Author's Note: Thanks for the feedback, guys! I'm glad you all enjoyed the Remus-Harry bondingness going on :) …Again, as for questions regarding the plot…you're just going to have to live in suspense.
This is sort of a choppy chapter, forgive me.


Chapter Four

Remus Lupin was not one for optimism—though this fact certainly did not damper his spirits to the extent one might suppose. It was entirely true that he had been devastated by the murder of James and Lily Potter, and the betrayal by Sirius Black. In all his years, Remus had never met anyone who had treated him as they had—who treated him as the man and not as the wolf. His years at Hogwarts had been the best of his life—and when that well-balanced, free and careless world had crashed down around him and those he most cared about, he had known there was no going back. He had felt the depths of his soul shiver.

But in the midst of the rising fear, James and Lily had been beyond overjoyed with the prospect of having a child. Harry.

Sirius was the obvious choice for Godfather—and by Merlin; Remus had never seen Sirius so…well, serious. It did not take long for the tough, motorcycle riding prankster to fall in love with the boy. And it didn't take long for Remus, either. Despite the chaos surrounding him, he had still been happy—he had still felt warm.

It was so odd that in one fell swoop, almost everything good in Remus Lupin's life had fallen heartbreakingly apart. He chose to continue on, but he did regret. He remained congenial as ever though, even on the bad days. He might admit that he may have handled things poorly—that by completely dropping out of Harry Potter's life— and the Wizarding World in general—he had done no one a favor.

So when one Albus Dumbledore randomly appeared at his door nearly two weeks ago, he was almost…excited. He had spent many years dwelling on the past, but hoping that one day he would feel a sense of purpose again. He knew that by entering into Harry's life he may put himself at risk—in a number of ways. He wanted Harry to be safe…he wanted Harry to be happy.

He was so small…and obviously mistreated. How could Dumbledore let this happen? The Headmaster said he had his reasons— that it would be safer for the boy to remain with relations. Yet, Harry had been told nothing of his parents…Harry had been told nothing. But he knew something.

There were many things he wished had gone differently—had never happened at all.

Yes, Harry was safe.

But, Harry was not happy.

"…Moony?"

Remus ran a shaking hand through his graying hair. Harry knew who he was—he remembered him. How was this even remotely possible? He had been so young—he had never heard of anything like this, even in the Wizarding world. True, Harry was obviously special…

"I—I'm sorry."

Remus's eyes locked with emeralds. "What?"

The small boy fidgeted, playing with the corner of his blanket. "I upset you…I'm sorry. I just…"

"Harry," Remus said softly as he moved to grab the boy's hand, "don't apologize. I'm simply at a loss…what else do you remember?"

Harry shook his head, eyes turned down towards the hand holding his. "They're more feelings than memories…I know Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia don't always tell me the truth. I can do things… I don't have any distinct memories, really."

"What kind of things are you talking about, Harry?" Remus inquired, a small smile creeping onto his face.

Harry very obviously looked uncomfortable and unwilling to continue with the conversation. He tugged at the blanket harder. "I'm not supposed to talk about—"

"—Harry," Remus interjected softly, "you don't have to be afraid to tell me, even if you think it's strange. I won't be angry with you, I promise."

The messy-haired boy shook his head silently.

Remus knew what he had to do—what he wanted to do. "Harry…would you like to know about your past? About yourself?"

-HPHPHP-

Minerva McGonagall was worried. She had been watching Harry Potter on and off for years. She told Albus what she thought of those relatives of his—hardly giving him a scrap of food or anything else for that matter. She had told the Headmaster time and time again that she thought Harry should be moved to a place within the Wizarding world; to live with someone who would care for him and not treat him like an unwanted pet.

It took much effort on her part to convince Albus to approach Remus Lupin. However, with all of the recent incidents being taken into account—he seemed rather fond of her idea; as if he knew what she was going to say and had already made his decision.

Unfortunately, this did little to soothe the professor's worry. In fact, it seemed to make her even more ill at ease.

McGonagall trusted Albus Dumbledore's judgment—that however, did not mean she agreed with all of his decisions.

"Albus?" she had inquired the previous afternoon. "I wish you would tell me what you know about –"

"—I know, Minerva," the older man stated looking up from behind his spectacles. He sat petting his magnificent phoenix, Fawkes, who was letting out a beautiful sound of contentment. "I received an owl from Remus this morning which may improve or worsen your feelings of uneasiness—would you like to read it?"

Headmaster,

I have decided to consider your offer. I will stay with Harry here until you give me further instruction. I fear yours and Professor McGonagall's worries about Harry's relations are true. They do not care for him properly, though I have found no signs of harsh physical abuse.

If certain people are as you fear on the move again, I would like to help.

I hope all is well.

R.J. Lupin

-HPHPHPHP-

Harry knew Remus Lupin—Moony—whoever he was, would not lie to him. He also knew that the weird, freakish things he could do were a part of him. What he was not expecting was for these things to be normal—for a young wizard, that is.

"Are you sure you haven't got the wrong person?" Harry asked quietly. "I mean, I'm just Harry. Dudley can easily…"

"Harry," Remus said firmly, though with a smile on his face. "I know this may seem unbelievable, but it is true. You are a wizard just like your parents."

Harry furrowed his brow. "What about Molemort? Is he really gone?"

"It's Voldemort," Remus said with a slight grin. Harry had taken the news surprisingly well—almost happily. "And he was defeated that night…but some of us don't believe that he's truly gone forever."

"Is that," Harry started, afraid of his own words, "is that why you're here?"

Remus felt his chest constrict. He reached forward slowly, carefully gathering the boy into a hug. "Yes and no, Harry. Yes and no."