So pleeassee forgive me for the lateness in this chapter! First both my beta and me were on vacation, then when I got back it took me a couple days to get settled, then Lizzy Lovegood (my amaazzing beta) had computer troubles. THEN Fanfiction wasn't cooperating. So yes, I apologize for the troubles!


One nearly vomit-inducing experience later, Harry and Remus appeared in a small, wooden cottage. A mere glance showed that, much like its' owner, the house was worn and in much need of repairs. However, just as Remus did, it also had a comfortable, homey feeling to it. Blinking rapidly, Harry stared around the house, feeling surrounded by a sense of security that he had only ever felt with Remus . . . and Sirius.

No, don't think about that now . . .. Harry instead turned toward Remus's kind face, smiling hesitantly.

"Welcome home, Harry," Remus whispered, studying the soft smile that spread over Harry's lips as he surveyed his new home.

"Would you like to see your room?" Remus asked, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. "I wasn't really sure what to do with it, so it's pretty bland at the moment, but you can do whatever you like with it. Does that sound like a plan?"

Harry could only stare, mouth wide. He was so grateful to just be living with Remus, away from his vile relatives, that he could hardly believe the man's generosity. Vaguely, he felt himself being steered down a hall and into a room. His room.

The room was decorated in shades of crimson and gold, just like his dormitory at Hogwarts. However, it was the pictures that Harry first noticed – pictures of the Marauders, Lily, and even himself as a baby. Harry noticed the picture that he himself had in his photo album – his parents on their wedding day, Sirius beaming at their side. As Remus had said, the room was very plain, equipped only with a dresser and. . . .

Harry turned to the man, a quizzical expression on his face. "A crib, Remus?"

Remus chuckled in reply, a wistful expression on his face. "When you were a baby, Harry, Sirius and I would babysit you. Sometimes, when your parents knew they would be out late, you would stay over here for the night. Whenever you came over, this was where you played, napped, and slept. I doubt you'll fit into it anymore though." With another chuckle, the small wooden crib was changed into a large four-poster bed, not unlike ones found at Hogwarts.

As Remus performed this task, Harry began to browse the pictures more carefully. Besides the one that had first caught his eye there were many others. One was of James, Sirius and Remus sitting by the lake – where he, Ron, and Hermione now sat, Harry thought wistfully – while another showed Sirius and James in a wrestling match, both laughing and carefree.

When was this? Harry thought. How long did they have before their lives were torn apart?

Brushing impatiently at his cheeks, Harry turned quickly away from the picture, almost immediately glimpsing another that caught his eye.

The picture hung right above the set of drawers in some prominence and it was a wonder Harry hadn't noticed it before, especially as it was one of the few that actually featured him. Remus held an infant Harry safely in his arms while Sirius made funny faces. Lily sat next to her husband, watching the three that made up part of the crazy family.

Harry watched as his younger self reached out to tweak Sirius's nose and laughed, albeit rather shakily. So caught in thrall by the picture was he that he jumped in surprise when Remus's voice issued from behind him.

"All three of them loved you unlike anything else, Harry," Remus said gently, fondly flattening Harry's hair. "I still do," he added with a smile. "It's one of my favorite picture, actually. That's why it's so large, you see."

Harry merely nodded vaguely, reaching out to stroke the portrait-Sirius's face. When he next spoke, it was in a voice that was struggling to hold in unshed tears. "I can see why . . ..", he said, forcing his mouth to form into a smile. It didn't feel right to smile. "Could . . . could I get a copy of it, Remus?" he asked, turning to the werewolf with pleading eyes.

Remus, spotting the tears, instantly wrapped Harry in a tight embrace. "Oh, of course you can, cub. Remember, though, it's okay to cry. They were all very special people and I count myself very lucky to have had them in my life. Yes, I'm sad now, but it's you . . . you who they were ripped from before you truly knew them." Remus's own voice hitched as he held Harry closer.

Harry nodded. "You . . . you'll always be here for me . . . right Remus?" As he lifted his head to face the older man, Remus could clearly see the need shining in his eyes.

Blinking away his own hot tears, Remus swallowed over a hard lump in his throat before speaking. "Oh my cub, I will always be here for you . . . but I can't promise that something won't happen to me." As the boy stiffened against him, Remus began to rub his back soothingly.

"Cub, this is war, you know that. No one knows what the future will hold, but I can tell you one thing. I'll try my damned hardest to fight and stay in it for you. And do you know why?" At Harry's inquisitive glance, he continued, the lump in his throat becoming substantially larger. "It's because I love you, Harry. I love you so much, like your mother did, like your father did, and like Sirius did."

When Harry turned to him this time, it was with wonderment. "What?" he asked, almost whispering.

"What is it, Harry?" Remus asked, worried that he had upset the boy in some way. "What's wrong?"

"What did you just say? The last thing . . .."

"That I love you?"

Harry's eyes widened before burying himself in Remus's chest once more. Confused, the man tipped Harry's head up to face him once again. "Cub, what's wrong?"

"I'm sorry," Harry said softly. "It's just . . . no one's ever said that to me before."

"Said I love you, you mean?" Harry's blushing face was all the answer the werewolf needed. Shock and anger enveloped him – shock because he couldn't believe that – in fourteen years – no one had ever told this precious boy they loved him and anger because no one had ever thought to when so many people did. . . .

The Dursleys, well . . . they obviously had no fond feelings for their nephew. Ron and Hermione, meanwhile, must love their friend, but had simply taken it for granted that he knew. And Sirius . . . Merlin, had he never told his own godson he loved him?

"Harry," he said firmly, "Harry, please listen to me. What you think – it's not true. People do love you. Why, when you were a baby your parents, Sirius, and I told you we loved you every day. And now . . . the Weasleys love you, Ron and Hermione love you – they're your best friends for Merlin's sake – Professor Dumbledore even cares for you as a grandson. Never ever think that no one has loved you."

Harry could only stare at the older man for a second, mouth moving like a fish's.

"I love you, Harry," Remus repeated.

That seemed to break the spell as Harry buried his head into Remus's firm, comforting chest. "I love you too, Remus."

So can we all give a huge round of applause for Lizzy Lovegood, the amazing girl who beta's all this?! Without her this story would not be anything, she has some awesome stories on her page so check those out! I also want to name all my reviewers so far, thank you all so much! It keeps me going!

Moon Archer

Jessalynvix

Susie Q

DeliaDee

Priyu0624

fathermoony

story2tell

steph.2791

chakahlah

And a huge hug to Moon Archer and Jessalynvix for reviewing one more then one chapter! :)

If I didn't reply to someone's review I am terrible sorry! I will for sure if you review again...