Hello everyone!
I'm sorry that I posted this new chapter but forgot this. But this is important so please read.
I greatly appreciate all of my readers so please do review; it means a lot to know that people enjoy this fic. It gives me more reason to continue it. Also, if you have any suggestion or ideas of what you would like to see in the story please let me know. I do have the chapters outlined but that does not mean that I won't take into consideration what you want. I'm not going to guarantee that I will use your idea but I will consider it.
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And a BIG thank you to my wonderful beta MysticSong1978, get better soon!
Moon…..ey?
After the Minister's visit to McGonagall's quarter's things seemed to go from bad to worse. Harry was more withdrawn then ever and both McGonagall and Dumbledore were starting to feel extremely helpless and frustrated.
It was now five days since the Minster had visited and Dumbledore, McGonagall and Harry were all outside under a tree. It was apparent to both adults that Harry seemed to be drawing within himself much more then usual and at an alarming rate.
Dumbledore looked down at the small boy who was laying at the far right side of the blanket. Harry was laying on his back, his small hands clasped over his stomach and his eyes fixed at the rapidly darkening sky.
Dumbledore forced himself not to heave a sigh, though as he looked at McGonagall out of the corner of his eye he could see that she too was watching Harry. Dumbledore turned his full attention back to Harry and continued to observe him.
One thing that Dumbledore had noticed was that even though Harry no longer tore across the grounds running, jumping, and playing in glee, he was still much more relaxed outdoors then in.
Dumbledore moved towards Harry and saw the small boys' eyes shift ever so slightly to watch him as Dumbledore settled himself down next to Harry and smiled down at him.
"Harry its time to go inside; are you ready?" Dumbledore asked as Harry eyed him in the same weary fashion that he had adopted recently. Dumbledore felt his heart clench painfully as it always did when Harry gave him that look. I will help you Harry, I promise. Dumbledore vowed as he forced himself to continue to smile.
Harry nodded after a moment at Dumbledore's question and began to stand up. McGonagall was already gathering every thing together and putting things away. For several minutes Dumbledore and Harry helped McGonagall put things away.
"Thank you so much for helping Harry! You are such a good boy." McGonagall praised with a smile. Harry ducked his head to hide a small smile of his own.
Dumbledore threw McGonagall a grateful smile which she returned. Both caregivers had come to cherish every outward sign of joy that Harry showed even if it was something as small as a smile.
Dumbledore smoothed out his slightly rumpled robes and reached his hand out to Harry. Harry yawned slightly before putting his small hand in Dumbledore's and allowing himself to be lead back up to the castle.
McGonagall and Dumbledore both spoke to Harry and each other in comforting easy tones as they continued up to Dumbledore's office. Both adults had come to realize that Harry was much more apt to becoming upset around his bed time and it was better to keep things as slow as possible.
Harry, who had taken a greater liking to walking whenever the group went anywhere, only made it to the middle of the second flight of stairs (which he had seemed to not fear any longer so long as Dumbledore and McGonagall walked along side him and he was allowed to clutch their robes in his small fists) before he turned and pulled lightly at Dumbledore's robes and buried his face in the smooth folds of the cloth.
Dumbledore clucked his tongue softly as he picked Harry up and cradled the small boy in his arms.
"We're almost there, Harry," Dumbledore soothed as Harry started to fuss as the group turned a corner and the gargoyles came into sight.
Dumbledore quickly moved into the routine that both he and McGonagall had become accustomed to in the last few days. Dumbledore began to bring out some different, looser, more comfortable cloths as McGonagall went to fetch the bruise balm and the salve fore Harry's diaper rash.
As McGonagall re-entered the room, potions in hand, she watched as Dumbledore gently rocked Harry in his arms doing his best to get Harry as calm as possible. It had become painfully apparent that Harry disliked having to have the potions rubbed into this skin no matter how much better they made him feel.
"Harry, child, it is time for your medicine." Dumbledore told Harry as he saw McGonagall enter the room. Harry squirmed in Dumbledore's arms giving a whine of protest.
"I know Harry, I know you don't like it but it will be over soon." Dumbledore soothed as Harry wrapped his arms around Dumbledore's neck and buried his small face in Dumbledore's shoulder. Harry did not like this daily procedure but had found that it went faster if he stayed still.
"That's it Harry, relax." Dumbledore murmured as McGonagall quickly rubbed the bruise balm on the bruises on Harry's neck, which were thankfully fading quickly. The diaper rash which was quickly disappearing as well from Harry's person did not disappear from either mind of Harry's caregivers. Both McGonagall and Dumbledore tried everyway they could think of to get Harry to tell them how he had gotten it but Harry would always pull away in silence.
"There Harry, all done," McGonagall said as she patted Harry lightly on his back.
Harry turned his head so that he could see McGonagall and nodded slightly.
"There now Harry," Dumbledore smiled warmly. "Lest get you into these soft pyjamas." Harry did not struggle as he was dressed in his bed time clothes and put to bed. Harry struggled to stay awake for several minutes as he always did, watching McGonagall and Dumbledore as if making sure they did not leave.
As soon as Harry nodded off to sleep McGonagall and Dumbledore slipped quietly out of the room and into Dumbledore's office.
"Well Albus," McGonagall started as she and Dumbledore sat down to have some tea. "I think it is time we looked for some outside help." Dumbledore looked up from the cup of at he was preparing and nodded gravely.
This was not the first time that the idea of outside help had been brought up; on the contrary over the last few days it seemed that this was quite a popular topic.
Dumbledore was silent for a moment before he leaned back in his chair and took a small sip of tea.
"Yes, I believe you are right," Dumbledore agreed. "However, I do wish to allow a small amount of time to see if Harry might relax when Remus comes to see him."
"Truth be told Albus, the first time Harry saw Remus, he did not look very comfortable." McGonagall pointed out; Dumbledore nodded his head in agreement.
"Yes Minerva you are right but we must also take into account that Harry was not at his best. I believe that Harry might open up if Remus is present. There is even the grand possibility that Harry might even began to remember him."
"And have you spoken to Remus?" McGonagall questioned.
"Yes, we have exchanged a few owls and he had a very interesting idea." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he waited for McGonagall to ask just what Remus suggested. When she did, with a small bit of annoyance Dumbledore noted, he answered with a smile.
"Remus suggested that we might all take Harry out to a toy store and perhaps lunch."
"Well that is a wonderful idea; he does need to get out and about," McGonagall agreed with a smile.
"My reaction exactly, Minerva. I also had thought that a careful, well placed glamour, could keep Harry's identity a secret."
"And what if he were to catch a look at himself in a mirror or a store window?" McGonagall demanded.
"It is quite easy to put a charm on a child's eyes so that they can see through a set glamour. We will do that to Harry before he wakes up and we, meaning of course you, Remus, and I, will also be able to see Harry as he truly is. Nothing to drastic will be changed; as far as the ministry and everyone else in our world is concerned Harry is still with his relatives, and even if someone were to pick up on the fact that Harry is absent from his relatives' home, who would believe that he was a child?" Dumbledore continued serenely, popping a Lemon Drop into his mouth. "Changing his hair and eye colour will do just fine. I of course, will put a much stronger charm to conceal Harry's scar but other then that everything should be fine."
"I must admit Albus; you have put a decent amount of thought into this." McGonagall said with a nod of approval. "When is Remus coming?"
Dumbledore took a slow sip of his tea before answering with a small smile;
"Tomorrow."
xXxXxXxXx
The next day dawned bright and sunny with a slight nip in the air and dark scattered clouds that threatened rain. Both Dumbledore and McGonagall had been up since around five, and had quickly cast the charms needed for the glamour on Harry, as well as the charms which would allow him, and themselves, to see through them.
It was now eight o-clocks and Dumbledore was giving Harry a bath while McGonagall waited for Remus.
Bath time was defiantly a test of patience as Harry had to be coaxed and pleaded with to get into the water, and even then he would refuse to let go of Dumbledore's hand.
Dumbledore smiled softly down at Harry as he lathered a wash cloth with baby soap and proceeded to wash Harry's body with it. As he did so Dumbledore allowed his mind to wonder back to when he and McGonagall had finally given Harry a proper bath.
It was two days after the minister's visit and Dumbledore and McGonagall had both agreed it was time to help Harry start getting over his fear of waster. However, when they had approached Harry with the idea of taking a bath, to say that Harry had not liked the idea would be a huge understatement.
Harry had fled under his cot and had refused to come out. Many promises, coaxing words, and tears later, Harry had finally crawled out from under his cot and allowed Dumbledore to pick him up.
After McGonagall and Dumbledore had both promised several times that nothing bad would happen to him and that they would both be there the entire time, Harry had at long last allowed them to lead him to the bathroom.
Bath time had taken much longer then either McGonagall or Dumbledore could have imagined, what with Harry being rigid as a board and completely terrified (though neither Dumbledore nor McGonagall could blame him) through the whole process.
Dumbledore and McGonagall had talked Harry through the entire process, telling Harry what they were going to do before they did it and trying to keep the mood as light as possible, but even so it was easy to see that Harry could not wait to get out of the water.
A loud squeal, somewhere between glee and fright, startled Dumbledore out of his thoughts and he focused once more on Harry who was watching as one of his bath toys made its way over to him.
Dumbledore smiled sadly before plucking the rubber duck out of the water and setting it on the edge of the tube. Harry did not like to play with toys while he was taking a bath, he much rather preferred to get in and out of the water as fast as possible. However, Dumbledore had also found out that Harry's family did not allow him to play with toys, in the bath or out, Harry was simply not allowed. Harry had also unintentionally told Dumbledore that whenever his relatives gave him a bath the water was either freezing, or boiling. To say that Dumbledore had been horrified at this revelation was a grand understatement.
"Harry, can you lean your head back so that I can wash your hair?" Dumbledore questioned lightly as he held up a cup full of water for Harry to see. Harry made a small sound of unhappiness and fear in the back of his throat as he eyed the cup wearily, but never the less Harry complied and tipped his head back slightly; keeping his eyes open and watching Dumbledore until the very last moment before Dumbledore emptied the cup onto his head.
"There we go Harry," Dumbledore smiled warmly down at the sopping wet child in the tub. "Are you ready to get out now?" Harry gave an enthusiastic nod and raised his arms; Dumbledore readily complied and picked Harry up and quickly wrapped him in a towel.
Just as Dumbledore was finishing getting Harry ready for the day he could hear voices drifting in from his office and hurried to finish drying Harry's hair.
Harry had been told what would be going on that day and had seemed to understand, though he had given no sign of recognition when he was told that Remus Lupin would be coming along with them as well. However, Harry had seemed exited with the prospect of going somewhere new and had given both McGonagall and Dumbledore a large smile to express his joy.
"Well Harry, my boy, it would seem that our guest has arrived. Are you ready?" Harry nodded and gave Dumbledore a nervous smile as Dumbledore set Harry down on the ground and led Harry out of the bathroom, through the bed room, and into his office where both McGonagall and Remus Lupin were waiting.
"Remus, how good to see you." Dumbledore greeted as he and Harry made there way into the room. Remus and McGonagall quickly stood up from there seats and made there way over to the centre of the room.
"Like wise Albus," Lupin replied before turning his attention to the small boy who was currently hiding behind Dumbledore's legs, peaking out every so often to look at Remus.
"And hello to you too Harry," Lupin continued with a smile. "How are you this morning?" Harry remained silent for a moment before Dumbledore kneeled down and whispered in Harry's ear.
"Come now Harry, it is rude to not answer a question." Harry looked up at the man for a second longer before nodding his head.
"I… Iumm doin' good." Harry hesitantly answered. Dumbledore and the other occupants of the room smiled down at the small boy, who upon seeing that he had obviously not done anything wrong, managed a small grin of his own.
Harry gazed up at the man in front of him with wonder and confusion. This man seemed so very familiar but Harry could not seem to remember where he had seen him before. Harry nervously shifted from foot to foot and once again took refuge behind Dumbledore's legs as the adults sorted out the plans for the day.
It was not just the simple fact that the man was strangely familiar, but Harry also got a very strange feeling whenever he looked at the man. Almost as if he should not only recognize the man, but as if there was something else that made the man very important. Harry shivered slightly as he looked at the man and the strange, and unwelcome, feeling washed over him again.
"Well then it is settled," Dumbledore concluded as he looked down at Harry who looked back up at him with an expectant expression.
"We goin'?" Harry questioned softly as he clutched Dumbledore's robes in his small fists.
"Yes Harry that is what I meant, are you ready to go?" Dumbledore confirmed as he reached down to pick Harry up. Harry nodded excitedly as he, Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Lupin walked out of Dumbledore's office and made their way down to the grounds.
A single carriage was waiting for them on the grounds to take the small party to Hogsmeade where they would then proceed to enjoy their day out.
"Are you looking forward to today, Harry?" Lupin asked after they were all situated. Harry was currently sitting beside Dumbledore and in front of Lupin, this left McGonagall beside Lupin and in front of Dumbledore.
Harry looked up at Dumbledore, almost as if asking permission to respond. When Dumbledore smiled and nodded his head slightly in Lupin's direction Harry took the hint and answered.
"Yeah, it be lofs of fun." His voice was still small and hesitant as he was not completely sure if he liked this man yet, but when Lupin gave him a bright smile Harry could not help relaxing slightly.
"Whut we guna do?" Harry questioned quietly five minutes later. Dumbledore and McGonagall shared identical looks of surprise before they both sprouted large smiles. This was one of the few times Harry had spoken without having been spoken to first, not only that but the question had not been directed at either of them; it had been directed at Lupin.
"We'll be doing lots of fun stuff today Harry, you just wait and see. You'll have a great time," Lupin answered his voice taking on a softer more carefree tone. Harry seemed to notice this as well because he gave a small grin before he ducked his head and started to play with Dumbledore's robes.
Ten minutes later the small group was standing at Hogsmeade station looking around and trying to decide what would be the best course of action. They did have a general idea but each person knew that this was a special day for Harry, as it was his first outside the castle, and they wanted to make it memorable.
McGonagall looked down at Harry who was currently holding tightly on to her hand and couldn't help but laugh slightly as she saw Harry looking around as if he had never been outside in his life. He was pulling slightly on McGonagall's arm and was walking to and fro as far as he could with out letting go of her hand.
The group finally settled on simply walking around Hogsmeade for a while before actually entering any of the stores. This gave them plenty of time to explain to Harry what everything was and what was going on. Several times Harry would voluntarily ask a question or comment on something, and each time Dumbledore and McGonagall could not help but smile at how Harry was quickly coming out of his shell.
Lupin took the liberty of pointing out different things that he thought Harry might be interested in, and most of the time he was rewarded with a smile and a few quick questions about the object in question.
It was around one thirty when the group stopped for lunch and ice cream. They had stopped in several different shops and browsed different shop windows since they had arrived, but they had yet to find something that would hold Harry's interest for long.
"Come on now Harry, time to sit down," Dumbledore said as he pulled out a chair for Harry to sit on. Harry, who had been holding McGonagall's hand as he waited with her and Lupin in line, quickly toddled over to Dumbledore, and, with some, assistance scrambled onto his chair.
As Lupin and McGonagall come over to the table with their food, McGonagall sat down on Harry's left side while Dumbledore was on Harry's right and Lupin sat in front of Harry. Harry tilted his head lightly to one side and chewed on his lip nervously as he looked around the table. Lupin who noticed Harry's discomfort first quickly spoke up.
"Harry is something wrong?"
Dumbledore and McGonagall quickly focused their attention on Harry as well, waiting to see if he would answer. After several long moments of silence it seemed as if Harry was not going to answer and Dumbledore made as if to repeat the question, but before he could Harry looked down at his lap and started fidgeting with his robes.
"I wanna sit nets to you." Harry murmured quietly as he continued to fidget with his robes. McGonagall and Dumbledore exchanged surprised but happy smiles over Harry's head. Dumbledore turned slightly toward Lupin and gave him a wink and a smile which Lupin returned as he felt a warm buzz of happiness settle over him at Harry's words.
"Well of course you can sit next to Remus, pet." McGonagall smiled as she slowly and gently ran her fingers through Harry's hair to calm him as she had seen Dumbledore do so many times. Harry might have started to come out of his shell a little bit and talk a little more and ask question, but McGonagall could tell that it would be a long time before Harry got comfortable enough to actually voice what he wanted. It was easy to see that this was a very big step for Harry.
"Here pet, why don't you switch places with me, hmm? Does that sound alright?" McGonagall continued as he got up. Harry gave a small nod before looking around at all the adults' one more and waited until they all gave some sign that everything was ok, whether it was a smile or nod. Harry's gaze lingered on Lupin and a strong feeling of nervous happiness began to bloom in the pit of his stomach when he saw the smile on the man's face, and the warmth in his eyes.
The rest of lunch went by quickly with many jokes and smiles exchanged as well as Harry seeming to finally open up and a little more. It seemed that though Harry was still not completely comfortable he was blooming under Remus' praise, loving smiles, and gentle gaze.
Even after the group was finished eating they stayed in their seats talking animatedly and exchanging miscellaneous news. Harry had taken to walking around the small restaurant wandering a few feet away before rushing back, laughing and grinning up at the adults.
When it was apparent that Harry was beginning to get board and fussy with doing nothing more then exploring, Remus suggested a trip to a magical toy menagerie down the street was in order. Harry did not seem to completely understand where they were going, but the simple fact that he was getting to explore more was enough to excite him.
Harry walked between Dumbledore and Remus, a small hand clutching either of the larger ones tightly. Harry seemed to be warming up more and more to Remus and both Dumbledore and McGonagall were happy to see it. Remus' slow, kind smile and his warm eyes had always calmed Harry when he was first a child and Dumbledore was happy to note that it seemed Remus had not lost his touch.
"Come on Harry," Remus encouraged gently as he pulled on Harry's hand. "It's just a little further."
Harry looked up at the man as he sped up once more. There was just so much to see! His Aunt and Uncle had never allowed him to go anywhere with them and so Harry just had to look at everything. Harry flexed his fingers slightly in the man's grip and gazed back steadily when he looked down. There was a smile that seemed to always be in the man's eyes as well as his face and Harry found himself giving a toothy grin in return.
"Ah, here we are!" Harry turned his attention away from the man and instead looked at a large, brick building in front of him. It reminded Harry of something out of one of Dudley's story books, with its bright red bricks, cosy little chimney , flowers surrounding it as well as what seemed to be giant toys in the front of it.
"Bad, bad." Harry spoke suddenly. Dumbledore looked down in surprise, wondering if Harry thought that he was in trouble. However, when Dumbledore gazed at the small angelic face it was easy to see that Harry looked indignant and disapproving, not scared at all.
"What is bad, Harry?" Dumbledore questioned, genuinely curious. Harry gave Dumbledore an incredulous look, as though he could not believe he was being asked such a question.
"They leave toys outside and not pick em' up! Bad, bad!" Harry explained in exasperation. For a moment everyone was silent before they all, excluding Harry, burst into laughter. The indignant expression on Harry's face only made them all laugh harder.
"You are a riot, Harry!" Remus laughed as he bent down on one knee in front of Harry, wearing a large smile and ruffling Harry's hair fondly. Harry, seeing that he had done nothing wrong gave a full out laugh and clapped his hands together at the reaction he had gotten from the adults.
"Come on now," McGonagall urged, still smiling. "At this rate we won't even get to see the store!"
"She's right." Remus nodded and stood up once more. "Hurry, hurry Harry!" Harry laughed once more and did his best to keep up with Remus' quickened pace.
The inside of the store was brightly lit with shelves and shelves stocked to the ceiling with toys, large bins scattered around the stores were filled to the top with toys as well; from stuffed animals to brightly coloured balls or all shapes and sizes.
Harry stared around at the store, eyes wide and mouth hanging open in awe. Remus was laughing warmly at Harry's reaction and bent down so that he could speak to the awe struck boy.
"I take it you like it Harry?" Harry turned wide eyes to look at Remus' smiling face before turning and hurling himself at Dumbledore's legs and clinging to his robes.
"Harry!" Remus cried, shocked at the sudden reaction and change of attitude.
Dumbledore reached down and brought the trembling child into his arms.
"Harry my boy, what is the matter?" Dumbledore questioned softly as he ran a gentle hand through the boys hair. Harry did not answer, instead he turned and wrapped his small arms around Dumbledore's neck and buried his face in the soft folds of Dumbledore's robes.
"Harry pet, don't you want to look at all the nice toys?" McGonagall asked as she stepped forward and rubbed circles on Harry's back. Harry turned his head to look at her and gave a firm shake before clinging to Dumbledore once again.
"Harry…" Remus began, his eyes gazing worriedly this best friend's son. "Harry, would you like to just look at some of the toys. It would be a shame if you didn't get to see them." Harry hesitated before turning once more before gazing at Remus with questioning eyes.
"Yes pet," McGonagall put in with a smile as she noted that Harry was starting to respond once more. "Let's just walk around for a bit." Harry looked up at Dumbledore who gazed back at Harry with loving concern in his eyes.
"Its up to you Harry," Dumbledore answered in reply to the silent question in Harry's eyes. Harry's face creased into a frown as he rested his head on Dumbledore's shoulder once more.
"I don wanna be bad," Harry whispered as he played softly with Dumbledore's beard. Dumbledore had to keep himself from heaving a great sigh. It had seemed as if they had been making so much progress with Harry yet now… now they were back to the whole issue about "Being Bad". It seemed that no matter what happened it always came back to Harry's fear of being punished if he did something he thought was wrong.
"Oh child, you are not bad, nor will you be. This was supposed to be a special day for you to enjoy. However, if you would like to leave we will. As I said it is your choice pet." Harry looked around at the adults and gave the beginnings of a small, tentative smile.
"Stay, for a lil' bit." Harry said softly.
"Alright Harry," Remus smiled and Harry gave what seemed to be a smile in return before he rested his head on Dumbledore's chest.
For the better part of the next fifteen minutes the small group made its way around the toy story, up one isle and down the next. Several times Harry would find something that caught his eye and the group would stop to admire whatever it was. However, Harry never made a move to touch anything, whether it was offered to him or not and instead he simply watched from his place in Dumbledore's arms.
Several times Dumbledore made as if to put Harry down when Harry seemed to have finally relaxed but every time Harry would give a loud wail or other cry of displeasure and cling to Dumbledore once more. It would take many soothing and comforting words before Harry would continue to admire the many toys once more. Strangely enough, though Harry would not allow Remus to hold him, it was Remus who was able to calm Harry down the quickest.
When the group had been in the store for about forty five minutes Harry finally pulled away from Dumbledore slightly and asked if he could be put down. Surprised as they all were at this request Dumbledore placed Harry gently on his feet and gave the small boy a large smile. Harry still stayed glued to Dumbledore's side as he clutched Dumbledore's robes in his small fist, but every so often he would wander ahead slightly, hesitantly pointing out toys that caught his interest.
Dumbledore looked at his watch as the small party neared the back of the store and noticed that they had been wandering the store for nearly a full hour. Thinking that it would be best to head back as Harry had missed his nap and by the time they reached Hogwarts and everything was taking care of (dressing Harry in lighter clothes and cleaning Harry up and whatever else needed to be done) it would be close to dinner time.
Dumbledore looked up in time to see that Harry had gotten rather far ahead and was turning the corner before he disappeared into the next isle.
"I think I'm getting to old to keep up with this child." Dumbledore commented good naturedly as he sped up to catch up with Harry.
Harry looked over his shoulder in time to see Mr. Dawmbledow pull something out of a pocket and look at it, before he rounded the corner and found himself in the last isle of the store. Harry looked around and found that this isle of the store seemed to be slightly neglected. A slight layer of dust covered the different toys and the windows did not look very well cleaned.
Harry stepped forward and let his eyes travel along the shelves of toys. Unlike the other toys that would wink, wave, and call out greetings, these looked much more stationary. Though Harry noticed that they did move every so often.
Harry continued to move along down the isle and just as he was reaching the middle of the isle he caught sight of a stuffed black dog on one of the shelves. Like everything else it seemed to be covered with a light layer of dust and when Harry looked closer he noticed that the dog was not motionless as he had first thought, instead it was panting, its pink tongue lolling lazily out of its mouth as it blinked up at Harry.
Harry squinted at the dog and brought a hand up to his head as a sudden bark like laughter rang through his head. Harry moved closer to the shelf that the dog was on and as he drew nearer a picture flashed through is mind. Someone with kind grey eyes was smiling at him… was it at him? Who was the person?
The laughter seemed to fill Harry's head once more. Laughter… someone laughing in a dark room…. Colours everywhere…noise… Harry groaned as he reached for the dog. Laughter again… the room… dark something big and dark… the laughter… a man… yes a man! The grey eyed man…light… falling… falling… Harry flinched back as a deep feeling of sorrow filled him and he stumbled back, falling into a sitting position and covering his eyes with his hands.
Remus suddenly sped up as he saw Harry sit down and cover his eyes.
"Harry…?" Remus called softly as he knelt down beside Harry. Harry did not respond but he did make a small whimpering noise in the back of his throat. "Come now, Harry." Remus tried again as he gently pulled Harry's hands away from his eyes. "Are you alright?" Harry looked up at Remus, his green eyes filled with confused sadness and he reached out with a small and took hold of the front of Remus' robes.
Remus blinked in surprise but obliged the young child and picked him up. Harry clung tightly to him and shifted in Remus' arms as though trying to find a comfortable spot. It took only a moment for Remus to realize that the reason Harry was squirming so much was because he was trying to reach something on the shelf behind him.
Turning around Remus shifted the boy in his arms so that Harry could get a clear view of the shelves and their inventory.
"What is it Harry? Is there something you want?" Harry answered by patting Remus' shoulder and reaching out to something on the shelf before looking down at something on one of the lower shelves. Remus followed the child's line of sight and caught his breath when he saw what Harry was indicating. The dog was easily compared to another, full grown, black dog that he had known and the other toy…. The other toy was a replica of his own inner wolf.
Harry reached for the wolf once more before looking down at the dog and burying his head in Remus' shoulder. Remus turned away from the toys in order to try and compose himself as he walked back to where McGonagall and Dumbledore were waiting for them. With slightly shaking hands Remus pulled Harry off him and handed the small boy to Dumbledore.
"Go ahead…" Remus trailed off as he cleared his throat. "I'll catch up; there is something that I need to do."
"Very well, shall we meet you at the front of the store?" McGonagall asked as she and Dumbledore turned to make there way to the front.
"Yes that sounds good." Remus nodded and turned, not noticing Harry cry out for him as he strained small hands to reach him.
When Remus caught up with Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Harry at the front of the toy store he held a bag in one hand and a strange expression on his face. Harry had been fussing and every so often a tear would leak out of his eyes. However, when he saw Remus he gave a loud cry and reached out for him. Dumbledore eyebrows rose in surprise but he never the less obliged and handed Remus the small boy. Harry seemed much more content as he laid his head down on Remus' chest and closed his eyes, his small fist gripping Remus' robes tightly as the group left the store.
Back at Hogwarts Remus was struggling to get Harry to release his robes but every time he tried Harry would wail and scream until Remus would stop, then Harry would go back to lying contentedly on Remus chest. After his forth attempt Remus looked up to seem Dumbledore laughing quietly, even stern McGonagall had an amused smile on her face.
"Any suggestions Albus?" Remus demanded looking down at the resting child in his arms. Dumbledore chuckled.
"He did not take his nap today, and Harry has proved to be rather clingy, it might just be better to let it be for now." Remus gave a look that clearly stated that was not what he had wanted to hear. But never the less Remus sighed and moved to sit down in a chair.
"Well do you think he will fall asleep?" Remus asked as he smiled down at Harry and stoked the boy's hair. The glamour had been taken off and Harry was back to his normal looks.
"Oh, eventually." McGonagall replied with a vague smile as she and Dumbledore sat down for some tea. Remus made a face before getting up and walking across the room to pick up the bag he had left there. Walking back to his seat Remus pulled out the dog and wolf that he had purchased at the store and placed them in his arms close to Harry.
Harry eyed the toys uncertainty before reaching out and snaking an arm around the wolf and drawing it firmly to his chest. The dog on the other hand was held loosely in his fist. Remus stood up and began walking around the room, gently rocking Harry as he did so to try and help him to sleep. Harry nodded off rather quickly with the wolf still held firmly against his chest and the dog hanging from his limp hand.
Once Remus was sure that Harry was asleep he made his way over the where Dumbledore and McGonagall were having tea and began to converse with them in hushed tones so as not to wake the sleeping child.
"I was wondering if I could come again tomorrow." Remus began. "I don't have to leave for my next mission for a few days at least and was hoping to use that time to get to know Harry a little better."
"That's a wonderful idea." McGonagall smiled. "You have not idea how much he has opened up just in the short while that you have been here today. It used to be that the only person he would let pick him up was Albus, and now look at him." Dumbledore nodded in agreement.
"I'm sure Harry would be more then a little disappointed if you did not come to visit him again." The old mans eyes glittered as he spoke. Remus smiled and looked fondly down at the small boy sleeping peacefully in his arms.
"I wasn't there for him the first time around… he needs me now and…" Remus hesitated. "And I need him." Both McGonagall and Dumbledore nodded in grim understanding.
"You both need each other," McGonagall began as she took another sip of tea. "Harry is a stubborn, independent boy who has not had anyone to count on through most of his life. Hopefully when he is back to his proper age he will realize that there are still people who he can trust and who care about him."
"He'll know." Dumbledore spoke. "It might be hard at first, re-ageing is harder then de-ageing but he will come around."
Remus started suddenly as he gazed down at the child in his grasp who had just flinched in his sleep and who was mumbling in coherently.
"What is he saying?" McGonagall questioned, leaning forward slightly to try and hear better.
"Not sure." Remus replied, leaning his head down as well to try and find out what Harry was saying.
"Muh….. Muh… MuH…" It sounded like the beginnings of a word as Harry continued to mumble in his sleep. "Moo.. Moooo…Moooo" Harry clutched the wolf more firmly to his chest.
"MOONEY!" The cry tore from Harry as he jerked awake, his breathing fast as he sat up in Remus arms. The other members of the room watched in silence. To surprised to do much else.
Harry blinked rapidly as he drew in a few quick, shallow breaths and brought the wolf he was holding to eye level. After a few moments Harry gave the wolf a large hug. Next, Harry turned his attention the dog which was still being held limp in his other hand. Bringing it up to eye level as well Harry held the dog under his scrutinizing gaze before a confused, and slightly pained look crossed his face and with a cry Harry threw the dog across the room with all his strength. For a moment Harry watched the dog sail through the air before he turned back to Remus and clung to the man tightly, shaking.
Dumbledore was the first to move, as he got up from his chair and made his way across the room to where the dog lay crumbled on the floor no one spoke. Perhaps they wouldn't have been able to even if they had wanted. There did not seem to be anything appropriate to say about this sudden outburst.
Picking up the toy with a gentle elegance Dumbledore made his way over to Remus and Harry. Running his hand lightly through Harry's hair Dumbledore made to give Harry the dog. Harry however gave a strangled cry of "NO!" and pushed Dumbledore's hand away before snuggling closer to Remus and bringing the wolf up to his face and giving it a kiss.
Remus exchanged confused looks with Dumbledore and McGonagall before doing the only thing he could think of and began rocking Harry once more, trying to get him to sleep.
