venom made his explanation as if talking to a very slow child. Ignoring his friend's deliberately infuriating behaviour, Harry decided to instead go and investigate the delicious smell that was currently making his ravenous hunger even more apparent. Slipping the book into the compartment Venom had created in the back of his shirt, Harry turned toward the door which lead into the rest of the flat.

Opening his door, he was greeted by the sight of Remus standing in a white t-shirt and a set of black trousers with a spatula in one hand and a sizzling pan of scrambled eggs in the other. Next to him on the counter was a plate piled high with bacon and delicious smelling sausages, and the toaster next to the fridge was glowing with four slices of bread just visible inside.

"Good morning, Harry." Remus said without turning around, making Harry wonder for a moment how exactly the man had known he'd entered the room. "I must say I'm surprised you're up this early, given how tired you looked yesterday."

"I'm used to waking up early with the Dursleys." Harry said, answering the only half-asked question. At the word 'Dursleys,' Lupin's shoulders tightened visibly for a moment before relaxing again.

Ooh he's really not happy about what happened with the Dursleys. Venom noted happily.

Despite this, Lupin's hoarse voice remained calm "Once I've finished making breakfast and we've eaten, we'll head out." As he spoke, Remus turned back to the hissing pan and the delicious smelling eggs he was currently frying "Please, feel free to look around, I should only be a moment." Deciding to take his new guardian's advice, Harry walked to the first door -to the right of the fireplace and opposite his room.

Opening it, Harry could see that the room beyond was a small office with a large glass desk and an impressive brown owl asleep in a cage to one side. The walls of the office were lined with books, although they were too far away for him to make out any of the titles. A large eagle-feather quill sat in an inkwell on one side, next to a piece of spare parchment, presumably kept there for writing letters.

Continuing his inspection, Harry then moved to the door on the left side of the fireplace, which lead into what he assumed was Lupin's bedroom. It was spartan, the only real personal touch being another photograph, this one of a happily waving Lily and James holding a small, dark-haired bundle between them. It was with a faint shock, that Harry realised the bundle must be him as a baby. The photograph was on a small bedside table next to a lamp, both of which were set beside a modest double bed with plain grey sheets.

Guess he's single then. Venom observed upon seeing the size of the bed, causing Harry to flush slightly at just why the symbiote had concluded Remus was single. Swiftly shutting the door, he turned to the final door, on the other side of the room. So far, it looks like living here is going to be much nicer than staying with the Dursleys. Venom said as he walked, sounding pleased with this development.

Definitely. Harry thought back as he crossed the room, maneuvering around the coffee table in order to reach the last door off the sitting room. Unlike all the others, this one was locked. Harry wiggled the handle, trying to see if the door would open, but a voice from behind him caused him to turn away guiltily.

"I'm afraid you can't go in there, Harry." Lupin said gently.

"Why not?" Harry asked a little suspiciously, beginning to wonder if perhaps Venom had been right to not completely trust the man.

"That is my containment room for during my episodes." Remus explained.

I guess it must be really contagious, then it would make sense he wouldn't want people getting in there. Venom suggested, surprising Harry.

Venom? Are you defending him now?

He did make us a nice room and offered to buy us new things to replace the stuff We lost in Egypt.

Are you sure you're feeling alright? Harry teased, although he was pleased that Venom was warming up to his dad's old friend.

I thought you wanted me to like him? Venom asked, pretending to be confused If you'd prefer, I can go back to mistrusting him?

I think I'm good, thanks. Before the conversation could continue, Lupin had transferred the now beautifully cooked eggs to another plate and carried that and the first plate out of sight through the kitchen. Following his lead, Harry found a small dining room with a modest glass table surrounded by four comfortable-looking, plastic chairs. Remus placed the plates of food in the centre of the table before turning and, seeing Harry standing in the doorway to the dining room, smiling.

"Take a seat, Harry, and dig in. Would you like anything to drink?" As he spoke, he walked past Harry and back into the kitchen, headed for the fridge. Harry wasted no time in taking a seat at the table and began piling sausages, eggs, bacon, and toast onto his plate in amounts that would've made even Dudley think twice about his ability to eat it all.

Any preference on what you want to drink, Venom? He asked as he tried to balance the need to maintain his manners and his desire to shovel as much of the delicious food into his ravenous mouth as possible.

Unless We're transformed, I experience everything through your senses, whatever you like to eat or drink, I'll like. Venom answered carelessly.

Ok. Aloud Harry said, "May I have a glass of orange juice please, Remus?" Without waiting for a reply, he went back to ploughing his way through the mountain of food on his plate. He was still working his way toward the porcelain beneath the edible edifice when Lupin returned, holding a glass of orange juice and a bottle of something called 'butterbeer,' he gave the former to Harry, who thanked him, before settling himself in the seat next to the boy.

"I see you were hungry." Lupin remarked with a gentle smile, indicating the enormous amount of food still present on Harry's plate, despite the pace at which it was being consumed.

"Yeah," Harry said with a shy sort of grin, "I've been feeling really hungry all the time recently, and I had quite a long day yesterday."

"Ah," Remus said nodding knowingly "I expect you're probably starting to hit puberty; it normally begins about the time you go to Hogwarts."

Harry almost sprayed the table with food choking "What!?"

At almost the exact same time, Venom yelled I knew it! I said my little Harry was growing up!

Ignoring Venom, Harry stammered "I-I can't be starting puberty, I'm not even eleven yet!" he could feel his cheeks burning with embarrassment at the mere suggestion. Somehow, the throwaway manner that Lupin had delivered his remark made it even worse.

"Witches and wizards mature about two years faster than muggles, Harry, it's a part of our magic, same as our extended lifetimes."

"You mean like Nicolas Flamel?" Now it was Lupin's turn to choke.

"How do you know about Nicolas Flamel, Harry?"

"I met him in Egypt, he was with Dumbledore when he came to pick me up." Harry decided not to mention that Dumbledore had collected him from an underground chamber beneath Karnak Temple.

"Oh, I see." Remus was still looking at Harry speculatively, but he no longer looked as shocked as he had previously "In answer to your question, no. Nicolas Flamel is the only known creator of the Sorcerer's Stone, which creates the Elixir of Life and turns any base metal into gold. It is the former that has allowed him to live so long. A normal witch or wizard only lives to about two-hundred, and that only if they're very powerful, Dumbledore is one-hundred-and-ten, for instance."

Oh good, so that means I'm still older than almost everyone in your entire species.

And yet you're still less mature than almost everyone in my entire species.

Touché. Throughout this exchange, Harry and Lupin had both continued eating, and Harry was surprised to see the slim older man eating almost as much as he himself was. Maybe it's something to do with his 'condition?'

Could be. As Harry answered he was just finishing the last few crumbs from his plate, and, with that done, he sat back with a satisfied smile gracing his features. It felt good to not have that gnawing hunger eating away at his insides anymore. Which reminded him Hey, Venom? When are We next going to need to eat more brains? We should probably start planning now, given how much more difficult it's going to be to get away now that We're living with Lupin.

Well, actually… Venom began sheepishly.

Venom, what is it? Harry couldn't help the suspicion that tinged his thoughts.

We don't, strictly speaking, need to eat brains so long as We're not using my abilities too much, and We don't sustain any serious injuries.

WHAT? But at the Dursleys you said-

I know what I said, and technically I didn't lie. It's just that, since you're a child, your brain doesn't produce enough phenylethylamine for me to sustain myself without a little to supplement it. At the Dursleys, I didn't think you were going to be given any chocolate, so I thought We'd need to have a semi-steady supply of brains in order to sustain us while We trained. With Lupin, I don't think that's going to be so much of a problem, so, as long as you eat plenty of chocolate and avoid getting stabbed, We should be fine without eating any brains.

That's it!? But you said We needed to eat brains practically every day! Harry was outraged.

Technically, I never said that, you just assumed that.

I can't belie-

"Are you ready to go?" The quiet voice of Remus Lupin interrupted the silent conversation to ask.

"Yes, thank you, Remus." Harry replied, trying to keep his irritation with Venom out of his voice. This conversation isn't over, just so you know.

Technically, I can just stop you from remembering to continue it.

Wait, you can?

I can manipulate your memory, of course I can. Venom sounded unbearably smug.

Will you? Harry asked seriously, he didn't want Venom to just sweep their issues under the rug.

No. Venom admitted with a sigh I know it's important for us to actually settle things like this.

That issue settled, at least for now, Harry turned to see his new guardian collecting up their plates and glasses and carrying them into the kitchen, he then heard the sound of the sink beginning to run and the plates being washed by hand. He was just about to continue his conversation with Venom, when Lupin came strolling back into the dining room wearing a long charcoal trench-coat that stopped just below his knees. It gave him an elegant, yet dangerous appearance and Harry was instantly enamoured with the style.

Hey, Venom, can We-

No. Venom cut him off before he could finish the question.

What? Why not? That coat looks totally badarse!

Because you're a ten-year-old boy, you don't have the gravitas or the physical presence to pull off a trench coat yet. We'd look ridiculous.

I could so pull it off. Harry whined petulantly, even as he stood and turned to face Lupin, signalling that he was ready to leave.

"Take my hand then and we'll be on our way." Lupin smiled gently as he held out his hand, and, without hesitation, Harry took it. The next moment, the flat was empty.

A loud pop heralded the arrival of the two wizards in a small -and rather dingy- yard, behind a slightly grubby and extremely old-looking pub. Harry looked questioningly at Remus, wondering why, exactly, he had taken them to such an odd place. Remus only smiled back at Harry knowingly, before walking toward the small door that lead into the pub and gesturing for the boy to follow.

"What is this place?" Harry asked, unamused by the older-man's coyness.

"This," Remus said with a wave to indicate the unimpressive pub "is the Leaky Cauldron!" he said it as if he were a back-street conjurer revealing his greatest trick. Seeing that Harry remained unimpressed, he continued, "It's a famous place, it's the entry to Diagon Alley, the foremost wizarding shopping centre in all of Britain!"

Now Harry began to look impressed "It is? Can we go into Diagon Alley? Please?" For all that he had done and seen in the past few days, and even with a three-time centenarian alien bonded to his mind and body: in this moment, Harry Potter sounded just like any other little boy. Lupin couldn't help the broad smile that split his features at hearing his charge's pleas, even in the short time since he had been reunited with Harry, he had noticed the boy was oddly withdrawn and serious for his age. It was good to see him acting like the child he truly was for once, not to mention how it reminded him of James' pleading with Fleamont to take him to Quality Quidditch Supplies.

"Yes, Harry, we can go to Diagon Alley." Lupin said, knowing there was no way he could deny the young boy, "but," he cautioned holding up a stern finger "we have to get your new things from Muggle-London first, alright?"

"Aww" Harry moaned "do we have to? I've already been to Muggle-London, why can't we go to Wizard-London?" Lupin's smile became ever so slightly wider as Harry unknowingly parrotted his father's words, only in reverse.

"Yes, we have to. Even if you'll be going to Hogwarts soon, you'll still need clothes for when we're in Muggle-London. Besides," here he leaned down and whispered conspiratorially "we need to find something to cover that scar of yours."

"Why do we need to cover my scar?" Harry asked confused, he had always rather liked his scar, it looked cool!

"Did Dumbledore not tell you?" Lupin asked, seemingly shocked.

"Tell me what?" From the look of growing sorrow on Lupin's face, Harry could tell it wasn't good, but he couldn't think what it could be that meant he needed to hide his scar. "I know Voldemort killed my parents," Lupin twitched once more at hearing the name, "if that's what you mean, and he said it was 'my mother's sacrifice' that stopped him from killing me. But he didn't explain what that meant." It was the first time Harry had realised how vague Dumbledore had been about what happened.

Lupin stopped his walk toward the door and turned to face his young companion "You're famous, Harry. Quite possibly the most famous person in our world, I doubt you'll ever meet a witch or wizard who doesn't know your name."

"I'm famous!?" Harry was amazed.

You're famous!? Venom couldn't contain his surprise either.

"Yes." Lupin nodded firmly.

"How? Why am I famous? I've never done anything!"

Hey, We did kill a bunch of ancient monsters in a secret tomb underneath an Ancient Egyptian temple you know? Venom sounded almost offended that Harry could so easily forget their recent exploits.

Of course I know, Venom. Harry thought back exasperatedly but no one else knows that, so that can't be why We're famous.

Remus seemed conflicted about how best to answer Harry's question, finally saying "You-Know-Who was a very powerful dark-wizard, he had an army of followers and it seemed as if nothing could stop him from taking over. Many of the best witches and wizards of the age stood against him, the Bones, the Prewitts, the McKinnons, and he killed them. All of them. No one ever lived once You-Know-Who decided to kill them." He reached out a hand to point at Harry, "No one, except you. Something about you stopped him. That's how you got that scar, Harry, it's no ordinary cut, it's what you get when very powerful, very evil magic touches you. Somehow, when he tried to kill you, You-Know-Who's power broke and you were left with just a scar. That's why you're famous, Harry, because you lived. The Boy-Who-Lived."

As Lupin spoke, memories came unbidden to the surface of Harry's mind, a blinding flash of green light and, for the first time in his life, something else: a laugh. A high, cold, cruel laugh. The mere memory sent a shiver up his spine. Looking up, he saw Remus was watching him with the same sadness as when he'd first asked about the photograph in the flat. There was something painful lodged in his throat, but he swallowed it down and said, "So that's why I need to hide my scar? Because I'm famous?" His voice no longer held his earlier reluctance, he didn't think the scar was cool anymore.

"Yes." Lupin's voice was kind, but then a mischievous glint flared in his eye. "No one knows where you've been, Harry, as far as the Wizarding World knows, you defeated You-Know-Who as a baby and then just disappeared. I think it'd be well worth seeing people's faces when the first they know about you being back is when McGonagall calls your name to be sorted."

I like this guy! Venom broke in before Harry could answer I agree, that sounds hilarious!

Ignoring his friend's glee, Harry instead said "Sorted?"

"Oh! Of course! You wouldn't know." Harry wasn't sure who Remus was talking to, Harry or himself; but, as he spoke, he began to guide them toward the door into the Leaky Cauldron once more. "All students at Hogwarts are sorted into four houses, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin." Pushing the door open, they walked into the interior of the pub -which Harry thought looked just as shabby as the outside- Lupin's explanation never faltering, even as the few patrons of the establishment turned to look at who had entered.

None of them seemed to recognise Lupin, so they quickly turned back to their drinks without giving the unfamiliar man's companion -his son, presumably- a second glance. "The students' names are read out by Professor McGonagall and they each come up to be sorted, it happens in the Great Hall, in front of everyone." Despite the pleased way in which Remus described this, Harry couldn't help but feel nervous at hearing that he was going to be picked somehow in front of an entire school.

Hoping to take his mind off the unpleasant thought, Harry asked "Why is it so gloomy in here? I thought you said it was famous."

Lupin had the good grace not to look offended at Harry's question, although one of the nearby wizards wasn't so sanguine and shot Harry a dirty look, "For one, Harry, the Leaky Cauldron is about five-hundred years-old." Hearing this, Harry looked around with new respect, the oldest building he'd ever seen in Surrey had been about that old, and that was just a small cottage. "And the reason it doesn't look more impressive or magical is actually deliberate." Harry looked suspiciously at Remus, trying to see if he was joking.

"It is! You see many years ago, in medieval times, witches and wizards still lived out in the open among muggles, but, as tensions and paranoia grew, it was eventually decided that it would be best for everyone for us to simply absent ourselves. The Wizengamot -think wizard Parliament-" he explained upon seeing Harry's blank look, "passed the Statute of Secrecy, making it illegal to reveal magic to muggles. Before that, the Leaky Cauldron was open, and used, by wizard and muggle alike, although most muggles would end up leaving after seeing something magical and deciding they'd probably had too much to drink. After the Statute was passed, however, it became necessary to find a way to hide the pub from muggle-eyes, it was, after all, impossible to hide all the obviously magical people and things that generally populated it. To that end, a great number of protective enchantments were placed upon the building to prevent muggles from noticing it, or, if they did, to stop them from going in by making them remember urgent business elsewhere."

"Ok" said Harry, eager to get to the point "but how does that relate to it looking shabby?" Fortunately, they were just exiting the Leaky Cauldron, so he didn't offend any other patrons with his less-than-charitable description.

"If you were to wait," Lupin chided gently "I would tell you. Occasionally, a muggle -usually a particularly drunk or confused one- will find their way into the Cauldron, despite the enchantments. They are either too drunk to care about whatever urgent business that may pop into their head, or too lost to notice how much more interesting all the other buildings seem. In such cases, it is important that the pub look shabby and mundane, for if they were to walk in and find a wondrous and obviously magical marvel, they would be far more likely to realise the truth. As it is, they simply wonder in, look around in a befuddled manner, and, upon realising how unremarkable everything seems inside -not to mention the strange clothing everyone is wearing- assume they are either even more drunk than they thought, or have wondered into some sort of private convention they are not supposed to be in. They then turn around and re-enter Muggle-London, never giving the matter another thought."

"So, because it's impossible to keep all the muggles out forever, they made it so none of them had any interest in sticking around or remembering anything about it?" Lupin nodded, seemingly pleased that Harry had grasped his explanation so quickly.

That's actually pretty clever: why waste time trying to hide something that looks amazing, when you can just make it look boring and people will ignore it all on their own. Harry could tell that Venom's respect for the wizards' seeming eccentricity had grown at the explanation. As Harry was nodding along with Venom's rationalisation, he saw Lupin looking up and down the road, as if unsure as to which way he wanted to go.

"Where are we going first?" He asked, despite his initial reluctance to go shopping in Muggle-London, Harry couldn't help but be excited at the prospect of finally having things that hadn't belonged to Dudley first.

What about me, Dudley never had me first?

You're not a thing, Venom.

After a few moments thought, Moony seemed to come to a decision "Clothes first, we need to get you looking smart if you're going to impress Daphne tonight."

"Tonight?" Harry completely missed the bit about 'impressing Daphne,' too distracted by the revelation that he wasn't going to be staying with Lupin tonight. "Why can't I stay with you?" Despite himself, he couldn't stop a small amount of hurt from permeating his voice.

"My next episode will start tomorrow, so I won't be able to take care of you for a few days." Lupin explained, surprising Harry.

"You know when it's going to happen?"

"My affliction works on a monthly cycle, something to do with the magic of the disease." Based on how quickly Lupin sealed his mouth after finishing this sentence, Harry was willing to bet he wouldn't be saying any more on the subject. Fortunately for the older man, they had just reached a large clothing store, so he was spared from any further interrogation by the arrival of a pretty teenage girl of about sixteen with a small badge that read 'Linda' pinned to her shirt.

"Hello, sir, can I help you with anything today?" She asked, giving Harry an extra warm smile.

"Yes, thank you, we're going to need an entirely new wardrobe for young Harry here, his clothes were unfortunately lost in a travel accident recently." Hearing this, the girl gave Harry a sympathetic look and reached out to take his hand.

"Of course, Harry? If you'd like to come with me, we can help you pick out some nice new clothes." Without waiting for an answer, she practically dragged Harry off into the depths of the store, and, looking back, he could see Lupin giving him a cheery wave as he abandoned his former companion to the assistant's tender mercies.

Three hours later, Harry was glaring at the older man even as he took vindictive pleasure in ladening him with every one of the 17 bags full of clothes the assistant had eventually picked out for him and made him try on. Unfortunately for his desire for revenge, Remus seemed completely unphased by the burden of the bags, and merely took a moment to step into a nearby bathroom. A few minutes later, he emerged without any visible bags.

"I shrunk them." He said at seeing Harry's questioning look, patting the pocket of his trench coat. As they walked out onto the main street, now apparently headed to buy Harry new toiletries, Harry decided to continue his interrogation of Lupin, albeit on a different topic.

"How'd you become a bounty hunter?" He asked as they turned a corner onto another busy street lined with shops, heading toward a small store a few hundred feet down the road.

"It was a result of my condition, to tell you the truth. It makes it very difficult to find work in the wizarding world, and no regular muggle employer would be willing to employ someone who is going to miss several days every month due to an illness that they've never heard of. Bounty hunting allows me to have very flexible hours, and to help people, similar to a police officer -I had initially wanted to be an Auror, wizarding police, but that wasn't possible. So, I decided to help people the best I could in the muggle world instead." He looked down and smiled at Harry, "Also, my condition makes me quite a bit stronger, faster, and improves my senses a great deal beyond any normal person. All of which is very helpful when hunting down and apprehending dangerous criminals who manage to evade the regular police."

What sort of condition knocks you out of commission for days every month, but gives you a bunch of physical benefits the rest of the time? Venom asked, seemingly confounded by the apparent contradiction.

I have no idea, maybe We can find a book on magical diseases or something when We go to Diagon Alley? Harry offered; he too was eager to get to the bottom of Lupin's strange affliction. Aloud he asked, "Can I go with you on a mission sometime? I want to help."

Lupin stopped walking, seemingly too stunned by the question to even continue working his legs. After a moment, he seemed to collect himself enough to answer, "I'm sorry, Harry, it's far too dangerous for you to join me. I could never put you in danger like that."

"I can handle myself; I promise." Harry assured the older man, who looked far from convinced. "I can!" Harry repeated, more emphatically this time.

"I don't-" Remus began, only for Harry to cut him off.

"Let me prove it." Lupin raised an eyebrow at this.

"How would you do that?"

"However you want, I'm willing to bet I can pass any test you set me." Harry looked defiantly up at Moony, daring him to accept his challenge. Remus stared back for several moments, as if weighing the pros and cons of agreeing to Harry's request.

Finally, he said "Very well, Harry, after we finish shopping we'll head to my dojo. If you can beat me in a spar, then I'll allow you to come on a mission with me, deal?"

"Deal." Harry agreed instantly, confident in Venom's augmentations to help him defeat Lupin.

You do realise We won't be able to transform unless you want him to know about us, right? Venom pointed out tactfully.

Oh shit, I forgot about that. Suddenly, Harry didn't feel as confident about his challenge.

I will still be able to augment you through the places I'm covering as clothes, Harry, We just won't be anywhere near as strong or fast as We are when We're fully transformed.

Oh, then We should still be fine, right? Harry's mood was much restored by Venom's reminder.

I'd be pretty confident in saying yes. Despite the surety in Venom's tone, Harry noticed the symbiote didn't provide a definitive answer. Throughout this discussion, Harry had been following Lupin around the store as the older man selected a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss from the bewildering array of brightly coloured options on display. Once they had paid for Moony's selections and exited the store, Lupin began to steer them toward another large store with a sign reading 'Hel's Haberdashery.' What the fuck is a haberdashery? Harry wasn't sure why Venom was asking him, given that the symbiote had a better grasp on his memories than he himself did, so he decided to simply pass the inquiry along.

"Moony, what's a haberdashery?"

"It's a store that sells accessories, like hats."

"And why are we going in?" Harry couldn't quite keep the impatience from his voice: he really wanted to go to Diagon Alley.

"We still need to buy you something to help hide that scar of yours, remember?" From the poorly-hidden glee in Lupin's voice, Harry could tell there was some far-less innocent reason for their trip to this particular store.

Eager to avoid whatever fresh torment his guardian had devised, Harry cast about desperately searching for an alternative "Why don't I just put on a jumper with a hood? That would cover my scar, and we won't have to buy anything else." Remus looked more than a little put out by this suggestion, but, seeing the sense in it, agreed. The pair ducked into an alcove hidden from view so Lupin could unshrink their purchases. Harry fished through five different bags before finally finding a dark-blue hoodie, and, once he had put it on, the pair disappeared with a loud pop.

This time, they were not alone when they arrived behind the Leaky Cauldron: a very tan young man with long red hair and what looked like a fang dangling from his ear was just exiting the pub as they arrived. He didn't seem at all surprised by their appearing from mid-air, only nodding at them politely and gesturing Remus forward, as if offering to let them go first. The only problem was that Harry couldn't see where the man expected them to go, the only thing in the direction he had gestured was the solid brick wall of the yard. Regardless, Lupin nodded in acceptance of the gesture and walked over to the wall, pulling his wand from within his coat as he did so. Reaching out, he tapped the third brick from the left three times with the point of his wand; in response, the brick began to quiver, then to wriggle, then to slide away. The other bricks followed suit, sliding and shifting aside into the form of a large brick archway, on the other side of the archway was a street unlike any Harry had ever seen before.

"Welcome," Lupin said as he gestured grandly at the revealed alleyway "to Diagon Alley!"

Wow… Venom muttered, as impressed by the sight as Harry himself. The afternoon sun glinted off a towering stack of cauldrons outside the nearest shop, a sign hanging above proclaimed "Potage's Cauldron Shop." The pair followed numbly as Remus guided them out through the archway and into the alley proper, behind them they heard the sliding of stone as the archway sealed itself behind them. Everywhere they looked, new wonders met their astounded eyes; windows piled high with books, quills, parchment, and other assorted devices Harry couldn't even begin to name.

One shop had a display full of robes and cloaks in all colours and styles imaginable; another had a group of boys around Harry's age pressed against the glass and chattering excitedly about the array of broomsticks on display; yet another was piled high with cages and tanks of all descriptions, each containing a different animal. Some of the creatures were familiar, cats, dogs, owls, rats, and toads, but others were completely alien to anything he had ever encountered, huge depressed-looking birds, a strange duck-billed black creature with spade-like hands and feet that kept stealing hairpins from anyone who came within reach, an iridescent-blue animal that looked like a cross between a bird and a snake, and bright-blue bugs that kept popping violently.

The smell from one of the last stores along the side of the alley was almost enough to make Harry gag, even from a distance, and the jars and boxes full of strange plants and newt-tails didn't make him want to look any closer. Across from the smelly store was another piled high with books of every imaginable shape and size, one had a moving portrait of a very good looking blonde-haired wizard winking under the words "Troubles with Trolls by Gilderoy Lockhart," another, titled "The Adventures of Martin Miggs, the Mad Muggle," featured a hand-drawn image of a man wearing a bright-pink poncho and a bright-yellow top-hat jumping through a window. Harry was so absorbed examining the books in the window, he didn't notice that Remus had stopped until he walked into the older man, almost causing him to fall over before Lupin steadied him.

"Sorry, Remus." Harry offered sheepishly "Why'd we stop?" Looking up, Harry saw that they were standing in front of an imposing white marble edifice at the top of a set of stone steps. The massive doors were made of burnished bronze, and to one side stood-

"That's a goblin, Harry." Lupin informed him quietly, seeing that Harry's eyes were glued to the diminutive figure in the scarlet and gold uniform "Best not to stare, they're very proud creatures." Harry did his best, but it was hard not to stare at the creature: it was short, with pointed ears and a mouth full of sharp little teeth, its long, thin fingers ended in talon-like nails, and its equally long nose protruded from its alien face.

Ugly bugger, isn't he? Venom observed.

Venom! You can't say he's ugly just because he's a different species! Harry reprimanded his symbiote.

Is that even a 'he'? It was a good question, Harry thought the figure was male, but he had no idea what a female goblin would look like.

"So, now that you've seen everything, where would you like to go first?" Lupin's question finally caused Harry to tear his eyes away from the goblin.

"You mean I get to choose where we go?" He could hardly contain his excitement at the prospect.

"Of course!" Lupin laughed "We're here for you, after all." The statement caused Harry to grin as he stared back down the alley, trying and failing to pick a single place to start his exploration. Remus must have seen the indecision on Harry's face, because he said, "Don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to decide while we take a trip down to your vault to collect your allowance."

"My vault?" Harry looked around, trying to figure out what Lupin was referring to, and it was only then that he saw the name of the building they were standing in front of "Gringotts Wizarding Bank."

So, this is where your vault is, Venom noted, but how come you have a vault at all?

"While not as rich as the Malfoys," Harry could hear a distinct note of disdain at the word 'Malfoy,' "the Potters are a very wealthy family, and your parents left everything to you in their wills." Lupin answered Venom's question, even though he hadn't heard it uttered.

"I have money?" Harry was amazed.

"Oh yes, quite a bit of it, in fact." Remus seemed to be enjoying Harry's shock immensely.

"But then, why did you buy me all those clothes and everything? If I have money to buy things for myself?"

"Just because you have money of your own, Harry, that doesn't mean I expect you to pay for everything yourself." Lupin seemed almost offended at the suggestion "I am still your caretaker, and as such I will be providing for you, the only reason we're going to collect your money now is that having an allowance is an important step in learning how to manage your money later in life." As he made his impassioned explanation, Remus began to walk into the opulent marble hall of the bank, ignoring the wizards and goblins already inside. Harry nodded, feeling oddly pleased at the older-man's insistence on taking care of him, it felt nice. Once they had entered past the bronze doors, they came upon a smaller set of silver doors, these engraved with the words:

"Enter, stranger, but take heed

Of what awaits the sin of greed,

For those who take, but do not earn,

Must pay most dearly in their turn.

So if you seek beneath our floors,

A treasure that was never yours,

Thief, you have been warned, beware,

Of finding more than treasure there."1

Lupin waited for Harry to finish reading before he said, "The goblins take their security very seriously, no one has even attempted to rob Gringotts in several hundred years." He paused, looking contemplative, before amending, "Or at least, no one who has tried has survived long enough to ever be heard from again." Harry nodded without pausing in his inspection of the bank's interior; he saw goblins sitting at desks all around, some talking to witches and wizards, some balancing complicated sets of weights and enormous jewels on golden scales, and others scribbling in heavy, leather-bound books. Remus ignored all the goblins who appeared to be occupied, instead heading toward a serious-looking goblin in a dark suit who seemed to be free. "Hello," he greeted once they were standing in front of the goblin's desk, "we've come to make a withdrawal from Mr. Harry Potter's vault."

The goblin leaned over its desk slowly to look down at Harry, he could see every one of its sharp little teeth as it spoke "And does Mr. Harry Potter have his key?" Harry looked at Lupin, he didn't have any sort of key, and from the look of dawning embarrassment on Lupin's face, he didn't either. Despite this, Remus began to pat at his pockets in a futile sort-of way, only to freeze in the middle of checking his left trouser pocket. Reaching in, he pulled out a small gold key, staring at it in shock as if he couldn't fathom how it had come to rest in his pocket.

After a few moments, Lupin seemed to come to his senses and handed the key over to the goblin, and Harry heard him mutter, "Bloody Dumbledore, I'll never figure out how he does that."

"Does what?" Harry asked, causing Remus to flush slightly when he realised his comment had been overheard.

"The headmaster has a particular talent for realising what is necessary long before anyone else, and for providing others with what they need without their even realising it. It's very useful, but it does get more than a little frustrating after a while, he could easily just tell you what's going on, but I think he enjoys the theatrics too much." It was at this point that the goblin interjected into the conversation, although Harry didn't hear what it was saying because he was too distracted by what he'd just noticed behind the goblin. It was the man with the fang earring from when they'd entered the alley, he was talking with another goblin, this one wearing an expensive looking black suit which seemed at odds with the ornate dagger sheathed at its hip. Based on the number of gesticulations and the grim look on the man's face -Harry had no idea how to read goblin facial expressions- whatever the pair were discussing it was something of great importance, and the news wasn't good. Curious as to what they could be discussing, and not particularly interested in whatever Lupin and the goblin at the desk were now disagreeing about so vehemently, Harry drifted closer to the pair.

"-d I'm telling you, Ragnuk, that I have no way of knowing who it was that got in. All I know is that, last night, someone triggered the Right of Succession in the Catacombs, and, according to the monitoring wards, there was a significant magical drain on the ancient enchantments in the chambers of the three gods. I can't tell you who it was that got in, I can't even tell you what it was. I don't know if they actually got into the chambers, or if the gods could just sense that someone had entered the antechamber and became agitated." Harry felt his blood run cold, surely there couldn't be that many underground chambers with ancient gods inside them. Was it possible they were talking about him?

About us, you mean. And yes, almost certainly. Now shut up, I'm trying to find out why they're so worried about this.

"And why not, Master Weasley? We pay you to be the best, Gringotts was specifically given the contract to update and monitor the wards guarding the chamber after the Napoleonic Incident, and you were given the task of improving and monitoring the work already done when we assigned you to Egypt. So why can you tell us nothing useful!?" The goblin gnashed its pointy teeth and tossed its head, which, based on its tone, Harry assumed was a sign of great frustration.

"Because, Ragnuk, the ancient enchantments that bind the catacombs have always been, and will always be, the most powerful and important protections on the site. In order to preserve those, I can't erect any monitoring wards within the catacombs themselves because they would be in direct conflict with the pre-existing ones. I can only make wards to stop people getting in, and to monitor the ancient wards for any signs that they may be degrading over time." The man, Weasley the goblin had called him, was speaking calmly, but his fingers kept running through his long red hair as he spoke.

"So, what is your explanation for how this unknown individual was able to enter the catacombs? Need I remind you that, if the perpetrator's soul cannot be claimed and damned-"

They're going to damn our souls!? Can wizards even do that? Something very cold and very heavy was beginning to settle in the pit of Harry's stomach. It felt like dread.

"-And the International Confederation of Wizards decides the breach was due to a preventable failure in security, then it will be he-who-failed's soul that shall be damned." The man paled at the reminder, but he remained firm.

"I know that, Sir, but the individual gained access by using the Rite of Succession. That is an intrinsic part of the ward structure, the only way to prevent someone from using that rite to enter the Catacombs would be to tear down all the wards and rebuild them from scratch. During which time, there would be nothing stopping the gods from escaping and wreaking havoc on the world."

So that's why they're so upset about us going into the chamber. Venom thought, Because they're terrified of the gods getting out, and they think anyone who goes into the catacombs could let them out.

That's kind-of understandable, the Cobra-god in particular could've killed us in an instant if she hadn't been too busy toying with us. I hate to think what would happen if she was free to roam the world. I do wish it didn't mean We had to worry about having our souls damned though. Harry thought back.

Meanwhile the goblin was still extremely agitated "But the Rite of Succession is supposed to stop anyone from leaving the Catacombs until they have either defeated the gods, died, or forfeited! You told me so yourself! So how did this mystery intruder get back out?"

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? WE COULD'VE FORFEITED AND NOT ALMOST DIED!? Harry physically jumped at Venom's exclamation, prompting more than one sideways glance from nearby witches and wizards; the goblins simply ignored him.

"As far as I can tell, they had help. Someone was able to simulate the magical aura of a High Priest of Ra, and decode the magical cypher that concealed the password, and figure out how to pronounce the Ancient Egyptian in order to use the priest's entrance to enter the chamber and retrieve the intruder." Weasley seemed torn between frustration and admiration.

That must have been Dumbledore, he's got to be a lot more powerful than he looks. Harry was surprised, there had been times when Dumbledore had seemed stronger than his grandfatherly demeanor would suggest, but never had he even suspected that the man was powerful enough to do something so complex.

"And why was this entry-route not protected?" The goblin demanded, Harry noticed it did that a lot, perhaps it was Weasley's boss?

"For the same reason the Rite of Succession wasn't, we can't block the entry without the wards fighting us and either our spells or the ancient enchantments failing. Besides which, it should be impossible for anyone to have done that. I don't think even Dumbledore could have managed something like that in as short a time as the person was there." The way Weasley said Dumbledore's name was akin to how one might invoke a minor deity, apparently the old man was a force to be reckoned with in the wizarding world.

"And how long was that, exactly?" The goblin still sounded angry, but then every goblin Harry had met so far sounded angry, it had at least stopped gnashing its teeth.

"About an hour-and-twenty-minutes, all-told." The goblin didn't seem happy, but it nodded in acceptance.

"Very well, I suppose you have done all that you could. Any leads on the identities of the intruders?"

"None, they must have used a magical purification ritual to eliminate all magical residue, it even removed all the residue from our own wards! If I didn't know better, I would've sworn they'd only been cast last night, because that's the earliest residue there is of them." The goblin made an extremely strange sort of bobbing gesture with its head as Weasley finished speaking.

"Are you sure they were our wards? They weren't taken down and new ones cast? If they were who knows what they could have done while the wards were down! They could have released one of the gods already and we wouldn't know!" The goblin sounded almost panicked at the prospect.

"No, Ragnuk, they were our wards. Your predecessor's magical signature was still present from when he cast the initial monitoring wards two-hundred years-ago, so, unless they resurrected King Teclaw the Second and made him recast them, they're the same wards." The goblin sagged in relief at Weasley's assurance, but Harry was too busy being shocked to notice.

That's the goblins' king!? And he's personally involved in trying to find us? That is so not good.

I know, Harry, but I think We can trust Dumbledore to stop anyone from finding out it was us.

You think? Or you hope? Venom was saved from replying by Lupin's hand alighting on Harry's shoulder.

"Harry," the man said, looking worried and upset enough to make Harry fear he had somehow discovered who had entered the catacombs in Egypt, "I'm afraid that Swingpick is insisting that you have someone else with you, on your person somehow. I've told him that it's nonsense, but he insists that you must be scanned for traces of another wizard's magical signature and be hit with a magic-negation spell to ensure they aren't transformed into something else."

Oh shit. Venom said, before Lupin had even finished speaking, Do you think any of that is going to find me?

I don't know! Harry was close to panicking, but he did his best to hide it as he nodded at Lupin. The older man looked at him apologetically, before moving to the side to reveal the goblin who had been sitting at the desk, Swingpick, staring at Harry intently and brandishing a long, golden rod. Moving closer, the goblin started waving the rod up and down in front of Harry, from his hair to his feet, in front and behind him. Harry didn't know if the device was meant to beep or vibrate or something if it found anything, but it did nothing, and Swingpick didn't react as if he had discovered anything. After several tortuous moments, Swingpick reached over and placed the device back behind the desk before turning to Harry once more.

"I will now cast the magic-negation spell on you, any attempt to deflect or nullify the spell will be treated as an attack on the goblin nation and you will be executed as according to the Treaty of 1403, do you understand?"

I'd like to see the little buggers try. Venom snarled in Harry's mind, less than pleased with the threat to his host. Harry simply nodded. Before he had even completed the movement, a rippling distortion flew through the air to impact with Harry's chest causing… Nothing. His clothes, both the hoodie Remus had bought him in London, and the places where Venom was mimicking clothing, remained completely unchanged.

The goblin frowned, "It would appear that you have no magical companion secreted on your person."

"Does that mean there is something wrong with your detection wards?" Lupin's tone was polite, but there was a slight edge that made Harry think it wasn't a very polite question to ask a goblin. The way in which the goblin immediately gnashed his teeth in response to the question before snarling back at Lupin only served to reinforce this deduction.

"Of course not, wizard." The goblin spat the word out as if it had bitten into a rotten lemon, "I suspect your companion has merely contracted some sort of muggle parasite."

PARASITE!? I'LL SHOW YOU WHO'S THE PARASITE, YOU WRINKLY LONG-NOSED LITTLE SHIT! Harry had to use all his willpower and strength to stop Venom from yanking his arm up to throttle the goblin, as it was his arm did an odd sort of jerk that made Remus give him a concerned look.

Hoping to distract attention from his arm's apparent rebellion, Harry said "Does this mean we can go get my money now?" The goblin sneered but nodded.

"Griphook! Show these wizards to their vault."

Griphook lead them into an area of the bank with rough-hewn rock walls, similar to a mine shaft. An impression only strengthened when they arrived at a mine cart, which Lupin immediately climbed into. Harry followed after looking at it dubiously for a moment. The journey to the vault was exhilarating, the cart roaring around corners and careening across bridges with dizzying speed. At one point, Harry even thought he saw a flash of fire from down one of the side passages, but they whipped past it before even Venom's superior sight could distinguish anything concrete. All too soon, the cart arrived outside an enormous metal door set into the stone wall.

"Vault six-hundred-and-eighty-seven." Griphook said as he stepped out of the cart, making Harry wonder how exactly he had known what the vault number was, or when to stop. His thoughts were interrupted when Griphook said, "Key, please." The words were said with the robotic tone of the habitually repeated. Remus dutifully handed the small golden key over: Griphook ran a finger down the door and, with a shifting and clunking of metal, a keyhole appeared as a series of other locks opened along the sides of the door. Seeing Harry looking, Griphook grinned nastily, "If anyone other than a Gringotts goblin tried that, they'd be sucked through the door and trapped in there."

"How often do you check if anyone's inside?" Harry didn't think being caught by the goblins having tried to rob them would be a very pleasant experience.

"About once every ten years." Griphook somehow managed to bare even more of his pointed teeth in his wicked glee. Then the door opened, and Harry forgot all about Griphook's grin. The room beyond was stacked high with piles of gold, heaps of silver, and towering mounds of copper, all in the form of countless coins.

"The gold coins are galleons, the silver are sickles, and the bronze are knuts." Lupin said quietly from beside him, "A galleon is about five pounds, seventeen sickles to a galleon, and twenty-nine knuts to a sickle." Even without Lupin's input, Harry knew that this was more money than he had ever had in his entire life, more money than even Uncle Vernon had ever had. He rushed forward, intending to grab a huge pile of gold before buying half of Diagon Alley, but was stopped by Remus' hand on his shoulder. "Remember you have to make this last seven years, Harry, not to mention the money you'll need when you finish school." Suitably chastened, Harry nodded, and only shoved large piles of gold, silver, and bronze into the bag Lupin had handed him before following the older man out of the vault. After another short, but thoroughly enjoyable cart-ride, they were walking down the steps and back out into the light and warmth of the alley.

So, where are We going first? Venom asked excitedly.

"Can we go get my wand, Moony?" Harry gave Lupin his best 'hopeful and innocent' smile, although it faded to a pout when the man shook his head.

"I'm sorry Harry, you're not allowed a wand until you have a letter of acceptance from an accredited institute of magical learning, it's part of the Statute of Secrecy designed to stop young witches and wizards from accidentally turning their toys into tarantulas in front of muggles."

Aww, Venom whined, at least Dumbledore said you'd be getting your letter soon.

Did he? I thought he just said, 'shortly before my eleventh birthday'? And that's not for a whole month! Now it was Harry's turn to whinge.

Don't be a baby, a month is nothing.

That's easy for you to say, you're over three-hundred years-old you decrepit tosser.

Sticks and stones may break my bones, Harry. Venom took great pleasure in his childish responses, particularly since he knew Harry found them so frustrating given the symbiote's age.

"So," Remus was beginning to make a serious habit of interrupting their conversations "where would you like to go first, as you can't get your wand yet?"

Maybe it's a sign that We should stop holding conversations in the middle of talking to Remus? If We want him to stop interrupting us, I mean.

Hush you, don't talk crazy. Harry couldn't help the smile that slipped out at the already-familiar-banter with his bonded, fortunately Lupin didn't seem to notice. "How about the bookstore?" He said, pointing down to where he could see the piles of books in the shop window.

"Flourish & Blotts?" Moony sounded amused, "You really are your mother's son, that was always her first stop when she came to the alley."

"Yeah! I want to learn some cool magic to blow stuff up!" Harry was enthused at the thought of shooting lightning from his hands or causing explosions with his mind.

"And now you've proved you're your father's son too." Remus chuckled slightly as he began to walk toward Flourish & Blotts. As the pair walked through the alley toward Flourish & Blotts, Harry noticed several people giving Lupin odd looks. Some of them looked merely confused, but others were actively glaring at the quiet man, one woman even pulled her child away from them, as if worried Lupin was going to attack.

Venom, you are seeing how people are looking at Lupin? Harry asked his companion, That's not just me?

No, that's definitely not just you. Venom affirmed his host's observation. Perhaps you were right about his condition being stigmatised in wizarding society?

I suppose, but how do these people know about his condition? He can't have told all of them, can he? Based on the reactions of the people in the Leaky Cauldron, it hadn't seemed as if Lupin spent much time in Wizarding-London.

There must be some physical giveaway for the condition that We don't know enough to recognise. Venom offered the only logical explanation to the conundrum. Do you still want to look for a book on magical diseases so We can try to figure out what he has?

Yeah, but only if We can get away from Lupin to do it. I'd feel bad about looking into it in front of him, he clearly doesn't want to talk about it. By this point, the trio had arrived at Flourish & Blotts, and Lupin was quick to usher Harry inside the shop. Once inside, Harry found himself spinning slowly in place, trying to take everything in and decide where he wanted to go first: to one side was a small table with a display of books under a small plaque which read "Defence Against the Dark Arts." The most prominent of the books read "Curses and Counter-Curses" and underneath that, "Bewitch your friends and befuddle your enemies with the latest revenges: Hair loss, Jelly-Legs, Tongue-Tying, and much, much more."

I sincerely hope that isn't the extent of combat magic here, Venom snorted derisively, all of those sound-like stupid pranks for children.

Yeah, I want to blow some stuff up! Harry was equally perturbed by the apparent lack of more powerful offensive magic.

Shall We go over and take a look? Harry considered the question: on the one hand, he was anxious to discover if there was any actually interesting combat magic to be learned; but, on the other, he wanted to postpone the disappointment if it turned out there wasn't.

Let's just go, best get it over with quickly. Venom gave a mental nod of acknowledgement as the pair set off toward the table with Lupin in tow. Completely ignoring the book that was clearly setup to be the main attraction of the display, Harry began running his fingers down the spines of the other books as he read their titles. Jinxes for Juniors, Hexes that Hurt, The Prankster's Compendium Volume 4, God all of these are useless. He was on the verge of turning to ask Lupin if there was somewhere with a better selection of combat magic books when his eyes caught on a non-descript looking black book titled "Magical Combat and You: Why Overkill is Severely Underrated, by Alastor Moody."

Hello! Venom crowed as Harry pulled the book from the stack, careful not to topple the books that had been resting atop it. Distantly, Harry head Lupin say something about going to check out the section on magical creatures, but he was far too concerned with his prize to pay proper attention. Opening the book, Harry quickly flicked through a few pages, each of which contained a moving diagram for wand movements and a short description of the spell in question. His hood kept hovering at the edges of his vision, so he took a moment to reach up and push it down before continuing his perusal of the book's contents. Stopping on a random page, he began to read:

"Pulverso, the Disintegrating Curse. Have you ever looked at something and thought, 'That's nice, but I think it'd be better if it was obliterated to a pile of dust'? If so, then this is the spell for you. Pulverso destroys anything it touches, leaving only dust behind, so be prepared to vanish a lot of it if you're training with this spell. Now, some pansy-arsed bastards might come to you and say, 'Why do you have to use such a destructive spell? Can't you just transfigure or stun whatever or whoever is in front of you?' In answer to that, my usual response is 'If I'm using this spell, then whatever I'm using it on more than deserves to be disintegrated, and if you want to stun your opponents so they can get back up and blow your buttocks off, go ahead.' That typicall-"

"Wotcher, aren't you a bit young to be reading that?" A cheerful voice interrupted Harry's interested reading, looking up, he saw a very pretty girl with bubblegum pink hair, a heart-shaped face, and twinkling dark-blue eyes. She was several inches taller than him and, once he looked up at her, he noticed her eyes running swiftly over his face before flicking back down to take in the rest of his appearance. Taking that as an excuse to do the same, Harry took in the rest of her appearance; despite the robes she wore, Harry could tell the girl had a sizable bust by the way her "Weird Sisters" shirt strained around it. Her hips curved attractively, and her legs were long and toned, he couldn't help but notice she was wearing a pair of spiked leather boots instead of shoes. When his eyes returned to her face, he saw her looking at him knowingly, clearly having caught him inspecting her. Despite her having done the same to him moments earlier, Harry found himself blushing.

Suddenly realising that she was still waiting for an answer, he belatedly opened his mouth, "What makes you say that?" The girl laughed and stepped in close to him, putting an arm around his shoulders and pulling him against her side, which was nothing he was going to complain about.

"That book was written by Mad-Eye Moody, the greatest Auror in decades, it's for people intending to see heavy magical combat, like Aurors, Hit-Wizards, and Duelers, you're a touch young to be any of those."

Harry bristled in spite of himself, setting the book down on the table almost without noticing so he could point at the girl, "I'm not that young, and besides, you're barely any older!"

"I'm about to start my seventh year at Hogwarts, you don't look like you can be any older than a fourth-year." As she spoke the girl's hand subtly began to rub against Harry's chest, if it weren't for Venom, Harry doubted he would've even noticed.

"Uh…" Harry was at something of a loss as to how to respond, given that he was in fact several years younger than the girl had assumed.

On the plus side, Venom offered, she's hot and she's totally flirting with you right now.

What!? If it was possible to splutter in one's mind, Harry would certainly have done so. What do you mean she's flirting with me?

Well, she checked you out, then she made physical contact with you, and now she's feeling up your muscles, what else would you call that?

Maybe she's just a very touchy person? Venom snorted at the weak response, enjoying his host's deepening blush. Ugh, why did this have to happen? It was turning into such a good day before you started embarrassing me, Venom!

I don't know what you're talking about, this is making this a great day!

Nymphadora Tonks was having a great day. It started off well, no school and her parents at work meant she could sleep in, although her stomach had pulled her from her bed by ten in the morning. Deciding that she couldn't be bothered to cook her own food, she had grabbed some Floo powder and used the fire to travel to the Leaky Cauldron, where she enjoyed some excellent pancakes courtesy of the utter legend that was Tom.

After that, she decided to head into the Alley to browse for a while, she still needed to pick up some extra studying material for the Auror exam after she graduated. Only a year to go now, that was a scary thought, but she had been preparing for the test since third year, so there was no use getting cold feet now, Tonks knew she could handle it. Whistling cheerily to herself, Tonks weaved through the crush of witches and wizards filling Diagon Alley with the ease of long practice, making her way toward Flourish & Blotts. Upon entering the store, she waved cheerily to the few people she recognised and turned to walk to the Defence Against the Dark Arts section, only to stop upon seeing a young boy reading a black-leather book she recognised without even having to read the title.

How can he be reading that? Tonks wondered to herself, even as she walked over to ask the boy that very question, I didn't even hear that book existed until I asked Professor Flitwick for advice on learning more advanced magic to prepare for the Auror Exam last year, how did he find out about it? He doesn't look like he could be past his fourth year yet!

"Wotcher-" she began upon reaching the boy, causing his head to snap up and look at her "aren't you a bit young to be reading that?" Despite her words, Tonks found herself admiring the boy's looks even before she finished the question. His green eyes really were stunning, she'd never seen such an intense shade on a person before, and, although his face hadn't quite thinned out yet, it still had the sort of angular character that hinted at great good-looks once it had. The boy's dark hair had an attractively messy quality, as if someone had been running their fingers through it, and his lips looked invitingly soft.

Currently those lips were twisted into a scowl, which, on his young face, looked less intimidating than endearing, and his eyes were oddly unfocused, although that lasted only for a moment before they returned to normal. While she waited for him to respond, Tonks ran her eyes down the boy's lean frame, it was hard to tell through the loose-fitting hoodie, but he seemed in relatively good shape; a rarity in the Wizarding-World. His dark jeans fit well, and she could've sworn she saw a slight bulge at the crotch, so either he was way too into combat magic, or he was going to make some girl very happy someday.

Shifting her gaze back to his face, she was amused to see his eyes trailing down her body in return, stopping noticeably on her chest before continuing. Once he had finished his inspection, he looked back up and realised she had caught him checking her out, causing him to break out in a blush that he attempted to stifle by answering her question.

"What makes you say that?" He even had a nice voice, still not as deep as an adult's, but with an attractive smoothness that seemed to caress her skin.

Young or not, I might just have to look Green-Eyes here up once we get to Hogwarts. Tonks thought, I wonder if he has any experience with girls? Based on how he blushed when I caught him checking me out, I'm guessing not. Deciding to test her theory and give herself an excuse to see what he was hiding under his loose-fitting hoodie; Tonks slung her arm around the boy's shoulders and pulled him to her side.

"That book was written by Mad-Eye Moody, the greatest Auror in decades, it's for people intending to see heavy magical combat, like Aurors, Hit-Wizards, and Duelers, you're a touch young to be any of those." As she spoke, Tonks subtly rubbed at the boy's chest, marvelling slightly at the solid muscles beneath her fingers, Someone clearly works out, and, given that he's gone as rigid as a statue, looks like I was right about his experience. Guess someone will have to take one for the team and teach him about all that, and who better to selflessly sacrifice their time than me?

The boy's scowl grew deeper in response to her teasing remark, and, shifting her hand to his arm, she could feel his bicep shift as his body tensed, "I'm not that young, and besides, you're barely any older!"

Tonks laughed at the, hopefully accurate, retort, "I'm about to start my seventh year at Hogwarts, you don't look like you can be any older than a fourth-year." Nice, she complimented herself internally, now he'll tell me how old he actually is, and I'll know if I want to look him up during term.

"Uh…" The boy seemed reluctant to answer Tonks' challenge, unknowingly dashing her hopes that he might be close enough in age for her to corrupt without moral qualms. Abruptly, the boy's eyes unfocused again for an instant and his face shifted slightly into an expression of shock before flushing. For any normal person, the change would've been unnoticeable, but Tonks was used to shifting her own physiology at will and had been training to work as elite wizarding police for years: to her it was as plain as day.

That's odd, it almost looked as if he was reading someone's mind, but he can't be a Legilimens at his age, can he? Tonks made a quick check of her current thoughts and realised that she had been picturing several scenarios involving that well-muscled physique of his when the boy had zoned-out for an instant. I really hope he's just oblivious and that was him realising I'm flirting with him.

The metamorphmagus was broken from her thoughts by the boy's eventual response "Appearances can be deceiving, as I'm sure you know." For a moment, Tonks almost thought he knew about her shapeshifting abilities, but then her eyes narrowed dangerously as she thought of all the ways that could be intended as an insult.

"Meaning?" Her cheery voice had lost something of its warmth, and she was somewhat pleased to see the boy's eyes widen slightly as he recognised his current danger.

"Meaning people often assume that, if a girl is beautiful, it must mean she's stupid or weak, but in your case that obviously couldn't be further from the truth." That actually wasn't a half-bad recovery, not to mention a decent bit of flattery, Tonks could've sworn she saw one of the boy's hands subtly high-five the other behind his back but dismissed it as a trick of the light in favour of answering.

"And what makes you say that?" Her voice had warmed considerably, but her words made it clear he wasn't quite out of the woods yet.

"The fact that you've obviously read the book; you said yourself that it's only for people intending to see heavy magical combat, that means you must be both strong and intelligent. That you're beautiful is just obvious." The boy finished with a shrug, unknowingly making his compliment much more impactful, as it really seemed as if he was simply stating a fact rather than attempting to flatter her.

Definitely looking him up at Hogwarts, Tonks thought, aloud she said: "Not bad, Green-Eyes, I guess you can handle yourself after all." The boy relaxed visibly, tension leaving his muscles noticeably beneath her fingers. For her part, Tonks grinned wickedly as an idea seized her, it would mean sacrificing her perusal of the Defence Against the Dark Arts Section, but she could always come back later. Quick as a flash, the hand that had been resting on the boy's shoulder slithered down his back before coming to rest on his jean-covered bum where it gave a firm squeeze. Firm as granite, score!

Tonks grinned, even as she released the boy's rear and skipped off deeper into the shop, "The name's Tonks, Green-Eyes, I look forward to seeing you at Hogwarts!" Her smooth escape was foiled when her foot caught the corner of a stack of books, sending her careening forward toward the unforgiving ground. Fuck! Tonks swore internally, more upset that her departure had been ruined than about the impending impact with the ground, I was this close to nailing that. Before she could hit the ground, however, she found herself caught in a pair of strangely familiar well-muscled arms. A scent of chocolate and an intoxicating but indescribable tang filled her nose as she felt herself righted, and a smooth voice whispered into her ear, causing a slight shiver that had nothing to do with cold to run through her body.

"Nice to meet you, Tonks, my name's Harry." Turning her head, Tonks found herself looking directly into the boy-Harry-'s entrancing green eyes. His face was very close to hers and had a warmly amused smile on it, there wasn't a trace of teasing or flirtation on his features that she could discern. She was slightly surprised to realise that the eroticism of his whispered words had been entirely accidental.

He is going to be one hell-of-a good time once he's got some experience, Tonks thought, wicked grin firmly in place once more. It'd be a crime if someone didn't take the time to nurture that potential. While she was locked in her, entirely altruistic, thoughts, Harry seemed to realise their proximity, and quickly released her as a heavy blush suffused his cheeks. She had just opened her mouth to see if she could parlay her 'gratitude for saving her' into another opportunity to grab his arse and run away, when a highly amused sounding cough interrupted them. Turning, the pair saw the grinning form of Remus Lupin; a book wedged firmly under his arm and a mischievous twinkle lighting his amber eyes.

"So, Harry, who's this lovely friend of yours?"

End Author's Note: So enters Tonks! I really enjoyed writing her section of this chapter because, honestly, she's a lot of fun. I have to admit something: this chapter was initially meant to be just the first half of this chapter. I was intending for A LOT more to happen, but, by the time I'd actually written all of this, I realised there was no way I was going to be able to include everything I wanted to happen without having to skip a lot of the details I wanted to establish. The initial plan was for this chapter to take us all the way up to the Hogwarts express, but I'm afraid that will have to wait for next chapter, along with lots of other things. I honestly never thought I was going to write this much before Harry even got to Hogwarts, but it turns out I am, and hopefully you haven't got bored of it yet.

In other news, in case any of you are wondering, no, this is not going to be a harem fic. At least not in the traditional sense. Harry is going to end up with a single girl, eventually, but, like in real life, he's not going to just find one girl that he likes and immediately decide that she's the only one for him. He's going to get around for a bit before he settles down, although 'settles down' might not be the best term… but you'll have to wait to find out about that.

1. From Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Fanfic Recommendation:

Triton by the elementa1ist

To be completely honest, this story includes several tropes that I specifically dislike, including having Harry change his name. However, the story is so good that I find myself not particularly caring. Without giving too much away, the story centres around Harry as a mercenary, and is set during the Goblet of Fire, the twist is in Harry's abilities: he is an elemental. What exactly that means is explored throughout the story, as well as some interesting interpersonal interactions, and exceedingly well written magical combat. The overall writing of the story is impeccable, and, even if several of the plot elements are not incredibly original in their broadest strokes, the details and progression of the narrative help set the story apart. At the time of the publication of this chapter, the story is 155k words across 26 chapters, but is still in progress.